There’s something special about real estate bringing people together from completely different corners of the world. We recently got the perfect reminder of that! One of our brokers, Karen Cox, had the absolute pleasure of hosting Undraa. Undraa is a talented realtor who visited us all the way from Mongolia as a part of the Washington REALTORS ® 2026 Homestay Program. As part of their ongoing global initiatives, this program offers members of the Mongolian ambassador association a unique opportunity to experience the day-to-day life of REALTORS® in the U.S. The experience also provides U.S. REALTORS® valuable insight into the impact and importance of Washington REALTORS®’ global partnerships.
A True Cultural Exchange
From the moment Undraa arrived, it felt like a true cultural exchange rooted in shared passion, curiosity, and a love for helping people find the beautiful sanctuary they will call home.

Karen Cox said:
“Having gone to Mongolia last year, I was excited to host a Mongolian agent. I never met Undraa on my trip to Mongolia with Washington Realtors®, but we discovered we were in some of the same photos from the Realtor’s Voice Forum I attended in Mongolia.”
The Experiences
One of the best experiences was when Undraa offered to cook us a Mongolian meal. She made us Khuushuur (fried dumplings) and Buuz (steamed dumplings). They were delicious! She explained their whole family gets together on holidays and makes these. Like us cooking for Thanksgiving, but on a larger scale because they often have all the extended family there too.”

During her time here, Undraa and Karen explored the beauty of Whidbey Island together, touring a variety of listings and soaking in everything that makes this place so unique. From waterfront views to quiet countryside properties, it was a chance to not only showcase our local market, but to see it through a fresh set of eyes.
The Connection
We loved having the chance to host lunch to welcome her to Whidbey Island! Brokers from both our Coupeville and Oak Harbor offices convened to connect with each other and with Undraa to share meaningful conversations and listen to her experiences. After lunch, we got the chance to see a presentation from Undraa on the real estate processes in Mongolia, insights about how she serves her clients, and the differences between real estate in Mongolia versus here! From differences in property ownership to the pace and structure of transactions, it was fascinating to compare and realize just how global (and yet personal) this industry truly is.

But beyond the business side, what made this visit unforgettable were the moments in between.
Undraa spoiled us with thoughtful gifts from Mongolia, each one carrying a piece of her home and culture. And then, she went a step further—preparing us a traditional Mongolian dinner that brought everyone together around the table. It wasn’t just delicious (though it absolutely was); it was meaningful. Food has a way of connecting people, and that evening was more than just a meal; it was the blossoming of a beautiful new friendship.
The 2026 Homestay Program Success Story
Experiences like this remind us that real estate isn’t just about properties—it’s about people, stories, and connections that stretch far beyond borders.
We miss her already.
Thank you, Undraa, for sharing your knowledge, your culture, and your kindness with us. Enjoy the rest of your time in the U.S.! We’ll be cheering you on from Whidbey Island!