Michael Shapiro

Michael Shapiro specializes in helping clients buy and sell modern and mid-century modern homes in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Since 2009, Michael has sold more than $160 million in modern real estate, including several properties facing the wrecking ball that he helped save and redevelop. Michael’s website, Modern Capital (moderncapitaldc.com), has been recognized the Washington Post, Bethesda Magazine, DC Magazine, Washingtonian and other publications as the go-to source mid-century modern real estate the D.C. area.

A former journalist and top-level strategic communications professional, Michael brings a personal passion for mid-century modern design and architecture and markets his listings directly to buyers seeking modern and contemporary homes by noted modernists  such as Charles M. Goodman, Thomas Wright, Chloethiel Woodard Smith, Harold Esten and Keys, Lethbridge and Condon, among others. He started blogging 17 years ago about the area’s modern real estate when he and his family were looking for their own mid-century home and he could not find a resource to help their search.

Michael is a proud supporter of Docomomo-US, the D.C. Preservation League, the National Building Museum, and the biennial Hollin Hills and Garden Tour. He is a founding and current board member of Docomomo’s DC chapter, which is dedicated to increasing public awareness, appreciation and protection of modern architecture, landscapes, neighborhoods and sites in Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas in Maryland and Virginia.

A native New Yorker, Michael has lived in Northern Virginia and now resides in Bethesda, Md., with his wife, Elissa, a fellow Compass agent, daughter, son and Italian greyhound, Illy.

“If not for your creative, outside the box thinking on the offer, this would never have happened!!! Seriously, great work. Your deep experience, network and ability to see the business/investment side is a huge asset for your clients.”

-Anne and Adam, buyers and sellers

"When it came to selling my mother’s mid-century , we did not know what to do or how to price it.  Michael was knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and responsive.  He made a difficult process so much easier.  If you are buying or selling a mid-century modern in the DC area, he is your man. I recommend him enthusiastically."

-Debra, seller

“We’ve long been fans of Mike’s blog on mid-century homes, and no other agent can match his deep experience and appreciation for these homes. When Mike our mid-century gem, his research into its architectural history and his tailored strategy undoubtedly went a long way to a quick at full price.”