Meet Your Neighbor

This month’s Real Estate Review is less of a market report and more of a conversation with Steve and Kjersten about life in Westbrook Village during the summer. They talk about the quiet July season, where everyone disappears to, what’s happening in the neighborhood, and how the real estate market fits into everyday life. Steve shares simple market thoughts on inventory, buyer behavior, and the be...

On this episode of Meet Your Neighbor, Steve sits down with his good friend, Jim Meeker. Growing up in New Jersey as one of six kids, Jim learned early that life was meant to be an adventure. From a month long family trip through Europe with his parents, siblings, and grandmother to a lifetime of entrepreneurship, Jim has never been afraid to explore new opportunities and chart his own course. Joi...

This month, Realtor Steve is joined by a familiar voice that many listeners know and love, his wife, Kjersten Merila . As summer arrives in Westbrook Village, Steve and Kjersten discuss the seasonal changes around the community, where all the neighbors seem to have gone, and what Steve is seeing in today's real estate market. They also tackle questions about solar homes, foreclosure headlines, and...

On this episode of the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast , Steve sits down with Annette Murphy, a woman whose story is filled with independence, resilience, and the power of friendship. Single since 1974, Annette has built a life on her own terms and continues to inspire those around her with her positive spirit and determination. In her eighties, instead of slowing down, Annette started the “Eighties La...

This month’s Real Estate Review is a little different. Instead of starting with numbers, Steve shares a real story from right here in Westbrook Village—a couple who came down planning to rent… and ended up finding something more. From that story, Steve breaks down what’s really happening in today’s market—inventory levels, days on market, and why buyers finally have time to make thoughtful decisio...

This week on Meet Your Neighbor , I sit down with Russ Fuller, a man whose life has been built around service, faith, and strong Midwestern roots. Russ grew up in Bettendorf, Iowa, where his love for the Iowa Hawkeyes runs deep. He went on to serve our country in the United States Air Force, carrying that same commitment to service into the next chapter of his life. After his time in the military,...

This week on the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast , I sit down with Kjersten Merila, president of the Minnesota Club here in Westbrook Village. Kjersten shares her journey from Minnesota to Arizona and how she’s helped build a strong sense of community for fellow Midwesterners through the Minnesota Club. From organizing events to creating meaningful connections, she’s played a big role in making Westbro...

This week on the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast, I sit down with one of Westbrook Village’s true originals—Zina Tosto. At 92 years young, Zina brings the kind of energy and personality you just don’t see every day. Born in Sicily, she later raised her family in the Bronx, working 12 different jobs along the way. Her story is filled with grit, humor, and a deep love for family and life. Before we even...

Welcome to the first monthly market update on The Realtor Steve Podcast . In this episode, I break down what’s happening in real estate nationally, here in Arizona, and most importantly, right here in Westbrook Village . We cover: Why national real estate numbers have softened Where mortgage rates are today How Arizona is performing What I’m seeing in Westbrook Village right now I also wrap up wit...

This week on Meet Your Neighbor , Steve sits down with Regina Phillips Valsamis, a proud Chicago native who will quickly let you know there’s a big difference between Chicago and the suburbs. Regina shares her journey into the legal profession, inspired early on by Perry Mason , and how she built a successful career as an attorney while staying true to what mattered most, family. In this episode,...

This week on the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Ruth Ann Gardner, a woman whose life is a masterclass in commitment, growth, and never slowing down. Ruth Ann was a proud military wife for 10 years and shared an incredible 67-year marriage, a true testament to partnership and resilience. But her story doesn’t stop there. She discovered tennis later in life and...

On this episode of the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast , Steve sits down with Westbrook Village resident Joedy Gardner , a man whose life story spans college basketball history, military service, and a lifetime connected to the game he loves. Joedy played college basketball at West Virginia University during a legendary era of Mountaineer basketball, where he shared the court with Hall of Famer Jerry W...

