Pocket Hours

In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer's guest is Nina Zerbo, a seasoned real estate professional whose path into the industry was shaped by years at Microsoft and Apple, retail leadership, and project management. Nina shares how those skills translated seamlessly into real estate, particularly through open houses and relationship-building.  Jennifer and Nina talk about the realities of building a sustainable, people-first real estate career. With a focus on real estate fundamentals, open houses, referrals, buyer relationships, and long-term success, the conversation explores what it really takes to thrive in today's market, beyond flashy marketing or quick wins. Nina tells listeners about her first year in the business, the power of mentorship, and why she focuses on human connection over sales scripts. She also discusses how referrals, intuition, and staying true to her personality have helped her build a career she genuinely enjoys. The conversation wraps with thoughtful insights on mindset, market uncertainty, and why slow, steady growth and service-driven real estate will always win in the long run. Connect with Nina Zerbo at windermere.com/directory/agents/nina-zerbo. 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. Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson.  

In this episode of Pocket Hours, host Jennifer Nelson dives into the realities of building a sustainable real estate career, one rooted in service, authenticity, and long-term impact.  Jennifer is joined by Stephanie Hunziker, a South King County real estate agent with nearly 12 years in the business and a background that includes professional poker dealing and customer-facing work long before she got into real estate.  Stephanie shares her unconventional path into the industry, why she spent years building confidence on teams before going solo, and how community involvement and social media authenticity have shaped her business. Their conversation centers on navigating market shifts and interest rate spikes to redefining success beyond sales volume, exploring what it really takes to thrive in real estate while protecting joy, balance, and purpose.  It's a refreshingly honest look at real estate business growth, personal branding, and showing up consistently in both strong and challenging markets.This episode reminds listeners that joy, connection, and consistency are powerful drivers of a real estate career built to last. Connect with Stephanie Hunziker at stephsellsseattle.com or @stephsellsseattle on IG. 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. Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson  

Real estate agents know that client experience, referrals, and long-term relationships are essential to a thriving business, and this episode of Pocket Hours delivers practical, high-ROI strategies to turn clients into gifts that just keep giving.  Host Jennifer Nelson is joined by a full table of Scout brokers including Sarah Lewis, Tyler Webster, Rebecca Ross, Annelize Naude, Lalo Creme, Lorena Lee, and Garrett Thomsen. They gathered together to share entertaining stories, fails, wins, and lessons learned through years of thoughtful gifting. With ideas like real estate client gifting, closing gifts, referral systems, and pop-bys, Jennifer and the Scout brokers share meaningful, creative, and memorable gift ideas that strengthen trust and spark referral momentum.  From personalized gift baskets to subscription-based surprises that keep clients thinking about their agent long after closing, this conversation is packed with insight and humor every agent can learn from. The Scout real estate pros will help colleagues up their game for  memorable moments that deepen relationships, spark referrals, and help them become the agent clients never forget. 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. Connect with any of these Scout Team members at scoutrealestate.com/our-team. Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson  

Thinking about investing in rental property? Or helping clients who are? This episode of Pocket Hours dives deep into the realities of landlord–tenant laws in Washington State, rent control changes, and how today's market is shifting the balance of power between property owners and renters.  Host Jennifer Nelson sits down with Jennifer Hohnstein, landlord-tenant attorney at Williams Kastner, for a candid conversation about what every potential landlord should know before diving in.  Jennifer H. shares her frontline experience representing property owners and explains how well-intentioned "mom-and-pop" landlords can get trapped by new regulations, prolonged court cases, and escalating costs. Together, Jennifer N and Jennifer H explain what's changed in recent years, and why it matters more than ever to treat every rental as a business, not a side project. This conversation focuses on managing rentals and advising clients on investment properties and is an essential listen for anyone navigating Seattle's highly tenant-friendly legal landscape. Connect with Jennifer Hohnstein at williamskastner.com/attorneys/jennifer-k-hohnstein. 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. Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson  

