Are you looking to elevate your real estate business? What does it take to really succeed in today’s competitive housing market? And what is your opinion on private, exclusive listings — do they really serve buyers and sellers best?

This episode of Pocket Hours is covering everything from controversial questions on private listings to client retention strategies to market insights. The conversation will resonate with agents aiming to boost visibility, build lasting client relationships, and navigate the shifting real estate landscape.

Host Jennifer Nelson is chatting with powerhouse agent Shawna Ader, who is one of the top 0.05% producers in Washington state. Shawna shares her inspiring journey from her early days in real estate to becoming a top-tier performer. She opens up about the consistent, practical habits that fuel her success, the influence of strong mentorship, and her ethical stance on Compass Real Estate’s shift toward private, exclusive listings.

With candor and clarity, Shawna offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to thrive in a challenging industry. Shawna’s insights on navigating economic uncertainty and staying true to your values in a changing industry make this episode a powerful resource for both new and seasoned agents.

Connect with Shawna Ader at shawnaader.com.

Jennifer Nelson is the founder of Scout Real Estate: scoutrealestate.com. Information on how to get your clock hours and other offerings for Scout School are also listed at scoutrealestate.com/scout-school.

Is buying a home always the best financial move—or could renting actually make more sense? With home prices on the rise and interest rates fluctuating, what are the real cost and benefits to buying a home?

In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer Nelson sits down with financial advisor Josh Whelan to talk about all the nuances of the rent vs. buy debate, especially in the context of the Seattle real estate market.

Jennifer and Josh’s conversation gets into a provocative New York Times article that suggests renting may be the smarter financial decision. Together, they explore the emotional, practical, and financial dimensions of homeownership and renting.

Their conversation includes everything from lifestyle flexibility to long-term financial planning, and encourages listeners to consider not just their bank accounts, but also their values and goals when deciding where—and how—to live.

Connect with Josh Whalen alterraadvisors.com/your-team/josh-whelan.

Jennifer Nelson is the founder of Scout Real Estate: scoutrealestate.com. Information on how to get your clock hours and other offerings for Scout School are also listed at scoutrealestate.com/scout-school.

The real estate market is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for buyers, sellers, and industry professionals alike. In this episode, host Jennifer Nelson sits down with seasoned real estate experts Amie Stewart and Kelley Meister from Meister Stewart Partners to discuss the latest trends shaping the housing market in 2025.

Kelley, Amie, and Jennifer talk about the impact of the recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement, the growing importance of buyer broker agreements, and how buyer consultations set the stage for successful transactions. With the market seeing early activity and increased competition, understanding these changes is essential for anyone navigating the real estate landscape.

Amie and Kelley bring their wealth of experience to the conversation, sharing insights on how buyers can strategically position themselves in a fast-moving market. They discuss the significance of building strong relationships with listing agents, crafting compelling and clean offers, and managing the challenges buyers face in securing a home amid multiple offers. On the seller's side, they explore effective listing strategies that attract competitive bids and maximize property exposure.

Throughout this discussion, the Meister Stewart Partners highlight how social media has become an indispensable tool in modern real estate marketing. Listeners will gain valuable takeaways on winning offers, fostering trust with clients, and adapting to an ever-changing market.

Connect with Amie and Kelley at meisterstewart.com.

Jennifer Nelson is the founder of Scout Real Estate: scoutrealestate.com. Information on how to get your clock hours and other offerings for Scout School are also listed at scoutrealestate.com/scout-school.