Colleen Benson - Podcast Details

Shows

Chats with Colleen Chats with Colleen - EP 14 (Chats with Love Experts)On the fourteenth episode of "Chats with Colleen" Colleen sits down with love experts Nathalie Martin and Ian Benson. During their chat they discuss the keys to marriage and what makes a relationship last!

2024-07-101h 05

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson How to Avoid Getting Buyer’s RemorseA recent Zillow survey finds that three out of four home buyers report having at least one regret about the home that they purchased. So what we're going to do on today's show is explore some of the top triggers of buyer’s remorse and look at ways that you can avoid having that feeling the next time you purchase a home. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – Too much maintenance 4:42 – Home too small 6:14 – Wrong location 9:10 – Older home needing repair 10:35 – Total environment 11:12 – Not enough research 12:01 – Our experience with this Get in to...

2024-04-1118 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson The 2024 Baby Boomer’s Guide To DownsizingWhen it comes to deciding where to live in retirement, many Baby Boomers are choosing to downsize their home. There are many benefits to going this direction, but there are also several challenges that we often see. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:41 – Why downsize? 3:47 – Emotional concerns 6:20 – Health issues 9:50 – Financial considerations 11:32 – Market conditions 13:10 – Role the agent plays Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your hom...

2024-04-0416 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Beautiful Home in Waldport, Oregon – FEATURED LISTINGOur feature listing this week is a wonderful home in Waldport, Oregon. We’ll tell you all about it in this video and share some pictures of the home on Edgewater Drive. Plus, we’ll answer a question form Bill that covers a topic we get asked about all the time. Is it difficult to buy and sell a home at the same time? If you’re going through that experience for the first time, we’ll tell you what you need to know because it can be a little difficult trying to navigate on your own...

2024-03-2813 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson How to Handle a Disagreement Over Listing PriceEvery seller who decides to put their home on the market wants to get as much as they can at the closing table. It’s not uncommon for that person to have a price in their head before meeting with a real estate agent and then they find out it might not be that valuable. Today we want to talk through this scenario thanks to a question we received from someone recently. Here it is: I have spoken with a couple of realtors about selling my home and can’t seem to agr...

2024-03-1407 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson How National Real Estate Trends Impact Salem, OregonOn this episode, we're zooming in on how national real estate trends are directly affecting your local market. Are sellers in your area more open to concessions? How have recent shifts in interest rates influenced the local real estate scene? And has the rise in remote work been a boon or a drag for your local housing market? Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 2:27 – More seller concessions 4:29 – Interest rates 6:10 – Low existing home sales 7:31 – Realtor concerns 10:00 – Remote work impact

2024-03-0713 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson January Real Estate Market Jumps in Salem, OregonOn this episode, we're zooming in on how national real estate trends actually differ from what we are seeing around Oregon to start 2024. While many of the headlines are full of doom and gloom, Salem and surrounding areas have had a great start to the year. We’re going to highlight a few of the key stats that capture this positive momentum and then share a great story from the closing table about a multigenerational home we worked on last month. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro

2024-02-2911 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Two Listings in Salem & Dallas, Oregon You’ll Want to SeeWe’re excited to bring our podcast to YouTube so that we can expand the show by sharing photos of the homes we feature on the show. To kick it off, we have two great homes to showcase in this episode. The first is a 3br/2ba home in Dallas, Oregon that is listed for $530,000. It features a large flat driveway with an RV parking pad and some beautiful touches throughout the home. The second home is a cute home in West Salem, Oregon that you’ll find for under $400,000. It’s a new home, built...

2024-02-2208 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson How to Find a Bargain-Priced HomeWe all like to get a good deal, especially when it comes to a major purchase like buying a home. Today, we talk through an older article with tips and tricks on how to find a bargain-priced home. Colleen shares which of these pointers she agrees with and which ones she feels have changed over time. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Homes on the market for more than 30 days may open up a bargain. Stay away from turnkey and fixer-upper homes. Should you shop for alternatives to single-family homes? See...

2023-12-2110 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Clearing The Air About CommissionsYou may have heard some recent buzz about real estate commissions in the news. Following a lawsuit in Missouri, we discuss some potential shifts and perspectives regarding commission structures. Right now, buyers don’t pay a realtor fee and the sellers do. How could this potentially impact homebuyers? Colleen shares what she foresees happening and how much to be concerned about it. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How standard real estate commissions work. What changes could buyers face? Will first-time homebuyers have a harder time? Get in tou...

2023-12-0711 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson The Common Pitfalls of For Sale By OwnerIt can be tempting to sell your house on your own and avoid paying commission. But did you know that more often than not, sellers end up losing more when doing it on their own instead of working with a realtor? We talk through the common pitfalls faced when doing a for sale by owner on today’s show. Then you can decide for yourself if it’s still worth the risk. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The hidden costs of inexperience get exposed. There are safety and security concern...

2023-11-1615 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Bad News: Real Estate in the HeadlinesHave you heard the news? We talk about some of the national headlines making the rounds about real estate and find out from Colleen if it rings true locally. According to recent studies, 8 out of 10 Americans think it’s a bad time to buy a home. Is that really true? While the mortgage rates are high, Colleen thinks it’s actually a great time to buy. Buyers have plenty of time to do inspections or voice concerns in a way they haven’t in the past few years. Here’s some of what we discuss in this e...

