Michael Fawaz is best known for his negotiation skills and ability to work with a variety of cultural backgrounds selling homes in Newport Coast.
Q: What makes the neighborhood unique?
A: Newport Coast is the most private and prestigious area in Orange County. It has a superb location on top of the hills, overlooking the ocean, Catalina Island, Newport Harbor, and the glow of the city lights below at night. For living, the majority of people take to the hills above not only for the great views, but for a stellar school system. Some people love Newport Coast as a second home, especially Crystal Cove, which is close to shopping, the state park, and beach.
Q: Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market at the moment?
A: At the moment it is a seller’s market due to low inventory and high demand. Right now the average price is approximately $3.5 million.
Q: How did you enter the profession?
A: I was originally an international trader, selling U.S. product overseas. In 1997 I decided to invest in real estate. While searching for a home in Newport Coast, I saw a great opportunity happening in these hills. I decided to step into the real estate business and specialize just in the Newport Coast market. It was a niche waiting to be taken. I saw the value of the properties and the exclusive lifestyle with a chance to be the only person to focus solely on Newport Coast. I’ve been in the business for 15 years and have closed over $1 billion in sales to-date.
Q: Describe your travels and its impact professionally.
A: I speak fluent English, French, and Arabic and have lived in Beirut, southern France and Dubai. Working out of Hong Kong, Russia and Europe, I interacted with all the cultures that traversed those cities. There are many customs and legalities that might not translate over into our country and I help my clients navigate the real estate rules and regulations and customs here.
Q: What is your favorite place to visit?
A: Paris and Rome. That’s why I love Newport Coast since it reminds me so much of both those beautiful cities. Paris is the city of love and lights and shopping; Rome, full of history and architecture. I lived for years in the south of France. Newport Coast has very similar geography, architecture, and shopping found in both those cities.
Q: How long have you partnered with Surterre Properties?
A: I’ve partnered with them since 2010. I personally operate a little differently because it’s just me. I’m not part of a team or group. So clients, receive an added advantage by dealing directly with me and not a junior associate or assistant. I work only with a handful of clients every year and those clients get the benefit of my experience with the Newport Coast community. I am also one of the directors for the Newport Coasts’ Master Association that handles the care of all the streets, landscaping, and community center. I am proud to call Newport Coast my home where I reside with my wife and two daughters for more than 20 years.
CONTACT INFO
Michael Fawaz
Surterre Properties
1400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949.922.7762
Michael@michaelfawaz.com
By Gina Dostler
