Yours Truly, Uniquely Singapore!

Gosh! So many aspire to be property agents. Doubtless because of the carrots of huge commissions dangling in front of many a hopeful rookie.

Perhaps it is the way, our government has pampered us so much so that people here are really spoilt. They want everything to be guaranteed; to have all the cards laid out on the table shouting with "sure to succeed' sure to make $$!" Have people forgotten that in everything there is always that element of risk? No one will guarantee whether danger will lurk round the corner in the form of terrorism, etc. No fortune teller, no matter how reputable he is, can predict what will happen the following day! Only God Himself knows what plans He has for us. One thing is for sure though. He has given us brains, gut feelings, knowledge and wisdom. Yet, I have some buyers who will tell me that they must pray about the purchase first before they commit. However, sad to say, in many instances, by the time they finish their prayers, the properties have been sold! Some even express frustration with us poor agents, for not waiting for them.!! Hence I have no choice but to remind them that if God wants them to have the property, in the same token, He would have protected the property from being sold.

I once called a potential buyer and her assistant answered the phone.

"May I know your name?" I asked.

"Why? Why you want to know my name?"

"Isn't it polite for me to ask for your name? This is the second time I have spoken to you, and I still do not know your name. Should I address you as "Ay"?
You have a lovely name."

"Madam Tan", came the reluctant voice. "Why the property so good, you don't buy yourself? Why owner want to sell? So good, why don't keep?"

Buyers should see it as a golden opportunity to buy a rarely available unit instead of being so paranoid! I replied Madam Tan that if we agents were to buy up all the good properties, what would there be left for clients to buy?

Judging from the English spoken by Madam Tan, it is possible that she does not have very high education. However, I have also come across many executives of big investment companies who speak along the same lines! Singapore may have produced many students with almost perfect scores in their "O" and "A" levels, but sadly, creativity, entrepreneurship, and risk taking are seldom demonstrated when these students eventually run the helm of their companies. They still want to remain cocooned in their comfort zone. Probably this is why the Government has been trying so hard of late to help instil the spirit of enterprise in her people.

A friend of mine specialised in selling businesses, but later gave up his job. He found it almost impossible to be facing the fear, undecisiveness and ignorance of potential clients. It was indeed exasperating for him to deal with the 4 big "K" in Singapore - Kiasuism (fear of losing out), Kiasism (fear of dying), Kiatiaism (fear of pain) and Kiaboism (fear of the wife.)

At least selling properties is slightly easier mainly because everyone needs a roof over his head. If not, I too would have to resign from my work as a property
agent :( At least I know dealing with clients trains me to be very patient. Above all, it gives me plenty to observe, analyse and to write about in my blog!

Gan Chau