2023-11-0210 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Top Fears for Homebuyers and SellersIt’s spooky season! Colleen and Walter kick off the episode by sharing some of their feelings about Halloween scares and haunted houses before they share the top fears that many homebuyers and sellers face. Before you cover your eyes or run away in fear, don't worry! Listen in as Colleen advises on how to overcome these fears and navigate your home buying or selling process with ease. Here are some of the top fears we discuss today: Hidden issues and needed repairs after the purchase scare potential buyers. The fear of missing out can...

2023-10-1922 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Your Fall Home Buying GuideFootball is back, the air is getting crisp, and the holidays are on the horizon. But what about real estate? Is fall a good time to buy a home? In this episode, we talk about what you need to know if you’re looking for a home this fall and how the seasons may (or may not) change your home buying strategy. Listen in as Colleen shares her expert insights and valuable tips on how to make the most out of your home buying journey in the fall of 2023. We'll uncover some hidden benefits to purchasing a hom...

2023-10-0513 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Real Estate Reality Shows: Fact or Fiction?Have you ever wondered how house shows like Love it or List It or House Hunters compare to reality? Whether you watch them for entertainment or find it educational, they can be fun to watch from time to time. On today’s show, we peel back the layers a bit to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction on these popular TV shows. We also cover five takeaways you can learn from house shows like these. As you go on your own home search, make sure to remember reality is a little more complicated than it looks on TV...

2023-09-2115 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson The Coded Words in Real Estate ListingsEver wondered what "cozy" truly implies in a real estate listing, or why "rustic" can be a tricky term? If you've ever skimmed through a real estate listing, chances are you've come across some puzzling terminology. On this week's episode, we pull back the curtain on the coded language of real estate listings. We unpack the meaning behind terms like "fixer upper", "handyman special", and "motivated seller", and discuss how these phrases impact your perception as a buyer. With technology shaking up the traditional real estate market, we also explore how AI is r...

2023-09-0716 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Do These Real Estate Strategies Still Work?If you're in the real estate market, it's crucial to keep up with the ever-changing trends and tactics. In today's digital age, old-school strategies are rapidly losing their effectiveness, and the need to adapt to more modern methods is becoming increasingly clear. Here are some of the things we’ll tackle on today’s show: Why you don’t want to list at a higher price to give yourself room to negotiate. Are open houses still used as a primary selling tool? Is it still a good idea to buy the worst house in the bes...

2023-08-1710 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Real Estate Wisdom from Johnny CarsonWe’re getting creative today and applying some of Johnny Carson’s quotes to real estate to see what we can learn. Colleen takes each quote and talks through how she sees it play out in the day-to-day amongst clients as well as real estate agents. Find out how these quotes relate to real estate: “I never analyze, I just go out and do it.” “People will pay more to be entertained than be educated.” “If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.” “For three days after death, hair and fin...

2023-08-0313 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Google Predicts Common Real Estate QuestionsGet ready to demystify the process of buying and selling a home with the help of technology. We’re going to play a little game today by having Google fill in the blank to help us unravel the most common real estate queries, ensuring you're informed and empowered on your property journey. Here are some of the questions we’ll tackle on today’s show: Who pays the realtor? (2:47) When buying a home, who pays for the inspection? (2:56) When is the down payment due? (5:50) What does contingent mean? (7:39) What does an inspector look for? (10:10) When se...

2023-07-2015 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Good Home Selling HabitsYou want your home to be show ready and in the best light possible when you go to sell. From the first impression photos online to accommodating a last-minute showing, you want your home to shine with potential buyers. If your home isn’t selling right away, make sure you work with your real estate agent to understand why. Is it priced realistically? Are you willing to compromise? Here are seven home-selling habits we discuss on today’s show: Make sure your house is in good condition. (0:59) Price it realistically. (2:47) Focus on that...

2023-07-0614 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson AI in the Real Estate IndustryJoin us as we delve into the exciting possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real estate industry. We asked ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot, how it thinks AI will impact the future of real estate. Colleen shares her thoughts on its answers in today's episode. Tune in as we talk about the exciting possibilities of AI and how to find the right balance of technology and human interaction in the world of real estate! Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: htt...

2023-06-1513 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Mailbag: Listing Tips, HOA Pros & Cons, and Rental MarketsIn this episode, Colleen will share a few tips for improving the appearance of your home before it goes to market. Plus, we’ll update you on the state of the rental market, share some HOA pros and cons, and talk about why you probably need to take out at least $100,000 on a mortgage. Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode: Some easy things you can do to your home before listing it. (0:40) What is the state of the rental market in our area right now? (2:17) How can you find more information about h...

2023-06-0113 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 132: Positive Signs or Red Flags?When you meet with an agent, you might hear different statements and opinions. But are they positive signs that you’ve chosen the right person or red flags that you should turn and run? You want to make sure you have a good relationship with your real estate agent and can trust their advice. Today we’ll share some good and bad things to look out for when working with a real estate professional. Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode: Should you put a stuffed tiger in each room to make the home...

