ot every day ends with a signed booking form and a cheque in hand – but when it happens, it’s a feeling I truly cherish. It doesn’t occur all the time, yet I’ve been fortunate enough to experience it on several occasions. And every single time, I’m deeply grateful and hopeful that more of such moments will come.
This particular story takes me back to 2016, when I was about two years into the real estate industry. I had just secured a listing for a leasehold condominium located in an exclusive, high-demand community. The owner had already migrated overseas and was eager to sell the property quickly.
As I began marketing and promoting the unit, I received my first inquiry-not from a buyer, but from another realtor. He asked if I was open to a co-agency arrangement. Wanting to maximize exposure and close the deal as fast as possible, I agreed without much hesitation. (Looking back, I did regret that decision later, but more on that in a moment.)
The Viewing That Changed Everything
A few days later, I received a direct call from the prospective purchaser himself. He was genuinely interested, so we arranged a viewing at the condominium. On the day of the appointment, I arrived on time-and so did the other agent I had previously agreed to co-agency with. Since I had already given my word, I honoured the arrangement, even though I knew it would split my commission.
We proceeded with the viewing. The buyer walked through the unit, took in the space, and assessed the surroundings. I remember this moment vividly-he didn’t even negotiate the price. Without any back-and-forth haggling, he simply turned to me and made a solid offer on the spot. He said he would take it, right there and then.
We moved to the swimming pool area nearby, where he calmly wrote out the cheque, signed the booking form, and paid the booking deposit without hesitation. It was smooth, decisive, and incredibly satisfying.
Why This Moment Matters
In this industry, you often face long negotiations, endless follow-ups, and deals that fall through at the last minute. But once in a while, you meet a buyer who knows exactly what they want and acts on it immediately. That kind of clarity and trust makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Even though I had agreed to co-agency—and yes, I did regret splitting the fee later—I walked away with a valuable lesson: keeping your word builds your reputation, and a quick, clean deal is always better than a drawn-out one.
That day at the poolside, under the afternoon sun, reminded me why I love this profession. Because when a buyer is ready, confident, and decisive, everything falls into place—and you get to witness the magic of a solid offer on the spot.