110 BLACKBURN ST

RIPON, WI

We're a team that goes above and beyond for our clients - and it’s not just for higher commissions. We’re here because we really care.

EMILY BONFIGLIO

REALTOR®

The Doer

Emily is originally from Orange County, New York, but married a man in the military and because of that has lived all over the United States including: Kansas, Georgia, Kentucky and now her husband’s native state, Wisconsin. She spent most of her adult life teaching art to elementary students and investing in long-term rental properties. Although she has a passion for real estate, she is also an artist and a teacher, which she believes plays a large role in creating the type of realtor that she is.

Emily and her husband have been in the real estate realm since 2009, as landlords. Although she loves working in real estate, the hardest part of the job for Emily is sitting still, as she is a very active person. She and her family love ATV/UTVing, snowmobiling, and jogging. She is very active in DIY projects, especially when it comes to her home and her rental properties. She loves getting her hands dirty and creating something beautiful, whether through art, or through a home project.

She and her family love living in their Fox River front home that they have morphed into the property of their dreams in the greater Berlin area. Emily finds the small town-Wisconsin community feeling to be very special and is the perfect atmosphere to work and raise her children. Once you are part of a small town community, you are in for life.

Contact Emily at 920-509-7006 or emily@special-properties.com

"CUSTOMER SERVICE IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME. I HAVE MANY PARTS OF MY PERSONALITY THAT WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE A REALTOR THAT IS HERE FOR ALL OF MY CLIENTS."

LIZ BOJARSKI

REALTOR®

That can only be achieved through superb customer service and total dedication to the clients. Liz prides herself on these values and uses her eight plus years in the real estate industry to be the best resource for her buyers and sellers.

Liz’s experience and knowledge of the ins and outs of a real estate office give her a unique vantage point that allows her to better assist her clients with their buying and selling needs.

“One of the biggest reasons why I love real estate is that you get to work closely with people to make their dreams become a reality! To be a part of such a huge moment in a person’s life is a true privilege.”

After growing up in Rockford, Illinois, Liz and her husband, Chad, have lived in the Green Lake area for more than 20 years with their daughter, Genevieve. As a child, Liz and her family also lived in Dublin, Ireland, her mother’s hometown. She has since returned to Ireland several times to visit family. That experience has influenced Liz’s interest in travel and experiencing all that life has to offer.

When Liz is not working, you will probably find her on the golf course trying her best to “hit ‘em straight!” She is also actively involved in the local community as a member of the Green Lake Chamber of Commerce and the Green Lake Association.

Contact Liz at 920-574-1974 or liz@special-properties.com

“MY GOAL IS TO GET EVERY TRANSACTION TO CLOSE SMOOTHLY.”

JILL RAMSEY

REALTOR®

Real Estate has been a passion for Jill since she started selling in 2005 and her success proves that. “I love working with people” and Jill’s personality and work ethic has not only made her successful in real estate but more importantly made her a lot of new friends over the years.

From the first time you meet Jill, you will feel at ease with her professional and personable working style. Growing up in the area, Jill is confident in her ability to represent your best interest through your real estate transaction.

Outside of work Jill is community oriented and she and her husband have 3 children and 8 grandchildren. Some of her other passions are gardening, cooking and spending time with friends and family.

Jill is excited to continue her career with the team at Better Homes and Gardens Special Properties.

Contact Jill at 920-517-5453 or jill@special-properties.com

MELISSA ROTH

REALTOR®

THE HOME GROWN ORGANIC

A 5th generation Green Laker, Melissa brings a depth of knowledge to every transaction, sharing insights, history, and connecting you to Green Lake’s local culture. Melissa has more than 4 + years of real estate experience throughout Green Lake County.

Honesty, authenticity, and hard work are Melissa’s core values. She believes strongly in adhering to real estate ethics ensuring every client is informed and comfortable with terms. Perhaps it is her background in social work, but Melissa uses listening skills, facilitation, and team development to get the deal done. Helping people brings the most joy and fulfillment.

