“Real estate is one of those jobs where you get grossly under paid for all your work the first few years and then get grossly overpaid for the rest of your career.” Or so we’ve heard. But what are the realities of working in the real estate industry? What do they wish they had known, what do they enjoy the most about what they do and what advise do they have for other aspiring real estate agents? We speak to a bunch of friendly, talented agents to find out.
JOSEPH CHAN
How long have you been doing this?
I started my career as a Real Estate Negotiator back in August 2013 – that makes it 6 years in this industry. In fact, my passion for Real Estate began in 2008 when my late father Raymond Chan taught me about property investing. Property investing taught me a lot about furnishing the properties, managing tenants, rental collection and researching property to find good deals. The knowledge gained gave me an advantage over other real estate negotiators.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a realtor?
I would have taken up the Real Estate License course before I changed my career and became a Real Estate Negotiator. Right now, I simply do not have the time to commit to a course like that. However, with some proper time management and team delegation, I hope that I’ll be able to pursue the course one day to have my own Real Estate License.
What is the biggest misconception you feel people have about agents?
In my opinion, most people feel that an agent would just take their commission after a deal is closed and not follow up. There might be a few irresponsible agents that are still having this bad habit, however with the enforcement of REN ID tag by MIEA, and multiple trainings organized by various Real Estate training companies, agents are now aware of their reputations and the importance of client servicing. The agents nowadays understand that in order to go further in this business, following up and getting things done will not only benefit their clients, but also improve repetitive business because of the good service.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring realtors/agents, what would it be?
My advice for them is to serve your client with passion and sincerity. Never ever go after the money as those are tangible things and you will be complacent if you hit your targets early. I truly believe that having the joy and reward of seeing the clients moving to a new home or finding the right deal is the greatest satisfaction. Being a real estate negotiator, we actually play an important part of their new chapter as moving into a new home is one of the biggest decisions a person could make. When clients are able to see your passion, they’d definitely recommend you to others and from there, the income will naturally flow and increase gradually. This is what I call ‘intangible value’, something money can’t buy. The best marketing is referrals and recommendations.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I enjoy meeting new customers every day, and to be able to assist them in finding the right home gives me the greatest joy. It feels great to be a part of the real estate journey when the clients are happy with their new home and they would always remember you because buying a home is one of the biggest commitments in their life. They trusted my service and advice which helps them make their decision making easier. It is the love of serving the community with my real estate passion that keeps me excited!
CHRIS SEE
How long have you been doing this?
I’ve been in this industry since 2011 till now.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a realtor?
I don’t think too much about that. I just keep a positive mindset and do what I do with my own direction and vision without any negative thinking.
What is the biggest misconception you feel people have about agents?
Most people assume that it’s a career for uneducated people. We get unprofessionally judged and I hear it so often.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring realtors/agents, what would it be?
The real estate industry is not a career that gets you fast money. Only with passion, professionalism and persistence can one sustain in this industry with potentially a high income gained.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The work itself! My character is that of a workaholic. I feel the most energized when I am concentrating on my work.
WAN SEAN SHARIFF
How long have you been doing this?
Not long enough! This will be my fifth year in Real Estate.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a realtor?
That business won’t just fall into your lap. You will need to go out and get it yourself.
What is the biggest misconception you feel people have about agents?
That we get paid to just open doors. Many do not know that there is a ton of work that goes into selling a home.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring realtors/agents, what would it be?
Don’t spend all your commission in one place. Save it for a rainy day and invest it back into your business!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Seeing that smile of joy on the clients face when you’ve helped them find their dream home.
MONEY ONG
How long have you been doing this?
I have been in this industry for about 1.5 years.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a realtor?
It would have been beneficial for me to get to know and understand the real estate market better for both buyers and sellers.
What is the biggest misconception you feel people have about agents?
That property agents don’t have any professionalism.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring realtors/agents, what would it be?
Always be attentive to your clients and with your services.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
As a real estate agent, we do have flexible working hours and can earn as much as regular office hours-working employees. We also get to learn a great deal and gain knowledge about property and in turn, can make the right decisions in property investment when there is a chance.
MIKASA CHONG
How long have you been doing this?
I have been in the real estate industry since 2013.
What do you wish you had known before becoming a realtor?
Pick an agency, get a REN tag, have enough savings to sustain your living (the first few months you’ll be under training and might not have sufficient income because deals don’t close as fast as you’d expect), select a location or type of property you wish to market, choose a phone number that’s easy to remember for your marketing use, attend some basic real estate courses and learn some basic legal stuff about real estate.
What is the biggest misconception you feel people have about agents?
Sometimes buyers or tenants think they are paying more than the selling/ renting price of the property because of the agency fees. The agency fees and property price basically are not related, so it won’t affect the property value. We market the property’s selling price by following the market price or the landlord’s asking/ agreed price. The agency fees are set by Malaysia Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) which is 3% of the property selling price. The agency fees are meant to cover all the marketing fees, documentary, viewing arrangement etc.
If you had one piece of advice for aspiring realtors/agents, what would it be?
Understand the needs of both, sellers (landlord) and buyers (potential tenants) and be a responsible realtor. Select the best marketing options for the landlord, send him/her marketing reports and for buyers, understand their needs first before you try to sell them something. Find out what kind of people live in the area (and why) and analyze the price history as well. Do your research!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
What I enjoy most is time flexibility. I enjoy organising my own schedule. And in my free time, I contribute to an NGO called Junior Chamber International (JCI) where I’m fortunately able to learn leadership skills, help the youth achieve positive changes, do some charity work together with the public and promote the 17 goals that are part of The Sustainable Development Goals. Besides that, I’m able to meet more people from the real estate industry. I enjoy meeting different people and it has helped to improve my communication skills and my knowledge in real estate while helping me to expand both my business and personal circle.