2023-05-1814 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 131: Mailbag – Housing Areas With Promising Appreciation Potential, Rental Properties And MoreIt’s time for another mailbag episode! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Listen in as we tackle some questions from our listeners, and you’ll likely gain some invaluable insights to help you make informed housing decisions. In this episode, we will discuss some popular housing areas with promising appreciation potential in the next 5 to 10 years. We’ll also discuss where to look for rental property and more! Whether you’re buying or selling, tune in to this episode for some practical tips and expert guidance from Colleen Benson. Here’s...

2023-05-0410 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 130: Realtor Pet PeevesToday we’re going to take a look at some of the top things people do that tend to frustrate real estate agents. Now, this list is certainly not intended to make anyone feel bad, but being aware of these frustrations and traits can lead to a more seamless home-buying experience. Here’s what we’ll discuss in this episode: Working with a client who is not serious. (1:14) Having no trust in your agent. (3:25) Having unrealistic expectations in the home-buying process. (5:33) How bad communication can be frustrating for both agents and clients. (8:13) How Colleen matches c...

2023-04-2013 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 129: Sprucing Up Outdoor Areas And DIY Renovations To Avoid (Mailbag Edition)Whether you are looking to sell your home soon or simply want to enhance its curb appeal, we have some budget-friendly tips and helpful advice to share with you today. In this episode, Colleen will provide expert advice on sprucing up your outdoor space to maximize its potential for future buyers. She’ll also share her thoughts on the right time to tackle DIY home renovations versus when to seek professional help. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Tips for sprucing up your curb appeal on a budget. (0:37) A rule of...

2023-04-0609 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 128: New Inventory, Selling This Spring, and Zillow (Mailbag Edition)On this week’s podcast, we’re going to the mailbag to find out what our listeners have questions about. Colleen will tackle five different topics ranging from new inventory coming onto the market, how long houses will take to sell this spring, why an agent will provide a better home search than Zillow, and more. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: What is the average price point in the Keizer area? (0:35) Listener question on new builds coming onto the market. (2:41) How long will it take to sell my home this...

2023-03-1611 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 127: New Construction MythsOne of the questions we hear a lot from buyers is whether they should look for an existing home or new construction. It’s an ongoing debate that is often up to personal preference, but there are some myths out there about buying a new home that need to be cleared up. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: The one homebuyer mistake people are making today is trying to time the market. (0:33) Myth – New homes are more expensive than existing homes. (4:02) Myth – You’ll have to wait a long time to move...

2023-03-0214 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 126: Real Estate as an Investment (Mailbag)In this episode, we have five mailbag questions we want to run by Colleen, and three of those are asking about real estate investing. The great thing about the discuss today is that we’ll touch on Airbnb properties but also ways to get involved without actually becoming a landlord. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: Is it okay to have two different realtors if they’re separated geographically? (0:36) What are some easy ways to make my home more attractive to potential buyers as we prepare to sell? (3:04) Can I legally rent out...

2023-02-1610 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 125: Does a Home Have Good Bones? (Mailbag)How do you know if the home you’re interested in actually has good bones underneath all the cosmetic improvements that were made? We posed that question to Colleen today along with a few others from the mailbag to find out what buyers should be paying attention to. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: What are your options when you’re underwater in your mortgage? (0:36) Where’s a good place to look for land in the area? (3:10) Do you need to keep utilities on once you’ve vacated your home? (6:13) How can you tell...

2023-02-0211 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 124: The 10 Most Important Home Buying & Selling QuestionsIn this episode, Colleen will answer 10 of the most important questions that come up during the process. This might not cover everything, but it should help provide answers to a lot of the initial topics we discuss with clients. Here’s some of what you’ll learn in this episode: What’s the best way to prepare your house before selling it? (0:56) How much earnest money should you expect to pay? (7:08) Can you back out of buying a house? What happens then? (9:49) The average days on market for a listing varies on market but here’s...

2023-01-1916 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 123: Real Estate True or FalseAs the market changes, a lot of information and opinions get thrown out into the world. In this episode, we will be taking a fun approach to sharing our thoughts by playing a game of “True or False”. Listen to learn questions you may want to ask your realtor, what you should know about home appraisals, shifts that may be coming to the housing market, and more! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Are home prices still high? (0:51) Is the work-from-home revolution over and will its effect on the housi...

2023-01-0509 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 122: Mailbag – Seller QuestionsThe housing market has shifted quite a bit. Active inventory has gone up 55% over last November and today we will be answering some great questions from sellers. Listen to find out more about home inspections, finding the right realtor, and more! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Should you budget for a home inspection before selling? (0:42) How long would it take to sell your home if you sold it in the next few weeks? (3:34) Which home assessment tools should you use? (5:19) See our listings and connect w...

