From L-R: Front Row – David C. So, Shenlor Young So, James So, Bernadette Miu-Ha So Back Row – Stephen So, Alexander So
Message from James So of James So Realty
Serving the Greater Toronto Area since 1976
When I arrived from Hong Kong to Toronto in 1966, I believed Toronto would be a great city to plant roots with my wife Bernadette (Miu Ha). Within weeks of arriving, I started work with Ontario Hydro as an electrical engineer.
We were not well off, but within the same year, we borrowed $5,000 from a credit union which would be our downpayment for our first house. We ended up purchasing a detached house on Gough Avenue, just north of Danforth Avenue. This was the first time I bought real estate and it gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
It became clear to me that there would be significant opportunities in real estate given the influx of immigrants to Canada especially to Toronto. So in 1974, I obtained my real estate license and decided to leave Ontario Hydro. At the time, my friends and colleagues thought I was crazy to leave a secure job with steady pay and benefits. I felt it was the right decision because I had the support of my family and I could see a bright future where I could use my skills to serve my clients.
Two years from the day I became a realtor, I obtained my broker license and started James So Realty Ltd. Throughout the past 40 years, our office has seen the highs and lows of Toronto’s real estate cycles. Despite difficult times and hardships, we persevered.
I believe the keys to success are having a passion for what you do, integrity, hard work and dare I say it, a little luck. I have been selling real estate for the past 40 years because I love what I do. In training my staff and sales team, I tell them to always treat our clients the way they themselves would like to be treated.
I believe now as I did in 1966 that Toronto is a wonderful city where real estate continues to be a good investment. It warms my heart knowing that I have earned the trust of so many current and previous clients. I am delighted that my sons will build upon what I started and lead our staff for years to come.
It is a privilege to be the founder of James So Realty Ltd. and it is with great joy to reflect on the many fond memories of shaking a client’s hand, providing a gentle pat on their shoulder, complimented by words they love to hear: “Congratulations, the deal is done…”