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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

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

Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Ben Dreher
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Join us as we sit down with the ever-dynamic Ben Dreher, a man of many talents who has seamlessly transitioned from the world of construction to the fast-paced realm of real estate. Ben shares the invaluable insights he brings from his construction background, offering a unique perspective on spotting potential issues in homes that others might miss.
In this episode:
- How Ben's military and engineering backgrounds provide a unique perspective in real estate.
- Why market conditions are creating new opportunities for buyers.
- How rising interest rates have affected buyer behavior and negotiation dynamics.
- Why inspections and seller concessions are becoming more prevalent in the current market.
- How Ben's construction knowledge aids in identifying potential issues in homes.
- Why potential buyers might benefit from starting their search now for summer opportunities.
- How the possibility of lower interest rates could heat up the market by the summer.
- How Ben's direct approach and availability enhance client service in real estate.
- Why the infusion of CSI intrigue could be an exciting addition to future podcast content.
- How Ben's multifaceted career path led to his passion for real estate.
- Why market volatility is challenging, yet opens the door for savvy negotiations.
- How Ben shares personal anecdotes to illustrate current real estate trends.
- Why a tactical approach to market uncertainties can benefit clients.
- How Ben's Marine Corps experience instilled discipline beneficial to real estate success.
- Why a diverse professional background can be an asset in real estate transactions.
Contact Ben:
Cell: 651-808-3644
Email: bendreher@edinarealty.com

Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Wendy Heras
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Thursday Jan 11, 2024
Join us this time as we talk with Wendy Heras about her remarkable shift from the pawn shop industry to becoming a real estate powerhouse with Keller Williams in Minnesota. We explore Wendy's vibrant past, her bold move with her children to Minnesota, and her profound impact on first-time and first-generation homebuyers.
In this episode:
- How Wendy transitioned from the pawn shop industry to real estate in Minnesota.
- The move from Arizona to Minnesota with her children.
- What challenges Wendy faced adapting to the Minnesotan climate after an October relocation.
- Why Wendy believes real estate is alluring to new buyers in the Midwest.
- What homeownership opportunities are being unlocked in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
- How a homeownership incentive program offers up to $30,000 in forgivable loans.
- Why personal stories can be related to strategic thinking in real estate.
- What the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals' event on December 7th aims to achieve.
- What will be taking place at the NAHREP event.
- How Wendy's expertise in jewelry authentication and pawn shop management influenced her career shift.
- What unique items Wendy encountered in the pawn industry.
- Why Wendy's move to Minnesota was a courageous step and how it impacted her life.
- How the upcoming homeownership incentive program could affect first-time and first-generation home buyers.
- Why managing client expectations and education is crucial in the housing market for real estate agents.
Contact Wendy:
Cell: 651-890-7838
Email: heraswendy@gmail.com

Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Ayden Mains and Ben Mains
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
In this episode we're joined by siblings Ayden and Ben Mains from The Heritage Group with KW Select. We discuss their journey into real estate, shaped largely by their family environment and their mother's influence. They share their insights on the current real estate market, the impact of COVID-19, and the role of personality assessments in their team's success. We also hear about generational differences in the industry.
In this episode:
- How the Mains grew up with real estate as a regular topic of conversation at family dinners.
- Why their mother played a significant role in shaping their understanding of the real estate industry.
- How the Mains navigate the current real estate market, including dealing with the impact of COVID-19.
- Why they attribute their team's success to personality assessments.
- Why contradicting inventory statistics and fluctuating interest rates make the market intriguing.
- Why now might be a prime time to purchase a home.
- Approaching generational differences in the real estate industry.
- Being inclined towards this industry from an early age.
- How their partnership with lender friends has made pre-qualifying offers smoother.
- How Ayden uses her interior design background to help buyers visualize the potential in homes.
- Softening prices and less competition being an opportunity for buyers.
- How the Mains adapted their roles in The Heritage Group, focusing on their strengths.
- How their approach of continuous learning and contribution helps them adapt to the ever-changing real estate market.
- Why they feel excited when they see a Bell approval letter, indicating a smooth lending process.
Contact Ayden:
Cell: 651-271-1973
Email: aydenmains@kw.com
Contact Ben:
Cell: 651-271-7472
Email: bmains76@kw.com

Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Artemisa Boston
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Thursday Nov 16, 2023
Today we’re chatting with Artemisa Boston, a successful real estate agent from Realty Group, who has redefined success in the field. Starting her career in Mexico City, Artemisa overcame language and cultural barriers to establish herself in the US, primarily serving the Latino community. She explains the complexities of real estate and immigration, highlighting the value of homeownership.
In this episode:
- How Artemisa's journey from Mexico City to Austin led to her success in real estate.
- Serving primarily Latino clients and how her story inspires new real estate agents.
- Understanding the complex relationship between real estate and immigration.
- How Artemisa and her colleagues assist clients through immigration, home purchases, and lender selection.
- Why bilingual representation in the real estate industry is important.
- The value of homeownership in a high-interest, low-price market.
- Why Artemisa's determination led to her success in the real estate industry.
- The challenges faced by immigrants in navigating the home buying process and choosing a lender.
- The benefits of stability and security for families through homeownership.
- Why Artemisa values a hard-working, honest lender who has the clients' best interest at heart.
- The importance of seizing opportunities when interest rates are high and prices are low.
- How Artemisa's passion for real estate and helping her community sets her apart from other agents.
- Why Artemisa believes it's always a good time to buy a house, despite varying interest rates.
- Why Artemisa encourages people to buy homes now, rather than waiting for spring when prices might increase.
- How educating clients about current market trends is a key part of Artemisa's approach.
Contact Artemisa:
Cell: 651-503-2625
Email: arte54@yahoo.com
