Your Local Eastern NC Real Estate Expert Born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, I don't just sell homes here--I live, work, and invest in this community. With an in-depth understanding of the local market, neighborhoods, and what makes this area special, I provide my clients with insider knowledge that only a true local can offer. Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, I bring a hands-on, client-first approach to ensure you make the best real estate decisions. My negotiation skills, strategic marketing, and deep connections in the community help my sellers get top dollar while guiding buyers to find their dream home. Why Work With Me? ? Eastern NC Expertise - I know the best neighborhoods, school districts, and hidden gems this region has to offer. ? Strong Negotiation Skills - I fight to get you the best deal, whether you're buying or selling. ? Innovative Marketing - High-quality photography, social media exposure, and targeted advertising get your home seen and sold fast. ? Personalized Service - Real estate isn't one-size-fits-all. I tailor my approach to your unique needs, making the process smooth and stress-free. ? Community Connections - From lenders and inspectors to contractors and attorneys, I have a trusted network to streamline your transaction.
OTHER LANGUAGES
English
Community Involvement
I volunteer along with my team at the Joy Soup Kitchen. I also volunteer with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
HOBBIES/INTEREST
I like repurposing old furniture. I like spending time on the river in Washington, NC.
FAMILY
I am married and the kids have left the nest.
Read More About Michelle
Credentials
LICENSE
Real Estate - North Carolina - # 284822
Specialties
Buyer's Agent
Investment Properties
Listing Agent
Relocation
Awards
2026
TOP AGENT
Grimesland, NC
Other Awards
2024 Quality Service Pinnacle Producer
FAQ
1. What advice would you give a buyer trying to purchase a home?
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage – Before house hunting, know what you can afford. A pre-approval strengthens your offer and shows sellers you're serious.
Define Your Needs vs. Wants – Prioritize what’s most important (location, size, amenities) and be flexible on less critical features.
Research the Market – Understand local property values, trends, and how competitive the market is before making offers.
Work with a Knowledgeable Agent – A good agent provides expert guidance, negotiates effectively, and helps you avoid pitfalls.
Don't Skip the Inspection – Even if the market is competitive, a home inspection can save you from costly surprises later.
Think Long-Term – Consider future resale value, neighborhood development, and whether the home suits your needs for years to come.
Stay Within Your Budget – Just because you're approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should max it out. Factor in property taxes, maintenance, and potential repairs.
Be Patient but Decisive – The right home might take time to find, but when you see a great opportunity, act fast.
Understand the Costs – Down payment, closing costs, insurance, HOA fees, and ongoing expenses should all be considered.
Trust Your Instincts – If something feels off about a home, listen to your gut and seek professional advice.
2. What advice would you give a seller trying to sell their home?
1. Price It Right from the Start
Overpricing can lead to a stale listing, while underpricing may leave money on the table. I use detailed market analysis and local expertise to set a price that attracts buyers while maximizing your profit.
2. First Impressions Matter
I offer professional staging advice and high-quality photography to ensure your home looks its best online and in person.
3. Declutter and Depersonalize
I’ll guide you on what to remove and what to keep so your home feels open, inviting, and market-ready.
4. Make Necessary Repairs
I provide a pre-listing walkthrough to identify small improvements that can boost your home's value and speed up the sale.
5. Maximize Marketing Exposure
I go beyond MLS by leveraging targeted social media ads, email campaigns, and my personal network of buyers and agents to get your home in front of the right audience.
6. Be Flexible with Showings
I handle all scheduling and communication, making the process smooth and hassle-free for you.
7. Know Your Local Market
With years of experience in this area, I understand how to position your home to sell quickly and at the best price.
8. Respond Quickly to Offers
I negotiate strategically to secure the best deal while keeping the process moving efficiently.
9. Understand the Closing Process
I walk you through every step of the transaction, handling the paperwork, coordinating with the buyer’s agent, and ensuring a seamless closing.
10. Keep Emotions in Check
Selling a home can be stressful, but I act as your advocate and problem-solver, keeping things professional and ensuring a smooth experience.
Why Choose Me?
? Local Market Expert – I know what buyers are looking for and how to market your home effectively.
? Personalized Service – I’m committed to getting you the best deal with the least stress.
? Strong Negotiation Skills – I fight for your best interests at every stage of the deal.
