CLO - Christianson Home

Pros

• The office is described as great.
• Coldwell Banker was professional in spelling and transferring ownership in 2004.
• Cathy and Kim came highly recommended and made the home selling process painless, smooth, and easy.
• They took care of every detail and went above and beyond.
• The duo was extremely responsive and accommodating.
• They would recommend Cathy and Kim to anyone and would hire them again in the future.
• Rhonda was amazing as a realtor, with patience and reliability from beginning to end.
• Cathy from Coldwell Banker Burnet is described as responsive, patient, honest, and always putting clients' needs first.
• The agents are super friendly.

Cons

• The unsolicited letter from Marc asking to sell was described as disrespectful and surprising.
• Donald Wolkerstorfer was described as very misleading.
• The Office Manager Chuck Stout would not provide original listing pictures.
• A spelling error on closing documents allegedly required the client to pay to have it corrected.
• In a separate case, a misspelled name on closing documents led to a $250 fee to fix.
• The front desk staff were described as leaving something to be desired.

Review

The collection of remarks paints a real-world snapshot of customer sentiment toward Coldwell Banker Realty, showing that experiences can swing dramatically from one agent to the next and from one interaction to another. On one end of the spectrum, several clients describe frustrating or concerning encounters - from unsolicited outreach and questionable tactics to potential misrepresentations and billing disputes. On the other end, there are vivid testimonies about agents who went above and beyond, delivering patience, responsiveness, and thorough support that made buying or selling feel smooth and straightforward. Taken together, the reviews reveal a landscape where the brand is widely cited, but the personal experience largely hinges on the individual agent and the specific office staff involved.

Some comments center on perceived disrespect or improper solicitation. One author recounts an unsolicited outreach in which a team member named Marc sent a letter asking if the recipient wanted to sell their place, describing the approach as abrupt and disrespectful and noting that the person behind the request seemed to be following a pattern others had already experienced. The tone suggests that, for this reviewer, the approach to outreach felt intrusive and not aligned with how they expect to be treated as a potential client. This thread underscores a concern that outreach practices can set a negative first impression, even before any actual real estate service is rendered.

There are also strong accusations about specific individuals and a sense of wrongdoing. A reviewer accuses Donald Wolkerstorfer of being misleading and claims that a listing photo was changed after being challenged, with the reviewer presenting what they say is proof of the original image. The same complaint extends to the office manager, Chuck Stout, who allegedly refused to provide original listing pictures. The overall impression from this set of comments is one of distrust and caution, with warnings to "be aware" and to view the company as potentially shady in certain circumstances. Taken together, these complaints highlight the risk some clients perceive when they feel misled or when key documentation is not easily accessible.

Beyond outreach and misrepresentation concerns, the reviews also recount problematic closing experiences. In one case, the person notes that the closing agent put the wrong initial on closing documents and then insisted there would be a fee to correct the error, pointing to a city-imposed $300 correction fee as an additional burden. The sentiment conveyed is that such mistakes reflect service failures and impose unnecessary costs on the client, rather than being treated as an ordinary part of processing a closing. Another account from a different time frame details a spelling error on the name during a 2007 closing, with the agent responsible for the closing allegedly telling the client they would have to pay $250 to correct the spelling error. In both scenarios, the clients frame these issues as errors rooted in the firm's service, not as inevitable outcomes, and express frustration about being asked to bear the cost of someone else's mistake.

While these negative experiences dominate many of the entries, not all feedback is dour. Several reviews unanimously praise positive, customer-centric experiences with specific agents. In one account, Cathy and Kim are described as a duo who came highly recommended and who made the home selling process painless, smooth, and easy. The reviewer emphasizes that Cathy and Kim took care of every little detail and went above and beyond, contributing to a selling experience that felt low-stress and well-managed. The two agents are repeatedly praised for their responsiveness and their willingness to educate clients and thoroughly explain every step of the process. The sentiment is that the pair's combination of attentiveness, communication, and practical guidance created a markedly positive experience that stood out against more problematic interactions with others.

