Meet my partner, Michael Barsky

“Real estate is in my blood,” says Barsky. His grandparents on both sides owned and managed rental properties and his father developed townhome and apartment communities in and around Philadelphia. He received his undergraduate degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, and has an MBA from Drexel University. Before transitioning to the sales side of real estate in the mid ‘90s, Barsky worked in architecture offices and served as project manager for several townhome and single-family home communities. The experience gave him the expertise and confidence to move into sales, which he did in 1995.

There is a lot that goes into building the custom luxury homes that Barsky now sells for Arthur Rutenberg Homes, and his clients believe wholeheartedly in his ability to make sure every aspect, from breaking ground to closing, goes smoothly. They have such confidence in Barsky because he keeps them in the loop throughout the process. He is a strong proponent of embracing new technologies, leveraging virtual reality, high definition photography, video conferencing and myriad other technologies to improve communication and the flow of information. These are tools that come in handy for all of Barsky’s clients, which by and large are custom luxury homebuyers, but also include resale clients and property investors.

Regardless of their level of investment or what kind of home his clients may be looking for, Barsky takes immense satisfaction in being a part of that person’s decision to buy a home, because he knows how ultimately important it is. He finds it continually exciting and inspiring. “My work never feels insignificant,” he says. “I know that what I do and how I help makes a difference in how my clients and their families will live.”

Married for 30 years, Barsky and his wife have three grown daughters who all excel at what they do. They are a constant source of pride. He also enjoys spending time with his Shar-Peis, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who have their own websites. He does hot yoga, bikes regularly on the Alpharetta Greenway and has become a certified drone pilot to improve and enhance his listings. He and his wife also buy and renovate underappreciated properties in Atlanta and the suburbs, and turn them into lovely affordable homes. He participates in fundraising for the Lionheart School in Alpharetta, because he and his wife, who works in education, believe in supporting and expanding educational opportunities for children with special needs. Barsky is also a long-time supporter of Habitat for Humanity.