A couple messaged me recently about buying their first home.
They said they wanted to understand the process of getting an EC.
Normally, this is the point where most agents suggest meeting up — it’s easier to explain, easier to draw, easier to move things along.
But that day, I was on the train. And instead of asking to meet, I started typing….
One sentence turned into another. And then another.
Before I knew it, I had written a very long explanation. Very. — on what an EC really is, the things people often overlook, how it’s different from resale, what to be careful about, and what to expect should they proceed with the e-app.
I remember hesitating before sending it. I wasn’t sure if I had just overwhelmed them. Or worse — talked myself out of a potential client.
But they replied… and asked to meet.
Later on, I found out they even actually took leave just to sit down with me. They told me they were genuinely excited to meet.
That caught me off guard.
Over coffee, we talked about the market, the industry, and what was happening out there. But more importantly, we talked about them.
Their goals. Their finances. Their family dynamics. Their worries that they hadn’t quite put into words yet.
And then came the moment that mattered most.
I didn’t push for an EC at all.
Based on everything they shared, I went with the consideration of a resale HDB instead.
Almost instantly, I could feel the shift. Their shoulders relaxed. The conversation slowed down. They stopped sounding like they needed to “catch up” or “upgrade fast”.
They felt relieved.
It could be because I didn’t hard sell. Or it could also be that, for the first time, someone told them it was okay not to stretch themselves to the maximum.
Before they left, they kept thanking me — and said how excited they were to have me journey with them.
After that meeting, I sat with myself for a bit.
It reminded me of my real purpose as a realtor.
It’s not just about helping people buy or sell property. It’s about helping them understand what they truly need, how their finances and family dynamics shape their decisions, and whether the choice they’re making will still let them sleep peacefully for the next 5–10 years.
Growth is important. Progress matters.
But not at the cost of constant stress.
And if I can help someone move forward with clarity, confidence, and calm — that’s more than enough for me. :’)
P.S./ I had a really bad week with a rental case that really got me questioning myself why did I put myself through this but this incident really reminded me of how and why I started this journey :’)
