Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Mechem
Hi Michelle, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2002, I left WUPA-TV in Atlanta. I was the Assistant Controller for the television station and became a licensed Realtor. I sold real estate solely in Atlanta until December 2020 when I relocated to Savannah. My niche in Atlanta was historic property and I always wanted to live and work in Savannah. My husband and I purchased a sailboat charter business, Cheers Charters, that has sailed out of Hilton Head Island, SC since the 1990’s. My husband Rob is the Captain. The pandemic seemed like the perfect time to follow our dreams. Historic houses and coastal living.
For fun: I am a long distance walker. I walk all over Savannah and I walked the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in October 2019.(210 miles in 13 days) I also love to write historic fiction ghost stories. I love being on, in and near the water. I ride motorcycle with my husband Rob.. I am an avid travler who has been on 6/7 continets. Antarctica is on the list!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Picking up a very established real estate business and moving to a totally different market was like starting over. Real estate is about who you know. So I had to go about meeting as many people as possible. I sold in both Atlanta and Savannah through 2023. In 2024 I decided I needed to concentrate on Savannah and really BE here. I began to network. First with the Allignable Alliance of Savannah, then Pooler Business Referral Team and then I started She Socializes Savannah.. I am also the admin of Historic Savannah, GA Facebook page. (Which oddly, Facebook asked me to take over.)
As far as Cheers; that was a total learning curve. I knew nothing about the sailboat business. It was all new. Dealing with Coast Guard regulations, employees, drug testing, where bookings come from, a business that relies on the weather, all of it was new and challenging. We also realized the boat, though in good condition, really had some deferred maintenance and is very dated. We have decided not to run the 2025 season to pull the boat out for a retrofit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Historic Living Real Estate/ Roost Realty Inc?
I specialize in Savannah’s historic districts., (there are either 5 or 13 depending on who you ask.) and the Islands. Living in Savannah is not just a place, it is a lifestyle. I say we are locals living like tourists. My clients want to be here for the history, the beauty, the walkability, the great bars and restaurants, the culture and arts and access to being on the water. Why not live where others vacation? I work with my clients to find out what aspects of Savannah and the Islands lifestyle is most important to them and then find the home that matches that. For my clients looking to sell their home, I can reach these same buyers by a strong social media presence and network. I can also connect my clients to the businesses they need to serve them. Especially in the realm of maintaining a historic property.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I am not sure if it is luck or the unwavering belief that life is working in my favor. Even when it initially does not appear to be. We can make our own luck.
Contact Info:
- Website: liveInsavannah.com
- Instagram: historiclivingchick
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellemechem
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mechem-ba03062/
- Other: https://historiclivingchick.substack.com
