The Charlotte NC real estate market is hot! Last year, Zillow ranked the Charlotte Metro area as the 4th fastest-growing estate market in the U.S.
The Lake Norman market is especially booming. Lake Norman is home to several of the most desirable neighborhoods in the Charlotte area.
Neighborhoods like The Peninsula, The Point, River Run, Birkdale, and Governors Island in Westport.
Add to that a few of the area’s top private schools, golf clubs, fine dining restaurants, and abundant recreational amenities, and you have the recipe for one of the best places to call home in the U.S.
I truly believe there are several important factors to consider when hiring a realtor.
Factors like:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Speed of response
- and a track record for high performance.
These are precisely the criteria the team and I used in our methodology for selecting the Top-10 real estate agents in the Lake Norman area.
The following list is not a ranking, but a collection of the best real estate professionals doing business in the Lake Norman area. These are the local agents I know, like, trust, and would recommend to a friend.
(updated October 24th, 2026)
The Top 10 Lake Norman Real Estate Brokers for 2026
1. Mike Feehley | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
Mike Feehley is a Luxury Real Estate Advisor with Ivester Jackson | Christie’s International Real Estate specializing in luxury homes, waterfront properties, builder representation, new construction, and development opportunities throughout the west side of Lake Norman, including Denver, Sherrills Ford, Terrell, Mooresville, and the surrounding Charlotte region.
Originally from Erie, PA, Mike has lived in the Charlotte area for over 20 years. Today Mike, his wife, and two children call Denver home. In his spare time, Mike can be found boating or pulling kids around Lake Norman, traveling, or cheering on the Carolina Panthers.
Mike is dedicated to helping his clients navigate the real estate process seamlessly. He strives to provide an unparalleled real estate experience, marked by sincere conversations and heartfelt service. He walks with you every step of the transaction and beyond. Keeping in touch with his clients, past and present is his top priority.
Mike Feehley | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy
Mooresville, NC 28117
mikefeehley.com
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2. Ben Bowen | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
Ben Bowen served the greater Charlotte area as a highly successful realtor before founding his own real estate company, Ben Bowen Properties – a boutique real estate firm located in Cornelius.
Ben and his team specialize in the luxury home and golf community market. Their office is strategically and conveniently located near the entrance to one of the Lake Norman area’s most coveted golf and waterfront communities, The Peninsula.
Ben’s real estate sales performance ranks in the top 1% of real estate professionals in the U.S. Ben has also been recognized as “The Best of the Best” by a national home builder for his exceptional sales presentation skills.
Ben has a vast amount of experience in the luxury home market. He has personally brokered more than 50 $1-million+ transactions in his career.
Ben Bowen | Premier Sotheby’s International Realty
19401 Old Jetton Road
Cornelius, NC 28031
benbowenproperties.com
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3. Nicole Leininger | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
A third-generation real estate broker, Nicole Leininger brings more than 18 years of experience to Ivester Jackson Christie’s and is continuously named one of the top brokers in the Lake Norman region. Nicole’s vast experience spans three states and ranges from working with buyers, sellers, to relocations and new construction. Exceptional customer satisfaction is her top priority.
Nicole is not only known for her excellence in real estate, but also for her outstanding digital media presence. She was named one of the top-10 Lake Norman real estate brokers to follow on Instagram in 2021, and she produces a high-quality and informative YouTube channel about Lake Norman.
Nicole Leininger | Ivester Jackson – Christie’s International Real Estate
350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy
Mooresville, NC 28117
nicoleleininger.com
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4. Liz Miller | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
Few names carry more weight in Lake Norman luxury real estate than Liz Miller. Since joining Ivester Jackson, she has closed over $200 million in sales and earned a reputation as one of the region’s most consistent top producers. In 2025, she was named the #1 Agent in Cornelius and the #1 Agent in The Peninsula, and ranked #21 out of more than 18,000 brokers across greater Charlotte. She has also been inducted into the Christie’s International Real Estate Master Circle three years running (2023, 2024, and 2025), a distinction reserved for a small circle of the world’s elite luxury brokers.
Liz’s specialty is Lake Norman luxury and waterfront property, and her clients benefit from something harder to quantify than credentials: access. Locally, she’s earned the nickname the “Off-Market Matchmaker” for her ability to connect buyers with private opportunities and guide sellers through discreet, high-value transactions that never touch the MLS. In a market where many of the most coveted homes trade quietly, her network and relationships translate directly into a competitive edge for her clients.
That edge is backed by the mindset of a former Division I college athlete. Liz approaches every transaction with discipline, precision, and a work ethic that clients and colleagues alike describe as relentless. Whether representing a first-time lake buyer or negotiating a multimillion-dollar waterfront sale, she brings the same attention to detail and steady advocacy – making her a go-to choice for anyone seeking a refined, seamless experience in the Lake Norman market.
