Business Details
50 Years
experience
Premier Real Estate Services in Newport Beach, CA
Since 1976, First Team Real Estate has established itself as a national leader in real estate brokerage, driven by a commitment to innovation and client-centric service. Founded in Southern California, we have expanded to 53+ office locations across four states, operating as the largest privately held real estate company in the region. Our team-driven model empowers over 2,200 agents through personalized coaching, cutting-edge technology, and a culture of collaboration. As a founding member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, we connect clients with premium properties globally while maintaining a focus on local expertise. Our proprietary marketing strategies and exclusive partnerships with luxury networks ensure maximum exposure for every listing.With a legacy of excellence spanning nearly five decades, we prioritize integrity, transparency, and long-term relationships in every transaction. Our agents are supported by comprehensive career development programs, enabling them to build sustainable businesses that exceed client expectations. Recognized as #1 in market share for closed transactions in California, we combine agility as an independent brokerage with the resources needed to outperform industry competitors. From first-time homebuyers to high-net-worth individuals, our tailored services address diverse real estate needs with professionalism and expertise.
Services
Property Management
Mortgage Services
Title & Escrow
Home Warranties
Relocation Services
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 2,200+ expert agents and 53+ office locations across multiple states.
- Our team-driven approach ensures personalized client service and successful transactions.
- Backed by 50+ years of experience and independent ownership for agile decision-making.
- Exclusive access to global luxury networks for high-end property marketing.
- Comprehensive agent training and career development programs for superior service.
What people say
Extensive market reach
Knowledgeable professionals
Team-driven success
Local expertise available
Comprehensive services offered
Services
Property Management
Our property management services provide comprehensive oversight for residential and commercial properties. Clients benefit from experienced professionals handling tenant relations, maintenance coordination, rent collection, and financial reporting. With local market expertise and a network of trusted vendors, we ensure properties maintain their value while minimizing owner stress. This service caters to investors, homeowners, and businesses seeking reliable asset management solutions.
Mortgage Services
We offer integrated mortgage solutions through partnered lenders, specializing in competitive rate mortgages for home buyers. Our professionals guide clients through loan pre-approvals, refinancing options, and closing processes with personalized financial assessments. This service supports both first-time buyers and seasoned investors across conventional, FHA, and luxury market segments, ensuring seamless financing experiences.
Title & Escrow
Our title and escrow services ensure secure property transactions with thorough title searches, insurance, and neutral third-party fund handling. Clients receive expert guidance through settlement processes, document preparation, and compliance verification. This service protects all parties involved in real estate transfers across residential and commercial sectors, minimizing risk throughout the closing timeline.
Home Warranties
We provide home warranty programs covering essential systems and appliances against unexpected breakdowns. This service offers financial protection for plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC units, and major appliances through trusted providers. Ideal for homeowners seeking peace of mind and cost predictability, these plans help maintain property value while reducing maintenance stress.
Relocation Services
Our relocation services support individuals and families transitioning to new locations with personalized housing market guidance. Professionals assist with property searches, neighborhood insights, and community resources tailored to specific needs. This service addresses both inbound and outbound relocations, ensuring smooth transitions for corporate transfers, retirees, and lifestyle-driven moves across our operating regions.
People
Cameron Merage
Founder/Chairman of the Board
Cameron Merage founded First Team Real Estate in 1976 and has served as Chairman of the Board, guiding its growth into a national brokerage with over 50 office locations.
Michele Harrington
Chief Executive Officer
Michele Harrington leads First Team Real Estate as CEO, driving strategic growth initiatives and advancing technology solutions to enhance agent productivity and client experiences across the Western United States.
Anna Bennett
VP of Business Development
Anna Bennett oversees business development, focusing on expanding First Team Real Estate's market presence through strategic partnerships, agent recruitment, and innovative service offerings in key growth areas.
Leah Hall
Broker of Record
Leah Hall serves as Broker of Record, ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining professional standards across all First Team Real Estate operations while supporting agent education and ethical business practices.
