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An agent for the people: How Calvin Cheong builds a real estate career on trust, tenacity and heart

an-agent-for-the-people:-how-calvin-cheong-builds-a-real-estate-career-on-trust,-tenacity-and-heart

Service-oriented realtor Calvin Cheong’s impressive track record speaks volumes about his relentless drive and deep commitment to his clients. In just five years, he has transacted over 250 properties, building a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of shifting market dynamics and a wide range of client needs.

When asked whether he sets specific sales targets, Cheong says numbers aren’t his focus. “For me, it’s about making a real impact in every client’s journey — and delivering service they can genuinely rely on.” he says. “When you consistently do good work, the monetary rewards will come naturally — they are a result, not the goal.”

While many younger agents may pick and choose their deals based on commission or convenience, Cheong, 35, stands out for his unwavering commitment to service. To him, it’s about helping his clients make smart, informed decisions, not just closing a deal. Hence, no transaction is too small or insignificant — every client and every deal matters.

He has developed a reputation for being approachable, dependable and committed to doing what’s right, regardless of the client’s background or how simple or complex the deal may be. “I never turn clients away based solely on their eligibility. I prefer to meet them first, understand their situation and offer advice on the best strategy or next step,” he explains. “My recommendations are always grounded in data, not emotions.”

He adds: “My focus is to continue earning trust through honest advice, strong results and consistent word-of-mouth referrals. Ultimately, I want to be known as an agent who’s truly for the people — someone approachable, dependable and committed to doing what’s right for every client, regardless of their background or budget.”

Cheong, who specialises in a broad spectrum of residential properties, including HDB flats, private condominiums and new project launches, is committed to giving his clients the best and most strategic advice tailored to their needs.

“My experience in both the primary and resale markets gives me a well-rounded perspective,” he explains. “Whether clients are buying their first home or planning an upgrade, I can guide them through all their options with clarity and confidence.”

Cheong focuses primarily on resale transactions, especially those involving clients navigating concurrent sell-and-buy deals. “These cases can be complex,” he says, “but I enjoy the challenge, especially when it comes to negotiating timelines and prices to make everything fall into place smoothly.”

His tenacity and service mindset have reaped results — Cheong is a recipient of the SEAA’s Salespersons Achievement Award (Gold) for both 2023 and 2024 and an ERA Asia Pacific Elite Award Winner, recognition that underscores his consistent performance and excellence.

Calvin Cheong has closed over 250 property deals in five years, earning a reputation for reliability and results. (Picture: Calvin Cheong)

 

Immense satisfaction from helping a needy family

One case that left an indelible mark on Cheong involved a financially challenged family. The clients were a household consisting of both parents and two of three brothers.  All were unemployed except for the eldest brother, who had just received the keys to his new BTO flat and needed to remove his name from the family flat, as required by HDB regulations.

What initially seemed like a straightforward name transfer became complicated.. The rest of the family had neither income nor sufficient savings to buy over his share or refund his CPF contribution. “Given their situation, selling the flat was the only viable option. But I couldn’t leave them in a lurch without a plan for their next home,” he recalls.

However, without any savings, they had no access to financing. “They do not even have access to basic tools like mobile phones or own Singpass accounts — things most of us take for granted,” he adds.

Undaunted, Cheong patiently guided them every step of the way, first by assisting them to set up their Singpass accounts, submitting all the necessary documentation and making financial calculations to determine what they could afford. “At the same time, I kept a close watch on the market to help them secure a good deal,” he adds.

Eventually, Cheong sold their flat at a strong price and secured a three-room flat for the family. “I managed to ‘sell high, buy low,’ and in the end, each family member walked away with about $30,000 in cash,” he shares. “It was exhausting but incredibly fulfilling.”

Till today, the grateful client keeps in touch with Cheong, a reminder that all his efforts to help the family were worthwhile.

Another memorable case was when Cheong helped a client market a resale condominium that faced difficulties attracting offers, mainly due to its interior décor. With time running out before the client would be hit with the Additional Buyer’s Stamp Duty, the resourceful Cheong tapped into his agent network, reached out to his contacts and managed to secure a buyer just in time.

Calvin is shown catching up with his client, Mr Tham, and his family, whom he assisted in upgrading from a 4-room HDB flat to a private condominium. (Picture: Calvin Cheong)

 

Trained as an engineer

With an engineering background, Cheong is trained to think analytically and solve problems efficiently — skills he applies in real estate. He is also a strong negotiator, consistently applying his negotiation skills to secure the best outcomes for his clients.

Cheong was awarded an engineering scholarship with a two-year bond during his university years. Although he enjoyed his first job, which was hands-on, the long hours and low pay made it unsustainable. He later transitioned to a more stable desk-bound engineering role at a statutory board, offering better compensation but lacking excitement and a sense of purpose.

That was when he decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a career in real estate. He hasn’t looked back since joining the industry in 2019, before the pandemic.

In 2024, Cheong also beat 74 finalists to win the PropNex Monopoly Championship, walking away with the $108,000 grand prize. “It was a fun experience, but it also reflects my strategic thinking — knowing how to play the long game, manage assets and make bold moves when the timing is right.”

 

A winning moment — Calvin clinches the top spot at the PropNex Monopoly Championship 2024, walking away with the grand prize of $108,000. (Picture: Calvin Cheong)

 

Ultimately, Calvin sees his role as a property agent-cum-long-term advisor. “I want to be the person people turn to when they need honest, clear and practical advice. That’s the kind of reputation I’m building — one deal, one relationship at a time.”

 

For more information,

Contact Calvin Cheong | 88553288

Branch Division Director (R061334J)

ERA REALTY NETWORK PTE LTD

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