Property Agents make A LOT of Money

I find this discussion very interesting. So what is the conclusion?

Hi guys,

It's so sad to see that generally, in Sg, everyone who is employed is always so busy making a circus of other industries and how much other people make, and how much they can be cut in terms of payment etc etc.. It truly is sad to see this happening. I've been self employed for a long time now, 7 years in real estate to be exact, and I can tell you, what you read in the ST is not always accurate, if ever.

The reality of real estate, is that out of 10 new comers, 1 will succeed to last at least a year, out of the ten that succeed,3 will remain the industry, the rest will always be "part-timers'', these are generally the people who charge 1/2 commisions receivable, or discount agents as they are generally know as. I'm not even going to go into the debate of why their services may be inferior to that of a professional fulltime realtor.



Lets look at cost vs income of a realtor.
Income $10-$20k/monthly(before expenses) for eg:
Marketing- $800- $2000 on fliers and distribution
Advertising- $360- $8000
Travel- $400- $800 for Gas
Car- $500-1500
Phone bills- $250-$800
Work hours- Average 8-16 hours daily, includes weekends

At anyone time, we have to look at about or up to 30% of the commissions cut due to
-Seller decides not to sell/ goes missing after sale is complete
-Undercut by discount agents
-Buyers not being truthfull/ faithful to the realtor servicing them, ends up buying from other.
-Let your imganition work out other reasons.. I've seen too many:/

Now, figure out what's really left after everything has been deducted.

Lets also look at employment vs self emploment

Pros of employment that do not exist in being self employed:
-Fixed hours/ days
-Fixed Holidays
-Fixed salary
-Fixed bonuses
-Fixed medical & insurance
-Days off/ Leave entitlements
Amoungst other things..

What I'm trying to get at is that it is a good business to be in if you're prepared to be self employed, but as with anything else, it is not a sales job, it is a business that must be run accordingly in ordder to sustain oneself and the family he/she provides for. Yes, there are ways to cut cost but really, how much cost can be cut before the business starts to suffer.

Also, pls note that the only entity making any real money from recruitment itself is the brokerage, but then again, that has it's running cost as well.

Please dont be mislead that all realtors are poor, but pls also dont be mislead that all realtors are rich and deserve to suffer at all cost..lolz..


My heart goes out to the realtors struggling to survive during this down time.

Very interesting comments here, but some comments are quite discouraging to a potential agent like me.

I have been retrenched but still cannot find a job until now. My friend suggests since I am still not able to get a job, why not become a property agent for the time being, this is better than staying at home to shake legs.

I have a worry because I have zero knowledge and experience in this line, how do I get started out and maybe survive in this line ?

I do not own a car, so I believe this will be one big disadvantage for me if I decide to join this line. Still considering if this line is suitable for me.

This is not true.. It truly is a mindset. For the first 3 years in real estate, I did not drive either.. it was basically BMW, Bus/Mrt/Walk. There are alot of ways to overcome not driving.. Choose a GTA(area that you want to focus in), HDB is easy for non drivers, reason being almost everything in that area is accessible by bus/walking. Should you choose to do rentals, pls pick condos that are accessible by the MRT line.

There are many ways to make this career work for you, bt your mindset must be right. Take it as something real, give a a 100% shot and commit to it. Dont try it if you're going to try and see, the end justifies the means, know that you want to do this and find a way to make it work. If you go in with a part time attitude, you will get part time results.. And realtors are very sharp, they can sense a fly by nite agent, and most will take you for a ride. If you commit to this, other realtors will take you more seriously, help you succeed, help you close the deal, and if you are new but keen, they will help you through the process.

I wish you well, but pls also take note to do some homework.. you'll need the right team more then a right broker.

Totally agree with Gillian. The BMW (bus/mrt/walk) was also one of my most memorable journey during my initial years. The income will be fantastic if you have the winning attitude. I have also witness part-timers creating success by their winning attitude. They then will commit full time. It is not so much on the strategy one takes, it is the belief, attitude, desire and passion which drives them to constantly break their initial years. For "eat grass", Be prepared for a bumpy yet fufilling ride. There will always be grass to eat. "No great achievements will ever surface without pressure!" Good Luck!!

Qutoed by "adiemuso" - My comment on this - [Every industry, job, business in life looks like a triangle and a pyramid. Can we have 20 CEOs and 2 employees?? Or 100 top agents and 2 not so good agents?? Chances are that not high as this is the REAL WORLD. By discouraging others before the final whistle blows serves no purpose to others. What "adiemuso" has stated is the REAL WORLD. The question now should be, "Do you really believe yourself among the top???"]
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Why must one climb the high and rocky mountains when he can choose to sleep well at home? Without knowing one's core purpose, nothing great will be done. This will be the first question I will like to pose to anyone interested to join our industry. Welcome aboard people!

hey congrats big talker sounds like you made it

Thank you to Alex-px and others with your encouraging words. After much thought these few days, I decide to give my full commitment into this industry to try it out. Hopefully one day I can be as successful as you gentlemen and ladies.

You need to try out to see what areas you enjoy.
HDB is selling Roofs
Condo is selling Dreams
Landed is selling Status
GCB is selling Ego

I am selling Solutions for Commercial/Industrial Real Estate!!!