2022-12-1509 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 121: Mailbag – Buy or Build?It’s time for another mailbag episode, and we bet these questions (and our answers) will help many of you as well. This episode could really help if you’re looking to buy a home in the future or work with an agent. We will discuss whether it’s better to buy a newer home or build one and if you should sign a contract with your agent. Listen to hear some of the questions our other listeners have and maybe you’ll gain some valuable knowledge from our answers! Here are some of the ke...

2022-12-0110 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 120: Mailbag – Renting to own, Contingent Offers, and Low BidsWe love answering your questions, so we are back with another mailbag episode. This episode could really help if you’re someone looking to buy a home in the future. We will discuss different ways to achieve purchasing a home, from contingent offers, low bids, rent-to-own properties, and more. Listen to hear some of the questions our other listeners have and maybe you’ll gain some valuable knowledge from our answers! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: How you can make an offer, contingent on the sale of your home...

2022-11-1713 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 119: Real Estate Headlines – Home Prices Decline and Deals that Fall ThroughBold headlines catch the attention of many, but how much weight do they really hold? In today’s episode, we are going to discuss some recent articles and see if we agree with the content. As the market is fluctuating, a lot of potentially scary words are thrown around like “depression”, “recession”, and more. Let’s pick apart some of these topics in relation to housing prices and homebuyers, so you know what to look out for. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Colleen’s thoughts on a Wallstreet art...

2022-11-0313 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 118: Pricing and Marketing Strategies for the Current MarketRealtor.com recently wrote an article sharing five ways to increase the value of your home without spending money on upgrades. In this episode, we will be going over these five suggestions and see if we agree. Are you looking for some fresh marketing suggestions? Look no further. We also share the inside scoop about our effective marketing tactics and how you can think like a buyer. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: How you can price your home competitively. (0:56) How you can strategize your listing price to...

2022-10-2008 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 117: Mailbag: How to Tell If a Home Is Overpriced, And MoreToday we will be answering mailbag questions! The mailbag series helps us stay in touch with the topics you want to know as buyers. You might find some clarity as you hear the answers to questions you may have had yourself! Listen to learn more about home pricing, spotting a lemon, down payments in a competitive market, and more! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: How to tell if the house you want to purchase is overpriced. (0:30) How much of a down payment should I put down on...

2022-10-0611 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 116: Are Reduced Homes a Good Value Buy?With the real estate market cooling off a bit, buyers are starting to find some reduced prices on homes. If you’re currently searching for a good deal, are these reduced homes a good place to look? On today’s episode, Colleen will answer that question that came into the show recently and she’ll also tackle a few others. As always, this mailbag edition is a great way to learn more about a handful of different topics that people are curious about right now. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: What’s...

2022-09-1507 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 115: Real Estate Headlines – The Housing Market’s Not Crashing & Top Buyer RegretsToday’s episode is broken into two parts as we take a look at some recent real estate headlines. First, spoiler alert! The housing market is not going to crash. That’s at least the opinion of Dave Ramsey’s team published an article recently that breaks down the reasons he thinks the housing market is not in for a big price crash. Their main point is that simple supply and demand still rules the day. Current inventory is half of what it was in 2007 and that’s still driving the issue. They also point to...

2022-09-0113 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 114: Real Estate DictionaryWhether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned veteran, it’s never a bad thing to revisit the basics to make sure you have a clear understanding when it comes to buying and selling a home. On this episode, we’ll open the real estate dictionary to look at some of the key terms you might see or hear during the process. We’ll look at a few on both the buying and selling side and get Colleen’s breakdown of each. Here are some of the things you'll learn on this episode: Why shou...

2022-08-1816 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 110: A Few Signs You Might Hate Your Home After AwhileA recent Realtor.com article outlines a few signs you’ll hate your home after the initial excitement of a new house wears off. Does Colleen agree? A front door that opens into a wall might not seem like a big deal when you tour the home, but after a while, it may start to feel cramped. Long hallways are classic for some of us, but the newest style is an open landing area. A dead-end living room, with one way in and out, can certainly feel smaller than you’d like after a while. Join us toda...

2022-06-1612 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 109: Mailbag – ARMs, Home Upgrades, and MoreLet’s answer some questions from buyers and sellers in the area! Brent is thinking of using an adjustable-rate mortgage to buy his home, but he knows they became a big issue in 2008 and the rate may go up in the future. How does Colleen advise those interested in ARMs? Colleen recommends meeting with a lender and wants to remind you that we’re not in the same position as we were in 2008. Dan in Salem just sold his home with a different realtor and is having some seller's regret: his house took 3-weeks to sell and sold...

2022-06-0213 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 104: Mailbag – Listing Prices, Home Inspections, and MoreKathy saw someone on the news recently list their home extremely below market price and it generated a lot of buzz. What does Colleen think of this strategy? This is a great question; most sellers want to price high and go from there. This strategy can generate a lot of bids on your home and end up getting you more money. Bud is wondering if he has to make his home inspection public to buyers? Not necessarily, but if problems come up you have to legally disclose them. On today’s episode, Colleen answers these mailbag questions an...

