Hello from Michele
Family plays a significant role in my life. Born in Israel and the middle child of 3, my parents, seeking opportunities for their family, immigrated to the US when I was 5 years old. We left behind a very large extensive family in Israel whom I try to visit every couple of years.
Raised with a very strong moral, family and work ethic, I ventured out to California in the late 90’s on what was supposed to be a 6 month adventure. My goal was to move away from my comfort zone and prove to myself I could make it in a new environment where I did not know anyone. So I packed my car with nothing more than a suitcase, my bicycle, my golf clubs and my computer (which back then was significant in both PC and monitor) and headed out to California where I slept on the couch of an acquaintance (at that time, she has now become one of my dearest friends) in her studio apartment in SF until I found a place of my own to rent.
Set out to be just an “experience”, everyone in Chicago (including myself) expected me back within 6 months. But, I didn’t return until 3 years later. Less than 1 week into my return back to Chicago I realized that I was returning to appease everyone else except for myself. With my items still on a moving truck I contacted the moving company and said “Turn it around boys, we are going back to California!”
My husband, whom I knew as a friend when I started skydiving, and I connected as a couple later that same year. We had some fun times sharing this passion and together we have almost 4000 skydives. He was part of a National Skydiving FreeFlying team and I was part of a Women’s World FreeFly Record. We have been together for 20+ years and have 3 beautiful children.
My background originated in the Tech Industry. I began as an IT Trainer and over the course of a few years acquired various certifications and licenses moving up the ranks to Sr. Systems Engineer. After having our second child, I realized that I needed to make some changes with my career as I wanted to have more time with my children to watch them grow up and be a present part of their lives. So at a time when the market was crashing and people were fleeing the industry, I obtained my Realtor’s license. It was not an easy start as I was entering the industry during one of the biggest financial and Real Estate downturns in history. So I continued to work in the Tech Industry while building up my business as a Realtor. 3 years later I felt confident enough that I had a stable growing Real Estate business that I was ready to leave my life of working 2 jobs and raising 3 young children. But alas, I loved BOTH industries so much and it took me 2 more years to make that transition.
I will say that my family has always driven my business decisions (and always for the better). My intention in changing career paths was to create more time with my children and to really watch them grow up. Whenever I found myself saying no to family events it caused me to stop and reflect on how I was running my business and implement new solutions so that I could say yes to my family while also continuing to provide exceptional service to my clients. I place a lot of time, effort and value on how I treat my clients and the level of service I give to them, so it’s important for me that I spend time on people who are as dedicated to me as I am to them. My philosophy is, if someone is taking me away from my family it’s because they are worth it. It’s what enabled me to start my business by referral. Fast forward I have now been in the industry 14+ years and I’m grateful to say I am running a thriving business with a team of 7 people who support me and my clients, majority of whom have become dear friends of mine.
I started this blog by saying family plays a significant role in my life. And home is where we all come together, to live, love, hope, dream, create and learn. To be able to help my clients either find their home or sell their home is what feeds my soul. I am not about the sale, I am about the people.
