Model teacher Hazel Tea turns top realtor helping singles and couples secure their dream homes

At just 33 years old, Hazel Tea quickly became a rising real estate star within her agency. In just two years of joining ERA Realty, she has already clinched the coveted Rising Millionaire Award, a testament to her expertise, dedication, and ability to connect with clients.

Tea’s journey into real estate was unconventional. As a high-flying Ministry of Education (MOE) Education Merit Scholar graduating from Peking University and Yale University, she led a passionate and purposeful career in the classroom and MOE HQ for six years. However, her curiosity regarding property was unlocked when she searched for her own investment buy, which led her to make the bold leap into the industry.

Coupled with a growing awareness that many of her peers in the teaching community lacked knowledge about real estate, Tea made it her goal to help first-time buyers and upgraders navigate home buying and simplify the home-buying process for her clients.

From classroom to condos: The power of education in real estate

Tea’s background in teaching has shaped her unique approach to real estate. Rather than simply selling homes, she sees her role as an educator and advisor, guiding clients through financial calculations, market analyses, and long-term planning.

“Many first-time buyers and upgraders feel overwhelmed by the process. My job is to break it down for them in a way that makes sense — just like how I used to simplify concepts in the classroom,” she states clearly. “Whether it’s understanding TDSR, MSR, LTV or the various options they have and their implications, I ensure my clients are well-informed before making a decision.”

One of her key strengths is her ability to tailor solutions to different financial situations. From young professionals looking for affordable first homes to couples considering an upgrade, Tea has successfully assisted them with her clear guidance and customised approach to their property needs.

Tea being featured in In-Conversation with CEO Marcus Chu, ERA Singapore. (Picture: Hazel Tea)

Helping first-time buyers and upgraders navigate the market

For singles buying their first home, Tea emphasises the importance of planning.

“If you’re single, you should start saving early. Many singles don’t realise they can enter the market sooner than expected with the right strategy,” she explains. “I’ve helped single clients secure private properties within their means, setting them up for long-term financial growth.”

She also helps couples make the leap from HDB to private property, ensuring they fully understand the financial implications, resale trends and potential gains of upgrading.

One couple Tea worked with had an older resale condo and debated whether to sell, upgrade or hold onto their current unit in the hope of a potential en-bloc sale. After Tea provided a comprehensive market analysis, cash flow projections, and potential appreciation comparisons, they decided to sell immediately and move into a newer condo, which was a better fit for their lifestyle and long-term investment goals.

Tea receiving the Top 50 Achievers award at the ERA Galaxy Group Gala 2024. (Picture: Hazel Tea)

What clients say: Trust, expertise and results

Tea’s success is largely built on word-of-mouth recommendations. Clients praise her for being meticulous, efficient, and genuinely invested in helping them find the right home.

One client was particularly impressed by Tea’s patience and methodical efforts throughout their property search. “She ensured that my husband and I found a home that truly suited our needs. Her industry knowledge was evident, especially when she managed to source a unit that wasn’t widely listed but turned out to be exactly what we were looking for,” recalled the happy client.

“Additionally, her expertise and dedication helped us save $20,000 cash over valuation! We are truly grateful for her professionalism and commitment and wouldn’t hesitate to engage her services again.”

Another client, a young couple looking to upgrade, appreciated Tea’s sharp market insights and seamless one-stop service.

“Tea played a key role in our property upgrading journey. From the start, she went above and beyond by using virtual decluttering and staging to showcase our home in its best light,” they enthused. “This saved us the hassle of packing and getting our place ready for viewings.”

The result? Tea helped them secure a record price for the sale of their home after just one viewing.

Added the client: “She also helped us analyse the pros and cons of new launch and resale condo options, which made the decision-making process so much easier. Thanks to her expert guidance, we found our ideal new home, which was aligned with both our current needs and future goals.”

What truly sets Tea apart is her dedication to her clients. Besides being very responsive, she also went the extra mile to provide clients with solid advice beyond her scope of work to make sure they were well-informed throughout the entire process.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better realtor, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking to buy or sell a home!” was the resounding testimonial.

Tea sharing her experience with new RES at the Success Seminar. (Picture: Hazel Tea)

Breaking barriers as a young woman in real estate

Being a young female agent in a male-dominated industry has advantages and challenges. While some clients appreciate Tea’s warm, approachable style, others initially underestimate her due to her age.

Tea shares: “I’ve had clients ask if I was new or had enough experience to handle their case, but I let my work speak for itself. Once they see my research, analysis and results, all doubts disappear.”

She also embraces unconventional networking opportunities — even conversations with Grab drivers have led to them becoming potential clients.

“This is why I don’t drive and don’t think I ever will,” jokes Tea, who adds that as a passenger instead of a driver, she is better able to answer calls from clients and do work on the go, making full use of her time while commuting. When serving resale buyer clients, she would partner with a teammate who drives while she engages the buyer.

“You never know where your next opportunity will come from. I’ve had great property discussions in the most unexpected places.”

Beyond her personal success, Tea is also committed to helping her family. She advises her younger brother on his property journey, sharing financial insights and helping him save for a future down payment.

Tea enjoying a special moment with her family. (Picture: Hazel Tea)

The secret to Hazel’s success: A strong support system

Tea credits much of her growth to ERA’s Galaxy Group, a powerhouse when it comes to dealing with new launch projects. With comprehensive access to detailed data across all projects, the group can conduct in-depth comparative analysis, identifying opportunities with the greatest potential for appreciation. “I’ve been fortunate to be part of a team that values knowledge-sharing. Whether tapping into in-depth project insights or learning creative financial solutions, having a strong support system makes a huge difference,” Tea says gratefully.

Her success has not gone unnoticed — within just two years in ERA, she has won the Rising Millionaire Award, a goal she set for herself in her first year in ERA. Initially, she was just impressed by the fancy ceremony when she saw photos of her colleagues being awarded and thought it would be a nice milestone to mark her efforts in the business. To her surprise, she managed to achieve it only a year later.

“For me, it wasn’t just about the award I was gunning for,” reflects Tea. “Hitting this milestone was meaningful because it reassured me that I made the right career move by leaving my teaching job that I loved and that I’m genuinely helping my clients make good property decisions.”

Tea with her mum, her pillar of strength and unwavering support. (Picture: Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge Singapore)

Advice for aspiring homeowners: Plan early, buy smart

Tea has one key piece of advice for those considering buying their first home: start planning early.

“Many young buyers assume they can’t afford a private property, but that’s not always the case,” asserts Tea. “With proper financial planning, even younger buyers might be able to secure a home much sooner than expected.”

She also encourages couples to evaluate all options before upgrading, ensuring they choose a home that aligns with their long-term financial goals.

“Don’t just look at what you can afford today — think about how your property choice will affect your wealth-building journey over the next five to 10 years,” urges Tea.
 

Start your home journey strategically

As a former educator turned real estate strategist, Tea uses her research and data skills to help first-time buyers and upgraders confidently navigate Singapore’s property market.

Whether you are a single looking for your first home or a couple considering an upgrade, Tea’s methodical style provides customers with tailored guidance, meticulous research and a seamless experience.

This International Women’s Day, she stands as an inspiring example of how hard work and resilience can be quickly acknowledged, and having a deep commitment to helping others is a sense of fulfilment that no monetary reward or trophy can compare with.

Tea’s journey is just beginning — and she is inviting others to reach out to take theirs.

“Take your first step toward finding your dream home with me,” she offers. “It might be easier than you think it is!”

For more information,

Contact Hazel Tea | 80173069

Senior Marketing Director (R065512C)

ERA REALTY NETWORK PTE LTD