2026 News: Liz is the listing broker for The Preserve at Summit Farms, one of the region’s most anticipated developments. Summit Farms is a 60-acre agriculture community in Davidson, North Carolina, built around quality of living. The Preserve at Summit Farms offers a low-density neighborhood of estate lots and custom homes from the Lake Norman area’s top designers and builders.
Liz Miller | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
21025 Catawba Avenue, Suite 101
Cornelius NC 28031
lizmillerlakenorman.com
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5. Susan Jakubowski | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
Susan’s real estate career began more than 30 years ago with a shared dream and a wedding gift. She and her husband, John, a licensed general contractor, used their wedding money to buy their first property. They went on to buy and renovate high-end homes and investment properties together. That shared passion grew into one of the most accomplished careers on the lake.
Now with Ivester Jackson Christie’s North Shore office, Susan has consistently ranked as the #1 agent in Mooresville and Iredell County. She was also the top agent at her previous firm for many years. She has been named one of the Top 50 Women in Lake Norman real estate and one of the Top 200 Agents in Charlotte, standing out in a field of more than 20,000 professionals.
Susan brings both a designer’s eye and a head for numbers. Her staging expertise makes her clients’ homes shine. Her background as a CPA for Sony Electronics and a New York City public accounting firm makes her a skilled pricer and negotiator who handles complex transactions with ease. Her marketing is just as strong. She works with top Charlotte-area photographers and videographers, places print ads in local and national feeder markets, and runs targeted campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
A lifelong learner who stays current on design trends, Susan treats every sale as if it were her own. She helps buyers find a place to build memories and guides sellers to get the most from their homes.
Outside of work, Susan serves on the board of Curetivity, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and is a trustee for her church. She and John have been married 31 years and are proud parents of twins, James and Julia, who live in Manhattan and Charlotte. In her free time, you’ll find her boating, playing pickleball, cheering at John’s band performances, walking with friends and attending Bible study.
Susan Jacubowski | Ivester Jackson
350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy
Mooresville, NC 28117
susanj.ivesterjackson.com
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6. Mary Kay Portaro | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
A reputation built on integrity, dedication, and trust has positioned Mary Kay Portaro at the forefront of Lake Norman’s luxury real estate market. Known for delivering a truly white-glove experience, Mary Kay personally oversees every detail of each transaction, guiding her clients seamlessly from initial strategy through closing with precision, care, and unmatched market expertise.
With nearly 20 years of living and working in the Lake Norman area, Mary Kay offers a distinct competitive advantage. Her deep understanding of the region’s neighborhoods, waterfront communities, and lifestyle nuances allows her to thoughtfully match buyers and sellers with environments that best fit their goals — from lakefront living and golf communities to walkable neighborhoods and private luxury retreats.
In 2025 alone, Mary Kay achieved over $40 million in sold and pending volume, including representing one of the top three highest-priced residential sales in Lake Norman, underscoring her ability to successfully navigate complex, high-value transactions with discretion and confidence.
Equally important to Mary Kay is her commitment to community. She actively volunteers and currently serves on the board of Alongside Families, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening families and preserving children in times of crisis.
Outside of real estate, Mary Kay is an avid tennis player who enjoys cooking, boating, traveling, and spending time with her family — fully embracing the lifestyle that makes Lake Norman so special.
Driven by excellence and grounded in relationships, Mary Kay Portaro continues to set the standard for luxury real estate on Lake Norman — delivering exceptional results while creating meaningful connections beyond the closing table.
Mary Kay Portaro | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
21025 Catawba Avenue, Suite 101
Cornelius NC 28031
marykayportaro.com
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7. Juliet Thomas | Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Real Estate
Juliet Thomas approaches real estate the way she once approached volleyball: competitive, strategic and always focused on the team.
That’s not just a metaphor. Juliet was a college athlete and a two-time North Carolina State MVP in volleyball (so yes, she knows how to close out a match). After earning a degree in Corporate Communications, she built a successful career in medical sales and business development. Today she brings that same discipline and relationship-first approach to luxury real estate around our lake.
Her drive reaches well beyond the closing table. Juliet is the Founder and President of Project Change, a global nonprofit that supports individuals and families affected by fibrous dysplasia.
She’s also a true local. Juliet is married to her college sweetheart and is raising two boys right here in the community she serves. That’s why she cares about more than finding clients the right house. She wants them to feel connected to the people and the lifestyle that make Lake Norman home.
Recognized as one of the leading women in Lake Norman real estate, Juliet is luxury certified and known for thoughtful strategy, attentive service and strong results.
