Mike Lao admits with a laugh that he “wasn’t a very good engineer.” He studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at university, but distractions stretched his four-year degree into seven.
It didn’t feel like the right fit, and the spark just wasn’t there. After dabbling in investment properties, he realised that helping people buy and sell homes was far more rewarding—and it turned out he was really good at it.
“When I studied engineering, it was just something I kind of fell into,” Mike recalls. “A lot of my friends did it, so I thought, ‘Oh yeah. I’ll give it a go,’ but I had a lot of distractions at uni.”
That change of direction led him to real estate in 2008. Within a year, Mike snagged the Best Career Start award, and from there, his career took off.
Now, he’s just been named Soho’s Top Dealmaker for 2024—a recognition that adds to his growing list of awards and cements his place among Northern Adelaide’s leading agents.
Early Wins and Continuous Learning
For Mike, an open mind and a hunger for self-improvement were everything. He poured time and money into seminars, DVDs, and anything that could teach him how to engage clients more effectively.
“I was definitely open to learning anything,” he says. “I’d have DVDs running in my car in between appointments, just listening to other real estate people who had achieved success.”
Why Edge Realty?
Mike became an owner of Ray White Elizabeth in 2009 and later rebranded to Edge Realty in 2018. He noticed the market shifting, with more technology, massive data sets, and sky-high customer expectations.
To stay ahead, he wanted a brand that was uniquely his—something that wouldn’t confuse clients or limit innovation.
“Real estate used to be a cottage industry,” Mike explains. “But with today’s fast pace, we have to adapt constantly to meet people’s property goals.”
By operating under his own brand, Mike can pivot quickly. Whether it’s 3D tours or keeping clients in the loop with an online portal, Mike has always jumped at new ways to keep buyers and sellers happy.
Client Focus—and Midnight Signatures
One of Mike’s strongest motivators is making sure every client, no matter their budget, gets genuine support. He’s even driven out late at night to finalise paperwork so a buyer could secure government grants before a deadline.
“Pre-electronic signing, we did a lot of paperwork in person. I still remember coming out to clients’ homes at 11:59 p.m. so they could qualify for grants that were about to expire.”
It’s these moments—witnessing people’s relief when they can finally afford their first home—that keep him passionate about the job.
Adapting to Market Shifts
The market in Northern Adelaide is changing fast, especially with a rental crunch. First-home buyers are trying to escape the rent cycle, while out-of-state investors see potential in the area.
About 6-12 months ago, properties can attract dozens of offers in a matter of days. Now, the desperation has cooled slightly. But that might not be for long.
“You can do an open and see 20 or 50 people rock up and get 10 offers, or you can do five opens in a row and no one comes. We always need to adapt to make sure we can keep up with the vendor and purchaser’s expectations.”
Teamwork and a Personal Touch
Behind Mike’s success is a solid group of agents and staff at Edge Realty—plus a key partner: his wife. A former pharmacist, she stepped away from that field to work alongside him in real estate, offering strategic input and support.
“She’s been along on the journey with me. I run everything by her, so she’s definitely been a great companion and mentor as well. ”
Now, he’s paying it forward by mentoring younger agents, many of whom have become homeowners or investors themselves.
Looking Ahead
Over the next few years, Mike wants to see Edge Realty continue to grow while he continues to refine his work-life balance. Helping his staff reach their own goals—like saving for their first homes—remains a priority.
“Real estate can be a roller coaster,” he says. “You might win one moment and lose the next. But it’s nice to be able to help the community especially when buying and selling homes is one of life’s biggest transactions.”
With an award from Soho recognising his contributions, Mike Lao shows no signs of slowing down. He’s found his calling in real estate—a far cry from those restless days of engineering lectures.
And if his track record so far is any indication, this is just the beginning of what he and Edge Realty will achieve in Northern Adelaide.
