Highest Production in Itasca County Once Again; Mitch Kellin Completes Brokerage Purchase from Father Mike Kellin

The leadership transition has been smooth sailing at Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty, the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County once again based on data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period of January 1 - December 31, 2022.

New Broker/Owner Mitch Kellin ensured the family legacy would continue by purchasing Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty on January 1, 2023, from his father Mike Kellin, who along with his late wife Lisa, acquired the brokerage in 1990 from Bob Hill and family. The award-winning agency has been family-owned and operated since 1947. Mike Kellin will remain a broker with the agency.  

“It’s an honor and privilege to be able to continue the family legacy of Northwoods Realty,” said Mitch Kellin. “I look forward to building on its success with our team and our community. Clients who we have served for decades along with our talented agents have made these incredible results possible year after year.”  

Several of the agency’s Realtors® are among the best in the entire Coldwell Banker® franchise system and were once again recognized for their performance in 2022:  

·        Luke Garner qualified for the prestigious International President’s Elite Circle, awarded to the top two percent of all Coldwell Banker representatives worldwide. This is the third straight year Garner has earned a top sales distinction with Coldwell Banker flagship.

·        Karen Gessell and Pam Gilhousen and both achieved Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Circle status, given to the top five percent of all representatives. Gessell earned her fifth award, starting as a Realtor® in 2017. This is the ninth straight year Gilhousen has been awarded for her results.

·        Morgan Hopkins earned her first-ever award, joining Tammi Bischoff and Mitch Kellin with membership in the Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society. This is Bischoff’s third Coldwell sales award. For Kellin, it’s his sixth straight year ranking among the top 16 percent or higher of Coldwell Banker Realtors® worldwide.

·        As a brokerage, this is the 14^th time Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to franchisees.  

“In this unpredictable real estate market it’s important to have the right experience on your side,” said Mitch Kellin. “While the designations are well-deserved, it is the combined talent and dedication of the entire team that drives our success. We don’t take lightly the faith our clients put in us, and we use all our tools and resources to make their real estate dreams a reality.”  

The Up North Team of Cathy Beddoe-Carlson, Jamie O’Toole, Lynn Ranger, and Tim Skelly are four award-winning Realtors® with decades of experience in all aspects of real estate. Recognized as the top-producing team in the area for many years, they have received the Coldwell Banker International Presidents Circle Team award multiple times.  

Realtor®/Associate Broker Charlotte McDermott’s exceptional market knowledge and industry experience are award-winning and second to none. She’s respected for her unwavering professionalism, tenacity, ethics, and loyalty to her clients.   

Five years in, Grand Rapids native Jordan Stejskal has become an established Realtor® and professional property manager. His clients value his dedicated and honest approach, making him a go-to real estate resource for young professionals, friends, and neighbors in the area.  

As a veteran and experienced agent, Joel Perrington is a trusted resource for those navigating the challenges of VA homeownership and financing. His years of experience with aerial Geographic Information Systems for the Department of Natural Resources have given Joel a unique perspective when it comes to finding clients’ ideal locations.  

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is Itasca County’s leading real estate agency. The office of 17 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass, and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region.

Top Brokerage in Itasca County; Multiple Realtors® Earn Top Marks for Coldwell Banker® Worldwide                

(From left: Lynn Ranger, Cathy Beddoe-Carlson, Karen Gessell, Pam Gilhousen, Mitch Kellin, Tammi Bischoff, Luke Garner, Jamie O'Toole, Tim Skelly)

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County based on data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2021.

“Once again, it was one of the strongest real estate markets we’ve ever seen,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “In addition to being the top real estate agency in Itasca County, we’re proud to be part of the Coldwell family that achieved a sales price for sellers that was 20.7 percent higher than the National Association of Realtors’ average. We have a winning combination of service and experience that delivers the best results for our clients.”

Additionally, several of the agency’s Realtors® were recently recognized for their performance in 2021 within the global Coldwell Banker® franchise system: 

·   Luke Garner and Pam Gilhousen qualified for the prestigious International President’s Elite Circle, awarded to the top three percent of all representatives internationally in the Coldwell Banker system. This is the second straight year Garner has earned a top sales distinction with Coldwell and the eighth time in as many years for Gilhousen.