Melissa is nothing shy of busy! Two children, a farmhouse (on a working farm), volunteering on committees, boards, and even hospice, if you can’t find her at any of those she may be unplugged looping the lake on her bike. Regardless of the activity, you can count on Melissa to be detail oriented, focused, and on time.

Buying or selling a home can be stressful and hard to navigate. Have confidence in the process with Melissa on your side. You will be comforted by her knowledge and understanding of the Green Lake network, unique properties, and skilled negotiation

Contact Melissa at 920-229-4206 or melissa@special-properties.com

“SHARING THE HISTORY OF A PROPERTY IS PART OF THE EXPERIENCE, HELPING YOU WRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER IS MY GOAL.”

PATTI CRUMP

REALTOR®

The Problem Solver

Patti grew up in the Berlin area and currently resides in Omro. She is married with 5 kids and 7 grandkids. Patti didn’t start her work life in Real Estate, however, much of her previous career provided the tools she needed to work with people. Patti was in law enforcement for 26 years, starting with Berlin Police Department and retiring from Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. She notes her time in law enforcement providing her with the skills to handle stressful situations and helping people through what can be a confusing and difficult time.

Although not the typical route to becoming a Realtor®, Patti found herself in the position in 2017. After buying and selling a few homes over the years, Patti and her husband bought a home in a subdivision that still had a number of open lots. People looking to buy and build in the neighborhood often came to Patti to get answers to their questions. This led Patti to start her career in Real Estate.

Patti notes, ” I am very social. I also have the gift of gab. There is something very rewarding when you see the excitement of a new buyer or seller. That is what I enjoy most. I truly care about my clients.”

Patti and her family love Green Lake County and surrounding areas. Working from New London, to Appleton, Oshkosh to Fond du Lac and over through Green Lake and Waushara County provides the rural country setting, small towns and numerous waterways she loves. Patti enjoys spending time at her cottage in Rhinelander, and trap shooting at Berlin Conservation Club and Fox Valley Trap Club. Other hobbies include fishing, boating and being outdoors.

Contact Patti at 920-479-8017 or patti@special-properties.com

"I ENJOY KEEPING THE STRESS TO A MINIMUM FOR MY BUYERS AND SELLERS. INSTEAD OF SIMPLY PRESENTING THEM WITH PROBLEMS, I COME UP WITH A PLAN OF OPTIONS TO SOLVE ISSUES WHEN THEY OCCUR TO KEEP EVERYTHING RUNNING SMOOTHLY."

MARISSA THOMPSON

REALTOR®

The Creative

Marissa has a love for many things including her 2 children, playing the cello, sewing, especially costumes, and real estate. She enjoys reading, festivals and fairs, and getting out and about in her community.

Marissa is originally from Kansas City and has also lived in Texas before making her permanent move to Wisconsin. Originally going into real estate to help out her mother-in-law and also to have a flexible work schedule for her kids, Marissa found a love for the job and has made it her own.

While living in Texas, she worked as a costume designer and box office clerk. She finds that theater and real estate go more hand-in-hand than one might think. She notes that real estate and theatre both require different props and offers different obstacles that require one to be flexible and adaptable to give the best for the audience or the buyer/seller.

Although she loved living in Texas, Marissa missed the seasons that the Midwest provides. She enjoys lake life and the country very much and couldn’t be happier in the Green Lake area.

Since joining Better Homes and Gardens Special Properties she has enjoyed the team atmosphere, especially knowing that you have people there to help and support you through any difficulties the job affords. Marissa enjoys the challenges that real estate provides and is always trying to be the best that she can be.

Contact Marissa at 913-488-2105 or marissa@special-properties.com

“I LOOK AT REAL ESTATE JUST LIKE THEATRE. EACH PERSON REQUIRES DIFFERENT PROPS AND HAS DIFFERENT OBSTACLES THAT REQUIRE ME TO BE ADAPTABLE TO GIVE EACH CLIENT AND HOUSE THE BEST I CAN”

MARCO RHEIN

REALTOR®

MARIA RHEIN

REALTOR®

The Coach

As a local to the Green Lake area, Marco grew up in Berlin surrounded by the real estate industry from an early age. With family owning apartment buildings he felt like becoming a realtor® has always been in the cards for him. Although he did not take a direct path to real estate, Marco believes that his life has been a building block to his career today.

