Itasca County Area Real Estate News

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

May 25, 2022

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Continues to Lead the Way

Top Brokerage in Itasca County; Multiple Realtors® Earn Top Marks for Coldwell Banker® Worldwide                

(From left: Lynn Ranger, Cathy Beddoe-Carlson, Karen Gessell, Pam Gilhousen, Mitch Kellin, Tammi Bischoff, Luke Garner, Jamie O'Toole, Tim Skelly)

 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County based on data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2021.

 

“Once again, it was one of the strongest real estate markets we’ve ever seen,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “In addition to being the top real estate agency in Itasca County, we’re proud to be part of the Coldwell family that achieved a sales price for sellers that was 20.7 percent higher than the National Association of Realtors’ average. We have a winning combination of service and experience that delivers the best results for our clients.”

 

Additionally, several of the agency’s Realtors® were recently recognized for their performance in 2021 within the global Coldwell Banker® franchise system: 

 

·   Luke Garner and Pam Gilhousen qualified for the prestigious International President’s Elite Circle, awarded to the top three percent of all representatives internationally in the Coldwell Banker system. This is the second straight year Garner has earned a top sales distinction with Coldwell and the eighth time in as many years for Gilhousen.

 

·   For the second year in a row Karen Gessell landed among the top seven percent of all representatives achieving Coldwell’s International President’s Circle status.

 

·     Tammi Bischoff and Mitch Kellin both achieved membership in the International Diamond Society. This is Bischoff’s second Coldwell sales award, but first in this category. For Kellin, this is the fifth straight year he ranked among the top 12 percent of Coldwell Banker realtors worldwide.

 

·     The multi-award-winning Up North Team comprised of Cathy Beddoe-Carlson, Jamie O’Toole, Lynn Ranger, and Tim Skelly, achieved membership in Coldwell’s International Sterling Society ranking among the top 18 percent of all real estate teams worldwide, a significant achievement for a four-member team in a small market.

 

·   As a brokerage, this is the 13th time Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to franchisees.

 

 

While the designations are well-deserved, Mike Kellin says it is the combined talent and dedication of the entire team that drives its success. New research from Coldwell Banker shows that its affiliated agents have the highest loyalty in real estate, beating every other brand when it comes to agents’ intention to stay affiliated. 

 

Charlotte McDermott’s exceptional market knowledge and industry experience are award-winning and second to none. She’s respected for her unwavering professionalism, tenacity, ethics, and loyalty to her clients.  

 

Four years in, Grand Rapids native Jordan Stejskal has become an established and valued realtor. He’s active and connected in the community, making him a go-to real estate resource for young professionals, friends, and neighbors in the area. 

 

      Now in the driver’s seat, Morgan Hanson is flourishing as a realtor. She officially earned her real estate license in 2020 but honed her skills at the brokerage supporting its top agents for 12 years prior. She has a true passion for real estate and her creative talent and professionalism are great assets to her clients and the industry. 

 

As a veteran and experienced agent, Joel Perrington is a trusted resource for those navigating the challenges of VA homeownership and financing. His years of experience with aerial Geographic Information Systems for the Department of Natural Resources have given Joel a unique perspective when it comes to finding clients’ ideal locations. 

 

Lisa Waldo has built a reputation as a savvy realtor who is incredibly dedicated to her clients. She’s creative, tenacious, and the ultimate team player. Lisa will go the extra mile to ensure her clients achieve their real estate dreams. 

 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is Itasca County’s real estate leader. Purchased by Mike and the late Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, the agency has been family-owned and operated since 1947. Mike and Lisa’s son Lewis Kellin serves as Chief Financial Officer; son Mitch Kellin is a broker and realtor. The office of 18 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass, and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region.

Sept. 21, 2021

Why it's so Important to Choose the Right Realtor

How can the right representation get you more for your home or get you the home of your dreams?

June 15, 2021

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Earns Top Marks Once Again

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2020, it was recently published in the Grand Rapids Herald-Review.

