Realtor Conversations

Brad Goulet and Stig Sandell
Realtor Conversations Podcast

Realtor Conversations is a show about two Minnesota based 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.

  1. 9 SEPT

    Sam Saccoman

    We have the pleasure of chatting with Sam Saccoman from Lakes Area Realty, a talented individual who harmonizes his dual passions for real estate and music. Sam shares his journey from a corporate job to thriving in real estate, while also performing gigs regularly. He discusses his musical influences, the challenges of COVID-19, and how he creatively merges music with his real estate career.   In this episode: Why Sam transitioned from a corporate job to real estate during COVID-19. How Sam's father influenced his musical journey by teaching him guitar. Why the Space Jam soundtrack of all things was significant in Sam's musical development. How performing gigs enhances Sam's real estate marketing. Why Sam chose Lakes Area Realty for his real estate career. How mentorship and community support aided Sam's career transition. How Sam uses two-sided business cards to attract real estate clients at gigs. Why high interest rates present opportunities for buyers in the current market. Why Sam's real estate career is reaching a tipping point of success. Why mentorship at Lakes Area Realty is crucial for young realtors like Sam. How Sam's personal health challenges influenced his career choices. Why using music in social media posts enhances Sam's real estate brand. How current market trends impact buyers and sellers in real estate. Why Sam finds joy and purpose in balancing both of his careers. Why music is a unique and effective marketing tool for Sam's real estate business.   Contact Sam: Cell: 218-969-0161 Email: samuel.saccoman@gmail.com / sam@lakesarearealty.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_saccoman

    36 min
  2. 4 SEPT

    Nick Dreher

    Today we sit down with Nick Dreher, the dynamic team leader of Keller Williams Integrity Roseville, who shares the wisdom he’s gained since joining the real estate industry 2001. Nick opens up about overcoming a significant health scare, which reshaped his life and business perspectives. He offers strategies for building strong partnerships, crafting business plans, and fostering professional growth within diverse communities. Nick also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and structured processes for long-term success.   In this episode: How Nick's week-long hospital stay influenced his life and business perspectives. Why building strong partnerships with mortgage and insurance agents is necessary. How the Latino and Hmong communities in Roseville make it a unique market. Why focusing on a reliable "A-team" is more beneficial than providing multiple referrals. About Nick’s book "Mindset, Methods & Metrics.” How to establish and maintain a structured business plan for real estate success. Why making consistent daily connections is vital for achieving your goals in real estate. How to balance different lead generation strategies like open houses and social activities. How mortgage insurance plays a significant role for first-time home buyers. The way that emotional intelligence impacts long-term success in real estate careers. How accountability partners help solopreneurs maintain discipline and achieve goals. Why setting daily intentions around faith, family, fitness, finance, friends, and work is beneficial. Why a structured process is necessary even in the freedom of entrepreneurship. How consulting and coaching can contribute to a more fulfilling professional life.   Contact Nick: Cell: 651-428-5626 Email: nickdreher@kw.com

    35 min
  3. 31 JUL

    Nathan Klinkhammer

    We have the pleasure of welcoming Nathan Klinkhammer with Lakes Area Realty today. He is a former accounting and finance professional who has successfully transitioned into a thriving real estate career. Nathan tells us his insights on current market trends, the intricacies of homeowners associations, and the emotional highs of helping clients find their dream homes. We also discuss an example of a poorly managed HOA and its repercussions on property values, emphasizing the importance of staying informed and involved when it comes to your home. In this episode: How Nathan transitioned from a corporate career at 3M to real estate. Why COVID-19 influenced Nathan's career shift and desire for more human interaction. How financial skills learned at 3M has helped Nathan succeed in real estate. Why understanding homeowners associations (HOAs) is crucial in real estate transactions. How Nathan's experiences in real estate differ between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Why community involvement and staying informed on HOA activities are important. How Nathan's journey into real estate investment began during the foreclosure crisis. Why preserving historical charm in property renovations is encouraged by Nathan. How personal growth and continuous learning are central to Nathan's philosophy. How current market trends impact buyer and seller behaviors in real estate. The slight slowdown that Nathan has seen in the market since the 4th of July. Why fluctuating interest rates influence homeowner decisions. How Nathan's background in Lean Six Sigma helps his real estate practice. Why Nathan loves going to closings, especially when it’s the buyer’s first home.   Contact Nathan: Cell: 701-367-4558 Email: njklinkhammer@gmail.com

