MEET OUR TEAM
HERE TO SUPPORT YOU THROUGH YOUR REAL ESTATE JOURNEY
We understand that for our clients, buying or selling a home is about so much more than the transaction itself. Our team is dedicated to serving you with thoughtful, individualized real estate services so that you can be fully present for the life moments taking place behind the scenes.
JESSICA MICHALKE
Managing Broker, Owner + Realtor®
Jessica Michalke is devoted to providing the highest quality real estate experience to home buyers and sellers throughout St. Clair County and the surrounding areas of southwest Illinois. After a successful career in sales, Jessica decided to pursue real estate in 2018 because she wanted to form deeper, more personal relationships with her clients.
While a home is often one of the biggest financial purchases an individual or family will ever make, moving from one house to another is about so much more than the transaction itself. People don’t just move without a reason - there is almost always something significant taking place behind the scenes. New job offers are being accepted, families are growing, people are downsizing. No matter what it is that has prompted YOU to move, Jessica strives to provide the smoothest real estate experience possible so that you can fully enjoy the biggest moments in your life.
Living and working near Scott Air Force Base, Jessica has had the opportunity to serve many members of the U.S. Military and their families as they relocate to Illinois. She is an expert at conducting all aspects of the buying or selling process virtually, making the process as smooth and easy as possible for those who are moving to Illinois from out of state.
Jessica has always been driven by connection with other people. The relationship she builds with her clients is more important to her than anything, and she works almost entirely by referral. This allows her to spend her time and energy on her current clients, serving them so well that they later refer her to their friends, family, and coworkers.
When she isn’t showing homes, writing offers, or fiercely negotiating on behalf of her clients, Jessica can be found enjoying an extra hot mocha (with 2 pumps) and reading a good book at Starbucks, or cheering on the Cardinals with her husband Scott and their two children, Zane and Cecelia.
If you’re looking for a Realtor who is part expert negotiator, part cheerleader, Jessica Michalke is the one!
SCOTT MICHALKE
Realtor®
Scott Michalke was born and raised in Belleville, IL and is excited to be able to share his local knowledge through real estate! With an extensive background in sales, management, client care, and banking, he brings a unique and valuable skillset to the team. His years of experience in various fields have equipped him with the necessary tools to navigate the ever-changing real estate market.
Scott prides himself on being able to create connections with people. While buying or selling a home can be one of the most exciting times in your life, it can also come with challenges. Scott loves being able to take care of his clients needs and is here to guide you through the process every step of the way! With his extensive knowledge of the local market, dedication to client satisfaction, and passion for real estate, you can rest assured that you are in good hands.
Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time outdoors camping, fishing and spending time with his family. He is also an avid music lover and enjoys listening to and playing live music whenever he gets the chance. As a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, you can find him catching a game on TV or at the stadium.
Megan Rakers
Realtor®
As a dedicated wife and mother of two, Megan brings a unique perspective and a strong sense of community to her role as a realtor. She understands that buying or selling a home is one of the most significant decisions a family can make, and she is there to guide you through the process with care, professionalism, and a personal touch.
With a deep knowledge of the local market and a commitment to finding the perfect fit for each client, Megan strives to make the real estate experience seamless and enjoyable. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to sell your property, she is here to provide expert advice, negotiate the best deals, and help you achieve your real estate goals.
Let Megan put her passion for homes and dedication to families like yours go to work for you. Together, Megan will help you find not just a house, but a place you’ll be proud to call home.
TARAH KELLEY
Office + Transaction Manager
Tarah grew up in West Frankfort, and lived there until she was 22. She then moved several times across the U.S. and overseas as a military spouse. Most recently, she and her family lived in Georgia, where she worked in Human Resources on base at Robins Air Force Base.
All of this moving has given Tarah a deep understanding of what our clients are experiencing when they decide to buy or sell a home. This lived experience, paired with her attention to detail and the fact that she previously held a real estate license herself makes her the absolute perfect fit for our team!
Tarah is excited to be back in Illinois, especially to go to St. Louis Cardinal games and for all of the fun events in Downtown Belleville. The annual Chilli Cookoff is her favorite! When she's not working, she enjoys hanging out with family, watching a movie, reading a good book, doing DIY projects of all different kinds, and spending time with her mom, sisters and other extended family!
Tarah believes everything happens for a reason, and says, "I 100% believe that it was all in God's timing that I met Jessica and found my way to the Michalke Group. I am so excited to be a part of such a wonderful team and I can't wait to see what the future holds!"
OUR MISSION
"Modernizing real estate with unparalleled professionalism and personalized service."
Our top priority is building strong relationships with our clients. As a full-service brokerage,
Live.Laugh.Illinois. is revolutionizing real estate client services by combining the strengths of
an established real estate team with the independence of a locally owned and operated brokerage.
This innovative teamerage model ensures past, present, and future buyers and sellers
receive unparalleled professionalism and personalized service from their agents, all backed
by a dedicated support team committed to their success.
Get in Touch
Serving buyers and sellers in Shiloh, Illinois and beyond.
jessica@livelaughillinois.com | (618) 202-2203