GRACE TAN! Hi Grace, it's SO wonderful to have you with us. You've been in the industry since 2013 and have made a tremendous name for yourself in such a short time! We'd love to ask you some questions about how and more importantly, why you made the career change!
GT: Well, after having a child 13-years into a career in the financial industry as a trader and financial advisor, it was time for more flexible hours. With a background in finance, economics, and financial planning, I knew that those skills would translate to such added value to my clients in real estate!
Q: What's one thing you truly LOVE about real estate?
GT: It may sound boring, but I love that real estate can be treated not just as an asset, but also part of the financial planning decision. And I love being able to apply my background in finance to assist both my buyers and sellers when treating real estate as an investment decision.
Q: We're looking at such an incredibly competitive market right now. Can you tell us about some of your recent wins?
GT: I know, it is such a crazy market right now!
So, I'm very proud of this recent sale where I represented a seller of the highest-priced listing in the area - a historic mansion owned by a 4th generation German family. The homeowners interviewed a good number of top agents and decided to sign the listing contract with me.
I was told the reasons they chose me over the other agents were a combination of my connections to both US and overseas high net worth clients, my marketing package and market knowledge, and most importantly, our ability to work as a team with them.
It was such a great win and the owner of Prominent Properties Sotheby's International Realty appointed the company's head of marketing to assist fully with the listing. As a result, we were able to reach a huge audience, both within the US and overseas, and got published in all high-end media.
Q: Grace, what is one piece of advice for someone looking to get into real estate -
GT: That's a great question... I would have to say first, work with everyone as a team, from your office to other agents to other professions, and obviously with your clients as well. Second, try to market yourself actively in popular media publications that reach your targeted audiences. For example, I try to get myself published in the Wall Street Journal, as much as I can! Third, prepare, but don't over prepare. You always have to have the flexibility to lead your clients, give them the space they need, and then find a way to put all of those points together!
Q: That's such a great piece of advice - what's one thing you wish you knew earlier in your career.
We are in the service industry and there is nothing you can prepare for 100% of the time - you do the best you can and always expect the unexpected. Roll with the punches.
Q: Grace, you've been amazing, thank you so much for your time and advice.
GT: It's my pleasure. The AGENT 1 team has been incredible - from your market knowledge to assisting to adopt new technology and marketing strategies. It's such a helpful and friendly crew, and I am so glad to have been able to work so closely with you all.