From engineer to real estate specialist: PropNex’s Lee Teck Han’s 18-year journey of perseverance
Real Estate Negotiator Lee Teck Han has a simple yet powerful investment philosophy for homebuyers: Buy within your means. He cautions against overextending financially, emphasising that a home should be a source of enjoyment and peace of mind, not stress.
PETALING JAYA (Feb 12): PropNex Realty Sdn Bhd’s senior negotiator Lee Teck Han’s 18-year journey in real estate is a testament to passion, perseverance and the power of personal growth.
Before becoming a real estate agent in 2006, he spent 10 years as a construction engineer. While grateful for the experience, he then felt a pull towards something more.
“I faced a bottleneck in my engineering work,” Lee told EdgeProp.my. “I grew tired of fixed working hours and a fixed income.”
Driven by a long-standing passion for property, Lee transitioned into real estate, seeking greater control over his time and earnings.
He then began his real estate career at Property Hub (formerly Meru Utama). After a few years there, he moved to Metroworld Realty, then RVT Realty, where he stayed until early 2023 before settling in PropNex since.
Beyond financial rewards
What Lee enjoys most about his career extends beyond financial rewards.
“Real estate allows me to meet people from diverse backgrounds,” he explained.
From business leaders to foreign investors, Lee’s network has expanded exponentially, offering him invaluable learning experiences. He finds immense satisfaction in providing professional service and expert knowledge to his clients.
Crucial to manage emotion against rejection
The real estate journey isn’t without challenges. Lee emphasised the importance of managing emotions and sustaining passion in a field known for its volatility. He credits meditation, reading and surrounding himself with a supportive environment—such as the one he found at PropNex—as key to staying motivated and focused.
Lee’s advice to his younger self, and to those considering a career in real estate, is to start early. He believes experience in other fields isn’t essential for success in this dynamic industry, but one must recognise its challenges.
“It’s not an easy path at all. You’ll face rejection daily. Persistence, resilience and a willingness to adapt are crucial,” he stressed.
Agents have expanded opportunities in new projects now
Lee noted that real estate agents primarily focused on the sub-sales market a decade or two ago, but the landscape has shifted dramatically. Today’s agents, especially newcomers, have access to both sub-sales and new launches. This shift has created significant opportunities, as project commissions often exceed those from sub-sales. This explains why many younger agents are thriving, sometimes outperforming agents who specialise solely in sub-sales.
“Agents now need to decide which area suits them best strategically. Beyond basic computer skills, younger agents should leverage social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube for marketing. These digital skills are increasingly essential for success in the modern real estate market,” Lee advised.
‘Invest in what you understand’
After nearly 20 years in the property industry, Lee’s investment philosophy applies to all homebuyers: Buy within your means. Avoid overextending financially.
Lee believes a home should be a source of enjoyment and peace of mind. Over-investing can create unnecessary stress, especially during market downturns.
“Financial preparedness is key, particularly for owner-occupiers. Choosing a home is a personal decision, the priority is ensuring the home suits your individual and family needs.
“For investors, confidence in the product and location is crucial. Invest in what you understand,” he said.
Specialist in Bangsar market
Looking ahead, Lee aims to become a millionaire real estate agent while continuing to deliver exceptional service. He takes pride in capturing a significant market share in Kuala Lumpur’s Bangsar’s high-end condominium market, establishing himself as a specialist in the area.
Lee’s story is one of continuous learning and growth. He acknowledges the vast potential of the real estate industry, but seeks to stay humble while pursuing his dreams. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring property professionals, proving that with passion, dedication, and client-centric service, a fulfilling and successful career is possible.
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Source: EdgeProp.my
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