🚀 Discover how food insecurity impacts housing stability in Sacramento and how community support can help vulnerable families navigate rising costs and financial uncertainty.

Host Meriam Hansen and Christina Cleveland, Director of Development for Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services, discuss the critical connection between food insecurity, economic stability, and the ability of families to work toward housing security.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Christina Cleveland - Director of Development, Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Christina Cleveland is the Director of Development for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, bringing years of non-profit experience to her role. Leveraging a prior background in advertising and media, she focuses on brand awareness and corporate partnerships to further the organization's mission of providing food and services to vulnerable and underserved communities throughout Sacramento County.

💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ Why 26% of Sacramento County residents experience food insecurity

✔️ How the food bank serves 330,000 - 375,000 individuals each month

✔️ How food insecurity can affect work, financial stability, and the path toward homeownership

✔️ Support resources including CalFresh, utility assistance, and food pantries

✔️ Practical ways to give back through volunteering, food drives, and virtual fundraisers 

🎮 Listen now for expert insights!

💼 Connect with Christina Cleveland:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-c-46560510/

🏢 Follow Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services:

🌐 Website → https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/sacfoodbank/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/sfbfs

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/sacfoodbank/

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

#ThoughtfulRealtor #MeriamHansen #SacramentoRealEstate #SacramentoFoodBank #FoodInsecurity #HousingStability #SacramentoCommunity #SacramentoRealtor #RealEstatePodcast 

🚀 Waiting for lower interest rates could be costing you more than you think. Discover why buying sooner may be the smarter move in today's Sacramento real estate market.

On this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, Meriam Hansen sits down with Cam Villa, co-owner of Golden Bay Mortgage Group and host of the House Keys podcast, to discuss what today's mortgage market really means for homebuyers. They unpack why waiting for the "perfect" interest rate can be expensive, how buyers can prepare before house hunting, and the mortgage strategies helping first-time buyers succeed despite today's market conditions.

The conversation also explores Sacramento neighborhoods, seller credits, down payment assistance programs, mortgage insurance, and why experienced professionals are essential when navigating probate, inherited property, divorce, or other major life transitions.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Cam Villa - Co-Owner, Golden Bay Mortgage Group & Host of the House Keys Podcast

Cam Villa is a Sacramento-based Senior VP, Loan Officer, and mortgage company co-owner with over two decades of industry experience. He specializes in streamlining operations, processing, and compliance to efficiently guide clients through the homebuying process. He is also an active community volunteer, youth rugby coach, and aspiring triathlete. 

💡 What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Why waiting to buy may cost you more

✔️ How mortgage pre-approval works

✔️ First-time buyer and down payment assistance options

✔️ How seller credits can reduce upfront costs

✔️ When mortgage insurance can help you buy sooner 

✔️Why probate transactions require the right team

🎮 Watch now for expert insights!

💼 Connect with Cam Villa:

🌐 Website → https://www.gbmortgagegroup.com/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/cam-villa-81811435/

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, host Meriam sits down with Jamie Furlong, Managing Partner at Legacy Investments in Real Estate, to explore Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) and how they can help real estate investors transition from active property management to passive ownership. Learn how DSTs work alongside 1031 exchanges, the tax advantages they offer, estate planning benefits, and why they can be a powerful wealth preservation strategy.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Jamie Furlong – Managing Partner, Legacy Investments in Real Estate

Jamie Furlong is the Managing Partner of Legacy Investments & Real Estate, specializing in 1031 Exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs). Holding Series 22 and 63 securities licenses, she is recognized as a national top producer and frequent speaker known for delivering high-impact, actionable presentations that empower advisors to grow confidently using DSTs.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Delaware Statutory Trust fundamentals

✔️ Using DSTs with 1031 exchanges

✔️ Passive income versus active property management

✔️ Tax deferral and investment strategies

✔️ Estate planning and inheritance benefits

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Jamie Furlong:

📸 Youtube → https://www.youtube.com/@legacyIRE

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacyire

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

Registered representative and securities offered through Concorde Investment Services, Inc. (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC.  Legacy Investment Real Estate LLC is independent of CIS. This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to purchase or sell securitized real estate investments.  This material is not to be interpreted as tax or legal advice.  Please speak to your own tax and legal advisors for guidance regarding your particular situation.