·   For the second year in a row Karen Gessell landed among the top seven percent of all representatives achieving Coldwell’s International President’s Circle status.

·     Tammi Bischoff and Mitch Kellin both achieved membership in the International Diamond Society. This is Bischoff’s second Coldwell sales award, but first in this category. For Kellin, this is the fifth straight year he ranked among the top 12 percent of Coldwell Banker realtors worldwide.

·     The multi-award-winning Up North Team comprised of Cathy Beddoe-Carlson, Jamie O’Toole, Lynn Ranger, and Tim Skelly, achieved membership in Coldwell’s International Sterling Society ranking among the top 18 percent of all real estate teams worldwide, a significant achievement for a four-member team in a small market.

·   As a brokerage, this is the 13^th time Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to franchisees.

While the designations are well-deserved, Mike Kellin says it is the combined talent and dedication of the entire team that drives its success. New research from Coldwell Banker shows that its affiliated agents have the highest loyalty in real estate, beating every other brand when it comes to agents’ intention to stay affiliated. 

Charlotte McDermott’s exceptional market knowledge and industry experience are award-winning and second to none. She’s respected for her unwavering professionalism, tenacity, ethics, and loyalty to her clients.  

Four years in, Grand Rapids native Jordan Stejskal has become an established and valued realtor. He’s active and connected in the community, making him a go-to real estate resource for young professionals, friends, and neighbors in the area. 

      Now in the driver’s seat, Morgan Hanson is flourishing as a realtor. She officially earned her real estate license in 2020 but honed her skills at the brokerage supporting its top agents for 12 years prior. She has a true passion for real estate and her creative talent and professionalism are great assets to her clients and the industry. 

As a veteran and experienced agent, Joel Perrington is a trusted resource for those navigating the challenges of VA homeownership and financing. His years of experience with aerial Geographic Information Systems for the Department of Natural Resources have given Joel a unique perspective when it comes to finding clients’ ideal locations. 

Lisa Waldo has built a reputation as a savvy realtor who is incredibly dedicated to her clients. She’s creative, tenacious, and the ultimate team player. Lisa will go the extra mile to ensure her clients achieve their real estate dreams. 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is Itasca County’s real estate leader. Purchased by Mike and the late Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, the agency has been family-owned and operated since 1947. Mike and Lisa’s son Lewis Kellin serves as Chief Financial Officer; son Mitch Kellin is a broker and realtor. The office of 18 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass, and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region.

How can the right representation get you more for your home or get you the home of your dreams?

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top-performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2020, it was recently published in the Grand Rapids Herald-Review.

(From left: Mitch Kellin, Luke Garner, Brett Beckfeld, Karen Gessell and Pamela Gilhousen. Award recipient not pictured: Tammi Bischoff)

“Real estate activity this past year was unprecedented,” said Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “I’m grateful for our talented team of Realtors® who successfully balanced new safety protocols amid extraordinary levels of business. They were there every step of the way for our home buyers and sellers, ensuring sound, successful results for over 400 transactions.”

Additionally, several of the agency’s Realtors® were recently recognized for their performance in 2020 within the global Coldwell Banker® franchise system:

    • Pam Gilhousen qualified for the prestigious International President’s Elite Circle, awarded to the top 3 percent of all representatives internationally in the Coldwell Banker system. This is the seventh time in as many years she has earned a top sales distinction.

    • Brett Beckfeld, Luke Garner, and Karen Gessell were among the top 8 percent of all representatives achieving International President’s Circle status. This is Luke’s first year in the Coldwell family; Brett and Karen have achieved similar recognition in previous years.

    • Mitch Kellin attained membership in the International Diamond Society, his fourth straight year ranking among the top 15 percent of Coldwell Banker realtors worldwide.

    • Tammi Bischoff was in the top 22 percent worldwide, reaching the status of International Sterling Society.

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has been recognized 12 times as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to franchisees. This year, the office achieved “silver” status, ranking among the top 15 percent in North America and top 33 percent internationally. 

While the designations are well-deserved, Mike Kellin says it is the combined talent of his entire team that drives their success.

