St. Paul and Minneapolis REALTORS ®: Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Area Leaders
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Andy Asbury, Minnesota REALTOR®
The third generation of Asburys to help others buy and sell their homes, Andy continuously looks to the past while considering the future in an effort to better serve his clients. With a father, mother and grandmother all intimately involved in the industry, Andy has had the good luck to call on a wealth of knowledge while building Area Leaders.
A graduate of the University of Minnesota at Duluth, Andy quickly found a niche in the building of websites and creating award-winning marketing materials for local businesses. But it wasn't long before the family trade drew him back, and so he and his wife DeAnna returned to the Twin Cities.
Utilizing his extensive experience and skills, Andy was able to assist his family's business, TAG Mortgage, while working with clients to obtain loans with which to buy their new homes.
In 2004, Andy became a full time REALTOR and began to use his unique marketing and communication skills to great effect. Marketing new condominium developments like 1800 Clinton, Phoenix on 3rd Avenue, and 3rd Avenue Place allowed Andy to gain an in-depth understanding of the urban market.
In 2011 Andy and his father Jim decided to open up their own brokerage. By focusing on the same values that made the family business so successful, they have been able to steadily grow each year, while still maintaining the same level of care for each client.
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Jim Asbury, CRS, GRI, SRES, Broker
As co-owner of Area Leaders, Jim has been able to lend his 30 years' worth of experience to building a brand that will stand the test of time. Having been in the real estate field for more than three decades, Jim has learned the methods and values that allow us to represent our clients with unparaleled honesty and which produce uncommon results.
One of the Twin City's most experienced and successful agents, Jim has sold more than one thousand homes in addition to the countless families for whom he has found the perfect new home. His abilities are evident in that over 90% of Jim's business has come via referrals from satisfied clients.
Always forward thinking, Jim continues to strive for the best service possible. This innovative approach led Jim to develop the first computer-automated appointment scheduling service, which is still the standard in the real estate field. More recently, Jim has been successful in first identifying and then promoting an iPhone and Android App allowing clients to quickly and efficiently obtain information about a property when they are on the go.
Together with his son Andy, Jim relishes the chance to build and form a brokerage molded in their values. The desire to continually create and enhance technological capabilities while never sacrificing person-to-person connections are what set Jim apart, and Area Leaders is no different.
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Lou Ann Dvorak, Lofts and Condos Realtor
Born in Minneapolis and raised in both Chicago and Iowa, Lou Ann’s return to Minneapolis is the welcomed completion of a years-long trajectory. A professional in the Twin Cities’ real estate market for nearly a decade, Lou Ann has provided hundreds of clients with the peace of mind that comes when working with a knowledgeable and experienced realtor.
Lou Ann enjoys all things related to fitness, which is evident in her list of favorite Twin Cities attractions. As the weather warms, Lou Ann gravitates towards the area’s many lakes. Calhoun, Harriet, Minnetonka and Isles are all among her very favorites. Activities such as boating, tennis, long walks and jogging with her dogs at her side are all weekly activities for Lou Ann.
Among Lou Ann’s favorite aspects of the metro area is the diversity of the neighborhoods. Ask her and she’ll explain her love of downtown Minneapolis and Saint Paul’s urban lifestyle with their urban lofts and condos, or the solitude and quaint nature of Southwest Minneapolis, or the elegant Selby & Grand area in Saint Paul.
With a unique and extensive skillset and knowledge base, Lou Ann offers her clients a tailored and personal service. Her goal is to help her clients experience an easy and enjoyable real estate process. Give her a call and see how.
----------------------------------Amy Haugen, Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
Amy was born in St. Paul, and has lived her entire life in the Twin Cities area. She has been married to her husband Stan for 32 years, has two grown daughters, and one talented son-in-law—who happens to be Andy Asbury!
Since joining Andy and his father Jim, Amy has helped them work on several new construction condominium developments. This experience gave her unique insight into both sides of a condo transaction, as well as experience working with condo associations. Amy now shares this wealth of knowledge with her clients.
Amy is very proud to be working with her son-in-law Andy and his father, who has over 30 years as a REALTOR® in the Twin Cities area.
