Finding the Right Community
A meaningful real estate journey is not only about joining an agency. It is also about finding the right culture, support system and people who help you grow with clarity and confidence.
Which Real Estate Agency Should I Join?
Recently, I heard the good news that many who took the RES exam had passed, and I felt genuinely happy for them. I still remember how it felt waiting for results — that mix of hope and uncertainty.
And don't be discouraged if you didn’t make it this round. Sometimes it just takes one more try while everything is still fresh in your mind. Give it another shot and you may be surprised how far you have come.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had a few conversations with people who are thinking of entering real estate. Speaking with them brought me back to my own starting point — when everything felt new, and I wasn’t quite sure which direction to take.
One of the questions that always comes up is:
“How do I know who is the right person to learn from?”
Honestly, I asked myself the same questions before I started.
Looking back now, I realise it’s not just about choosing an agency. It’s about the kind of environment you step into, the people around you, and whether it’s a place where you can grow at your own pace.
I’ve always felt that sharing my experience is something meaningful — not because I have all the answers, but because every journey offers something to learn from. Sometimes, even as I share, I find myself reflecting and learning along the way too.
If you are at the beginning of this path, I hope this gives you a little more clarity, and perhaps some reassurance that you will find your way too.
Looking Beyond The Agency Name
After passing the RES examination, I attended a sharing session organised by the Singapore Estate Agents Association (now known as Singapore Institute of Estate Agents) for newly qualified salespersons to better understand the next steps in the industry.
It was during that season that I began to realise something important: while agency brand and visibility do matter, the team you join and the culture you step into will shape your daily journey far more deeply.
That reflection led me to look beyond name recognition alone, and to pay closer attention to mentorship, values, support and the kind of people I would be learning from.
When I first explored the real estate industry, I became aware of the major agencies in Singapore — often referred to as HOPES, representing Huttons, OrangeTee, PropNex, ERA and SRI.
Although I wasn’t certain which agency would be the right fit, I decided to submit my contact details to a few — including Huttons, PropNex and ERA, as well as another well-known agency which I prefer not to name. Interestingly, the only response I received was from the latter.
I attended a sharing session with them, but quickly realised that the environment did not align with what I was looking for. I value having the flexibility to manage my own time, exposure and pace, rather than being in a highly structured setup.
With that clarity, I made the decision to join Huttons — and I have had no regrets since.
Starting With The Right Foundation
As someone new to the industry, I knew that proper training would matter greatly beyond the theories we learned during the RES course. It is not just about gaining knowledge, but also about learning through real-life situations shared by experienced trainers, so that we can build the confidence to guide clients responsibly and with clarity.
Hence, I signed up for the Fast Track Programme, which is organised regularly to set us up for success right from the start. Beyond that, I also attended in-house training such as HDB Mastery, which provided me with a deeper understanding of the buying and selling process through practical case studies. More importantly, the learning does not stop there — there are always ongoing training opportunities that allow us to continue growing along the way.
What Truly Stood Out
What truly stood out to me was the culture of generosity. It was not merely about being in the same team, but about being in an environment where leaders are willing to share knowledge openly and guide others with sincerity.
That spirit of openness matters greatly, especially for someone beginning a new chapter. It creates an environment where learning becomes less intimidating and growth feels more supported and sustainable.
To me, that reflects a genuine commitment of the leaders to helping people grow, rather than simply expecting them to figure everything out alone.
Tools, Insights and Practical Support
Beyond the wide range of training sessions available, the systems and tools provided have been especially helpful for someone new to the industry. The platforms are intuitive, easy to navigate, and designed to support meaningful client engagement.
More recently, Navis introduced Navis Atlas, which has further strengthened the team’s capabilities. Having access to relevant insights and information so quickly allows me to serve clients with greater clarity and confidence.
In a profession where clarity matters, practical tools like these reinforce the team’s commitment to serving clients with confidence and care.
A Culture I’m Grateful For
More than anything else, I realised that the people around me would shape my journey the most. The culture of a team, the generosity of leaders, and the guidance of a mentor all make a real difference, especially at the beginning.
If you are exploring the real estate profession and wondering how to choose the right community, I believe it is worth paying close attention to culture, mentorship and the kind of support that you need on this journey.
Want To Know More About The Team?
To gain a deeper understanding of our team’s culture and approach, you may watch this short video here.
If you or your friends are considering a real estate career and would like a clearer picture of what this journey can look like, I would be glad to share more from my own experience.
Exploring If This Path May Be Right For You?
If you are considering the real estate journey and would like to better understand the environment, support and culture within Huttons Navis, I’ll be glad to share more.