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L. Michelle Pentifallo - President
Owner, Licensed Broker, LCAM, RealtorFirst in Real Estate Services is owned and operated by L. Michelle Pentifallo, a licensed Real Estate Broker. Since 2003, Ms. Pentifallo has led a team of realtors who each have over 20 years of experience in Florida real estate.
Michelle began her career in real estate as an assistant to the top producing team at FIRST in Real Estate in Tampa, Florida. Soon after obtaining her real estate license she was drawn to the property management side of real estate, and began specializing in property management in 2003. She quickly advanced to Head Property Manager as a top producer. She also managed the office, handling all administrative and personnel issues.
Sought after in the industry, Michelle joined Exit Realty/Southern Heritage to manage the office and expand their property management division.
In 2007, Michelle partnered with First in Property Management, a DBA of First in Real Estate. Her company started at 28 units in a small office and grew to 100 in the first year. After her partner retired Michelle earned her Broker's license in 2009 and, as the sole broker, is currently managing over 200 properties in a 1200 square foot facility with a full staff. First in Property Management is now a DBA of First In Real Estate Services, Inc.
Michelle credits her success to her belief in God and the talents and gifts He's given her. She is an excellent communicator, providing customer service with care and concern (compassion, empathy) while protecting the needs of her owners and tenants. Of special note is the referral business Michelle receives from owners with multiple properties referring their family and friends to local realtors referring their property management business; including Keller Williams, Coldwell Banker, Prudential Tropical, Exit Realty and Remax.
Prior to Real Estate, Michelle was a manager in the grocery industry for Publix & Kash & Karry. She also had her own home – based business while her children were little. She is currently a Leader in the community working with her home based church Branch of Christ with a passion for The Well, and Hope for Childrens Home. Michelle is very involved with her husband Joe who is a leader in the community as a manager for Publix. She has two children Lauren and Collin and two granddaughters Aria Bel and Abree Ana.
Michelle is also a member of the local Wesley Chapel Chamber and on the Leadership team for BNI Business Leaders in New Tampa along with Youth Leader of Ignite at her local church Branch of Christ.
Prior to Real Estate, Michelle was a manager in the grocery industry for Publix & Kash & Karry. She also had her own home – based business while her children were little. She is currently a Leader in the community working with her home based church Branch of Christ with a passion for The Well, and Hope for Childrens Home. Michelle is very involved with her husband Joe who is a leader in the community as a manager for Publix. She has two children Lauren and Collin and two granddaughters Aria Bel and Abree Ana.
Michelle is also a member of the local Wesley Chapel Chamber and on the Leadership team for BNI Business Leaders in New Tampa along with Youth Leader of Ignite at her local church Branch of Christ.
Joe Pentifallo - Vice President and Real Estate Agent
Joe has actively supported his wife, Michelle, in real estate for the last decade. With a background in the mortgage industry and over 20 years in customer service and management with Publix, he understands how to handle many moving parts. Joe will be bringing his expertise to First in Real Estate services, expanding our service areas into the additional markets of commercial, large scale residential builders, and homeowners associations.
Joe and Michelle have two children, two grandchildren.
Joe and Michelle have two children, two grandchildren.
Amie Cherp - Licensed
Realtorand LCAM
Amie Cherp grew up on the East coast of Florida and moved to Tampa in 1997 to attend the University of South Florida (USF). Amie graduated from USF with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and worked in the concrete industry for 10 years. She also co-owned and operated a Christian magazine in the Tampa Bay area for four years.
Amie is married to her loving husband, Chris, and they have three beautiful children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, sports, and watching movies. Because of her background, she is very detailed orientated, a great communicator, and loves working with people. She developed a passion for real estate several years ago and in 2016 decided to focus her career in the real estate field by becoming a real estate agent. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, Amie is excited to work diligently to meet your real estate needs.
Amie is married to her loving husband, Chris, and they have three beautiful children. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, sports, and watching movies. Because of her background, she is very detailed orientated, a great communicator, and loves working with people. She developed a passion for real estate several years ago and in 2016 decided to focus her career in the real estate field by becoming a real estate agent. Whether you're buying, selling, or renting, Amie is excited to work diligently to meet your real estate needs.
Lauren Ortiz -
Licensed Realtor &
Office Manager
Lauren is the point of contact for FIRST's as the Office Manager, she is responsible for handling day to day operations at the office and support all financial questions for Landlords, Tenants and homeowners of our HOA communities. Lauren has been with the company since 2015, and has years of experience in project management bringing an extra bonus to FIRST and what we have to offer.
She is a Licensed Real Estate Agent , ready and active ! Currently working at both our Wesley Chapel and Webster location! She has lived in the Wesley Chapel area for many years, Florida born and is a graduate of Wiregrass Ranch High School. She currently is out of Bushnell , FL with her 4 children and husband.
She is a Licensed Real Estate Agent , ready and active ! Currently working at both our Wesley Chapel and Webster location! She has lived in the Wesley Chapel area for many years, Florida born and is a graduate of Wiregrass Ranch High School. She currently is out of Bushnell , FL with her 4 children and husband.
