Meet Our Agents

We are a locally owned, independent real estate firm. The agents at Big Rapids Realty and Reed City Realty are local people who take pride in being a supportive part of their communities. They make it their business to be dependable and reliable. Consider working with one of our agents for in-depth knowledge of our area and unsurpassed service.

Karla Alley
Big Rapids Realty
kalley@bigrapidsrealty.com

 

“ I truly enjoy working with people and getting to know them. It's exciting and fulfilling to help individuals and families with an important decision - selling or purchasing a home." 

- Karla Alley, Realtor®

 

Karla has worked in Real Estate since 1998. She has received a Bachelor's Degree in PTM/Marketing from Ferris State University. Along with her husband, Ryan, and 4 children, Karla resides in the Big Rapids area. She is involved in the community through the schools and her church. As a professional agent, Karla pays attention to detail and will lead you through the real estate process with confidence. She is a good communicator and sincere in her work.

 

 

 

Joe Bechaz
Big Rapids Realty
jbechaz@bigrapidsrealty.com

 “If you are buying or selling, new to the community or a lifelong resident, my knowledge of the area will help you get acquainted with Big Rapids and surrounding areas or accurately market your property for sale.”

– Joe Bechaz, Realtor ®

Joe Bechaz, an involved lifelong resident of the community, began his real estate career in 2007. He and his wife, Mary, enjoy spending time with their 4 children and 8 grandchildren. After working in the construction business for 38 years, Joe decided to apply his knowledge of the community to a new career. He has become very educated about the real estate process and the continually changing market. When working with Joe, you will have someone representing you that is honest, trustworthy and able to keep a good sense of humor, even in a tough situation.

 

 

Carol Betts ABR
Big Rapids Realty
cbetts@bigrapidsrealty.com

 

"My goal, as a Realtor®, is to make the buying and selling process go as smoothly and stress free as possible, providing my clients with the specialized service they deserve."

-Carol Betts, Realtor®

Carol became a Realtor® with Big Rapids Realty in 1991. After attending Ohio State University, Carol moved to Big Rapids in 1979 and has raised 2 sons here. In 1996, Carol received the WCAR Realtor of the year award followed by the prestigious Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Award in 1997. Carol consistently serves this community through organizations such as Ferris State University, Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Big Rapids Public Schools and Mecosta County Medical Center. Currently, she serves on the Susan P Wheatlake Wellness Walk & 5K Run Committee. In her spare time, Carol enjoys the outdoors, running, biking and cross country skiing. You will know when you first meet with Carol that she communicates effectively. Her proficiency in the real estate market gives clients confidence in their transactions.

 

Trudy Borst
Big Rapids Realty
tborst@bigrapidsrealty.com

 

“To hear someone say, ‘WOW! I’m a homeowner!’, is truly the greatest satisfaction of being a Realtor®”

-Trudy Borst Realtor®

 

Trudy has enjoyed working with buyers and sellers since 1998. She is married and has been a resident of the Big Rapids area for over 20 years. She has a Masters degree in CIS Management and a Bachelor in Business Education. Trudy enjoys spending time with friends, family and especially her grandchildren. She is honest and able to maintain a good sense of humor under difficult circumstances. Trudy’s commitment to you is to make your purchase or sale as easy and stress free as possible.

 

 

Kathy Fleming
Reed City Realty
kfleming@reedcityrealty.com

 

“I love Reed City! Being deeply rooted in this community, I feel a great sense of purpose in helping people buy or sell their properties.”

– Kathy Fleming, Realtor ®
 

Kathy is a lifelong resident of Reed City. She attended Ferris State University in the Business Management program. Kathy began real estate career in 1999. As a very family oriented individual, Kathy enjoys spending time with her husband of 25 years and their two college kids. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Reed City. Kathy is honest, trustworthy and an excellent communicator. You will know you are in good hands when you choose her to represent you in buying or selling your home.

 

 

 

Brooke Iltis
Big Rapids Realty
biltis@bigrapidsrealty.com

 

“I’m looking forward to learning the market and working with the people of our community!”

 - Brooke Iltis, Realtor®

Brooke has 12 years experience in office management, business operations and sales. Brooke was raised in Big Rapids and enjoys living on the Muskegon River with her husband and three daughters. She and her husband, John, have owned and operated Iltis Construction since 1999 and Rogers Heights Service Center since 2007. Brooke knows what it takes to be friendly, honest, and hard-working and looks forward to guiding you through every step of the home buying or selling process.
 

 

 

 

Laura Veersma
Big Rapids Realty
lveersma@bigrapidsrealty.com

 

“I will listen to your needs and help you make a confident choice in the huge decision of home ownership.” 

- Laura Veersma, Realtor®

 

Laura started her career in real estate with Big Rapids Realty in 2002. After attending Ferris State University, Laura gained over 10 years experience in Marketing. She is married and raising 2 girls. Laura stays active in the community through the schools, her church and community events. In 2010, she earned the distinguished Realtor of the Year award through the West Central Association of Realtors, where she also served as a board member. Laura is an honest and trustworthy professional that will handle your transaction with assertiveness.

 

 

Jennie Hollister
Big Rapids Realty & Reed City Realty
jhollister@bigrapidsrealty.com

 

“These two companies represent the finest in real estate and I couldn’t imagine working with a better group of people”

– Jennie Hollister, Office Manager
 

Jennie, our Administrative Assistant, joined the Big Rapids Realty and Reed City Realty family in 2006. With over 15 years in administrative experience, Jennie provides exceptional support for our agents, making our client's experience a step above the norm. You will find that Jennie is very friendly and helpful when you stop in or call. Jennie moved to the area in 1993 and settled in Stanwood with her husband and two sons. She loves the small town sense of community with the comforts and conveniences of the city.

 

 

Mark Wentland  CRB, ABR, ABRM, Broker and Owner
Big Rapids Realty & Reed City Realty
mwentland@bigrapidsrealty.com

 “You have my pledge that the agents and staff at Big Rapids Realty and Reed City Realty will serve our clients and customers with the most modern systems available and will promote the highest ethical and legal standards.”

-Mark Wentland CRB, ABR, ABRM, Broker and Owner
 

Mark, the Broker and Owner of Big Rapids Realty and Reed City Realty, began his real estate career in 1991, following a career as a dairy farmer. He has owned Big Rapids Realty since 1993 and opened Reed City Realty in 2002. He has been the President of the WCAR Board of Realtors and has served on the Michigan Association of Realtors Board of Directors. His designations include CRB, ABR and ABRM. Mark lives on his family farm near Woodville with his wife, Pat, and has two grown daughters. He takes pride in providing the best resources and support to his agents. He has helped both companies keep a strong presence in real estate. So when you choose Big Rapids Realty or Reed City Realty, you will know you have chosen to work with the best!