Meet the Team

Local expertise, deep relationships, and a full-service team behind every transaction.

John Wichmann, Southwest Twin Cities Real Estate Advisor
25+ Years of
Experience
REALTOR® Broker CRS GRI Licensed in MN
Our Story

A Different Kind of Real Estate Advisor

John Wichmann has spent more than 25 years in and around real estate, not just selling homes, but understanding the deeper mechanics of what makes markets move, deals close, and clients win.

Before building JW Real Estate Group, John managed one of Scott County's highest-producing brokerages for 9 years — training and coaching hundreds of agents in negotiation strategy, pricing psychology, and market analysis. That experience gave him a complete, 360-degree view of the transaction that most agents never develop.

Today, he brings that same management-level rigor to every client he represents — whether you're purchasing a home in Chaska, developing land in Carver County, or building an investment portfolio in the southwest metro. Methodically, strategically, and with your outcome as the only measure of success.

Talk to John Today
The Full Team

Everyone You Need, Under One Roof

Robert Smothers, real estate associate with RE/MAX Advantage Plus
Real Estate Associate

Robert Smothers

Robert Smothers is a licensed real estate associate in Minnesota, affiliated with RE/MAX Advantage Plus and the Lake Town Realty Group. He represents buyers and sellers across Victoria, Waconia, and surrounding Carver County communities — from everyday home sales to foreclosure-related transactions.

Licensed Minnesota agent with RE/MAX Advantage Plus and Lake Town Realty Group, serving Victoria, Waconia, and Carver County buyers and sellers.

Known for patient, knowledgeable guidance, Robert pairs local market familiarity with the tools and reach of a major regional brand so clients can move with clarity at every step.

When you are ready to buy or sell in the southwest metro, reach out and we will coordinate an introduction.

Connect About Your Move
Business Manager

Haley Layh

As the Business Manager at JW Real Estate Group, Haley plays a pivotal role in keeping operations running smoothly and efficiently. She brings a unique blend of experience to the role, having started her career in cosmetology before spending 10 years as a department manager at a busy medical clinic.

Haley is the Business Manager at JW Real Estate Group, keeping operations running smoothly for every client transaction.

Her background has honed her skills in organization, leadership, and customer service, which she now channels into supporting the JW Real Estate team and their clients.

Haley and her family are proud to call the local area home. She and her husband are raising two girls who keep their days full of activity and joy.

Email: Haley@jwsold.com

Phone: (605) 830-9779

Haley Layh, Business Manager at JW Real Estate Group
Bob Strandell, Senior Loan Officer at Bell Mortgage
Finance

Bob Strandell

Since 1985, Bob has helped thousands of buyers purchase, refinance, and invest in homes across Minnesota. A Senior Loan Officer at Bell Mortgage and a past Minnesota Loan Officer of the Year, he knows how to find the right program for your situation.

Whether you're buying a primary residence, a lake home, or an investment property, Bob brings the experience and trustworthiness to get your financing done right. NMLS# 274802 · Equal Housing Lender.

NMLS# 274802 · Equal Housing Lender.

By the Numbers

The Track Record Speaks for Itself

25+ Years in Real Estate
500+ Transactions Closed
9 Yrs Brokerage Management
100+ Agents Trained & Coached
Our Philosophy

Real Estate Is a Relationship Business.
Full Stop.

I've seen what happens when agents treat clients like transactions, and I've seen what happens when they don't. The difference shows up in the results, and in whether those clients come back.

My philosophy is simple: I work for you. Not for the commission. Not to hit a quota. Not to tell you what you want to hear. My job is to give you honest guidance, protect your interests relentlessly, and make sure you make the best decision possible, whether that means moving forward or walking away.

I've built my business on referrals because that's what happens when you do right by people. Most of my clients have done two, three, even four transactions with me over the years, and they send their friends. That's the only scorecard that matters to me.

I work for you — not for the commission. My job is honest guidance and protecting your interests. Most of my business is repeat clients and referrals. That's the only scorecard that matters.

I work for you. Not for the commission. Not to hit a quota. Not to tell you what you want to hear. My job is to protect your interests and make sure you make the best decision possible.

John Wichmann
John Wichmann Founder, JW Real Estate Group
Expertise

Where We Add the Most Value

Residential Real Estate

Move-up buyers, luxury homes, new construction, downsizing, relocation. We've handled every residential scenario across the southwest metro at every price point.

Land & Development

Raw land, development parcels, ag land, transitional properties. We know the municipal approval process, how to read zoning maps, and how to structure land deals that work.

Commercial & Investment

Multi-family, mixed-use, commercial leases, and income-producing properties. We help investors build portfolios that perform in any market cycle.

Google Reviews

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

"My experience working with John and his team has been unmatched. My most recent closing was my third transaction in the past decade — every time, he has my family's best interest in mind."

BT
Benjamin Thorson Google Review
★★★★★

"John and Haley were absolutely amazing in selling our home. They made the entire process super easy, including above-and-beyond help arranging multiple dumpsters. Highly recommend!"

PP
Paula Plant Google Review
★★★★★

"John and his team are the best. Experienced, knowledgeable, easy to work with, and helpful beyond words. His knowledge of the Victoria area is astounding."

PW
Philip Kealy Wilson Google Review
★★★★★

"John and team were phenomenal to work with. They gave extremely helpful insight on questions I didn't even think to ask. Truly a delight from start to finish and even after close."

MG
Mark Grzeskowiak Google Review

Ready to Work with the Best in the Southwest Metro?

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation and experience the difference our team makes.