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

504 Quetzal Drive, Norwalk, Iowa 50211

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
32Picture(s)
1,498Sqft
Visits: 181
*MODEL HOME - NOT FOR SALE* - Builder Paid Permanent Buydown!! 4.99% FHA/VA or 5.5% Conv 30 year fixed rate mortgage available! - D.R. Horton, America’s Builder, presents the Hamilton. This spacious Ranch home includes 4 Bedrooms and 3 Bathrooms.
$354,990

Residential For Sale

2609 Chan Drive, Adel, Iowa 50003

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,498Sqft
Visits: 190
*MODEL HOME - NOT FOR SALE* D.R. Horton, America’s Builder, presents the Harmony. - Builder’s preferred lender offers exceptionally low 30-year fixed FHA/VA and Conventional Interest Rates. Calls us for details on how to save THOUSANDS of dollars! This spacious Ranch home is a new twist on our ever-popular Hamilton! The Harmony includes 4 Large Bedrooms and 3.
$369,990

Residential For Sale

1011 59th Court, Ankeny, Iowa 50021

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
3Parking(s)
35Picture(s)
1,925Sqft
Visits: 151
Design meets function in this stunning Palmer plan by Kimberley! Situated at the end of a culde sac on nearly a half acre lot in the desirable Kimberley Estates, this 4 bedroom ranch home features over 3350 sf of finished living space.10' ceilings, 8' doors, awe-inspiring finishes, and flooded in natural light with floor to ceiling black Marvin windows.
$779,900

Residential For Sale

4590 Rockford Avenue, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
28Picture(s)
1,511Sqft
Visits: 190
*MOVE-IN READY!* D.R. Horton, America’s Builder, presents the Sydney townhome located in our Fox Ridge Community in West Des Moines within the Norwalk School District. The Great Western Bike Train runs through the community! A 19-mile journey awaits you - Hike, bike, run, walk, or cross-country ski along the former Great Western Railroad between Des Moines and Martensdale.
$254,990

Land For Sale

0000 Iowa Lane, Earlham, Iowa 50072

14Picture(s)
80Acre
Visits: 167
This "once in a life time" farm located in one of the most sought after counties in all of Iowa. Madison county, is well known for the many covered bridges throughout the area and was the location when filming "The Bridges of Madison County". The area is also known for it's many parks, wineries, breweries and has one of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes.
$900,000

Land For Sale

1308 13th Place, Indianola, Iowa 50125

10Picture(s)
0.87Acre
Visits: 167
Looking to build? Check out these cul-de-sac lots and build with Ground Breaker Homes in Indianola! The development is close to Deer Run Golf Course. New 5 year residential tax abatement starting at 100% for Year 1 and decreasing 20% each year after that through Year 5! Lots are sold as a component of a custom build with Ground Breaker Homes. Homes start around $450,000.
$109,900
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