2022-03-1708 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 103: True or False? It’s Impossible to Buy Right Now Without OverpayingTrue or false? It’s impossible to buy right now without overpaying. You might feel like you are overpaying for homes on the market right now, but keep in mind your equity is also going up once you own that home. So, Colleen doesn't really see it as overpaying. True or false? You’re most likely going to end up in a bidding war if you buy right now… True! Join us today as we play a round of true or false when it comes to various housing market statements. Colleen will share her expertise on down paymen...

2022-03-0312 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 102: Headlines – Contracts, Profits, and MoreWhat headlines are trending around the real estate market? With a lack of supply, hopeful homebuyers are finding fewer and fewer options. Which means fewer contract signings. In our own area, we are down 20% on new listings taken. We’ve also seen skyrocketing prices and the average seller profit from 2021 was almost $100,000! Salem made the top list for seller profits in the country. Despite construction costs, new homes are selling fast. On today’s episode, we’ll explore these headlines and more with Colleen. See our listings: https://bit.ly/3z49gcL ...

2022-02-1710 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 100: Mailbag – Inflation, Luxury Homes, and MoreInflation has been rising across the country. How does that impact your home buying timeline? We are seeing mortgage rates increase, but it’s still cheaper to own than to rent. Rent is more unpredictable, a mortgage is locked in. What advice does Colleen have for people searching for luxury homes? While a lot of the process is the same, there are some unique challenges to look out for when buying a luxury home. On today’s episode, we discuss the impact of inflation on the housing market, how renovations impact your selling power, and more!

2022-01-2009 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 99: Mailbag – HOAs, Selling in the Spring, and MoreAre you curious about HOAs in the Salem area? Many people moving up from California will be pleasantly surprised to learn there are plenty of nice neighborhoods without steep HOA costs. A lot of people are thinking of waiting until spring to sell, but there are serious buyers out there right now. Does Colleen think higher mortgage rates will eventually dampen buyer demand? What is the best way to strategically use a down payment to impress a seller? We’ll be discussing these mailbag questions on today’s show! See our listings: https://bit.l...

2022-01-0610 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 98: Mailbag – Repairs, Acreage, and Colleen‘s TeamAre you thinking of remodeling before selling your home? If they are cosmetic changes you might want to think again, every buyer is different. But depending on your budget and planned updates it might be the right move for you. You’ve probably heard a lot about Opendoor and iBuyers recently, but what do you miss out on when you don’t have the person-to-person relationship you’d have with a realtor? On today’s episode, we will be answering these questions as well as going over some areas to look for acreage and a bit about...

2021-12-1608 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 97: Mailbag - Buying land, Selling Houses, and MoreHow fast can Colleen and her team sell your home? Well, the market is a seller’s market right now but you want to make that good first impression no matter what. Should buyers give up right now and wait until the market has calmed down? We don’t recommend it! You never know what home is going to be around the corner. It is exhausting looking for a new house, but with the right approach, we can find your next home. Looking for land in the area? Depending on what you want to use it for Coll...

2021-12-0209 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 96: Mailbag – Investment Properties, Offerpad, and MoreWe are going to be answering some listener questions today about a wide variety of real estate topics. Is now a good time to invest in rental properties? What matters most is your return on investment. Is it wise to accept an offer from Offerpad? These types of apps are driven by data and may not get you as great of an offer as a real estate agent could. We will also be discussing whether Colleen has part-time agents on her team and whether selling is as stressful as buying. See our listings: https://www.be...

2021-11-1810 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 95: Headlines - Never Buying, Remote Work, and Best Time to BuyThere have been a lot of new real estate headlines going around. So, on today's episode, we are going to be discussing these topics. A lot of renters are fearing they'll never be able to buy. Especially with current down payments being so high. Colleen talks through some ways her lenders can help you if you are in this situation. We will also be discussing remote work's transformation on the housing market. Are these changes here to stay? Could this next month could be the best month of the year to buy? Learn more about these headlines...

2021-11-0410 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 94: Mailbag - Mixed Use Developments, Market Timing and MoreWe are opening up the mailbag today to answer some of your questions! Colleen will discuss mixed-use developments, market timing, rentals, and fence additions. Mixed-use developments have been becoming more and more popular especially in the Oregon area. So where should you look to find one? Does a fence really add that much value to your home or is it more than it’s worth? Whether you have a question about selling your current property or finding your next home, Colleen is here to share her advice. Read more and get additional resources her...

2021-10-2111 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 92: Mailbag - Personal Letters, Pending Sales, and MoreBuying or selling a home is an exciting time. But it is also a time when we have a lot of questions about what things mean and what the best approach may be to certain situations. Colleen is here to help us navigate these questions from a realtor’s point of view with another mailbag episode. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/mailbag/729/729/ See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:49 – Should buyers be able to write le...

2021-09-1610 min

The Inner Glow Getter Podcast EP18: How surrendering can help you to soar with Colleen AloianIn this episode, I speak with the wonderfully insightful Colleen Aloian. Colleen Aloian is a wife, mom of 2, and mental health therapist turned Coach! She believes that everyone has the ability to let go of what’s holding them back and rise to their destined potential. In this podcast, Colleen teaches us how to go from surrendering to soaring. In this episode, we speak about: What Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is and how it works What is considered trauma (it might not be what you think!) and how it is processed in...

