With over 27 years (and counting) of experience in the real estate business, award-winning RE/MAX Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»realtor PREC is dedicated to making a difference.
Yu was recently awarded the 2021 RE/MAX Luminary of Distinction title, a distinguished award in which only 19 RE/MAX agents in Western Canada have been eligible to receive as of August 2021.
“This was an honour,” she says. “This is great news in my real estate career. I have two achievements I am proud of - the 2020 Community Care Award from RE/MAX’s head office in Denver, and now, the 2021 Luminary of Distinction Award.”
Yu’s team started back in 2002, with each member possessing their own expertise and skills. Yu believes collectively “they can motivate each other, using our strengths and our skills. My idea is that everyone can maximize our abilities and the resources we offer our clients.”
Staying ahead of the real estate curve during the past 2 years of the pandemic has been a challenge, and Yu is proud of her team’s ability to shift gears and uphold the exceptional reputation she holds as a cornerstone to their success. “Most of our clients are from referrals, and we build up confidence in our relationships, even from the signage in the city which lets people know what we are doing,” she says.
What trends has Team Michelle Yu seen in terms of real estate in the past few years?
Starting with 2020, the first year of the pandemic, Yu notes that “for some, it was the best year in real estate in a long time.” She continues, “it was mostly local people buying versus overseas buyers.”
The market remained strong in 2021. “The interest rate was super low, and people still had more time to stay at home working, and with their families. For renters, why not buy a condo while it’s more affordable?”
As restrictions continue to ease in 2022, it is clear that the norms in real estate have changed. For Team Michelle Yu, health and safety precautions remain in place for showings and open houses, from enhanced sanitation practices to admitting one group at the time during appointments.
Virtual showings have also become commonplace. To accommodate buyers from across North America and overseas in Hong Kong, Yu and her realtor team conducts Zoom meetings online and presents videos of the properties.
For the presale projects, interested buyers can utilize virtual reality to take a virtual walkthrough of future developments with VR headsets to get an understanding of the look and feel they would otherwise see through the physical showroom.
With a brand as high profile as Team Michelle Yu, potential clients hold them accountable to do more in the community. Says Yu, “I like to help others and give back, and I’d like for my team to do the same.” What that transpires are fundraising initiatives, including donations to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, the BC Cancer Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, VGH, Richmond Hospital, World Housing, Learning Buddies, Green Technology Education Centre, and more.”
Yu looks towards the new generation of realtors to carry on the spirit of giving back to society through their work. She supports the young realtors on her team with building their real estate careers by giving them direction, sharing best practices, and imparting on them the importance of community involvement.
As Yu says, “I am committed to passing the torch and helping the new generation of realtors succeed.”
Michelle Yu is featured in the .