🚀 In this inspiring episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, host Meriam Hansen shares an empowering conversation with Adreana Alvarez, founder of Love Her Shop and Stained Glass Fruit. Adreana reveals her entrepreneurial journey from creating a passion project into a million-dollar business, the power of authentic storytelling, building a personal brand, leveraging social media, AI, and adapting to new opportunities in business and real estate.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Adreana Alvarez – Entrepreneur, Founder of Love Her Shop & Stained Glass Fruit

Adreana Alvarez is the founder of Love Her Shop, a premium athleisure brand, and Stained Glass Fruit, a producer of all-natural dehydrated citrus garnishes. After transitioning from a corporate career, she scaled her business from a home-based operation to a warehouse facility and a multi-million dollar enterprise.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Building a successful business from passion and personal experience

✔️ Creating authentic connections through storytelling

✔️ Using social media and AI to grow your brand

✔️ Finding your niche and becoming an expert in your community

✔️ Embracing entrepreneurship and adapting to change

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Adreana Alvarez:

🌐 Website → loverhershop.com

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/lovehershop/?hl=en

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, Meriam Hansen sits down with Alex Busilacchi of Moreland Insurance to discuss the evolving California homeowners insurance market. They explore why insurance has become a critical part of every real estate transaction, the challenges buyers and sellers face, the role of the California FAIR Plan, wildfire risk considerations, prior insurance claims, and what homeowners can expect in the future. Alex also shares practical advice for navigating insurance issues before they derail a transaction.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Alex Busilacchi – Sales Director, Moreland Insurance

Alex Busilacchi is the Sales Director at Moreland Insurance, where he leads growth and partnership strategies within the Windermere network. He specializes in helping real estate professionals navigate complex personal lines insurance focusing on high-value homes, wildfire risks, and prior claims to seamlessly integrate coverage into real estate transactions.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ The state of California’s homeowners insurance market

✔️ Why insurance should be part of the homebuying process from day one

✔️ Understanding the California FAIR Plan

✔️ How prior claims impact insurance eligibility and pricing

✔️ Predictions for the future of homeowners insurance

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Alex Busilacchi:

🌐 Website → https://morelandagency.com/

👻 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/MorelandAgency/

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/morelandagency/?hl=en

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, host Meriam Hansen sits down with Howard Nordberg of Generations Home Loans to break down today's mortgage market, explain the home loan process, and help buyers make informed decisions. Howard shares insights on current interest rates, why waiting for lower rates may not be the best strategy, how pre-approvals and underwriting work, down payment assistance options, bridge loan programs, and the importance of building generational wealth through homeownership.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:

🏡 Howard Nordberg – Mortgage Loan Expert, Generations Home Loans

Howard Nordberg has been in the mortgage industry since 1979, bringing decades of experience in underwriting and loan origination. An FHA Direct Endorsement underwriter before becoming a loan officer, he has worked with first-time buyers, homeowners, and investors, handling a wide range of residential financing scenarios.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Current mortgage rate trends and market outlook

✔️ Why buyers shouldn't wait for perfect interest rates

✔️ The importance of mortgage pre-approval

✔️ Bridge loans, contingent offers, and financing solutions

✔️ Building equity and generational wealth through real estate

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Howard Nordberg:

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/YourRenovationGuru

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/howardnordberg

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of the Thoughtful Realtor Podcast in Sacramento, host Meriam Hansen  sits down with Jim Pojda, Branch Manager of the Windermere Sierra Oaks office, to discuss the evolving real estate industry, artificial intelligence, brokerage culture, and what both consumers and new agents need to know to succeed in today’s market. Jim shares his journey from high-tech companies like IBM and Oracle into real estate leadership, his experience navigating the short sale market during the 2008 housing crisis, and how technology and AI are shaping the future of the industry while still preserving the importance of human connection.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Jim Pojda – Broker Associate & Branch Manager

Jim Pojda is a Branch Manager and Broker Associate with Windermere Real Estate with decades of experience in the industry. He previously served as Vice President and Director of Career Development at Compass and Alain Pinel Realtors, focusing on brokerage leadership and agent development.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Artificial intelligence and the future of real estate

