Michelle Severin - Living and working among the big five
This Women’s Month, we’re celebrating the remarkable women shaping South Africa’s property market, and Michelle Severin is a shining example. With nearly a decade as a qualified agent and a deep passion for connecting people with their dream homes, Michelle has built an award-winning career at Century 21 Wildlife.
From luxury wildlife estates to holiday retreats and permanent residences, Michelle has mastered the art of selling more than just property; she sells a lifestyle. Whether it’s a home in Raptors View or a private escape in Leadwood Big Game Estate, Michelle’s work embodies dedication, expertise, and the unique magic of living amongst the Big Five.
From the admin desk to an award-winning agent
Michelle’s journey into real estate started unexpectedly. After relocating from Johannesburg to Hoedspruit 15 years ago, she began working in an administrative role at a local real estate office. But after experiencing the thrill of her first sale, helping a friend secure a dream home in Raptors View Wildlife Estate, she knew she’d found her calling.
“I wasn’t even qualified yet,” she recalls. “There was no one available to take my friend for a viewing, so I stepped in. She fell in love with the house and bought it. That experience sparked my passion and motivated me to pursue a qualification. I’ve loved every moment since.”
Selling more than homes, selling a lifestyle
While Michelle specialises in the entire Hoedspruit area, she has a particular focus on Raptors View, Leadwood Big Game Estate, Khaya Ndlovu, Moditlo, and Grietjie. Her work is unlike most real estate agents; her “show days” often include encounters with elephants drinking from pools, giraffes in gardens, and clients spotting lions on property viewings.
“I’m not just selling a home, I’m selling a lifestyle,” she explains. “These estates offer secure living alongside plains game and the Big Five. There’s nowhere else quite like it.”
A thriving market in the heart of the bush
Hoedspruit’s property market has seen remarkable growth, with sales values steadily climbing year after year. The area’s unique location, just 40 minutes from Kruger National Park, makes it a hotspot for both local and international buyers.
In 2024 alone, Hoedspruit achieved around R1.5 billion in property sales. Michelle attributes this success to growing demand for wildlife estate living and Hoedspruit’s unbeatable combination of security, natural beauty, and lifestyle opportunities.
Matching buyers to their perfect home
When working with buyers, Michelle takes a highly personalised approach. “I focus on understanding exactly what a client wants. I look at what they want from their lifestyle, location, and budget, and then curate options to match,” she says.
For first-time buyers, Michelle offers comprehensive support, partnering with bond originators to secure financing and working with specialists to assist foreign buyers with visas, tax, and forex transfers. “Buying in Hoedspruit can feel overwhelming,” she explains, “so we ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.”
Harnessing technology to enhance service
Michelle embraces technology as a powerful tool in her business. From AI-driven research to a monthly digital property magazine and engaging social media marketing, she ensures her listings reach buyers locally and abroad.
However, she admits that streamlining admin is her top priority. “We spend so much time on repetitive tasks like sending standard emails and manually capturing client data. If I could automate one thing tomorrow, it would be those processes, freeing up more time for clients.
Celebrating Career Milestones
Michelle’s dedication has earned her recognition at both regional and national levels:
- Top National Sales Agent — Century 21 South Africa, May 2025
- Top Sales Agent in Limpopo — Q3, 2025
- 3rd Nationally for Highest Sales & Commission — 2023
- Pearl Award Winner — Top 21 agents in Century 21 SA
For Michelle, strong client relationships are built on listening. Whether via calls, WhatsApp, or emails, she follows each client’s preferred communication style and ensures regular updates.
Her top staging advice for sellers? Declutter and freshen up. “A clean, open home always photographs and presents better,” she says. “And scent makes a difference; diffusers, candles, and fresh air can completely transform a space.”
When she’s not closing deals, Michelle makes the most of Hoedspruit’s small-town charm and stunning surroundings. She recommends favourite local spots such as The Hat & Creek for fine dining, Hoedspruit Café for great coffee, and scenic attractions like Swadini Waterfall, the Panorama Route, and Blyde Canyon.
Michelle has set ambitious yet achievable goals for the next 12 months, focusing on growth and excellence within the competitive real estate market. Her primary aim is to secure a position among the Top 3 agents nationally for overall sales and commission — a milestone she’s determined to reach through dedication, strategy, and consistent client success stories.
Beyond sales targets, Michelle remains committed to creating seamless buying experiences for every client, ensuring that each transaction feels effortless and informed. And when the day is done, she finds her perfect reset in the simple pleasure of a strong cappuccino — her go-to fuel for the next challenge ahead.
To connect with Michelle or see her property listings, visit her MyProperty profile page.
