Living and working all over the world has made Michelle Lesmeister of Daniel Ravenel Sotheby’s International, a relocation expert, as she has done it many times over herself. Her ability to quickly form lasting relationships with everyone she meets, coupled with her love of the, “Finer things,” in life, make her the perfect luxury agent in the Charleston market, and the reason she has already sold $19 million in real estate in just two short years as an agent in the Lowcountry.

Being born and raised in South Africa isn’t even the most unique thing about her.  After getting her degree and starting her career as a personal trainer, Michelle has continued to pursue every passion, and each passion has led her to exactly where she was meant to be; in real estate. 

“I studied for a bachelor's degree, majoring in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. I completed a post-graduate Honors degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and also got licensed as a personal trainer/Pilates/Barre Instructor. My part-time work of personal training became a full-time job while I was studying for my degree and it expanded to run boot camps for women only. I had an online coaching app and I competed professionally in fitness competitions. I won 13 out of 18 fitness competitions and loved everything health and fitness related. I was able to get an O1 visa to the United States because of my 'extraordinary ability' in this field.”

After selling her business and leaving South Africa, Michelle’s wanderlust kicked into high gear, and she worked on a super yacht for the next two years, traveling to Spain, Italy, and France.  Her next dream would then take shape, living in America and finding her next passion and adventure.

“I am quite an adventurous person in general, I will try everything at least once and if it is adrenaline-rushing I will probably do it again. One day some friends, my husband and I hiked up a mountain to a waterfall and cliff-jumped into the water. I slipped and hurt my back unfortunately and had to change careers pretty quickly. One of my clients introduced me to HG Fenton Company which is how I found the real estate Industry. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason because being in real estate has been the best-unexpected change I have had.”

HD Fenton Company is based in San Diego, where Michelle would live and eventually meet her husband, and find her love of all things real estate.  After her husband’s job transferred him to Georgia during the pandemic, they decided to live in Charleston and he would commute a couple of days a month.  The duo fell in love with the Lowcountry, its history, and its incredible beaches, and Michelle has become such a huge part of the real estate community here in such a short amount of time.

“I get to meet the most interesting people from all over the country that have decided to move to Charleston, and I get to sell the most beautiful properties in the Lowcountry. I work for Daniel Ravenel Sotheby's International Realty, so the majority of our listings are incredibly high-end and I do have a taste for the finer things in life so I would want to view these properties even if it wasn't my job. I enjoy helping people with the real estate process. I get a lot of satisfaction out of making a sometimes complicated process seem streamlined and easy for my clients. The best part of my job is being referred to other people by my clients because it makes me know that I am appreciated.”  As a relationship-based agent, Michelle’s network of vendors and fellow agents are a huge asset to her clients, and after just two years here, that sphere is just going to continue to grow.

“I work very hard for my clients and so I get a lot of referral business. I am connected with the best vendors in the industry which my clients appreciate. I am resilient and do my best in every transaction. Communication is essential between clients and agents so I always keep an open line of communication.”

Being communicative, while fighting tooth and nail for her clients are just a couple of reasons Michelle has hit the ground running in Charleston.  Her huge heart extends not only to everyone who she works with or for, but to the community as well.  A staunch supporter of our four-legged friends, Michelle is heavily involved in the Charleston Animal Society and a champion for common sense when it comes to horse carriages in the Lowcountry's sweltering summer weather.  

Having an agent who has your back like Michelle does is a blessing, especially for those moving to Charleston from out of state.  You cannot find a more knowledgeable and caring agent than Michelle, and the proof is in her referral business.  Once she’s your agent, you have an agent for life.