(From left: Mitch Kellin, Luke Garner, Brett Beckfeld, Karen Gessell and Pamela Gilhousen. Award recipient not pictured: Tammi Bischoff)

“Real estate activity this past year was unprecedented,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “I’m grateful for our talented team of Realtors® who successfully balanced new safety protocols amid extraordinary levels of business. They were there every step of the way for our home buyers and sellers, ensuring sound, successful results for over 400 transactions.”

Additionally, several of the agency’s Realtors® were recently recognized for their performance in 2020 within the global Coldwell Banker® franchise system:

    • Pam Gilhousen qualified for the prestigious International President’s Elite Circle, awarded to the top 3 percent of all representatives internationally in the Coldwell Banker system. This is the seventh time in as many years she has earned a top sales distinction.

    • Brett Beckfeld, Luke Garner, and Karen Gessell were among the top 8 percent of all representatives achieving International President’s Circle status. This is Luke’s first year in the Coldwell family; Brett and Karen have achieved similar recognition in previous years.

    • Mitch Kellin attained membership in the International Diamond Society, his fourth straight year ranking among the top 15 percent of Coldwell Banker realtors worldwide.

    • Tammi Bischoff was in the top 22 percent worldwide, reaching the status of International Sterling Society.

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been recognized 12 times as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to franchisees. This year, the office achieved “silver” status, ranking among the top 15 percent in North America and top 33 percent internationally. 

While the designations are well-deserved, Mike Kellin says it is the combined talent of his entire team that drives their success.

The Up North Team is a team of four award-winning, full-time realtors with decades of experience in all aspects of real estate. Recognized as the top-producing team in the area for many years, they have received the Coldwell Banker International Presidents Circle Team award multiple times. 

Charlotte McDermott’s exceptional market knowledge and industry experience are also award-winning and second to none. She’s respected for her unwavering professionalism, tenacity, ethics, and loyalty to her clients.  

Three years in, Grand Rapids native Jordan Stejskal is quickly developing into a thriving realtor. He’s active and connected in the community, making him a go-to real estate resource for young professionals, friends, and neighbors in the area. 

While she officially earned her real estate license in 2020, Morgan Hanson has been honing her skills at the brokerage for the past 11 years offering administrative support. She has a true passion for real estate and her creative talent and professionalism is a great asset to her clients and the industry.

As a veteran, Joel Perrington has a personal passion for navigating the challenges of VA homeownership and financing. His years of experience with aerial Geographic Information Systems for the Department of Natural Resources has given Joel a unique perspective when it comes to finding clients ideal locations.

In four years, Lisa Waldo has built a reputation as a savvy realtor who is incredibly dedicated to her clients. She’s creative, tenacious and the ultimate team player. 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is Itasca County’s real estate leader. Purchased by Mike and the late Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, the agency has been family-owned and operated since 1947. Mike and Lisa’s son Lewis Kellin serves as Chief Financial Officer. Son Mitch Kellin and son-in-law Brett Beckfeld are realtors. The office of 18 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass, and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region. 

 

July 7, 2020

Coldwell's Up North Team and Pam Gilhousen Named to 2020 America's Best Real Estate Professionals List

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is proud to announce that the Up North Team of Realtors® and individual Realtor® Pam Gilhousen were recently named to REAL Trends’ 2020 America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list. Those ranked are among the top 1.5% of 1.4 million real estate professionals in the United States.Up North Team

“With today’s release of the 2020 America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list, an elite group of real estate agents across the country are receiving well-deserved recognition. These sales associates and teams are far above average and have built enormously successful small businesses in an extremely competitive field,” says Steve Murray, president of REAL Trends. 

For the eighth straight year, REAL Trends, the trusted source in residential brokerage, and Tom Ferry International, a top coaching and training company released America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list that ranks the most productive agents and teams by state based on closed transaction sides and closed volume.

“Congratulations to everyone who made the America’s Best list,” says Tom Ferry, owner and founder of Tom Ferry International. “There are multiple ways to become successful in real estate. Yet, despite the differences, the real estate professionals on this list have one thing in common—they are the best. Great job from everyone at Tom Ferry International.” 

