Episode 68: The Secret Sauce of Real Estate: Open Houses, Referrals, and Showing Up as Yourself

In this episode of Pocket Hours, Jennifer's guest is Nina Zerbo, a seasoned real estate professional whose path into the industry was shaped by years at Microsoft and Apple, retail leadership, and project management. Nina shares how those skills translated seamlessly into real estate, particularly through open houses and relationship-building.

Jennifer and Nina talk about the realities of building a sustainable, people-first real estate career. With a focus on real estate fundamentals, open houses, referrals, buyer relationships, and long-term success, the conversation explores what it really takes to thrive in today's market, beyond flashy marketing or quick wins.

Nina tells listeners about her first year in the business, the power of mentorship, and why she focuses on human connection over sales scripts. She also discusses how referrals, intuition, and staying true to her personality have helped her build a career she genuinely enjoys.

The conversation wraps with thoughtful insights on mindset, market uncertainty, and why slow, steady growth and service-driven real estate will always win in the long run.

Connect with Nina Zerbo at windermere.com/directory/agents/nina-zerbo.

Jennifer Nelson is the founder of Scout Real Estate: scoutrealestate.com. Information on how to get your clock hours and other offerings for Scout School are also listed at scoutrealestate.com/scout-school.

Pocket Hours theme music, Welcome Home, composed and performed by Jennifer Nelson.