From assistant photographer to Top Achiever and Leader

• Motivated by the greater income potential to help support her parents, Jessica Tung has started young as a real estate agent and never looked back.

Jessica Tung was previously working as a photographer assistant in a bridal shop. But three months into the job, she decided to make the switch, joined the real estate industry and never looked back.

“I find that the property market offers lucrative opportunities for those who succeed in buying, selling, and renting properties. As real estate agents, we can earn attractive commissions based on the value of the properties we sell or rent,” Tung told EdgeProp.my.

“The main factor for me was to earn more income in order to support my parents. That was why I started real estate at a young age,” she added.

Tung also highlighted that real estate agents have the flexibility to work independently, manage their own time, and be their own bosses, and such a career appealed to her.

So she took up the Real Estate Negotiator (REN) course, and has been in the industry for 23 years now.

Mastering both residential and commercial properties

Currently attached to PropNex Realty Sdn Bhd, Tung specialises in both residential and commercial properties. Her focal areas for both sectors include Cheras, Pudu, Seri Kembangan, Balakong, Semenyih, Puchong, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Kajang, Chow Kit, Bukit Bintang and Country Heights Damansara.

Though most agents specialise in only one sector, Tung says that specialising in both commercial and residential sectors allows her to access a broader range of opportunities.

“Commercial projects often involve larger contracts and long-term partnerships, while residential projects may offer a higher volume of work and more frequent transactions.

“Once you understand the game plan and how it works for different sectors, it becomes easier and smoother,” Tung explains.

In order for Tung to always be on top of things, she has developed a habit of prioritising tasks based on their importance and urgency. She manages her time efficiently, eliminates any time-wasting activities and avoids procrastinating.

“Good habits, established routines and holding myself accountable for my own actions really help me to stay ahead of the game,” she says, adding that this also allows her to always have quality time with her family and loved ones.

Opportunity to help others achieve their real estate goals

Tung, who is a Top Achiever and Leader in PropNex Malaysia, finds her motivation to be a successful agent by “providing exceptional service and exceeding client expectations, while being really passionate about real estate.

“Real estate agents have the opportunity to assist clients in finding their dream homes or making successful property investments. Therefore, it’s essential to build strong relationships with them and understand their needs. The satisfaction of guiding them through such a significant decision-making process and seeing them achieve their real estate goals is highly rewarding,” Tung shares.

Apart from such motivations, Tung also enjoys the continuous learning process. “The real estate market is constantly evolving, and agents need to stay informed about industry trends, legal changes, and best practices. This ongoing learning provides a sense of personal and professional growth.

“Also, I always remind myself to have an entrepreneurial mindset, seeking independence, autonomy, and the ability to build my own business,” she adds.

Expanding during pandemic

When many businesses were closing down during the Covid-19 pandemic, Tung and her husband Steven Tay did the unexpected and opened a branch of PropNex in Cheras in October 2021.

Within the last few years, Tung’s team has grown to more than 200 members. When asked on how she manages and motivates such a huge team to excel in this ever-changing industry, Tung says that as an agency leader for Cheras, she maintains open and transparent communication channels with her team.

“Besides ensuring that the members understand how their individual goals align with the team and company objectives, I also lead by example by setting a positive precedent through my own work ethic, professionalism and dedication,” she elaborates.

Listed as a Pro Agent on EdgeProp, Tung highlights that a presence on a reputable real estate platform like EdgeProp can enhance an agent's visibility and exposure to potential buyers or tenants.

“It can attract more inquiries and generate leads, thus increasing the chances of securing deals,” she says.

Practical tips for prospective buyers and sellers

When it comes to finding the right agent, Tung advises homeowners to seek someone who is professional and ethical to help them achieve their real estate goals.

“Look for agents who have experience in the specific area or neighbourhood where you want to buy a home. An agent with a strong track record in that location will likely have a deeper understanding of the local market and trends.”

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