At the Kitchen Table | Podcast on RSS.com

At the Kitchen Table

At the Kitchen Table

by Amanda DiVito Parle

Entrepreneurship Investing

Denver Housing Market Update — May 2026: Why a 1% Price Dip Feels Like 10%

Is the Denver market crashing, or just catching its breath? Each month, Amanda DiVito Parle breaks down the latest housing data straight from RE Colorado's InfoSparks platform, covering the full 17-county Greater Denver region, into the four numbers that actually drive the market: inventory, days on market, number of closings, and average price. In this episode, Amanda covers: Single family inventory down 7% year-over-year, while condo inventory ticks up Days on market stretching to 54 days for single family homes and 66 for condos Closings pacing 1% ahead of last year, on track for roughly 55,000 sales in 2026 Average price holding nearly flat, down just 1% year-over-year, even though it feels like more Why Colorado is seeing net out-migration for the first time in Amanda's career, and what that means for housing demand How interest rates, insurance costs, property taxes, and HOA dues are stacking up to squeeze monthly payments

At the Kitchen Table: Nick Bailey

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with longtime real estate industry leader Nick Bailey to explore his nearly 30-year career spanning roles at RE/MAX, Zillow, Century 21, and now real estate consulting. Their conversation examines the evolution of brokerage models, why there is room for both traditional and emerging approaches, and the challenges agents face in building sustainable businesses in an increasingly noisy industry. Nick shares his perspective on industry consolidation, MLS cooperation, public ownership of real estate companies, consumer choice, and why successful brokerages must remain focused on whom they truly serve. Amanda and Nick also discuss the practical role of AI and technology in real estate, emphasizing tools that solve genuine problems and improve efficiency rather than adding complexity. They close with thoughts on the future of REALTOR® associations, mergers and acquisitions, mortgage and ancillary-service integration, boutique brokerages, and why the best real estate professionals succeed by providing highly personalized service while staying focused on the fundamentals of the business.

At the Kitchen Table: Lana Rodriguez & Danielle Nuno

Host Amanda Divito Parle sits down with powerhouse real estate leaders Lana Rodriguez and Danielle Nuño for a candid, unfiltered conversation about building, scaling, and evolving real estate teams—while navigating motherhood, leadership identity, and the ever-changing brokerage landscape. From retail roots to top-producing team leaders, Lana and Danielle share how they each carved their path into real estate, built high-performing teams, and learned (often the hard way) what it really takes to lead people—not just production. Together, they unpack the realities behind team growth, agent turnover, accountability, and the emotional weight of leadership, offering an honest look at what happens when “baby birds become hawks” and decide to leave. The conversation dives deep into the lifecycle of a real estate business—from rapid growth to pruning phases, burnout, and rebuilding with intention. They also explore the shift toward cloud-based brokerages like Real, the importance of culture and alignment over hype, and why today’s agents are seeking more than just splits—they’re looking for community, collaboration, and long-term opportunity. Woven throughout is a powerful theme of women supporting women in business, redefining leadership on their own terms, and learning to balance ambition with motherhood and personal fulfillment. Raw, insightful, and incredibly relatable, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and leading with both strength and heart. 💬🔥 ________________________________________ Topics Discussed 🔑 • From Retail to Real Estate Leadership How Lana and Danielle transitioned from customer service backgrounds into high-level real estate careers. • Building (and Rebuilding) Real Estate Teams The realities of scaling teams, finding the “sweet spot,” and navigating growth cycles. • The Four Phases of Business Growth Planting, growing, pruning, and harvesting—and why every leader cycles through all of them. • When Agents Leave the Nest The “baby bird to hawk” analogy and the emotional reality of training agents who eventually go out on their own. • Team Culture, Accountability & Fit Why hiring the right agent avatar matters more than just adding headcount. • Leadership Styles: Visionary vs. Manager Balancing heart-led leadership with structure, expectations, and performance standards. • Burnout, Boundaries & Motherhood How stepping back can actually fuel long-term growth—and why you can “do it all, just not all at once.” • Brokerage Models: Brick & Mortar vs. Cloud-Based A transparent look at Real, EXP, Keller Williams, and the evolution of value in today’s market. • The Power of Community & Collaboration Why modern agents are seeking connection, not competition—and how that’s reshaping the industry. • Women Empowering Women in Real Estate The importance of trust, support, and building meaningful relationships beyond local competition. ________________________________________ Practical Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Leaders 🛠️ • Growth requires pruning—letting go is part of scaling. • Not every great agent is the right fit for your team—and that’s okay. • Leadership is emotional—develop resilience, not just systems. • Culture is built intentionally through hiring, communication, and standards. • Your team members are your clients—consistently communicate your value. • Burnout is a signal, not a failure—step back to move forward stronger. • There is no perfect brokerage—only the right fit for your season. • You can build a big business and still prioritize your family—but not all at once. • Collaboration is the future of real estate—not isolation. • The best leaders evolve—from doing everything to empowering others.

