“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.
4 bedroom, 1 3/4 bath Ranch! 40 X 48 Shop! + 2 car garage & recently professionally graded yard! Nearly a half acre in town! Step in the front door to a bright living room. Into the kitchen with private back deck and a back yard access. 3 bedrooms and full bathroom on the main floor. Down stairs to the lower level living room, bedroom and 3/4 bathroom.
Acreage! On paved road! Close to town! Lake view! Enjoy your time in the country with incredible views of Diamond lake! Step inside the beautiful home with gorgeous wood floors and natural wood trim. Relax in the living room with bay window. Step into the open kitchen dining area and continue out onto the deck. Down the hall from the kitchen features a full bathroom and three bedrooms.
Check out this amazing acreage on paved road today! Enjoy your time in the country with a view of the lake! Step inside the beautiful home with gorgeous wood floors and natural wood trim. Relax in the living room with bay window. Step into the open kitchen dining area and continue out onto the deck. Down the hall from the kitchen features a full bathroom and two bedrooms.
Truly remarkable 2 story house just steps from downtown & Unity Point Hospital, Grinnell. Hardwood floors. Renovated in 2014 with upgraded 200 AMP service, furnace, water heater and city sewer. Newer kitchen with cabinets, lighting, stainless steel appliances, washer & dryer, white subway tile tub/shower surround, carpet, and vinyl flooring.
Great 2 story house just steps from downtown & Unity Point Grinnell. Hardwood floors. Renovated in 2014 with upgraded 200 AMP service, furnace, water heater and city sewer. Newer kitchen with cabinets, lighting, stainless steel appliances, washer & dryer, white subway tile tub/shower surround, carpet, and vinyl flooring. Main Floor bedroom with attached bath and stack washer/dryer.
Huge PRICE REDUCTION. Victorian Home in NW Grinnell Historical District steps away from Grinnell College, downtown Grinnell, & Central Park!! ! Walk up the front steps to the classic wrap around porch. Into the formal foywer with beautiful woodwork from the floors, to the stair railings, up to the intricate molding at the ceiling. Hardwood floors continue throughout the house.
Massive Price Reduction!!! Incredibly preserved Victorian Home in NW Grinnell Historical District steps away from Grinnell College, downtown Grinnell, & Central Park!! ! Walk up the front steps to the classic wrap around porch. Into the formal foywer with beautiful woodwork from the floors, to the stair railings, up to the intricate molding at the ceiling.
Occupy. Develop. Invest. 2400 SF of commercial property. Aprox 2000 SF of space available for easy conversion to an open layout or segmented plan that would suit a variety of tenants. Located one block from the intersection of HWY 6 and HWY 146. One way alley access, drive up window, and double frontage provides excellent exposure and diversity of business potential. C1 commercial zoning.
Occupy. Develop. Invest. 2400 SF of commercial property. Aprox 2000 SF of space available for easy conversion to an open layout or segmented plan that would suit a variety of tenants. Located one block from the intersection of HWY 6 and HWY 146. One way alley access, drive up window, and double frontage provides excellent exposure and diversity of business potential. C1 commercial zoning.
One house and small cottage on the corner of Hwy 146 and Washington Ave. House #1: 1 bedroom, 1 bath house with an attached 1 car garage. Upstairs is completely unfinished and could be made into an additional bedroom. House #2: Formerly a barbershop (many years ago), now currently configured as a stand alone studio apt/cottage with 3/4 bathroom.
One house and small cottage on the corner of Hwy 146 and Washington Ave. House #1: 1 bedroom, 1 bath house with an attached 1 car garage. Upstairs is completely unfinished and could be made into an additional bedroom. House #2: Formerly a barbershop (many years ago), now currently configured as a stand alone studio apt/cottage with 3/4 bathroom.
