For nearly two decades, I’ve called Orono home, where my husband, Mitch, and I raised our four children and enjoyed the lake lifestyle on Lake Minnetonka. My deep roots in this community, along with experience in the corporate world, our family business, and now real estate, give me a unique perspective on helping clients buy or sell with confidence. Partnering with Mitch—who brings more than 25 years of construction expertise—I’m able to offer a seamless, team-based approach that combines local knowledge, remodeling insight, and genuine care for each client’s journey.
Craig I.
"I wanted to say a huge thank you for everything you did to sell my parents' house.
From our very first conversation, you really listened to our needs and goals, and you delivered on absolutely every single one of them.
You developed the perfect strategy for maximizing the price and accelerating the sale, with the house selling in just 5 days and at 13% above listing. Your guidance made what could have been a very stressful process feel smooth and seamless from start to finish.
You are truly the best at what you do and the entire family appreciates your hard work so much. You truly exceeded all our expectations!"
Tom A.
"Julie understood the special needs that I had of being a vet. The VA is very strict on some codes. After explaining it she looked into it and understood the task completely. I would recommend her wholeheartedly to anyone who’s looking for a good forever home."
Amanda H.
"Julie is unbelievably awesome! Could not recommend more!!"
Where real estate expertise meets a general contractor’s eye—delivering a seamless, elevated experience for every client.
As a husband-and-wife team, Mitch and I bring both professional expertise and personal perspective to every home. We approach each client with intention, insight, and a deep understanding of how people truly live.
As parents to a daughter with a rare syndrome, we recognize that a home is more than a place—it’s how life unfolds. We proudly serve all clients, offering a refined, tailored experience designed to support every lifestyle.
For Special Needs Families, Home Means Something Different
Finding the right home is hard. For special needs families, it can feel impossible. It’s not just about bedrooms and price — it’s safety, accessibility, schools, and spaces that truly support your child.
Julie Johnsen understands this firsthand. As Sadie’s mom, she’s spent over 20 years navigating therapies, IEPs, and advocating for a child with Wiedemann-Steiner Syndrome.
That experience led her to earn her Special Needs Specialist (SNS) certification — helping families find homes that actually fit their lives.
And she brings more.
Her husband is a licensed general contractor, so when you find the right home, you have a trusted path to make it work — from accessibility upgrades to safety modifications.
What makes Julie different:
• 20+ years as a special needs parent
• National SNS certification
• Built-in contractor support
1 in 5 people lives with a disability. Most are navigating the home search alone.