? Proven Marketing Strategies – Professional photography, online exposure, and targeted outreach set me apart.
3. What types of clients have you worked with?
I work with all types of clients. From buying a first home to selling their family home to downsize, to buying a rental for the college.
4. Describe a recent transaction you are fond of. How did it go?
I helped a Vietnam Veteran purchase his FIRST home. There wasn't a dry eye at closing.
5. How did you get started in Real Estate?
I had a 26 year career in the medical management industry and watched a video about a real estate agent. I shadowed an agent and was hooked.
6. Do you have any special education or training that will benefit your clients?
I think my military service and my 26 year career have helped me have attention to detail and listen to people. I don't consider this a transaction but an opportunity for relationships.
Note: Reviews may include other agents on their team
What clients say about this agent....
Communicative
Knowledgeable
Outstanding
Professional
Responsive
Trustworthy
Sherika W.
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
August 6, 2026
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle was absolutely wonderful ! She Communicated really well and fought to make sure we bought a safe home. She is very knowledgeable about the listings and very resourceful. Michelle, went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met and we bought the perfect , safe and cozy home. We will definitely work with Michelle and century 21 again for our future purchases.
Debi R.
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
December 30, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle was great, she encouraged us to make an offer even if on the low side if thats what we felt comfortable with. After our offer was accepted, we had an issue with the mortgage company we originally went with and she helped us get in contact with another mortgage company. Lastly, she navigated a difficult seller with ease.
Houseppl
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
September 10, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
I love,love,love Michele. She was a pleasure to work with and really went the extra mile in helping with our purchase. She is very knowledgeable and so easy to work with. Ours was a longer than normal journey and I feel like I found a lifetime friend in Michele. I will miss working with her.
Sunsets2553
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
May 2, 2025
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Would always give honest opinions when asked but never tried to lead me away from opportunities I had a interest in. Quick to give pros and cons and that was important to me in the decision making process. Michelle went the extra and never seemed to mind going there In the end she gave more than I would have expected. She truly is vested in her job and what she loves.
Jan M.
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
December 30, 2024
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle Lones made the sale of this property as seamless as possible. I would highly recommend her to anyone buying or selling a real property in Greenville, NC or any other area where she has area knowledge, of which there are many.
Jeff S.
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
October 5, 2024
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle Lones went above and beyond normal expectations to help us find our perfect home. She helped us to find exactly what we wanted and to understand the market. She even helped with final negotiations.
Ann D.
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
February 1, 2021
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
She not only turned out to be a great realtor. She also became a very good and supporting friend??She was very helpful, patient and truly understanding.
Bbkerns
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
May 15, 2017
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
We feel Michelle did an excellent job of helping us sell our home. She did a walk through of our home with us, gathering detailed information and background. Sat down with us and provided a comprehensive "sales package" that included comparable sales, current market conditions, photos and information that assisted us in determining a sales price. We were very impressed with the marketing effort and expertise which included the latest drone technology to highlight our home, the surrounding area and proximity to the ocean. She let us know that she was working for us, the sellers, and made sure she gathered all the pertinent information that a prospective buyer would want and need. She was responsive to our many questions, and if she didn't know the answer, she promptly found out. She was always there to provide input, suggestions and thoughts as to how best to proceed and progress through the aspects of selling a home including offers and counter-offers. We enjoyed having Michelle as our realtor! We found her professional, honest, conscientious, patient, helpful, detail oriented, thorough and responsive to our questions. We look forward to working with Michelle again when the opportunity present itself.
Danielbuilders
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
February 22, 2017
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle Regester was very professional and went above and beyond to ensure my sale went as planned. Thank you Michelle for all you help. Keep up the good work, you will go far!
W O.
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
January 16, 2017
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle is an awesome realtor that will go the extra mile to make your dreams come true! She found details on a house that wasn't even on the market and worked really hard to make it happen!! She represented our family well though the buying of our new house. Would recommend her to sell or find the home of your dreams!!
Eck379
Review for Member: Michelle Lones
January 16, 2017
Local Knowledge
Process Expertise
Responsiveness
Negotiation skills
ZillowVERIFIED
Michelle was great. She was super responsive. She sent us great listings to check out and helped me weed out ones that we shouldn't waste time with. When she didn't know the answer to a question, she found out right away. Buying a house was smooth and easy with her as our guide.