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Michelle Kam is a distinguished real estate broker renowned for her expertise and success in the Toronto real estate market. A York University honors graduate, Michelle’s career took a significant leap when she joined Re/Max, focusing on high-end, million-dollar properties. Her passion for the urban landscape led her to specialize in condos, lofts, and townhomes, working with notable firms like Concord Alex and Baker Real Estate. This specialization allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the pre-sale market, further enhancing her industry prowess.

With over a decade of experience, Michelle’s journey is marked by ambition and dedication. Her ability to amass a large, loyal client base led her to establish her brokerage, City Accord Realty Inc. Under her leadership, her team of agents, brokers, and administrators earned the recognition of the #1 Sales Team for several downtown developers over many years, a testament to their commitment and excellence.

In June 2016, Michelle partnered with Jamie Johnston, Owner of Re/Max Condos Plus, rejoining the Re/Max brand and marking a significant milestone in her career. Her business acumen, combined with a genuine passion for real estate, has positioned her as a leader in her field. Michelle’s approach to real estate is characterized by integrity, persistent follow-up, and a keen focus on niche markets, ensuring tailored solutions for her clients.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Michelle prioritizes balance, starting her days with gym sessions to fuel productivity. She embraces technology, notably chat GPT, for innovative marketing strategies, and prefers data-driven insights for precise market analysis. Her career journey and personal ethos offer invaluable insights into achieving long-term success in the competitive world of real estate.

Q&A with Michelle Kam: Insights from a Leading Toronto Real Estate Broker

Can you tell us about your background and what drew you to real estate?

Michelle Kam: I graduated with honors from York University and was immediately captivated by the real estate landscape, particularly the urban market focusing on condos, lofts, and townhomes. Working with top names like Concord Alex and Baker Real Estate in high-end properties, I discovered my niche in high-volume sales.

What led you to establish your brokerage, City Accord Realty Inc.?

Michelle Kam: After building a substantial client base, I felt ready to take the next step. Obtaining my Brokerage License was a natural progression. I formed a dedicated team of agents, brokers, and administrators. Our collective effort and steadfast practices have been recognized repeatedly, earning us the title of #1 Sales Team for numerous downtown developers.

How has rejoining the Re/Max brand influenced your career?

Michelle Kam: Rejoining Re/Max, particularly under Jamie Johnston’s leadership at Re/Max Condos Plus, was a remarkable milestone. It symbolized growth and a new chapter in my career, allowing me to leverage a broader network and resources.

What is a typical day like for you, and how do you stay productive?

Michelle Kam: My day starts early with a gym session, which I believe fuels my productivity. I spend the early hours attending to client appointments, followed by contract and listing preparations. Keeping a visual list of responsibilities helps me stay organized and focused.

How do you approach bringing ideas to life in your business?

Michelle Kam: Ideas are a collaborative effort. My team and I brainstorm and then develop a comprehensive action plan. It’s a process of collective creativity and strategic planning.

With the evolution of technology, how do you incorporate advancements like chat GPT in your work?

Michelle Kam: Technology, particularly advancements like chat GPT, has transformed our approach, especially in marketing. We’ve integrated chat GPT for creating property information and marketing content, enhancing our efficiency and reach.

What advice would you offer your younger self starting in real estate?

Michelle Kam: I’d tell myself to focus on the bigger picture and not sweat the small stuff. Emphasizing customer service is crucial. Remember, everything falls into place over time.

Your view on the ‘right time’ to buy property is quite interesting. Could you elaborate on that?

Michelle Kam: The real estate market is dynamic, and so are personal financial situations. I believe there’s no universally ‘right’ time to buy property. Each individual has their own best timing, aligned with their personal goals and circumstances.

What’s one key strategy for business growth or career advancement?

Michelle Kam: Transparency and honesty in managing responsibilities are vital. Always clarify doubts with clients instead of giving half-baked answers. Additionally, consistent follow-up and integrity have been crucial in my career growth.

Can you share a personal challenge you faced in your career and how you overcame it?

Michelle Kam: A significant learning curve was understanding the importance of meticulously reviewing paperwork. Whether it’s my work or that of my team, double-checking everything is crucial to avoid costly errors.

Finally, what’s a personal habit that contributes to your success?

Michelle Kam: Purposeful persistence in follow-ups is key. Whether it’s with clients or in managing my team, staying consistent and proactive has been instrumental in building my career and City Accord Realty’s success.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Growth and Team Collaboration: Michelle’s journey from an enthusiastic York University graduate to a successful real estate broker underscores the importance of identifying one’s niche and harnessing team collaboration. Her move to establish City Accord Realty Inc. demonstrates her strategic growth mindset, leveraging her substantial client base and forming a robust team of professionals. This collaborative environment and collective effort are pivotal in earning her team the recognition as #1 Sales Team for many downtown developers.
• Adaptation and Embracing Change: Michelle’s career is marked by her ability to adapt to changes and embrace new opportunities. Her decision to rejoin Re/Max under Jamie Johnston’s leadership signifies her openness to new challenges and the ability to capitalize on the opportunities that come with joining a larger network. This aspect of her career highlights the importance of being flexible and responsive to the evolving landscape in one’s field.
• Integrating Technology and Personal Discipline: Michelle emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies like chat GPT in enhancing business efficiency, particularly in marketing and client communication. This integration indicates the significance of staying abreast of technological advancements in today’s business operations. Additionally, her personal habits like starting the day with a gym session, maintaining a visual list of responsibilities, and purposeful persistence in follow-ups illustrate the crucial role of personal discipline and organizational skills in achieving professional success.