Realtor Conversations

Today our guest is Ana Vogler, with Coldwell Banker. She has faced her fair share of challenges in breaking into the Minnesota real estate industry. From moving from another country, learning English, changing careers, and making new connections where she didn’t know anybody, she persevered (even when it felt intimidating) and has built a successful real estate career. In our conversation, she opens up about her unique approach with clients and what she has learned from buying her own properties. In this episode: How landing a new position can be tough when changing industries. The lessons Ana learned in hospitality that translate in real estate. The challenges Ana faced in changing careers and getting where she is today. The person she calls every Thanksgiving to express gratitude and why. Why work ethic, combined with the right opportunities, matters if you want to succeed. What Ana learned about pushing yourself even when it feels scary. Why the best way to sell is about listening, not talking. What she has seen change over the last decade in real estate. Ana’s favorite parts of living in downtown Minneapolis and why she sees it making a comeback. What people don’t know about listing agents (but should). Ana’s love for working with people and transforming spaces. How the environment you work in motivates you to work harder. The ups and downs of working in real estate and why Ana likes to stay busy. The importance of being open minded and having new experiences.   Contact Ana: Cell: 651-235-4230 Email: [email protected] 

We’re joined by Taylor Housley with LPT Realty in this episode. After her mom brought her into the business, Taylor found herself in the real estate industry starting off as a buyer’s agent. Eventually, as she grew professionally and her mom’s focus changed, she would move on to take the helm as Owner and Lead Agent of Housley Homes. Taylor shares about her team members and what stands out about her team, what she sees happening in the market right now, and her passion for supporting the local community. In this episode: Taylor’s favorite episode of this podcast. How long Taylor has been in the industry and the team she works with. What her mom did to get her to leave her job in compliance at RBC. The difference between a listing agent and a buyer’s agent. The change that led Taylor to step up and lead her team. What makes her team different from the other ones out there. The upcoming events Taylor and her team are involved in. Taylor’s love for concerts and the artists she enjoys the most. What Taylor sees in the housing market inventory right now. Examples of what can happen right before closing and how to deal with it. Why finding a Realtor who understands the type of property you’re buying matters. The many ways she stays involved in the community. The Power of 100 event Taylor is attending and what their goal is for the community. What she has noticed this year in the real estate market versus last year.   Contact Taylor:Website: housleyhomes.com Direct message her on Instagram @taysellshomes

Today we’re joined by Wyatt Lemon from REAL. On top of being a real estate agent, Wyatt also recruits new faces to join him at REAL. He truly enjoys attracting new talent over a cup of chai—especially when it’s someone he sees will be great to work with. In today’s conversation, he shares that signs that show new talent will do well in the business, what the most successful agents do that others don’t, and Wyatt’s predictions for rates and trends in the near future. In this episode: Where Wyatt started his career in real estate and who sponsored him. How recruiting and attracting talent fits into the work he does. The reason new agents are thriving at REAL (when maybe they weren’t before). What makes REAL unique, including it being a cloud-based agency. Traits that Wyatt looks for in new talent and initial hints they will be successful. Why some agents get complacent in their work and how you can avoid it. The reason Wyatt finally made the switch over to REAL. Where Wyatt gets his friendly, approachable nature from. What the REAL team is on pace to clear for the year. Wyatt’s prediction for what rates will be in January 2026. When buyers tend to make bad decisions and how to protect them from it. The contrasts between seller expectations and buyer expectations today. The challenges new real estate agents will face in the market and why. What kind of agents REAL wants right now (and it’s not just seasoned professionals). The #1 piece of advice he has for agents working in a low-inventory market.   Contact Wyatt:Cell: 651-336-2927 (call or text)

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: [email protected]

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)