The Up North Team is a team of four award-winning, full-time realtors with decades of experience in all aspects of real estate. Recognized as the top-producing team in the area for many years, they have received the Coldwell Banker International Presidents Circle Team award multiple times. 

Charlotte McDermott’s exceptional market knowledge and industry experience are also award-winning and second to none. She’s respected for her unwavering professionalism, tenacity, ethics, and loyalty to her clients.  

Three years in, Grand Rapids native Jordan Stejskal is quickly developing into a thriving realtor. He’s active and connected in the community, making him a go-to real estate resource for young professionals, friends, and neighbors in the area. 

While she officially earned her real estate license in 2020, Morgan Hanson has been honing her skills at the brokerage for the past 11 years offering administrative support. She has a true passion for real estate and her creative talent and professionalism is a great asset to her clients and the industry.

As a veteran, Joel Perrington has a personal passion for navigating the challenges of VA homeownership and financing. His years of experience with aerial Geographic Information Systems for the Department of Natural Resources has given Joel a unique perspective when it comes to finding clients ideal locations.

In four years, Lisa Waldo has built a reputation as a savvy realtor who is incredibly dedicated to her clients. She’s creative, tenacious and the ultimate team player. 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is Itasca County’s real estate leader. Purchased by Mike and the late Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, the agency has been family-owned and operated since 1947. Mike and Lisa’s son Lewis Kellin serves as Chief Financial Officer. Son Mitch Kellin and son-in-law Brett Beckfeld are realtors. The office of 18 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support covers all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass, and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region. 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty has unveiled its new look as the Coldwell Banker® network undergoes a visual transformation as part of “Project North Star.” Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is deploying new office signage, yard signs, marketing materials and more as part of the full network-wide rebrand this year.  

The new logo called the “CB North Star,” features a star as its visual icon intended to represent two distinctive elements that exemplify the Coldwell Banker® brand:

• The five-pointed star is a recognized mark of excellence, one that symbolizes the quality of service that the company has prided itself on since 1906. 

• Throughout history the North Star has been the beacon that explorers have used to guide them to the place they most cherished — home. Sitting confidently above the CB, the North Star signifies the fact that Coldwell Banker has been guiding people home for over a century, longer than any other real estate brand. 

• The signature blue color will remain a constant, while the rectangle has been revised to a sleeker, more compact square—a profile more in keeping with today’s mobile-first culture. 

• All of these elements unite to create a symbol that represents the essence of what Coldwell Banker is today, and where it’s headed tomorrow.

“Coldwell is one of the best known and trusted names in real estate,” said Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “They’ve always been leaders in the industry and on the forefront of innovation. It was time for a new look that reflected those values. It energizes our brand and will make a powerful impact in our community.”

Every visual expression of the agency’s identity, including the office exterior and interior, will ultimately reflect the new contemporary look. 

“Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is excited to be part of this journey,” said Kellin. “We can’t wait to leverage the fresh visuals of Project North Star for our clients and we believe this look will be a head-turner in Itasca County. We appreciate the opportunity to help guide our brand to success for another 100 years.” 

Since launching the rebrand, Coldwell Banker set upon a path to retell its brand story by solidifying its mission statement and recommitting to its core values, empowering over 92,000 sales agents worldwide to leave their mark on their communities. The words “home,” “awesomeness,” “ingenuity” and “excellence” represent the company’s core values and are intended to guide and inspire offices and agents around the globe.

We answer some of the most common questions asked when preparing to sell your home in northern Minnesota.

Multiple Realtors® Earn Top Recognition from Coldwell Banker® International; Agency Receives Premier Office Designation for Sixth Straight Year

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty continues to be the top performing real estate agency in Itasca County, based on sales volume data published by the Itasca County Board of Realtors for the period January 1 - December 31, 2018. 

“We owe our success to our loyal clients, who trust us with the most important transactions of their lives,” said Broker/Owner Mike Kellin. “We don’t take that responsibility lightly and we work hard to deliver successful results for them time and again.”

