About Michael

Michael Orbino is the Co-Founder and Managing Broker for Team Foster Compass Builder + Developer Services in Downtown Bellevue. Michael brings nearly 25 years of real estate sales, marketing, and consulting experience to every client relationship.

 

He holds numerous designations, including Council of Residential Specialists, Accredited Buyers Representative, and Graduate REALTOR® Institute. He was recognized as the “Agent of the Year” by Seattle King County REALTORS®, which is the highest honor they can bestow on only one of over 6,000 members.

 

Real estate specialization areas include land development, pro-forma analysis, marketing plans, and sales team training. Client profiles include builders, developers, and investors as well as individuals and families at every economic level seeking holistic representation and assistance for long-term or complex real estate needs.

 

Industry leadership includes serving as the 2024 President of Seattle King County REALTORS®, a Director and Chair of Professional Standards Forum at the National Association of REALTORS®, and Federal Political Coordinator for the 1st district of Washington. Previous leadership roles include Party IC Chairman for Washington, Seattle King County REALTORS®, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, Chairman of Washington REALTORS® Condominium Working Group, and Young Professionals Network Founding Chairman. 

 

Michael currently also serves as the Research Committee Chair at the University of Washington Runstad Center for Real Estate Advisory Board and recently graduated from the Urban Land Institute’s prestigious Center for Leadership. He is also a prior board member of the ULI Young Leaders’ Group. Civic leadership includes serving on the City of Bellevue’s Affordable Housing Technical Advisory Group and King County’s Land Conservation Advisory Group.

 

Michael’s academic background includes studying law, politics, and economics at the University of Washington’s School of Social Sciences. He has written extensively on the role that real estate plays in shaping communities, school systems, and life outcomes. He is also a graduate of the Executive Development Program at UW’s Foster School of Business, focusing on organizational management, competitive strategy, and corporate leadership.

 

Michael is most passionate about community and philanthropic involvement. He currently serves as Vice-Chair of the YMCA of Greater Seattle and recently stepped down as the Board Chair for Teach for America Washington. Previously, he served as a long-time board member for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition. Individually, he has worked to inspire and encourage young men who may be experiencing temporary challenges through his mentor role in the Bellevue School District’s VIBES program and has also taught financial literacy through Junior Achievement at all age levels in multiple school districts.

 

Michael’s proudest role is maintaining the rank of Sergeant after serving 6 years in the United States Army Reserve with one year of active duty mobilization to support Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. His mission in the Finance Corps was to maintain soldier readiness for overseas wartime deployments. The respect and awe for individuals who give up everything on a moment’s notice to serve our country and the humbling responsibility to make sure they don’t have to worry about their family’s finances while in harm’s way is something that will stay with Michael forever. He was awarded multiple decorations and citations during his years of service, including expert shooter, and was an Honor Graduate of his Advanced Individual Training class.

 

On a personal level, Michael enjoys spending his free time with family and friends. Hobbies include skiing, boating, reading, traveling, and intense conversations. Memorable trips include India, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Amsterdam, French Polynesia, and Nicaragua, with hopes to visit Asia or Africa soon.