I have been a full time realtor for over 21 years serving the Greater Minneapolis St Paul area for my entire careeer. Before entering real estate I received my Master's Degree in Criminal Justice from Mankato State University. My formal education really gave me the ability to think rationally and logically and it allows me to effectively negotiate for my clients in a real estate transaction. After graduating from college I went to work as a carpenter for 5 years working in new construction. This might not seem like a logical transgression but I grew up in a construction family and was surrounding by it my whole life...My Father was a carpenter as was my Grandfather, and my Great Grandfather and my Great Great Grandfather were carpenters too....well you get the picture. In 1991 I received the designation of Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) from the National Association of Realtors. The NAR hails its recipients as being the best and the brightest in the real estate industry and hails them as having obtained a higher level of understanding.  In 1993 I obtained the designation of Certified New Home Sales Professional (CSP) from the National Association of Home Builders. This speciaized training recognizes it's members as new construction experts and it allows it's members to work in the construction trade. In 1996 I was awarded the designation of Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) from the Residential Sales Council. The CRS designation is the highest obtainable designation in residential real estate and only 6% of all realtors nationwide can call themselves a CRS. The CRS designation recognizes it's agents as being highly qualified, experienced and possesing the skills required to meet their clients needs. In 2009 I received the designation of Short Sale Foreclosure Specialist SSFS) from Kaplan Education Center and Edina Realty. This specialized training allows me to provide the home owner with the necessary tools required to expedite a sale during these difficult times. On five separate occasions I have been rewarded with the title of "Super Real Estate Agent" by the Twin Cities Business Monthly and the Mpls St Paul Magazine. This yearly award has been established to recognized the best real estate agents in the metro area.