Contact Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Area Leaders today to get started on your loft and condo search.
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Eric Solberg, Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
Eric Solberg lives the urban life to the fullest and likes to share his passion for the Twin Cities with everyone he meets. You can often find Eric taking advantage of the light rail, riding his bike along the Midtown Greenway or catching a Minnesota Wild game in downtown Saint Paul. In fact, Midwest Home Magazine published a feature article on Eric about loft and condo living, including tips for prospective buyers and how they too can experience the enjoyments and excitement of city living.
Apart from his love for the Twin Cities, Eric is also known for his experience as a marketing powerhouse. Upon graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a degree in Marketing, he landed a job with one of the top condominium and multifamily housing contractors in the country. By combining marketplace insight, an understanding of consumer trends and needs, Eric helped generate new business opportunities for the company with some of the nation’s largest retail corporations and real estate development companies. It was at this time that Eric fully realized his interest and passion for the local real estate market.
Eric then put his skills to work for a global consumer research & advisory company, where he managed the delivery of cutting edge consumer insights and marketing strategy for a premier group of Fortune 1000 clients. His innate ability to listen to customers, identify their needs and objectives and provide relevant solutions made Eric an invaluable asset to numerous organizations and their business initiatives.
Real estate has always played a big part in Eric’s life and as a part of Area Leaders he sensed a great opportunity to maximize his marketing wit, interpersonal communication skills and marketplace knowledge for the benefit of today’s homebuyers and sellers. Eric hails from a long line of successful real estate agents so it’s no surprise the trade comes naturally to him. He can proudly claim 5th generation Realtor for the Solberg family! Eric’s father, Glenn Solberg, is a top-producing Realtor in the Twin Cities Southern Metro Area bringing over 30 years experience. Growing up around real estate, Eric learned from his father what it takes to delight clients and the relationship continues to add depth to his skill set.
Eric knows the importance of a strong relationship and strives to serve his customers with the attention and commitment they deserve. Working with Eric you will experience a level of communication and professionalism not typically found in the real estate industry. If you are looking for a Realtor that will exceed your expectations, look no further.
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Michael Cronin, Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
Mike has been a part of the changing landscape of the Twin Cities for years. After graduating from the University of Minnesota (go Gophers!), Mike quickly became an important part of the Dayton's company, serving as a project manager for them over many years.
Mike would use those project management skills when he took a position with the Minneapolis Planning Board. Contemporary Minneapolis looks very different than it did in the '70s, when Mike began to transform the riverfront. Mike spent years negotiating on behalf of the city in order to convert the Stone Arch Bridge from an industrial railway into a public path.
After working in the public sector for many years, Mike decided to open up his own company. Michael Cronin & Associates provided expert consul and advice in all issues regarding land-use. This unique experience allowed Mike to obtain an unrivaled knowledge and understanding of the Twin Cities landscape and how it is changing.
Mike is publically recognized as a leading expert in Minnesota's long history. As well he should be; as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota's Urban Studies Program, Mike has dedicated much of his free time to passing on what he knows to local students.
In his free time, Mike loves to give informal tours of our state. We feel that Minnesota's long history is one that deserves to be passed on and remembered, and so there is nothing sweeter to us than to be downtown and see Mike giving a tour to a group of college students. They never fail to be impressed by Mike's expertise, and we think you'll feel the same way.
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Jill Guth, Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
Jill comes to Area Leaders after a long and exciting career in helping others perfect their own homes. After graduating from the University of Minnesota (go Gophers!) with degrees in both communication and visual design, Jill was recruited by a local advertising agency. Quickly showing an apptitude for the business, Jill's work was singled out time and again for awards.
Following her time with the design firm, Jill began to work with the Star Tribune, crafting their advertising and messages. While working for the quickly expanding and ever-growing newspaper, Jill was awarded the prestigious Headliner Award for her advertising work which boasted a 95% sell-rate.
Jill then transitioned to an altogether career path. Working with national icon JCPenny, Jill became well known for her ability to assist clients design their own personal window fixtures and furnishings. This position allowed Jill to develop a strong handle of the importance of intricate details, a skill she utilizes to this day.
