Business Details
50 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Real Estate Solutions in Newport Beach
First Team Real Estate has established itself as a premier real estate brokerage with a legacy of excellence spanning nearly five decades. Founded in 1976, we have grown to become the largest privately held real estate company in Southern California, with over 53 office locations and 2,200 sales associates. Our team-driven model fosters collaboration, enabling agents to achieve greater success while delivering exceptional client results. We prioritize innovation through our in-house marketing agency, cutting-edge technology, and personalized coaching programs. As an independent brokerage, we maintain agility to make agent-first decisions that franchise models cannot match.Our commitment to transforming real estate careers into lasting assets is reflected in our Behind the Agent philosophy, which emphasizes professional growth and financial freedom. With global affiliations like Luxury Portfolio International and LeadingRE, we connect clients to premium properties worldwide. Our dedication to quality is evidenced by our consistent #1 market share for closed transactions in California and national recognition as a top brokerage.
Services
Property Management
Mortgage Services
Relocation Assistance
Home Staging
Luxury Real Estate Sales
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We build agents' careers through personalized coaching and strategic business development
- Our team-driven model enables agents to achieve greater success collectively
- Independently owned with no franchise restrictions for innovative solutions
- Global network connects clients to luxury properties in 70+ countries
- Proven market leadership with #1 market share for closed transactions in California
Associations and certifications
- Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LeadingRE)
- Luxury Portfolio International
Services
Property Management
Our property management services maximize investment potential through professional oversight and tenant management. We reduce turnover while increasing ROI by handling maintenance, tenant screening, and financial reporting. Our 24/7 repair service and detailed inspections ensure property preservation and owner satisfaction.
Luxury Real Estate Sales
Specializing in luxury property transactions, we leverage global marketing networks and exclusive affiliations to connect premium listings with affluent buyers. Our agents receive advanced training in high-value negotiations and market positioning to achieve optimal results for discerning clients.
Relocation Services
We facilitate seamless relocations through our RELO Direct division, offering area counseling and connections to vetted agents worldwide. Our services include home valuation, market analysis, and coordination with our international network to ensure smooth transitions for corporate and individual relocations.
Home Staging Concierge
Our concierge staging service increases home value through strategic upgrades with no upfront costs. We coordinate renovations, decluttering, and cosmetic improvements that maximize ROI, deferring payment until after property sale to ensure seller convenience.
Mortgage Services
We partner with premier lenders to provide comprehensive mortgage solutions for buyers. Our pre-qualification process strengthens purchasing power while our network ensures competitive rates and personalized service throughout the financing journey.
People
Cameron Merage
Founder/Chairman of the Board
Cameron Merage established First Team Real Estate in 1976, building it into Southern California's leading independent brokerage through strategic vision and agent-focused innovation.
Michele Harrington
Chief Executive Officer
Michele Harrington leads FirstTeam's billion-dollar growth strategy, expanding market share while maintaining the company's agent-centric philosophy and independent structure.
Anna Bennett
VP of Business Development
Anna Bennett drives strategic expansion initiatives, leveraging 20+ years of real estate experience to enhance FirstTeam's market presence and service offerings.
Hila Pooli
General Counsel
Hila Pooli provides legal leadership, ensuring compliance and risk protection while supporting FirstTeam's innovative business practices and agent-focused policies.
Leah Hall
Broker of Record
Leah Hall oversees brokerage operations, maintaining regulatory compliance while supporting FirstTeam's growth through strategic market expansion and agent development programs.
Questions
What areas does FirstTeam Real Estate serve?
We operate across California with offices in Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County, plus Arizona, Idaho, and Washington.
What property types do you handle?
We specialize in residential sales, luxury properties, investment properties, and commercial real estate through our network.
Do you offer property management services?
Yes, our property management division provides full-service oversight including maintenance, tenant management, and financial reporting.
How does your concierge staging service work?
We coordinate home improvements with no upfront costs, deferring payment until after your property sells to maximize ROI.
Are you part of a national real estate network?
We're a founding member of LeadingRE and affiliated with Luxury Portfolio International, connecting clients to global markets.
What support do you offer real estate agents?
We provide marketing resources, technology tools, legal protection, and business coaching through our Behind the Agent philosophy.
