By Jenelle Etzel, December 15, 2025
In a market where cash offers often dominate, Jenson Sarr reminds us that success isn’t just about money. It’s about preparation, strategy, and building relationships. In this episode of Open House: Everyday Excellence, Jenson, a top-performing agent at Living Room Realty, shares how thoughtful prep, strong communication, and confident decision-making help buyers get ahead of the line even when competing with cash.
What a Buyer-Focused Strategy Actually Looks Like
From the moment clients decide to start looking, Jenson steps in to guide them. They ensure clients are fully informed, prepared, and confident. This is not just about crunching numbers or submitting offers quickly. By focusing on prep and clear strategy, Jenson helps their buyers act decisively while keeping the process smooth and low-stress.
As Jenson puts it: “When we have three days to make a decision, my clients have already been thinking about this for weeks. They move fast and smart.” That kind of preparation allows buyers to react quickly, adjust when needed, and compete successfully even against cash offers.
Why Relationships Matter
In Jenson’s world, rapport is essential. They know that building trust with listing agents often makes the difference between an accepted offer and a missed opportunity. “A big part of my job is for the other agent to like me and know I will take this to the finish line,” they say. By combining prep with relationship-building, Jenson ensures their clients’ offers stand out in competitive situations.
Strategic Moves That Tip the Scales
Sometimes winning comes down to the small but crucial details. Jenson leverages tactics like appraisal waivers when possible, timing offers strategically, and keeping communication clear and professional. Combined with well-prepared buyers and strong relationships, these strategies have helped them beat cash offers multiple times even in situations that initially seemed impossible.
Core Tips from Jenson
If you are a buyer or agent navigating a competitive market, here are the must-dos Jenson recommends:
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Preparation is key. Know your budget, priorities, and walk through the process ahead of time.
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Build relationships. Communication and trust with listing agents can make a huge difference.
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Think strategically. Understand the seller’s perspective and adjust your approach accordingly.
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Stay confident. Quick, informed decision-making beats hesitation.
Making Home Buying More Human
Buying a home is more than a transaction; it is a life change. Jenson’s approach reduces stress and uncertainty for their clients. They give buyers the guidance, prep, and support needed to make confident decisions and put their best offer forward.
As they put it: “We do everything we can, then go to sleep knowing we gave our best. That is what matters.”
Who This Episode is For
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Buyers looking to compete in a tough market
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Agents who want insight into prep, strategy, and client guidance
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Anyone curious about what it really takes to beat cash offers and submit winning bids
Why It Matters
Preparation, strategy, and relationships are essential. In a market that feels fast, competitive, and sometimes overwhelming, thoughtful guidance can make all the difference between a missed opportunity and a successful purchase.
At Living Room Realty, we believe buying a home is more than a transaction. It is a chapter of life that deserves intention, care, and a steady hand. With strategy, preparation, and relationship-building, a buyer’s offer does not just compete; it wins.
Listen to the full episode of Open House: Everyday Excellence with Jenson Sarr now, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.
Jenelle Etzel
President & Owner, Licensed Broker OR
She/Her
What does being lead singer and guitar player in a female punk band have in common with starting a real estate company in the middle of a recession? Not many people can answer that question. But when you ask Jenelle Isaacson Etzel founder and CEO of Living Room Realty, there’s no hesitation; where most would see a chasm, she sees a bridge.
For Jenelle, it’s all been about finding a voice—the singular and irrepressible expression of self. Once a quiet, studious, high-school girl growing up in Portland, Jenelle started a punk band after college. She played guitar, wrote cathartic songs, performed, and traveled across country while living out of a van. All that seems light years from the present moment--owning a successful, growing company; serving on boards of civic and philanthropic organizations; enjoying family life with her two young daughters and long-time partner. Still, she uses the same voice now that began to emerge on stage years ago.
Whether it’s business or music, “It’s important to know what your voice is. If it’s true, it will resonate.” Jenelle’s voice, her truth, is about being brave enough to take action without apology, being heard without being exploited, to be energized, constantly problem-solving and refining her skills in the pursuit of building a purpose-driven company. All this requires risk-taking. She’s learned the hard way that she can’t fix everything and that not everyone will share her vision. But even as she explains the difficult choices she’s faced, Jenelle radiates joy.
“It’s never okay to play small,” she says with conviction. And this, more than anything, is what she strives to impart to other women, empowering them to pursue their passion whole-heartedly and to be leaders who speak with their own unique, unapologetic voice.
Living Room Realty, founded in 2009, offers residential, commercial, and property management services. Living Room ranks in the top 15 real estate companies in Oregon, with more than 110 affiliated broker-agents. For more information, visit www.livingroomre.com.
Noted Achievements: First west coast real estate office to receive B Corp status • Top Workplaces, 2014-2016 • 100 Best Workplaces in Oregon 2017 • 100 Best Green Companies 2017 • Oregon Business in Ethics Awards in 2014 • Jenelle has been featured in The Portland Monthly, Oregon Business, and REALTOR® Magazine • Portland Business Journal 40 under 40 Business Leaders • Board of Directors, Rock n Roll Camp for Girls, receiving 2015 award for creative philanthropy • Board Member, Entrepreneurs’ Organization Global Network, Portland chapter • Orchid Award recipient for Business and Civic Contributions • Guest speaker: OPB’s Think Out Loud, Investor Beat, Cascadia Green Building Council • Advocate speaking on behalf of Benefit Corporation legislation with Oregon Secretary of State, Kate Brown
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- jenelle@livingroomre.com