At the Kitchen Table: Claudine Phillips

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with fellow real estate entrepreneur, Claudine Phillips, to discuss the intersection of business, family, personal growth, and building a life with intention. Claudine shares how she and her husband, Chad, left Dallas with their young family for Evergreen, Colorado, where they turned their own relocation experience into a thriving real estate business focused on helping others understand mountain living. Their conversation explores working alongside a spouse, homeschooling and raising children while building a business, developing a distinctive marketing presence, transitioning from Keller Williams to REAL Broker, and learning to delegate rather than trying to do everything yourself. Amanda and Claudine reflect on mentorship, building and leading a team, recognizing your individual strengths, resilience, navigating different seasons of life, and redefining growth as something that can mean greater alignment, fulfillment, and joy, not simply building a bigger business.

At the Kitchen Table: Matt Leigh

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Matt Leigh of REAL Broker and Principal Title to discuss his unconventional path from architecture into residential real estate, entrepreneurship, and business ownership. Matt shares stories from the early days of his career, the mentors and experiences that shaped his approach to real estate, and his evolution into franchise ownership and the launch of Principal Title. Their wide-ranging conversation explores the mindset and optimism required to be an entrepreneur, navigating financial uncertainty and cash flow, building wealth and businesses, balancing success with marriage and family life, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to grow. Along the way, Amanda and Matt trade memorable real estate stories, reflect on the different seasons of life and career, and even share a few unlikely golf triumphs.

At the Kitchen Table: Alan Slabaugh and Michael McCarron

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Lakeside Insurance owner Michael McCarron and his colleague Alan Slabaugh to explore entrepreneurship, leadership, and the rapidly changing insurance industry. Michael shares his journey from insurance underwriter to agency owner, while Alan discusses his transition from the boating industry into commercial insurance and the importance of relationships, customer service, and surrounding yourself with excellent people. The conversation dives into rising insurance costs in Colorado, wildfire and hail risks, property insurability, the state’s FAIR Plan, and the role insurance plays in protecting homeowners, businesses, employees, and communities. They also discuss Michael’s involvement in insurance policy and legislation, the growing impact of private equity and industry consolidation on locally owned businesses, and why maintaining strong local ownership and community relationships matters in an evolving business landscape.

At the Kitchen Table: Madison Subry Gardner

In this episode of At the Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with Madison Subry Gardner of Brim Interiors and RE/MAX Northwest to discuss Madison’s journey from growing up in a real estate family to building a career that combines her passions for real estate and interior design. Madison shares how early mentors, new-construction sales, and hands-on design experience shaped her approach to business, while offering practical advice for homeowners on paint, furniture, scale, window treatments, lighting, and creating beautiful, family-friendly spaces. The conversation also explores the value of working with a professional designer, the growing demand for an all-in-one real estate and design experience, and how thoughtful renovations and design choices can improve both the way a home feels and its long-term value.

