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Realtor Conversations is a show about two Minnesota base power mortgage lenders who interview successful real estate agents. Each week, hosts Brad Goulet and Stig Sandell will discuss how to successfully navigate the real estate market and mortgage market. Let Brad, Stig and their guests be your guide in helping to EMPOWER you with valuable insider information and tools that you need to buy, sell, refinance, and move through the loan process seamlessly.
Realtor Conversations is a show about two Minnesota base power mortgage lenders who interview successful real estate agents. Each week, hosts Brad Goulet and Stig Sandell will discuss how to successfully navigate the real estate market and mortgage market. Let Brad, Stig and their guests be your guide in helping to EMPOWER you with valuable insider information and tools that you need to buy, sell, refinance, and move through the loan process seamlessly.
Episodes

Monday May 06, 2024
Lori Bernard
Monday May 06, 2024
Monday May 06, 2024
We’re alongside Lori Bernard of Century 21 Affiliated, out of Hudson, Wisconsin, whose background as a chemist-turned-realtor provides an insightful perspective on the ever-changing real estate landscape. Lori reflects on her Green Bay roots, family values, and how personal connections have shaped her career in real estate. We’ll discuss the evolution of the market, the impact of real estate TV shows on buyer expectations, and the shifting nature of commissions. Plus, Lori offers her green-thumbed wisdom for garden protection, all served up with humor and a touch of nostalgia.
In this episode:
- How Lori evolved from a chemist into a real estate expert.
- Why personal connections and family have played a crucial role in Lori's professional life.
- Why real estate market dynamics have shifted drastically since Lori began her career.
- How TV shows from channels like HGTV have influenced buyer expectations in the housing market.
- Why today's homeowners tend to move more frequently, shortening the average mortgage lifespan.
- How recent changes in real estate commissions are impacting buyer-seller dynamics.
- Why transparency in commission within the MLS is a hot topic in the industry.
- How Lori integrates her gardening passion with her real estate profession.
- How Lori's online strategies contribute to her success and client engagement.
- Why the average age of first-time homebuyers is increasing, plus the implications.
- How the current lack of inventory is the primary challenge in Lori's market area.
- Why baby boomers are modifying homes instead of moving, affecting market inventory.
- How Lori anticipates the NAR commission changes may not significantly alter the market.
Contact Lori:
Cell: 715-441-1320
Email: lori@loribernardhomes.com

Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Isaac Contreras and Julissa Fuentes-Roberts
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
This time we're joined by the remarkable team from CML Group at Keller Williams: Isaac Contreras and Julissa Fuentes-Roberts. We delve into the heart of homeownership, including the mission of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP). We cover the impact of down payment assistance, professional growth, and the human stories behind real estate careers, while also addressing the NAR settlement's effects on the industry.
In this episode:
- How homeownership thresholds are navigated in today's market.
- The synergy of Isaac and Julissa partnership in the CML Group and how it contributes to their business model.
- How NAHREP's mission is fostering sustainable Hispanic homeownership.
- Why down payment assistance programs are transformative for first-generation homebuyers.
- How Isaac's naval service influenced his real estate career in St. Paul.
- Why continuing education for real estate professionals is crucial for industry adaptation.
- Reflecting on Isaac and Julissa’s professional real estate journeys.
- Why the NAR settlement has significant implications for Minnesota's real estate industry.
- How adapting with grace and professionalism is essential in the evolving landscape.
- Why digital connectivity is important for real estate professionals like Isaac and Julissa.
- How the Twin Cities Diversity Homeownership Fair is creating new opportunities.
- Why transparent agent compensation and open communication with clients are beneficial.
- How the partnership at CML Group is creating a family legacy in real estate.
- Why maintaining an ethical approach in real estate is essential for CML Group.
Contact Isaac:
Cell: 651-387-6317
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Isaac.contreras1
Contact Julissa:
Cell: 612-599-7606
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myrealtorjulissa_

Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Grant Johnson and Amber Urlacher
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Thursday Apr 11, 2024
Join us as we dive into the secrets of real estate growth with today’s guests from the Grant Johnson Group, brokered by eXp Realty: realtor and broker Grant Johnson himself, COO/Director of Sales and realtor Amber Urlacher, and Listing and Marketing Manager Katie Mahler. We’ll discuss the nuances of commission changes, the value of consumer education, and the power of teamwork and mentorship in real estate. Our three guests also reveal their innovative marketing strategies and the essential personal attributes for coming out on top in this industry.
In this episode:
- How the Grant Johnson Group grew from a small team to a 47-agent real estate powerhouse.
- Why social media engagement is critical for real estate growth and team expansion.
- How operational strategies and mentorship programs contribute to the team's success.
- Why a supportive team environment is essential for individual and collective achievements.
- How recent real estate commission changes are affecting agents and the market.
- Why consumer education is necessary amidst financial shifts in the real estate sector.
- How the industry is innovating and adapting to commission changes.
- Why transparency and lender-realtor collaborations are becoming more important.
- Why a strong work ethic and team support are vital for success in realty.
- How the Grant Johnson Group assures training and quality service consistency.
- Why evolving marketing strategies, especially social media, are reshaping real estate.
- Why a positive business attitude is crucial for success and team dynamics.
- Why mentorship within the team is structured to maximize agent growth and performance.
- How team members are encouraged to immerse themselves in real estate activities for better learning.
- How changes in regulations may impact lead generation and client communication strategies.
Contact Grant:
Cell: 651-324-3787
Email: grant@grantjohnson.com
Contact Amber:
Cell: 612-859-9082
Email: amber@grantjohnson.com
Contact Katie:
Cell: 715-531-3183

Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Pam Ott-Morse and Allie Morse
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
Tuesday Mar 12, 2024
We're joined by mother-daughter duo Pam Ott-Morse and Allie Morse today from Keller Williams Premier. We’ll learn about their family legacy in real estate, tracing back to 1972, and explore how education has played a pivotal role in their business and personal growth. We also shift gears to the world of women's hockey, discussing the sport's evolution. Allie shares her experiences as a former pro player and current coach, alongside managing an exciting real estate career. Plus, we highlight Allie's podcasts on The Ice Garden network.
In this episode:
- How the family legacy in real estate began with Pam's father in 1972.
- Why personal growth and education are cornerstones of the family's real estate business.
- How Allie transitioned from reluctance to becoming a licensed realtor.
- Why the recent merger in women's hockey is a game-changer for the sport.
- How discipline learned on the ice translates to success in other life arenas.
- The time management required for balancing a career, coaching, wedding planning, and pets.
- How Allie's podcast contributions promote women's hockey.
- Why the family's involvement in sports reinforces their commitment to time and discipline.
- How the real estate market's evolution has impacted the family’s business practices.
- Why adopting new technology was crucial for the family to thrive in real estate.
- Why a passion for hockey and sports has been integral to the family's dynamic.
- How the family's commitment to real estate has influenced multiple generations.
- Why merging personal interests with professional endeavors can create a fulfilling life.
- How setbacks like the Great Recession can teach resilience in business and personal pursuits.
Contact Pam:
Cell: 651-387-0772
Email: pam@theotts.com
Contact Allie:
Cell: 651-263-8844
Email: allie@theotts.com
Allie is a former Division 1 hockey player and a professional ice hockey goalie for the Whitecaps. Check out her podcast, The Ice Garden. Two episodes featuring her are:
"Around the Rink"
https://open.spotify.com/episode/55wDoupAvaTF2Ep1HMZiuD
"Crease Chats"

