Is Being a Real Estate Agent in Singapore Really Overpaid & Underworked?
Easy money, flexible hours, and big commissions?
That’s the dream many Singaporeans have of becoming a real estate agent. But behind the scenes, it’s a different story—one of sleepless nights, relentless marketing, and constant emotional juggling.
Let’s bust the myth of what it really takes to be a successful property agent in today’s market.
The Singaporean Dream Job?
Everyone has heard it before:
“Wah, your job so easy, just show house and close deal!”
“Flexible hours, no boss, earn more than office workers!”
It’s no surprise why many aspire to become real estate agents in Singapore. With rising interest in new launches Singapore and ever-growing property prices, people think agents are cashing in with minimal effort.
But those in the industry know that’s far from the truth.
The Myth: “Just Open Door & Earn”
Many think property agents just post listings on PropertyGuru, bring buyers for viewings, and pocket 5-figure commissions.
That’s the fantasy.
Here’s the real deal.
The Reality: We Wear 10 Hats a Day
Being a real estate agent means being everything at once:
Consultant – Guiding clients through CPF usage, ABSD, decoupling, and legacy planning.
Investor – Studying ROI, breakeven prices, and running through numbers using a mortgage calculator.
Digital Marketer – Spending thousands monthly to advertise new launches and resale units.
Negotiator – Mediating emotionally charged discussions between buyers and sellers.
Repairman & Cleaner – Fixing lightbulbs, unclogging toilets, or mopping the floor before a viewing.
Therapist – Comforting anxious clients navigating their first purchase or urgent sale.
Banker & Lawyer – Explaining complex loan structures, TDSR limits, legal timelines, and more.
The Cost Behind Every Listing
What you don’t see in a simple online listing:
Home staging (sometimes done by us)
Professional photography and videography
Boosted ads across multiple platforms
Weeks (or months) of viewings and follow-ups
Sellers changing their minds after all the work is done
Some property agents spend 3–6 months marketing a unit—only for the seller to withdraw the listing the moment a good offer finally comes in.
We Don’t Get Paid Until You Get Keys
Unlike salaried employees, real estate agents earn nothing until a transaction is completed. That means:
No basic salary
No CPF contribution
No paid leave or sick days
No income guarantee at all
We start every month with zero income, and often spend hundreds (if not thousands) before even seeing a cent.
The Emotional Cost
We’re blamed when prices are too high for buyers.
We’re blamed when prices are too low for sellers.
We get ghosted by leads, ignored by owners, and told “you’re just an agent” after sacrificing our weekends and holidays for viewings.
Yet, through it all, we push on—because we’re not just moving homes.
We’re guiding people through some of their biggest financial and emotional milestones.
Why We Still Do It
Because we believe in helping Singaporeans build wealth through smart real estate planning.
Because we don’t just sell homes—we craft future plans.
Because we see new launches Singapore not just as property investments, but as opportunities to transform lives.
Because when we use a mortgage calculator, it’s not just to calculate numbers—it’s to plan possibilities.
And because nothing beats the moment a family receives their keys to their dream home.
Final Thoughts
So no, real estate agents aren’t overpaid and underworked.
We’re under-recognised and over-delivering.
If you’ve ever considered a career in real estate, just know this:
It’s not the easiest job—but it may be one of the most meaningful ones, if done with heart, hustle, and the right mindset.
Keen to join us in transforming lives?
Contact David & Audrie for a no-obligation discussion. We’re always looking for driven individuals who want to make a real impact.
