Meet Michael
With over 20 years in luxury residential real estate, Michael Selbst brings seasoned expertise and a personal touch to Boston and the North Shore. His loyal client base—built almost entirely through referrals—speaks to the trust, care, and dedication he brings to every relationship. Known for his thoroughness, strong opinions, and meticulous attention to detail, Michael also has an extraordinary recall for the properties he’s toured, enabling him to guide clients with precision and insight. In 2024, he was Salem’s #1 agent for both sales and volume, and ranked second in Essex County for sales of homes built before 1900.
Michael pairs a deep understanding of architecture with a data-driven approach to market valuation, ensuring buyers and sellers alike are positioned for success. He embraces the latest digital marketing tools and leverages the global reach of Sotheby’s International Realty to showcase properties to the widest audience of qualified buyers. Prior to real estate, he built a career in marketing with Scudder Kemper Investments, Marsh McLennan Capital, and Bank of Boston. A passionate preservationist, he has restored four antique homes and is now working on his fifth.
A double graduate of Cornell University (B.A. in Economics, M.B.A.), Michael lives in Salem with his husband, Brad, and their dog, Payton. Deeply engaged in the community, he recently completed his third term as Board President of Hamilton Hall, leading its revitalization with expanded programming, doubled fundraising, and strengthened long-term sustainability. He also serves on the boards of the Essex Heritage Area and the House of Seven Gables. He organizes the annual 1000-person Fête en Blanc Salem, and hosts “Tipple Tuesday” a roving pop-up social held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.
