All Things PNW Real Estate

Riley Costello is a Lake Oswego realtor with Sotheby's and a published novelist. In this episode, Riley shares how COVID led her into real estate alongside her dad, her ethical approach to business, and market strategies she uses with clients.

We talk ethics in a slow market, writing at 5 a.m., what novels and real estate teach each other, and Riley's holiday romance novel, Waiting for December. Plus, Riley's go-to Lake Oswego eats and drink recommendations.

Jamal and Adam cover the summer Portland real estate market and go over questions some people were asking Jamal on his social media

On this episode of All Things PNW, we sit down with Christie Giboney, lead designer and team manager at White Glove Home Staging and Improvements, to talk all things home staging. With over 6 years of staging experience and a real estate license to boot, Christie breaks down what actually moves the needle when it comes to prepping a home for sale.

We cover:

• How much staging can really boost your final sale price (and cut down time on market)
• The top 3 areas to stage first if you're working with a limited budget
• Design trends worth following — and which finishes to keep timeless
• Staging vacant vs. owner-occupied homes, and why the latter is trickier (and more rewarding)
• Where AI and virtual staging fit in — and why Christie's not always a fan
• The most overlooked room that can make a big impact
• A real before-and-after story where staging turned a stale listing into a two-week sale
• What sellers should start doing now if they're planning to list in the next 6–12 months

Plus, we close things out PNW-style with local restaurant picks and our go-to cocktail segment.

Whether you're a seller, an agent, or just curious what goes into making a house market-ready, this episode is packed with practical, real-world staging advice.

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, the mission was clear—build a brokerage for brokers, focused on value, accessibility, and long-term success.

A pivotal moment came immediately after launch when demand surged unexpectedly, forcing rapid growth and operational scaling. That early pressure helped shape Soldera into a boutique, high-performing brokerage with a strong emphasis on selective hiring, culture, and agent success.

Joe emphasizes that ethics and relationships are the foundation of longevity. His philosophy is simple but powerful:

• Protect your reputation at all costs
• Focus on client experience over commissions
• Build lifelong relationships, not one-off transactions

The conversation also dives into how the industry has evolved—from pre-internet listings and manual processes to today’s AI-driven tools. While Joe embraces technology, he stresses that real estate remains a people business, and those who maintain a personal touch will always stand out.

Key insights include:

• AI should enhance efficiency, not replace human connection
• The “road less traveled” (like direct mail or personalized service) is becoming more effective again
• Success comes from adapting, learning, and staying relevant

Joe also offers a candid take on starting a brokerage, highlighting that it’s far more complex than it appears—requiring leadership, infrastructure, and long-term commitment beyond just selling homes.

The episode wraps with some lighter moments, including Joe’s favorite Portland restaurant—Ox—and his go-to drinks depending on the setting.

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:

• The "Nancy Meyers" Aesthetic: Why "lived-in" coziness, natural materials (like marble and wool), and darker wood tones are making a major comeback.
• Design for Real Life: How to avoid "forcing habits" in a remodel and why the "work triangle" in your kitchen actually matters.
• Selling Your Home? Mimi breaks down the three most impactful, cost-effective updates you can make before listing (Hint: It’s not just about staging!).
• Personalization vs. Staging: How to strike the perfect balance between making a house feel like your home and keeping it a "blank canvas" for potential buyers.

Whether you’re planning a $400,000 remodel or just looking for the perfect botanical gin cocktail recipe, Mimi’s insights on "blind confidence" and timeless design are not to be missed.

Connect with Mimi:

• Instagram: @MimiEstelleStudio
• YouTube: Mimi Estelle Studio (Look for behind-the-scenes process videos and project highlights!)

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 characteristics, geography, and time period. The study—based on CFPB rate spread data—suggests Zillow loans have become relatively more expensive over time, with particular impact on lower-income borrowers. The hosts highlight concerns that these borrowers, who may already face more barriers to homeownership, could be disproportionately affected by higher loan costs.

2. Zillow’s Integrated Business Model
Adam and Jamal explain how Zillow operates as more than just a home search platform. Through integrated partnerships, agents participating in Zillow programs may have marketing agreements or financial incentives tied to Zillow-affiliated services, including Zillow Home Loans.

While buyers are not required to use Zillow’s lending arm, they are often encouraged to speak with a Zillow lender when touring homes through the platform. The hosts note that agents may receive higher commission splits or back-end incentives when clients use Zillow Home Loans, raising questions about conflicts of interest and whether consumers always receive neutral guidance.

3. Consumer Awareness & Transparency
The conversation emphasizes the importance of reading fine print. Zillow’s advertised rates and monthly payment estimates often assume:

• 20% down payments

• Best-case interest rates

• Points paid upfront to lower rates

While these practices are legal, the true cost may not be immediately clear to first-time or less-experienced buyers. The hosts stress the need for due diligence, comparison shopping, and working with trusted professionals to evaluate loan terms carefully.

4. Broader Market Context
The episode also touches on current market trends:

• Signs of a busier upcoming spring and summer market

• Increased seller concessions in some areas

• A significant year-over-year rise in refinance activity, as borrowers who bought at higher rates (7%+) look to lower their monthly payments

Key Discussion Points:

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 for buying a new home while owning another—covering rental income qualification, contingent offers, bridge loans, HELOCs, rent-backs, and seller credits—along with how market conditions impact negotiation power. They also share insights on rate volatility, refinance timing, ARMs versus shorter loan terms, and why being dialed in on numbers is critical in today’s market.

The episode wraps with a quick look at local inventory trends and a lighthearted new segment highlighting restaurants and bars to try around Portland, setting the tone for short, frequent episodes ahead.

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 income directly toward reducing your loan balance. The result? Lower daily interest charges, faster payoff timelines, and dramatically improved long-term savings—especially for borrowers with strong cash flow.

With Adam Ruben guiding the conversation, we unpack:

• Why traditional mortgages front-load interest

• How daily interest calculations and deposits work

• What kinds of borrowers benefit most

• How safeguards, caps, and underwriting protect consumers

• How the variable rate structure behaves in real-world markets

• A real client case study where a projected 30-year loan is paid off in just 5–6 years

Whether you're a homeowner, real estate professional, or someone curious about alternative mortgage strategies, this episode gives you a clear look at how the All-in-One loan can create flexibility, liquidity, and major cost savings.

🎧 Tune in to learn how a modern loan structure could help you build wealth faster—and whether it’s the right fit for you.