The Open House Podcast: Where Women Talk Real Estate

Kristina Modares

The Open House Podcast: Where Women Talk Real Estate is your space for welcoming, inclusive conversations about real estate, where women come together to learn, share, and support one another. Hosted by Kristina Modares, founder of Open House Education, this podcast dives into the softer side of real estate—buying homes with friends, creative investing strategies, and making money in ways that feel good. Through interviews with inspiring women from our nationwide community, you’ll hear stories about buying houses with friends, exciting creative projects, and unique journeys to homeownership. Join us as we foster a space where women can grow, connect, and explore creative real estate together.Ready to join our community yourself? Head to OpenHouseEducation.com We are welcoming new members from November 12-22, 2024. Tik Tok @OpenHouseEducation  Instagram: @OpenHouseEducation

  1. 11/19/2024

    How Community Led to Buying Land Overseas with O'Licia Parker-Smith

    The Open House Education Community is officially open from November 12th-22nd, and we’re so excited to welcome you! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to dive into real estate investing with the support of an incredible group of women, now is your chance. Our community on Circle is all about organic connections—whether you’re looking to partner on a property, learn from experienced investors, or just get inspired by others’ creative real estate strategies. LINK TO JOIN. In this episode of the Open House Podcast, host Kristina Modares interviews O'Licia Parker-Smith, who shares her inspiring journey from house hacking her first property to purchasing land in Ghana. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the real estate landscape, particularly for women, and emphasizes the value of collaboration and mentorship in achieving success. O'Licia, discusses the challenges and learning opportunities that come with investing internationally and emphasizes the value of collaboration and support among women in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to O'Licia's Journey 03:09 Building a Supportive Community for Women in Real Estate 04:32 O'Licia's Background and Move to Texas 05:50 First Property Purchase: The Sneaky Duplex 11:39 Creative Financing and Family Support 17:29 Managing Tenants and Property Management Insights 23:49 Transitioning from Homeowner to Investor 24:59 Building Confidence as a Landlord 25:52 Exploring New Opportunities in Real Estate 27:02 Investing in Ghana: A Unique Experience 30:30 Navigating International Real Estate Transactions 34:08 Long-Term Plans for the Ghanaian Land 39:32 Overcoming Fear in Real Estate Investments 46:07 The Importance of Community in Real Estate Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website! If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    49 min
  2. 11/12/2024

    House Hacking My Dream Neighborhood: Making $4K with a Duplex

    Today’s the day! The Open House Education Community is officially open from November 12th-22nd, and we’re so excited to welcome you! If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to dive into real estate investing with the support of an incredible group of women, now is your chance. Our community on Circle is all about organic connections—whether you’re looking to partner on a property, learn from experienced investors, or just get inspired by others’ creative real estate strategies. LINK TO JOIN.  With membership at only $84 for the quarter or $255 for the year, you’ll gain access to exclusive live events, recorded trainings, a searchable member directory, and resources on everything from house hacking to buying homes with friends. This is the place where your “what if” conversations turn into real action, surrounded by women who are eager to collaborate and grow alongside you. Doors close on November 22nd, and we won’t open again until mid-to-late 2025.  We can’t wait to have you in the community!!! LINK TO JOIN Kristina speaks with community member, Alison, about her journey into real estate and focusing on the benefits of house hacking through duplex ownership. Alison shares her personal experiences, including how she transitioned from a corporate job to becoming a realtor, the advantages of buying a duplex as a first property, and her strategies for maximizing rental income. The conversation touches on how "Fortune favors the bold" and the importance of national community support for women in real estate. Keep Up with Alison's real estate journey at heathcotehomes.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to House Hacking and Community Building 04:05 Alison's Journey: From Corporate to Real Estate 05:58 The Benefits of Buying a Duplex 11:39 Finding the Perfect Property 15:01 Maximizing Rental Income: Short-Term vs. Mid-Term Rentals 21:10 Overcoming Challenges in Real Estate Investment 25:50 Future Plans and Community Impact Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website! If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    42 min
  3. 11/05/2024

    How I Made $22,000 From My Guest Room: The Sneaky Duplex Explained

    We're so excited to invite you to the new Open House Education online community, where women come together to get creative with real estate. We’re all about house hacking, sneaky duplexes, and buying with friends—and you’ll get access to live events, workshops, and a network of like-minded women who just get it. JOIN WAITLIST   Doors are open November 12th-22nd, and I’d love for you to join us and start making your real estate dreams happen. Make sure to hop on the waitlist for access on the 12th. Kristina, discusses the innovative concept of 'sneaky duplexes'—a strategy that allows homeowners to convert parts of their homes into rental spaces, thereby making their properties more financially viable. She shares her personal journey of navigating the real estate market, the challenges of managing a rental space, and the importance of community support among women in real estate. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Sneaky Duplexes 04:01 The Concept of Sneaky Duplexes 10:37 Navigating the Housing Market 15:18 Managing the Sneaky Duplex 22:27 Community and Collaboration in Real Estate Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website! If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    25 min
  4. 10/29/2024

