Brian Leneweaver

Q: 1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?

Never rush into an offer out of pressure. Focus first on getting fully pre-approved, knowing your true monthly budget, and identifying your non-negotiable needs versus wants. In competitive North Metro and lake markets like Forest Lake, having a data-driven strategy and an agent who moves quickly—without forcing you to settle—is what gets your offer accepted on the right home.

Q: 2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?

Price with data, not emotion. The initial 14 days on market are your highest-leverage window. To net the highest dollar amount, focus on three key pillars: positioning the property accurately based on recent local hyper-local comps, ensuring high-quality visual presentation, and eliminating potential buyer friction before listing. A transparent, strategic launch always beats price drops later.

Q: 3. What types of clients have you worked with?

I work with a wide range of buyers and sellers across Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, specializing in: Residential Buyers & Sellers: Helping families navigate move-up purchases or downsizes in the Twin Cities North Metro. Lakeshore & Waterfront Properties: Guiding clients through lake home purchases, setback rules, and shoreland regulations around Forest Lake and Chisago County. Relocation & Cross-Border Moves: Assisting buyers moving between MN and WI with dual-state licensing expertise. First-Time Homebuyers & Investors: Providing step-by-step education and thorough market analysis.

Q: 4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?

I recently helped a client sell a home where previous market activity had stalled out. By diving deep into the local neighborhood buyer data, adjusting our pricing strategy, and crafting clear, feature-focused marketing, we generated strong buyer interest quickly. Seeing the seller transition smoothly to their next chapter with complete peace of mind is always the most rewarding part of this work.

Q: 5. How did you get started in Real Estate?

After spending over three decades in sales, marketing, and business management, transitioning into real estate was a natural evolution. I wanted to apply my decades of negotiation experience and market strategy directly to helping people make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives—built entirely on trust, clear data, and honest communication.

Q: 6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?

In addition to holding dual real estate licenses in both Minnesota (Lic. #40693934) and Wisconsin (Lic. #94076-94), I hold professional designations including Certified New Home Specialist (CNHS) and Residential Construction Certified (RCC). This technical training allows me to evaluate home construction quality, spot potential property issues early, and effectively guide clients through both existing homes and new construction builds.

REMAX Advantage Plus

6 Years of Experience

(16)

$7.9M

Total Sales Last Year

Years of Experience

Recent TransactionsTransactions from the last 3 years

$356K

Average Price Point

Service Areas

Circle Pines, MN Dresser, WI Forest Lake, MN Hugo, MN North Branch, MN Osceola, WI Saint Croix Falls, WI Saint Paul, MN Somerset, WI Stacy, MN Star Prairie, WI Wyoming, MN

View All Service Areas

About Brian Leneweaver

Brian Leneweaver - RealtorA(R) | Forest Lake Real Estate Expert | RE/MAX Advantage Plus & The Minnesota Real Estate Team

Real estate decisions should be built on clear data, honest communication, and zero pressure. Based in Forest Lake, MN, Brian Leneweaver specializes in helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the Twin Cities North Metro, Chisago County, and Western Wisconsin real estate markets.

With a reputation backed by consistent 5-star client reviews, Brian brings a straightforward, analytical approach to pricing, listing strategy, and negotiation. Whether you are buying a lake home, selling your property, or exploring new construction, Brian works tirelessly to ensure you stay in total control of your move from consultation to closing.

OTHER LANGUAGES

English

FAMILY

I have been married since 1995 and have 4 awesome kids including a set of twins!

Credentials

LICENSE

Real Estate - Minnesota - # 40693934

Designation

Licensed Realtor

REALTOR

Specialties

Buyer's Agent
First Time Home Buyers
Foreclosure specialist
Investment Properties
Land & Lots
Listing Agent
New Construction
Relocation
Vacation / Short-term Rentals

Awards

2026
TOP AGENT
Osceola, WI
2026
TOP AGENT
North Branch, MN
2026
TOP AGENT
Forest Lake, MN

Loading recent sales...

Brian Leneweaver's Reviews & Ratings

16 Reviews

(5/5)

Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team

What clients say about this agent....

Responsive
Knowledgeable
Professional
Communicative
Outstanding
Attentive
Great for new buyers

Info49517

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

June 9, 2026

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian is an awesome realtor! He responds quickly, has experience and invaluable common sense. He thought of things I didn't even think to ask. He went above and beyond and did nothing but solve problems for this very busy entrepreneur!! The ad he put together was impressive, concise, accurate and lovely. We sold fast and I got everything I asked for. You would be smart to work with him. I highly recommend him. A+ 10/10 Experience matters! He works in Minnesota and Wisconsin!

Abbie

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

October 27, 2025

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian went above and beyond for our family from beginning to end and we couldnt have asked for a better experience. He took every consideration and let us explore all of our option to ultimately help us make our dream a reality! I really appreciated not feeling rushed or pushed into making any decision.

Hannah M.

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

January 27, 2025

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

I was already working with a realtor when I decided I needed a better fit--a realtor who would take the time to get to know me and my home-buying needs, someone who would take initiative, and someone who would walk with me step-by-step as it was my first time buying a home. Brian Leneweaver was that and so much more! In working with Brian, he found more appropriate home options within the first 24 hours than my previous realtor had in 2 weeks. In only a few weeks he helped buy my dream first home. He provides online platforms that are easy to use so the buyer can seamlessly peruse homes online that he handpicks. He also provides access to websites that make the homebuying process and timeline extremely helpful for people who need more organization in their lives, like me! I will definitely reach out to Brian again in the future, because working with Brian is like working with family with his caring nature and corny jokes.

