Primary Office: Ellicott City

Meet Chief Master Sergeant and historic home aficionado, Mike Thurnes.

Like most military men, Mike lives by the values he learned in service: integrity, discipline, communication, and hard work. During his first career in the US Air Force, Mike attained the highest possible enlisted rank, a position that only 1% of all enlisted airmen can hold. It’s an impressive distinction. As Chief Master Sergeant (or E-9), one of Mike’s biggest responsibilities was looking out for his team. Now, Mike looks out for his clients.

Mike will always fight for what you want and need. When you find the perfect home, he’ll do his best to make it happen. And if you’re ready to let go of the house you’re in now, he’ll negotiate a price that works for you. Mike’s tough enough to take on anything, but be warned, that means he’s not afraid to say the tough stuff. The most common example? Mike says: an overpriced listing. “If a client is having a hard time selling a house, it’s almost always that the price point is too high,” says Mike. It’s not necessarily what clients want to hear, but it's the truth and it helps his clients get what they need.

In addition to a service-before-self attitude, Mike gained a deep appreciation for American heritage during his time in the military. That’s part of why he loves older homes. “They have so much character and history,” Mike says, “... if only the walls could talk.” His all-time best sale? The home of star-spangled author Francis Scott Key!

There is one thing Mike says he won’t miss about the military and that’s the rigidity. When you serve, you do certain formations, you wear your uniform a certain way, and you eat at a certain time. Once you retire, there’s a lot more freedom. “I still work 12 to 13-hour days,” says Mike, “but it’s not work for me - it’s fun!” In real estate, you set your own schedule and Mike really enjoys that.

Mike first met The Bob and Ronna Group while buying his home. “They have the best reputation,” Mike says. “They do things the right way, always.” The office culture at The Bob and Ronna Group is kind of like the military, actually. There’s a cohesive team mentality. “We teach each other. Everybody has different knowledge and you can call anybody. They’re all willing to help,” says Mike.