What do you credit for your success in the real estate agency industry?
Success in the real estate agency industry isn’t just about closing deals; it’s also about building lasting relationships.
I credit my success to a combination of deep industry knowledge, a passion for problem-solving, and a genuine interest to help our clients achieve their goals, be it addressing the real estate-related issues that they face, or to improve their gains!
It’s also about understanding the business needs and their challenges, being open to hearing their viewpoints, and always looking for ways to add value to them.
How different is the commercial real estate market from the residential market?
We serve both occupiers and investors in the commercial and industrial real estate market, and it is fundamentally different from the residential market in terms of investment dynamics, risk factors, and client expectations.
Commercial and industrial properties often involve higher stakes and longer commitment periods. The decision-making process is more data-driven, and there’s a need for a deeper understanding of business operations and market conditions.
The impact of a wrong decision made can adversely affect a corporation’s P&L (profit and loss). Residential transactions, on the other hand, tend to be more emotional and lifestyle-oriented.
For those RESs who are new to the commercial real estate market, I recommend learning from courses like the certificate courses offered by SEAA.
It is not just about the property types, it’s also about the regulations and the industry specifics. So stay updated on market trends and regulation changes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Building relationships with business owners and other industry professionals is a must.
Most importantly, one must be patient. Commercial deals can take longer to close, but with persistence and a client-first mindset, success will follow!
You are the author of a book, ‘Property Blueprint for Businesses’, and you also create content for the YouTube channel “PropertyBank SG”. Why did you embark on these projects, and what did you hope to achieve?
I started these projects with the aim of simplifying commercial real estate for businesses and investors. The book and the YouTube channel are platforms to share insights, educate, and empower others to make informed decisions.
I wanted to break down complex concepts into digestible information, making it accessible to people who are either looking for workplaces or are interested in non-residential property investments.
My hope is that these resources inspire confidence and encourage more people to explore opportunities in the commercial and industrial property market.
In your opinion, how can RESs stay future-proof in the face of technology disruption and increased expectations from property consumers?
I believe we must embrace technology rather than fear it. Leveraging tech tools for data analysis, market research, and client engagement can enhance our effectiveness and efficiency.
Additionally, we need to focus on continuous learning and adapting to changing consumer expectations. Providing personalised, value-added services that technology alone cannot offer is key.
Building strong, trust-based relationships will always be a differentiating factor in our industry.
As an SEAA trainer and PropertyBank’s KEO, what is your personal philosophy when it comes to continuing professional learning and development?
My personal philosophy on professional development is simple: Never stop learning!
Change is the only constant, and staying ahead means continuously expanding your knowledge and skills. I believe in lifelong learning, whether it’s through formal training, mentoring, peer-learning, or staying curious and open-minded.
At PropertyBank, we foster a culture of continuous improvement, and we have implemented a buddy system to encourage each other and to enable accountability in learning.
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