2021-07-0944 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 87: Examining First Quarter Headlines - Sales, Buyer Confidence, and a Bubble?This year continues to be a busy one for real estate, but what does that date tell us after the first quarter of 2021? Today we’ll look at three national headlines on sales, buyer confidence, and the possibility of a real estate bubble and find out if Colleen is seeing the same things on the west coast. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-87-examining-first-quarter-headlines-sales-buyer-confidence-and-a-bubble/690/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:01 – Sales data from first...

2021-07-0112 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 84: Mailbag - What Happens When Appraisal Doesn’t Match Price?With the current state of the real estate market in Oregon, we don’t always see appraisals line up with purchase prices. So what happens in those situations? We’ll tell you on this episode of the podcast and answer a few other questions that you sent in. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/mailbag/ep-84-mailbag-what-happens-when-appraisal-doesnt-match-price/668/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:34 – Mailbag question about zoning rules 3:14 – Mailbag question on best days to sell

2021-05-2015 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 83: Popular Home Upgrades & More National TrendsToday we look across the country to see what trends are popular for homeowners and buyers. From flooring to appliances to energy efficiency, we’ll get Colleen’s reaction to these trends. Plus, we’ll find out what day of the week is best to list a home. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/headlines/ep-83-popular-home-upgrades-more-national-trends/642/ See our listings: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:50 – Best day of week to list a home 3:40 – More interest in green homes

2021-05-0615 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 82: Seller Inspections, Mortgage Rates, & Other HeadlinesTime to take another look at the real estate headlines that caught our attention over the last couple of weeks. From sellers paying for inspections to increasing mortgage rates and much more, we’ll get Colleen’s reaction to the latest industry news. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/uncategorized/ep-82-seller-inspections-mortgage-rates-other-headlines/612/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 1:00 – Seller inspections 3:39 – Young adults dominating the market 5:37 – Mortgage rate increases 6:34 – Never going back t...

2021-04-1510 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 81: Reacting to Recent Real Estate HeadlinesToday we get updated on some of the top national real estate headlines early in 2021 and get Colleen’s reaction to how each of these topics applies to Oregon and the West Coast. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-81-reacting-to-recent-real-estate-headlines/611/ See our listings: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this podcast: 0:41 – Seller optimism 1:20 – Equity rich 3:51 – Best places to raise a family 6:42 – Tough year for first-time homebuyers?

2021-04-0109 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 76: Should I Wait Until Spring to Sell? + Other Mailbag QuestionsAre you ready to sell your home but you think waiting until spring might allow you to present your house in its full beauty? Colleen will explain why the winter might not make as much of a difference as you think. Plus, we tackle acreage, property management, basement renovations, and listing prices on today’s show. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/mailbag/ep-76-should-i-wait-until-spring-to-sell-other-mailbag-questions/542/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this episode: 0:33 – Mailbag Question about selling by...

2021-01-2119 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 73: Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent, Part 1You’ve made the decision to buy or sell a home and now it’s time to look for a real estate agent. How do you make that choice? Colleen will provide you with the important questions to ask and what answers you want to listen for in this first of a two-part series Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-73-questions-to-ask-a-real-estate-agent-part-1/497/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this show: 0:55 – How much experience do you have?

2020-12-0310 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 70: Best Pieces of Real Estate AdviceWe all turn to friends and family for advice when it comes to buying and selling a home. It’s one of the biggest life events we’ll experience so it’s important to get it right. Today we’ll find out what advice real estate veteran Colleen has given and received through the years that she would pass along to you. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-70-best-pieces-of-real-estate-advice/454/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss on this show:

2020-10-1514 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 68: The Importance of Social Media When Selling a HomeToday we open up the mailbag for a couple of listener questions, which got us into a great discussion on the value of social media when it comes to marketing your home. Find out where Colleen stands on this strategy. Read more and get additional real estate resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-68-the-importance-of-social-media-when-selling-a-home/447/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ What we discuss today: 0:37 – The Benson team is growing. 3:08 – Mailbag Question #1: I wanted to sell my house fast and easy like I heard abo...

2020-09-1716 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 66: Emerging Behaviors During PandemicHow is the pandemic changing the way buyers and sellers are behaving? A recent study found seven different trends emerging due to COVID-19 and they could impact real estate over the long-term. Let’s find out whether Colleen agrees with each of these behaviors and how they’ll impact Oregon. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-66-emerging-behaviors-during-pandemic/420/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ On today's show: 1:26 – Buyers are rushing 3:51 – Shifting wishlists 5:47 – Less concern over commute time...

2020-08-2015 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 65: Reacting to the Latest Real Estate HeadlinesAs we survey the landscape of real estate, three recent headlines jumped out at us about selling homes. Join us as we get Colleen’s reaction to each of them and find out if Oregon is seeing the same trends. Show notes & additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-65-reacting-to-the-latest-real-estate-headlines/416/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ On today's show: 0:29 – The market needs more inventory. 3:25 – First headline: Is this is the best time in years to sell? 6:35 – Best way to get started...