In this episode of the Meet Your Neighbor Podcast , Steve sits down with Deborah Gardner , a remarkable member of the Westbrook Village community and a Guinness World Record holder . At 66 years old , Deborah became the oldest woman to swim the Catalina Channel , completing one of the most challenging open-water swims in the world. Deborah shares the mindset, discipline, and determination it takes...

Growing up in the small town of  Klamath Falls, Oregon , Lynette developed an early love for learning. If she wanted answers, she went straight to the library, checking out books and teaching herself everything she could. That passion led her into a career in nursing, where she quickly recognized challenges and shortcomings within the healthcare system. Instead of accepting things as they wer...

In this episode of Meet Your Neighbor , we sit down with Marchell Fletcher—someone you may recognize from the golf course, but whose first passion was racing. Marchell is a five-time Autocross National Champion , a title earned through years of focus, discipline, and a love for competition. She also shares stories from endurance events like the Iron Horse bike race and how that competitive mindset...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , Realtor Steve sits down with  Robin Krapfl , a fierce competitor and inspiring presence on the Westbrook Village golf courses. Robin shares her journey in the game, her love of competition, and what continues to drive her passion for golf at the highest level. Recently named the  2025 Arizona Golf Association Women’s Player of the Year  ...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , Steve sits down with Doris Mancell, whose story is rooted in hard work, generosity, and a lifelong love of helping others. Doris grew up on a farm in Minnesota’s Red River Valley, where she learned how to do just about everything, including changing oil and fixing what needed fixing. After a short time teaching in California, Doris returned to Minnesot...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , Realtor Steve sits down with  Amy Wardick , a familiar and friendly face in the pro shop at the Westbrook Village golf courses. Known for her welcoming smile and positive energy, Amy has become a favorite among members and guests alike. During the conversation, Amy shares her personal story, including the strong influence her grandfather had on he...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , Realtor Steve sits down with  Marc Parenteau  for a candid conversation about resilience, perseverance, and the moments that shape a life. Marc grew up in the small town of Brooks, Minnesota, where he learned early the value of hard work and determination. His college years brought unexpected challenges—including being asked not to return aft...

This is a special episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , dedicated to a cause that is deeply personal and close to the heart. In this conversation, I sit down with Sandy Lehman to share her story and help promote a fundraising golf tournament benefiting Multiple Sclerosis. Sandy grew up in a small lumber town in northwestern Montana before moving to Minnesota at 18, where she spent most of her life...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , I sit down with  William J. Barbuto , a retired Battalion Chief whose life story spans service, sacrifice, and a well-earned new chapter in Arizona. Bill grew up in the Bronx playing stickball in the streets — a childhood built on grit, community, and looking out for one another. That foundation led him to serve our country as a United States Mari...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , I sit down with Sherri Gillett, a woman whose life is guided by faith, compassion, and a willingness to embrace every chapter fully. Sherri shares what she’s most proud of: the girls she walked alongside through the StreetLight USA program, offering hope, presence, and unconditional support to those who needed it most. Her story is a powerful reminder...

In this special Year in Review episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , Steve is joined by his wife, Kjersten, to reflect on a year of incredible stories, meaningful conversations, and unexpected connections from right here in Westbrook Village. Together, they look back on favorite episodes, the most surprising moments, and the common themes that kept showing up again and again — service, reinvention...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , I sit down with Ron Butler, a proud Marine originally from Independence, Missouri, whose life has been defined by service, adventure, and staying active. During his time in the Marines, Ron took challenge to another level—logging more than 100 skydives, not because it was required, but purely for the love of it. That same drive carried him into an earl...

In this episode of  Meet Your Neighbor , I sit down with  Jerry Davis , a longtime Chicago native whose journey eventually brought him to Arizona and to  Westbrook Village . Jerry shares stories from a remarkable life that includes  53 years of marriage  to his wife Donna (who listeners may remember from her own episode), an impressive academic path with degrees in  b...