Local Insights
Opendoor expands its footprint by launching in the Twin Cities
Reading Time — 7 minutes
September 16, 2018
By Kelsey Pfeffer
Reading Time — 7 minutes
September 16, 2018
Opendoor is now live in the Twin Cities!
Behind every successful city launch is a team of scrappy go-getters who are motivated to make every customer’s move simple and convenient. The founding team members in Minneapolis shared what they do for Opendoor customers, why we’re a good fit for the Twin Cities, and what they’re doing to celebrate the (short and sweet) summer.
Meet Marc McKirahan from the Valuations Team
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: At Opendoor, my goal is to provide a service that positively impacts the people we serve. Buying and selling a home today shouldn’t have to require the time, stress and uncertainty that it once did. I am truly a believer that time is a person’s most valuable asset.
What gets me out of bed every day is knowing that I get to work for a company that empowers me to help provide a service that saves our customers’ time. Whether it be months, weeks, or days, my goal is to help others save time so that they can use that time saved for important things in life.
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I celebrated summer in Minnesota by spending as much time outdoors as possible. I try to stay active and experience new things, so I am always looking for reasons to get outside. I frequently go on runs around the lake, catch a ballgame, golf, and visit family and friends. I also love to enjoy the weather by reading a good book outdoors.
Q: Why is Opendoor a good fit for Minneapolis?
A: Minneapolis is a unique market. Winters can be brutal, but life doesn’t stop. We are providing a solution that requires zero showings and most of the preparations needed for a traditional home sale are eliminated. Early feedback from customers is that we are “too good to be true.” I think this is because we are giving people the freedom to choose when they move, and that concept may seem exotic.
What makes Opendoor a good fit for Minneapolis is our ability to cater to buyers and sellers of all age groups and walks of life. The real estate market is super competitive and our self-guided tours allow buyers to have the Opendoor experience on their own flexible schedule.
Meet Jared Bottolfson, Estimator
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: My job is to estimate how much time and money needs to be spent to bring a home up to the standards of today’s buyers. I get to work with our customers face-to-face, and my goal is to give them peace of mind throughout their experience with Opendoor. I assure them that no matter how they sell their house, they will go through a similar assessment period, and that I’m there to guide them through that process.
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I’m all about activities: Fishing, camping, hunting, wakeboarding, beach, boating, and of course, bonfires. All while trying to keep cool and not get eaten alive by mosquitoes!
Q: Why is Opendoor a good fit for Minneapolis?
A: Winter showings in Minnesota are a pain. Visitors to an open house can track muddy salt water into your home while you are out in -5 degree weather trying to bundle up the kids and keep them warm. Also, summers are short here. People don’t want to waste it trying to sell their home. They want to enjoy their summer and can have more time to do that by working with Opendoor.
The Opendoor team in the Twin Cities; from left to right, upper row: Eric Hopf, PJ O’Neil, Jared Bottolfson, Joe Videle, Matt Bohlinger and Doug Atherholt; lower row: Greg Halleland, Adam Petterson, Anya Udovik, Courtney Moynihan and Marc McKirahan.
Meet Adam Petterson from the Valuations Team
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: I take a look at all the comparable properties in the neighborhood in order to accurately value our customers’ homes! It’s important for the customer to get a competitive price for their home and to have the freedom to move. Our valuation team works around-the-clock to make sure we get our customers their offer as soon as possible.
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I love to go to St. Paul Saints and Minnesota Twins games. I’m also an avid golfer and try to get in a round of golf every week.
Q: Why is Opendoor a good fit for Minneapolis?
A: Opendoor is a great fit for Minneapolis. Minnesotans love to enjoy their time outdoors during the summer and the days can fly by. Opendoor gives buyers the opportunity to go and view the property on their own time. This flexibility is crucial, especially in a hot market like Minneapolis, where homes are selling so quickly. The simplicity of showing and closing on your own schedule makes Opendoor the perfect fit for the Twin Cities.
Meet Greg Halleland, Renovations Project Manager
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: As a Project Manager, it’s my responsibility to give our customer a quality home that exceeds their expectations. This is accomplished by working with quality vendors, using quality materials and expecting quality workmanship.
Q:How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I spend my free time fishing and hunting, and when I’m not doing one of those, I can be found attending some type of festival or event.
Q: Why is Opendoor a good fit for Minneapolis?
A: This will be my 28th year working in the Minnesota real estate field. I’ve listened to a lot of the consumers “pains” when buying and selling … Opendoor is taking that pain and stress away. It’s ALL about the customer and how we can make it even easier. Simply stated, Opendoor is just reinforcing the saying, “Customers First.”
Meet Courtney Moynihan, Renovations Coordinator
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: My role is to help maintain timeliness and efficiency behind the scenes. Day in and day out, I’m working to ensure that our customers feel empowered to effortlessly buy and sell their homes through Opendoor.
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I celebrated this summer by running around the Lakes in Minneapolis – Lake of the Isles, Bde Maka Ska, and Cedar Lake, in addition to visiting the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden with my family and friends.
Meet Joe Videle, Vendor Manager
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: I source the vendors that prepare homes to be clean, safe and functional and in move-in-ready condition for our customers.
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I like to spend time in the summer going to the Minnesota Twins baseball games with my teenage son. We Minnesotans love our pro sports teams! I am an avid fan of the Twins baseball, Vikings football and wild hockey, and go to many games throughout the year.
Meet Anya Udovik, Office Coordinator
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: I am responsible for streamlining all office related needs, helping facilitate a happy office environment, and in-turn, helping create a great experience for our customers!
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: I love all the festivals, movies in the park, museum-hosted events in this great city. Minneapolis has SO many amazing art and music events and venues!
Meet Eric Hopf from the Valuations Team
Q: What do you do for Opendoor customers?
A: By providing customers with a competitive price on their home within 48 hours, I’m helping our customers simplify the home selling process and drastically reduce the amount of stress and inconvenience that a homeseller goes through.
Q: How did you celebrate summer in Minnesota?
A: Most of my summer is spent chasing around my 6-month-old golden retriever, Blue, and my 4-year-old son, Crosby, who keeps us busy with endless activities such as soccer, swimming class, birthday parties and anything involving Legos. When we get the chance, we love escaping to the cabin near Brainerd with friends and family for some good food, days on the lake, and every lawn game imaginable.