Realtor Conversations

Michelle Markuson

On this episode of Realtor Conversations our guest is Michelle Markuson of Lakes Sotheby's International Realty. Michelle loves negotiating, and this is one of the top skills she brings to her clients in real estate. We hear all about her interests outside of real estate in this episode, and how they also play into her career in a positive way. She also gives extremely useful advice that buyers need to navigate the real estate market right now.

In this episode:

• Michelle’s favorite musician and where her love of music comes from.
• The unique place where you can find musicians playing locally.
• What she loves about Lakes Sotheby’s and the office that she works out of.
• The misconception about working at Lakes Sotheby’s (and what’s actually true).
• The other hats that Michelle wears and how she brings those skills to real estate.
• Why she’s not afraid to walk away from a deal for her clients during negotiations.
• What her post-secondary education was in and how it shows up in her career now.
• Similarities that she sees between her coaching clients and real estate clients.
• Why, as a coach, she doesn’t give advice to her clients and what she does instead.
• The book she’s working on right now and what it’s about.
• What she’s seeing in the real estate market right now and how it’s shifting.
• Michelle’s advice for those looking to buy in the market
• What she named her car and what’s so special about it.
• Where her deep passion for real estate comes from.
• Why Michelle feels she’s lucky to be at Lakes Sotheby’s.

 

Contact Michelle:

Cell: 612-483-1494

Email: michelle.markuson@lakesmn.com

Jackie Garofalo

Jackie Garofalo with Keller Williams Premier is with us in this episode to talk about how having a positive mindset in your work is crucial, especially in the real estate industry. There will be things that happen that are out of your control, like market changes and internal shifts with clients. As a Realtor, Jackie emphasizes that it’s important to take care of yourself, trust your instincts, and be confident in yourself.

In this episode:

• How taking leave during Jackie’s pregnancy (with twins) led to a career pivot.
• What makes Jackie’s personality unique and a perfect fit for the real estate industry.
• The most surprising things she’s learned as a Realtor.
• The key to finding success as a Realtor and why client connection is so important.
• Why it took time for Jackie to get used to rejection and how she sees it now.
• Key signs someone will have a successful career as a Realtor.
• Why connecting with the right clients is a little bit like dating (plus, how to be confident).
• Why the real estate industry is great for forever learners.
• The importance of trusting your instincts as a Realtor, especially for safety.
• How Jackie handles listings at locations she has concerns about.
• The big event she attended recently and what the biggest highlight was.
• What kind of relationships Jackie forms with her clients.
• What you need to be doing as a Realtor right now to keep up-to-date with trends.
• How every HOA is a business and why Jackie got involved in hers.

 

Contact Jackie:

Cell: 651-303-2548 (texts preferred)

Ellissa Friedman

In this episode our guest is Ellissa Friedman from Keller Williams Premier Realty of Woodbury. It’s no secret that people love working with Ellissa—she has a great energy that people are drawn to. Teaching is at the forefront of her approach, and she’s passionate about helping her clients make great decisions. This conversation has her sharing how she got into the real estate industry, as well as the other parts of life she’s passionately involved in.

In this episode:

• How Ellissa likes to be creative, especially when it comes to parties.
• The unique strengths she brings to the client experience.
• What she learned before she became a realtor and how that impacted her career.
• The real estate experience that left her feeling taken advantage of.
• Expectations versus reality of communication in a real estate transaction.
• Costs to consider when purchasing a home that not all buyers know about.
• The reluctant move that Ellissa made for her husband and how it all worked out.
• The one thing they don’t tell you about becoming a realtor.
• Where you can sometimes find Ellissa giving out hugs for free.
• The scholarship she won and where she’s going for it soon.
• Why Ellissa says she loves her broker and feels proud to work with him.
• The biggest issue in the market right now, particularly for first-time home buyers.
• Where it would be great to see the rates go to support affordability.
• The industry uptick she’s seeing right now and why.

 

Contact Ellissa:

Cell: 612-509-5130

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ellissa-Friedman-Realtor-KW-Premier-Realty-100089545624551/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellissa_friedman

Paige Tollefsbol

Today we’re chatting with Paige Tollefsbol, an up-and-coming real estate phenom. From a young age, Paige knew she was going to enter the real estate industry. Now, three years in, she’s learned a lot—which lends to her coming across a lot more seasoned than she is. Being at the start of her career, she also brings a lot of excitement, enthusiasm, and a willingness to do whatever it takes to get the best outcome for her clients.

