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Journey Of My Real Estate Team Building Career
- Vivian Chong
- Mar 8, 2023
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 3, 2024
How time flies! It has been more than 3 years since I last wrote about my journey as a real estate salesperson.
This article has generated a lot of interest, especially among those looking into a real estate career. I've had the honour of meeting many of them and welcoming them into RealTeam as we walk this journey together.
And it's timely to update my readers on what I have been doing for the past 3 years.
So join me as I enter my time capsule to share my journey!
The big move to Huttons Real Estate Team. What happened?
I moved over with my team to Huttons in 2022. Many were surprised, as I had only been with my previous agency for 2 years.
So why the move?
If you read my previous article, you would have known that in 2020, I moved from ERA to join James Yeow, who was with the Navis group in OrangeTee & Tie.
The Navis managing partners said this in a joint statement.
We are delighted to be joining Huttons as we share their vision to develop the most efficient agency platform and significantly grow agency numbers. Combining our strong presence in the resale market with Huttons’ far greater access to new build projects in both Singapore and overseas will power the combined team to greater heights.
Having experienced what Navis provides in terms of training, IT support and most importantly - the unique Navis culture, it was not a difficult decision to move together with the team.
In my meetups with real estate agents who are considering joining me, one of the first questions they asked is: How is Huttons as a real estate agency?
And I am in the right position to give them an analysis of my feelings.
Having been in the industry for a while and experiencing the support and environment with three different property agencies, I am able to share my views on which agency I feel is most suitable for them.
I have written an article on the important factors to consider when deciding which real estate agency to join.
So how's my experience with Huttons so far?
Let's talk about my first impression.
In my first few trips to the Huttons office, there has always been someone checking in to make sure everything is okay.
I remembered one incident when I was leaving the office. Someone was in the lift with me. She welcomed me to Huttons and asked if everything was ok. I couldn't recognise her so I asked for her name. This person is none other than Peggy Ngiam! Thanks Peggy for the warm welcome :)
I am very impressed with Huttons admin staff. Whenever I was there to collect ID tags with my team, someone acknowledged me by my name. This might not seem like a big thing, but it sure gives a very good feeling. (Note to self: Please remember everyone by name cos it makes a difference).
And a special shoutout to Pauline Hoo, Huttons Head of Associate Affairs! Thank you for your help and support in my team building effort! 🙌
I feel so at home here at Huttons.
Next, let's talk about the management.
The top man in Huttons is Mark Yip. He is forward-thinking and has a lot of drive. It is no wonder Huttons has been the fastest-growing agency for the past few years.
During the past 1.5years I have been here, Mark has devised many initiatives to drive the company forward. Some of the initiatives include the Millennium Club, which acknowledges the contribution of the Millennials in Huttons.
Another initiative that benefitted our team is the setting up of Huttons at East. As there will be several major project launches in the East within the next few years, Mark developed this initiative to help Huttons salespersons penetrate and capture this Eastside market.
Check out these photos of our teammates doing roadshows and collecting leads in Parkway Parade.
Of cos, there were some teething problems during our initial move. I am thankful to both Navis and Huttons management for quickly investigating and resolving them.
With problems and feedback comes improvement. Great job Huttons!
Finally, how has being in Huttons helped me and my team in our real estate sales?
The most significant improvement I have seen for myself and my team is our knowledge and involvement in project launches.
Huttons has always been the pioneer agency for new project sales. We are involved in most of the new project launches in Singapore. Moving to Huttons means my team and I can market these projects.
This is an excellent opportunity for a real estate salesperson. We have access to first-hand information, and core teams are formed earlier to collect leads and reach out to clients faster.
In an age where speed is of the essence, it is essential to have information as early as possible so we can start our marketing campaigns at a lower cost.
What does this mean for our clients? Access to first-hand information allows us to compare properties and recommend the one that best suits their requirements.
My focus in real estate sales has always been on the resale segment. Now that I am more involved in new launches, I can combine my knowledge and experience in both segments.
This is important as not only can I increase my sales, but it also allows me to share my knowledge and experience in this segment with my team.
And yes, big congrats to myself for achieving Hutton's Number 1 position for project sales in the first month of 2023!!!
Working on the commercial shophouse segment, how has that turned out?
Back to where it all began.
I joined James Yeow in 2020 to learn about the commercial shophouse segment. After 18 years of residential sales, it's time to leave my comfort zone and try something different.
