All Things PNW Real Estate

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.

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.

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...

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:...

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 Findings A professor’s regression analysis compared Zillow’s mortgage pricing to other lenders, controlling for borrower demographics, loan c...

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...

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 incom...

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...

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.

In this episode of All Things PNW , hosts Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben sit down with Jon Hilley—better known as Mr. 1031 , founder of 1031 Specialists, one of the top qualified intermediary firms in the country. Jon breaks down the power of 1031 exchanges, why so many investors overlook them, and how deferring capital gains can unlock massive long-term wealth. We discuss misconceptions around the p...

In this episode of All Things PNW , host Jamal Abdoul and co-host Jamal Abdoul is joined by Tina Colson-Jones, a 1031 exchange expert at Equity Advantage. Tina shares her extensive knowledge about 1031 exchanges, explaining how this IRS tax strategy allows investors to defer capital gains taxes by exchanging one like-kind investment property for another. She dives into the details of how this work...

In this episode learn how the professional home restoration companies handle water and fire damage, what to look for in your home, prevent, or prepare for any such event.

Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned builder Jeff Shrope from Renaissance Homes to peel back the layers of what really goes into building a home that’s both beautiful and intelligently designed. From lot selection to blueprint customization, we explore how Renaissance strategically selects land, adapts floor plans to fit unique lot constraints, and balances architectural d...

In this episode of All Things PNW , Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben dive into the ins and outs of buying a condo versus a single-family home. They explain the key differences in ownership, lending requirements, and insurance considerations, particularly focusing on warrantable vs. non-warrantable condos. The hosts discuss why buyers might choose condos—highlighting affordability, location, and low-mai...

🎙️ Episode Overview Hosts Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben return after a break to discuss: A PNW real estate and mortgage market update Homebuyer resources Behind-the-scenes insights into being a real estate agent and lender Business strategies and brokerage transitions Rates are up again after a brief drop—affected by geopolitical events and investor moves from stocks to bonds, then to gold. Mortgage...

Hosts Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben return from a hiatus for a spring market update, sponsored by Alpha Environmental . They discuss the state of the housing market and offer strategies for buyers navigating a competitive landscape. Market Update: Buyer activity has surged in early 2025, especially in the first-time homebuyer range. Many properties are receiving multiple offers (10–12 in some cases)...

In this solo episode of All Things PNW Real Estate , we cover major changes in the mortgage industry and financial regulation. With the recent restructuring of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), including the dismissal of Director Rohit Chopra and the halt of CFPB activities, we discuss the potential impact on lending practices and regulatory oversight. We also dive into the latest m...

In this episode Jamal and Adam interview Rakesh Thomas about his journey into real estate, love for the PNW, strategies that have helped him become successful and experience being a DJ.

In this episode Jamal and Adam go in depth to how to write a strong offer, counter-offer negotiations, escalation clauses, and what to expect.

In today's episode Jamal and Adam discuss what happens when people are preparing to buy a home, they go over what a mortgage application (1003) looks like, and tips and tricks to prepare before searching for a home.

In this episode host Jamal and co-host Adam interview a top producer Brittany Mendez from Hollywood, California about the comparisons and differences in their markets. Brittany shares her experiences, tips for new agents, homebuyers, and anyone interested in learning more about the home buying process.

Market update!

In this episode Jamal and Adam use some shiny new microphones to talk about the current state of the real estate market in the PNW

In todays episode host and co-host Jamal and Adam interview the CEO of Alpha Environmental about the nuances of home inspections and protecting your property investments. They also discuss life paths, careers, and advice for home-buyers.

In this episode host and co-host Jamal Abdoul and Adam Ruben interview industry leader Drew Coleman about his story, insights on the current market, advice for agents and homebuyers, and the recent NAR settlement and how to navigate it.