Several of the agency’s Realtors® were also recognized for their performance by Coldwell Banker®, landing them among the top representatives worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system:

• Brett Beckfeld and Pam Gilhousen qualified once again for the International President’s Circle, awarded to the top 10 percent of all representatives worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

• The Up North Team comprised of Cathy Beddoe Carlson, Jenny McClure, Lynn Ranger, Tim Skelly, and Jamie O’Toole, earned membership once again in the International President’s Circle as a team among the top 20 percent of all Coldwell Banker teams worldwide.

• Karen Gessell, in her second year as a realtor, qualified for the International Diamond Society, awarded to the top 15 percent of all representatives worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.

• Mitch Kellin achieved membership in the International Sterling Society, given to the top 25 percent of realtors worldwide in the Coldwell Banker system.  

For the sixth straight year, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty was recognized as a Coldwell Banker® Premier Office, one of the highest honors given to Coldwell Banker agencies. The Grand Rapids office has received the designation 11 times in its history.

Mike Kellin says it’s the combined talent of his entire team that drives their success. 

Charlotte McDermott’s exceptional market knowledge and industry experience are second to none. She’s respected for her unwavering professionalism, tenacity, ethics, and loyalty to her clients.  

Jim Affleck is a local legend and has earned a loyal following as resident expert on area lakes and waterways. He’s been matching clients with their dream destinations for decades. 

As a veteran, Joel Perrington has a personal passion for navigating the challenges of VA home ownership and financing. His years of experience with aerial Geographic Information Systems for the Department of Natural Resources has given Joel a unique perspective when it comes to finding clients ideal locations.

In just two short years, Lisa Waldo has built a reputation as a savvy realtor who is incredibly dedicated to her clients. She’s creative, tenacious and the ultimate team player. 

Todd Christensen also joined Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty in 2017. Todd’s local entrepreneurial success provides his clients with invaluable business acumen and insider experience. 

Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty is Itasca County’s real estate leader. Purchased by Mike and Lisa Kellin in 1990 from Bob Hill and family, the agency has been family owned and operated since 1947. The Kellin’s son Mitch and son-in-law Brett Beckfeld are realtors and son Lewis serves as Chief Financial Officer. The office of 17 real estate professionals with dedicated marketing and administrative support cover all of Itasca County and the Grand Rapids area as well as parts of Aitkin, Cass and St. Louis counties, and Duluth’s North Shore Region. 

3 Valuable Tips Before the "For Sale" Sign Goes Up

• Concentrate on readying your main living area first. It’s too overwhelming to tackle the entire house at one time. First impressions are everything, so if you "wow" them when they walk in the door, it will help them look past the attic that has years of memorabilia in it. 
• You are listing your house because you are moving - start packing! The best way to de-clutter your house is to start packing away the things that you will take with you. And get rid of the stuff you don’t want!
• Contact a realtor. We are here to help take the stress out of selling your home, explain the process and make sure you are protected under all circumstances. Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly at 218-244-0795 and krgessell@gmail.com. I'm happy to answer any questions you have.

By Karen Gessell, Realtor®, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty 

2018 Women's Choice Award Winner

Women make or influence 91% of home-buying decisions. As it turns out, women are favoring Coldwell Banker for their real estate needs.

Coldwell Banker has been named a 2018 Women's Choice Award recipient. The Women’s Choice Award is a symbol that women gave their collective approval of the Coldwell Banker brand. This is the only award that recognizes and identifies brands that women recommend, and the award we have received celebrates Coldwell Banker for excellence in overall quality and customer experience.

Recommendations are the highest compliment we can receive in our business. At Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty, we are honored that two-thirds of our business is referred to us by our valued clients, and proud that over half of our agents are women who have chosen to partner with us. 

Don’t Wait for the "Green" to List Your Home

In Minnesota, a common thought is that things need to "green up" prior to listing your home or property for sale. As a seasoned realtor, I’m here to tell you this is actually false.

Most buyers are left with little inventory to choose from in the fall as sellers pull listings from the market at the thought of moving during the winter. This leaves many buyers still on the hunt come spring. Throw in additional new buyers as the temps warm up, and this ignites a very strong, immediate demand for available homes.

All this activity creates an excellent environment for sellers.  Don’t wait until May or June to list - you might have missed the window to sell your home fast, with potential competing offers!

Brett Beckfeld, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Agent