Our Teams
Sandy Ghiloni - Real
Estate Agent
For 40 years, Sandy Ghiloni was relocation specialist. As a relocation specialist, she was responsible for moving families across the country as well as around the world.
In 2006, she made the decision to change her career by becoming a Real Estate Agent. For Sandy this was a bold undertaking given her experience in the relocation field, but what she learned is, all her experience made her a more customer focused Real Estate Agent.
Sandy has been a Real Estate Agent for 10 years, in which time she has strived to achieve total excellence by providing her customers with outstanding service as well as reliable communication.
Furthermore, without fail, Sandy intends to give her clients the service they expect along with the honest and professional service they deserve.
In 2006, she made the decision to change her career by becoming a Real Estate Agent. For Sandy this was a bold undertaking given her experience in the relocation field, but what she learned is, all her experience made her a more customer focused Real Estate Agent.
Sandy has been a Real Estate Agent for 10 years, in which time she has strived to achieve total excellence by providing her customers with outstanding service as well as reliable communication.
Furthermore, without fail, Sandy intends to give her clients the service they expect along with the honest and professional service they deserve.
Heather Paoli -
Licensed Realtor
Heather is a native Floridian that grew up in Ocala, Florida. As a REALTOR® in Tampa, she combines her love for the industry and her knowledge of Florida to create the best experience to her buyers and sellers. Before getting into the real estate business, Heather is also a real estate paralegal. Her business is built on: Communication, Trust, Dedication, & Determination while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to all of her client’s real estate needs.
She is dedicated to her family and church and loves to live her best life. Heather enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys and going on adventures finding lizards. If she is not at church, home, or the office you most likely will find her at a coffee shop having her signature caramel macchiato drink. God first, Family second, everything else after. I believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, I haven’t done my job. I don’t measure success through achievements or awards but through the satisfaction of my clients
Karen Rodriguez
Karen is a results-driven and detail-oriented Community Manager. She has a keen eye for organization and a commitment to efficiency, she believes that an excellent work ethic and attention to detail produce high-quality results. With a strong commitment to client satisfaction, Karen has honed her communication skills to effectively address inquiries, resolve issues, and ensure a positive experience. Known for her bilingual proficiency, empathetic approach, and problem-solving abilities, Karen values building strong relationships with team members and clients. Her expertise extends across various industries, allowing her to adapt quickly to diverse clients’ needs and deliver top-notch service.
Karen is a wife and mother who values family time and making memories. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Tampa in 2015. Karen graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Education, and worked as an ELA and ESL Teacher for over 12 years. Karen enjoys getting creative with projects that revolve around cutting machines and her love for her heritage. She believes that life is all about taking time to enjoy the small pleasures life has to offer, and it's even better when you are surrounded by good friends, good food, and good conversations!
Karen is a wife and mother who values family time and making memories. She was born and raised in Puerto Rico and moved to Tampa in 2015. Karen graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences and a Master’s in Education, and worked as an ELA and ESL Teacher for over 12 years. Karen enjoys getting creative with projects that revolve around cutting machines and her love for her heritage. She believes that life is all about taking time to enjoy the small pleasures life has to offer, and it's even better when you are surrounded by good friends, good food, and good conversations!
Jack Lipstein
Jack is a leasing agent who specializes in showing our rental properties. He also takes care of inspections ensuring owners that their properties are being kept in tip-top shape for efficient turnovers. Jack was born in Tampa, Florida and raised on Long Island, New York participating in Hockey and Lacrosse which gave him experience working with a team and moving parts. He is well rounded and very familiar with the Tampa Bay area. He currently lives in Lutz and covers Pasco and Hillsborough Counties. Having experience with moving around frequently he is always willing to offer a helping hand at FIRST to make your moving process smooth. His main priority is that you and your family find the right fit to call home.
McKenna Strollo
Hey, I’m McKenna! I’m a born and raised southern Floridian. I’ve been in customer service for seven years, managed for a little over seven months and I really enjoy connecting with people and being someone they can rely on. I graduated from Hernando High School with honors in 2021. Most of my time I spent balancing school and my first job at Publix where I worked for 4 years. After that, I spent three years working at a retail store. While in retail, I was trusted with overseeing daily operations, and leading a team through opening and closing routines. It helped me grow as a leader and demonstrated my commitment to accountability and consistency. I gained valuable insight into buying and selling, and how to build strong professional relationships which fueled my interest in continuing in this career path. Outside of work, I love spending quality time with my family and friends, whether I’m outdoors hunting or fishing, enjoying a game night, or relaxing with a good movie. I value quality time and making memories. I would describe myself as driven, communicative, trustworthy, and loyal. Real estate has been a long-time passion of mine, and I’m incredibly grateful for the path God has led me on. I’m excited to begin this new chapter, continuing to grow, meeting new people, and making a positive impact.
Call the experts at First In Real Estate in Dade City, FL at 352-347-0557 for all your home buying and selling needs today.