Realtor Conversations Brad Goulet and Stig Sandell

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

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

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/

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/
 

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

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_