Broker/Founder History – Cynthia Lam

I founded LAM Property Services (LPS) in May 2020, 39 years after I came to the United States as a child from Vietnam in 1979. My family narrowly escaped in a boat during the Sino-Vietnam War, and we were admitted to the U.S. in 1981. My teenage years were spent in poverty, moving from place to place in the Boston area. Because of my father’s absence, much of my young life was spent working to support my mother and siblings, in addition to attending school. I graduated with a Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Administration with an emphasis in Finance from Boston University, and have never stopped learning. My continuing education includes taking commercial real estate classes and seminars, to constantly expand my knowledge of real estate, market trends, and local markets as well as state and local landlord-tenant laws.

I started this company after 16 years of buying and selling my own properties, and advising others about residential, commercial and industrial acquisitions. This has placed me in frequent contact with the Oakland Rent Board, to attend hearings on behalf of clients. I have also effectively represented myself and others in court hearings, including evictions and managing troublesome tenants. I have experience in creative financing, grant applications and navigating the various municipal bureaucracies in the Bay Area. I have also managed major landmark building renovations and directed many re-modeling projects. Finally, my experience as an appraiser with the Alameda County Assessor’s Office gives me valuable insight for property assessments and negotiations with government officials.

For 26 years, I worked for Alameda County Social Services Agency Foster Care Department, gaining significant management and organizational experience. I began to build a rental income property portfolio with short-term vacation rentals, residential, commercial and multifamily units. I have effectively and passionately managed these properties, and I want to share my passion and skills for management with your operation. I bring 16 years of successful property management and expertise to LPS, helping my clients achieve maximum long-term results and income returns.

My tenants and clients value my honesty, attention to detail and professionalism. By choosing our company, you will be working with a specialist who cares about helping you achieve your goals. Whether you need help with managing your property, are interested in buying, selling, or investing in a property for the first time, I will guide you every step of the way with enthusiasm, professionalism, and expertise. My experience includes working with residential, commercial, and specialized properties. Please review our website to assess our full range of services.

Values

As a 1st generation American, my experience includes facing discrimination, housing insecurity, and living in poverty when I was younger. These were motivating factors for me to succeed in achieving my goals. And they have shaped my perspective and approach to how to treat people and conduct business. My personal and business values are:

  • I always strive to contribute to society and refrain from being a burden.
  • I take pride in my work ethic and its results.
  • I am responsible, accountable, and constantly mindful of my own actions.
  • Life is NOT always fair, but I always strive for self-improvement, and make the effort to influence things that are within my reach.
  • As a core value, I am deeply against any discrimination based on national origin, race, religion, family status, disability, class, age, and sexual orientation.
  • I am fair and equitable, and I treat clients and tenants well.
  • I practice generosity and caring for those less fortunate than me.
  • I know that family is invaluable and irreplaceable.

Experience:

  • Working as a realtor for over 16 years, assisting clients in buying, selling and managing residential, commercial and mixed-use properties.
  • Success in buying, selling, and managing my own properties.
  • Appearing at Oakland Rent Board hearings regarding tenant/landlord disputes.
  • Representing myself (in pro per) in court hearings, handling numerous evictions, and effectively managing delinquent and destructive tenants.
  • Implementing creative financing, such as applying and receiving façade improvement grants through the City of Oakland Façade Improvement programs.
  • Submitting and finalizing blueprints, obtaining permits, and completing inspections for all areas of construction and remodeling, for residential and commercial properties.
  • Acting as a General Manager in major landmark building renovations, for upgrades and repairs. Directing remodeling projects on both residential and commercial properties.
  • Experience working as a Property Tax Appraiser with Alameda County Assessor’s Office. This has given me a thorough understanding of how to assess a property’s value and negotiate with those offices.

Hobbies and interests:

In addition to remodeling and landscaping projects, I enjoy exploring real estate opportunities, dancing, gardening, walking, hiking, skiing, traveling, wine tasting, and listening to live music; or simply cooking for my family and friends.