Meet Your Okoboji Real Estate Experts

Meet Your Okoboji Real Estate Experts by Okoboji Realty
Meet Your Okoboji Real Estate Experts by Okoboji Realty

Buy or sell your Okoboji home with clarity and confidence! 

There’s something special about Okoboji you can’t find anywhere else. Some love the peaceful escape to the calm blue waters, while others love the welcoming feel of our local communities.

Whether you’re dreaming of buying a home on the lakeshore, cherishing memories as you prepare to sell your lake property, or are just starting to explore the area, having the right team by your side makes all the difference.

At Okoboji Realty, we don’t just work here—we call Okoboji home. Our team grew up around these waters, and we know every cove and sunset view by heart. That local knowledge isn’t just an added bonus. It’s what helps Okoboji Realty clients make confident, informed decisions in a market that’s as broad and unique as the lakes themselves.

Get to know the Okoboji Realty team: your neighbors, guides, and trusted partners in all things lake real estate.

Amy Maris, Broker/Owner

Amy has been immersed in the lake lifestyle at West Lake Okoboji since 1967, growing up on Fairoaks Beach and now residing on Egralharve Beach. Since 2002, she has guided buyers and sellers in the region with her deep market knowledge and upbeat, client-focused approach. Her long-standing connections and network in the area are invaluable in helping you understand local neighborhoods, lake rules and regulations, and what matters most to buyers and sellers.

In 2025, Amy's individual performance in the MLS reflects both her experience and dedication to her clients. On the sales side alone, she represented buyers in $23,642,150 worth of closed transactions. On the listing side, she successfully guided sellers through $21,646,000 in closed volume. Combined, Amy achieved an impressive $45,288,150 in total closed sales volume in 2025. These numbers represent her personal productions, highlighting her consistent results, strong negotiation skills, and deep understanding of the Okoboji real estate market.

A third-generation member of the real estate business, Amy's decades of experience make her one of Northwest Iowa's most trusted guides in real estate from listing prep to closing.

Mickey Harrington, Broker Associate

Mickey brings a powerhouse mix of mortgage-lending experience and real estate expertise to the team. She joined Okoboji Realty in 2013 after a decade in mortgage lending, giving her specific insight into financing trends and the mechanics behind successful deals in the Iowa Great Lakes market. Her proactive problem-solving style, persistence, and attention to detail serve clients looking for a smooth transaction with fewer surprises.

When she's not working with clients, Mickey and her husband Jason enjoy lakeside living and remain very active in the community. Her volunteer work throughout the years spans the Iowa Great Lakes Commodores, YMCA Board, Winter Games Chair, Lakes Regional Hospital, First Lutheran Church, and Spirit Lake Schools. Mickey and Jason have two adult children who were born and raised in the Iowa Great Lakes region, but have taken their Midwest values to the south and enjoy coming home to visit as often as they are able.

Mickey earned REALTOR® of the Year from the Iowa Great Lakes Board of REALTORS® in 2020 and has earned multiple awards—among them the Diamond Achievement Award and Platinum Achievement Award—for outstanding sales performance. Mickey is especially well-suited to clients who want a team player with deep local ties, meticulous execution, and even long-lasting friendships!

Ryan Maris, Sales Associate

Growing up on the lake, Ryan brings both local roots and a fresh perspective to real estate. Licensed at age 18, he holds degrees in business and psychology and uses them to craft modern marketing strategies and build strong client relationships. Ryan believes that "relationships trump transactions," and his background across industries allows him to guide clients with empathy, creativity, and tech-savvy execution.

Beyond real estate, Ryan is deeply involved in the community. He participates in several local philanthropies, including YIP (Okoboji Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy), serves on the Pearson Lakes Art Center Board and the Dickinson County Museum Board. He's also co-producer of The Okoboji Project podcast, which shares the rich history and stories of the Okoboji area, and has held a leadership role on the Iowa Great Lakes Board of REALTORS®.

Whether you're a first-time home buyers, an investor, or a seller looking for the next-gen marketing edge, Ryan offers a strategic approach to make the process less stressful—and even enjoyable. He understands the unique seasonal rhythms of lake-area real estate and helps clients align timing, price, and presentation to maximize value.

Lara Tegtmeier, Office Manager/ Closing Coordinator

Lara is the organizational heart of the team. Since 2015, she's managed the documents, deadlines, and communication to keep transactions on track and the office running smoothly. Lara works behind the scenes to ensure every detail is covered and to provide a stress-free experience for clients. Having grown up in the area, Lara understands the local lifestyle and now enjoys everything the Iowa Great Lakes has to offer with her husband and daughter.

Cassidy Carney, Marketing Director

Cassidy drives the team's marketing engine. With a passion for creativity, design, and technology, she crafts compelling content across multiple platforms that connects with today's buyers and sellers. Before starting at Okoboji Realty, Cassidy gained years of experience in wholesale and retail mortgage marketing before joining the team.

Growing up, Cassidy frequently visited the Lakes with her family, which made her move to Okoboji in 2024 with her husband feel like coming home. Her local familiarity, paired with her professional expertise, helps homes get noticed and clients tell their story in a competitive marketplace. Outside of work, Cassidy volunteers her marketing talents to #Bojikites, part of the University of Okoboji Winter Games.

 

Ready to make your move?

If you’re interested in buying your dream lake home, selling with confidence, or simply exploring what the lake lifestyle can offer, contact Okoboji Realty. Our team combines local roots and cutting-edge market insight to guide you every step of the way.

Call us today and let us help you unlock the possibilities in the Okoboji real estate market.