Juliet Thomas | Ivester Jackson
350 Morrison Plantation Pkwy
Mooresville, NC 28117
julietsellslakenorman.com
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8. Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
Foster Rojahn Premier Properties brings a deep understanding of the Lake Norman real estate market—grounded in experience, local insight, and a commitment to doing things the right way. Their approach starts with education, helping clients understand the nuances of the area so decisions are based on clarity, not pressure.
Whether buying or selling, clients are guided through the process with thoughtful perspective and honest advice. The focus is always on alignment—matching goals, timing, and lifestyle with the right strategy and outcome.
At its core, Foster Rojahn Premier Properties is about trust, preparation, and confidence. They don’t just help clients navigate the Lake Norman market—they help them move forward with certainty, knowing they’ve made informed decisions every step of the way.
Foster Rojahn Premier Properties | Keller Williams Lake Norman
19721 Bethel Church Rd
Cornelius, NC 28031
frpremierproperties.com
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9. Pamela Temple & Kelly Smith | The Temple Team (Keller Williams)
Pamela Temple is a licensed NC/SC real estate broker specializing in luxury properties throughout the Charlotte and Lake Norman area. With decades of experience and a deeply rooted local and national network, she brings clarity, strategy, and calm to even the most complex transactions.
As founder of The Temple Team at Keller Williams Realty, Pamela is known for her market knowledge, negotiation skill, and commitment to delivering a refined client experience—whether serving primary residences, vacation homes, or investment properties. Her understanding of Lake Norman’s neighborhoods, lifestyle nuances, and long-term value drivers allows her to guide clients with confidence and precision.
Beyond sales, Pamela is a respected industry educator and member of the KWU Master Faculty, regularly teaching and speaking at local and national levels. Her business is built on trust, relationships, and exceptional communication—benchmarks she and her team hold themselves to every day.
Kelly Smith is a Lake Norman–based real estate agent with more than two decades of experience and a deep understanding of the communities she serves. Originally from Maryland, she moved south to attend Clemson University and has called Lake Norman home since 1999.
After starting her career as an elementary school teacher, Kelly transitioned into real estate in 2003—bringing with her a detail-oriented, client-first approach that quickly earned her top-producer status. She specializes in luxury lakefront and golf course homes, with a strong focus on The Point and the Brawley School Road peninsula.
Kelly is known for her local insight, steady guidance, and strong client relationships. Married to a local builder, she also offers valuable perspective on new construction and remodeling. Outside of real estate, she’s a proud mom of two and a lifelong Clemson Tigers fan.
The Temple Team
130 Plantation Ridge Dr #200
Mooresville, NC 28117
thetempleteam.com
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10. Meredyth Holdenrid | Southern Homes of the Carolinas
Meredyth Holdenrid has made a name for herself around Lake Norman as a top-notch real estate broker. A licensed real estate broker since 2003, Meredyth began her career in new construction with such well-known builders as Shea Homes and DR Horton.
Today, Meredyth is part of a real estate team called The Carolina Lifestyle Team, which consistently wins top producer awards with Southern Homes. The team’s success is rooted in its focus of putting their clients first and delivering an exceptional experience.
Meredyth is a North Carolina native who calls Cornelius home. She and her family love to spend sunny days on the lake boating, wake surfing, and relaxing. When you live near Lake Norman, a mini-vacation is only minutes away!
Meredyth loves her real estate career, and it shows:
“The reason I love real estate so much is the opportunity to not only meet so many different types of people but to see and share in their joy when they find their new home. A lot of my past clients have become friends!”
Meredyth Holdenrid | Southern Homes of the Carolinas
18825 West Catawba Avenue Suite 200
Cornelius, NC 28031
homewithmeredyth.com
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There you have it! My Top-10 Realtors in the Lake Norman area. If this is the year for you to buy or sell a home in the Lake Norman area, these are the brokers to call!
About the author:
Jeff Hamm is the creator and producer of The Best of LKN. He’s a local real estate broker who loves helping buyers discover Lake Norman.
Since 2020, Jeff has been sharing the stories of Lake Norman’s most inspiring small businesses and nonprofits.
When he isn’t working, you can usually find Jeff boating, exploring the local dining scene, and taking walks with Maisy, his English Bulldog.
Jeff Hamm, Broker
Ivester Jackson | Christie’s
Lake Norman, North Carolina
(980) 422-6069
www.LKNreal.com
This list is editorial and reflects internal selection criteria. It is not based solely on MLS or third-party data. Inclusion may reflect a local business relationship.
Agents on this site may be affiliated with firms other than Elevate Land & Realty. They have consented to appear here.
Each broker on this list has granted The Best of LKN & Jeff Hamm (author) permission to use their name and publish their photo & bio.
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