No matter how many sales and seasons you've weathered, or if you just got your real estate license, navigating condo sales requires a special kind of magic.  In this episode of Pocket Hours, host Jennifer Nelson brings in Sue Morrow, a broker at Scout Real Estate and Jennifer's go-to "Condo Wizard." With exactly 100 condo transactions under her belt, Sue has seen it all, from foreclosures during the Great Recession to today's complex HOA structures. Sue shares her journey from retail entrepreneur to trusted real estate advisor, and why representing condo clients requires more than a friendly walkthrough. It demands deep knowledge of HOAs, reserve funding, rental caps, and pet policies. Sue's approach combines detailed due diligence with genuine client care, helping brokers avoid pitfalls and build long-term trust. Connect with Sue Morrow: scoutrealestate.com/our-team/sue-morrow-bio 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. Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson  

Buying or selling a home is never just about the square footage or the backyard, It's about the people, the stories, and the journey that shapes who we are.  In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer Nelson explores real estate not just as a career, but as a reflection of resilience, empathy, and transformation.  Jennifer's guest, Michael Wolf, is a Seattle-based realtor whose path has been anything but ordinary. From working in nonprofit and missions in Mexico to navigating the complexities of faith, sexuality, and identity, Michael brings both vulnerability and strength to his work and his life.  His personal journey of reconciling who he is with the expectations of his community has not only shaped him as a person but also deeply influences how he shows up for his clients today. Michael's story is a reminder that the best realtors aren't just salespeople, they're trusted guides who see, hear, and honor the full humanity of the people they serve. Connect with Michael Wolf at compass.com/agents/michael-wolf and on Instagram @wolfrealestateseattle 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. Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson.

Thinking about a second career? Maybe in real estate? Are you curious what it really takes to thrive in today's housing market?  In this episode of Pocket Hours, host Jennifer Nelson takes a look at growth, grit, and client-centered success. Jennifer is joined by real estate professional Pieter Salverda, who shares his inspiring journey from a background in education to a thriving real estate business.  Pieter opens up about the early challenges he faced, how he carved his niche, and why authenticity is key in building trust and delivering exceptional service. His story is one of resilience, relationship-building, and purpose-driven work. Listeners will walk away with valuable takeaways, including why perseverance matters more than perfection, how to shift from transactional thinking to meaningful connections, and what "legendary service" really looks like in action.  Plus, Pieter shares his perspective on where the real estate market is headed, and how agents can prepare for the future. Connect with Pieter Salverda pietersalverda.withwre.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. Pocket Hours theme music Welcome Home composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson

Have you thought about flipping homes or scaling your real estate investing strategy? This episode of Pocket Hours dives deep into real estate investing, flipping houses, and navigating the Seattle housing market.  Host Jennifer Nelson sits down with James Stark, a seasoned investor and founder of Stark Homes, to trace his path from college soccer player to successful real estate entrepreneur. James—"Jimmy"   to those who know him—shares the pivotal role of mentorship, the hard lessons learned in transaction coordination and construction management, and how focusing on his strengths shaped his career.  His journey is a mix of hustle, resilience, and strategy—perfect for listeners looking for a realistic perspective on breaking into and thriving in the real estate world. Listeners will get to hear take-action strategies for house flipping, and why knowing your numbers—and your limits—matters. Jimmy and Jennifer offer hard-earned wisdom on building your team, identifying investment-worthy properties, adapting to policy changes, and staying sharp in an ever-evolving market. Connect with James Stark @jimmystarkflipworld on Instagram and his website jamesst.johnlscott.com/home. 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.

