Navigating Real Estate

Kenzie Carlstrom: Turning Social Media Into a Real Lead Source

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 17:02:00 GMT

In this episode, Sarah Daily sits down with Kenzie Carlstrom, one of REMAX Key Properties' top-performing brokers, to unpack what actually works when it comes to social media in real estate.

Kenzie shares her journey from getting started behind the camera to building a powerful personal brand that consistently attracts clients who already know, like, and trust her. They dive into defining your customer avatar, balancing lifestyle and professional content, choosing the right platforms, and why social media should feel intentional—not overwhelming.

You’ll also hear how Kenzie time-blocks her days for maximum efficiency, why scrolling kills creativity, and how a client recently found her through ChatGPT then immediately went to Instagram to decide she was the right fit.

If you’re new to social media, feeling stuck, or wondering if it’s worth the effort, this episode offers practical insight, mindset shifts, and real-world proof that social media can be a powerful long-term lead source when done with clarity and purpose.

Follow Kenzie Carlstrom

Instagram: @kenziecarlstrom
YouTube: Kenzie Carlstrom Realtor
TikTok: @kenzie_realtor

Greg Fischer: What The F Is Going On?

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:30:55 GMT

Real estate partners Ryan Buccola and Greg Fischer dissect the wild state of the economy and Bend's housing market, exploring why rate-affected industries have felt recessionary for nearly two years while other sectors are just now feeling the squeeze. They dig into Bend's affordability crisis—where $9 pita chips symbolize broader cost-of-living challenges—and discuss how sellers sitting on 3% mortgages are burning through equity while the market separates serious real estate professionals from part-timers. The conversation tackles everything from AI hype versus real automation to what 2026 might hold for Central Oregon, acknowledging that while Bend's outdoor lifestyle remains appealing, the community faces serious questions about sustaining affordability for both longtime residents and newcomers.

Jessica Schum & Guest Host Tenley Houghton: Hot Tubs & Pet-Friendly, What's Making STRs Stand Out in Bend

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 14:30:00 GMT

In this episode of the Navigating Real Estate, join Jessica Schum, owner of Bend's Vacation Rental Collective, and special guest host Tenley Houghton as they discuss the dynamic landscape of short-term rentals in Bend. Examining the growth and saturation in this bustling market, Jessica shares valuable insights into the evolving trends and competitive aspects that shape the vacation rental scene in Bend. From hot tubs to pet-friendly amenities, the hosts delve into what makes Bend's vacation rentals unique while addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the area's expanding popularity. Whether you're a host navigating the changing real estate landscape or an investor looking to buy into a short term rental, this episode offers essential perspectives on the growth and saturation dynamics in Bend's vibrant vacation rental market.

Beny Rabuchin: How Video Has Changed My Mortgage Business

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Get ready to gain exclusive insights into how video and social media have become game-changers, shaping the future of mortgage brokers. Join Ryan Buccola and Beny Rabuchin unravel the strategies, challenges, and success stories of a professional who has seamlessly integrated technology into the heart of his business. Welcome to a conversation that promises to redefine the playbook for mortgage brokers in the digital age.

Connor Newell: Video For Real Estate Professionals

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Ryan Buccola and Connor Newell, owner of Vertical Video Pro, go over some helpful insight into growing your real estate brand and increasing buisness leads using video. They discuss different ideas for content that gets views and systems that keep you consistent.

Kristin Marshall: Calling All The Single Ladies

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMT

A recent analysis by LendingTree found that single women who live by themselves are more likely to own a home than single men in 48 of 50 states. The analysis has generated quite the buzz, being written about in both the Washington Post and Forbes. It may be a surprising statistic considering the financial hurdles women have historically faced. For example, women earn 83 cents for every dollar a man makes. So what’s driving this trend and should we be surprised?

Here to chat with us today is Kristin Marshall, Broker at RE/MAX Key Properties

Jesse Russel and Ryan Andrews: Hiatus Homes & A Blueprint For The Future

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Many homeowners today are looking for the liberating feeling that comes with space-efficient, sustainable housing. Hiatus Homes has been making waves in the world of sustainable architecture and design, redefining what it means to create small footprint, net-zero homes in Bend. Their commitment to minimizing environmental impact while maximizing comfort and style has captivated both residents and sustainability enthusiasts alike.

Are these the homes of the future? They are certainly ready to be.

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with the visionaries behind Hiatus Homes, Jesse Russell and Ryan Andrews.

Ryan Starr: The Ins and Outs of ADUs

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:30:00 GMT

ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, are a hot topic in Bend real estate. A broker at RE/MAX Key Properties did some research and found that as of January of 2022, 702 ADU permits had been approved in the City of Bend since 2001. Some 516 of those permits had been approved in just the past five years. Shout out to A’Leah Knight for pulling these numbers, they really tell a story of recent increases in demand as property owners look for ways to generate income and offset costs.

As this interest has increased, we as real estate brokers are hearing from more and more buyers who are curious about the process. But there’s a lot of confusion and unknowns, from permitting to the construction process to legal liabilities.