Another thread of praise centers on Rhonda, a realtor who is described as patient and thorough. The reviewer recounts looking at many houses and notes that Rhonda's patience helped them clarify what they really wanted. They emphasize that Rhonda was "amazing" from beginning to end and that they never questioned her guidance. This testimony contributes to the overall image of Coldwell Banker Realty as a place where at least some agents deliver an exceptionally positive, dependable customer experience, characterized by steadiness, reliable advice, and a calm, reassuring presence throughout the home-search journey.

There are also comments that acknowledge a generally friendly culture within the office, even as they hint at mixed experiences with staff roles beyond the agents. One brief note says the office is a place with great people and mentions real estate classes in a positive light, suggesting a welcoming atmosphere and an active learning environment. Conversely, another remark points to the front desk staff as an area where experiences could improve, noting that while the agents are "super friendly," the front desk left something to be desired. Taken together, these points illustrate that even within a single organization, client experiences can differ not only by agent but also by support staff, shaping the overall impression of the office.

In addition to Cathy, Kim, and Rhonda, there are affirming nods to the brand's broader reputation in older transactions. One reviewer mentions a 2004 purchase with Coldwell Banker where the team was praised for professionalism in spelling and transferring ownership, while another account from 2007 faults the closing process for a spelling error and the associated fees, echoing the recurring theme of service gaps and the cost implications of mistakes. A separate voice references Cathy's ongoing reliability in helping clients find their first home, describing her as responsive, patient, honest, and consistently putting clients' needs first. These corroborative notes help paint a nuanced picture: the brand is associated with capable, amiable professionals who can deliver outstanding service, but historical anecdotes also remind readers that spelling errors and administrative missteps have occurred and can carry costs.

All told, the impressions converge on a few core takeaways. Individual agent performance clearly matters a great deal, with Cathy, Kim, and Rhonda exemplifying the level of care and communication that many clients value highly. Those who encounter them emphasize painless processes, comprehensive support, and a readiness to educate clients, which fosters trust and repeat business. Yet there are persistent concerns about outreach practices, potential misrepresentations, and the handling - and cost - of correcting administrative errors. The front-desk experience also matters; even when agents excel, the reception by support staff can color a client's overall assessment.

For anyone considering Coldwell Banker Realty based on these voices, the message is clear: do your research at the agent level. The brand appears to host a spectrum of experiences, from highly satisfying partnerships with responsive professionals to troubling episodes of miscommunication or service missteps. Choosing the right agent - someone who demonstrates transparency, attentiveness, and consistency - seems essential to achieving the favorable outcomes that other clients have described.

This part of White Bear Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a peaceful and convenient living environment. With multiple places of worship nearby, residents have easy access to spiritual support and community engagement. Additionally, there are several highly-rated restaurants in the area, providing opportunities for socializing and enjoying delicious meals. For healthcare needs, pharmacies and physicians' offices are within close proximity, ensuring prompt medical attention when necessary. The presence of parks allows for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while nearby hospitals offer peace of mind in case of emergencies. Transportation options such as Lino Air Park provide convenience for travel needs. Overall, this neighborhood offers a blend of convenience, comfort, and recreational opportunities for seniors considering senior living in White Bear Lake.

Places of Worship

• St Mary of the Lake Church (0.8 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.2 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (6.7 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (6.8 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (8.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Cup & Cone (1 miles)
• Admiral D's (1.1 miles)
• Washington Square Bar & Grill (1.2 miles)
• Eat at Banning and Fifth (1.2 miles)
• The Alchemist (1.2 miles)
• Big Wood Brewery (1.3 miles)
• Rudy's Redeye Grill (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Jaksa Stephen W DDS (1.1 miles)
• Victhom Human Bionics (1.5 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (2.9 miles)
• Suburban Radiology (3.5 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (4.1 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (4.1 miles)
• Minnesota Vein Center (4.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Walgreens (4.2 miles)
• Fairview Pharmacy Services (5.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (7.5 miles)

Parks

• Red Pine Park (2.9 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (3.1 miles)
• Bear Park (3.2 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (3.8 miles)
• Playcrest Park (4.2 miles)
• Joy Park (4.4 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (4.5 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (4.9 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (8.5 miles)

Transportation

• Lino Air Park (8.7 miles)