Having lived in Duluth, the Twin Cities, and Wausau, Marco and his family always knew they wanted to be back in the Green Lake/Berlin area. He started his adult life in teaching and coaching. Marco was a science teacher and still, today, coaches men’s soccer for Ripon college, his alma mater. He believes the skills that you gain working with young people are easily transferable into real estate. “It’s a great way to hone in on your talking skills, as well as knowing how to read a room”.

Marco lives between Ripon and Green Lake and loves the combination of country and city options that the area provides. Green Lake is great for active outdoor activities, he likes to hunt, fish, go for runs and hikes, but also loves that Green Lake offers great restaurants, constant events, and the conveniences of a bigger city.

He is excited to be working with Special Properties and be selling in the area that he grew up in and knows so well. Marco has worked with Special Properties, first as a buyer, and now is excited to join the team as a Realtor®.

Contact Marco at 920-290-0009 or marco@special-properties.com

The Chef

Family is the name of the game for Maria. Having grown up in the area and currently living in Ripon, she has been integrated in real estate in one way or another for her entire life. Maria grew up in the property management business with her parents owning and operating apartment buildings. This gave Maria a passion for homes and family. And speaking of family, Maria is extremely close with both of her brothers, one of which also works for Better Homes and Gardens Special Properties -- making it a real family affair! Having grown up in the area, Maria has a strong pull to the community. She is proud of what downtown Ripon has been able to accomplish, making it a destination for travelers looking to experience the history and revival of her town. Maria is a true juxtaposition of someone who has a deep appreciation for the history of the area and someone looking to continue to add to the community to make it a place where people live and grow for years to come. She said, "We are so lucky to have what we have here in our area. It is not surprising to me that people want to be a part of it, it's special." Outside of real estate Maria has a golden retriever named Elaine, who is everything to her. She also owns a small catering business -- Rizzos. Her family is Italian, and her passion is creating those delicious recipes she grew up with. Maria has been cooking her entire life and making homemade pastas is her favorite hobby.

Contact Maria at 920-745-0310 or maria@special-properties.com

"I LOVE WORKING WITH PEOPLE, HELPING THEM FIND A PLACE THAT MEANS SOMETHING TO THEM. THIS IS WHERE THEY WILL RAISE THEIR FAMILIES, THIS IS WHERE THEY WILL HAVE THEIR LIVES"

CHRISTY STUEBER

REALTOR®

BRANDON BONFIGLIO

REALTOR®

JOAN KARSTEN

MANAGING BROKER | REALTOR®

Christy and her husband, of 22 years, are proud life-long Oshkosh residents, offering her clients a vast knowledge of our beautiful community. She has earned an associates degree in Hospitality Management, becoming a Director of Sales in Restaurants, Hotels, and Casinos throughout Wisconsin, coordinating events, meetings and group travel arrangements for Motorcoach Tours, Corporations and leisure outings. She has led successful teams and has built strong and lasting business relations with her clients throughout her 30-year tenor, which has provided her with valuable skills that she uses daily in real estate. There are many qualities and skills that make an excellent real estate professional...integrity, professionalism,
community and market knowledge, effective communications and negotiation skills, a positive “can do” attitude and a synergistic professional network. These are the hallmarks Christy abides by and follows to manage her growing business. Whether you are buying or selling your home, the market can be stressful and frustrating. Her knowledge
of the area and dedication to finding your dream home make her the perfect choice for all your real estate needs. Christy’s goal is to work with you to make the process seamless and enjoyable with honesty, hard work and commitment.