    32 min
  4. 17 JUN

    Guille Garza

    We are speaking with Guille Garza of KW Integrity Realty in today’s show. Guille shares her journey from studying computer science and psychology in Mexico to becoming a prominent real estate figure in the Minnesota. We talk about how she ended up in the US, her involvement with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAREP), and her dedication to empowering Spanish-speaking homebuyers so they can build generational wealth. In this episode: How Guille transitioned from computer science in Mexico to real estate in the United States. How Guille adapted to the cold climate and cultural changes in Minnesota. The role of mentorship and support from colleagues in Guille’s real estate success. Why Guille saw a need for transparency and guidance for Spanish-speaking homebuyers. The challenges Guille faced in the US job market and the need for additional qualifications. Why volunteering and working in education helped Guille build connections in the Latino community. The significance of programs like the first-generation homebuyer assistance initiative. How tailored financial advice can address the unique needs of first-time Latino homebuyers. The role of quality guidance from realtors, bankers, and lenders in building generational wealth. The impact of cultural and economic factors on the Latino community’s homeownership trends. The importance of educating younger generations on financial literacy and real estate. Why face-to-face interactions are vital for building trust and explaining the real estate process. How real estate can create wealth and opportunities for young individuals balancing college and careers. How Guille’s work with the Women's Council of Realtors helps empower female realtors.   Contact Guille: Cell: 612-363-9844 Email: egs.garza@gmail.com Website: https://www.guillegarza.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/e.guille_garza_realtor

    48 min
  5. 7 JUN

    Monique Garza

    Today we’re welcoming Monique Garza of Buy with Mo powered by KW, who was formerly a quality engineer for medical devices. Additionally, she is a city council member for Cottage Grove. She has a strong dedication to making homeownership more accessible, particularly for minorities in Minnesota. Monique shares her journey into real estate, along with her innovative community initiatives such as Paintings with Mo and Movies with Mo. In this episode: How Monique transitioned from a quality engineer to a realtor and city council member. Why Monique's personal experience as a landlord inspired her real estate career. Why Monique launched an outdoor movie night series, Movies with Mo, in Cottage Grove. What Paintings with Mo is and why it benefits Monique's real estate business. How Monique dealt with a negative Google review. How community engagement is central to Monique's personal and professional growth. The ways that Monique empowers first-time and minority homebuyers. What the current market looks like and why Monique encourages more owners to sell. Why down payment assistance programs are key to making homeownership more accessible. How Monique balances her roles in real estate, the community, and government. Why community events are an effective way to connect and provide entertainment. Why Monique encourages sellers to spiff up their homes in the current market. How Monique personally assists clients in preparing their homes for sale. Why addressing misconceptions about FHA loans is needed for equal opportunity in real estate.   Contact Monique: Cell: 763-501-9278 Contact: https://www.linktr.ee/everythingwithmo Website: https://www.buywithmo.com

