Special Feature

From the basketball court to real estate – a strategic playbook for Rayne Chua’s success

September 20, 2024 3:30 PM SGT

Rayne Chua, PropNex Realty (SG) receiving the award from Jeremy Tan, Tiger Brokers Singapore (Picture: Samuel Isaac Chua/The Edge Singapore)

It is unsurprising that Rayne Chua is a formidable force in Singapore’s real estate market. After all, the former national athlete has represented Singapore in many notable regional championships, such as the Asean Games and SEA Games for basketball.

“I’ve always been competitive from young,” declared Chua honestly. Later on, she embarked on her first career as an education officer in schools, where she taught Mathematics and Physical Education, shaping students’ minds and stepping into her first role as a mentor and coach to others.

This experience in schools and on the court has shaped her approach to business and success in profound ways. With close to a decade of experience in real estate, Chua has built a reputation as a strategic investor, dedicated mentor and dynamic leader. Having given up the basketball court for a manager’s chair, Chua’s prowess has dominated the local property scene as a realtor and leader with a growing, high-performing team of associates.

Rayne was ranked one of the Top 10 Producers during the PropNex Annual Awards. (Picture: Rayne Chua)

The athlete’s mindset: Discipline, strategy and resilience

Chua’s journey as a national basketball player instilled in her a mindset that has become the cornerstone of her approach to real estate. On the court, success depended on skill, discipline, strategy and resilience — qualities that have seamlessly translated into her business practices.

“In basketball, every move counts. You have to anticipate your opponent’s next step, stay focused under pressure and make quick decisions that can change the game’s outcome,” Chua explains. “The same is true in real estate. You need to be disciplined in your approach, strategic in your investments and resilient in the face of challenges.”

This athlete’s mindset is evident in the way Chua approaches property investment. She emphasises the importance of planning ahead, balancing emotions with practicality and making calculated decisions. Just as in basketball, where a well-executed play can lead to victory, Chua believes that a well-planned investment strategy is key to success in real estate.

RayneChuaDistrict and Villa Francis day out to Gardens By The Bay. (Picture: Rayne Chua)

Early realisation: Homeownership as a strategic move

Chua’s journey into real estate began with an early realisation at the age of 23 that homeownership was not just a personal milestone but a strategic move towards financial freedom and wealth accumulation. This epiphany was a game-changer for her, setting the stage for her future success in the industry.

“My family was not well-off, so acquiring a home for us all became a personal goal for me at a young age,” Chua explains. It was this drive that set her on a path looking for financial freedom and success in all aspects of life.

However, it wasn’t until a decade later that Chua fully transitioned from her stable job in teaching to becoming a real estate agent, a delay she views with some regret. “Looking back, I wish I had made the move sooner,” Chua reflects. “In both sports and real estate, timing is crucial. The earlier you start, the more opportunities you have to grow and succeed.”

This 10-year gap, however, provided Chua with valuable lessons in patience and long-term planning — skills that are as important in real estate as they are in sports. Her experience in basketball taught her that success is not just about making the right move at the right time but also about understanding the bigger picture and playing the long game.

Chua is a 2-time PropNex Millionaire achiever. (Picture: Rayne Chua)

Guiding clients: The coach’s role in real estate

For Chua, success in real estate is measured by the milestones she has achieved along the way — each property acquired, each investment decision made and each client guided to success.

One of Chua’s key insights is the importance of maintaining a balance between emotion and practicality in real estate. While becoming emotionally attached to a property is easy, Chua advocates for a more calculated approach. “In both sports and real estate, emotions can cloud your judgment,” she says. “It’s important to stay focused on your goals and make decisions based on strategy rather than impulse.”

Chua’s role in real estate extends beyond that of an investor; she is also a sort of coach and mentor to her clients, guiding them through the complexities of property investment with the same focus and determination she once brought to the competitive arena. She has a unique ability to simplify complex concepts and help her clients make informed decisions, whether young couples buying their first homes or seasoned investors looking to expand their portfolios.

