Incredibly stressful. Emotionally exhausting.

I didn’t think I would ever use these words to describe closing my very first sale. Typically, you imagine them to be incredibly liberating or emotionally rewarding. But I guess this was not a typical sale.

For one thing, there was very high interest in the unit. Located in Tampines Central, it ticked a lot of boxes - location, amenities and convenience. As the youngest development in the area, it gave first time buyers and young couples the opportunity to own a home without worrying about lease. Being a spacious 5-room unit with an efficient floor plan, it provided upgraders and families good living space.

So it should not have come as a surprise when I had two very good offers to relay to the sellers. What I didn’t count on was that both sets of buyers were absolutely determined to land the unit - and that both agents were absolutely determined to make sure their clients did.

Even as I was breaking fast with friends and family, I was on the phone negotiating and explaining to them the sellers’ position on they were looking for in any offer. They had also relayed a specific set of instructions - ask both interested parties to relay their best offer and they would pick the better one.

By around 8pm, just before Isha’ and terawih, both offers were in. The sellers had accepted one of the two.

Relaying the good news that their buyers’ offer has been accepted is easy. But relaying the bad news that their buyers’ offer has been rejected for another, that’s not easy at all. Being a person who doesn’t like to disappoint others, it was especially difficult for me.

Wah bro, like that what am I going to tell my buyers?

A part of me empathised with that question. But such is life. Because the job of a real estate agent is knowing how to answer that question, and still move forward.

But of course, that night I was one of the two agents with happy clients.

Thank you Abbas. Alhamdulillah for today.

My first sale may have been incredibly stressful and emotionally exhausting. But I’d be lying if I didn’t say it was also incredibly liberating and emotionally rewarding.

Congratulations F and H on the sale of your house. Thank you for doing your part so willingly. I’m really happy for you both!