    25 min
  6. 28 MAY

    Ryan O'Neill

    We’re sitting down with Ryan O'Neill in today’s episode, who is the founder of The Minnesota Real Estate Team of RE/MAX Advantage Plus. He shares how starting his own real estate investment portfolio led him to become a realtor, his strategies for success, the mentorship that shaped his career, and his passion for music. Our conversation also highlights how Ryan's brokerage thrives by prioritizing agent growth and community giving, illustrated by the work of the newly founded O'Neill Foundation of Hope. In this episode: How Ryan transitioned from renting to becoming a real estate investor. Why mentorship played a crucial role in Ryan's property investment journey. How a love for music has complemented Ryan's real estate ambitions. Why understanding financing is key to successful property investment. How Ryan's brokerage emphasizes agent retention through value offerings. Why lead generation and skill enhancement are pivotal for agent success. How Ryan's brokerage culture celebrates collective prosperity and community giving. What the O'Neill Foundation of Hope provides for the community. How charitable work is embedded in The Minnesota Real Estate Team's philosophy. Why passion, resilience, and adaptability are vital in the real estate industry. Why current market trends require a deep understanding of industry dynamics. How Ryan's experience shows the importance of service in professional success. The ways that Ryan’s parents were of service to their community. Why consistent effort and strong interpersonal skills lead to real estate victories. How the real estate landscape's evolution impacts agent roles and strategies. The low inventory currently being seen in the Twin Cities. Why staying positive and adaptable is essential amidst industry changes.   Contact Ryan: Cell: 952-200-9821 Email: ryan@mnrealestateteam.com Website: https://www.mnrealestateteam.com

    40 min
  7. 20 MAY

    Logan Boogren

    Today we’re joined by Logan Boogren, a rising star at RE/MAX Professionals. Logan takes us through his journey from an administrative assistant on the front desk to becoming a real estate agent. We discuss what’s happening in the current market, negotiation tactics, and the impact of the recent NAR settlement. Logan also provides valuable insight on what he is seeing from home buyers in his own, younger demographic. In this episode: How Logan Boogren transitioned from administrative assistant to realtor. Why understanding the human emotional aspect is crucial in real estate transactions. How Logan's upbringing brought upon an interest in entrepreneurship. How current housing market dynamics affect buyer behavior and offer strategies. Why negotiation tactics are key in real estate, with insights from other industries. How Logan's personal experience with negotiation tactics improves his real estate dealings. Why oddly specific pricing strategies can be effective in real estate negotiations. How new construction differs from existing homes in buyer perceptions and concerns. Why the NAR settlement may not significantly alter real estate practices, especially in Minnesota. Why representation is important in buying a home. How younger home buyers perceive the current market and their aspirations to own homes. Why education on first-time home buyer programs is so beneficial in making the decision to buy. How Logan's family members are currently involved with real estate. The ongoing trend of people moving to Wisconsin and the reasons behind that choice.   Contact Logan: Cell: 651-387-9958 Email: logan@professionals.net Website: https://loganboogren.professionals.net/

    20 min
  8. 16 MAY

    Paul Olson

    We’re welcoming Paul Olson today, a visionary branch manager from Lakes Area Realty St. Paul. He shares the details on his career trajectory, his company's growth, and their dedication to service. We explore multifamily property management, the importance of relationships, and also give insights on industry challenges. Later, we hear Paul's thoughts on the impact of recent decisions made by NAR on himself and the industry as a whole.   In this episode: How Paul decided that he wanted to work with Lakes Area Realty. The “no icky realtors allowed” policy that Paul uses when recruiting. How Paul's team prioritizes community roots and client goals. How multifamily commercial property management experiences influence current real estate practices. The company ownership goal that Paul has set for himself. How relationships play a pivotal role in the success of real estate ventures. Why technology's role in real estate is broad and crucial. How Paul invites industry peers to connect for a stronger real estate community. Explaining why real estate can help you achieve a “big life,” and why that can mean many different things. An unexpected visit from Lakes Area Realty founder Steve Having. Paul’s analysis on why he thinks the National Association of Realtors has a bad track record towards realtors. Why the NAR settlement reflects the need for higher standards in realty. Why creative solutions are necessary to address challenges posed by high interest rates in real estate. Signs that the inventory probably is easing in Minnesota.   Contact Paul: Cell: 651-403-1032 Email: olson@lakesarearealty.com Website: https://stpaul.lakesarearealty.com/

    17 min

About

Realtor Conversations is a show about two Minnesota based 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.

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