Jill's strengths lay in the fact that she is able to quickly understand complex situations and resolve the minute details that might arise. This focused attention to detail has allowed Jill to allow her clients a unique level of comfort. When working with Jill, you can concentrate on buying or selling a home and rest assured that Jill will take care of the rest.
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Katie Bowdish, Urban Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
To be a successful and knowledgeable realtor, one must have a firm understanding and passion for the areas in which we work. The best real estate agents are those that carry strong passions for their community, which is exactly why Katie Bowdish has been a standout from day one. Incredibly active in her community, Katie works hand in hand with her clients, making sure that their lives are wonderful- whether helping them buy, sell or rent a home, or by coaching their kids in sports.
A graduate of Wayzata high school, Katie has always been active in youth athletics. A member of Wayzata’s varsity hockey and lacrosse programs, Katie spent her time as a student developing her skills, both academically and athletically.
Katie is a proud “Bulldog,” having graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Katie’s studies in the pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication allowed her to practice and master skills that are so necessary when assisting in the home buying and selling processes, where details are so important.
During her studies at UMD, Katie was active as a coach for the local girl’s hockey teams. Helping these young athletes develop into mature young adults was an experience that Katie cherishes, which is evident in her continuing involvement with similar endeavors.
Katie is representative of the areas in which she works- fun, vibrant and always active. When not working with her clients, Katie returns to her alma mater as she coaches the under-14 Wayzata hockey club. She also enjoys spending her time actively enjoying the nature surrounding the Twin Cities, with plenty of hiking, camping and fishing trips planned year-round.
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Kris Corts, Urban Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
Born and raised in Indiana, Kris' journey has brought him throughout the midwest and East coast before seeing him find his true home in Minnesota's Twin Cities. With years of experience in marketing and sales, Kris' background has allowed him to excel in Minneapolis and St. Paul's real estate industry.
With his finger on the heartbeat of the Twin Cities' social scene, Kris is a vertiable expert on all things fun in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Spending much of his new time researching new areas, Kris' almost encyclopedic knowledge of the Twin Cities' various neighborhoods acts as a tremendous asset to each and very client with whom he works.
Kris loves Minneapolis because he is able to enjoy all of his favorite activities. In the summer, you can find him swimming in Lake Calhoun, touring the Sculpture Garden or relaxing on the patio of Stella's in uptown. And in the winter you will find Kris snow-shoeing, skiing, or snowboarding.
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Ingrid Friel, Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
Ingrid came to us after a long and successful career in market and analytical research. Although born in Brooklyn, New York, Ingrid has spent the majority of her life here in the Twin Cities. Growing up in nearby Bloomington allowed Ingrid to gain a unique perspective on the growth and change that have characterized the Twin Cities over recent years.
Educated first at Marquette University and then at St Thomas' school of Business, Ingrid has shown an aptitude for learning both in and outside of the classroom. Coupled with her extensive experience in the corporate environment, and in particular her work with multi-national research firms, has given her the ability to tackle and effectively handle complex assignments.
A second generation REALTOR®, Ingrid credits much of her success to her history of having been in the role of a teacher for many years. Ingrid is uniquely able to take complex projects and strip them of all unnecessary distractions. By doing this, Ingrid is able to simply the complicated processes her clients are undertaking, and allow her clients to focus on what really matters: buying or selling their home.
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Tylor Johnson, Urban Lofts and Condos REALTOR®
A proud Minnesotan, much of Tylor's freetime is spent in activities that allow him to gain a better understanding of his city. Theater, golf and bicycling are all activities he enjoys, as they allow him to see and explore his city in new ways. Tylor is proud of his city, and is excited to watch it grow and evolve!
Many of his clients remark upon Tylor's unique ability to put people at ease. That is something we really admire about Tylor- selling or buying a home can be stressful, but Tylor finds a way to take the stress off of his clients so that they can focus on their lives, leaving him to focus on their home.
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Sherry Graham, Urban Lofts and Condos Expert
With nearly two decades worth of experience, Sherry is certainly one of our most experienced and skilled agents. With a wealth of knowledge about everything from metropolitan shopping districts to the quaint, small neighborhoods that are so beloved by their residents, Sherry is a valued asset to each and every client with whom she works.