2020-08-0621 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 64: Reasons Why Your Home Might Not Be SellingAre you having problems selling your home and can’t pinpoint the reason? Learn about the most common issues that can keep a property from selling as quickly as you’d like. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/selling/ep-64-reasons-why-your-home-might-not-be-selling/410/ See our listings here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule: 1:18 – Your property might be too unique for the neighborhood or location. 2:25 – Geodesic homes 4:55 – Bad staging 5:51 – Ugly curb appeal 7:06 – Sub-par listing photos 10:59 – The house i...

2020-07-1617 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 63: Real Estate Fact or FictionWhen it comes to real estate, there are some common beliefs that you’ll often here but how many of these are actually accurate? Today we’ll play a game of real estate fact or fiction by presenting Colleen with seven different statements and she’ll tell us whether each one is true or false. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-63-real-estate-fact-or-fiction/403/ See our listings here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule: 0:31 – What’s the latest on the real estate market loca...

2020-07-0221 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 62: The Latest Real Estate Trends and DataWe check in with Colleen this week to find out what’s changing across the market as coronavirus still looms. We’ll also look at the latest trends around Oregon and react to the latest real east data. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/uncategorized/ep-62-the-latest-real-estate-trends-and-data/397/ See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule: 0:29 – An update on the agent side of the business. 2:22 – The mental health side of this pandemic. 3:36 – Real estate deemed essential in Oregon...

2020-06-1812 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 61: Back to the Basics – The Homebuyer DictionaryIf you are new to the homebuying process or just a need a refresher, this episode runs through all of the steps to buying a home and explains all the key terms you’ll need to know. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/uncategorized/ep-61-back-to-the-basics-the-homebuyer-dictionary/391/ See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule: 1:24 – What’s new in the real estate market in the area? 4:44 – A lot of people asking about mortgage relief, forbearance, the CARES Act. 7...

2020-06-0430 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 60: Answering the Top Coronavirus Real Estate QuestionsWhat are the top questions we’re hearing from people about buying and selling a home since the coronavirus pandemic began? We’ll bring them to Colleen to find out what she’s seeing across the market. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-60-answering-the-top-coronavirus-real-estate-questions/385/ See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule: 0:52 – What safety measures is Colleen’s team taking during the pandemic and is it changing the way you do business? 2:16 – From a financial standpoint...

2020-05-2111 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 59: A Homebuying Guide to the Salem Real Estate MarketIf you’re looking for a home in Salem, you probably have questions about HOA fees, neighborhoods, commutes, trends and more. Our latest podcast covers it all. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-59-a-homebuying-guide-to-the-salem-real-estate-market/378/ See our listings here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's show schedule: 0:44 – HOA Fees: Am I likely to pay those around here and what’s the usual cost? 2:32 – What area is drawing in the most new buyers? 3:52 – Where in the community do you see the best val...

2020-05-0710 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 58: How Home Buying Process Has Changed During Coronavirus CrisisIndustries around the world have changed the way they do business because of coronavirus health concerns. The same can be said for real estate, where many pieces of the home buying process have gone remote or virtual, Let’s take a look at how things have changed over the past month. If you want help getting started, just text BUYAHOME to 77222 to get Colleen’s starter guide to buying a home. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-58-how-home-buying-process-has-changed-during-coronavirus-crisis/373/ Check our listings here: https://www.benso...

2020-04-1613 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 57: Is the Coronavirus Impacting Real Estate?So many people across the country are feeling the impact of the coronavirus outbreak from an emotional and financial aspect. But what has it done to the real estate market? Colleen will provide an update on Oregon real estate trends and what she’s seeing from buyers and sellers right now. Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-57-is-the-cor…ting-real-estate/366/ See our listings here: https://www.colleenbensonhomes.com/ Today's show rundown: 0:52 – How is everyone handling the coronavirus? 1:49 – Businesses have to adapt a...

2020-03-3009 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 56: Real Estate Trends for 2020 and the Decade AheadA recent survey turned up a number of interesting statistics regarding real estate and homeownership over the next decade. What do the numbers mean? And is there a buying opportunity on the horizon? Read more and get additional resources here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-56-real-estate-trends-for-2020-and-the-decade-ahead/359/ See our listings: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/ Today's rundown: 0:34 – A recent survey revealed a mass exodus for homeowners that will create a lot of movement in the decade ahead. 2:00 – First big takeaway: Almost half of homeowners plan to move...

2020-03-1911 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 55: Top Real Estate Fears for Buyers & SellersDeciding to buy or sell a home can be one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in life and that brings a certain level of worry with it. It’s natural to have concerns during the process but a good real estate agent will guide you through those and help alleviate your concerns. Let’s look at the most common fears we hear from buyers and sellers and how to deal with them. Get the show notes here: https://keepingitrealestatepodcast.com/buying/ep-55-top-real-estate-fears-for-buyers-sellers/340/ Check out our current listings: http://bensonbrok...

2020-03-0515 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 54: Important Real Estate TermsIt's time to expand that vocabulary, as we teach you some common real estate terms that you should know.

