• Proud Navy veteran who has moved 28 times and understands living life to its fullest
• Specializes in helping 1st Time Buyers, Down-sizers, and family dealing with Mom's House and transitions
• Passionate about an outcome that provides all people with a richer, more meaningful life
• A talent for planning and utilizing any space efficiently no matter the size of the home
• Believes buying and selling a home is much more than a transaction—it’s a transition

He can organize a room like a game of Tetris. He gets lost for hours in technology. And his dog has better insurance than he does. That’s a little glimpse inside the heart, mind, and old soul of Rob Gintner. Fortunately, his talents and personality don’t end there.

Rob was born in Nebraska to an Air Force Reserves dad and young mom. After his mom remarried, they moved to a hog farm in southern Minnesota. Although it wasn’t his idea of fun, he always found comfort in the solitude of the country, and it was also where he met one of his best friends, along the same gravel road where he lived. His grandparents were instrumental in his upbringing, showing him the importance of family gatherings and teaching him about a solid work ethic.

After high school, Rob enlisted in the Navy, active duty from 1992-1996. His emphasis was on meteorology and oceanography. After Boot Camp at The Great Lakes his first orders sent him to Guam, where he spent a little over two years. Then he was stationed on the USS Abraham Lincoln for the remainder of his active duty. It was the mixture of his military experiences, his personality, and the values he was taught growing up helped him realize that real estate might just be his destiny. After his time in service he lived in Bremerton WA, and West Seattle WA,

He’s moved over 28 times and lost over 30 loved ones throughout his life. It’s safe to say that Rob knows a thing or two about major life transitions. And that’s exactly how he became known as Your Transition Agent. It’s also why he believes that living in a home that matches your time and energy will allow you to travel more, do more, and have more in life through journeys and creating memories. Life is too short to bypass those opportunities.

Today, Rob helps down-sizers transition swiftly and seamlessly into a smaller space so they can enjoy a larger life. He’s very passionate about an outcome that provides all people with a richer, more meaningful life. He has an incredible talent for spatial planning, no matter the size of the home. And most importantly, he believes that buying or selling a home is much more than a transaction—it’s a transition.

When he isn’t helping people transition into their next phase of life, he’s spending time with his dog, Tillie, and learning about history, hidden cities, and old civilizations. Yes, Rob Gintner can teach us something about living a quality of life we all deserve, and how to make our home space both personal and purposeful. His own life transitions have shaped his outlook and talents, and as a result, the meaningful space of all those who cross his path.

Question: What makes you different from the other Realtors in the Twin Cities?

Answer: I help down-sizers transition swiftly and seamlessly into a more purposeful space so they can enjoy a richer, more meaningful life. I’m also a proud Navy veteran who has moved 28 times and understands living life to its fullest. That’s one of the main reasons I decided to specialize in helping down-sizers transition to a more purposeful space that better suits their current needs. I have a talent for planning and utilizing any space efficiently no matter the size of the home. I’m passionate about an outcome that provides all people with a richer, more meaningful life.

I’m not afraid to ask the hard questions to really get to the heart of what is driving your desire to buy, sell, or invest in real estate. With a background in interior design and architecture I can give you ideas and tips of how to make a home more functional, including 3D design templates to foster your imagination and goals. As a downsizing specialist, I can help you live a larger life by having less stuff and space to maintain.

Question: I’m new to the real estate process or it’s been awhile since I’ve bought and sold a home. How can you help to make sure I understand what’s going on? 

Answer: This is the part of the process where I truly excel. First, we’ll discuss your goals, needs, and wants, and put together a custom plan for you. Then I’ll walk you through the 7 steps of buying or selling a home, educating you along the way about what we’re doing and why. You’ll always know where you stand, and what’s next.

Question: Which customers are you best suited to help?

Answer: I work best with people who are down-sizing, and seeking a more purposeful space that better suits their current needs. I’ve had great success working with people who have my same background or personality traits, as well, such as Veterans, science geeks, pragmatic people, and people who are design challenged.

Question: How and why did you get in to real estate?

Answer: I have always had an interest in architecture; how homes are built, along with spatial concepts and how homes can be laid out, which leads to how people live in them. Going through the process of purchasing my first home gave me great insight and interest in helping others do the same, along with having my own business in helping people with what is usually the largest purchase they make in life.

Question: I’ve had a negative experience in the past. Please tell me how you will keep me informed about the process and how often I’ll get those updates.

Answer: First, I’m saddened to hear that you’ve had a bad experience. I have found that the solution for that often begins with knowing and managing your expectations. That’s why the first thing we’ll do is discuss these important topics:

● Your preference of communication

● How often we will communicate

● How quickly you can expect a return call, email or text

● What type of information and updates you expect to receive regularly

● Exactly what outcome you’re seeking (so we don’t waste your time)

● What you don’t want (this is as important as what you do want)

● For sellers--The listing price (we’ll determine what’s necessary to get it sold fast and at full value)

● For buyers--The options that best fit your needs (and your pre-approved purchase price)

● Any other factors about your needs or the transaction that are essential I believe in transparent communication and sharing everything that’s going on. I will not assume you know every part of the process, so I take the time to inform and educate as we go, so you never feel ‘left out’ of the conversation. The worst feeling is not knowing what’s going on at all with your own transaction.

Question: Why do I need a real estate agent at all? Can’t I buy or sell a home myself?

Answer: While on the surface, handling a real estate transaction might seem like a simple task, there are actually many moving parts to the process, and they don’t always go smoothly. There are several critical things that I offer which can make a huge difference.

First, I have direct access to the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), and we post your listing which is visible to every agent in the area with potential buyers who are looking for a home like yours. Most agents will bring you a ready, willing and pre-qualified buyer that has been to a lender and knows they can purchase your home.

Second, when you attempt to sell your home yourself, anytime you leave to go to work, or go out of town, you essentially take your home off the market. It interrupts the showing process. Even when you have a family member or friend to show it for you, they cannot always meet the expectations of your potential buyers and their schedules. When you list with me, I place a lock box on the door that is accessible to other agents and they can show even when you're away. They are licensed professionals, and the lock box is on a computer system that will notify me if it has been opened. That way, I will know who to ask for feedback.

Third, selling a home is stressful even when you are not face to face with the buyer. When you work directly with the buyer (without an agent), it becomes more stressful. I know this from years of experience.

Fourth, if you are purchasing a home, working with a Buyer’s Agent actually doesn’t cost you a dime. There is only one commission in any transaction, and the seller pays that commission. The seller’s agent usually receives that commission, UNLESS there is a buyer’s agent, in which case the seller’s agent must split that commission with the buyer’s agent.

Finally, there are legal issues in any real estate transaction that can make or break the deal. I am trained to recognize and handle those quickly and correctly.

Most people don’t even know those issues exist until it’s too late. You want someone to help you make the best decision, and to represent you while keeping the emotion under wraps, getting the job done and keeping you in a stress free environment. The same scenarios exist on both the buyer's and seller's side.