What do bubblegum, open houses, and broker agreements have in common? Real estate success, of course!  In this episode of Pocket Hours, host Jennifer Nelson sits down with Danny Adamson—aka the Bubblegum Realtor—who's turned his background in social work into a powerhouse real estate business.  Danny shares his story of trading social services for sales, and how the skills from his former life translated beautifully into relationship-building in real estate. Jennifer and Danny talk about what it takes to stay consistent in a shifting market, and why genuine connection is still the secret sauce for long-term success.  Their conversation touches on how to build your real estate brand with authenticity, why farming is still relevant, tips for holding effective open houses, and how to be responsive without burning out.  Danny also opens up about handling market changes, growing a team with intention, and adapting to industry shifts like the buyer broker agreement. Whether you're a new broker or a seasoned pro, you'll walk away with practical strategies—and probably a craving for bubblegum. Connect with Danny Adamsonhttps at dannyadamson.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.

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.  

The real estate industry is constantly evolving. Success requires adaptability, trust, and strategic networking. Finding long-term success is something to be admired. So let's look to David Warren, a seasoned real estate broker with two decades of experience, who joins Pocket Hours to share the key to finding long-term success in real estate.  Host Jennifer Nelson, founder of Scout Real Estate, talks to David about his long career and how he thrives within the real estate industry. David shares his journey from the publishing and film industries into real estate, offering a unique perspective on building strong client relationships and navigating market fluctuations with confidence. Jennifer and David discuss the essential qualities that make a great real estate professional, including the power of early connections, honesty with clients, and staying resilient during shifting market conditions.  They also explore the emotional aspects of the industry, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication in every transaction. Along the way, David provides insights into the challenges agents face today and his predictions for the real estate market in 2025. Connect with David Warren at metropolist.com/agents/david-warren or www.compass.com/agents/david-warren. 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.

In this episode of Pocket Hours podcast, Jennifer Nelson, founder of Scout Real Estate, sits down with Erin Tomosada, a rising real estate professional entering her third year in the business.  Erin shares her experiences, challenges, and key strategies that have helped her transition from an executive assistant to a full-time, successful, real estate agent.  Erin opens up about the importance of going all-in as a real estate agent, leveraging available resources, and honing strong communication skills to build client relationships. She offers advice on stepping out of your comfort zone, managing finances wisely, and embracing the learning curve that comes with the profession.  The conversation also explores the dynamics of working on a team, the value of client appreciation events, and how to create a sustainable business in the ever-evolving real estate market.  Listeners will hear tips on networking, financial planning, and client engagement—everything  needed to take your real estate career to the next level.  Connect with Erin Tomosada on Instagram @erintomosada or find her in the Windermere directory: www.windermere.com/directory/agents/erin-tomosada 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.

Like the properties they buy and sell, the real estate industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. This episode of Pocket Hours highlights the story of one remarkable agent who tapped into the knowledge of her mentors and the growing reach of social media to launch and grow her business.  Lorena Bensching found success as a top-performing agent after changing careers. Lorena's story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of mentorship in the real estate world. Jennifer Nelson, founder of Scout Real Estate, chats with Lorena about her beginnings in a naturopathic clinic before finding her footing in real estate by seeking guidance from mentors. She also learned to leverage modern tools like TikTok to attract clients.  Jennifer and Lorena discuss the importance of making bold moves, such as joining and leaving teams, to foster growth and independence. They also explore the value of routine, overcoming the unique challenges of the real estate market, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Listeners will gain actionable insights into market trends, how to find the right support systems, and practical advice for new agents starting their careers. Lorena shares tips to help you refine your daily habits and tap into social media marketing. Connect with Lorena Bensching at lorenasells.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.

The real estate business has so many ups and downs, moving from peaks to lows and back again over days and weeks, or sometimes in a moment as things change.  Selling or buying a home is an experience packed full of emotion. Maybe your client is saying goodbye to their childhood home or the home they brought their babies home to. Maybe your client is buying as part of a huge career transition or selling after a death. In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer Nelson speaks with Emergence Coach Wendy Sloneker, who specializes in grief and loss. Because realtors often work with clients in challenging transition times, Wendy teaches how to stay present and manage your thoughts and feelings so you're still able to conduct your business. She also helps you take practical steps to handle the rejection and loss that can come with the real estate business.  Their conversation highlights insights on navigating emotional challenges, helping clients embrace their circumstances, and understanding how your thoughts transfer into the emotions you are experiencing. Jennifer also shares her own experience working with Wendy and the transformative power of addressing her grief and emotional turmoil. Find out more about working with Wendy and schedule a complimentary connection by reaching out to her at wendy.sloneker@gmail.com. You can download her printable puzzles at https://tinyurl.com/23sprser.  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.  

