Michelle Santiago-Bassitt
Michelle Santiago-Bassitt, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a highly accomplished property management professional with over 25 years of experience in the multi-family housing industry. She currently serves as a Regional Manager with Bell Partners, where she oversees operations for six communities in the Jacksonville area. In this role, she is responsible for driving property performance, mentoring managers, and ensuring excellence in resident satisfaction and team development.
Michelle began her career as a leasing agent and quickly advanced through the ranks, guided by a clear vision: if given the opportunity to lead, she wanted to raise the standards of management and invest in the training and growth of her teams. She has remained committed to that mission, mentoring two managers who have since advanced into regional roles and leading quarterly trainings across regions, where she is often selected to provide instruction herself.
Prior to joining Bell Partners, Michelle held leadership positions with the UDR, Greystar, and GoldOller Real Estate Investments, gaining broad experience in community engagement, property oversight, and operational leadership. Her academic background in Sociology at Florida State College at Jacksonville and coursework in Marketing, Management, and Business at Hillsborough Community College provided a strong foundation for her career.
Resilient and deeply dedicated, Michelle also draws strength from her personal journey. Two years ago, she faced and overcame a battle with breast cancer, crediting the unwavering support of her team with helping her recover quickly and return to work with renewed energy. Known for her professionalism, organizational skills, and passion for people, she continues to inspire colleagues and make a meaningful impact in the real estate management industry.
• Certified Apartment Manager
• Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor
• Florida State College at Jacksonville
• Hillsborough Community College
• National Apartment Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to always learning, never giving up, and maintaining a strong desire to make a difference in everything I do. I believe growth comes from persistence and a willingness to embrace new challenges.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering property management is to remember that nothing you do can’t be fixed — we all make mistakes, and that’s part of learning and growing. Don’t let setbacks discourage you. Also, know that you can still be successful even if work isn’t always the number one priority. Balance matters, and your career can flourish while you honor the other parts of your life that make you whole.
Locations
Bell Partners INC
Jacksonville, FL 32223