Michel Faris

Michel joined the Akers Ellis Real Estate team in 2025, bringing with him more than two decades of global experience in real estate, property management, and land development.

Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, Michel completed his military service, traveled extensively around the world, and earned his MBA before emigrating to California in 2000. In 2003, he opened a regional office for a home improvement company, managing a team of 12 salespeople. Two years later, he joined the California division of Land Advisors Organization, one of the nation’s largest residential land brokerage firms. As a licensed broker with a Certificate in Light Construction and Development from UC Irvine, Michel quickly became a top producer, playing a key role in the sale of more than 5,000 residential lots with a total value exceeding $160 million.

In 2019, Michel pursued a new opportunity abroad, purchasing and operating a property management and vacation rental company in southern Switzerland. As owner and CEO, he and his team successfully managed over 50 vacation homes and villas. In 2024, Michel and his family returned to the United States, drawn to the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and open spaces, which reminded him of his childhood safaris in South Africa.

Today, Michel, his wife Jo, their daughter Isabella, and their dog Bandit make their home on Seabrook Island. Isabella attends the University of California at Santa Barbara.

Fluent in English, Italian, and Afrikaans, with a working knowledge of German and Spanish, Michel brings a truly international perspective to his work. His professional expertise spans home improvement, residential land sales, property management, and real estate sales, and he holds an active South Carolina real estate license while maintaining his California Broker’s license.

Beyond real estate, Michel has a passion for endurance sports and has completed more than 100 running, cycling, surf ski, and triathlon events, including an Ironman and the Kona Hawaii Marathon. He has twice completed the Berg River Marathon, one of the most challenging river canoe races in the world. These pursuits reflect his discipline, consistency, and resilience—qualities he carries into his professional life.

Michel enjoys home improvement and gardening, health and fitness, travel, golf, and surfski racing. He also loves relaxing with a good science fiction movie, hopes to return to being a 10-handicap golfer, and plans to pick up the guitar again soon. His approach to both life and business is rooted in humility, attention to detail, respect, and genuine care for those he serves.