Lynn Tacinelli-Zeichik
Director of Education
Lynn Tacinelli-Zeichik directs educational programs that develop agent skills through certification courses, market trend analysis, and emerging technology training to maintain FirstTeam's competitive edge in real estate services.
Questions
What areas does FirstTeam Real Estate serve?
We operate across Southern California, Idaho, Washington, and Arizona with 53+ office locations and 2,200+ agents providing local market expertise regionally.
How does FirstTeam support its agents?
We provide personalized coaching, career development programs, proprietary technology tools, and a collaborative team model to help agents build sustainable businesses.
What luxury real estate services do you offer?
Through exclusive partnerships, we market high-end properties globally via Luxury Portfolio International and Who's Who in Luxury Real Estate networks to connect with affluent buyers.
Can I work with FirstTeam outside California?
Yes, we have a growing presence in Idaho, Washington, and Arizona with local professionals handling transactions across these states.
What makes FirstTeam different from franchises?
As an independent brokerage, we make agent-focused decisions without franchise constraints, offering greater flexibility and tailored support services to clients.
How do I access FirstTeam's services?
Contact our Newport Beach corporate office at (949) 988-3000 or visit our website to connect with a local agent matching your real estate needs.
Reviews (6)
Joey R.
Oct 06, 2020
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Gregg Colson of First Team Real Estate can NOT be trusted. He hired us to do work and then refused to pay his bill of $285. We bent over backwards and rushed to accommodate his urgent needs. We did HOURS of research behind the scenes and never charged him for the. The fact that he ripped us off is bad enough, but the fact we went above and beyond is beyond shaddy. For 60 days we sent him emails, phone calls, text messages, etc and he never responded. What kind of real estate agent does that? I called his office and his manger Rob (or maybe) said it was very UNPROFESSIONAL of Gregg to behave like
Jlee H.
Sep 27, 2020
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Let me begin by saying I am a 67-year-old widow who has purchased property through Gary Hansen. I have a perfect credit score and enough money to pay cash for the house. On Friday, $685,000 was deposited into the escrow company that Gary chose. The escrow on my home closed on Friday and I needed to move. I begged Gary two allow me to rent a space in the garage until my escrow closes on Monday. He refused, I have no idea whether it is him or his sellers Because I can't move into my new house I am forced to rent a U-Haul truck and itinerant workers to help me pack since no moving company will
Martin A.
Mar 04, 2020
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We have used Liz Oliverio and Anna Martinez on 2 transactions and were absolutely thrilled with the outcome. They were very responsive to our needs, made every step of the way as easy as possible, very professional in the way they presented themselves, they got us the price we needed, and would absolutely use them again. In my mind, there is no one else to use in the Yorba Linda area.
Loretta W.
Dec 13, 2017
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Liz Oliverio gave us such incredible service when buying our first home. Their were quite a few hiccups and bumps in the road during this process, and never once did i lose faith that she wasn't doing her very best to make everything possible. Everything worked out for us in the end, and i can truly say, if it was not for Liz, i don't think the outcome would have been the same.
Victor C.
Jun 16, 2017
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Karla Anderson of First Team Yorba Linda. what a professional. from first meet with this agent i knew there was fire in here belly. for my condo in Placentia, she set up an open day weekend. profesional to the T and left no stone unturned. condo advertised and presented with excellence.
instructed me to pack & ready to move once condo out of escrow. unbelievable timing and all signed sealed and delivered as per instruction & on time too.
now she too took me under her wing and walked me through a purchas in seal beach. she was relentless, so determied to see it through. she worked with cardinal
instructed me to pack & ready to move once condo out of escrow. unbelievable timing and all signed sealed and delivered as per instruction & on time too.
now she too took me under her wing and walked me through a purchas in seal beach. she was relentless, so determied to see it through. she worked with cardinal
Kendra N.
Dec 31, 2016
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MaryAnn Lawson and Mike Upham are incredible! They helped me sell my house and get into our new one literally in record time. My house sold the first weekend thanks to all the staging and right pricing guidance. It also closed in 30 days basically. Then I found my new place and a miracle happened.. We closed less than a month. That was also thanks to great work by Maridee Bryant at Wells Fargo!! Thanks you all for taking great care of me!
