Michael With 25+ years in Sarasota real estate, Michael James credits his success to an honest, straightforward approach and a genuine love for helping people see what's possible. He's a specialist in lifestyle living throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties, with a special focus on downtown neighborhoods and the beach communities of Lido, Longboat, and Siesta Key.
Michael holds a Florida Broker's License and the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation — a reflection of his commitment to staying at the top of his field and continuing to learn, year after year. Over the course of his career, he's guided buyers and sellers through hundreds of closings, building one of the most successful track records in the area.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Michael moved to Toronto, Canada, at an early age and later graduated from the University of Western Ontario. He started his career in Colorado, selling computer software to Fortune 100 companies across the U.S., then changed course entirely — heading north to work as a wilderness guide on the coast of British Columbia. Looking back, that mix of experiences shaped him well for real estate, where he could put his sales instincts and leadership together. Michael moved to Sarasota in 1997 and soon built one of the top real estate careers in the area. He sees himself as a navigator for his clients — someone who guides them through the buying and selling process and often stays close long after closing day.
Beyond real estate, Michael has served on several local boards, staying active in the community he calls home.
and his wife, Laurel, are proud to have raised their blended family of three boys right here in Sarasota. When he's not working, Michael loves spending time with family, getting outdoors, traveling throughout North America, and digging through his vinyl record collection
Home Types:
House, Condo, Townhouse, Mobile Homes
Years of Experience:
28
Education:
University of Western Ontario, and Broker Associate
