When Michele Locke first started helping her then-boyfriend Fred with his real estate appraisal business in Connecticut, she had no idea she was laying the foundation for what would become one of Jupiter's most distinctive real estate companies. "This was back when dinosaurs roamed the earth," Michele recalls with a laugh, "when we had to go out to photograph comparable properties for appraisals and then actually get the film developed for listing photos. Can you imagine explaining that process to a new agent today? I would help Fred with his reports, carefully taping in those precious printed photos – it was like creating a prehistoric scrapbook!"

Those prior experiences sparked something unexpected. Fred noticed Michele had an uncanny knack for property valuation, often accurately estimating prices that had taken him days to determine. "He'd be like, 'Wow, how'd you know that? It took me four hours to figure that out!'" she remembers with a grin. Recognizing her natural talent, he encouraged her to get her real estate license, even offering to attend classes alongside her. In 1993, Michele earned her license and joined Tilghman and Frost, a Sotheby's affiliate in Westport, Connecticut, where her very first sale–an $895,000 historic colonial near the beach–proved to be what she calls "the hardest deal I've ever done in my entire career."

Like many South Florida residents, Michele admits she came to Florida "kicking and screaming" when Fred, who had attended the University of Miami, wanted to return to the Sunshine State. "He got me by asking if I wanted to raise our kids near my parents," she shares with a knowing smile. Now she uses her own experience when working with reluctant spouses, particularly those wives who wonder why they must "give up my card game, my volunteer work, my friends, and my grandchildren just so you can play golf?" As Michele notes with a laugh, "They all end up loving it here after a couple of years, but there's definitely a transition period!"

Today, Fine Living Realty stands apart from traditional brokerages through its uniquely comprehensive approach. Fred's journey from working as an appraiser through college to becoming a highly respected expert in property valuation laid the groundwork for their distinctive business model. His expertise has been recognized at the highest levels–he's served on the Palm Beach County magistrate, evaluating tax appeals, and provides expert court testimony for divorces and major real estate disputes. When clients consistently began asking for renovation help after purchasing homes, Fred expanded his expertise to include general contracting, creating what Michele describes as a "flawless system" for their clients.

"We don't leave the transaction," Michele explains. "Whether Fred's doing a complete gut renovation or just installing new kitchen cabinets, we stay involved. We're in it for the long run." This commitment to comprehensive service means that on any given day, you might find Michele floor shopping with a recent buyer whose home Fred is renovating. The only challenge? "There's only one Fred," Michele admits with a mischievous smile. "I come home and he's like, 'No, I can't do one more project,' and I'm like, 'Just one more. Just one more.' Poor guy probably regrets teaching me so much about real estate–I just keep finding him more work!"

This dedication to building lasting relationships is exemplified by their work with Admirals Cove members Patti and Russ Stern. What began as a referral evolved into not just a successful home sale and build, but a cherished friendship. "Five years later, we still have regular girls' nights out," Michele shares warmly. "Patty's first visit to Jupiter was during the off-season, and she kept asking, 'Does anybody live here?' I kept telling her, 'Trust me, they'll all be back!' Now we laugh about it all the time."

The company's dedication to personalized service extends to how they mentor new agents. Mar Kerny, one of their newest team members, found herself drawn to Fine Living Realty after interviewing with numerous larger brokerages. "Michele was the first person who was open to letting me follow her around everywhere," Mar explains. "Other brokerages put you in front of a computer and tell you to watch YouTube videos–because apparently, that's how you learn to handle million-dollar transactions!" she adds with a roll of her eyes. "Here, I'm learning about all aspects of the industry–appraisal, construction, and brokerage–in real-time."

With 18 agents and a reputation built from referrals, Fine Living Realty continues to grow while maintaining its boutique approach. "We make the rules, and it's not one-size-fits-all," Michele emphasizes. "We strategize for each person, whether they're looking to buy, sell, or perhaps just renovate their current home to better suit their needs."

For Admirals Cove members, considering their next real estate move, Michele offers this insight: "Every situation is unique. Sometimes what seems like a desire to sell might actually be solved by reimagining your current space. We do what we call a 'Love It or Leave It' analysis–think HGTV, but with a lot less drama and a lot more practical solutions!" With their comprehensive suite of services, from expert appraisals to full renovations, Fine Living Realty has created a truly unique approach to helping clients find–or create–their perfect home.

 

 

[[Pull Quote]]

We met Michele when we were moving from California to Florida five years ago. We successfully purchased two properties thanks to her expert knowledge of the Palm Beaches and went on to sell those two properties because of her skill and dedication. All transactions have been smooth, profitable and enjoyable. We love Michele and trust her implicitly. – Patti Stern