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.