Helgeson Platzke Real Estate Group – Eden Prairie’s top home seller for over 25 years running. The local brokerage didn’t earn that distinction by accident. Their vast network of motivated buyers, honed marketing strategies, and teamwork that lets each agent’s natural talents shine have all put Helgeson Platzke on the map.
Helgeson Platzke’s namesake agents bring plenty of talent to the table. But in order to become Coldwell Banker’s top team in Minnesota since 2015, they needed more than a couple of heavy hitters. That’s why they’ve worked alongside Mary Jo “Josie” Patterson for over two decades.
“She’s been in the real estate business longer than me,” said Ryan Platzke. “If this brokerage has a queen, it’s Josie.”
Josie’s story doesn’t begin with houses, but with cabins. The Edina native and University of Minnesota alumna became a flight attendant for Northwest Orient Airlines in 1984. She went everywhere over the next 18 years – possibly even encountering areas that rival Minnesota’s own natural beauty.
Minnesota also held Josie’s favorite sight of all: her husband and three children. The events of September 11th compelled Josie to start seeing as much of them as possible, and so she bid adieu to aircraft to become a Realtor.
“My greatest passion is helping families find their new homes in the southwest metro,” said Josie. “I used to coach diving and gymnastics at Edina High School. I also raised my own family in this area, and saw every square inch of it thanks to my kids’ heavy involvement with local youth sports programs. That gives me a special outlook on the homebuying process. It takes a lot more than making mom and dad happy. It also means working as hard as I can find the best neighborhoods for children to grow up in. Seeing kids smile because they love their new surroundings makes everything I do worthwhile.
“I’ve also noticed people tend to smile a lot when they finally retire to Florida. As a relocation specialist with close professional ties to the Naples area, I’ve helped many Minnesotans downsize their homes and never have to shovel snow again.
“Helgeson Platzke’s greatest strength is our team. Every staff member specializes in what they excel at best. I take confidence knowing I can count on the most qualified people for support with pricing, marketing, lead generation, and everything else I need to create a positive experience for my clients. Fast and efficient service is the biggest advantage you can ask for in such a competitive market.
“If I had to lay claim to only one specialty, it would have to be the art of the open house. It’s not just about showing off the home’s best features. It’s also about showing off the neighborhood’s best features. As a long-time resident of our area, I use open houses to answer any questions homebuyers could have about Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Edina and Wayzata. The parks, the nearby shopping, the day cares, the schools and their teachers, even the local bike trails and fitness clubs. The southwest metro is my golden zone, and I love helping people see it just like I do.
“Helgeson Platzke gives its agents a huge edge when it comes to marketing. Our partners had the foresight to get in on the ground floor with Zillow. Whenever a user inquires about a listing in 55344, 55346 or 55347, they’re put directly in touch with our team. That’s why I’m able to bring so many buyers to my clients’ listings – and also why so many of my clients’ homes are sold before they can formally reach the market. Investing more into our marketing budget than 99% of other real estate firms in Minnesota has truly paid off!"
Helgeson Platzke’s family-focused Eden Prairie realty authority is at your service. To learn more about how Josie can help you sell your home and surround yourself with tropical weather, please reach out to her directly at jpatterson33@comcast.net or (952) 212-5107. You can also learn more about Eden Prairie’s top brokerage by visiting hprealestategroup.com.