Shows
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoInherited Property: Understanding Probate, Wills & Trusts🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, Meriam Hansen explains what to do when you inherit real property after a loved one passes away. She walks through the differences between a will, a trust, and dying intestate, explains how the probate process works in California, and discusses what happens when inherited property is sold. Meriam also explains why having a trust can make the process much easier and help avoid probate.🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen💡 What You’ll Learn:✔️ What to determine first when a loved one passes away and owns real property.✔️ The difference betw...
2026-09-2610 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoHow Food Insecurity Impacts Sacramento Housing🚀 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 ServicesChristina Cleveland is the Director of Development for Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, bringing years of non-profit e...
2026-08-2232 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoThe Cost of Waiting: Cam Villa on Buying a Sacramento Home Today🚀 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 con...
2026-08-0136 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoPassive Real Estate Investing With a DST🚀 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 EstateJamie Furlong is the Managing Partner of Legacy Investments & Real Estate, s...
2026-07-1820 min
My Camino - the podcastMeriam & Oden | An underwear guide to the CaminoDeb and Justin Hansen have written Meriam & Oden's Guide to Walking The Camino. It's written from the perspective of their underwear!
It's a light-hearted and fun look at what can make or break your Camino - and a playful and insightful take on the ancient pilgrimage.
Much has been written about walking the Camino de Santiago..but never from the dark, murky and sometimes dangerous perspective of a Pilgrims’ underpants. You can find your copy of the book here
2026-07-1449 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoThe Secret to Building a Brand in the Age of AI🚀 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 FruitAdreana Alvarez is the founder of Love Her Shop, a premium athleisure bra...
2026-07-0441 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoCheck Insurance First Before You Buy🚀 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 InsuranceAlex Busilacch...
2026-06-2044 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoHow to Beat Cash Buyers Without Paying Cash🚀 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 LoansHoward Nordberg has b...
2026-06-0634 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoHow to Succeed in Business (and Real Estate)🚀 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.🎧...
2026-05-2330 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoHow to Declutter Your Home Without Regret🚀 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 CompanyKim Salisbury is a professio...
2026-04-2532 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoPreparing Your Home for Sale Without the Stress🚀 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 NotableChris Mattix is a real estate professional with over 28 years of industry experie...
2026-04-1120 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoBuild Wealth with 1031 Exchanges - EP 04🚀 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 IntermediaryRussell Marsan is a Senior Vice President at IPX1031, the nation’s largest Qualified Interm...
2026-03-2730 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoBuilding Timeless Homes: Design, Integrity & Craftsmanship - EP 03🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento, host Meriam Hansen sits down with Eric Benning of Benning Design Construction. Eric shares his journey as a third-generation builder, his philosophy on timeless design, and why quality, integrity, and efficiency drive every project. From mid-century modern transformations to the advantages of design-build, this episode is packed with insights for homeowners and investors alike.🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen👤 Guest:🏡 Eric Benning – Design-Build Contractor & OwnerEric Benning is the founder of Benning Design Construction, a Sacramento-based residential design-build firm specializing in custom renovations and construction projects. The...
2026-03-2039 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoEstate Planning, Probate & Trusts: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know - EP 02🚀 In this episode of The Thoughtful Realtor, Meriam sits down with probate and trust attorney Mark Saakian, Esq., founder of Saakian Law and real estate broker. Mark shares how his background in both real estate and law helps homeowners navigate complex issues like estate planning, probate, trusts, property taxes, and asset protection. They break down why proper planning is critical, how families can avoid costly probate battles, and the key legal mistakes homeowners make when transferring property or adding family members to title.🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen 👤 Guest:🏡 Mark Saakian, Esq. – Probate & Trust Attorney, Founder of Saakian Law
2026-03-2038 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoIntroducing the Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento - EP 01🚀 In this inaugural episode, Meriam Hansen introduces The Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento podcast and explains the philosophy behind her approach to real estate. Drawing from more than 25 years of legal experience, she shares how thoughtful guidance, strategic planning, and clear communication can help buyers, sellers, fiduciaries, and families navigate complex real estate transitions in the Sacramento market. Listeners will learn how this podcast aims to bring clarity to real estate decisions—from downsizing and inherited property sales to negotiation strategy and preparing homes for the market.🎧 Hosted by: Meriam Hansen👤 Guest:🏡 Meriam Hansen – Realtor & Former Attorney💡...
2026-03-2008 min
The Thoughtful Realtor in SacramentoIntroThe Thoughtful Realtor in Sacramento is your trusted podcast for navigating the complexities of life transitions with Meriam Hansen. From downsizing with confidence to understanding probate and trust sales, Meriam offers thoughtful guidance for individuals, fiduciaries, and attorneys alike.Expect Sacramento-specific insight, practical advice on buying and selling well, and expert perspective on approaching real estate with clarity and intention.Meriam Hansen serves strictly as a Realtor and real estate advisor and does not provide legal advice. Listeners should consult qualified legal professionals regarding legal matters; Meriam works closely with counsel to ensure coordinated, well-managed...
2026-03-1400 min
HouseKeysMeriam HansenOn this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Meriam Hansen, a REALTOR® whose legal background and family roots in real estate shaped her unique approach to the business. With two brokers in the family who initially encouraged Meriam to become a REALTOR® as well as her background in employee, labor, and business law, Meriam brings a deep understanding of contracts, negotiation, and professionalism to every transaction. Meriam values collaboration, systems, and lifelong learning—crediting mentors like Jim Podja and the SAR Leadership Academy for helping her grow into a thoughtful, knowledgeable agent dedicated to both her clients and her...
2025-11-1924 minHouseKeysMeriam HansenOn this episode of Housekeys, host Cam Villa welcomes Meriam Hansen, a REALTOR® whose legal background and family roots in real estate shaped her unique approach to the business. With two brokers in the family who initially encouraged Meriam to become a REALTOR® as well as her background in employee, labor, and business law, Meriam brings a deep understanding of contracts, negotiation, and professionalism to every transaction. Meriam values collaboration, systems, and lifelong learning—crediting mentors like Jim Podja and the SAR Leadership Academy for helping her grow into a thoughtful, knowledgeable agent dedicated to both her clients and her...
2025-11-1924 min