Compass Realty Group’s Spotlight on New Team Member, Robert Walstad
Compass Realty Group works to make every client comfortable with our hospitality and unmatched customer service. We strive to stand out amongst other Western Wisconsin realty groups. Part of serving our community is showing our neighbors who they will work with at Compass Realty.
This month, we would like to shine the spotlight on one of our agents, Robert Walstad.
A New Face with Years of Experience
Robert is the newest agent to join the Compass team. He joined our realty group in the beginning of January 2023. And even though he is new to Compass, he’s not new to the world of real estate.
Back in 2002, Robert was working in a machine shop and was looking for a different career. He didn’t want to continue working 50 hours a week any longer. So, he got his Minnesota real estate license. He worked at his first agency for two years. He then switched to a different real estate group and got his appraisal license as well.
When the mortgage bubble popped in 2010 and the housing market crashed, Robert left his real estate career and returned to manufacturing. He worked in a couple of different roles as a purchasing manager and a buyer for a few different companies.
But the pull of selling real estate again was proving to be strong after the housing market had some time to correct itself. Robert says, “I felt it was the right time to get into real estate again, so I got my license for Wisconsin and Florida.”
In 2019, he found himself back in a real estate career at an Amery, Wisconsin, office. But after a short couple of years of joining that company, they closed their office in December 2022. That’s when he reached out to Alison Blanchard, owner and broker of Compass Realty Group.
Potential and Persistence
When describing Robert, Alison says, “Robert fits right in with the team, culture, and vision of Compass Realty Group. He’s somewhat quiet, which is part of his gentle soul. But even though he’s quiet, he is very persistent in the things, values, and priorities he believes in.”
She adds, “When he first joined our team, I could see all the potential spilling out of him. He just needed the tools and confidence we provide at Compass to shine. And he’s already shining here at Compass, after just a couple short months!”
Challenges and Gains
Just like any job, working in real estate can have its challenges. Robert says his biggest challenge is staying balanced. “With real estate, there are so many highs and lows. There’s the triumph of selling a house and you feel great. Then a week before the closing on that home, the financing falls apart and you have to start all over. The ups and downs are nonstop in this industry.”
Even though there’s much about the real estate market and process Robert can’t control, he persists with action.
Alison adds, “I really admire Robert. He’s eager to learn more about real estate each day. And I always say there’s a difference between intention and action. Robert takes action! He’s a fabulous addition to Compass and we’re so delighted he chose to work with us.”
Robert says his favorite part of working at Compass is Alison and the team of amazing people she has gathered. “I love working in a company where there’s so much positive energy. It’s so cool! I love that people on the team are helping one another and giving praise to each other.”
He also enjoys getting the support he needs from Compass to work hard on prospecting a potential listing. And then it happens – he gets the listing he wanted and feels great job satisfaction in that.
Describing his ideal real estate client, Robert says he loves working with people who have high hopes and dreams to find the place that’s perfect for their family and lifestyle. He loves to be a part of the process to make that happen. “When a client is excited at the closing, that’s the big payoff for me. It brings me such joy.”
The Blessing of People and Pets
When Robert isn’t working hard for his clients, you can find him at home with his loving family and an assortment of pets. His wife, Nancy, gives him lots of support and is great at helping him stay balanced in work and life. She also helps him stay focused on what needs to get done.
The couple enjoys quality times with their daughter, Justine, and son-in-law, Kenny, as much as possible.
And four-legged friends, as well as those with feathers, are part of the family too. Robert and Nancy enjoy time with their dog, Gino, cat, Tiger, and several tropical birds. Their talking cockatoo Rudy is the leader of the rest of their birds, Sulfur, Cootie, Pearl, Buddy, and Bandent.
When at home, Robert is often found in the kitchen or standing at the grill, creating delicious meals to share with those he loves.
Robert would love to help you meet your real estate goals. Please reach out to him via email at rgwalstad@gmail.com to find out how he can serve you as your next real estate agent.