Choosing Between A Real Estate Agent or Property Consultant: Is There A Real Difference?
Over the years, the number of licensed property agents in Singapore has continued to grow despite the consolidation of licensed property agencies.
During these past years amidst the COVID pandemic, I have personally witnessed the increasing interest to join this growing industry.
How so? I have been approached by several aspiring property agents who have looked to me for some advice on the real estate industry in Singapore.
Given my decade of experience in the industry, I often find myself passionate about sharing the industry with others.
From zoom sessions, to casual chats with these new friends (who have either found me through referrals or chancing upon my property blog online), I find myself starting with this question – “Do you want to be a real estate agent or a property consultant?”
And what is the difference you may ask?
Let me share some of my thoughts and hopefully you can find it useful:
For aspiring property agents or consultants: This could help you determine the skillsets you will need to develop and give a good sense of the level of effort you will need to put into your career to grow it in the future.
For potential property buyers and sellers: This will be helpful in differentiating between the different categories of service providers available in relation to real estate matters – and help you make the right decision on whom to engage for your unique needs.
Table of Contents
The Key Difference Between A Real Estate Agent & Property Consultant
TLDR: The key difference between a real estate agent and a property consultant is their objectives.
A real estate’s agent key objective is to transact a property deal.
Closing a deal to a real estate agent is the end-game.
In contrast, a property consultant’s objective is more comprehensive – to guide their client not only to transact but provide insights and plan holistically for their property needs in line with their overall personal life and financial goals – now and for the future.
So which kind of service provider do you aspire to be?
Or who do you prefer to be on your team when dealing with your property matters and life goals?
Differentiated Level of Service
Like many industries, there are varying levels of services you can expect from any industry of service providers – and real estate is no different.
The differentiated levels between a real estate agent and property consultant can differ significantly depending on the individual – but here are some key differences you can pay attention to
Different Service Standards Provided - When Selling a Property
Marketing a property
For a typical real estate agent, the effort that goes into marketing your property is generally quite minimal.
It will likely involve taking a few quick photos during the site visit and quickly posting it onto platforms without much deliberation.
Most likely, your property will be advertised on one main channel instead of multiple platforms due to the effort required.
For a property consultant, there are more steps involved. From an initial site visit to evaluate the house condition, to the official photoshoot when the house is ready.
All steps taken are carefully planned, prior to listing the house on the market.
It involves deeper consideration of creating the ideal and buyer-friendly visualization of the house, to showcase the property in its best light.
Depending on the size of the house or property type, they might also propose a video or virtual tour marketing to boost efforts and marketing outreach.
Also, depending on the property, it could be marketed on a variety of platforms other than the common property platforms, to social media to help you reach the maximum exposure.
Pricing Strategy:
For real estate agents, this is usually quite straightforward.
The owner gives a target price, and the agent promotes it accordingly and persuades the owner to seal the deal whenever an offer comes in, as quickly as possible.
For property consultants, a few extra steps are usually included.
Consultants will support their pricing assessment with research work done on indicative valuations from prior transactions.
The ideal pricing strategy will then be deliberated and discussed with the client, for mutual alignment and clear understanding of pricing boundaries – in your best interest.
Buyer Presentation:
For real estate agents, this is usually limited to the standard house tour where buyers are typically shown around the property.
Property consultants take this to the next level – providing not only the walkthrough but also complements it with comprehensive property analysis.
From providing insights like location assessments, to potential space and interior usage and more – these value-added services will leave a lasting and positive impression of the house on potential buyers.
Different Service Standards Provided - When Purchasing a Property
Viewing Potential Properties:
Real estate agents tend to function primarily as a coordinator to help you call and arrange for viewings – usually without much additional value add.
Given their key objective being to close the deal quickly, you might find yourself hearing how every property is good and that you should put in an offer quickly to secure the purchase.
Quite commonly you will find yourself being chased on the day of the viewing itself to put in an offer.
Small tip: Do stand your ground, there is really no need to be pressured into making a decision without taking other factors and your personal opinions into consideration.
In contrast, Real estate consultants go above and beyond:
- Preparing site plans and floor plans in readiness for the viewing so you have a clear picture of the layout and can visualize potential use of the space
- Providing potential growth analysis reports (from URA Master Plan, Up & Coming Developments, Future LTA sites etc.) that can help you holistically evaluate the potential of the properties
- Presenting price trend analysis to help you understand the historical price trends and demands for the development, so you know if you are getting a good deal
- Most importantly, the purchase will be in line with your personal and financial needs, and always in your best interest
A Clear Difference Between Real Estate Agents & Property Consultants
Learnt something new today?
I hope that this is something that you will keep in mind when you pursue a career in real estate or are looking for someone to help you with real estate matters.
If you happen to be looking for a team of consumer-centered professionals to help you make the best choice in your property matters, do feel free to reach out!
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Self Introduction
Greetings! My name is Rick Long, and I am proud to serve as the Associate Division Director of Huttons Asia Pte Ltd, with over a decade of experience in the real estate industry.
My passion for helping clients find their dream homes has grown exponentially during my tenure in the field. As a graduate of Singapore Polytechnic, I have always valued the importance of hard work and determination.
My prior experience serving in the airforce instilled in me the value of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline.
Over the years, I have been privileged to receive several accolades for providing exceptional service and dedication to my clients.
My ultimate goal is to ensure that each individual I work with has the best possible experience, whether they are buying or selling a property.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is receiving glowing five-star reviews from satisfied clients.
Knowing that I have positively impacted someone’s life is truly humbling, and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence every day.
When I am not working, I enjoy spending quality time with my loved ones, indulging my passion for sports, and exploring the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Singapore.
Amidst the bustling pace of life, I relish moments of calm by immersing myself in the art of tea-brewing and teapot appreciation.
Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about me. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Additionally, Rick is a proud fur daddy to two rescue kitties and loves spending his free time with his wife and furbabies. He believes in giving back to the community and volunteers his time to animal welfare causes whenever possible.
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