Area Leaders prides itself on working with unique and outgoing individuals, and Sherry is no exception. In addition to her extensive experience in the buying, selling and renting of homes, Sherry also happens to be an expert at flamenco, Argentinian tango and belly dancing too! We think it’s safe to say that you won’t find an agent more experienced, or as graceful either!
After having helped folks buy, sell and rent homes for more than a decade, Sherry has gained the skills necessary to help her clients transition into the next chapter of their life. Life all of our agents, Sherry is able to help her clients by taking an “outside-the-box” approach to their relationship, allowing them to obtain a superior result.
If you’re looking for a new restaurant to try, Sherry is probably the best resource available. An avid “foodie,” Sherry is constantly searching out the next new, great restaurants in the Twin Cities. As many Minnesotans will tell you, it’s often the “hole in the wall” that surprises you with the high quality and authentic cuisine that so many of them have. That’s why Sherry loves the Twin Cities. With hundreds of small, locally owned restaurants and cafes serving wonderful food, it’s hard to go wrong. Some of her favorite restaurants in the Twin Cities are Moscow on the Hill, La Grolla, and Naviya’s.
Sherry’s impressive abilities come as no surprise to those who know her. A fun, smart and outgoing personality, it’s safe to say that she is the only REALTOR® around who is adept at not only flamenco but Argentine tango and belly dancing too
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Alex Moros, Urban Loft & Condo Expert
We believe that passion for one’s work is essential in our business, and Alex’s success serves as proof of that conviction. Alex is fascinated by the relationships that grow between home, family and our lives, and that is why we think that Alex is able to offer one of the most personal, tailored services available.
During his childhood, Alex lived in places like Texas, Oregon and Colorado before settling in Saint Paul. These experiences allowed Alex to learn what home means to people, and the importance it has in their lives. That is why he is now able to help his clients communicate their desires and goals effectively.
A true Minnesotan, Alex finds a way to get the most out of every season, no matter what the weather. During the warmer months, Alex is on his bicycle, trailer in tow, nearly every day. Whether riding around the lakes or heading to the Saint Paul Farmers’ Market for some groceries, Alex loves the miles upon miles of trails to which he has access. Alex is also an avid runner, and it’s not unusual to see him jogging around Saint Paul’s Lower Town Arts District with his dog at his side.
Alex also embraces the many fun mini-vacation spots that make weekend getaways a Minnesota tradition. An outdoorsman, Alex enjoys hiking, camping, canoeing and rafting whenever possible. His favorite spots to do these are Kenyon and Lanesboro, Minnesota, and he’d be happy to tell you why!
Lesta Isley, Urban Loft & Condo Expert
Lesta comes to us after a somewhat unusual journey. Born in Virginia and raised in Las Vegas, Lesta has had the good fortune to experience many different aspects of America as a result of living in so many locations.
If you ask Lesta why she loves the Twin Cities and why she likes helping clients find homes here, she'll tell you it's because of the diversity of attractions that are available to residents. For Lesta, the appeal of the area comes in the fact that in only a few blocks it's possible to transition from urban shopping district into a park preserve and then into a residential neighborhood.
A lover of writing in general and poetry in particular, Lesta studied at the University of Nevada at Reno, where she learned the classics and enjoyed the warm weather. If you were to visit her home, you would find on her bookshelf volumes of books by her favorite authors: Seamus Haney and Stephen Crane are both well represented there! But Lesta likes light-hearted books, too, so when she has some downtime (which isn't often!) she'll sit by the lake and read a fun sci-fi or fantasy novel.
As an avid outdoors-women, Lesta is appreciative of the amenities that the Twin Cities offers her. She spends her free time fishing, camping and bird-watching in locations in and around the Twin Cities, and only a few weeks ago she found herself face to face with a moose while camping!
In keeping with our love of good food, Lesta has a number of restaurants which she visits regularly. The Bad Waitress, the Uptown Diner, Bar La Grassa and Ghandi Mahal are all some of her very favorites. She also states with conviction that Muddy Waters features what are possibly the best fish tacos in the state!