Jennifer Nelson welcomes Molly Kemper to Pocket Hours for an episode all about creating success in a short amount of time. What's the miracle formula? Taking a client-first approach, plus doing thorough market research equals truly amazing results.  Real estate advisor Molly looks to her clients as a source of information. Having them tell their story enables her to get a grasp on the impact the local community might have on them as a buyer or seller. Listening to the client helps you understand their goals and provide them with a truly individualized real estate experience.  Molly also spends a lot of time in market analysis, looking at big trends and then zooming in on how large-scale trends translate to the local market. Saying tuned in to both a global view and keeping a pulse on local issues has allowed her to make about 60 deals per year — that is success worth paying attention to! More information about Molly can be found on her website: monroekemper.com. Her real estate partner is Scott Monroe, who was on Episode 18 of Pocket Hours, Building Authentic Relationships.  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.

In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer Nelson has invited a panel of brokers to discuss the changes that have come to the industry since the National Association of Realtors settlement in May of 2024. The settlement aims to preserve a consumer's choice and provide clarity with required written agreements.  Jennifer and the panel are here to address concerns about how the settlement could change the industry for agents and give insight and tips on continuing to be successful in the wake of the decision. Jennifer welcomes Henry Shim, Robin Sheridan, Kelly Malloy, and Kristine Milkcovich to the show today. They touch on: The impact of buyer/broker agreements Navigating multiple offer situations and commission discrepancies Establishing value as an agent Addressing skeptism and establishing confidence As you often hear on Pocket Hours, transparency and a focus on relationships is the key to building your success in this industry. So even when our circumstances change, that part stays the same.  Thank you to my guests today. This was a timely and engaging conversation.  Connect with today's guests:  Henry Shim on IG:  @henryshimgroup Robin Sheridan: robinsheridanhomes.com Kelly Malloy: www.windermere.com/directory/agents/kelly-malloy-1 Kristine Milkovich: milkovichteam.johnlscott.com/about-us   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.  

For realtor Rhonni Meehan, it was the process of buying her first home in her early 20s that made her fall in love with real estate. Staying hands-on through the lengthy home-buying process gave her the nudge she needed to get her license and launch a new career. It started as "let's see what happens" — and what happened, happened fast! On this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer Nelson, founder of Scout Real Estate, talks to Rhonni about finding success by going all-in. Instead of treating real estate like a hobby, both Jennifer and Rhonni approached it as a business. Rhonni continues to build value for herself by building genuine, long-lasting relationships with her clients and staying consistent.  Rhonni emphasizes the importance of having good systems in place both for buying and selling. She also shares her philosophy for building a strong referral base rather than relying solely on online leads.   More information about Rhonni is on her website: movingtokitsap.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.  

Work-life balance is crucial to having a successful career alongside a fulfilling life. It's a challenge to find the right balance and then keep it as your career evolves and your family grows and changes.  In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer Nelson is talking with guest, Shelley Godwin about how to put your family first and still build a successful business in real estate. Shelley has over 12 years of experience in the industry and some valuable insight to share.   Their conversation centers around the importance of having a support system in place to find balance. Shelley talks about getting out of her comfort zone to build her confidence and expand her knowledge. Shelley also shares insight into networking and finding consistency in your businesses.  Jennifer and Shelly also discuss investing in career development. And Shelly shares how she has used open houses to generate leads and build relationships.   If you would like to connect with Shelley, you can find her at shelleygodwinhomes.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.  Resources: shelleygodwinhomes.com ninjaselling.com