Early Ambition and Finding Her Path

Every successful career begins with a moment of clarity. For Michelle Kam, that moment came shortly after graduating with honours from York University. She knew she wanted a profession that rewarded hard work, independence, and persistence. Real estate was the perfect fit.

“I loved the idea that results depended on effort,” she says. “If you put the work in and treated people right, you could build something lasting.”

Michelle started at Re/Max, one of Canada’s most recognised brokerages, jumping straight into Toronto’s luxury home market. Working with million-dollar listings was a trial by fire. Clients had high expectations, and every showing had to be perfect. “I remember one of my first listings,” she recalls. “The client wanted every light bulb replaced before each showing. It taught me that small details separate good agents from great ones.”

Those early years sharpened her instincts and taught her the importance of precision, trust, and calm under pressure.

Spotting the Shift in the Market

By the late 2000s, Toronto’s skyline was changing fast. Condos and lofts were rising across the city, signalling a new kind of buyer—urban professionals looking for convenience and community rather than sprawling space.

Michelle recognised the shift before many others. “I started seeing more people who wanted walkability over driveways,” she says. “They wanted to live near restaurants, offices, and parks. It was clear the city’s energy was moving upward.”

Transitioning from high-end homes to urban properties, Michelle became an early expert in condos, lofts, and townhomes. Selling these spaces required a different approach. “You weren’t selling a backyard anymore—you were selling a lifestyle,” she explains. “One client told me they cared more about the building’s rooftop terrace than the size of their kitchen. That moment stuck with me. People’s priorities were evolving.”

Mastering Pre-Construction Sales

Michelle’s curiosity and commitment to learning led her into the world of pre-construction sales. Working with top developers like Concord Alex and Baker Real Estate, she helped buyers invest in homes that didn’t even exist yet.

“Pre-construction sales are about imagination,” she says. “You’re helping someone see a home years before it’s built. It’s not just a transaction—it’s a story.”

She recalls one project where a hesitant buyer couldn’t visualise the space. “I told them, ‘Every morning, this east-facing balcony will get sunlight while you’re having coffee.’ That image helped them see the value. They signed that day.”

Managing these large-scale developments also taught her patience and persistence. “You’re juggling timelines, deposits, and updates. It’s not fast money—it’s steady trust.”

Leading with Vision

After years of hands-on experience, Michelle was invited to open her own brokerage. She founded City Accord Realty Inc., where she led a growing team for over a decade. Running a brokerage meant shifting from sales to strategy.

“Leading a team changed everything,” she says. “You stop thinking about individual success and start thinking about how to help others succeed.”

Her focus was on mentorship and systems. She designed training structures that helped new agents build confidence quickly. “I once had an agent who was terrified of making phone calls,” she recalls. “We practised scripts together every day until it became second nature. Watching them close their first deal was more rewarding than any sale of my own.”

Under her guidance, City Accord built a reputation for integrity, collaboration, and consistent results.

Joining Re/Max Condos Plus

In 2016, Michelle made another big career move. After meeting Jamie Johnston, the owner of Re/Max Condos Plus, she decided to join forces with the brand once again.

“Jamie and I had a great conversation about where the market was heading,” she says. “It felt like the right time to expand my reach and focus on what I love most—serving clients and leading in a team environment.”

The timing couldn’t have been better. Toronto’s condo market was booming. Prices in the downtown core jumped nearly 25% between 2015 and 2017, creating both opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers. Michelle’s mix of experience in resale, pre-construction, and leadership positioned her perfectly to navigate the surge.

Adapting in a Changing Industry

Michelle’s story is one of constant adaptation. From luxury estates to urban condos, from running her own brokerage to rejoining a major brand, she’s always stayed ahead by staying open.

“Real estate changes fast,” she says. “You can’t get comfortable. The moment you stop learning, you start falling behind.”

Her adaptability also comes from her ability to listen—both to clients and to the market. “People tell you what they need if you pay attention,” she adds. “The trick is connecting that to what the market can offer.”

Lessons in Leadership and Longevity

When asked what she’s learned over the years, Michelle pauses before answering. “Consistency matters,” she says. “You don’t need to be flashy. You need to be reliable.”

Her advice for younger agents is simple and practical:

• Be patient. “Success doesn’t happen overnight.”
• Stay honest. “People can tell when you’re genuine.”
• Keep learning. “Markets shift, but knowledge lasts.”
• Build relationships. “Your network is your biggest asset.”
  

These lessons have shaped a career that continues to inspire others in the industry.

A Career That Reflects the City Itself

Toronto is a city built on movement, diversity, and reinvention—values that mirror Michelle’s own career. From her early days balancing luxury expectations to mastering pre-sale strategies and leading teams, she’s shown what it takes to thrive in a market that never stands still.

“I’ve seen Toronto grow up,” she says. “And in a way, my career grew up with it.”

That growth mindset, combined with her hands-on approach, has made Michelle Kam a respected voice in Canadian real estate—a leader who continues to bring insight, focus, and vision to one of the most dynamic markets in the world.