GRETTA V GROUP | SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Southwest Michigan,
exceptionally represented.

A boutique real estate team led by Gretta Volkenstein, combining personal strategy with expanded marketing, technology and private market reach.

50+Group homes sold annually
$20M+Group annual sales
5×Readers’ Choice winner
BoutiqueConcierge team led by Gretta

MEET GRETTA

Real estate has always been personal.

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I want every client to feel informed, represented and genuinely cared for.

Gretta Volkenstein grew up around home builders, investors and people who understood that real estate could change a family’s future. With help from her parents, she purchased her first investment home at age 12 for $19,000.

Her family has deep roots in St. Joseph and Stevensville. Gretta grew up between California and Southwest Michigan, then lived in Chicago and Germany before returning to St. Joseph. Those experiences gave her a personal understanding of relocation, belonging and the many different ways a home can shape a life.

She graduated with honors from Indiana University with a degree in Business Administration focused on Marketing and Public Relations, and later studied Social Work at Andrews University. Her experience as an investor, landlord and renovator includes rental properties, a century old farmhouse, a mid century home in Germany, new construction and an international family investment property in Aruba.

Gretta built her business through relationships, repeat clients and referrals. She continues to evolve the way homes are represented, integrating professional staging, photography, film, floor plans, three dimensional tours, social media, targeted advertising, digital tools and direct outreach. The goal is never technology for its own sake. It is clearer positioning, wider reach and a better client experience.

Outside of real estate, Gretta is a mother to Finn and Will, a traveler, a volunteer and a founder of Berrien County Strong Community in Action. She enjoys time with family, Lake Michigan and the communities she is proud to represent.

GRETTA V GROUP

Personal leadership. Thoughtful support.

Gretta leads the group’s strategy and stays directly involved in her clients’ transactions. Andrea also works with her own buyers and sellers, while Joel contributes local knowledge and investment insight. Together, our team has significant experience supporting relocation buyers and sellers, including moves coordinated through relocation companies.

TEAM LEAD

Gretta Volkenstein

Founder and Lead Agent

Gretta leads pricing, positioning, marketing and negotiation, staying directly involved from the first strategy conversation through closing.

Andrea Graham

Licensed Agent and Client Services Manager

Andrea is an experienced licensed agent working with buyers and sellers throughout Southwest Michigan. As client services manager, she also coordinates communication, documentation, deadlines and the details that keep a transaction moving.

Joel Kruggel

Licensed Agent and Real Estate Investment Consultant

Joel brings experienced local perspective and practical investment insight, supporting showings, closings and long term real estate decisions.

RECOGNITION

Local trust. Proven performance.

2018Southwest Michigan 40 Under 402021Bold Women of Business
5×Herald Palladium Readers’ Choice winner for Favorite Real Estate Agent
Top 1%REAL Trends America’s Best recognition
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FOR SELLERS

Your home deserves a strategy built around what makes it distinctive.

THE GRETTA APPROACH

PositioningPresentationReachNegotiation

Every listing begins with the audience, the story and the market position. From staging and pricing to photography, film and direct buyer outreach, each decision works toward the same goal: creating confidence and momentum.

  • Pricing and competitive positioning
  • Professional photography, video and floor plans
  • Dedicated property presentation
  • Local, Chicago and global network exposure
  • Clear communication from launch through closing
Request a private home review

BOUTIQUE SERVICE. EXPANDED REACH.

Personal representation with the resources of a much larger network.

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate

Part of Compass International Holdings

Gretta V Group combines direct, local guidance with the technology, marketing reach, referral relationships and global connections of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate and the broader Compass network.

FOR SELLERS

Private launch options

When appropriate and at the seller’s direction, a home can be introduced through private and premarket channels before its public MLS launch. This can help test positioning, gather feedback and build buyer interest while preparation is still underway.

FOR BUYERS

Earlier access and active sourcing

Buyers can be matched with private, coming soon and off market opportunities shared across the network. The team can also contact agents and property owners directly when the right home is not publicly listed.

Private marketing is not right for every property and may limit exposure during that phase. Gretta explains the advantages and tradeoffs before recommending a strategy.

BUY WITH CONTEXT

Local knowledge for a better decision.

Understand the shoreline, neighborhoods, property types and tradeoffs before the right home appears.

Plan your search

CHICAGO TO THE LAKESHORE

A clear path to your Michigan place.

Guidance for relocation, second homes and investment from someone who understands both sides of the move.

Start the conversation

THE LAKESHORE

Find the place that fits how you want to live.

Local perspective across Southwest Michigan, from Lake Michigan to inland lakes, riverfront homes and country properties.

Serving St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Harbert, Union Pier, Lakeside, Sawyer, Three Oaks, Buchanan, Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Coloma, Watervliet, Bridgman and South Haven.

EXPERIENCE THAT TRAVELS

One trusted advisor across a wide range of real estate.

