Michael Koonce is a local realtor who uses his vast knowledge of the real estate market and his Southern charm to offer his clients the best service.

Originally from North Carolina, Michael traveled the globe for 15 years setting up educational exchange programs for students and professionals. Nine years ago, he came to San Diego to run several language schools. It was meaningful work that he really enjoyed, but when Koonce’s employer wanted to transfer him back East, he realized how attached he had become to San Diego, and began looking for another career that he could be passionate about and would allow him to stay in the city he had grown to love.

Real estate was the answer, and Michael dove into the industry with gusto. When he started, there were more than 20,000 people in the county with real estate licenses. In order to succeed, he knew he would have to offer better services and work harder than his peers. Koonce’s years of working independently gave him the discipline needed to succeed.

Along the way, Michael met and fell in love with Andy, who at the time lived in Pennsylvania. It didn’t take long to convince Andy to join him on the West Coast, where the weather is always nice and the people are too. They’ve been together for five years and share a home in Kensington with their two adorable children – of the furry variety.

When he’s not working, Michael volunteers with the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity as a volunteer coordinator. Recently, he’s been asked to join the Metro Area Real Estate Professionals for Young Adult Housing (MARYAH), which raises money for The Center’s Youth Housing Project.