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

720 State Street, Algona, Iowa 50511

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
YesParking(s)
25Picture(s)
884Sqft
Visits: 4
Cozy 2-bedroom, 1 Bath home featuring one-stall garage and spacious yard. This home offers comfortable living with room to personalize.
$77,000

Residential For Sale

1116 James Street, Webster City, Iowa 50595

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
3Parking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,360Sqft
Visits: 5
Two lots, two detached garages, and a bonus shop! This 3-bedroom, 1-bath bungalow in Webster City offers great space both inside and out. The home features laminate floors, updated windows, a fenced area for pets, and a small deck. One detached garage fits a single vehicle, while the second provides space for two more.
$150,000

Residential For Sale

1111 Mabel Street, Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
YesParking(s)
30Picture(s)
1,272Sqft
Visits: 4
1.5 Story 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home is ready for you to move into! The Main floor has a spacious Living Room, an open Kitchen/Dining/Laundry area, Bedroom and 3/4 Bath. Off the Dining Room is an attached Garage with entry to the fenced-in back yard and storage shed. The Upper level has 2 additional Bedrooms and a Full Bath.
$179,900

Residential For Sale

2656 Nebraska Ave., Mount Pleasant, Iowa 52641

5Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
32Picture(s)
4,682Sqft
Visits: 12
CHECK OUT THIS SPACIOUS Country Home situated on 1 Acre m/l with fantastic Scenic Views for enjoying country living! You will enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside in this beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom home featuring over 3,000 square feet of living space.
$399,900

Residential For Sale

1844 Racine Avenue, Mount Union, Iowa 52644

2Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
27Picture(s)
2,048Sqft
Visits: 3
CHARMING ACREAGE FOR SALE. Take a look at this well-maintained acreage offering peaceful living with plenty of space to roam. This two-bedroom home sits on a beautifully manicured two-acre lot along a hard-surface road, ideally located between Mt. Pleasant and Mt. Union.
$185,000

Residential For Sale

16621 Goodman Drive, Urbandale, Iowa 50323

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2Parking(s)
26Picture(s)
1,006Sqft
Visits: 4
Nestled in a prime Urbandale location, this property offers quality of life inside and out. It’s walking distance to Waterford Elementary and the nearby Arcadia park, with Waukee Northwest High School just minutes away. A neighborhood path connects directly to nearly 200-acre Walnut Creek Regional Park, offering miles of trails and green space for outdoor enjoyment.
$330,000
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