More than 14,500 real estate professionals from every state are featured. To qualify for inclusion, an individual agent must have closed at least 50 transaction sides or $20 million in sales volume in 2019. For real estate agent teams, the minimum is 75 transaction sides or $30 million in closed sales volume. Teams are segmented by the number of Realtors they have on their teams—small (2-5 licensed members), medium (6-10), and large (11+) teams.

“Those individual agents and teams who make up the 2020 America’s Best Real Estate Professionals represent only about 1.5% of all Realtors in the country yet account for over 10% of the closed transactions and more than 16% of all the sales volume closed last year,” says Murray.  

“It’s also special to note that the average Realtor did fewer than nine transactions and $2.4 million in volume in the same year,” he says. “It’s incredible to consider that such a small number of real estate professionals have found a way to truly build their own businesses. It’s also interesting that these top performers are reaching new levels while they work with numerous different kinds of brokerage firms and regions of the country.”

In Minnesota, the Up North Team ranked 35th in sides among all small real estate teams. Gilhousen ranked 60th insides among all individual real estate agents. Click on https://www.realtrends.com/rankings/americas-best to see the 2020 REAL Trends + Tom Ferry America's Best Real Estate Professionals list.

This is the third straight year the Up North Team comprised of Cathy Beddoe Carlson, the late Jenny McClure, Lynn Ranger, Tim Skelly and Jamie O’Toole, has been named to America’s Best Real Estate Professionals list. For more than a decade, the Up North Team has earned membership in the International President’s Circle awarded to the top 15% of all Coldwell Banker teams worldwide.

In addition to this honor, Gilhousen qualified for Coldwell Banker’s prestigious International President’s Elite Circle earlier this year, awarded to the top 2% of all representatives internationally in the Coldwell Banker system. This is the sixth time in as many years she has earned a top sales distinction.

“Pam and the Up North Team absolutely deserve this recognition,” said Mike Kellin, owner and broker of Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty. “Their drive, care for the customer and attention to detail is inspiring and sets a great example for all of us. I’m proud of the performance of our entire agency, but today we applaud the incredible accomplishments of these exceptional Realtors.”

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2019. 

METHODOLOGY

REAL Trends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals honors America's finest real estate agents and their companies and is compiled and analyzed by REAL Trends.

The rankings are compiled based on surveys from virtually every nationally branded network, many state and local associations of Realtors®, MLSs, all applicants from past years’ rankings, and the 900 largest brokerage firms in the United States. Verification from an independent source is required for all submissions. In addition, REAL Trends senior staff reviews every submission for completeness and accuracy.

ABOUT THE REAL TRENDS + TOM FERRY THE THOUSAND

The REAL Trends + Tom Ferry America’s Best Real Estate Professionals ranking report is sponsored jointly by REAL Trends and Tom Ferry International. REAL Trends America’s Best honors America’s elite real estate agents and their companies and is compiled and analyzed by REAL Trends.

REAL Trends is a leading source of analysis and information for the residential real estate brokerage industry. Tom Ferry International is a nationwide real estate business and life coaching and training company.

ABOUT COLDWELL BANKER NORTHWOODS REALTY

Purchased by Mike and the late Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been family owned and operated since 1947. The Kellin’s son Mitch and son-in-law Brett Beckfeld are realtors and son Lewis serves as Chief Financial Officer. The office of 20 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region. 

 

May 15, 2020

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Debuts a Fresh, New Look

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has unveiled its new look as the Coldwell Banker® network undergoes a visual transformation as part of “Project North Star.” Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is deploying new office signage, yard signs, marketing materials and more as part of the full network-wide rebrand this year.  

The new logo called the “CB North Star,” features a star as its visual icon intended to represent two distinctive elements that exemplify the Coldwell Banker® brand:

The five-pointed star is a recognized mark of excellence, one that symbolizes the quality of service that the company has prided itself on since 1906. 

Throughout history the North Star has been the beacon that explorers have used to guide them to the place they most cherished — home. Sitting confidently above the CB, the North Star signifies the fact that Coldwell Banker has been guiding people home for over a century, longer than any other real estate brand. 