✔️ The value of relationship-based real estate services

✔️ How buyers and sellers can choose the right agent

✔️ Building a successful long-term real estate career

✔️ Industry trends and predictions for the next five years

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Jim Pojda:

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimpojda

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jimpojda/

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/
📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, we sit down with professional organizer Kim Salisbury of Home Method Company. Kim shares how nearly 20 years in the industry—and her background in psychology—help families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of decluttering, downsizing, and moving. From helping baby boomers transition out of longtime homes to managing full-service concierge moves, Kim reveals how organization isn’t just about space—it’s about mindset, habits, and letting go.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Kim Salisbury – Professional Organizer & Founder of Home Method Company

Kim Salisbury is a professional organizer and the founder and CEO of Home Method Co. Based in Sacramento and working with clients across the United States, she helps individuals and families create practical systems to organize their homes and reduce everyday clutter. With a background in psychology and extensive experience in the organizing industry, Kim focuses on helping busy households build sustainable habits that bring order and efficiency to their spaces.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Decluttering strategies for real estate success

✔️ Emotional challenges of letting go of possessions

✔️ The importance of editing before packing

✔️ How organizing teams streamline large projects

✔️ Simple habits to maintain an organized home

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Kim Salisbury:

🌐 Website → https://homemethodco.com/

📘 Facebook  → https://www.facebook.com/homemethodco

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/homemethodco

💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-salisbury-2218a334/

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook →https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/

📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of the Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, host Meriam sits down with Chris Mattix of Notable to discuss how sellers can prepare their homes for the market without financial stress. With nearly three decades of real estate experience, Chris explains the Windermere Ready Program, a powerful solution that allows homeowners to access their equity to fund repairs, staging, and more—without upfront costs or credit impact.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen

👤 Guest:🏡 Chris Mattix – Real Estate Professional & Account Manager at Notable

Chris Mattix is a real estate professional with over 28 years of industry experience, including 11 years as a Broker and 17 years in real estate sales. He currently serves as an Account Manager with Notable, supporting real estate professionals with financing solutions designed to help move transactions forward.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ Presale home preparation and why it matters

✔️ Financing repairs with no upfront costs

✔️ Risks of selling a home “as-is”

✔️ The value of staging and inspections

✔️ How sellers can maximize their home’s market value

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Chris Mattix:

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/chrismattix/

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismattix

🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/notablefinance

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/
📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/

🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, we dive deep into 1031 exchanges with expert Russell Marsan. Learn how to legally defer capital gains taxes, reposition your real estate portfolio, and unlock powerful wealth-building strategies. From timelines and common mistakes to retirement planning and passive income options like DSTs, this episode is packed with practical insights for investors at every stage.

🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen (The Thoughtful Realtor)

👤 Guest:🏡 Russell Marsan – Senior Vice President, IPX Exchange & Qualified Tax Intermediary

Russell Marsan is a Senior Vice President at IPX1031, the nation’s largest Qualified Intermediary. With over 30 years in the 1031 exchange industry, he holds the Certified Exchange Specialist (CES®) designation—earned by fewer than 200 professionals nationwide. An award-winning public speaker, Russell has delivered thousands of presentations across the U.S. for attorneys, CPAs, Realtors, and investors.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

✔️ How 1031 exchanges defer capital gains taxes

✔️ Important timelines and rules to follow

✔️ Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

✔️ Understanding like-kind property rules

✔️ Retirement strategies using DSTs and passive investing

🎵 Whether you're an investor, agent, or homebuyer, this episode offers valuable insights!

💼 Connect with Russell Marsan:

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/russell.marsan

📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/russellmarsan/

💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-marsan-4a12694/

🎧 Follow Meriam Hansen:

🌐 Website → https://mehansen.windermereca.com/

📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/meriam.hansen

📸 Instagram → http://www.instagram.com/mhansen_sacramento.realtor/
📌 Don’t Forget to LIKE 👍, SUBSCRIBE 🔔 & COMMENT 💬 Below!

⭐ Produced by Icons of Real Estate - https://iconsofrealestate.com/