Michelle Fertonardo is a native Chicagoan who has lived a majority of her life in Skokie, as well as a brief residency in Tampa, Florida where she graduated high school. Throughout her childhood she spent every summer vacationing along Florida's breathtaking Emerald Coast/Panhandle area. She considers the area her second home, and her deeply rooted love for the Emerald Coast lead her to earn her Florida Real Estate License and join the Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS. Michelle is honored to be able to travel between Chicagoland and the Emerald Coast, allowing her to offer clients a truly full circle real estate experience. 

   Independence and resiliency is second nature to Michelle as she has worked hard to uplift herself out of homelessness that started in her teens. Michelle knows what it’s like to build from nothing— having lost her home & belongings when the family life she knew collapsed. Experiencing foreclosure first hand, Michelle knew at a young age that real estate is the foundation to achieve generational wealth. Although she fell to the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder, she knew she would not let her external circumstances shape her life.

   Michelle understood the importance of education and went onto working sometimes three jobs at once to put herself through Oakton Community College where she obtained her Associates Degree. She told herself that because she was paying her own way, academic excellence was the only option. Her determination paid off and she was invited to join the Honor Society, and was the recipient of a number of merit-based scholarships! 

   Team work is second nature to Michelle as she truly sees every client relationship as a partnership with one goal— to WIN! Throughout her work experience, Michelle has held three management level positions which has taught her how to lead others and work as a team to achieve a common goal. She also has about 7 years of commission based sales experience working at Nordstrom where she utilized her love of fashion to help her clients live their best lives by tailoring their wardrobes to be functional and tasteful. 

   In her “free time” Michelle runs a start-up street wear clothing line. She also has a love for classic cars— owning a 1986 IROC Z-28 Camaro and enjoys buying/selling cars as a side hustle. Landscape photography is one of her favorite hobbies followed by reading self-development books. 

   Having finally achieved stability after weathering her hardships, Michelle decided to pursue her dreams of becoming a REALTOR®️. Michelle aspires to be the bridge that connects her clients to the American Dream of homeownership. Having experienced homelessness first-hand, she believes in her heart that everyone deserves to build wealth through real estate. Possessing an endless thirst for knowledge and experience she is determined to successfully transact any niche. Michelle has helped her clients with investments, commercial properties, and property management. Michelle is always ready to assist you with any real estate goal you may have!