One of her most notable client success stories involves a couple who connected with her on Facebook after attending one of her seminars.

“When they approached me about a certain condo I was marketing, they were looking to invest in a second property,” Chua told us. “They were very firm that they had no intention of selling their current property, an HDB flat in Telok Blangah that they were convinced would be their forever home.”

Under her guidance, the couple reconsidered their initial position and focused on their family’s investment goals. With that direction in mind, they sold their flat to purchase a property and, not long after, made a cool profit of around $700,000.

“A strong team is the backbone of any successful business.” — Rayne Chua (Picture: Rayne Chua)

Building a winning team: Leadership and team building

Over the years, Chua has assembled a young, dynamic team of close to 60 individuals, ranging from fresh graduates to mid-career professionals from various trades. She invests considerable time and resources into growing her team, organising yearly overseas retreats, regular training sessions, and team-building activities. “A strong team is the backbone of any successful business,” Chua asserts. “In both sports and business, it’s about bringing out the best in each individual and working together towards a common goal.”

Identifying and nurturing future leaders is another key aspect of Chua’s team-building strategy. She encourages her team members to develop leadership skills and fosters an environment where they are motivated to succeed and support each other. This approach, rooted in her experience as an athlete, ensures that her team remains resilient and competitive in the ever-changing real estate market.

“Acquiring a conducive office space was one of the most important investments for my team,” remarked Chua. “I want my people to have a dedicated space for our special training, where they can come in and collaborate or consult face-to-face with me at any time.”

As a mentor and leader, she makes sure to be available to her associates at all times for help and consultation. True enough, Chua’s mobile phone buzzed at intervals during the interview as many colleagues looked to her guidance, and she never failed to respond on time.

Proudly holding her certificate at EdgeProp's Realtors Round Table 2024, Chua marks another milestone in her real estate journey. (Picture: EdgeProp SG)

Real estate insights: A strategic game plan for the future

Chua’s insights into the Singapore real estate market are shaped by her strategic mindset and ability to anticipate future trends — skills honed during her years as a competitive athlete. She is particularly optimistic about the future of property prices in Singapore and believes that prices will continue to rise over the next 10 years.

Embodying this belief in her own property game, Chua herself had bought, then quickly sold at a profit, a condo in Eunos, which later funded her latest upgrade, a landed home — also in the East.

“A landed property was a bit of a bucket list acquisition for me,” she admitted. “But it was still a calculated buy; I didn’t overleverage my finances, and I’m happy whether to sell off at any time or stay in the property.”

To this end, Chua emphasises the importance of planning ahead and making informed decisions based on market analysis. “In real estate, you need to have a game plan and be prepared for whatever comes your way,” she advises. “It’s about understanding the landscape, anticipating changes, and making strategic moves to position you for success.”

Chua has brought together a diverse and energetic team of close to 60 people, ranging from recent graduates to mid-career professionals from various fields. (Picture: Rayne Chua)

The intersection of sports, travel and real estate

Beyond real estate, Chua is an avid traveller who values cultural experiences and luxury properties. Much like her athletic background, her travels have broadened her perspective and informed her approach to real estate. “I always encourage my associates to travel more,” says Chua emphatically. “I believe that exposure to different cultures and markets greatly enhances their understanding of the industry, making them more effective agents by considering different perspectives, especially in relating to clients.”

Besides her love for travel and food, Chua remains grounded in simple living and community. “Sure, I have a nice car and indulged in some luxury clothes and watches,” Chua acknowledges. “But at the end of the day, these are not my way of celebrating success.”

RayneChuaDistrict's overseas retreat to Cebu, Philippines. (Photo: Rayne Chua)

In fact, she prefers the no-frills and free-and-easy travels, which, more often than not, inspires her property investment strategies as she gains insights into global markets and lifestyle trends elsewhere.

As Chua continues to scale new heights in Singapore’s real estate market, she remains committed to strategic planning, team building and long-term success. For those looking to succeed in real estate competitively, Chua offers a playbook for success that is as applicable on the court as it is in business.