Michael John Lau Real Estate

Michael John Lau Real Estate Michael John Lau is a Markham real estate leader at eXp Realty Luxury. With 11 years’ experience and 75+ five-star reviews, he’s a 2024-25 ICON Agent.

He specializes in Markham/Unionville luxury homes, condos, downsizing, and custom builds. Transforming my initial home-buying challenges into a passion for helping others, I've excelled as a Top Producer for a decade, prioritizing client needs and desires. My expertise spans from exceptional customer service and accounting to masterful negotiations, ensuring a deeply informed and supportive journey for buyers and sellers in Toronto's complex market. With eXp Realty and the Fast Forward Movement, my team and I leverage collective wisdom and innovative approaches to not only meet but exceed your real estate aspirations. Let's make your home-buying experience as fulfilling and seamless as possible.

🍂 Planning your weekend in Markham? Don’t stay home before checking these out!Here are 3 local events happening Septembe...
09/25/2026

🍂 Planning your weekend in Markham? Don’t stay home before checking these out!

Here are 3 local events happening September 26–27:

🏛️ Doors Open Markham Sept 26 at 10 AM
Explore heritage spaces and landmarks normally closed to the public.

🏮 Mid-Autumn Night’s Dream Sept 26 at 7:30 PM
A cultural evening featuring family gathering, lanterns and mahjong culture.

🎨 Free Exhibition Guided Tours Sept 27 at 3 PM
Enjoy a free 30-minute guided tour at Varley Art Gallery.

👉 Save this post and share it with someone looking for weekend plans!

📩 Message me:
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

🏡 New to Canada? Buying a home in Markham may be more achievable than you think but your status and documentation matter...
09/24/2026

🏡 New to Canada? Buying a home in Markham may be more achievable than you think but your status and documentation matter.

One of the biggest questions newcomers ask is: “Can I get a mortgage without Canadian credit history?”

The answer can be yes.

Depending on your situation, lenders may consider:
✔️ International credit history
✔️ Rent and utility payment history
✔️ Bank references from your home country
✔️ Employment and income documentation
✔️ Traceable funds transferred from abroad

I also break down minimum down payments, foreign buyer rules, Ontario's 25% NRST, first-time buyer programs and the documents you should prepare before applying.

👉 Read the complete Markham newcomer buying guide:
https://www.callmikelau.com/blog/buying-a-home-in-markham-as-a-newcomer-credit-down-payment-and-documentation

📩 Have questions about your situation? Message me:
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

Think you need a huge income to buy in Markham? The numbers depend on the property. 👀At August 2026 prices, a household ...
09/23/2026

Think you need a huge income to buy in Markham? The numbers depend on the property. 👀

At August 2026 prices, a household with minimum down payment and no other debts would need roughly:

🏢 $152K for a condo
🏘️ $223K for a freehold townhouse
🏠 $300K for a detached home

But that's not the whole story.

A 30-year amortization may reduce the qualifying income for eligible buyers, while property taxes, condo fees, debt payments and your down payment can all change the calculation.

I broke down the actual numbers and assumptions in this guide.

👉 Read the full article:
https://www.callmikelau.com/blog/how-much-do-i-need-to-earn-to-buy-a-house-in-markham

📩 Message me:
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

🏡 MOVING TO MARKHAM? DON'T CHOOSE YOUR HOME UNTIL YOU KNOW THESE THINGS.Relocating to Markham involves more than compari...
09/22/2026

🏡 MOVING TO MARKHAM? DON'T CHOOSE YOUR HOME UNTIL YOU KNOW THESE THINGS.

Relocating to Markham involves more than comparing listing prices.

You need to understand property taxes, school boundaries, commuting options, neighbourhood differences, healthcare, driver's licence requirements and the rules that may apply if you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

A few numbers from the guide:

🔹 Markham population: 338,503
🔹 Approximately 58% are immigrants
🔹 August 2026 average condo: $638,332
🔹 August 2026 average detached: $1,611,773
🔹 Four GO stations serve Markham
🔹 No OHIP waiting period for eligible applicants
🔹 60 days to switch an out-of-province driver's licence

Plus, Markham has no municipal land transfer tax, while Ontario's Non-Resident Speculation Tax is currently 25% for applicable buyers.

The biggest lesson? Don't choose a neighbourhood based only on the listing photos or average price.

Read the complete guide to moving to Markham, including neighbourhoods, schools, transportation, property taxes and the practical checklist for newcomers.

👉 Read it here:
https://www.callmikelau.com/blog/what-do-i-need-to-know-about-moving-to-markham

📩 Moving to Markham? Message me:
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

🏡 JUST LISTED: 56 INGLEBOROUGH COURT, MARKHAMWhat does nearly 2,926 sq. ft. of living space look like for a growing fami...
09/21/2026

🏡 JUST LISTED: 56 INGLEBOROUGH COURT, MARKHAM

What does nearly 2,926 sq. ft. of living space look like for a growing family?

This 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom home in Unionville offers the space, layout and setting many Markham buyers are looking for.