Contact Christy at 920-376-0239 or christy@special-properties.com

The Renaissance Man

Brandon, a Wisconsin native, has lived several lives en route to becoming a Realtor®. Hailing from Sussex, Wisconsin, Brandon has lived all over the United States including New York, Georgia, Kansas, and Kentucky, but ultimately made the Berlin area home with his wife Emily (also a Realtor® with BHGRE Special Properties) and their two kids. With a military background, Brandon brings his precision, ability to work with people, and go-getter attitude to working with clients.

Although a Realtor® now, Brandon dipped his toe in Real Estate after deciding to rent instead of sell a home he owns. Over the course of a decade Brandon learned the ins and outs of rental properties, buying, fixing, flipping, and selling homes, eventually leading him to become a Real Estate Agent. Following in his wife Emily’s footsteps, Brandon became a Realtor® and uses his unique knowledge in all facets of buying, selling, and owning properties to help his clients find the right homes for them.

Currently a Lieutenant Colonel, Brandon serves in the Army National Guard. Due to his time in the army he was able to invest in houses in multiple states allowing Brandon to hone his property management and rehab skills. Brandon loves the Green Lake area and after living in so many different places knew that this was the right location for him and his family. “I like that there are year round activities for everyone, great restaurants, great people, and the views are spectacular”.

Aside from his love of Real Estate and Green Lake Brandon also enjoys many hobbies, “my family and friends tell me that hobbies are my hobby”. He enjoys fixing up homes, hunting, ATVing, snowmobiling, boating — being outdoors in any capacity. He is always looking for new projects to enjoy!

Contract Brandon at 920-509-7009 or brandon@special-properties.com

Joan Karsten, originally from Ripon, brings more than 30 years of leadership in residential and commercial real estate experience to the Better Homes and Gardens Special Properties team. After graduating from UW-LaCrosse in 1981, Joan moved to Massachusetts where she began her broker career with Better Homes and Gardens. She moved back home to Ripon in 1992 which commenced 30 years of service to CENTURY 21 as a Broker.

Throughout her career, Joan garnered more than 30 professional awards and acknowledgements including being named Wisconsin Realtor of the Year twice and a five-time recipient of the CENTURY 21 Centurion Award. As impressive as her results have been in real estate, Joan is well known in Ripon for her years of service as a community leader and volunteer. She has held leadership roles on numerous boards and community organizations and was recognized as the Ripon Commonwealth Person of the Year in 2005 and received the Ripon College Founders Day Award in 2007.

Joan joined Better Homes and Gardens Special Properties in 2022 as Broker and Office Manager. In her role, Joan often serves as the face and first point of contact for the office. Furthermore, she serves as a trusted advisor to all realtors and the lead trainer for new realtors.

Joan’s extensive market knowledge and client base provides an invaluable resource as Special Properties establishes their Ripon office and continues to cultivate their client network.

Contact Joan at 920-229-1952 or joan@special-properties.com

“I believe that buyers and sellers are looking for confidence and reassurance throughout a transaction, and as their partner I can help them achieve their goals.”

We pride ourselves in making home buying and selling personal, stress-free and professional

WHAT’S SO SPECIAL

We’re Special. Heck, it even says so in our name. That’s why we treat real estate a little differently from other agencies. We look far beyond the transaction and more into the heart of what we do. We’re a humble bunch that really enjoy getting to know our clients. And by building real connections, it makes it simple for our clients to see us as not just their real estate agent but a trusted advisor and hopefully a long-time friend.

PART OF A BIGGER FAMILY

The Green Lake area isn’t just our community, it’s our home. We’ve been active members of the communities we serve since 1992 and that’s not stopping anytime soon. We believe that a community is only as strong as those who make it. Leadership and good energy coupled with organic collaboration is proof that the areas we represent are indeed great places to work, live and play.

Since we're acquainted...

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We're a boutique real estate company rooted in providing truly personal and honest service. If you're ready to make the move, reach out and let's get to know each other.

Proudly serving our local communities for over 30 years

Green Lake Office: (920) 294-0122 | Ripon Office: (920) 896-6801 | E: info@special-properties.com

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