Michelle Larkin, professionally known as Real Estate Michelle (REM), isn’t just a successful real estate investor, mortgage executive, and licensed Realtor®—she is a protector, a builder, and a truth-teller committed to expanding homeownership and creating generational wealth for families throughout the Maryland and D.C. region.
As the founder of Family First Properties & Investments, Michelle’s work is driven by a profound, purpose-centered vision born from her own experiences as a young single mother. She approaches real estate with a unique 360-degree perspective that moves beyond transactions to focus on transformation, stability, and legacy.
We sat down with Michelle to discuss turning “nightmare houses” into dream homes, demystifying the mortgage process, and how her personal “SwagHer” influences her advocacy today.
Fancy: Michelle, what first inspired you to step into real estate and mortgage lending, and when did you realize this work was part of your purpose?
Michelle: Real estate and mortgage lending found me before I fully understood it. I was first inspired by watching how access—or lack of access—to information and opportunity could completely change a family’s future. Early on, I saw families lose homes simply because no one took the time to educate or advocate for them. The moment I realized this was my purpose was when I helped my first family become homeowners against all odds. I understood then that this work wasn’t just about transactions—it was about transformation, stability, and legacy.
Fancy: Family First Properties & Investments is known for turning “nightmare houses” into beautiful, livable homes. What does community revitalization mean to you on a deeper level?
Michelle: Community revitalization isn’t about aesthetics alone—it’s about dignity. It means taking homes that were once symbols of neglect and turning them into safe spaces where families can thrive. For me, it’s deeply personal. When you improve a home, you improve confidence, safety, and pride within a neighborhood. We’re not just rehabbing properties; we’re restoring hope and helping communities reclaim their value—financially and emotionally.
Fancy: You offer rent-to-own programs and access to down payment assistance that covers up to 100% for qualifying buyers. What do families misunderstand most about becoming homeowners?
Michelle: The biggest misunderstanding is believing homeownership is out of reach. Many families think you need perfect credit, a huge savings account, or to be “ready” someday in the future. The truth is, there are programs, strategies, and pathways designed specifically for everyday families—if they have the right guidance. Education changes everything. Once families understand their options, homeownership becomes a plan, not a dream.
Fancy: With your rare combination of roles—investor, licensed Realtor®, and mortgage executive—how does this 360-degree perspective allow you to better guide first-time buyers and investors?
Michelle: It allows me to see the full picture—from strategy to structure to sustainability. I don’t just help clients buy homes; I help them make smart, informed decisions that align with their long-term goals. I understand how deals are evaluated, funded, negotiated, and held. That perspective protects my clients from costly mistakes and empowers them to build real wealth—not just close deals.
Fancy: Your journey as a young single mother shaped much of your passion for helping others. How does your personal story influence the way you advocate for families today?
Michelle: Being a young single mother taught me resilience, faith, and urgency. I understand what it means to want more security for your child while navigating systems that don’t always feel fair or accessible. That lived experience fuels my advocacy. I don’t just advise families—I stand with them. I know what’s at stake when a family’s housing situation changes, and I never take that responsibility lightly.
Fancy: As 1/3 of the Culture Klub Conversations podcast, what conversations do you believe are most needed in our culture and communities right now?
Michelle: We need honest conversations about wealth, healing, accountability, and breaking generational cycles. We also need space to discuss domestic violence, financial literacy, mental health, and how culture shapes our decision-making. Silence keeps people stuck. Dialogue creates awareness—and awareness creates change.
Fancy: And of course, we have to ask—how would you describe your SwagHer? What makes Michelle Larkin, Real Estate Michelle, who she is at her core?
Michelle: My SwagHer is grounded confidence. It’s faith mixed with strategy, compassion paired with execution. At my core, I’m a protector, a builder, and a truth-teller. I lead with integrity, I move with purpose, and I believe deeply that when women—especially mothers—are equipped with knowledge and resources, entire families and communities rise.
