In The Spotlight
Bonnie Hammel
by Nora M. Davis (HBCA)

"SOLD" is music to the ear of a real estate seller—and to the ear of HBCA member Bonnie Hammel of Coldwell Banker Burnet.

When asked about the current housing market Bonnie told me she had sold three houses in the last two weeks! Her secret? Hard work and lots of it. A sixty hour work week (yes, that includes evenings and weekends) is not uncommon for Bonnie. She's been a realtor for ten years and obviously loves what she does. "What could be better than spending time with interesting people, finding a house that fits them and their budget, and making new friends in the process?" she explained.

NBC's Today Show recently contacted Bonnie wanting to know if they could use one of her listings on the Barbara Corcoran segment showcasing housing "gems" in the $200,000-$500,000 price range. Bonnie's listing, a 1929 farmhouse in New Hope, will soon be seen by millions. Just how did that happen? Bonnie isn't sure, but she always hires a professional photographer, uses a stager to showcase the home, and makes sure the house is priced right—and that obviously caught the eye of the Today Show producer.

Before interviewing Bonnie I checked out her website: www.bonniehammel.com. I noted all the references to music and singing and assumed there had to be a story. Bonnie has a terrific singing voice, has sung with the Minnesota Orchestra, the Minnesota Opera, and has been a soloist at Wayzata Community Church for the past twenty-one years. So it was only fitting that her website notes that results with Bonnie are results worth singing about!

I did ask if there were any houses or transactions over the years that stood out in her mind and she told me about selling a house to a couple who soon became good friends, then selling their house when they moved out of the area—and then selling them another when they moved back! (Note: If you have some time Bonnie will tell you about a split-level in Edina, a plumbing leak that sent millions of gallons of water cascading down the steps into the basement, an out-of-town owner and a need to dry out that house NOW. Quite a story.)

The last two years have been banner award years for Bonnie. She was chosen "Rotarian of the Year" by her own Hopkins Rotary in 2007, an organization that has benefitted greatly by her hard work and dedication. And in 2008, she was voted a Mpls St Paul magazine "Super Real Estate Agent."

And from what I've heard, Bonnie will be receiving the same Mpls St Paul award for 2009! Congratulations, Bonnie!

Have questions about real estate? Your home? Need an appraisal? Contact Bonnie at 952- 470-2557, or e-mail her at bonnie@bonniehammel.com. Bonnie will be at your service!