‘Selling houses 365 days a year’: Meet the award-winning agent who never stops

Michelle Stephens has a relentless work ethic, clinching deals while on the red carpet, poolside at tropical destinations and even on her own wedding night in Las Vegas.  

There’s no rest for one of the most active real estate agents, who sold some 250 homes in a year while also making sure she remains available to her clients 365 days a year. 

It’s no wonder that Ms Stephens, from OBrien Real Estate – Carrum Downs, won the top agent for the most properties sold in metropolitan Victoria at the eighth annual REA Excellence Awards last year.  

“I literally live and breathe real estate,” she said.  

“I sold a house at midnight on my wedding night, and I’ve negotiated deals during the REA Excellence Awards. It’s not a nine-to-five job.” 

She said she had an unwavering commitment to her clients, and took her role in helping them navigate one of the most significant financial decisions of their lives very seriously.   

“Every property I sell is someone’s largest asset,” she said. 

“They’re entrusting me with their future, their livelihood. It’s not always a happy reason they’re selling, sometimes it’s due to financial pressures or marriage breakdowns.  

“Being able to secure a sale for them can move them to the next chapter of their lives.” 

Her journey into real estate began at 20, when she decided to follow her passion for sales rather than pursuing a career in accounting, as her father had.  

“I’ve always loved sales,” she said.  

“When I was little… Dad and I would go to open homes on Saturdays together.

“I had a bit of a passion for it at a very young age.”  

This early interest in real estate led her to take an agent’s representative course while working full-time, and she quickly made her mark in the industry. 

Ms Stephens has won numerous REA Excellence awards over the years.

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Her career took off almost immediately. Within her first three days as a real estate agent, Ms Stephens secured her first sale by convincing a couple who were initially looking to rent to instead purchase a property.  

“I found this lady and gentleman looking at a rental, and I asked if they had considered purchasing,” she said.  

“They hadn’t, but I put them in contact with a broker, and they ended up buying a property. That was my first sale, and it all started from there.” 

Ms Stephens’ ability to connect with clients and her relentless drive to close deals have been key to her success.  

She also attributed her success to her ability to surround herself with a strong team that complemented her strengths.  

“No one can do everything themselves,” she said.  

“I’m good at selling and listing properties, but I have people who help me with the back-end stuff. It’s important to have a team that supports you.” 

One of her most memorable sales was the beachfront property at 1 Durham Place, Rosebud, which sold for a record $4.82 million last year. 

It was the biggest sale of her career and was sold in just three weeks despite the tough market conditions. 

One of Ms Stephens’ most memorable sales was the beachfront property at 1 Durham Place, Rosebud last year. Picture: Realestate.com.au/sold

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Looking ahead, Ms Stephens plans to continue delivering exceptional results for her clients.  

“I have a team that relies on me, and I need to stay accountable to them.” 

“I just want to keep looking after my vendors and achieving great results,” she said.  

As Ms Stephens continues her relentless pursuit of the next sale, there’s no doubt that she will remain a force to be reckoned with in the industry.