Connie Stegora

If you’re buying a home, start with a pre-approval so you know your budget and show sellers you’re serious. Remember to factor in all costs—taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance—not just the mortgage. Work with a local Realtor® who understands Minnesota’s unique issues like radon, septic systems, and freeze-thaw impacts. Be prepared for competition, always get a home inspection, and think long-term about schools, commute, and resale value. Most importantly, stay patient and flexible—if one deal doesn’t work out, the right home will.

When selling your home, focus on first impressions—clean, declutter, and make small updates like fresh paint or new fixtures that can bring strong returns. Price it realistically based on market data, not emotion, to attract serious buyers quickly. Be prepared to cover your share of closing costs and negotiate repairs after inspection. Remember, timing can vary—sometimes a home sells in days, other times it takes weeks or months. Stay patient and flexible; the right buyer will come along, and with the right strategy, your home will sell at a fair price.

I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide variety of clients—first-time buyers, move-up buyers, downsizers, investors, military families, and those relocating to or from Minnesota. Many of my clients appreciate that I act as both their Realtor® and advisor, walking them step by step through the process so they feel confident and informed. I love to teach along the way, helping people understand not just what to do, but why each step matters, whether it’s reviewing an inspection, writing an offer, or preparing a home for market. My goal is always to make the experience smooth, educational, and empowering so clients feel supported every step of the way.

One recent transaction that stands out was working with clients who were searching for a property with land and space to truly call their own. After touring many different options, we finally found the perfect home for them—40 acres surrounded by nature, complete with a fantastic garage, plenty of workspace, and the privacy they had been dreaming of. The process required patience and persistence, but seeing their excitement when we closed made it all worth it. It was a wonderful reminder of why I love what I do—helping clients find not just a house, but the lifestyle they’ve been envisioning.

I got started in real estate after a 17-year career as a manager with Target Stores. During that time, my family was deeply impacted when my mother was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. That experience gave me the perspective that life is short, and I wanted to build something of my own—something I was passionate about. I’ve always loved customer service and working with people, so real estate was the perfect fit. Today, I get to advise clients through one of the biggest decisions of their lives, guiding them step by step and making sure they feel confident along the way. I truly love what I do and don’t even see it as a job—it’s my calling.

Yes! In addition to my MBA, I’ve invested in specialized real estate education to better serve my clients. I hold several professional designations, including GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute), which provides advanced knowledge in contracts, marketing, and technology; MRP (Military Relocation Professional), which equips me to help active duty and veteran clients with unique housing needs and benefits; and AHWD (At Home With Diversity), which prepares me to serve clients of all backgrounds with sensitivity and understanding. Combined with my 8+ years of real estate experience and over 130 closed transactions, this training allows me to guide clients with confidence, teach them through the process, and protect their best interests at every step.