Agent Spotlight: K.C. Lau

It’s easy to see why K.C. Lau has been rated Top Producer by the Chicago Association of Realtors consistently since starting his career in 2004. His unwavering professionalism, attention to detail and analytical background allows him to put customer service at the forefront of his business.

When he isn’t out finding clients their dream homes, you can catch him racing sports cars or exploring new restaurants. Get to know K.C. in this week’s agent spotlight.  

How did you land in a real estate career?
My parents were heavily investing in real estate in the early 2000s and I found it to be fascinating. At the time I wasn’t happy with my first job out of college as a structural engineer. I wanted to work in a field that dealt with different people on daily basis and something that offers variety. So I jumped into real estate to see how I’d like it. Well, 14 years later, I still very much love my job!

What were you doing previous to real estate?
I was a structural engineer designing bridges. My analytical background really helps me in pricing analysis to ensure my buyers buy at the right price and my sellers offer the correct pricing considering the current market conditions.

What is your favorite part of working in real estate?
I love meeting new clients and getting to know their individual goals from the moment they contact me. Everyone is just so different as to what they’re trying to accomplish when it comes to real estate. I love the different challenges that each client presents to me and love it even more after their goals are accomplished.

What is one thing you literally could not do your job without?
My very supportive clients, friends, and family. Without their constant love and support, I would not be able to do what I love! I am very lucky to have them.

3 things you always bring with you to a showing?
My notepad & pen to take notes, my phone in case I or the other agent is running late, and my observation skills to point out any negatives of property for a buyer that they may not be obvious to them.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to a new real estate agent?
Never push or rush any client. It’s the biggest purchase or the sale of the largest investment of their lives. Some deals just take longer than others, you just need to stay honest and persistent. You would be rewarded with referrals or repeat business which goes a lot farther than just the quick deal.

If I weren’t a real estate agent, I would be…
I would be the host of either a travel show, a food show, or an automotive show. It would be even better to combine all three of those!

How do you start each day?
Rather boringly with my cup of coffee and catching up on the news.

Describe your own first home.
I bought a 2-flat that was built in the 1900s from the 2nd family who’s ever owned the house. It was in the middle of the recession in 2011 when I bought it, figured a 2-flat would help “stabilize” my income since real estate was slow. It needed a lot of work, but I gutted the 1st-floor unit and duplexed it down into the basement. It took a year for the work to be done, but I love my house now. It’s still not 100% finished, but what home really is?

What is the first big-ticket item you bought when you moved into your current home?
I had to build a garage because it only had a parking pad. I’m a car guy, so a garage is a must!

What is your favorite local restaurant? 
L’Patron! Have you had their al pastor or ribeye? It’s so good, you just want to smack somebody!

What do you love most about your neighborhood?
Bucktown is a great neighborhood in the sense that I am walking distance to so many different shops, restaurants, and nightlife. But yet, as soon you’re off the “main drags” it’s a super quiet ans safe neighborhood.

What do you read every single day?
Blogs on cars and sneakers. I had a shoe closet built in the basement when I remodeled my house!

How do you stay involved in your community? 
I recently stepped down after 6 years of being on the associate board of the largest social services non-profit organization servicing Asians, the Chinese American Service League (CASL) due to my heavy work schedule and planning my wedding. I still volunteer at CASL and attend their events as my schedule allows.

You have a full day free in your town with no obligations and cost is no object. What do you do?
I would rent an Italian sports car and spend a day out on a racetrack! Vroom vroom!

If you won the lottery which property would you buy?
A penthouse in a highrise with a large outdoor space. I would love to travel for long periods of time and not have to worry about the security or maintenance of a house.

What did you eat for breakfast today?
So after seeing myself my engagement photos, I got on this diet in preparation for my wedding. This diet prevents me from having any breakfast along with sugar and carbs. So far I’m down 15 lbs in 3 months!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
Time travel so that I can see if my parents were lying about the hardships they had when they were younger.