The signature blue color will remain a constant, while the rectangle has been revised to a sleeker, more compact square—a profile more in keeping with today’s mobile-first culture. 

All of these elements unite to create a symbol that represents the essence of what Coldwell Banker is today, and where it’s headed tomorrow.

“Coldwell is one of the best known and trusted names in real estate,” said Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “They’ve always been leaders in the industry and on the forefront of innovation. It was time for a new look that reflected those values. It energizes our brand and will make a powerful impact in our community.”

Every visual expression of the agency’s identity, including the office exterior and interior, will ultimately reflect the new contemporary look. 

“Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is excited to be part of this journey,” said Kellin. “We can’t wait to leverage the fresh visuals of Project North Star for our clients and we believe this look will be a head-turner in Itasca County. We appreciate the opportunity to help guide our brand to success for another 100 years.” 

Since launching the rebrand, Coldwell Banker set upon a path to retell its brand story by solidifying its mission statement and recommitting to its core values, empowering over 92,000 sales agents worldwide to leave their mark on their communities. The words “home,” “awesomeness,” “ingenuity” and “excellence” represent the company’s core values and are intended to guide and inspire offices and agents around the globe.

 

March 3, 2020

Morgan Hanson New Realtor® at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty

With Years of Experience Under Her Belt, Hanson Makes it Offical

Morgan Hanson of Grand Rapids, Minn., is now a Realtor® at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty. She will be based in the brokerage’s office at 812 S. Pokegama Ave., in Grand Rapids. 

“This is the equivalent of taking the reins off a thoroughbred and letting it run,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “Morgan has been working alongside us for years and she has a real passion for real estate. She’s a caring, thoughtful, creative professional who will do amazing things for her clients and our industry.” 

Hanson has been honing her real estate skills by assisting the brokerage with numerous administrative tasks since graduating from Grand Rapids High School in 2010. In addition to earning her real estate license, she has an Associate of Arts degree from Itasca Community College and a bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from St. Scholastica. 

“In my early years of high school, I dreamed of being an interior designer, but I couldn’t ignore how I was naturally drawn to the local and national housing markets,” Hanson recalled. “I remember I couldn’t wait to log on to the computers at school and check out the day’s newest real estate listings. That was an early sign,” she said with a laugh.

Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Hanson is well-educated on what the area has to offer. She has a strong background in customer service and says she leads with two very important skills when it comes to representing clients: trust and professionalism. 

“Itasca County as a whole provides a unique culture I’m proud to be a part of and share with others,” she said. “I’m the new girl in town when it comes to being a licensed agent, but I am grateful for the incredible experience I’ve earned in 10 years with Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty. This is a brokerage filled with support, knowledge, and wisdom in which I am eager to contribute.”

Hanson can be reached at (218) 244-3415 (cell), morganhanson218@gmail.com or at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty at 812 S. Pokegama Ave. in Grand Rapids.

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors. Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been recognized 11 times as a Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to Coldwell Banker agencies. 

Dec. 3, 2019

Luke Garner Joins Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty

Solid Communication, Tech Savvy, and Local Expertise are Keys to his Success

Local real estate agent Luke Garner of Grand Rapids, Minn., has joined Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty, the brokerage today announced. He will be based full time in the realty office at 812 S. Pokegama Ave., in Grand Rapids. 

“We are thrilled to have Luke join our team,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner  Mike Kellin. “Not only is he an outstanding local agent, he’s also an outstanding person. He’s an experienced marketer, laser-focused on helping his clients achieve their goals and is invested in our community.” 

A realtor for the past six years, Garner quickly established himself as a top agent in the Itasca area. Born in Grand Rapids, he grew up on Lawrence Lake and developed a strong understanding of the uniqueness of northern Minnesota. He is well versed in marketing, sales, and negotiation, and describes himself as a perpetual student of technology, which has set him apart. 

“I’m committed to helping my clients achieve their intended goals as buyers or sellers,” said Garner. “Clients have told me they appreciate my clarity and honesty and I take that to heart. I am excited to be able to pair my experience with the resources behind an iconic real estate company and an award-winning team.”

