We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michael Carter. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about being a Realtor is that we’re often lumped into the stereotype of being overpaid or pushy salespeople. In reality, we wear a lot of hats—negotiator, advisor, project manager, and sometimes even therapist—depending on where we are in the transaction. Not all agents operate the same way, and I really strive to make the buying or selling experience feel different. For me, that starts with how I treat my clients. Buying or selling a home is a huge investment in yourself and your future, and I don’t take lightly the responsibility of being hired to help make it happen.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Sure! I’m currently a branch broker and have been proudly serving our community for the past 12 years. What drives me is making sure my buyers and sellers feel truly supported and different when working with me—less stressed, more confident, and actually enjoying the process of buying or selling a home. I’m part of an incredible team at RANLife Real Estate, a brokerage I’ve called home for over a decade because of the outstanding leadership and support we have here. We’re constantly evolving, and I’m especially excited about a new service we’ll be rolling out soon to add even more value for our clients. Stay tuned—it’s all about raising the bar for the people we serve.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’ve always been someone who beats to my own drum and does things a little differently. I’ve never been afraid to chase what I want, and because of that, I can confidently say—I’ve always been me. Real estate has just become another unique way for me to lean into that individuality. It’s a platform where I get to show my clients, every day, why working with me feels different—and why that difference matters.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
This might be a hot take, but I changed my mind about setting rigid goals. I used to map out highly specific, measurable goals and track my progress closely. But after a year that felt defeating and completely draining, I realized that approach wasn’t working for me. I decided to simplify. Now, I set just one clear, meaningful goal every year. And it’s the same goal. Once I did that, everything shifted. That single focus became a guiding light, and the smaller wins—the micro goals—started to fall into place naturally when the timing was right and I kept showing up and doing the work.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in real estate is that image is everything. When I first started, I worried I was too young, that people wouldn’t take me seriously. I stressed about what I wore, the car I drove—because I felt like clients were judging those things. But over time, I realized that what really matters is how you show up, not what you show up in. My long hair and casual style just reflect that I’m comfortable in my own skin. What I bring to the table is experience, skill, and a track record of hundreds of successful transactions. That’s what creates trust—and that’s what truly delivers value.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Something I’ve come to understand deeply is that if you genuinely help others get what they want, you’ll end up getting what you want too. It’s not about manipulation or strategy—it’s about showing up with real intention to serve. When you focus on adding value, building trust, and putting people first, everything else tends to take care of itself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.homeauthentic.co
- Instagram: @homeauthentic.co
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-carter-541236b7/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeauthentic
Image Credits
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