Life’s too short to play it safe. Starting our business together changed more than our careers—it changed our lives.
Mike: Taking the leap into real estate wasn’t easy, but I was ready for a change. My job in construction sales was comfortable, but I had reached a point where I wasn’t growing. Then, after going through some health challenges, it hit me—I didn’t want to just fumble through life. Once I healed and was back to normal, I was ready to take a risk, try something new, and build something for myself and my family.
My dad was a brick mason who started his own business with nothing more than hard work and grit. He grew up in the mountains, had to start working as a kid, and even lied about his age to join the Army at 14. He never had a formal education beyond eighth grade, but he built a successful business. Growing up around that, I saw firsthand what being your own boss could do. That stuck with me.
In the past, Lena and I had invested in real estate and did very well. Since then, I have been interested in real estate, and in 2015, I became a full-time REALTOR®. It’s the perfect blend of everything I enjoy—working with people, problem-solving, and using my b
ackground in construction to help clients make smart investment decisions. Not long after I started in real estate, my wife, Lena joined me. We complement each other perfectly, both as husband and wife for 30+ years and as real estate partners. Our clients love getting the best of both of us.
Being born and raised in the Coastal Virginia area, I have a deep connection to this place. I know the neighborhoods, the history, and the people, which makes helping families find the right home even more rewarding. When I’m not working, I enjoy surfing, hunting, fishing—if it’s outdoors, I’m in!
Lena: Getting into real estate wasn’t something I planned—I just reached a point where I knew I needed a change. My corporate job had given me incredible experience. I handled finance, accounting, HR, logistics—you name it. I worked with executives, managed the finance and administration for operations across the country, and learned nearly every aspect of business. However, I was constantly traveling, always working, and barely present for my kids. One day, I realized that if I didn’t make a change, I was going to miss the last few years of them being home. That wasn’t something I was willing to do.
Mike had already started in real estate, and at first, I was just watching from the sidelines. But one night, I decided to take the exam. I didn’t even tell him until after I passed. I knew that if I was going to pour my time into something, I wanted it to be for our family—not for a company.
Working together took some adjusting, but it turns out, we’re a perfect balance. I enjoy connecting with our clients and, given my background, thrive on the administrative side of our business—keeping paperwork and all the small details moving in the right direction. Organization, problem-solving, and navigating complex processes have always been my strengths, and in real estate, those skills make a big difference. Together, we provide a well-rounded experience that our clients appreciate.
This career change has transformed my personal life too. My kids told me, “Mom, you still work all the time, but now, you’re present.” That hit me. Leaving the corporate world was one of the best decisions I ever made. I still work hard, but now, I’m present—with my family, with our clients, and in a business we’ve built together.
Outside of work, I enjoy the beach while Mike surfs and we try to get to the Outer Banks as often as possible for a little retreat!
Whether it’s helping first-time buyers find their perfect home, guiding investors to build wealth, or supporting families through major life transitions, we take pride in being there every step of the way. We strive to provide as much value as possible by helping clients understand market trends, avoid costly mistakes, and make informed decisions that align with their goals. Many clients become lifelong friends, and seeing them succeed—whether by building equity, growing their investments, or simply finding a home they love—is what makes this work so rewarding.
We are always looking for creative ways to add value and better serve our clients. From educating buyers on how to make smart purchasing decisions to helping sellers position their homes for the best possible outcome, we focus on making the process smooth and stress-free. Our Home Equity Listing Preparation (HELP) Program is one example, allowing sellers to make key home improvements with no upfront costs so they can maximize their home’s value. With our hands-on approach, market knowledge, and commitment to personalized service, we ensure every client feels supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Sincerely,
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Michael Hogue |
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