Inside the Journey of a Real Estate Maverick: Bob Eisenlauer’s Story

Welcome back to The Lofty Lender podcast, where we bring you inspiring stories and insights from leaders in the real estate industry. In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Bob Eisenlauer, a top real estate expert from Remax Revolution in Des Moines. Bob shares his remarkable journey from growing up in East Des Moines to becoming a seasoned real estate professional. Here’s a closer look at Bob’s story and the valuable lessons he’s learned along the way.

Early Days and Education

Bob Eisenlauer was born and raised in East Des Moines, where his family had deep roots in the community. His parents owned a restaurant, and his father was a budding real estate agent, which influenced Bob's future career path. Despite frequent moves, Bob's family always stayed close to East Des Moines, allowing him to graduate from Sadel High School as a proud eagle and active athlete.

Bob began his college journey at Kirkwood Community College before transferring to the University of Iowa in Iowa City, where he graduated. It was during his senior year that he landed his first sales job at Trade Home Shoes, marking the beginning of his sales career.

Venturing into Real Estate

Bob’s career took a significant turn when he decided to transition into real estate in 2003. With his father’s encouragement, Bob obtained his real estate license and joined Remax Real Estate Group in 2004, now known as Remax Revolution. His father, a seasoned realtor, suggested that Bob explore the different industries involved in real estate, including appraisal and inspection, before settling on becoming a real estate agent.

Reflecting on his first sale, Bob shares a humorous anecdote about sitting at an open house during his initial weeks in real estate. To his surprise, someone came in and decided to buy the house on the spot, an uncommon occurrence. With guidance from his experienced father, Bob successfully navigated his first sale and was hooked on the real estate profession.

The Rewarding Aspects of Real Estate

When asked about the most rewarding aspect of being in real estate, Bob emphasized the joy of helping clients find their perfect home. He finds great satisfaction in working with first-time homebuyers, especially those who never thought owning a home was possible. Bob values the connections he builds with his clients and the trust they place in him to achieve their real estate goals.

Navigating Challenges in the Market

The real estate market can be challenging, especially in competitive environments. Bob shared insights into the recent market trends, where buyers have had to act quickly due to limited inventory and high demand. This market dynamic has made securing homes more challenging for buyers, leading to frustration and disappointment.

Building a Strong Team

Bob has been fortunate to work alongside his family throughout his career. His father, Bill Eisenlauer, was a pioneer in forming real estate teams, establishing the Eisenlauer team in the late 1990s. Bob learned the importance of teamwork and hiring the right people, with his first hire being Anya Hageman, who worked with the team for a decade.

Today, Bob's team includes experienced agents like Lance Martinson and transaction coordinator Annie Byers, who plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth transactions. Bob's mother, Myrna Eisenlauer, also contributes part-time to the team's success.

Balancing Family and Work

Family is a central part of Bob’s life, and he often involves his children in his work. With the recent shift in team dynamics, Bob’s wife, Tara, is set to join the team, following in the footsteps of his parents. Bob values the opportunity to share his passion for real estate with his family and finds ways to integrate them into his work whenever possible.

Hobbies and Personal Interests

Outside of real estate, Bob enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and coaching his children's sports teams. Whether it's playing sports, exploring new destinations, or enjoying a day at Clear Lake, Bob cherishes the moments spent with his loved ones. He also has a keen interest in classic muscle cars and occasionally dabbles in video games and reading.

The State of the Des Moines Real Estate Market

In this episode, Bob delves into the current trends and extremes of the Des Moines real estate market. He highlights the surge in million-dollar home sales, a stark contrast to the limited availability of homes under $100,000. The market has seen significant changes over the years, with inflation and shifting buyer preferences contributing to the evolving landscape.

Bob also touches on the rise of million-dollar townhomes in central Iowa, a surprising development in the local market. These high-end properties come with hefty association dues and taxes, reflecting the changing dynamics of the real estate industry.

A Glimpse into the Future

As the real estate market continues to evolve, Bob remains optimistic about the future. While the market may experience fluctuations, he believes in the resilience of the industry and the opportunities it presents. Bob's dedication to serving his clients and helping them achieve their real estate goals is unwavering, and he looks forward to many more successful years in the business.

Thank you for tuning in to The Lofty Lender podcast. We hope you enjoyed this insightful conversation with Bob Eisenlauer. If you want to learn more about Bob and his team, visit their website at EisenlauerTeam.com or contact Bob directly at 515-979-2883. Stay curious and join us next week for another exciting episode.