Zai Fadillah is having a good year. In April, the property agent was promoted to senior associate group district director at PropNex Realty. This came a month after his wins in three categories at the PropNex Annual Convention (the agency’s large-scale knowledge-sharing and awards event) in March. Besides garnering fifth position in both the Top HDB Transactor and Top Associate Group District Director categories, Zai was among the agency’s Top Producers — no mean feat, considering that PropNex is the largest agency in Singapore with about 12,000 realtors.
It was a sweet moment for Zai, who has come a long way in his career since starting over 15 years ago. The former senior process engineer took a leap of faith when he left his career in a well-established data storage company to become a full-time realtor in 2012.
It was a decision that was a long time in the making. “I’ve always been interested in property and have loved looking at houses, even as a student,” he says. That interest stuck around even after he had built up a stable engineering career. “After a certain point, I realised I wanted to be a realtor and decided to do it.” Zai did just that, working as a realtor on a part-time basis for about four years before eventually making it his full-time job.
Building up a career in a different, highly competitive industry was not easy. In contrast to some agents who may get their start handling transactions for family and friends, Zai took a path less travelled. “I started the hard way, working on cold leads and prospecting for clients. Most of the sales I did in my early years were from people I didn’t know,” he recalls.
Zai, who has earned the moniker “ZenZai” among his peers and clients for his calm demeanour and rational approach, worked steadily to build a track record and grow his network.
More than a decade later, it’s fair to say he’s arrived. Besides amassing an ever-growing client base through referrals and repeat customers, Zai is a regular on PropNex’s award achievers list, whether winning the coveted Super Platinum Achiever award for monthly commissions of at least $250,000 or being recognised for his work as a team leader. He currently leads PNG Zai Division, a team of over 50 agents.
Zai credits a lot of his success to his engineering background. “Most of what I did involved data, statistics and using the right tools to harness useful insights,” he says. He is also a practitioner of Six Sigma — a set of statistical methodologies used to identify variations in processes and improve them.
This knowledge has proven invaluable in his current line of work, where property decisions rely heavily on market data and understanding the variabilities that would impact the property. It also helps Zai provide more value to his clients: For those mapping out long-term asset progression goals or considering options to get the most out of their portfolio, Zai can churn out the analysis needed to ensure the best outcome.
Managing and optimising property decisions in an ever-changing market environment is daunting. But Zai loves a challenge. “The more challenging a problem is, the more I want to solve it,” he says.
Besides using his analytical mind to assess and solve problems, Zai is driven by his desire to help clients. “The most important thing is to understand clients’ needs and help them reach their goals,” he says. He also notes that in today’s market, despite the abundance of online information, navigating the property market is a complicated process that can quickly become overwhelming for homeowners.
Zai makes it his mission to be with clients every step of the way, assisting them in achieving their objectives with the best possible experience. He acknowledges the magnitude of the trust placed on him by clients. “It pushes me to do my best for them, with sincerity,” he reflects.
Looking back on his achievements over the years, Zai is grateful for his long-standing clients and friends who have provided constant referrals, his peers and team members who strive with him, and his supportive family. “They motivate me to continuously do better.”
So, what’s next for Zai? “I want to push myself this year,” he says. The agent has set a goal to surpass his previous achievements and expand his reach across more residential market segments, including private housing. “I want to explore helping more people within the private residential space. Through opportunities that come my way, and with the trust and faith of the clients, I’m confident I can deliver.” Additionally, he hopes to expand his team, helping more agents craft their own rewarding journeys through their work.
Indeed, for Zai, mentoring has become a secondary passion. “Teaching and coaching is something I’ve always really loved to do,” he says. As he progresses in his career and accumulates more team members, he’s become adept at helping bring out the best in other agents, with tailored approaches for both new and experienced agents.
In the same way he approaches clients sincerely, Zai does so with his members. “Being a good leader who supports and maintains trust with my team is very important to me,” he says. “I will always put people before what I can achieve.” This approach is why he’s grown his team consistently, with members that stay with him for the long term. “Most of my team have been with me since day one,” he adds.
Ultimately, Zai is looking ahead to scaling new heights this year. With his determination and the supportive people around him, it seems like the sky’s the limit.
For more information,
Contact Zai Fadillah | 88876878
Senior Associate Group District Director (R029323J)
PROPNEX REALTY PTE. LTD.
Website: www.zaidean.com