At the Kitchen Table: Lance Sommerville

The real estate industry is changing faster than most brokers want to admit — and Lance Somerville is one of the few people who has seen it all from the inside. In this episode of At The Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with commercial real estate veteran and RE/MAX alumni Lance Somerville to talk about the seismic shifts reshaping the brokerage landscape — and why cloud brokerages like Real Broker may be the 2.0 model the industry has been waiting for. With over 22 years at RE/MAX corporate, Lance traveled across eight states, worked with 100+ cities, and looked under the hood of franchise operations, startups, conversions, mergers, and acquisitions. That front-row seat gave him a perspective most agents never get — and it's why his move to Real Broker raised eyebrows and started conversations across the industry. In this episode, Lance and Amanda break down: Why the traditional franchise model is becoming a liability — and what the numbers actually say The three-legged stool of real estate (brokerage, NAR, MLS) and why it's cracking How cloud brokerages are reimagining agent-centric real estate for the modern market The real cost of carrying real estate knowledge inside a brokerage that doesn't reward you for it What agents and brokers should be doing right now as the industry continues to shift post-Sitzer The intersection of fear and trust when making a major brokerage move If you're a real estate agent, broker owner, or investor trying to figure out where the industry is heading — this is a conversation you need to hear. Topics: real estate brokerage, cloud brokerage, Real Broker, RE/MAX, eXp Realty, franchise model, agent-centric real estate, Sitzer lawsuit, NAR, MLS, real estate industry trends, brokerage business model, commercial real estate

At the Kitchen Table: Amy Sommerville

What happens when one of the most driven women in real estate finally stops? In this episode of At The Kitchen Table, host Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with longtime friend and industry powerhouse Amy Somerville — former Corporate RE/MAX leader, CEO of SUCCESS Magazine (acquired by eXp Realty), and self-described "recovering high achiever" — to talk about what it really means to rest. Amy spent nearly two decades building an extraordinary career in personal growth and development within the real estate space, traveling constantly, leading teams, shaping culture at some of the most recognized brands in the industry. And then she stopped. Not because she had to — but because a business coach dared her to go 60 days without working. This is the story of what happened next. In this episode, Amanda and Amy explore: The real cost of always being in "go mode" — and why high achievers are wired to chase the next thing What burnout actually looks and feels like when you've been running at full speed for decades The masculine vs. feminine energy conversation every driven woman needs to hear How a forced sabbatical cracked open clarity, presence, and a whole new way of living What Amy calls her "moment of clarity" — and how she's protecting it Whether you're a real estate professional, entrepreneur, or anyone who has built their identity around achievement, this conversation will challenge you to ask: what would happen if you just... stopped? Topics: burnout recovery, women in leadership, personal growth, real estate career, identity, work-life balance, masculine feminine energy, sabbatical, mindset, self-awareness

At the Kitchen Table: Meredith Anderson

What does it mean to be wildly successful at something — and realize it's not the whole of who you are? In this heartfelt episode of At The Kitchen Table, Amanda DiVito Parle sits down with her longtime friend and fellow real estate entrepreneur Meredith Anderson to talk about the unexpected journey that began when Meredith stepped away from a thriving real estate career at its peak. Meredith built a boutique real estate business that scaled fast — her own building, her own team, and a client list she'd earned through a decade of relentless service. And then she left. Not in defeat — but in pursuit of something deeper. What she found on the other side became the foundation of her new calling: Journey Back to Joy, a coaching and personal growth platform helping women reconnect with their authentic selves. In this episode, Meredith and Amanda explore: Why she walked away from real estate at the height of her career — and what that decision actually felt like The guilt trap so many working women fall into — and the antidote that changed everything How she went from house flipper to top producer to personal growth guide What "presence" really means when you're running a business, raising kids, and trying to be everything to everyone Treating appointments with yourself the same way you treat a listing appointment What she's building next — and why she's "spraying speaker proposals" the same way she once sprayed real estate offers This episode is for every woman who has ever felt like she's living in pieces instead of as a whole. Authentic, grounding, and genuinely joyful. Topics: women in real estate, burnout, personal growth, entrepreneurship, authenticity, work-life balance, real estate career pivot, house flipping, mindset, coaching, presence, women in business, Journey Back to Joy

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