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All Things PNW Real Estate

All Things PNW Real Estate

Hosted by All Things PNW Real Estate

BusinessNewsInterviews guests

Episodes

57

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

From current real estate professionals Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben, their goal is to bring knowledge and entertainment to our listeners about the PNW real estate market. They will be interviewing top producers, discussing strategies, and exploring ways home buyers can navigate this complex market.

Listen to episodes

57 recent
August 3, 202621 min

Staging Secrets: How to Sell Your Home Faster (and for More) with Christie Giboney

On this episode of All Things PNW, we sit down with Christie Giboney, lead designer and team manager at White Glove Home Staging and Improvements, to talk all things home staging. With over 6 years of staging experience and a real estate license to boot, Christie breaks down what actually moves the needle when it comes to prepping a home for sale.We cover:How much staging can really boost your final sale price (and cut down time on market)The top 3 areas to stage first if you're working with a limited budgetDesign trends worth following — and which finishes to keep timelessStaging vacant vs. owner-occupied homes, and why the latter is trickier (and more rewarding)Where AI and virtual staging fit in — and why Christie's not always a fanThe most overlooked room that can make a big impactA real before-and-after story where staging turned a stale listing into a two-week saleWhat sellers should start doing now if they're planning to list in the next 6–12 monthsPlus, we close things out PNW-style with local restaurant picks and our go-to cocktail segment.Whether you're a seller, an agent, or just curious what goes into making a house market-ready, this episode is packed with practical, real-world staging advice.

May 20, 20269 min

ATPNW Portland Spring Market Update

Real Estate professionals Jamal and Adam talk about what they are seeing in the Portland spring market, and talk about best practices, how to take advantage of higher rate environments, and other tips.

May 4, 202637 min

How Savvy Investors Pay Less Tax: Cost Segregation in Plain English

Attorney‑turned‑developer Dan DiCicco and lender‑vet Jody Cienfuegos break down how cost segregation and bonus depreciation can turn rental properties—especially in the PNW—into massive tax savings. We cover real‑world numbers, short‑term rental loopholes, depreciation recapture traps, and why parking lots and rehab projects might be your best friends this year.

March 25, 2026Episode 5044 min

Why Real Estate Is Still a People Business - 18 Years of Soldera Properties with Joe Fustolo

Hosts Jamal and Adam interview about 18 Years of Soldera with owner/founder Joe Fustolo- In this episode: Joe shares how he got into real estate straight out of college—choosing it over careers in orthodontics and psychology—and how his entrepreneurial mindset pushed him toward building his own company. Soldera was created to solve a gap in the industry: high fees with little support. From day one, the mission was clear—build a brokerage for brokers, focused on value, accessibility, and long-term success.A pivotal moment came immediately after launch when demand surged unexpectedly, forcing rapid growth and operational scaling. That early pressure helped shape Soldera into a boutique, high-performing brokerage with a strong emphasis on selective hiring, culture, and agent success.Joe emphasizes that ethics and relationships are the foundation of longevity. His philosophy is simple but powerful:Protect your reputation at all costsFocus on client experience over commissionsBuild lifelong relationships, not one-off transactionsThe conversation also dives into how the industry has evolved—from pre-internet listings and manual processes to today’s AI-driven tools. While Joe embraces technology, he stresses that real estate remains a people business, and those who maintain a personal touch will always stand out.Key insights include:AI should enhance efficiency, not replace human connectionThe “road less traveled” (like direct mail or personalized service) is becoming more effective againSuccess comes from adapting, learning, and staying relevantJoe also offers a candid take on starting a brokerage, highlighting that it’s far more complex than it appears—requiring leadership, infrastructure, and long-term commitment beyond just selling homes.The episode wraps with some lighter moments, including Joe’s favorite Portland restaurant—Ox—and his go-to drinks depending on the setting.

March 2, 202635 min

Function, Feeling, and the ‘Nancy Meyers’ Aesthetic with Mimi Sheldon

Are you tired of the "Millennial Gray" flip? In this episode, we’re joined by interior designer Mimi Sheldon to discuss why the era of stark, sterile homes is fading and what’s taking its place. Mimi shares her journey from growing up on job sites in San Diego to launching her own design studio and navigating the unique architectural landscape of Portland.In this episode, you’ll learn:The "Nancy Meyers" Aesthetic: Why "lived-in" coziness, natural materials (like marble and wool), and darker wood tones are making a major comeback.Design for Real Life: How to avoid "forcing habits" in a remodel and why the "work triangle" in your kitchen actually matters.Selling Your Home? Mimi breaks down the three most impactful, cost-effective updates you can make before listing (Hint: It’s not just about staging!).Personalization vs. Staging: How to strike the perfect balance between making a house feel like your home and keeping it a "blank canvas" for potential buyers.Whether you’re planning a $400,000 remodel or just looking for the perfect botanical gin cocktail recipe, Mimi’s insights on "blind confidence" and timeless design are not to be missed.Connect with Mimi:Instagram: @MimiEstelleStudioYouTube: Mimi Estelle Studio (Look for behind-the-scenes process videos and project highlights!)

February 25, 202615 min

A Deep dive on Zillow: Smart Shortcut or Expensive Detour?

