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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Commercial Sale For Sale

420 Main Street, Bedford, Iowa 50833

21Picture(s)
0.05Acre
Visits: 4
Located right on Main Street, this versatile commercial property offers incredible potential. Currently operating as a retail store, this well-maintained building features a brand new furnace. The upper level awaits your vision, with ample space for your built to suit living quarters– perfect for live-work arrangements or rental income.
$165,000

Residential For Sale

3520 32nd Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50317

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
25Picture(s)
910Sqft
Visits: 4
Welcome to this well-maintained and welcoming 3 bedroom, 1 bath ranch-style home! Easy main level living flows from the eat-in kitchen to the living room, to the nice sized bedrooms and updated bath. 4th non-conforming bedroom and family room in the lower level offer space to expand and make your own.
$235,000

Residential For Sale

10320 Norfolk Drive, Johnston, Iowa 50131

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
YesParking(s)
1,203Sqft
Visits: 2
Spacious 3 bedroom and 2 bath condo. Great Johnston location with easy access to Hwy 141 and the Interstate. Well maintained unit which includes washer and dryer and smart light switches as well as most outlets. Water and trash included in HOA dues. Includes a 1 detached garage. Available immediately.
$169,900

Residential For Sale

1308 Holiday Lane Lane, Brooklyn, Iowa 52211

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
5Picture(s)
766Sqft
Visits: 3
Welcome to this beautifully updated cabin that’s cute as a button and move-in ready! Completely remodeled from floor to ceiling, the main floor offers a stylish open-concept layout designed for modern living. With two spacious bedrooms featuring generous closet space, this home maximizes both comfort and functionality.
$239,900

Residential For Sale

2914 Glenbrooke Boulevard, Ankeny, Iowa 50023

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
34Picture(s)
1,534Sqft
Visits: 2
Welcome to this beautifully maintained two-story home, perfectly situated in one of the area's most desirable neighborhoods. With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and thoughtful updates throughout, this home offers both style and function for modern living.
$339,999

Residential For Sale

1325 31st Street, Ankeny, Iowa 50021

5Bedroom(s)
4Bathroom(s)
3Parking(s)
35Picture(s)
4,860Sqft
Visits: 1
Here is your chance to own one of the few houses in Central Iowa with an indoor pool and back up to Talons of Tuscany Golf. This 5 bedroom 2-Story has nearly 5000 squre ft of finised space. There have been a great deal of exterior updates including newer siding, newer 50 year stone coated steel roof, new pool heater and pool HVAC system.
$925,500
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