Meet the Agent: Alex Lau, Right at Home Realty

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

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THE INSIGHTS

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in North York.

What neighbourhood do you live in now?

I now live in Toronto's Bayview Village neighbourhood.

What made you want to become a real estate agent?

I became a real estate agent to have first access to new listings and purchase my own properties.

READ: Meet the Agent: Janice Williams, Sotheby's International Realty Canada

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

Misinformation. You have many armchair real estate experts on social media making predictions and spreading misinformation when real estate is much more than a few photos, a price, and a location. Each property is unique and different and, without being there, it is impossible to make assumptions about a property to an accurate degree (let alone comparisons).

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

Be patient, I understand that this may not always be possible, especially if you need to move, but a little patience goes a long way.

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

Also to be patient! The right property will come along, but you have to see enough homes to know what you want. Don’t be afraid to see 100 homes before you buy.

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

Spend time and money on your current clients, and make sure to give back to your community.

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

Robert Kiyosaki. I read a book by him when I was young and it changed the course of my life and set me up for life.

READ: Meet the Agent: Carleigh Hofman, rennie & associates realty ltd

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

It is the most important transaction in your life, you have to take your time to find the right realtor to accompany you on this monumental journey. Take your time, interview a few and find the right fit. Horror stories often occur when individuals are not taking the time to do their due diligence. Just like any job or position, as an employer, you should be asking the right questions and making an educated decision.

Tell us about your favourite (or most memorable) sale.

I recently worked with a wonderful young couple, one is a physiotherapist and the other was an executive at a top tech firm in town. I sold their condo for more than what they expected and we went on to search for their dream home. Their budget was tight and it was not an easy task. After more than 8 months of looking and over 100+ homes viewed, we were able to find a lovely detached bungalow in the Yonge and Finch area. Given the property needed work, we gave a reasonable offer. After the inspection, we found more issues and asked for an additional concession. At first, the listing agent was upset that we were trying to renegotiate, so I had a long talk with my client and he decided he was willing to stick with the original offer as he was sympathetic toward the current owner, her love and memories within the property, and wanted to leave things off on a good note. We waived our conditions and firmed up the deal. Later on that day, I received a call from the listing agent who had spoken with the seller and it turned out that they were happy to provide the concession requested by my client. They were happy that a young couple was moving into the home and giving it the much needed love and attention that it deserved. I firmly believe that if we had chosen to be aggressive within this transaction, we would have failed, but because of my client’s compassion and understanding the entire dynamic of the transaction changed. In the end, it was a fantastic success story of how being reasonable and having humanity will get you further than being aggressive

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

Knowledgeable. Honest. Reliable.

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

Weekend hikes in surrounding forests and parks!

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.