Amy McKenna is a managing broker at Windermere Real Estate in Seattle, specializing in helping first-time buyers, Seattle newcomers, and co-buyers navigate residential real estate. She’s also the creator of CoHome, a community platform dedicated to educating people on owning property with others, whether that’s friends, family, or chosen community.

Amy’s journey into co-homeownership began with an unexpected request: a talk for a polyamorous community group about real estate. As she prepared, she realized the concept applied far beyond that community. Young people wanting to build equity before (or without) marriage. Parents sharing childcare. Seniors aging in place with friends or family. The possibilities were endless, but the process felt daunting to most people.

Today, Amy educates people on co-homeownership through free public talks, one-on-one strategy sessions, and resources for navigating the logistics. Her work has made real estate invigorating again, much like how cooking became more exciting when she embraced veganism.

You’ll learn about:

• How Amy shifted from traditional real estate to educating people on co-homeownership and co-living arrangements
• Why co-ownership isn’t just for romantic partners, but also for friends, family, and seniors aging in place
• Creative ways to have separate but attached living spaces that give privacy while fostering connection
• How Amy’s vegan journey mirrored her work

Quote:

"You don't necessarily have to be best friends to do this together. In fact, I'm not sure that that's the best pairing. And I was like, I think you're right. I think you come in with, you know, obviously simpatico, but it's as much that you have the right priorities and the right philosophy around how you live might actually be a better partner, possibly."

Show Notes

🏠 [2:53] Amy explains her work as a real estate agent in Seattle with first-time home buyers.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 [5:43] Choosing how you want to live: co-living and co-owning.

🤝 [9:16] The importance of proximity and accidental interactions in your local community.

👥 [13:02] Why you don't necessarily have to be best friends for co-housing.

🔗 [15;46] Ways you can have very separate but attached discrete areas.

👨‍👩‍👧 [20:25] Co-owning without co-living: parents investing in their child's first home.

💼 [24:50] Why everyone over 18 should have a power of attorney and a health directive.

📑 [27:16] How Amy serves clients throughout the entire state.

🌱 [31: 02] Sharing communal spaces: A great way to build your vegan community.

🏆 [34:31] What “becoming” vegan means for Amy

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Thanks for listening to Pivot, our vegan business interview podcast. This is recorded as a live-streaming session, so I hope you’ll join us for future interviews as well! If you are feeling inspired but unsure of how to take actionable steps to improve your business, I invite you to explore our online course and free resources at veganmainstream.com.