Housing Agency Recognizes Outstanding Real Estate Agents

BISMARCK, ND – September 18, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) honored three real estate agents with Champion of Affordable Housing Awards at the REALTOR® convention of the Dakotas. The awards recognize and celebrate outstanding contributions to North Dakota’s affordable housing industry.

“The assistance of a good real estate agent is essential if you want to be successful in today’s marketplace,” said Jolene Kline, NDHFA acting executive director. “The agents that represent NDHFA’s programs to their clients provide a valuable resource that enables the buyers to more easily obtain a home they will love and be able to afford.”

The agents recognized by NDHFA are Judy Maslowski of Bianco Realty in Bismarck; Sandra Retterath of Retterath Real Estate in Hazen; and Olivia Wellenstein of Continental Real Estate, Inc. in Dickinson.

“Champion Award recipients are judged on their promotion of NDHFA’s homeownership programs,” said Dave Flohr, NDHFA homeownership division director.

Maslowski has been a real estate agent for six years. When she’s not assisting homebuyers, she loves decorating, reading and spending time with her two-year-old twin granddaughters and one-year-old grandson.

“My favorite part of helping first-time buyers is helping them achieve the dream of their first home and the enthusiasm they have! I love answering their questions and guiding them through the process,” said Maslowski.

Retterath has been a real estate agent for more than 20 years. She serves as board vice president for CommunityWorks North Dakota and teaches homebuyer education. In her free time, Retterath loves spending time with her three children and four grandchildren. She also enjoys camping, boating and traveling, and recently joined the Prairie Rose car club.

“It is such an accomplishment when homeowners get their first home,” said Retterath. “Working with buyers is so rewarding for me.”

Wellenstein taught business and physical education at Dickinson High School for 31 years before beginning a career in real estate. She has been a real estate agent since 2005.

“I love closing on homes with first-time homebuyers. They are so excited to be able to buy a home rather than rent,” said Wellenstein. “It’s a good feeling to help them accomplish their goal.”

NDHFA began recognizing Champions of Affordable Housing in 1995. For more information about the agency’s FirstHome™ program or the Champion awards, contact Dave Flohr at (701) 328-8080, (800) 292-8621, (800) 366-6888 (TTY) or info (at) ndhfa (dot) org.

The Industrial Commission of North Dakota, consisting of Governor Jack Dalrymple as chairman, Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring, oversees NDHFA.