Matthew Karjalahti

Broker, Owner, ACP (Accredited Commercial Professional) and CNE (Certified Negotiation Expert)
Mobile
641.260.0672
Office
641.236.6683
Fax
641.236.6682
Licensed in
Iowa

“There’s no such thing as ‘just business.’ You have to be able to connect with people. Real estate transactions are built on major life transitions — marriage, divorce, death, birth. A good realtor and broker is empathetic and understands that not all transactions pay well. Some of them don’t pay anything. But making sure that all of our clients receive the best representation we can legally provide them with is the hub of everything we do.”

Matt Karjalahti, Broker and owner of RE/MAX Partners, got into real estate in sort of an unexpected way: He got angry.

After three poorly executed real estate transactions, a light-bulb went off. He could do better. He would do better. It was a call to action.

The Minnesota native has worn many hats — from tow truck driver to construction foreman  — but none have fit him the way real estate has. Matt points to his complete immersion in the structure and ethics of the business as to how and why he became the best in the business.

“I became an observer. I did a deep dive into underrepresentation and mismanagement,” Matt says. “It was easy to see what needed to be improved. The real task is taking the reins and getting it done. I figured it out and it’s been a win for me, a win for my team, and a win for my clients.”

RE/MAX Partners opened their doors in 2014. Their combined goal was to to provide a seamless, ethical transaction for their clients. He maintains that their level of diligence and representation has made real estate better not only for the entire MLS community, but for Grinnell and its surrounding communities, as well.

“There really isn’t anyone who does what we do to the level we do it,” Matt says. “I’ve made it my mission to uphold strict ethical guidelines, not only for myself, but for my agents. I look for agents who connect well with people, bottom line. There’s nothing more important. ”

Matt became the sole owner and broker of RE/MAX Partners in December of 2016, and has since actively recruited observant agents who are committed to the same “representation before profit” credo the organization was founded on. It’s important to him to provide his agents with a livable wage and ongoing education in order for them to maintain a transparent, ethical partnership.

“There has to be a continued desire to look for meaning in what they’re doing,” Matt maintains. “The impact has to be tangible. If an agent does good work and adheres to diligent, ethical practices, it’ll pay off tenfold with lifelong clients.”

Matt isn’t just a trailblazer in the real estate agency, he’s also a committed public servant. It’s been important to him that RE/MAX Partners gives back to the community, whether it’s through Grinnell High School football team sponsorship or donating to Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Grinnell College. He also hosts a “Right at Home”, a non-compensated weekly radio show on KGRN that focuses on real estate, review trends, weekly numbers, legal updates, and discussions with other local experts like city managers and building inspectors.

“I don’t think you can be an effective leader in business and not be connected to the community you live in,” he says.

RE/MAX Partners was voted 2017 Business of the Year by the Grinnell Chamber of Commerce, and Matt himself was the first-ever Grinnell realtor to be honored with the Iowa Association of Realtors Diamond Achievement Award. It’s two of many awards he’s amassed in the last few years, but Matt maintains that although it’s great to be honored, the real satisfaction is knowing he and his team go above and beyond to represent clients.

Whether you’re buying a home or selling one, Matt is your one-stop shop for your next step in life. Call him today at 641-260-0672.

Matt’s Listings

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Residential For Sale

2096 280th Street, Rippey, Iowa 50235

4Bedroom(s)
YesParking(s)
31Picture(s)
1,120Sqft
Visits: 0
Welcome to 2096 280th St in Rippey—an opportunity to put your personal stamp on a property with good bones and room to grow. Sitting on approximately 2 acres (to be parceled off—the nicely mowed northwest corner), this home offers 1,120 square feet above grade with 2 bedrooms and 1.5 baths, plus two non-conforming bedrooms in the lower level for added flexibility.
$175,000

Residential For Sale

33065 Trail Ridge Circle, Adel, Iowa 50003

4Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,680Sqft
Visits: 0
Over 3000 square feet of living area in this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom, ranch style home on a beautiful acreage in Adel. Located on the South side of Adel just north of I80, this home sits in the highly desired Trail Ridge neighborhood which offers access to the river, minimal restrictions, ability to build a large outbuilding/garage/party barn, and over 3 acres.
$599,000

Residential For Sale

463 E Rochester St, Ottumwa, Iowa 52501

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
33Picture(s)
2,944Sqft
Visits: 3
Welcome to your dream country escape with all the benefits of city proximity! This beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home with a 2 car garage, sits on 11.5 picturesque acres full of natural beauty and peaceful charm.
$525,000

Residential For Sale

320 Jackson Street, Sigourney, Iowa 52591

3Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
3Parking(s)
47Picture(s)
4,336Sqft
Visits: 4
Welcome to this impressive and meticulously updated craftsman home situated on a spacious corner lot. Offering 3 bedrooms (plus a non-conforming) and 5 bathrooms- or the flexibility to use one bedroom as a home office-this property blends modern convenience with standout character. The home features a zero-entry layout for ease of access, making it ideal for all stages of life.
$399,000

Residential For Sale

1350 Arrowhead Trail, Ellston, Iowa 50074

1Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
9Picture(s)
400Sqft
Visits: 4
Enjoy laid-back lake life in this beautifully shaded, flat lot located in one of the most desirable areas of Sun Valley Lake. This setup includes a 2023 Jayco Jayflight BungalowFKDS with a front kitchen, big windows, and modern finishes throughout. Open concept with one bedroom with a queen size bed and one full bathroom. Walk out onto the attached deck through the full size slider door.
$119,900

Residential For Sale

17598 472nd ST, Mystic, Iowa 52544

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
3Parking(s)
40Picture(s)
1,252Sqft
Visits: 4
Nestled on 4.75 acres of picturesque land, this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a serene escape from the everyday hustle. The kitchen features a convenient island perfect for meal prep and casual dining. Adjacent to the kitchen is a practical laundry room, adding to the home's functionality.
$210,000
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