Michigan’s real estate market, stretching from the pristine shorelines of the Upper and Lower Peninsulas to the bustling communities of its inland cities, continues to attract buyers seeking natural beauty, long-term investment potential, and a uniquely Midwestern quality of life. In 2025, the state’s most trusted real estate professionals are those who understand Michigan not just as a market, but as a lifestyle: its lakeside communities, its multi-generational legacy homes, its expanding short-term rental landscape, and the deep-rooted hometown pride that shapes every transaction.
Michigan’s top agents combine local expertise, community leadership, and a client-first philosophy that elevates the entire industry. This article highlights three standout leaders and professionals who bring decades of combined experience, meaningful community involvement, and a genuine commitment to helping families build wealth and create lasting memories across the Great Lakes State.
Robin Vilter
Robin has spent the past decade shaping the North Michigan real estate landscape through her work with Leelanau Living Realty Group. Based in Leland, she specializes in waterfront homes, legacy vacation properties, and short-term rental management, serving clients across the western side of the region. Robin’s career began after moving multiple times herself, sparking a deep appreciation for real estate that quickly grew into a professional calling. Over the years, she has built a team of five dedicated professionals, bringing expertise and attention to detail to each transaction.
What sets Robin apart as a top real estate expert in Leland is her relationship-focused approach. She describes real estate as a way of life, viewing every interaction through the lens of empathy, trust, and long-term connections. Many of her clients transition from home buyers or sellers to long-term rental management partners, reflecting the strong bonds she fosters. Robin holds multiple industry certifications, including Seller Representative Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, and Real Estate Negotiation Expert, while also chairing the Aspire North RPAC Committee to advocate for property owners’ rights.
Robin’s impact is perhaps most evident in her work with multi-generational families handling legacy property sales. Successfully coordinating sales involving multiple siblings and complex family dynamics, she balances negotiation, empathy, and strategic problem-solving. Clients consistently praise her for creative solutions and attentive guidance, as reflected in one testimonial: “Robin helped us negotiate and buy the right spot…her attention to detail was excellent, and she got the results we needed.” Through her thoughtful approach, Robin continues to support generational wealth-building for families across North Michigan.
Kelly Clark and the Freshwater Team: Building Legacy Properties in Traverse City
Traverse City, Michigan, is home to more than 200 inland lakes, making it one of the Midwest’s most competitive and attractive real estate markets. Leading the way is Kelly Clark, who heads the Freshwater Team at The Mitten Real Estate Group. After 25 years in public education, Kelly entered real estate nine years ago and has since become a trusted local guide for families looking to secure waterfront and legacy properties.
Kelly’s career shift from public education to real estate leadership underscores his dedication to service. Today, he leads a three-person team specializing in Traverse City’s unique lakefront properties. Known for his deep community roots and more than 50 years of living locally, Kelly helps clients find homes designed to be passed down for generations.
Kelly is more than a realtor—he’s a community builder. His recently published children’s book, Sandy the Stone, donates proceeds to charity, and his “closing package” invites clients to contribute to nonprofits supporting environmental and veteran causes. This innovative model links real estate transactions to meaningful social impact.
For those navigating the Traverse City market, Kelly Clark offers expertise anchored in local knowledge and a vision for long-term community growth. Learn more through Freshwater Real Estate, explore his team at The Mitten Group, or connect on Facebook and Youtube.
Ryan Joseph Servatius: Southwest Michigan’s Premier Waterfront & Luxury Real Estate Expert
Ryan Joseph Servatius is a distinguished realtor with Century 21 Affiliated and co-owner of Big Blue Rentals, servicing clients across the picturesque Southwest Michigan shoreline. Based in South Haven, Michigan, Ryan leverages over 23 years of experience specializing in resort and second homes, waterfront properties, development, and luxury real estate. His profound connection to the region enables him to assist a diverse clientele, from local residents to out-of-state buyers seeking their ideal property from New Buffalo up to Holland, Michigan.
What truly sets Ryan apart is his unparalleled commitment to deep community integration and localized expertise. Holding six professional designations and adorned with multiple accolades, including Realtor of the Year for Southwest Michigan, Business Person of the Year in South Haven, and the Titan of Tourism award, Ryan is a recognized leader. He proactively engages with local planning committees and community initiatives, even establishing the popular “Things To Do In South Haven” Facebook page to keep over 21,000 followers informed on local happenings, fostering trust crucial for his out-of-town clients. This “in the know” approach ensures he provides vital insights into market changes, zoning, and local policy.
Ryan’s proactive strategy directly translates into tangible results and informed decision-making for his clients. He has been a featured speaker at the National Association of Realtors and Century 21 conferences, sharing insights on leadership and community impact. His expertise proved invaluable when South Haven enacted new short-term rental ordinances, guiding clients through complex regulations to make optimal choices for their properties. This comprehensive understanding of local dynamics establishes Ryan as the go-to real estate expert, empowering clients to confidently navigate their real estate portfolios in the vibrant Southwest Michigan market.
The Best There Is
The Michigan real estate professionals featured here exemplify the qualities that define the state’s most respected leaders: deep market knowledge, unwavering integrity, and a true dedication to the communities they serve. Whether guiding families through emotional legacy property transitions, helping newcomers discover the lakes and landscapes that make Michigan extraordinary, or navigating complex regulations in highly competitive waterfront markets, each of these agents delivers a level of service that goes far beyond the transaction.
