In this episode of Open House, we sit down with Jenson Sarr to talk about what real buyer advocacy actually looks like in practice. From building trust in the first consultation to staying present through every moment of negotiation, Jenson shares how preparation, communication, and care help buyers win homes even in competitive markets.

We dig into how strong agent relationships influence outcomes, why picking up the phone still matters, and how educating buyers early creates confidence when it counts most. Jenson also reflects on moving from high volume internet leads to a referral based business rooted in community, intention, and long term relationships.

This conversation is a reminder that winning offers are not just about price. They are about clarity, consistency, and showing up fully for the people you represent.

Whether you are an agent looking to strengthen your buyer strategy or a buyer trying to understand what great representation feels like, this episode offers grounded insight into how deals really get done.

In this episode, we sit down with Andee Zeigler, the listing prep specialist for one of Living Room Realty's top performing teams. Andee shares how thoughtful preparation, strong systems, and deep vendor relationships create exceptional results for sellers. We talk about managing expectations, understanding buyer psychology, choosing the right upgrades, and reducing decision fatigue for clients. Andee also opens up about building a role that supports her creativity, her family, and her well being. This conversation is full of practical insights for any agent who wants to elevate their service and deliver a smoother, more strategic listing experience.

In this episode, Bonnie Roseman shares how she approaches Comparative Market Analyses to get homes sold quickly and for the best terms. From identifying what makes a property truly special to understanding the right buyer, Bonnie shows that pricing a home is both an art and a science.

With decades of experience and a track record of average market times under six days, Bonnie dives into the lessons she's learned, how she mentors her team, and why understanding the nuances of each property matters more than any formula.

Whether you are new to the business or honing your pricing skills, Bonnie offers actionable insights for evaluating value, navigating competitive offers, and letting the market work for your clients.

In this episode of Open House, we sit down with Portland top listing agent Kim Parmon to explore the art and strategy behind a Comparative Market Analysis. Kim walks through how she approaches pricing a home, from identifying the right buyer to touring competing properties and gathering insights from other agents.

Learn why pricing is more than just a number, how to create a clear strategy for sellers, and why curiosity and collaboration are essential in today's market. Whether you are a homeowner or a fellow agent, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience.

Pricing a home isn't just about numbers—it's about strategy, intuition, and experience. In this episode of Open House, I sit down with Cristen Lincoln, one of Portland's top brokers and a Living Room Realty leader with nearly 30 years in the business. Cristen shares how she creates a comparative market analysis that sellers can trust, why a CMA is different than an appraisal, and the art of balancing hard data with the unmeasurable qualities that make a home shine. Whether you're a new Realtor learning the ropes or a seasoned agent looking to sharpen your valuation skills, Cristen's wisdom will help you set expectations, avoid common mistakes, and guide your clients with confidence.

What if every listing could feel like a story worth stepping into?

In this episode of Open House: Everyday Excellence, Lydia Hallay shares how she uses persona marketing to bring homes to life. From giving listings playful names to creating playlists and floral arrangements, she shows how weaving story, creativity, and authenticity into the process makes clients feel seen and buyers feel connected.

Lydia explains why treating a listing like an art project builds anticipation, inspires trust, and turns a house into a vision of home. She also shares how authenticity, joy, and leaning into what you love can make marketing not only more effective, but also more fun.

Listen in to learn how to:

• Build anticipation by pulling back the curtain on your process

• Help clients feel proud and understood through thoughtful storytelling

• Bring joy and authenticity into your marketing so buyers feel at home before they even walk through the door

This conversation is for agents who want to move beyond "selling" and create real connections that elevate both their business and their joy in the work.

In this episode of Open House: Everyday Excellence, Jessica Ward shares her journey from event coordinator and model to homeowner, investor, and trusted real estate agent. Her story begins with the hustle of saving for her first home, navigating first-time buyer programs, and closing on her very first property just weeks before the pandemic shut down her industry.

Out of that challenge came clarity: Jessica realized she could turn her knowledge and lived experience into a career that empowers others. Guided by three questions—How many people can I lead to homeownership? How many doors do I need to own for financial freedom? How can I create generational wealth through asset preservation?—Jessica built a business that blends service, advocacy, and long-term vision.

From teaching free first-time homebuyer classes to helping clients avoid the pitfalls of gentrification, Jessica proves that real estate can be more than transactions. It can be a tool for equity, stability, and freedom.

Listen in as she talks about building confidence as a self-employed agent, the importance of good business rooted in trust, and her commitment to leaving the door open for those who come after her.

Welcome to Open House: Everyday Excellence—the podcast where we bring you real conversations with agents doing the work thoughtfully, skillfully, and with heart.

Every episode explores the moments that define us as professionals: the shifts, the challenges, and the lessons that shape how we show up for our clients and one another.

🎧 Episode 4: Movement and Community in Real Estate with Lydia Hallay

Lydia Hallay brings her experience as a union organizer into her real estate practice, showing us a different lens for what it means to serve clients. For Lydia, real estate isn't just about transactions—it's about building community, advocating for others, and leading with heart.

In this episode, Lydia shares:

• How her time in union organizing shaped her approach to client relationships

• Why meeting clients "where they're at" creates trust, empowerment, and meaningful guidance

• How listening deeply reveals both the hidden needs and the strengths of the people you serve

• Strategies for balancing business growth, client advocacy, and personal boundaries

• Why real estate is an opportunity to elevate clients' experiences, not just close deals

This conversation is for agents who want to rethink how they approach their work. If you've ever wondered how to turn a complex, stressful process into an empowering journey for your clients, Lydia's insights offer actionable guidance—and a mindset shift toward service, community, and leadership.

As Lydia reminds us: being an agent isn't about being the hero of the story—it's about helping others find their way, feel seen, and take confident steps forward.