✨ 4 bedrooms
✨ 4 bathrooms
✨ Approx. 2,926 sq. ft.
✨ Quiet court setting
✨ Spacious driveway + double garage
✨ Bright, comfortable living spaces

The right home isn't just about the number of bedrooms it's about having enough room for everyday life, entertaining, and the years ahead.

🔎 See the full listing and explore 56 Ingleborough Court:
www.callmikelau.com

📩 Have questions or want to arrange a private showing? Message me:
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

💰 How much money do you REALLY need to buy a home in Markham?The answer may surprise you.Using August 2026 Markham avera...
09/21/2026

💰 How much money do you REALLY need to buy a home in Markham?

The answer may surprise you.

Using August 2026 Markham average prices:

🏢 Condo apartment $638,332
➡️ Minimum down payment: $38,833

🏘️ Freehold townhouse $1,031,119
➡️ Minimum down payment: $78,112

🏡 Detached home $1,611,773
➡️ Minimum down payment: $322,355

But there’s a major threshold buyers need to understand:

🚨 The $1.5 MILLION cliff

A home priced at $1,499,999 requires approximately $125,000 down.

At $1.5 million, the minimum becomes $300,000 because mortgage insurance is no longer available and the 20% requirement applies to the entire purchase price.

That means a $1 difference in price can mean $175,000 more required upfront.

And that isn't the only cash requirement. Ontario sales tax on mortgage insurance premiums must also be paid in cash.

I broke down:

✅ Minimum down payments
✅ Mortgage insurance premiums
✅ The $1.5M threshold
✅ FHSA + RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
✅ Closing costs
✅ New-build GST considerations
✅ How much cash you actually need

👉 Read the full Markham down-payment guide:
https://www.callmikelau.com/blog/how-much-down-payment-do-i-need-in-markham

📩 Message me:
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

🍎 Your Markham weekend plans just got easier.Not sure what to do with the family this weekend? Here are 3 local events w...
09/18/2026

🍎 Your Markham weekend plans just got easier.

Not sure what to do with the family this weekend? Here are 3 local events worth checking out:

🍎 AppleFest 2026 at Markham Museum
📅 Saturday, September 19 | 10:00 AM
Fresh apple cider, cider mill demonstrations, mini golf, inflatables, lawn games, apple-themed activities and artisan vendors.

🥕 Main Street Markham Farmers’ Market
📅 Saturday, September 19 | 9:00 AM
A relaxed morning featuring local produce, baked goods, preserves and crafts.

🎨 Markham Public Library Kids’ Programs
📅 Sunday, September 20 | 2:00 PM
Free hands-on STEAM and arts activities for children at Thornhill Community Centre.

Whether you're planning a family day, looking for something local to do, or just want to explore more of Markham, save this list for the weekend.

👉 Which one would you check out first?

📩 Want to message me?
https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/ #

What if downsizing your Markham home could unlock nearly $1 million? 🏡💰The numbers are significant.In August 2026:🏠 Deta...
09/17/2026

What if downsizing your Markham home could unlock nearly $1 million? 🏡💰

The numbers are significant.

In August 2026:

🏠 Detached: $1,611,773
🏘️ Freehold townhouse: $1,031,119
🏢 Condo apartment: $638,332

Moving from the average detached home to a condo apartment creates a roughly $973,000 gross price gap.

But that isn't the amount you simply walk away with.

Selling costs, land transfer tax on your next home, moving expenses, mortgage penalties and deferred property taxes can all affect your actual proceeds.

👉 I break down what downsizing could really release and the costs people often overlook:
https://www.callmikelau.com/blog/how-much-can-i-release-by-downsizing-in-markham

📩 Want to discuss your own situation? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/

Planning to go to the Markham Fair this year? 🎡 You’ll want to know this before you go. 👀The Markham Fair returns Octobe...
09/15/2026

Planning to go to the Markham Fair this year? 🎡 You’ll want to know this before you go. 👀

The Markham Fair returns October 1–4, 2026, but there’s one ticket detail families often miss:

🎢 The $46 Ride All Day pass must be purchased in advance it isn't sold during the fair.

Gate admission is:

🎟️ Adults $25
👧 Children 12 & under $10

And admission includes the monster truck show, demolition derby, live entertainment and exhibits.

👉 I put together the full guide with prices, hours, attractions, parking/access tips and what to know before you go.

Read the Markham Fair 2026 Guide https://www.callmikelau.com/blog/when-is-the-markham-fair-2026-and-what-does-it-cost

📩 Questions about Markham? Message me: https://www.instagram.com/callmikelau/

A condo with 1,450 sq. ft. of living space? 👀Just Listed at 33 Clegg Rd, Unit 108, Markham!🏡 2 Bedrooms + Den🛁 3 Bathroo...
09/14/2026

A condo with 1,450 sq. ft. of living space? 👀

Just Listed at 33 Clegg Rd, Unit 108, Markham!

🏡 2 Bedrooms + Den
🛁 3 Bathrooms
📐 1,450 sq. ft.

For buyers looking for more room without moving into a detached home, this could be an interesting option.

👉 Want to see if this home fits what you're looking for?

📩 Message me: Instagram

Address

8763 BAYVIEW Avenue #127
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B3V1

Telephone

+14167000286

Website

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