    Real Estate with Friends: Kara Pendl’s Guide to Successful Partnerships

    We’re launching the Open House Education community, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! This is your space to connect with other women who are ready to dive into creative real estate strategies like house hacking and buying with friends. With live workshops, partner-finding events, and all the support you could want, we’re building something special together. Doors open November 12th-22nd—don’t miss out! Kristina leads a conversation featuring Open House Education community member, Kara Pendle. She shares her first hand experiences with real estate partnerships, including lessons learned from her first project, the church renovation. They discuss the importance of finding the right partners, the challenges faced in real estate, and the value of community support. The ladies conclude with encouragement for new investors to take risks, find their community, and seek partnerships in their real estate journeys. Follow Kara's ceramic company on TikTok @karacotta_ceramics Chapters 00:00 Launching a New Community for Women in Real Estate 02:56 Creative Real Estate: A New Approach for Women 06:03 Partnerships in Real Estate: Kara's Journey 12:08 Lessons from the 'Church Project' 17:51 Navigating Challenges in Real Estate Partnerships 24:05 Finding the Right Partners: Key Qualities 30:11 The Next Steps: Building on Experience 35:48 Encouragement for New Investors 41:55 Kara's Business Ventures and TikTok Plans Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website! Make sure to join our community waitlist! We open our doors November 12-22

    47 min
  5. 10/22/2024

    Meet Your Next Real Estate Partner: How Our Nationwide Community Connects Like-Minded Women

    Our online community is officially opening its doors from November 12th-22nd on Circle, our private community platform, and founding membership is just $84 for the quarter or $255/year. Make sure to join the waitlist!  When you join, you get instant access to member-only events like deal analysis sessions, Q&As, and live hot seats, along with our library of recorded trainings and a searchable member database for finding partners. You'll even get in-depth feedback on your own listings and the chance to connect with experienced investors who share their best strategies. Inside our community, you’ll meet women from all over the U.S.—and even some from Latin America and Europe—who are investing in everything from tiny homes and beach houses to ranches with friends. We’re here to make real estate investing more fun, flexible, and achievable. If you’re ready to turn your “what if” ideas into reality and join a network of supportive, like-minded women, make sure to check the link in the show notes to join the waitlist! Tune in and be part of a movement where real estate dreams become a reality through the power of collaboration. ---------------------  Open House Education founder, Kristina, and Community Manager Katie, discuss the unique vision and structure of the Open House Education community. The conversation highlights various community engagement formats, the power of networking, and the meaningful connections formed among members. They also outline future plans for the community, including accountability programs and a member directory to enhance collaboration and support. The ladies explore the benefits of a national network, sharing personal experiences, and highlight the need for ethical and community-minded investing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Open House Podcast and Community 02:20 The Unique Vision of Open House Education 06:54 Building a Supportive Community for Women in Real Estate 11:07 Engaging Formats and Events in the Community 15:55 The Power of Networking and Collaboration 20:27 Creating Meaningful Connections Beyond Real Estate 22:47 Community Structure and Future Plans 24:15 Building Connections Through Community 27:33 The Power of Accountability Partners 30:52 Exploring National Networks 34:05 Diverse Real Estate Opportunities 38:20 Making Money That Feels Good 44:59 Exciting Community Initiatives Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website! If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    50 min
  6. 10/15/2024

    Creative Real Estate: Turning a Historic Home into a Thriving Community & Business

    Our online community for women is officially opening its doors from November 12th-22nd on Circle, our private community platform, and membership is just $84 a quarter or $255/year for founding members. Make sure to join the waitlist! When you join, you get instant access to member-only events like deal analysis sessions, Q&As, and live hot seats, along with our library of recorded trainings and a searchable member database for finding partners. You'll even get in-depth feedback on your own listings and the chance to connect with experienced investors who share their best strategies. ----------------- Kristina chats with Open House Education community member, Jenn as she shares her inspiring journey from a small town in Pennsylvania to becoming a successful entrepreneur by reopening a tennis club and creating a community space. After years of living abroad and working in tech, Jenn returned home and discovered an opportunity to purchase a neglected tennis club. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of navigating the purchase process, renovating the property, and building a community-focused business that offers tennis programs and Airbnb accommodations. Jenn emphasizes the importance of community, trust, and the joy of seeing kids fall in love with tennis, while also sharing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Ready to join our community? Join the waitlist! Our doors open November 12-22nd 2024. Head to OpenHouseEducation.com Chapters 00:00 From Small Town to Global Adventures 05:00 The Decision to Return Home 10:00 A Unique Opportunity: The Tennis Club 14:55 Navigating the Purchase Process 20:00 Renovations and the MVP Approach 24:54 Building Community Through Tennis 29:56 Creating a Welcoming Space: The Airbnb Experience 35:09 Future Plans and Community Impact Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website and make sure to get on the waitlist to join our online community for women! Doors open November 12-22nd If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    43 min
  7. 10/08/2024

