About Our Expertise

Welcome to Donovan Realty LLC

Donovan Realty LLC proudly serves the South Brunswick Islands and surrounding coastal communities in southeastern North Carolina and northeastern South Carolina. This region is renowned for its laid-back coastal lifestyle, welcoming neighborhoods, and a diverse range of homes tailored to suit various needs, budgets, and life stages.

From charming beach towns like Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, and Calabash to well-established residential communities and golf course neighborhoods, the area offers variety without sacrificing convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, shopping, dining, healthcare, airports, and recreation, all while maintaining the character and pace of coastal living.

Each town and community has its own identity, yet they share the same appeal of scenic surroundings, strong property values, and a lifestyle centered on comfort and connection. Whether you are searching for a primary residence, a second home, or an investment property, this region offers options worth exploring.

With more than 30 years of real estate experience, Donovan Realty LLC works closely with buyers and sellers to simplify the process and provide clear, informed guidance at every step. Buying or selling a home is a significant decision, and having the right expertise makes all the difference.

Meet the Team

At Donovan Realty LLC, experience matters. Our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance, responsive service, and a client-first approach, built on decades of real estate experience.

Mike Donovan

President/Owner: Broker-in-Charge

Office: (910) 575-4567
Cell: (910) 228-3732

As "the Broker-in-Charge" and a Realtor, I grew up in rural Minnesota, where my father was a real estate agent who taught me early on that customer service is the cornerstone of this business. That lesson has guided my entire career.

I earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University and spent 37 years with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. That experience shaped my detail-oriented, disciplined approach to real estate—where integrity, accountability, and communication are essential.

As a Realtor with Donovan Realty, LLC, a family-owned firm serving Brunswick County, North Carolina and Horry County, South Carolina, my goal is to make every transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible. I develop customized strategies for each client, provide full market exposure, and manage every detail from contract to closing. I also maintain multiple real estate accreditations as part of my commitment to continued education and professional excellence.

Trust Focused

Mike understands that buying or selling a home—especially later in life or when relocating—requires trust, patience, and careful attention to detail. Raised in rural Minnesota by a father who was a real estate agent, Mike learned early that customer service and honesty must come before everything else.

He earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University and spent 37 years with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. That background provides clients with confidence that contracts, deadlines, and details are handled with precision and care.

As a Realtor with Donovan Realty, LLC, a family-owned firm serving Brunswick County, NC and Horry County, SC, Mike offers clear communication, comprehensive market knowledge, and a calm, steady approach throughout the entire transaction. His numerous real estate accreditations reflect his ongoing commitment to professional excellence and client advocacy.

Mike’s Mission as Your Realtor

Mike is dedicated to making the process of buying or selling your home as easy, transparent, and rewarding as possible. He respects the individual needs of every client he serves, remains honest and forthright at all times, and places his clients’ best interests at the center of every transaction.

Donovan Realty, LLC has been family-owned and operated since 2006 and is backed by more than 35 years of real estate experience. The firm proudly holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and serves Brunswick County, North Carolina and Horry County, South Carolina.
Mike grew up in rural Minnesota, where his father was a real estate agent who taught him that customer service is not optional—it is a primary responsibility. That principle continues to guide Mike’s approach to real estate today. He earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University and went on to serve 37 years with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service. His federal service background brings a disciplined, detail-oriented, and ethical approach to contract management, negotiation, and communication.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, investing in property, or purchasing a lot to build your dream home in one of the area’s pristine golf course communities or surrounding neighborhoods, Mike will guide you confidently from start to finish.

Mike develops a comprehensive strategy tailored to each client’s goals, including a competitive market analysis, full MLS exposure, professional marketing, and virtual tours featured on www.DonovanRealEstate.biz and other major online platforms. He utilizes brochures, signage, and digital marketing to maximize exposure and personally manages each transaction to help ensure a smooth, on-time closing.

Donovan Realty, LLC prides itself on exceptional marketing, clear communication, strong negotiating skills, up-to-the-minute market knowledge, and a keen eye for detail. Clients receive consistent updates throughout the entire transaction. Mike also maintains numerous real estate accreditation's, reflecting his commitment to continued education and professional excellence.

Donovan Realty, LLC would welcome the opportunity to be a trusted resource for all your real estate needs.

Email: Mike@Donovanrealtyllc.com

Connie Ross-Karl

Broker/Realtor

Office:
Cell: (702) 306-2643

Connie Ross-Karl is a licensed Realtor® Broker with Donovan Realty, LLC, serving buyers and sellers throughout the Grand Strand and coastal North Carolina areas. A wife, mother, and grandmother, she brings decades of experience in marketing, communications, hospitality, and real estate to her clients. She is also President of Premier Media PR and Marketing and a SilverSneakers Ambassador, promoting active and healthy lifestyles.

Connie holds the Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) designation from the National Association of Realtors and has been recognized among the top-performing 15% of Realtors nationwide. Her extensive background in marketing and public relations provides a unique advantage in promoting properties and delivering exceptional service to clients.
A long-time community leader in North Myrtle Beach, where she has lived since 2005, Connie has worked across the real estate, hospitality, and tourism industries along the Grand Strand. Prior to her career in coastal real estate, she served in executive marketing roles for major organizations including the Imperial Palace Biloxi, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and one of the largest hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, where she helped lead advertising and marketing initiatives.
Connie is also widely recognized for her leadership in pageant and media industries. She was named Honorary Senior America in 2019 and previously served as Ms. South Carolina Senior America 2007, finishing as first runner-up to Ms. Senior America at the national competition in Las Vegas. She currently serves as the South Carolina Senior America State Administrator and is a certified Miss America judge.
An accomplished media professional, Connie was the award-winning co-host of the nationally syndicated television and radio program Backstage Live, and has been honored as an Outstanding Woman in Tourism for her professional leadership and community service.
Originally from Topeka, Kansas, Connie graduated summa cum laude from Washburn University, where she served as editor of the college newspaper, class president, and yearbook queen. She completed graduate studies in journalism at the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. Today, Connie combines her extensive marketing expertise, media experience, and commitment to service to help clients successfully buy and sell real estate across the coastal Carolinas.

Email: ConnieSRoss@aol.com

John Shirk

John Shirk grew up in Columbus, Ohio during the 1970s and 1980s, where he was raised with strong values centered on hard work, honesty, and respect. His father rose through the corporate ranks to become an executive overseeing multi-million-dollar construction projects for a major corporation, while his mother successfully owned and operated a small business. From them, John learned early that integrity, dedication, and perseverance are key ingredients for success. John’s professional background includes a career in law enforcement in Ohio as well as security work for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. These positions required discipline, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to serving and protecting others.

After retiring from both careers, John transitioned into real estate, bringing with him extensive knowledge of construction and property development. He has also been licensed as a building contractor and has managed numerous large construction projects throughout Brunswick County, North Carolina.

In addition to being a Realtor, John serves as a building inspector and is a Certified Floodplain Administrator. His combined experience in construction, inspections, and real estate enables him to provide clients with valuable insights and guidance throughout the buying, selling, and property management process.

John’s diverse professional background allows him to offer clients a unique perspective and the confidence that comes from working with a knowledgeable and trusted real estate professional.