Brian Franzen

Buying a home isn't about finding the perfect house—it's about making the right decision for your life. My biggest advice is to have a strategy before you start touring homes. Understand your budget, know what's most important to you, and work with an agent who will tell you the truth, not just what you want to hear. In today's market, winning isn't always about offering the most money. It's about understanding the market, negotiating well, and knowing when to move quickly—and when to walk away. I tell my buyers all the time: we'll find another house. I'd much rather lose a home than watch you overpay for one.

Price it for the market you have, not the one you wish you had. The biggest mistake I see sellers make is chasing the market downward by starting too high. Today's buyers have more choices and more information than ever before. The homes that generate the most excitement—and often the strongest offers—are the ones that are priced correctly from day one. Beyond pricing, presentation matters. Professional photography, thoughtful marketing, and a clear strategy are what separate listings that sit from listings that sell.

Over the last decade I've helped more than 250 buyers and sellers across Greeley and Northern Colorado. I've worked with first-time buyers, growing families looking for more space, downsizers, luxury clients, investors, relocation clients moving to Colorado, and even owner-occupants purchasing commercial properties. No two clients are the same, which is why I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every transaction starts with understanding what success looks like for that particular client, then building a strategy to get there.

One that stands out was helping a family who had their hearts set on a specific neighborhood they'd dreamed about for years. We developed a game plan months before they were ready to buy, stayed patient, and when the right home finally became available we were prepared to act immediately. At the same time, we successfully sold their current home with a pricing strategy that generated strong interest despite a shifting market. Watching them get the keys to a home they truly never thought they'd own was incredibly rewarding. Those are the moments that remind me why I love this business.

I've always been a people person. Before real estate, I spent years in the restaurant industry. I loved the fast pace, the relationships, and getting to know new people every day. But as my wife and I started thinking about starting a family, I knew the nights, weekends, and holidays that came with restaurant life weren't the future I wanted to build. My father-in-law, who worked in real estate, encouraged me to join him in property management. It was a great introduction to the industry, but it didn't take long to realize what I was really drawn to was helping people buy and sell homes. The relationship side of the business—the chance to guide people through one of the biggest decisions of their lives—felt like exactly where I belonged. More than ten years and 250+ families later, I still get excited to meet someone new, hear their story, and help them accomplish their goals. Looking back, I didn't really change careers—I just found the people business I was meant to be in.

In addition to more than twelve years of full-time real estate experience, I've completed extensive training in negotiation, pricing strategy, marketing, contracts, and market analysis. I'm also proud to serve on the City of Greeley Planning Commission, where I've been involved since 2019. That role gives me a unique perspective on future development, zoning, infrastructure, and how our communities are growing—insight that can be incredibly valuable for both buyers and sellers. More than any designation, though, my clients benefit from experience. After helping hundreds of families buy and sell homes throughout Northern Colorado, I've seen just about every situation imaginable and know how to navigate challenges before they become problems.