Lesta lives in the Uptown area, which suits her perfectly given her love for the outdoors and variety. She also volunteers at the Rakhma Home, a home for women stricken with dementia and Alzheimer's. You can find Lesta there weekly, as she brings her friends to the library and on other fun fieldtrips.
From the point of view of the brokerage, Lesta Isley is the ideal agent. Energetic and invigorating, Lesta challenges those around her to continually innovate and grow. We couldn't be more proud to have Lesta working with us, and we think you'll feel the same way.
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Kate Harber, Urban Realtor
An experienced agent, Kate brings a level of energy and knowledge to our family that we are proud to share. A professional in the real estate business for the past 12 years and with an extensive background in graphic design, Kate is able to offer her clients a unique and effective service whether they are buying, selling or renting a home.
Kate was born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota- home of the Mayo Clinic, an international destination. Growing up in Rochester allowed Kate to interact with a variety of cultures at a very young age. That’s one of the reasons with Kate loves the Twin Cities so much: we are a diverse area, and Kate enjoys meeting and getting to know people from all backgrounds.
Kate’s professional career began with working in graphic design and printing. However, Kate also had many friends working in the real estate field, and so she was often asked to help with the designing and editing of marketing materials. After spending so much of her spare time learning all about the real estate industry, Kate decided to become a Realtor and hasn’t looked back since.
For the past 12 years, Kate has been helping her clients buy, sell and rent homes, and doing so with a unique perspective. An avid DIY-er, Kate loves refinishing furniture, gardening and interior design. This has directly translated into an incredibly helpful skill: helping her clients see all of the possibilities that a home presents. This ability has allowed Kate and her clients to look beyond the surface to find the perfect home.
Kate’s two children are involved with multiple sports, meaning that Kate is always out and about. Whether it’s volunteering at her kids’ hockey, lacrosse or football games, Kate’s sure to be around and probably cheering the loudest.
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Born and raised on Australia's East coast in a town called Port Macquarie, Joe spend his early years in a small town, one not so different from the Twin Cities. That the two areas are similar might seem surprising, but after talking with Joe for a few minutes it's easy to see why the Twin Cities were a perfect fit for his skill set.
An agent who believes that his client's happiness is the key to a successful relationship, Joe is known for tirelessly working on his client's behalf. That obsession to detail is probably why he's also a dedicated athlete- golf, surfing and rugby league are only a few of the many pastimes he enjoys!
A real estate agent specializing in leasing urban condos, Joe has been in our industry for nearly a decade. In that time, he has garnered a reputation as a hard working and dependable agent, and we couldn't be prouder to have him as part of our team.
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Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Area Leaders
Business Philosophy
Superior businesses exist as a direct result of the care they extend to each and every client they serve. Area Leaders embraces this belief, and we think that it shows in our everyday business. Our agents care about our clients, and we genuinely desire to obtain the best outcome for our clients and their families. We will work tirelessly on your behalf, and our sole desire is to ensure your satisfaction.
We work to always do what is right, moral and ethical. We treat others fairly, and we act in our client’s best interests- as the saying goes, everyone does better when everyone does better. What that means to us is that it is more important to help others in the community than it is to profit off of them, and at the end of the day we hope that those who have engaged us on their journey feel rewarded, blessed and will always think of us as their trusted advisors and friends.
We at Area Leaders take our position in our clients’ lives seriously. As real estate agents, we assume a position of great importance in the lives of our clients, and we cherish the responsibility and the knowledge of our charge. We believe in developing and growing strong relationships with clients both past and present, along with associates in our industry. It is through this ongoing communication that we are able to grow and improve.
We believe that we can be the best in our field. Our commitment to superior customer service is evident in each partnership we begin, but what is perhaps less visible is our tireless effort to participate in the ever-evolving world of marketing. We utilize visionary graphic design, dynamic marketing materials, the latest in search engine optimization and a comprehensive knowledge of Minnesota’s real estate market to give our clients the best possible service. Every time.
If you're ready to start the converstation regarding your housing needs, contact us today.