I guess you could say real estate has been in my blood from the beginning.

 

Thanks to my dad, I was always around real estate. He was a VA appraiser and first introduced me to the business. I started out working for him, helping with appraisals, learning about values, and seeing firsthand how much goes into understanding a home beyond what meets the eye. Eventually, he had my sister and I both get our real estate licenses, and later, he brought me into the mortgage business. Looking back, I realize he was quietly setting me up for the career I was meant to have—even if I didn’t see it at the time.

 

But before I ever became a full-time REALTOR®, I spent years in the restaurant world. I started as a bus girl at 16 and worked my way up to bartender. I loved the energy, the people, and the pace—it taught me how to connect with all kinds of personalities and handle just about any situation with a smile. Honestly, it was a great experience, I made some great friends, and it taught me some of the best life lessons.

 

Around 29, I went back to work for my dad in the mortgage business. I started from the bottom, learning how to process loans while the business was growing. When he retired and sold the company, I continued in the mortgage field—first at another firm, and later with Lou, someone I’d known for years from the restaurant world who’d become a loan officer. Life came full circle in funny ways during that time. I bought a home of my own that I completely gutted and rebuilt over four years. It was hard work, but I learned a lot about homes from the inside out.

 

Lou and I dated on and off, and while the relationship didn’t last, we became great friends and even better co-parents. When I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Sami, my life changed in the best way possible. Lou now lives just two doors down and having that kind of friendship and support while raising her has been a true blessing.

 

Many years later, I married my junior high sweetheart—neither of us had ever married before—but even though it wasn’t meant to last, we’ve remained friends too. I guess relationships have been one of the biggest constants in my life, personally and professionally.

 

In 2005, I decided to get my real estate license again, and by November 2006, I was back in the business full-time. The timing couldn’t have been tougher—my dad passed away in 2007, I moved my mom in with me and Sami, and the market soon crashed. But instead of giving up, I dug in. I learned short sales, stayed focused, and slowly rebuilt my business, one client at a time.

 

Sami’s now in her 20s, running multiple franchise locations, and I couldn’t be prouder of the young woman she’s become. These days, when I’m not working, you’ll probably find me in my garden, at the beach, cooking on a Sunday afternoon with the Redskins on the TV, or out to dinner (probably too often). I also love spending time with my lifelong Bowie girlfriends—the “20715 girls”—some of whom I’ve known since fifth grade. We’ve shared life’s ups and downs together, and that circle of friendship keeps me grounded.

 

Looking back, I’m grateful my dad kept redirecting me toward this career. Real estate has given me not just a way to provide for my family, but also a deep sense of fulfillment. I get to guide people through one of the most important decisions of their lives, using the skills I’ve built over decades: attention to detail, problem-solving, and a genuine desire to help people find their place in the world.

 

In my business, the client always comes first. I take the time to truly listen to their goals and focus on helping them achieve exactly what they want. My advice is always honest and straightforward, ensuring clients feel informed and confident in their decisions.

 

For sellers, I manage the details and the team it takes to prepare a home for market. Every transaction is a team effort, and I take the lead in coordinating and following through so that nothing slips through the cracks. My background in mortgage processing helps me guide clients through financing questions, too—something that often makes the process smoother and less stressful.

 

I believe that in life and business, you either grow or stand still. I choose growth—constantly learning, improving, and adapting to better serve my clients. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, I’d love to help you reach your goals.

 

Sincerely,

Michele Hagan

REALTOR®

Direct (410) 271-3455

Office (410) 266-9005

michele@michelehagan.com

michelehagan.com

1730 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD 21401