 

In this episode:

• The moment that Paige knew she was going to get into real estate.
• How shadowing her dad at work inspired her career.
• What she has learned in her three years in this industry.
• Her favourite part about her work (along with the most difficult part).
• How Paige handles first impressions and why her work speaks for itself.
• What she’s seeing in the market now and where it’s
• What springtime tends to bring and why it’s great for agents.
• How Paige approaches multiple offer situations to get her clients what they want.
• The distinct challenges of working on the buying side versus the selling side.
• How real estate isn’t as dramatic as what you see on TV.
• The secret personality traits of top-performing agents.
• What Paige saw her parents doing that influenced her work ethic.
• The optimism and enthusiasm she brings to her work and why it matters.
• Why honesty and transparency are important in the buying and selling processes.
• Why Paige especially loves working with first-time home buyers.

 

Contact Paige:

Cell: 651-295-9996

Email: paige.tollefsbol@results.net 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paige.tollefsbol/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptollefsbolrealestate/

Dominique Redmann and Amanda Gilman

We have the pleasure of hosting both Dominique Redmann and Amanda Gilman of Coldwell Banker and The Home Sweet Homies Team today. These women have transitioned from careers in nursing and the military to real estate, so they tell us all the details about their decision to launch their own venture. With candid stories, they share the realities of the post-COVID housing market, and debunk myths about the so-called “glamorous” life of realtors. They discuss the diverse skills required in their field, and offer very useful insights and advice for first-time homebuyers and sellers.

 

In this episode:

• How Dominique and Amanda transitioned from nursing and military to real estate.
• How the two met Stig while playing golf together.
• Why their diverse backgrounds enhance their real estate team's dynamic.
• The challenges that have been arising in the post-COVID housing market.
• Why they focus on first-time homebuyers and what makes them specialists.
• How Amanda's extroverted nature complements Dominique's introverted tendencies.
• Why they prefer personal networking over avenues such as cold calling.
• How their experience in nursing and the military benefits client relationships.
• What advice they offer to first-time homebuyers regarding pre-approval.
• Why painting might be the best return on investment when selling a home.
• How they balance tasks and roles within their real estate team.
• Insights about the less exciting tasks involved in being a realtor day-to-day.
• Why they value support from Coldwell Banker and their local office.
• How they handle the fluctuating real estate market, especially with multiple offers.

 

Contact Dominique:

Cell: 715-573-2521

 

Contact Amanda:

Cell: 763-442-6593

Nick Moucha

Nick Moucha, a charismatic real estate expert with Keller Williams, is chatting with us in this episode. He takes us through his bold exit from banking to navigating the challenges of commercial real estate, including an unbelievable phone call he received while on vacation in his early days. We explore his transition to the residential market in Rochester, Minnesota, leveraging his banking connections and navigating a tight-knit community. We also hear Nick’s take on current real estate dynamics, including why moving can be a tough sell for homeowners right now.

 

In this episode:

• The strong impression Nick made when he first met Brad and Stig.
• How the support of Nick's wife and three children has fueled his resilience in real estate.
• How a commercial real estate project disrupted Nick while on vacation.
• How Nick utilized his connections to break into Rochester 's residential market.
• Why familial ties and major employers like the Mayo Clinic shape Rochester's real estate landscape.
• House hacking that Nick was involved with around the time his daughter was born.
• Why Nick says living in an apartment and owning real estate is the most passive, easy way to enjoy life.
• Nick’s time spent working at Delta Airlines when he decided to move to the Twin Cities.
• Why economic shifts are impacting real estate buying decisions, prompting more calculated moves.
• How life events influence real estate choices in unpredictable ways.
• Why Nick emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adaptability in achieving real estate success.
• Signs that there isn’t a lot of “impulse buying” happening right now.
• How Nick went above and beyond for a client recently, with the help of Brad and Stig.

 

Contact Nick:

Cell: 608-692-4688

Website: www.nickmoucha.com  

Collin Vold

We welcome Collin Vold with eXp Realty in this episode, a military veteran turned real estate agent who has now been in the industry for over 15 years. Collin shares his captivating journey from serving in the Army with deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq to finding his calling in real estate. We hear about his genuine passion for real estate, exploring his insights on the evolving market and the importance of mentorship. Collin also talks about what he does in his personal life, from growing up on a 60-acre hobby farm to enjoying the vibrance of Minneapolis.

 

In this episode:

• Why Collin decided to pursue real estate because of a pivotal moment in Iraq.
• How a chance encounter with NFL star Jason Elam happened.
• The strong friendships that Collin was able to form while serving in the military.
• How Collin's genuine passion for real estate goes beyond the industry's glamor.
• Why mentors and personal growth are significant in Collin's real estate journey.
• How current market dynamics are compared to last year's conditions.
• Collin's experiences from rural farm life to city living in Minneapolis.
• How Collin came up with his slogan, "Collin Vold gets it sold."
• Why adaptability and understanding evolving real estate dynamics are essential.
• How Collin values the utility and personal significance of homes beyond just financial investment.
• Why Veterans Affairs loans are likely the most underrated tool in lending.
• A new hobby that Collin has recently gotten involved with.
• How Collin enjoys both listings and buyer interactions, emphasizing work-life balance.