In this episode, Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben discuss recent media coverage surrounding Zillow, focusing on an empirical study that alleges Zillow Home Loans has been charging higher mortgage rates than competing lenders between 2022 and 2024.1. The Study’s FindingsA professor’s regression analysis compared Zillow’s mortgage pricing to other lenders, controlling for borrower demographics, loan characteristics, geography, and time period. The study—based on CFPB rate spread data—suggests Zillow loans have become relatively more expensive over time, with particular impact on lower-income borrowers. The hosts highlight concerns that these borrowers, who may already face more barriers to homeownership, could be disproportionately affected by higher loan costs.2. Zillow’s Integrated Business ModelAdam and Jamal explain how Zillow operates as more than just a home search platform. Through integrated partnerships, agents participating in Zillow programs may have marketing agreements or financial incentives tied to Zillow-affiliated services, including Zillow Home Loans.While buyers are not required to use Zillow’s lending arm, they are often encouraged to speak with a Zillow lender when touring homes through the platform. The hosts note that agents may receive higher commission splits or back-end incentives when clients use Zillow Home Loans, raising questions about conflicts of interest and whether consumers always receive neutral guidance.3. Consumer Awareness & TransparencyThe conversation emphasizes the importance of reading fine print. Zillow’s advertised rates and monthly payment estimates often assume:20% down paymentsBest-case interest ratesPoints paid upfront to lower ratesWhile these practices are legal, the true cost may not be immediately clear to first-time or less-experienced buyers. The hosts stress the need for due diligence, comparison shopping, and working with trusted professionals to evaluate loan terms carefully.4. Broader Market ContextThe episode also touches on current market trends:Signs of a busier upcoming spring and summer marketIncreased seller concessions in some areasA significant year-over-year rise in refinance activity, as borrowers who bought at higher rates (7%+) look to lower their monthly paymentsKey Discussion Points:

January 26, 202618 min

The Market Is Moving Again: Rates, Refis, and Real-World Strategies

In the first episode of 2026, Jamal and Adam break down what lower interest rates mean for the Portland real estate market and why they’re already starting to shake things up. They discuss affordability, the “golden handcuffs” holding back homeowners with 3% rates, and why even small rate dips are encouraging more movement, refinances, and listings. The episode walks through real-world strategies for buying a new home while owning another—covering rental income qualification, contingent offers, bridge loans, HELOCs, rent-backs, and seller credits—along with how market conditions impact negotiation power. They also share insights on rate volatility, refinance timing, ARMs versus shorter loan terms, and why being dialed in on numbers is critical in today’s market. The episode wraps with a quick look at local inventory trends and a lighthearted new segment highlighting restaurants and bars to try around Portland, setting the tone for short, frequent episodes ahead.

December 10, 2025Episode 4726 min

Episode 47: Rethinking Home Financing with the All-In-One Loan

In this episode, we take a deep dive into one of the most innovative loan products on the market: the All-in-One mortgage. If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a smarter, more efficient way to finance a home, this discussion will open your eyes.Jamal explains how the All-in-One flips the traditional 30-year mortgage model by using a sweep checking account and line of credit to push your income directly toward reducing your loan balance. The result? Lower daily interest charges, faster payoff timelines, and dramatically improved long-term savings—especially for borrowers with strong cash flow.With Adam Ruben guiding the conversation, we unpack:Why traditional mortgages front-load interestHow daily interest calculations and deposits workWhat kinds of borrowers benefit mostHow safeguards, caps, and underwriting protect consumersHow the variable rate structure behaves in real-world marketsA real client case study where a projected 30-year loan is paid off in just 5–6 yearsWhether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, or someone curious about alternative mortgage strategies, this episode gives you a clear look at how the All-in-One loan can create flexibility, liquidity, and major cost savings.🎧 Tune in to learn how a modern loan structure could help you build wealth faster—and whether it’s the right fit for you.

November 19, 202531 min

Episode 46: Engineer Turned Realtor - Nathan Austin on Buying and Selling Stilt Homes

This episode dives deep into the world of stilt homes with expert guest Nathan Austin — a Works Real Estate agent and former structural engineer with two decades of experience designing these exact structures.We cover everything buyers and sellers should know:🏔️ Why stilt homes are common in Portland’s hills🔧 How they’re actually engineered and supported📍 The neighborhoods where you’ll find them🛠️ What inspections, maintenance, and repairs really look like📉 How they perform in today’s market🏡 Why a well-built stilt home can be safer than traditional foundations on the same slope📝 What most people — including insurance companies — misunderstand about themNathan also shares insider stories, including how his engineering background helped one seller outperform the entire niche market and avoid the pitfalls that make many stilt-home transactions fall apart.If you’ve ever driven past a hillside home and wondered, “How is that thing standing?” — this episode is for you.Guest: Nathan AustinWebsite: nathanaustinre.comInstagram / Facebook / LinkedIn: @nathanaustinre

October 22, 20257 min

Episode 45: November food drive and market update

Jamal and Adam announce their upcoming food drive, locations are still be determined, and provide a quick market update for the Real Estate market in the Pacific Northwest Region.

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