Sydlen1

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

July 9, 2024

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Best realtor out there! Genuinely wants what is best for his clients. Asked us what exactly we wanted and didnt let us settle for anything less. Encouraged us to not jump on a house if we werent in love with it because the right house was out there, we just needed to be patient. 10/10 would recommend.

Romns8 2.

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

June 5, 2024

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

It was a pleasure working with Brian on the buying and the selling of our homes. Brian is personable, responsive and service oriented. We always felt confident we were in good hands with Brian representing us as our agent.

Dstullkinsley

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

March 7, 2024

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

We are so appreciative of the expertise that Brian Leneweaver brought to our relocating experience. His willingness to listen to our needs and concerns and his attention to detail were instrumental in both the finding of our new home and the staging and selling of our previous home. We are happily settling into our new place and so grateful that Brian helped make this all possible.

Chunia V.

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

January 28, 2024

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

We had a great experience working with Brian as our realtor. He was always available to answer any questions we had in the process, he was patient, knowledgeable, and also connected us to a loan officer, who also had our best interest at heart and worked in a timely and respectful manner to move the process along until we finally closed on the home.

Aroush1016

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

October 6, 2023

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian, we love our new home. It's great for our family. The experience of buying this with your help was excellent and professional. Thank you from us

Briejnolan14

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

June 9, 2022

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

As a first time home buyer, everything seemed incredibly daunting at first between finding a home in this ever changing wild market, and then securing financing for said home with interest rates changing daily. When we began the mortgage pre qualification process and shopping for mortgages, I was bombarded with phone calls, texts and emails from many different realtors. Out of the sea of agents that reached out to me, we ended up choosing to meet with Brian, because I enjoyed speaking with him the most. After meeting with him, we decided he was ?the one? and we are certain we made the best choice! I?ll be the first to admit that my partner and I were quite the pair of eager, but anxiety ridden first-time home buyers. Between my past credit blemishes, and my partners and I grueling work and college schedule, Brian was informative, positive and eager not only to show us homes, but walk us through every step of the way. He even introduced us to the lender we ended up securing our mortgage through. Brian helped us submit two offers, the first of which was accepted, but that we ended up walking away from due to an inspection gone wrong. The second which was also accepted and went swimmingly! He stayed in constant communication, keeping us as informed as possible. He also made sure to be there at each inspection. Did I mention he connected us with a fantastic inspector as well? My partner and I cannot say enough wonderful things about Brian. We will be recommending him to all of our friends and family, and will definitely be using him for any future real estate transactions.

Megkoenig1

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

June 1, 2022

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian was an excellent agent - very helpful and quick to respond with any questions I had throughout the process. He made my home selling experience easy and pain free!

Dawnbigelbach

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

April 24, 2022

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian was so great to work with. He kept us informed, took time to understand our situation and provided sound advice and recommendations when asked. Selling our parents home was not easy for our family, but Brian helped us through the process and made it so much easier. I could always trust that information would be provided when needed and that I could rely on Brian to answer questions. He even provided contacts for vendors we needed for septic replacement and reviewed bids and discussed options and timing, etc. He went beyond selling the home and partnered with us through the process. We are very grateful.

Jan S.

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

April 12, 2022

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian is a topnotch professional. He is very knowledgeable of current real estate trends. He helped us navigate some unique requests, and was available at each stage of the process. When I had redundant questions or got stressed, he was patient and caring. Our family had a great time; would highly recommend Brian to any family or friends.

Elliot S.

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

February 6, 2022

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Brian is amazing! A super down to Earth guy, whos easy to talk to. Like a true expert he uses accurate language to simplify complex and esoteric things about the industry and market. We found him by chance and hit the jack pot, so dont hesitate to cold call him. He was super responsive even outside of normal hours. We had very particular requirements we were looking for and needed to find a good deal. Right from the start he was on his game at the locations and guiding me through viewings and complex negotiations. When we eventually found a very unique property he went out of his way to help us every step of the way. He wasnt pushy about trying to get us to go beyond our budget or to take unnecessary loans. Brians a family man, a total professional, just call him like we did.

Ross F.

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

January 4, 2022

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

First time home buyers and Brian made the experience very easy and smooth while being very helpful explaining everything we had questions on. Helped us through a strange situation of the previous homeowners not vacating the property, we were still able to move in on time thanks to the help of Brian.

Zuser20161007114607313

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

December 19, 2021

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Helpful and patient. A pleasure to work with! Quick to respond and easily worked around my schedule. Definitely made the process of selling and buying a house less of a headache.

Luka0041

Review for Member: Brian Leneweaver

November 16, 2021

Local Knowledge

Process Expertise

Responsiveness

Negotiation skills

ZillowVERIFIED

Honestly, we loved Brian from the start. His knowledge was fantastic, he always took care of everything, and seemed to have the ?tools? of his trade all the time! Not to mention he found us the perfect new home! Thanks Brian! Realtor for life ??!