Realtor of the Week: Kortney Nanstad

Barron County native finds her calling in helping others find a place to call home

By Joe Morey Free Press Editor/Publisher

For Kortney Nanstad, real estate is about much more than buying and selling houses. It's about helping people navigate some of life's biggest decisions, overcoming obstacles and ultimately finding a place they can call home.

Born and raised in Barron County, Nanstad has spent the past six years building a career in real estate, guided by a passion for helping others and a deep appreciation for the community where she grew up.

"I love calling the Northwoods home," Nanstad said. "With four beautiful seasons, a strong sense of community, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, I truly believe we have the best of all worlds."

Interestingly, becoming a Realtor wasn't something Nanstad had originally envisioned for herself.

"Becoming a Realtor was never part of the plan, but sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places," she said.

Her journey began when a mentor and friend gave her a copy of Oxen by Joseph Sangl. That book inspired a phone call that would ultimately change her career path.

"Looking back, I can see how one small step led to something much bigger," she said.

Today, Nanstad works in residential real estate, primarily serving clients within an hour of Rice Lake. In addition to her six years in real estate, she has eight years of property management experience and owns and operates Olive Three Realty, a small property management firm.

While she enjoys working with a variety of clients, two groups hold a particularly special place in her heart.

"I have a special place in my heart for first-time homebuyers and seniors navigating a transition into their next season of life," she said.

For Nanstad, one of the most rewarding aspects of her profession is the opportunity to educate and guide people through what can often be an intimidating process.

"My favorite part of real estate is teaching and sharing what I've learned along the way," she said. "Buying or selling a home is a big decision, and I want my clients to feel informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way."

She believes a Realtor's responsibility extends well beyond showing properties, negotiating offers and completing paperwork.

"My goal is to make the process less overwhelming by providing the knowledge, guidance, and support they need to make decisions that are right for them," she said. "My enthusiasm for helping others drives me to provide the best service possible, and my commitment to my clients goes beyond simply getting to the closing table."

A Home Worth Waiting For

Of the many experiences Nanstad has had during her real estate career, one particular homebuyer stands out as a reminder of why she chose this profession.

The client, a woman from Ladysmith, had spent years searching for the right home for herself and her son. Along the way, the search was met with seemingly endless setbacks.

"Other agents had given up along the way because there was always something standing in the way," Nanstad recalled. "Maybe she didn't love the property, the lender ran into an issue, the sellers wouldn't budge, or the perfect place was gone before we could even get in to see it."

But Nanstad was determined to see the journey through.

"She never gave up, and neither would I," she said.

The search continued through government shutdowns, illnesses and other difficult circumstances. Eventually, their persistence paid off.

"Finally, we found it: the right place for her and her son to call home," Nanstad said. "Knowing they now have a place of their own brings so much joy to my heart."

For Nanstad, the experience reinforced the importance of patience, persistence and personal commitment.

"Stories like hers are a reminder of why I do what I do," she said. "Sometimes the process takes longer than anyone expects, but when you find the right place and know the difference it will make in someone's life, every bit of the journey is worth it."

It's also a fitting example of the philosophy she brings to her work: "Every Move Matters."

Navigating Today's Housing Market

Like other real estate professionals, Nanstad recognizes that today's housing market presents challenges for both buyers and sellers.

"One of the biggest challenges buyers and sellers face today is finding balance," she said. "Home prices and interest rates can make affordability challenging for buyers, which can also affect sellers as the pool of potential buyers changes."

Her advice for anyone considering entering the market is straightforward.

"Get your ducks in a row before you need them!" she said.

For prospective buyers, that means assembling a trusted team of professionals, understanding their finances and preparing well before finding the right property.

"Know your numbers and understand not just what you can qualify for, but what you can comfortably afford without becoming house-poor," Nanstad advised.

She also encourages buyers to establish a relationship with a lender, seek recommendations for inspectors and other professionals, and not be afraid to shop around.

"When the right home comes along, you'll be ready to act with confidence," she said.

For sellers, preparation is equally important. Nanstad recommends addressing unfinished projects and necessary repairs before putting a property on the market whenever possible.

"Addressing those things on your own timeline and budget can help prevent them from becoming negotiating points later," she said. "The fewer obstacles you leave for a buyer to navigate, the smoother the transaction can be for everyone."

Family, Faith and Community

When she isn't helping clients buy or sell homes, Nanstad's schedule remains plenty busy.

"Right now, life outside of work involves a whole lot of chauffeuring my three kids to all their activities!" she said.

At heart, she describes herself as a hobby-farm girl who enjoys spending time outdoors, gardening and making memories with her husband and children.

Community involvement is another important part of her life. Nanstad serves as Co-President of the Haugen Elementary PTA and is a ministry partner with FaithWorks, where she volunteers as a mentor and trainer.

"Faith is an important part of who I am, and I love opportunities to encourage, support, and walk alongside others," she said.

She also brings a sense of humor and a wide range of interests to her daily routine. When driving between appointments or family activities, her listening choices can be as varied as her schedule.

"When I'm behind the wheel, you'll probably find me listening to a little bit of everything: crunchy-mom wellness topics, deep conspiracy theories, and, of course, worship music about Jesus!" she said.

Whether working with first-time buyers, helping seniors transition into a new chapter, managing properties or volunteering in her community, Nanstad believes the common thread is a willingness to show up for others.

She hopes her clients see her not simply as a real estate agent, but as someone who will stand beside them through the challenges and celebrations that come with making a move.

As she puts it, her goal is to help people move forward "by being their biggest advocate and cheerleader."

And for this Barron County native, that commitment is summed up in three simple words: Every Move Matters.