Gretta Volkenstein (Kruggel) | Top-Producing Realtor® | Community Leader | Southwest Michigan Real Estate Expert

Gretta Volkenstein (Kruggel) is more than just a top-producing real estate agent—she's a trusted advisor, community advocate, and creative marketing strategist with a proven track record of results.

As a leading listing agent in St. Joseph and Stevensville year after year, Gretta consistently facilitates the sale of 50+ homes annually and closes more than $20 million in real estate volume each year. She is proudly affiliated with @properties Christie's International Real Estate, where her market expertise, client-first mindset, and innovative approach continue to set the bar in Southwest Michigan.

For Gretta, real estate is a team effort and a deeply personal experience. She believes buying or selling a home is not just a transaction—but a milestone. Her clients benefit from her unwavering transparency, creative problem-solving, and ability to develop custom marketing strategies that help listings stand apart in a crowded market. From decor staging and 3D walkthrough tours to authentic social media storytelling, Gretta is always one step ahead- crafting campaigns that not only showcase properties but also connect with the right buyers.

Gretta's connection to Southwest Michigan runs deep. Her parents and grandparents were long-time residents of St. Joseph and Stevensville, where they worked as home builders and investment property owners who taught her the value of real estate from a young age. She spent her childhood summers and holidays in St. Joe, often sitting on her grandmother's porch along the iconic brick-paved State Street. Though she grew up in California—splitting time between the Bay Area and Montecito (Santa Barbara)—she lived in Australia, California, and Germany before moving back to Southwest Michigan 11 years ago. Shortly after, she built her real estate business from the ground up—it quickly took off, and she's never looked back.

She has also built a small, dedicated team—including her father, who knows more about the history of this area than anyone she knows. Together, they focus on providing a knowledgeable, concierge-level experience with a white glove approach that clients truly appreciate. The team collaborates closely to advertise listings effectively and reach the broadest audience possible. They stay in sync on buyers' needs and upcoming listings, often giving their clients the first word on potential new homes. Her experience spans everything from new construction and historic homes to investment properties and international transactions, including ventures in Aruba and Germany. Her career is marked by trust, tenacity, and unparalleled service.

Gretta's exceptional service and dedication have earned her widespread recognition, including being named the "Favorite Local Real Estate Agent" by the Herald Palladium five times, a Top Agent Magazine feature, one of Southwest Michigan's 40 Under 40, and an inaugural recipient of the region's BOLD Women of Business honor.

In addition to her real estate success, Gretta is a passionate community builder. She serves on multiple nonprofit boards throughout Berrien County and is the founder of Berrien County Strong – Community in Action, a grassroots initiative that fosters local connection and support through partnerships with small businesses, law enforcement, and nonprofits. Her deep ties to the community aren't just part of her brand—they're part of her life.

When she's not helping clients navigate their next move, Gretta is likely spending time with her two teenage sons, Finn and Will, exploring Lake Michigan's beaches, working on a renovation project, or planning her future dream of starting a dog rescue.

Gretta's clients describe her as driven, genuine, and creative. She's known for getting results—but also for making the process clear, collaborative, and even fun. Whether you're buying your first home, selling your last, or investing in your future, you can count on Gretta to be a steady, honest, and committed partner every step of the way.