For years, I worked jobs that never quite fit—until I finally listened to a voice I'd been ignoring for years.

 

I’d always loved looking at houses—walking through my neighborhood in Red Wing, Minnesota, peeking into windows at night to see the glow of a lamp or the way a family arranged their living room. There was something about the architecture and the stories behind each door that drew me in. But for years, real estate was just a thought tucked away in the back of my mind, waiting for the right moment.

 

My journey started in Red Wing, where I was born and raised. I married my high school sweetheart, Scott, and we spent five years traveling, working, and eventually settling down to start a family. We bought a house, and soon enough, we had four children—Amanda, Megan, Shauna, and Travis.

When my second child was born, I faced my first big challenge: how to stay home with my kids while still contributing financially. That’s when I opened a licensed daycare in my home. For twelve years, I ran that daycare, juggling field trips, snacks, and nap times. It was the perfect way to spend time with my kids while earning an income.

 

Once my youngest started school, I shifted gears and worked in an elementary school office for five years before taking an administrative position at the local nuclear plant. I worked there on and off during outages but never quite felt like I belonged. When my oldest started college, I finally listened to that voice in the back of my mind and earned my real estate license. It was 2005, and I was ready for something that was truly mine.

 

My goal was to build a business that gave me independence while allowing me to connect with people. I started with a local company and, after ten years, my business partner and I bought into the EXIT Realty franchise.

 

We operated EXIT Realty Rivertown for another decade. I loved the work, but running an office came with its own challenges—managing agents, handling commissions, and overseeing the day-to-day responsibilities of the business. Eventually, I realized I wanted to focus on what I enjoyed most: helping people find homes. So, I joined another EXIT office and stepped away from the responsibilities of being a broker-owner.

 

Another defining chapter came when I was diagnosed with lymphoma ten years ago. After having my spleen removed, I remained healthy for a decade. Then, last summer, the cancer returned. I went through chemotherapy and faced a year of treatments, uncertainty, and learning to accept help from others.

 

The experience changed me. It reminded me of my own resilience and prompted me to step back from running the office so I could focus on giving my full attention to clients. Thankfully, I’m now in good health and intentional about making the most of life through both my work and my hobbies.

I love skiing and biking. Living on the lake means summers are spent on our pontoon boat with my eight grandchildren, who range in age from three to fourteen. I also volunteer with the Elks, help at the local food shelf, and support local schools whenever I can. Traveling is another passion—there’s always somewhere new to explore.

 

Looking back, my goals have shifted with each season of life, and every challenge has shaped me in ways I never expected. Through it all, I’ve learned that strength comes from facing what you never thought you could handle, and joy comes from the people you share it with.

 

With 21 years of experience in real estate, I think what sets me apart is how much I genuinely care about my clients and meeting them where they are in life. I’m outgoing, friendly, and honest, and I always try to do what’s best for the people I work with—just like I’d want someone to do for my own kids if they were buying a home. I’m adaptable, whether I’m texting with a first-time buyer in their twenties or sitting down face-to-face with someone downsizing after 30 years in the same house.

 

People often tell me they feel comfortable with me because I’m down-to-earth and nonjudgmental, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like credit issues or financial challenges. I’m always available to answer questions, and I try to be a problem solver—maybe that comes from raising four kids, running a daycare, and now having eight grandkids! Ultimately, I want my clients to feel supported and understood, no matter what their story is.

 

Sincerely,

 

Lori Simonson