From Dream Homes to Real Ones

Some people just have an eye for homes. For Josh Nelson, that fascination began long before real estate became a career—it started with the thrill of buying and fixing up his very first house at just eighteen years old. “The overall rebuilding and making it your own,” he says, was what hooked him. Over the next decade, he’d go on to buy, sell, and transform several more homes, each one teaching him something new about design, value, and the deep satisfaction that comes from turning a house into a home.

That passion eventually sparked a bigger dream: to help others experience that same excitement and pride. “I wanted to be my own boss—work for myself, not for someone else’s pocketbook,” Josh explains. So he took the leap into real estate, joining his wife, Jenna, who had already built a successful career over eight years and is licensed in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota. Today, the Nelsons are a dynamic duo at Best Choice Real Estate, serving clients across Kingsbury, Brookings, and Hamlin counties.

When Josh got started, he made himself one promise—start fast. Every open house was an opportunity. Every community event, every conversation, every business card handed out might lead to a new connection. “I made it my mission to get my name out to as many folks as possible,” he says. That drive, paired with his natural people skills and a steady presence on Facebook, quickly built a reputation rooted in trust, warmth, and results. “My wife likes to tell me I talk too much,” he laughs, “but I like to think that’s helped my business.”

What sets Josh apart isn’t just his hustle—it’s his heart. Real estate, he believes, isn’t about sales; it’s about people. “We’re here to help you get through one of life’s toughest decisions,” he says. Whether it’s a first-time buyer nervously signing papers or a growing family searching for their forever home, Josh approaches each transaction like it’s his own. His high school motto—treat people how you want to be treated—still guides him every day.

Honesty is the foundation of that philosophy. “Be straightforward with everyone, no matter if it’s good or bad,” Josh says. That transparency has earned him loyal clients who know they can count on him for clear answers and genuine guidance—especially when the search gets tough. “Finding the perfect house can be the biggest challenge,” he admits, “but it’s also the most rewarding part.” The joy comes when everything clicks—when the papers are signed, the keys are handed over, and the excitement lights up a client’s face. “That moment brings me right back to when I bought my first home,” Josh shares. “It’s an incredible feeling.”

As an Arlington native, Josh’s roots in the community run deep. He’s watched the town evolve from the quiet neighborhoods of his childhood to a thriving, growing community—and he’s proud to play a part in that growth. “I love seeing new families move in, new homes go up, and our school district grow,” he says. “We’d like to believe we’re contributing to that.”

The Nelsons’ vision for the future is clear: keep building, keep serving, and keep growing. “We’d like to be the staple of the area for all real estate needs,” Josh says. With each client, they’re not just closing a deal—they’re strengthening the fabric of the community, one home at a time.

Josh’s advice for anyone chasing a dream of their own? “Breathe.” Success, he reminds others, doesn’t happen overnight. “Stardom doesn’t come instantly. As you grow and build, you’ll meet your goals—it just takes time.”

You can follow Josh Nelson – Best Choice Real Estate and Jenna Nelson – Best Choice Real Estate on Facebook to stay connected, or reach out directly at 605-203-1560 for help buying or selling your next home.

Because for Josh, it’s not just about finding a house—it’s about helping you find your place to belong.