When Gena Birhanzel moved from her small town in northern Minnesota to attend The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, she instantly felt the need to explore the city and neighborhoods beyond the downtown loop area where she lived. This desire to “expand her boundaries” followed her when she moved to Los Angeles, California upon graduating with her BA in Fashion Marketing and Management in 2004. For the next 5 years, she immersed herself in every event, museum, building, restaurant and show. Ate lots of baja fish tacos and even took up surfing! “I wanted to see and try everything,” says Gena.

In 2009, Gena decided to move back to the four season state she loved, living in Minneapolis for the first time. “It was the weirdest thing,” says Gena. “I could navigate my way around the subway in Chicago and the roadways of southern California but I couldn’t understand 35E and 35W in the twin cities. I thought the E and W meant the freeways ran east and west!” she explains. Gena has come to love the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs and is now an advocate for home ownership. She currently lives in Apple Valley, MN with her husband and one-year-old westie puppy Roxy. You’ll find her listening to an outdoor concert, hiking, canoeing, skiing, or just taking in a ball game, “Go Twins!” says Gena. “It’s important to me to be passionate about where you live. Helping others find a neighborhood that will enhance their passions is my favorite part of the job.”

Selecting the right real estate agent, to help sell or buy a home, is an invaluable partner for one of your most important investments. You deserve a Realtor who is knowledgeable about neighborhoods, listens to your needs, provides guidance on pricing and negotiates on your behalf (while being professional).

As a Realtor® with RES Realty, Gena works to fulfill your diverse needs to help you attain your residential real estate dreams. Gena is dedicated to making each real estate transaction easy to understand and a pleasant experience. Her commitment to educate and empower her clients builds meaningful connections and lifelong partnerships

After all, Home is where...  You’ll eat leftover birthday cake at 1 in the morning. Where you’ll perform epic shower concerts. Where you’ll rock your little bundle of joy to sleep. Where you’ll create laughter and memories. The Twin Cities House Hunt Team is ready to help you find... Home.