When you get the chance you do something you love, it often doesn’t even feel like work. Top Agent Diane Pogatchnik is fortunate to enjoy that privilege. She had a rather unconventional introduction to the real estate business, which ended up being the start of her successful career. “I worked as an executive assistant for a wonderful man who had a number of businesses,” she recalls. “He owned a lot of properties and decided to turn a few into rentals. Since I was learning from scratch how to manage that process he decided to pay for me to go to real estate school.” Diane went on to buy and manage his properties for several years, then realized she could start selling real estate on her own. “I knew I wanted it to be in the lakes area, because that’s what I love,” she says. Now, more than 80% of her business is in the form of lakefront homes or land in the Brainerd Lakes area.

A licensed agent for more than two decades, top real estate agent in Minnesota Diane Pogathchnik takes great pride in building lasting client relationships. “Even though I may not see my past clients all the time, I have maintained those friendships,” she says. “That has allowed me to build a referral network and work exclusively by referral. I don’t even have the time to cultivate any new business outside of that.” She also credits a good deal of her success with establishing systems to run her business early on that she still has in place today. “When I first got started, I wanted to do things right, so I hired a real estate coach,” she explains. “It’s the best thing I ever did because the systems I put in place still work to this day, and have led me to being a top producer since 1996. My systems have been my success.”

Diane hopes clients who have worked with her remember her for her professionalism and communication. “I never want my clients to be left out of the loop,” she explains. “I want them to always understand what’s going on and if they don’t, I want them to feel free to ask questions so I can educate them,” she continues. “I also want them to realize that I really do care about them and what they’re doing. This is most likely the largest transaction they will have in their lifetime and I want to make sure they feel comfortable with their decisions. For me, it’s not about the money; it’s about putting people first.”

That attitude is reflected in Diane’s overall philosophy for how she conducts her business. “I just started using a new slogan, ‘Deals Done Right.’ I always want to do the right thing and I truly believe my honesty and integrity have shown through with everything I do,” she says. “I have a very strong work ethic and I know my clients see that.” It’s not at all surprising then, to hear what Diane thinks is the most rewarding aspect of her business. “It’s definitely the people I have built friendships with,” she says. “Helping them find the homes they want and then building the relationships. I truly believe that’s the most important thing, and then the business follows.”

In keeping with that philosophy, Diane believes in giving back to the communities that support her business. “I like to sponsor and donate money toward things that are important to my clients,” she says. “I have been involved in the local Chamber of Commerce, have served on the MLS board, and am also active on a couple of church boards. Any clients I work with from my church I tithe back in their name for whatever the church needs. Looking ahead, Diane’s goal is to continue raising the bar. “I want to get my listing price volume higher,” she says. “And I will continue to coach, train, and educate fellow agents.”

To learn more about Diane Pogatchnik of LakePlace.com, call 218.820.8963, email diane@lakeplace.com or visit www.lakeplace.com

Minnesota Real Estate Agent Diane Pogatchnik