Luxury and waterfront
Relocation and second homes
Historic and distinctive properties
Investment and vacation homes
New construction and acreage
Chicago referral relationships

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN REAL ESTATE FAQ

Clear answers for sellers, buyers and second home owners.

These are the questions that shape smart real estate decisions along the Southwest Michigan lakeshore.

Ask Gretta a specific question
01What areas does Gretta Volkenstein serve in Southwest Michigan?

Gretta V Group serves buyers and sellers in St. Joseph, Stevensville, New Buffalo, Harbert, Union Pier, Lakeside, Three Oaks, Buchanan, Coloma, Watervliet, Benton Harbor, Sawyer, Berrien Springs, Bridgman and South Haven. Our experience includes Lake Michigan waterfront, inland lake and riverfront properties, Lake Chapin, country homes and acreage across Southwest Michigan.

02How does Gretta determine the right listing price?

Gretta studies recent sales, current competition, price per square foot, condition, location, buyer demand and appraisal factors. She explains the tradeoffs behind each pricing option, then monitors showing activity, online engagement, buyer feedback and new comparable sales so the strategy can respond to the market.

03What is included in Gretta V Group listing marketing?

Each plan is tailored to the property. Services may include staging guidance, professional photography, drone photography and video, cinematic video, floor plans, three dimensional tours, a dedicated property presentation, print materials, social media, paid digital advertising, agent outreach, private market exposure, open houses and direct buyer outreach.

04Who is part of Gretta V Group?

Gretta Volkenstein is the founder and lead agent. Andrea Graham is a licensed agent and client services manager. Joel Kruggel is a licensed agent and real estate investment consultant. Gretta leads the strategy and remains directly involved, while Andrea and Joel provide additional support and expertise when it benefits the client.

05Can Gretta V Group market a home privately before it is listed publicly?

Yes. When it fits the seller’s goals, Gretta V Group can use private and premarket channels available through the broader Compass network before a public MLS launch. This can help test positioning, gather feedback and build early interest. Private marketing is optional and can limit exposure during that phase, so Gretta explains the tradeoffs before recommending it.

06How are luxury and waterfront homes marketed differently?

Luxury and waterfront buyers evaluate details that ordinary marketing often misses. Gretta builds the story around setting, frontage, access, views, improvements, privacy, architecture and lifestyle. The presentation is paired with precise pricing, strong visual assets and targeted exposure to local, Chicago, second home and referral audiences.

07When should I start preparing my home for sale?

Beginning several weeks or months before listing creates more options. Gretta can help prioritize repairs, staging, paint, landscaping, contractor work and photography timing. The goal is to spend where it improves presentation or buyer confidence and avoid work that is unlikely to produce a return.

08How will I know how my listing is performing?

Gretta tracks showings, feedback, online views, days on market, competing listings, price changes and recent sales. Sellers receive clear updates and recommendations based on what buyers are doing. If the response is weaker than expected, Gretta explains whether presentation, positioning, price or market conditions need attention.

09Does Gretta V Group work with relocation buyers and sellers?

Yes. Our team has significant experience with relocation clients, both buyers and sellers. We help buyers compare communities and coordinate a move to Southwest Michigan, and guide sellers through preparation, marketing and closing. When a relocation company is involved, we coordinate required reports, documentation, deadlines and transaction updates.

10Can Gretta help Chicago buyers find a second home in Michigan?

Yes. Gretta regularly helps Chicago area clients compare lakeshore communities, travel times, property types, waterfront options, local services and year round use. She can structure a focused search and provide local context before a buyer commits to a community or property.

11What should I consider before buying a short term rental or investment property?

Start with local zoning, permit rules, association restrictions, rental history, seasonal demand, insurance, financing, utilities and realistic operating costs. Gretta helps buyers evaluate the property and location, coordinate due diligence and identify questions for the appropriate local, legal, tax and lending professionals.

12Does Gretta work with historic homes, renovations and new construction?

Yes. Gretta’s experience includes historic homes, farmhouse restorations, renovation projects, custom construction, vacant land and acreage. She helps clients evaluate condition, improvements, contractor considerations, resale position and the practical steps that differ from a standard home purchase or sale.

13How does Gretta help after an offer is accepted?

Gretta coordinates the details from contract to closing, including inspections, contingencies, earnest money, appraisal, title, financing, included personal property, settlement statements and closing logistics. She communicates clearly, anticipates deadlines and helps clients make informed decisions when an issue appears.

14Can I ask Gretta for a private opinion of value before deciding to sell?

Yes. A private home review is a useful first step even when your timing is uncertain. Gretta reviews the property, relevant comparable sales, current competition and the features that shape buyer demand. The conversation can stay exploratory until you are ready to make a decision.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR PLANS

A thoughtful next step starts here.

Selling, buying, relocating or exploring an investment? Share your goals. For sellers, Gretta can provide a personal review of your home’s value and position in today’s market.

No automated estimate. A real review from a local agent.
Your information stays private and is used only to respond to your request.