Welcome to Spotlight on the Stars, our blog series that shines a light on the incredible agents who make up The Agency Hilton Head – Beaufort. We’re thrilled to feature Michele Niles, a loyal, tenacious, and kind-hearted agent whose roots run deep in the Lowcountry. With nearly 30 years of local experience and a passion for people, Michele brings unmatched knowledge and heart to every transaction. Whether she’s sharing her love for Rose Hill’s hidden charm or ferrying to Daufuskie Island for a one-of-a-kind listing, Michele blends community connection with a calming sense of purpose. Keep reading to learn more about her real estate superpower, her favorite room at home, and the surprising historical figure she’d invite to dinner.
In addition to her deep local knowledge and warm client relationships, Michele Niles brings an impressive professional background to the table. She is licensed in both South Carolina and Georgia and holds several prestigious designations, including Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), and Seller Representative Specialist (SRS). As an Ambassador with the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, Michele is deeply involved in the community, offering her clients a well-connected, well-informed perspective that extends far beyond the transaction.
The Agency: What excites you about real estate, and what are some of your best qualities as an agent?
Michele: There are so many aspects of real estate that excite me. What I love the most is meeting incredible people and helping them find their perfect property. One of my best qualities is that I listen to my clients. The client knows what they want (most of the time), and by truly hearing them, they are confident in my ability to find them the right property.
The Agency: Do you have any specialized/local knowledge that will benefit your clients?
Michele: I am deeply invested in this area; as an Ambassador for our Chamber, I am out in the community weekly if not daily. I have also lived here for nearly 30 years, which gives me a unique perspective.
What drew you to real estate, and how long have you been in the industry?
The Agency: What's the most rewarding part of your job as a real estate agent?
Michele: To me, the most rewarding part is developing these relationships where my clients become friends and family.
The Agency: What trends are you seeing in the market right now that excite you?
Michele: First-time homebuyers are starting to invest, and this is exciting as they make their first investment in the rest of their lives!
The Agency: What's the most unique or memorable property you've ever sold?
Michele: I had an incredible property on Daufuskie Island in the historical area; the Island is only accessible by boat, and once there, you hope to have a golf cart secured; otherwise, you are taking it by foot! It forced me to take a deep breath and enjoy the beauty of our area whilst ferrying over, and then once on Island, seeing true community helping each other out.
The Agency: What advice would you give first-time home buyers?
Michele: First congratulations! Second, make sure you find a realtor that understands your situation and needs, do not let the realtor make decisions for you!
The Agency: Do you have a "real estate superpower" – a unique skill or strength you bring to the table?
Michele: My superpower is holding deals together. My father was a Green Beret and he was known for holding S2 together. If you want to know more, just ask!
The Agency: What do you consider the "hidden gem" neighborhoods in our area, and why?
Michele: This might not be so hidden, but Rose Hill Estate Side is so unique to this area, lots range between 1-5 acres, access to golf, tennis courts, pickle ball courts, kayak put-in, swimming pools, and beautiful trees.
The Agency: What's your favorite room or feature in your own home, and why?
Michele: My library, it is the first room to the left as you enter my home, and it holds everything special to me, my books, my father's medals, my audio technica record player, incredible artwork and photographs; I love walking in, saying hello to my pups then looking in, it makes me smile and immediately grounds me.
The Agency: What's your go-to way to unwind after a busy day of showings and closings?
Michele: Playing with my Boykin Spaniels and chatting with my husband, and a glass of Prosecco!
The Agency: If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Michele: Xenophon (430 – 354 BC) was not only a Greek Soldier and Historian, but he also wrote "The Art of Horsemanship". He drove home the fact that horses should be seen as partners not objects.
The Agency: Are you a coffee or tea person, and how do you take it?
Michele: Coffee, freshly ground beans with a milk alternative (allergic)
The Agency: Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies outside of real estate?
Michele: Of course, ha! I am an equestrian, having grown up riding hunter/jumpers and then dressage; I was always known as the one who could sit anything! I was also a professional cyclist, both on the road and mountain bike. And according to my swim coach, if I had focused on one sport growing up, I would have been an Olympic swimmer.
The Agency: What's a book or show you're currently obsessed with?
Michele: All books!
The Agency: What's something on your bucket list you're hoping to check off soon?
Michele: Creating memories with my friends and family is always the next adventure on my bucket list!
The Agency: What's one item in your home that you could never part with?
Michele: My dad's medals that my mom had mounted when he retired after 33 years of service.
The Agency: If you could instantly become an expert in any skill, what would it be?
Michele: Cooking! My husband is British-Italian and learned to cook from the Italian side of his family. It's amazing to watch him create these incredible, nourishing meals that are five-star-worthy!
The Agency: What's your favorite way to spend a Sunday in the Lowcountry?
Michele: Oh, this is a favorite of mine! Mornings at the beach with the pups, enjoying the pure beauty of what makes this place so unique. During football season, the hubby and I make homemade snacks and watch all the games, enjoying each others company and resetting for the week ahead. Outside of football season, attending one of the many weekend festivals that are here, but always a day to reset!
The Agency: Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Michele: MORNING 100%, I am literally the one that will fall asleep at the stroke of midnight.
The Agency: If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
Michele: Loyal, Tenacious, Kind
The Agency: What's your favorite thing about living in this area?
Michele: Everything! The ecosystem, the food, the people, the climate!
The Agency: What's one off-the-wall thing that we should know about you?
Michele: I have been a Formula One Fan long before the show lo! My grandfather was an F1 driver in Germany; he built and owned, at the time, one of the most popular Go-Kart Tracks in Germany, with his home track being the Nürburgring.
The Agency: Complete this sentence: "Living in the Lowcountry wouldn't be the same without…
Michele: Our Oysters!! The oysters here are truly the best. Protecting our rivers is such an integral part of living here; we are fortunate to have these stewards to ensure that our waterways remain as untouched as possible.
