Meet the Agent: Alex K. Liang, Engel & Völkers Vancouver

Welcome to Meet the Agent, an ongoing series profiling real estate agents from across Canada. With more than 150,000 agents, brokers, and salespeople working in 75 different boards and associations across the country, we thought it was about time they had a place to properly introduce themselves.

If you or someone you know deserves the same chance, email agents@storeys.com to apply.

THE DETAILS

THE INSIGHTS

Where did you grow up?

I’m originally from the Surrey/White Rock area.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

As of a year ago, I am back in the area I grew up in, after spending 17 years on the East Coast in NYC and then Toronto.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

I always had a passion for houses and real estate. I began my career in media and marketing. Through my own experiences buying and selling real estate, I made a transition into real estate marketing. Becoming a licensed real estate agent has been the best way for me to share my expertise with clients.

What’s the biggest challenge you see facing the market today?

I believe the biggest challenge is predicting which way the market will go in the short term, as well as financing and property affordability.

READ:Meet the Agent: Kyle Bridson, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

What’s the single best advice you have for sellers?

For sellers, it is imperative to properly position a listing on the market. How a home is marketed, priced, and experienced by buyers is what will determine the success of the sale. Market stability requires patience as the selling process has slowed since the market peak -- which is a good sign!

What’s the single best advice you have for buyers?

It is important to have patience when looking for your dream home and to be ready to move quickly once you’ve found it. I believe that it is important for buyers to go and really inspect the homes on the market and assess whether or not they want to proceed with a sale.

What’s the best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand (a bus bench ad, a solid Instagram strategy, etc.)?

The best thing a realtor can invest in for their brand depends on the area and market segment they are working in. There is no one magic answer. Identify the most efficient way to connect with your ideal clients and communicate your personal brand and who you are through those channels.

It helps to be working with a strong brand to begin with, this is why I chose to work with Engel & Völkers. Their brand aligns with my personal one and the support they provide covers so many important touchpoints in real estate marketing.

Who do you look up to in the industry and why?

I look up to many of my peers. Other advisors who have integrity, professionalism, and strive for excellence in their work.

READ: Meet the Agent: Kevin Wong, Right at Home Realty

Is there anything you wish people knew or understood about realtors that you think they’re constantly getting wrong?

That not all real estate advisors are the same. People make a lot of generalizations about realtors, but like other professions, there are different types of people in the industry.

What are the three words you hope your clients use to describe you?

Professional. Genuine. Positive.

What’s your favourite thing to do outside of selling houses?

Outside of real estate, I love to spend quality time with my family and close friends. When I have time and the inspiration to do it, I also enjoy painting and creating art.

This interview may have been edited for both length and clarity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of STOREYS.