Garner is actively involved in the community, volunteering his time for several different organizations including serving as emcee for the past five years for Second Harvest’s annual chef’s gala. He received the Top Ambassador Award in 2013 from the United Way of 10,000 Lakes and has been recognized by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce with multiple customer service awards. He graduated in 2005 from the University of Minnesota Duluth with a degree in Business Administration.

Garner enjoys family time with his beautiful wife Jennifer and two children. They spend as much time as possible on the lake with family and friends boating, surfing and enjoying lakeside bonfires. He’s a sports fan and enjoys traveling, golfing, reading and listening to music.

Garner can be reached at (218) 259-5342 (cell), lukegarn@gmail.com or at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty at 812 S. Pokegama Ave. in Grand Rapids.

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2018. For the sixth straight year, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty was recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to Coldwell Banker agencies. 

 

July 30, 2019

Jordan Stejskal Joins Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty

Grand Rapids Native is Second Realtor To Join Team This Summer

Jordan Stejskal of Grand Rapids, Minn., recently joined Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty as a Realtor®. He will be based full-time in the brokerage’s office at 812 S. Pokegama Ave., in Grand Rapids. 

Stejskal is the second realtor to join the Northwoods Realty family in recent months, following the addition of Tammi Bischoff in May. The office of 18 real estate professionals covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region. 

“Jordan is going to be an outstanding realtor,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “He’s smart, driven, local and has proven his aptitude for leadership, business and taking great care of the customer. We are excited to have him on our team.” 

Stejskal most recently worked in sales for Fastenal, developing successful business relationships and a greater interest in the local economy. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and emphasis in sales and marketing.

“I’ve always been intrigued by real estate, from residential to commercial to the amazing lakes and hunting land we have here in northern Minnesota,” said Stejskal. “I love living here and I am excited to work with a great company to help others find their perfect place.”

As a student-athlete, Stejskal played for Stout’s men’s ice hockey team from 2014-2018. He served as team captain his senior season and represented his team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, which served local youth and needs in the community. Stejskal skated for the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks from 2010-12 and served as team captain in 2012. 

“I loved growing up here and enjoy all the outdoors has to offer: summers on the lake and playing softball; hunting and watching football in the fall; and in winter, curling, skating and ice fishing,” he said.

Stejskal can be reached at (218) 398-2210 (cell), jordan_stejskal@hotmail.com, or at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty in Grand Rapids.

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2018. For the sixth straight year, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty was recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to Coldwell Banker agencies. Purchased by Mike and Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, the agency has been family owned and operated since 1947. 

 

June 27, 2019

Selling Your Home: Advice from Experienced Realtors

We answer some of the most common questions asked when preparing to sell your home in northern Minnesota.

June 4, 2019

Tammi Bischoff Joins Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty

Bischoff will Partner with Realtor® Karen Gessell

Tammi Bischoff of Grand Rapids, Minn., recently joined Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty as a Realtor®. She will partner with realtor Karen Gessell as a real estate team within the Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty brokerage. 

“I couldn’t be more excited to have Tammi on board,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “She’s a smart, savvy businessperson with great knowledge of the area and a sincere passion for real estate. She and Karen will make a fabulous team.”

Bischoff owned and operated a variety of successful businesses in the Twin Cities with her late husband Jon McLaughlin, including a car wash, laundromat and fire truck sales and equipment company. Yet, she’s very familiar with the Grand Rapids area as her family has owned a cabin here since 2005. Tammi moved to Grand Rapids permanently in 2012 after marrying Grant Bischoff. Their blended family includes seven children.

“I’ve always had a passion for real estate, but with our large family, I didn’t have a very flexible schedule. Most of our children are now grown, so it’s the perfect time.” said Bischoff. “I love the process of transforming a house to make it a home. It’s so rewarding to help people find their perfect place.” 

Bischoff can be reached at or (612) 669-1838 (cell), mcbisch2012@gmail.com or at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty at 812 S. Pokegama Ave. in Grand Rapids.

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2018. For the sixth straight year, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty was recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to Coldwell Banker agencies.