 

Contact Collin:

Cell: 651-395-9268

Email: collin@collinvold.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collinvold

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/collinvold

Leanda Andrade

We have the pleasure of hosting Leanda Andrade from RE/MAX Advantage Plus. Leanda shares her journey into the real estate industry, beginning with her ambitious goals in multifamily investing and the challenges she encountered along the way. Supported by Minnesota's diversified workers program, Leanda transitioned into a successful real estate agent after attending Minnesota Realty School. Our discussion explores the importance of mentorship and authentic support, and we talk about the excitement of the upcoming 2025 spring market.

 

In this episode:

• How Leanda's journey in real estate began with multifamily investing ambitions.
• Why Leanda transitioned from multifamily investing to becoming a real estate agent.
• How Minnesota's Diversified Workers Program supported Leanda's career shift.
• Leanda’s background as a paralegal.
• What challenges Leanda faced in the real estate industry and how she overcame them.
• How a transformative conference introduced Leanda to the syndication model of investing.
• Why mentorship and authentic support are crucial in real estate.
• What strategies are effective for successful open houses and client relationships.
• Leanda’s involvement with the dance team at Highland Park High School.
• What unique business ideas Leanda explores, including entrepreneurial ventures.
• How communication and support from lenders are valued by real estate agents.
• What advice Leanda offers for first-time homebuyers about home ownership possibilities.
• How creative strategies and action-taking set top agents apart in real estate.
• Why Leanda uses door knocking to get people to attend her open houses.
• A new business idea that Leanda has been thinking about recently.

 

Contact Leanda:

Cell: 612-222-0159

Email: realty@leandaandrade.net

Kim Jackson and Elise Tagg

In this episode, we are thrilled to have real estate experts Kim Jackson and Elise Tagg from Keller Williams Premier in Stillwater. Their journey spans nearly two decades, with Elise transitioning from a sandblasting business to real estate, driven by her passion for design. Kim, on the other hand, moved from a career in corporate relocations and is also regularly involved in house flipping. Together, they provide so many insights into property potential and improvements. Our discussion covers the allure of unique homes like “barndominiums” and container houses, as well as anticipated market trends for 2025, such as developments in Wisconsin's White Pine Ridge and Hillside Estates.

 

In this episode:

• How Kimand Elise transitioned into real estate from different career backgrounds.
• Why Kim chose to start house flipping and how it became a successful venture.
• How Elise's passion for design eventually led her from sandblasting to real estate.
• Why Keller Williams was their brokerage of choice, emphasizing education and leadership.
• How “barndominiums” and container homes are capturing buyer interest in Wisconsin.
• Why Wisconsin offers cost-effective real estate options compared to Minnesota.
• How anticipated 2025 trends are affecting real estate opportunities.
• Why maintaining a sense of community is vital in real estate.
• How increased inventory in 2025 might provide buyers with more choices.
• How professional relationships and long-term success are built through dedication and adaptability.
• Why educating clients about real estate is more effective than traditional sales tactics.

 

Contact Kim:

Cell: 651-334-5586

Email: kimjacksonhomes@hotmail.com

 

Contact Elise:

Cell: 612-759-0993

Email: elisetagg@gmail.com

Jeff Sundsmo

Today we’ve got Jeff Sundsmo of the Olsen Group and Keller Williams Premier Realty, who was involved in the medical field and in selling cars before transitioning to real estate. We hear about the origins of the Olsen Group and explore the resilience that Jeff strongly believes is needed in the industry. Our conversation takes a lighter turn as we discuss family dynamics, Jeff's passion for softball, and the resurgence of direct mail. We wrap up with Jeff's charity efforts and his predictions for the real estate market in 2025, highlighting the importance of education and patience in this ever-changing field.

 

In this episode:

• How Jeff transitioned from medicine and cars to real estate, encouraged by his stepfather and mother.
• How the Olsen Group began with Mike Olsen's ventures in downtown St. Paul.
• Why sports are a big deal in Jeff's personal and professional life.
• Jeff’s recollection of teaching his stepfather how to use email.
• Why direct mail and personal connections are making a comeback.
• How Jeff's passion for softball impacts his life and his daughter's sports journey.
• The sportsmanship and respect that Jeff learned from being a hockey referee.
• Why humor is a powerful motivator in both personal challenges and real estate endeavors.
• How the real estate market trends are evolving, with predictions for 2025.
• Why education and patience are crucial in navigating the unpredictable real estate industry.
• How Jeff’s experiences highlight the importance of adaptability and passion in real estate.
• Why listening to podcasts is part of Jeff's routine for continuous learning.
• The reason why Jeff recently decided to shave his beard.

 

Contact Jeff:

Cell: 651-491-3037

Email: jeff@mikeolsen.com