A 20-year-plus Sarasota resident, full-time licensed Realtor(r) since 2014 and seasoned real estate investor since the mid-1990s, Michelle Silva's experience and knowledge, combined with her diverse entrepreneurial and creative background, enable her to consistently help her customers achieve their goals. Michelle's strengths lie in her ability to quickly identify buyers' and sellers' needs, provide sound market advice through extensive research and work with integrity to attain their desired end result. Proper pricing, staging preparation and high-quality multi-channel marketing net the highest possible profit for her sellers, earning their trust and forging long-lasting relationships that result in repeat referrals. After graduating summa cum laude with a double major in Fashion Design and Illustration from State University of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Michelle's hard work and perseverance were rewarded with a career as a fashion designer with major brands. Working closely with manufacturers provided frequent opportunities for travel to Hong Kong and Europe. In her early 20s, Michelle became a founding member of an original pop/punk band, serving a dual role as a musician and the group's booking agent for numerous venues throughout the U.S. and Canada. Later on, while raising two young children in Sarasota, she created a suburban aquaponic organic vegetable farm, hosting university student interns from France, Belgium and Germany and teaching them about sustainability. She also served on the Advisory Board of the Sarasota County Agricultural Extension and successfully petitioned the County Commission to change its policy and allow all local growers to sell at the farmer's market. Today, as an active full-time professional Realtor(r), Michelle's customers benefit from her diligence, hard work and proactive communication. If you have questions, Michelle is easily available by text, phone or email.