About Us
Live Local Realty was formed in April 2013 by John Dinehart, Laurie Palmer, and Maria Blackmer. Combined, we have over 45 years of experience in selling real estate in Ionia County. In addition, we are all lifelong residents of the area. We were all raised here, graduated from Ionia High School and returned to raise our own families in Ionia. To say we know the area is an understatement!
In 2021, our Traverse City location was opened in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. With Kelly Leipprandt as the managing broker there, we look forward to growth and involvement in that market as well!
Live Local Realty was born on a dream of creating a small “boutique” real estate firm that gets back to the basics of real estate with an emphasis on personal interaction and care.

Strong knowledge of area
Creative and consistent marketing
Great customer service
Frequent community involvement
Group marketing available
IN ADDITION, WE WILL BE DONATING 3% OF EACH COMMISSION BACK TO A LOCAL CHARITY OF OUR CLIENTS’ CHOICE! THUS, OUR MOTTO:
Live Local, Sell Local, Give Local!
Our Team

Laurie Palmer
Real Estate Agent

John Dinehart
Real Estate Agent

Maria Blackmer
Real Estate Agent

Conrad Campbell
Real Estate Agent

Shelby Newhouse
Real Estate Agent
Shelby is a newly licensed real estate agent living and working in Traverse City! Shelby and her husband, Mitch, both grew up in the Traverse City area (Go TC West Titans!). They are expecting their first daughter in June and love exploring all Northern Michigan has to offer. Shelby is a triathlete and loves to swim, run, bike, and hike.
Shelby is very excited to help her clients find their own home, whether it be their first home, a second vacation home, or their dream waterfront property. Find your new house with Shelby Newhouse! She has a knack for understanding her clients needs and wants, and prioritizing their wishes above all else. She also loves to help her clients through the selling process. Her optimism and positive energy help ease stress and provide for smooth transactions.
Although, she is new to the real estate field, with a last name like that who better to help with all your real estate needs! Contact her at 231.218.9810 or Shelby@livelocal-realty.com

Kara Gelven
Real Estate Agent
Kara is our newest agent. She has been purchasing investment properties since 2016 and decided it was time to help others buy and sell their properties, weather it is their forever home, vacation home, or investment property.
Kara and her husband live in downtown Traverse City with their three young kids. They absolutely love downtown life and ease of walking to all the local beaches, parks, and restaurants.
In her free time, Kara enjoys stand up paddle boarding, searching for Petoskey stones on the shore of Lake Michigan, hiking the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and exploring all of Northern Michigan’s wineries and breweries. Kara is looking forward to helping you buy or sell you next dream property. Get in contact with Kara by emailing her at kara@livelocal-realty.com or calling 231.632.5448.

Doug Hansen
Real Estate Agent
Doug has been involved in sales for the past ten years. He has prior experience in residential construction and agricultural. Doug has lived in the Belding/Greenville area his entire life. Currently he lives in Greenville with his wife Jeana. He enjoys hunting, fishing and being involved in athletics with his two sons. Feel free to contact Doug at 616-894-9788 or doug@livelocal-realty.com.

Tim Swain
Real Estate Agent
I’m very excited to join the Live Local Realty Team. Their giving back to and involvement with the local community is near and dear to me and is one of the many reasons I chose to join their team. Outside of the 3 years spent serving in the U.S. Army, Ionia has been home for most of my life where I am currently residing with my wife Irma. Our son Tim is living and working out of state. In my spare time I enjoy officiating basketball and lacrosse and am an avid hunter.
It would be with great honor that you trust me with your future real estate needs. Being your single largest purchase in life this can be both stressful and enjoyable. Surrounded by our fantastic team, I will do my best to make it more enjoyable, and stress free as possible.
Feel free to contact me anytime, call or text 616-902-1530 Email: tswain@livelocal-realty.com

Haley Zwerk
Real Estate Agent
Haley has held her real estate license since 2019 and has been involved with investment properties and property management since then. Her background in accounting combined with her passion for real estate and design allow her to share a different perspective while viewing real estate with clients. She is excited to help guide you through the home buying process and can’t wait to share a slice of Northern Michigan with you.
In her spare time, Haley enjoys sipping a glass of wine at Shady Lane, strolling through local antique shops, hitting the farmers market on a Saturday morning, hanging out at the lake, and spending time with family and friends. Haley resides in Traverse City with her husband, Tyler and goldendoodle Sebastian. Feel free to reach Haley at (989) 882-3738 or Haley@livelocal-realty.com.

Rick Poole
Real Estate Agent

Heather Wolcott
Real Estate Agent
Work With Us
We’d love to help you buy or sell your next home. Don’t hesitate to reach out, we’re happy to help.