Today we’re joined by a local architect and expert on ADUs, Ryan Starr.

Sheree MacRitchie Making Sense of Real Estate Market Stats

Tue, 16 May 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Every month we are inundated with the latest statistics about the real estate market. Headlines scream at us about median home price increases, inventory fluctuations, job reports, inflation, and interest rates. But what does it all mean to the average consumer? How does a seller or buyer make sense of what they are hearing and reading? And how do real estate brokers stay current so they can best advise their clients? We are excited to have Principal Broker Sheree MacRitchie here today to help us break it down.

Kate Fitzpatrick: Let's Talk About Water Rights & The River

Tue, 02 May 2023 13:36:00 GMT

If you are advising clients on purchasing a property with acreage in Central Oregon, whether it be a hobby farm or a full-scale hay operation, you need to understand water issues in Central Oregon. From water rights to irrigation districts to drought and conservation efforts, it’s complex. We’re so glad to have Kate Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of the Deschutes River Conservancy, here with us today to help us make sense of some of the challenges in our region.

Allison Platt: What's Happening with the Bend Central District?

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

The Bend Central District (also known as the BCD) is a special place for many people. Located at the very heart of our rapidly growing city, the BCD has enormous potential to provide more housing and jobs near existing businesses, services and activities that will make our community more livable and protect our Bend from sprawl.

So much has happened already with this project. We’re excited to learn more about what’s ahead for the Bend Central District.

Cindy King: What’s Happening in Affordable Housing in Bend

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:56:00 GMT

Affordable housing is a big topic of conversation in Bend. And for good reason. As we’ve watched home prices soar here locally over the course of the last two years, the dream of home ownership can feel out of reach for some. We’re excited to have Cindy King here today to discuss what the City is working on in this area. As the current chair of the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee, Cindy can teach us a lot about what’s happening today and what the future holds.

Brian Meece & McKinzie Charlton: Let's Talk About Dirt with Ranch & Land Experts

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Yeehaw! We’ve seen increased interest in Ranch and Land properties, both here in Central Oregon and throughout the Mountain West. In part due to the pandemic and people shifting away from cities and towards rural areas, maybe in part due to the “Yellowstone effect” – whatever is continuing to drive it, the interest seems like it’s here to stay.

John Schwencke: New Home Energy Scores

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:30:00 GMT

Effective July 1, 2023, homes listed for sale in Bend must include a home energy score report card for buyers to review. Developing a Home Energy Score program is part of the Bend Community Climate Action Plan to reduce community greenhouse gas emissions and mirrors a larger national push towards home energy efficiencies. As with any new policy, there are a lot of questions especially for homeowners looking to sell.

Mike Martin: Changes To Rates & Impact of Credit Scores

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 15:30:00 GMT

Mortgage rates continue to dominate the headlines. Because of our office’s connection with Motto Mortgage Cascades, we recently got the inside scoop on some changes that are coming, and the impacts are surprising.

Sarah Daily: Top Marketing Habits for 2023

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:55:00 GMT

Unlike other industries, real estate brokers have a wide range of responsibilities. From marketing to lead generation to contract negotiations, legal issues, and bookkeeping, it’s a lot to stay on top of. If you don’t have an assistant or team members, or focused marketing support in your office, it’s important to keep efforts in each area simple and sustainable. Building strong habits, especially in the area of marketing, can help you stay consistent and generate results for your business.

Navigating Buyers Fatigue

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 21:10:34 GMT

Buyer fatigue. What is it? How can we diagnose it? How can we cure it? In this episode Ryan Buccola and Chris Scott explore the reasons behind buyer fatigue and how to help your clients overcome the debilitating effects of exhaustion and discouragement.

Navigating Investment Opportunities in Every Market

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 18:10:45 GMT

We're in a shifting market. There are many factors at play, both in Bend and across the country. In this episode Ryan Buccola and Tenley Houghton discuss how to find opportunity in a changing economic landscape. Hint: We need to completely restrategize from what has been working the last few years.

Navigating The Importance Of Community Giving

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:57:00 GMT

It's the holiday season. A time of year when we think about those less fortunate and how we can give back. In this episode, Ryan Buccola and Debbie Martorano discuss the importance of giving back to the community your business serves. Debbie is a champion of volunteering in Central Oregon. She shares how she manages her time and her giving and offers suggestions for how other real estate brokers can give back in meaningful ways.

Navigating The Switch How To Change Real Estate Brokerages

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:39:39 GMT

Are you a real estate broker looking to make a move? In this episode, Ryan Buccola and Jackie Schaible discuss what to some may seem like a scary topic: moving brokerages. While it can be scary, given the right environment, technology, training and staff, changing offices can actually be the catalyst to great growth.

Navigating The Top 3 Real Estate Updates For 2023

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:50:38 GMT

We are on the cusp of a new year. In this episode, Ryan Buccola and Cory Bettesworth talk about the top 3 things real estate brokers should be thinking about for 2023 planning. Get the inside scoop on form changes that are coming to Oregon, NAR's class action lawsuit and what it means to you, plus important business planning tips.