2020-02-1316 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 53: Home Upgrade TrendsWe'll examine some recent real estate headlines about national home upgrade trends. Colleen will examine how much those headlines apply to the Oregon real estate market

2020-02-0510 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 52: What Buyers Really WantLet's take a look at some common home features and see which ones are considered essential to the average home buyer.

2020-01-3017 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 51: Mailbag: Purchasing Home Before Wedding Date, Selling Home Without RealtorTessa and her soon to be husband are looking to buy a house before their wedding date and want advice on what steps they should take. Adrian is trying to sell his house without a realtor and is wondering if this is a good idea.

2020-01-2309 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 50: Downsizing RegretsMaking the choice to downsize can be a big decision. Let's make sure that you avoid any of these common regrets of downsizing.

2020-01-1608 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 49: 2020 HeadlinesAs we kick off the new year, let's examine some recent headlines about what 2020 could have in store for the real estate market.

2020-01-0920 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 48: In The News: Mortgage Debt Increasing Life Expectancy, Optimal AC Temperature, Top Closing RoadblocksLet's take a look at some popular headlines that have been coming out in the real estate world. What is Colleen's take on them?

2019-12-2611 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 45: End Of Year Real Estate HeadlinesAs the year (and the decade!) wind down, let's take a look at some prominent real estate headlines that are popping up about recent trends and expected market shifts in 2020. Listen to Colleen's take on these headlines.

2019-12-0513 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep 42: Major Lighting MistakesColleen discusses some recent headlines about mistakes people make with lighting their home, and some mortgage closing statistics.

2019-11-1413 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #39: Does This Actually Happen?We'll throw out some real estate scenarios and see if they are ones that Colleen routinely experiences in the area.

2019-10-2411 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #36: In The News: Mortgage Debt Increasing Life Expectancy, Optimal AC Temperature, Top Closing RoadblocksLet's take a look at some popular headlines that have been coming out in the real estate world. What is Colleen's take on them?

2019-10-0313 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #35: Closing Recap: Selling Home For Other ExpensesThis week, Colleen tells us a story about a couple she recently worked with that needed to sell their home in order to support their growing family.

2019-09-2609 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #34: 10 Secrets To Fetch Top DollarWe'll get Colleen's thoughts on a recent article about how to fetch top dollar for your home.

2019-09-1915 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #32: Common Lighting MistakesColleen discusses some recent headlines about mistakes people make with lighting their home, and some mortgage closing statistics.

2019-09-0513 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #30: In The News: Mortgage Debt Increasing Life Expectancy, Optimal AC Temperature, Top Closing RoadblocksLet's take a look at some popular headlines that have been coming out in the real estate world. What is Colleen's take on them?

2019-08-2213 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #23: Features That Will Sell Your Home FasterColleen comments on some recent headlines that have come out in the real estate world. How have 55+ communities impacted the real estate market? What are some features that correlate with a home selling faster? We'll analyze those topics and more.

2019-06-2720 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #22: Real Estate Terms To KnowBuying and selling real estate is full of vocabulary terms that can be confusing to someone who doesn't live in that world. Colleen will explain some real estate terms that you might come across, so that you can understand what they mean when you encounter them.

2019-06-2026 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #21: Learning From Past MistakesEverybody has to start from somewhere. We'll hear from Colleen about her early experiences in the real estate world and how they shaped her approach today. She'll also give us a gripping story about how she once stopped a real estate scam from taking place.

2019-06-1327 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #16: Real Estate Pet PeevesThere are some practices in the real estate world that irk Colleen because they get in the way of a smooth home-buying and home-selling process. Let's go over some of these major real estate pet peeves.

2019-05-0254 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #10: Real Estate Fact Or FictionWe'll present Colleen with some general thoughts about buying and selling real estate, and she will tell us if each statement is fact or fiction.

2019-03-2254 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #4: Lessons From Real Estate TVWe all have that favorite show on HGTV or one of the other DIY-type networks. We'll ask Colleen to peel back the curtain on some of these shows to see what's realistic about them and what isn't. There are some important lessons to be learned from these shows, but also some important reality checks.

2019-02-0254 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Ep #3: Are These 2019 Real Estate Trends For Real?A Realtor in Massachusetts put out a prediction of 5 real estate trends to watch out for in 2019. Are these for real? We'll ask Colleen to take a look and let us know if the same trends apply to the Oregon area.

2019-01-2654 min

Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson Mailbag: Looking Ahead To 2020Let's see what Colleen anticipates this year will have in store for real estate. What will happen to the real estate market? How will it compare to 2019? We'll examine those questions and more on today's episode.

2019-01-0211 min

Outside Sales Talk How Emotional Intelligence Affects Your Sales - Outside Sales Talk with Colleen Stanley Colleen Stanley is the Founder and Chief Selling Officer at Sales Leadership, Inc. She is well known for creating Ei Selling®, a unique and powerful sales training program that integrates emotional intelligence skills with consultative selling skills. As a successful sales keynote speaker, trainer and author, Colleen shares her knowledge and advice about how you can leverage the power of emotional intelligence to win more sales and drastically increase revenue! Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: How emotional intelligence (EI) affects prospecting, how you handle objections and other ar...

2018-10-2436 min