    Building Wealth Together: The Benefits of Buying a Home with Friends

    Our online community, is the perfect place to organically connect with like-minded women who are just as passionate about real estate as you are. Whether you’re dreaming of partnering on a beach house, starting a glamping property, or investing in a sneaky duplex, you’ll find supportive women eager to share insights and potentially team up on projects. JOIN THE WAITLIST We open our doors from November 12th-22nd, and membership is only $28/month or $255/year. Joining gets you access to exclusive events, recorded trainings, a searchable member directory, and personalized feedback on your deals. If you’re ready to explore creative strategies and meet women who could become your next real estate partners, don’t wait—join the waitlist now! We can’t wait to see the amazing connections you’ll make and the opportunities you’ll discover. Check the link in the show notes and get ready to be part of something truly transformative. JOIN NATIONWIDE COMMUNITY FOR WOMEN Kristina discusses the innovative strategies women can use to redefine home buying, particularly through creative partnerships. She shares her personal experiences of buying homes with friends, highlighting the benefits of shared financial responsibilities, the importance of clear communication in partnerships, and addressing common concerns about co-ownership. Join the Open House Education community of women exploring these creative real estate strategies, emphasizing the potential for building wealth together. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creative Home Ownership 03:54 The Benefits of Buying Property with Friends 10:10 Navigating Partnerships in Real Estate 16:07 Common Questions and Concerns about Co-Ownership 17:59 Conclusion and Community Invitation Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  Check out our new website! If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    17 min
  8. 10/01/2024

    Co-Buying a House with Friends: How Alex & Amber Made It Happen

    Today's episode is with Alex Reyna, an Open House Education community member, who shares her journey of buying a home with her friend, Amber. After facing numerous roadblocks during her three-year quest to purchase a home on her own—largely due to credit challenges from co-signing a mortgage for her sister—Alex partnered with Amber to finally make homeownership a reality. Together, they navigated everything from financial hurdles to creating agreements and learning how to live together after their purchase. Alex, who also runs her own short-term rental management company, Your Cohosts, offers insight into the benefits of buying a home with a friend and how co-buying helped them double their buying power. Their story highlights the importance of communication, trust, and creativity when it comes to making homeownership possible. In addition, the episode offers a glimpse into the growing Open House Education community, a nationwide group of women learning and supporting each other in real estate, and how it's empowering women to explore alternative paths to homeownership. If you’ve ever thought about buying a house with a friend, co-buying, or finding creative strategies to make real estate work for you, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice. Chapters 02:59 The Journey to Homeownership: Alex's Story 05:58 The Decision to Partner: Trust and Skepticism 08:57 Finding the Right Partner: Amber's Proposal 12:04 Understanding Roles and Responsibilities in Partnership 15:01 Communication and Conflict Resolution 17:58 Living Together: Adjustments and Challenges 21:07 Financial Agreements and Operating Procedures 24:08 The Importance of Communication in Co-Ownership 26:58 Creative Solutions and Home Improvements 29:49 Long-Term Plans and Future Investments 33:00 The Impact of Community and Education on Real Estate 35:57 Reflections on the Experience and Lessons Learned Get in Touch Comments, suggestions or feedback? Email Kristina at kristina@openhouseeducation.com Here is our new Instagram account! It needs some love, please follow :)  @OpenHouseEducation Check out our new website & join our new community waitlist! We are officially launching in early November!  OpenHouseEducation.com If you know of any ladies I should connect with about this new venture for potential partnerships, please send them my way.   Email us!

    45 min
4.9
out of 5
102 Ratings

About

The Open House Podcast: Where Women Talk Real Estate is your space for welcoming, inclusive conversations about real estate, where women come together to learn, share, and support one another. Hosted by Kristina Modares, founder of Open House Education, this podcast dives into the softer side of real estate—buying homes with friends, creative investing strategies, and making money in ways that feel good. Through interviews with inspiring women from our nationwide community, you’ll hear stories about buying houses with friends, exciting creative projects, and unique journeys to homeownership. Join us as we foster a space where women can grow, connect, and explore creative real estate together.Ready to join our community yourself? Head to OpenHouseEducation.com We are welcoming new members from November 12-22, 2024. Tik Tok @OpenHouseEducation  Instagram: @OpenHouseEducation