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Gretchen Volkenstein

Gretchen Volkenstein
Real Estate Agent (Salesperson)
Benton Harbor MI

Salesperson (MI: 6501406474)

21 years experience

REALTOR® 4 Active Listings Serves Berrien County, MI
View on Realtor.com

Contact Information

Brokerage
@properties St Joseph

Office Website
Office Address
391 Arbor Ridge
Benton Harbor, MI  49022
(Berrien County)
Office Phone
269-281-0392
Office Fax
269-281-7439
Mobile
269-281-6889
Email
home***********@*****.com
Show Email for $5

Service Areas

Benton Harbor: MI St. Joseph: MI Shoreham: MI Benton Heights: MI Fair Plain: MI Sodus: MI Riverside: MI Buchanan: MI Glendora: MI Galien: MI Eau Claire: MI Niles: MI Shorewood-Tower Hills-Harbert: MI Three Oaks: MI Bridgman: MI Grand Beach: MI Michiana: MI New Buffalo: MI Stevensville: MI

About Gretchen Volkenstein

Southwest Michigan has always been "home base" and Gretta moved back to St Joseph in 2013 after living in California and Germany for 7 years Gretta has always had a love of real estate her parents helped her buy her first investment home at the age of 12 Now 20 years later she is thrilled to be at Southwest Michigan's top brokerage At Properties Having managed rental properties remodeled built and sold homes in Germany the Caribbean and the U S Gretta has significant experience in all aspects of real estate She owns several investment properties herself and specializes in investment homes relocation and second homes Her motivation is to not only do her very best for her clients but to build relationships that last a lifetime!The local community is one of Gretta's passions and she is active in planning events and in community development/outreach She founded the group Berrien County Strong-Community In Action and is on the board of several Southwest Michigan Non-Profit Organizations Gretta was voted "Best Local Real Estate Agent" for the Herald Palladium's Reader's Choice 2019 Best of the Best Contest! She was also named one of Southwest Michigan's "40 Under 40" by Moody on the Market  Gretta graduated with honors from Indiana University and holds a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Marketing/Public Relations Her sons Finn and Will attend Lincoln Elementary school in Saint Joseph When she is not selling real estate she spends her time traveling volunteering boating on Lake Michigan and enjoying the local SW Michigan beaches and attractions with her family

Berrien County, MI Real Estate Market Analysis (Single Family Homes)

$469,771
Avg. Listing Price
From Gretchen's portfolio
3.4 / 2.3
Avg. Beds/Baths
Typical property size
1,999 sf
Avg. Square Footage
Interior living space
541
Active Listings
Current inventory

Berrien County, Michigan's real estate market represents one of Southwest Michigan's most dynamic and diverse property landscapes, stretching from Lake Michigan's pristine shoreline to inland agricultural communities. With 991 actively licensed real estate agents serving the county, this market demonstrates remarkable depth and professional coverage that rivals much larger metropolitan areas. What makes this particularly noteworthy is that all 991 agents maintain current email contact information, indicating a tech-savvy professional community ready to engage in modern real estate transactions.

The county's unique positioning along Lake Michigan creates distinct micro-markets that range from luxury waterfront properties in communities like St. Joseph and Stevensville to affordable family homes in Niles and Benton Harbor. This geographic diversity, combined with proximity to both Chicago and Grand Rapids markets, generates complex pricing dynamics that require local expertise to navigate effectively.

Major Berrien County, Michigan Real Estate Markets

The Twin Cities of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor anchor Berrien County's primary real estate hub, offering everything from historic downtown lofts to sprawling lakefront estates. St. Joseph's Bluff District commands premium prices for its dramatic Lake Michigan views, while Benton Harbor presents significant redevelopment opportunities that have attracted both investors and first-time homebuyers. Niles, the county's largest city, provides a more affordable entry point with its mix of Victorian-era homes and newer suburban developments.

Smaller communities like New Buffalo, Three Oaks, and Buchanan each contribute specialized market segments. New Buffalo has evolved into a weekend retreat destination for Chicago professionals, driving seasonal price fluctuations that create unique investment opportunities. Meanwhile, Three Oaks and Buchanan offer rural charm with growing appeal among remote workers seeking quality of life improvements, particularly following post-pandemic lifestyle shifts.

Market Dynamics and Geographic Complexity

Berrien County's real estate market operates on multiple seasonal cycles, with lakefront properties experiencing peak activity during summer months while inland markets maintain steadier year-round transaction volumes. The county's wine country designation has added another layer of complexity, as vineyard properties and wine tourism-related real estate create specialized niches requiring agents with agricultural and hospitality experience.

Transportation infrastructure significantly impacts property values, with homes near I-94 corridors commanding premiums due to Chicago commuter accessibility. The Amtrak connection through Niles to Chicago has sparked renewed interest in transit-oriented development, while the county's expanding trail systems boost rural property appeal among outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious buyers.

Why Businesses Need Berrien County, Michigan Agent Contact Data

Mortgage lenders, home inspectors, and insurance providers require comprehensive agent networks to effectively serve Berrien County's diverse markets. With 991 agents spread across distinct geographic and price segments, businesses can target specific professional relationships based on specialization areas, from luxury lakefront specialists to agricultural property experts, ensuring more effective partnership development and referral generation.

Property technology companies, real estate marketing services, and continuing education providers benefit enormously from direct access to this complete agent database. The fact that all agents maintain current email addresses enables efficient communication for everything from MLS software updates to market trend webinars, making Berrien County an ideal testing ground for new real estate products and services targeting mid-sized markets.

Current Property Listings

As of 2/7/2026, Gretchen Volkenstein has 4 properties for sale in Benton Harbor and surrounding areas.

$849,000

Listed 2026-02-03

2600 Bell Cir
Stevensville, MI  49127

Beds: 4.0
Baths: 2.5
Sq Ft: 3,049
Lot: 16,988 sf
Single Family Map
View Full Details

$820,000

Listed 2025-10-14

6860 Long Lake Rd
Berrien Springs, MI  49103

Beds: 5.0
Baths: 3.5
Sq Ft: 4,129
Lot: 543,193 sf
Single Family Map
View Full Details

$124,900

Listed 2025-10-17

1277 Parkway Dr
Benton Harbor, MI  49022

Beds: 2.0
Baths: 1.0
Sq Ft: 596
Lot: 7,841 sf
Single Family Map
View Full Details

$319,900

Listed 2026-02-02

553 N Cygnet Lake Dr
Benton Harbor, MI  49022

Beds: 3.0
Baths: 2.0
Sq Ft: 2,060
Lot: 6,970 sf
Single Family Map
View Full Details

Current Property Rentals

Gretchen Volkenstein currently has no rental properties available in Benton Harbor and surrounding areas. Check back later.