Friday Mar 08, 2024
Cory Malveaux
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Friday Mar 08, 2024
Today we’re speaking with Cory Malveaux about his journey from working on Ford's assembly line to becoming a real estate titan at Edina Realty. We’ll explore the digital revolution's impact on realty, the nuances of agent development, and the dynamic real estate market. Cory's innovative strategies offer great insights to achieving success in the competitive real estate market.
In this episode:
- How Cory ended up working at Ford when he was 19 years old, and how he got into real estate.
- Why a career pivot can lead to unexpected success, as seen with Cory's YouTube venture.
- How digital platforms enable real estate professionals to create unique revenue streams.
- Why Cory's entry into real estate just before the 2008 crash proved to be advantageous.
- How current real estate marketing strategies differ from those during the 2008 crisis.
- How Cory's experience selling bank-owned properties shaped his real estate strategies.
- Why consistent engagement, even with negative feedback, boosts online visibility for realtors.
- How veteran agents can adapt to changing technology for client engagement.
- Why real estate remains a smart investment despite market fluctuations.
- How Cory uses technology for agent development and personal accountability in sales.
- Why embracing both new and traditional marketing tactics is key in today's real estate market.
- How video content creation has become a crucial tool for real estate agents.
- Why consistency in workplace and branding is vital for a real estate agent's reputation.
- Tips on staying relevant and efficient with video content batching.
- What’s being seen as we head into the spring market.
Contact Cory:
Cell: 651-216-3740
Email: corymalveaux@edinarealty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecorymalveaux

Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Joey Torkildson
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Thursday Feb 29, 2024
We’re sitting down with Joey Torkildson, a real estate innovator from Voila Real Estate and a partner at EXP Realty, in this episode. With a background in the military, Joey brings discipline and a fresh perspective to the industry. We’ll learn about the flat fee structures, the power of revenue sharing, and the impact of a recent lawsuit on commission practices.
In this episode:
- How Joey's military discipline influenced his real estate career.
- Why he transitioned from a traditional brokerage to a collaborative model at Voila Real Estate.
- How the team structure at EXP Realty fosters innovation in real estate.
- The Level Up Community that Joey and EXP are creating.
- How revenue sharing within EXP encourages collective growth.
- Why a lawsuit is possibly reshaping commission structures in real estate.
- How Joey navigates legal challenges and market dynamics.
- Why resilience and community connections are vital in the competitive real estate industry.
- How Joey's personal experiences with family adventures relate to his professional life.
- Why a collaborative culture in real estate can redefine success and team dynamics.
- How Joey's partnership with Charlie Lawson and GCS Title benefits the Level Up Community.
- Why breaking away from the 'lone wolf' business mindset can lead to industry advancement.
- A new partnership that Joey is forming and why it will be beneficial to both sides.
- Why the peer-to-peer team structure at EXP challenges conventional hierarchical teams.
- How the legal intricacies of buyer's agent compensation are affecting the industry globally.
Contact Joey:
Cell: 651-210-1038
Email: joey@voilaitsold.com
Website: www.VoilaItSold.com

Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Matt Van Voorhis
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Today we're joined by Matt Van Voorhis, aka The Hockey REALTOR, with RE/MAX Results who shares his journey from professional hockey to real estate stardom. We dive into Matt's transition strategy, the power of personal branding, and how his competitive sports background propels his success in the housing market. We also tackle the current real estate climate and the challenges for first-time homebuyers, as well as learn how Matt found success in his first year in this industry.
In this episode:
- Why Matt leverages his hockey background in his real estate branding strategy.
- How Matt's affiliation with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association has aided his realty business.
- Why open houses, social media engagement, and networking are so important.
- How moving frequently as a young athlete prepared Matt for the real estate industry.
- Why setting weekly goals is crucial for real estate success.
- How Matt's athletic background influences his approach to building client relationships.
- What innovative marketing tactics Matt has employed to integrate his hockey persona into realty.
- The struggles Matt faced in his first year as a realtor and how he overcame them.
- Why Matt thinks some rules in hockey are counterproductive to developing young players.
- How Matt perceives the current real estate market, considering interest rates and seasonality.
- Why educating first-time homebuyers about market realities is important for Matt.
- Addressing the challenge of rising home prices for first-time buyers.
- Why Florida's market is appealing to Matt, and how he is expanding his business there.
Contact Matt:
Cell: 952-200-0891
Email: matt@vanrealty.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehockey_realtor

Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Rebekah Chamberlain
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Rebekah Chamberlain of Compass Realty Group takes us through her fascinating transition from dairy farming to real estate in today’s episode. Rebekah shares insights into global real estate trends, the nuances of navigating property markets into 2024, and the innovative support she offers individuals facing divorce. Join us for a journey through her unique experiences and market predictions.
In this episode:
- How Rebekah's agricultural background influences her real estate approach.
- How Rebekah's global perspective enhances her real estate expertise.
- What Compass Realty Group’s expansion means for community engagement.
- How Rebekah foresees the real estate market changing as we continue through 2024.
- Why this being an election year might impact real estate market dynamics.
- How the trend of remote work affected people's choice of living location.
- Regrets that buyers have from the pandemic buying frenzy.
- Why skilled negotiation is becoming crucial in the current real estate market.
- How Rebekah's mastery of market trends benefits her clients.
- Why understanding the product and process is vital for real estate success.
- How a year in insurance prepares Rebekah for a career in real estate.
- Events and workshops that Rebekah hosts for community engagement.
- What personal experiences led to Rebekah's focus on divorcees.
- Combining personal growth routines with professional life.
- Why Rebekah believes morning routines are crucial for daily success.
- Cultural shocks that Rebekah experienced living in Moscow as a child.
- Why Rebekah does not miss dairy farming despite its beautiful setting.
- How Rebekah's past as a dairy farmer influences her work ethic in real estate.
Contact Rebekah:
Cell: 612-391-0171

Friday Feb 02, 2024
Jake Bents
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Friday Feb 02, 2024
Jake Bents from Lakes Sotheby’s International Realty is alongside us in today’s episode. Getting into the ever-evolving world of sustainable living, Jake enlightens us with his expertise on green real estate, market shifts, and the importance of eco-consciousness in modern housing. We also hear about the shifts in home pricing strategies over the past decade.
In this episode:
- How Jake’s career evolved from new construction sales to sustainable living.
- Why Jake chose to rejoin the industry with Lakes Sotheby's International Realty.
- The role that social media plays in today's real estate market.
- How are the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social—integrated into home building?
- Why financial viability is a crucial factor in sustainable practices for homeownership.
- How the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency has impacted housing affordability and quality.
- What major shifts have been seen in home pricing strategies over the last decade.
- How higher interest rates are influencing buyer negotiations in the current market.
- Why Jake prefers text messaging for professional communication, and why he’s so good at it.
- What it has been like engaging with clients via text.
- How the average home price in the Twin Cities has changed from 2013 to 2023.
- Why the housing market might be stabilizing, and what implications there are for buyers.
- Advantages for investors in the current real estate market.
- How first-time homebuyers can benefit from programs like the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency's.
- Why now is considered a good time to enter the real estate market.
Contact Jake:
Cell: 612-518-8598
Email: jake.bents@lakesmn.com

Monday Jan 29, 2024
Jay Fletch
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
In this episode, we're welcoming real estate guru Jay Fletch from Edina Realty. We hear about Jay's 26-year real estate journey, including unpacking the intricacies of commissions, crafting stellar teams, and the art of leadership. We’ll also dissect the implications of zero-commission listings and the evolving role of negotiation and marketing strategies.
In this episode:
- Why understanding real estate commissions is crucial for navigating industry changes.
- How team dynamics evolve with commission-based and salary-based compensation models.
- Why building a family-oriented real estate team can foster loyalty and reduce turnover.
- How consistent customer experiences contribute to referral-based business growth.
- Why specialized roles within a team are essential for consistent service.
- How a stable core team with clear roles can facilitate exponential business growth.
- Why making ten calls a day can be part of a daily success plan for real estate agents.
- How databases and referral pyramids are vital tools for real estate business scaling.
- Why relationship building and maintaining company values are key in real estate transactions.
- How AI is predicted to give a competitive edge to real estate agents who adopt it.
- Why employee loyalty matters in the face of aggressive recruitment in the real estate industry.
- How Jay's story highlights the importance of decision making aligned with long-term relationship building.
- Why leadership and accountability are paramount in guiding successful real estate teams.
- How Jay's experience with Edina Realty and starting his own company shaped his understanding of team structure.
- Why negotiating fees and demonstrating value are becoming more critical for real estate agents.
Contact Jay:
Cell: 715-760-1189
Email: jayfletch@edinarealty.com
Websites: www.jayfletchrealty.com
