Lorie Johnson, Realtor®

Where did you grow up? What was it like?
I grew up in St. Paul, MN and it was great! I grew up in a small neighborhood and went to Catholic grade school (St. Theresa's) kindergarten thru 8th grade. Then I went to the public high school - Highland High School. I also graduated from the College of St Catherine with a degree in English.

Why do you live in the Brainerd Lakes Area? What do you like most about it?
My family has deep roots in this area. My mother was actually born in Pequot Lakes at the hospital there which is no more. The post office is in the hospital's location. My ancestors worked on the dike crew on West Shore Drive in 1906. (The Crosslake Dam). We used to camp at the Crosslake campground, and then we had a cabin on Goodrich Lake until the early 70's, At that point, my folks moved to Fifty Lakes, on West Fox Lake. My husband and I moved to that lake after we were married.

What is your favorite lake? Why?
I am very partial to East and West Fox. I think it is quiet, clean, and it has great fishing. My family also lives on this lake - mom and dad, sister and brother in law, and Randy and I. We raised our family on this lake.

What is your favorite part of working in Real Estate?
I have always enjoyed the people - getting to know them and helping them to accomplish their real estate goals. I know that sounds trite, but that gives me a sense of accomplishment and it satisfies the competitive side of my spirit. I love the real estate business even in these economic times. It's a challenge, and it's work, but the rewards are great.

What is the most unusual thing you have encountered while working in Real Estate?
The longer I am in the business, the weirder it gets. But one of the strangest things happened recently. I had successfully closed a short sale - I represented the Seller. Three weeks AFTER the closing, the Buyer's agent called to tell me that his clients had come home from buying furniture and found their house with the locks changed and the house winterized. Someone - we never found out - from the Bank I assume - must have ordered these tasks to be done. No one ever took responsibility.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent?
I have over 15 years of experience in the real estate business. Experience really counts. I have a great team in place - lenders, title companies, surveyors and contractors. I am also familiar with the intricate workings of the small cities, townships and counties that govern my home base. I work with other talented agents who have a large data base from which to draw and I draw from my own data base regularly. I believe in the concept of a "client for life" and my work ethic, integrity and skill make that concept a reality.