So, in 2020, I spent a lot of my time learning about commercial shophouses. It was an eye-opener because working in the commercial segment is very different from doing residential sales.
In the same year, I also decided to embark on team building. I will share more on this in the next segment.
Oh, and I was busy with my residential sales.
The outcome?
My sales record for that year was one of the worst I had throughout my real estate career.
It was not difficult to know why this happened. I overestimated myself by trying to do too much and lost focus.
I was determined not to let this happen again.
I had to drop one between commercial shophouses, team building, and residential sales, Team building is my passion and lifelong career. Residential sales are my primary income source and an area where I can spend less time learning since I am very familiar with this segment.
In the end, I chose to drop the commercial shophouse. Sorry James!
Thinking back, will I make the same decision to join James in 2020 since I ultimately decided not to focus on commercial shophouses?
In life, we try to make the best plan. But often, there seems to be a better plan for us.
While I did not pursue the commercial shophouse segment, my team benefitted directly from James's expertise. Our teammates learned a lot about this segment from him, some even chose to specialize in it!
I am deeply grateful to James for so selflessly sharing what many others will not.
And if you are reading this and are keen to focus on the commercial shophouse segment, James is the person to go to. Not only does he have a vast knowledge of this segment, but he is also very willing to teach.
Commercial shophouses are a niche segment. It is extremely important to find the right person to guide you through the process.
Check out James Yeow in his video here.
The year 2020 started my journey with Navis, and I got to know Stuart Chng, one of the managing partners for Navis.
As many of you know, I care deeply about the women community. In my capacity as a real estate career leader, I hope to empower women through a rewarding real estate career.
The idea of women's empowerment through real estate careers was conceived because of my own real estate journey. Because of my own journey, I know this is a great career for women, both in terms of financial and time flexibility.
However, this is something new in the real estate arena. Many do not support my idea because they feel it will limit the team's growth.
However, Stuart sees it differently. He is very supportive of what I intend to do, and he gives me a lot of courage to pursue the identity of this team that I want to build.
So to Stuart, yes, I was the one with this vision. But without your support, I might not pursue it, and it will surely not spin-off as beautifully as it does now.
Thank you :)
The proudest thing I have done over the past few years is assemble a team close to my heart.
In the last article, I mentioned that after two decades in the real estate industry, I would like to pay it forward by coaching and mentoring fellow realtors, especially women who want to build a career in real estate.
RealTeam was formed in 2021.
Over the past 2.5 years, many of our teammates have achieved breakthroughs in their real estate career and gained a foothold in this industry.
Last year, we had several new RES joined the team. I see a lot of potential in this group of new realtors, and I hope 2023 will be the year many of them achieve their own breakthroughs.
I feel great pride in how far we have come together.
And I would like to share a lightbulb moment I had.
Our team got together for a Christmas gathering last year. A few of our new teammates joined us for the first time. There was this moment when I stood in front of the room, taking in everything that was going on, and it struck me how our new teammates mingled so easily with the rest.
And that was the moment when I knew:
We are not just building a real estate team; we are building a community.
😍
From Now On...
The past three years have been a revelation. They have shaped my vision for the future and given me clarity on what I want to do in the medium to long term.
Team building is what I love most. While I will still be doing my sales, my focus will be on building the real estate careers of our teammates.
Two years ago, I started building a real estate team because I would like to mentor fellow salesperson.
Two years later, I would like to work with fellow team leaders and aspiring leaders who are looking to build their teams. Hopefully, my experience and journey in team building can inspire them to also start building their own teams.
So, shout out to all aspiring team leaders! If you are like me two years ago, you are thinking of building your team but lack the courage or direction, or you have a team but have since stagnated in your team-building journey.
Connect with me, and let's see if we have the chemistry to make this work! 🙌
Last but not least, I want to thank The Man above.
For I know the plans I have for you. ~Jeremiah 29:11~
Thank you for putting me where I am.
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About The Author
Vivian joined the real estate industry in 2002. Having been in the real estate business for almost 2 decades, she knows the rewards and challenges that a real estate agent face.
While the real estate career offers lucrative income and flexible work hours, it also presents many challenges - financial insecurity as we do not have basic pay, time management as we juggle work, children and family all at one time.
Only those who have walked the same journey will understand.
Vivian would now like to pay it forward by mentoring fellow agents, especially women who want to build a real estate career.
It is her vision to see women achieving their dreams, and live their lives with purpose and passion through a successful real estate career.
Call Vivian at 98577714 to embark on this journey.