Communities
The barrier island, club by club
Barrier island communities, from John's Island to Central Beach, each with a guide and live inventory.
All communitiesBarrier island communities, from John's Island to Central Beach, each with a guide and live inventory.
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Fifteen years on the barrier island and the county's top-ranked agent in 2026. A former pro golfer, he splits the year between Vero Beach and Nantucket.
Full bioMichael Merrill is a Vero Beach luxury real estate specialist with more than two decades of experience living in Florida and deep expertise in the Vero Beach and John's Island residential markets. Known for his knowledge of luxury homes, waterfront properties and private club communities, Michael advises buyers and sellers throughout Vero Beach, John's Island and the surrounding barrier island.
He has particular expertise with buyers relocating or purchasing second homes from the major feeder markets: New York City, the Northeast, California, Miami, Palm Beach and South Florida. For sellers, he pairs local market knowledge with an understanding of how to position Vero Beach luxury properties for buyers both within Florida and nationally.
Before real estate, Michael was a professional golfer, an experience that strengthened his connection to Florida and its golf-centered communities. He has lived in the state for more than twenty years and on the barrier island since 2011, and splits the year between Vero Beach and Nantucket.
Read Michael's full profile
Born and raised in Vero Beach. A former trader, Drew brings a financial read on the market and a builder's eye for construction to both sides of a transaction.
Full bioBorn and raised in Vero Beach, Drew Bottalico combines local roots with sharp financial expertise to deliver results for buyers and sellers alike. A seasoned trader turned real estate professional, Drew brings a deep understanding of market dynamics, construction insight, and an unwavering commitment to client success.
Part of John's Island since 2004 and now a full-time resident after a thirty-year career leading medtech companies. Family ties from Rumson to Rhode Island.
Full bioPeter Murphy recently relocated full time to Vero Beach from Philadelphia, though his roots in John's Island run far deeper. The son of John's Island members Rita Murphy and the late Dr. Bernie Murphy, Peter has been part of the community since 2004. He grew up in Rumson, New Jersey, and shares family relationships and connections with many who also call Vero Beach and John's Island home. Having attended boarding school and college in the Northeast, with siblings now in Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, his ties stretch across the Northeast corridor and well beyond.
He joins Michael's growing team after a thirty-year executive career in healthcare, leading innovative medtech companies and working to improve patients' lives. That career was built on loyal relationships and earned trust: data-driven insight, deep marketplace knowledge, and transparency with every team and customer he served. He brings the same client-centered approach to Vero Beach real estate.
Fifteen-plus years guiding Vero Beach and John's Island transactions from contract to closing, with a deep network of attorneys, appraisers and service providers.
Full bioSusan Decker has been a committed real estate professional for more than fifteen years, guiding numerous buyers and sellers through the luxury markets of Vero Beach and John's Island. With in-depth expertise in all facets of real estate transactions, she supports her clients at every stage of the process. As a longtime local resident, Susan brings valuable insight into the area's most sought-after neighborhoods and attractions. Her well-established network of attorneys, appraisers and service providers further enhances the experience for both buyers and sellers.
The Exclusive Group was formed in late 2023 by Nick Malinosky, Gary Pohrer and Devin Kay, three of Florida's most productive agents, and closed more than $1 billion in its first year. It now spans nine agents from Miami and Palm Beach to Jupiter, with Michael extending the team north through Vero Beach. RealTrends Verified ranked it the #1 medium team in Florida and in the country by volume in both 2024 and 2025. For a client in Vero Beach, that means a local specialist backed by a network that is already talking to the buyers moving up the coast.
The Exclusive Group
Vero Beach's top-ranked agent, a John's Island specialist, and a partner in The Exclusive Group at Douglas Elliman, the #1 team in Florida.
Michael Merrill is a Vero Beach luxury real estate specialist with more than two decades of experience living in Florida and deep expertise in the Vero Beach and John's Island residential markets. Known for his knowledge of luxury homes, waterfront properties and private club communities, Michael advises buyers and sellers throughout Vero Beach, John's Island and the surrounding barrier island.
For more than a decade, Michael has worked closely with families and individuals seeking homes in some of Vero Beach's most desirable communities. His understanding of the local market extends beyond individual properties to the lifestyle, neighborhoods, clubs and nuances that distinguish one part of Vero Beach from another. Whether representing a longtime local homeowner, a second-home buyer or a family relocating to Florida, Michael provides the market intelligence and hands-on guidance necessary to make informed real estate decisions.
Michael has also developed particular expertise working with buyers relocating or purchasing second homes in Vero Beach from major feeder markets including New York City, the Northeast, California, Miami, Palm Beach and South Florida. He understands that purchasing a home in Vero Beach often involves more than a real estate transaction. Buyers may be comparing Florida communities, evaluating private club memberships, considering tax and lifestyle advantages, or determining whether Vero Beach is the right fit for their family.
His approach is highly personalized and education-driven. Michael believes the strongest real estate decisions are made when clients understand the market, available inventory, property values and negotiating environment. He guides clients through every stage of the buying and selling process, providing straightforward advice grounded in years of experience and firsthand knowledge of the Vero Beach market.
For sellers, Michael combines local market expertise with an understanding of how to position Vero Beach luxury properties for buyers both within Florida and nationally. His familiarity with the markets feeding buyers into Vero Beach allows him to think beyond the immediate local audience and identify opportunities to reach prospective purchasers from New York, California, the Northeast and South Florida.
Before building his career in luxury real estate, Michael was a professional golfer, an experience that ultimately strengthened his connection to Florida and its golf-centered communities. Having lived in the state for more than 20 years, he offers clients an authentic perspective on the lifestyle that continues to attract buyers to Florida's Treasure Coast.
Today, Michael specializes in luxury real estate in Vero Beach and John's Island, representing buyers and sellers across primary residences, second homes, waterfront estates, golf community properties and luxury homes throughout the area. His combination of local knowledge, national perspective and highly attentive client service has made him a trusted resource for those looking to buy, sell or relocate to Vero Beach, Florida.
My wife and I have bought and sold twelve homes in several states. Michael is the best agent we have ever worked with.
Working with Michael Merrill has been exceptional. Both selling and buying properties in John's Island. True concierge service from listing to close. Knows the market exceptionally well. Delivers quarterly research reports that provide valuable insights into the market trends. You can't go wrong with Michael and his team.
Michael and his team made the real estate search and transaction process seamless when we joined Johns Island. What truly sets him apart is his ongoing support, even years later, helping us integrate into the Vero Beach community.
As a first-time homebuyer relocating to Florida, I wasn't quite sure what to expect, especially when it came to the Vero Beach market. But from the moment I connected with Michael and Drew, I knew I was in good hands. They made what could have been a stressful experience feel smooth, exciting, and completely stress-free.
Michael spent time getting to know us and to understand what we were looking for. Consummate professional who made the entire process incredibly smooth.
Michael Merrill is as professional as you will find as not only a realtor but he is an even better person who works 24/7 for you!
