Special Feature

Eileen Lim builds trust by prioritising clients' interest; mentors others to do the same

September 20, 2024 5:45 PM SGT

Eileen Lim, ERA Singapore receiving the award from Jeremy Tan, Tiger Brokers Singapore (Photo: Samuel Isaac Chua/EdgeProp Singapore)

"Clients’ best interests always; cover all potential blind spots so clients can make an informed choice." — Eileen Lim

During the pandemic, ERA property agent Eileen Lim sold three newly launched private properties to foreign buyers who had not even set foot in Singapore. This is unsurprising — her positive attitude and bubbly personality exude confidence and authenticity, which helps clients to trust her easily.

On top of that, her in-depth knowledge, acquired over 14 years in the real estate industry, allows her to showcase the value of the properties that she markets, without the clients needing to view them in person. Lim presents thorough and detailed data analysis about the properties that are best suited to her clients.

Lim has achieved many accolades as a testament to her excellent track record in the field. (Photo: Eileen Lim)

Her expertise, coupled with her warm personality, makes her a powerhouse capable of handling many clients in a day with a friendly smile on her face.

With a grin, Lim recalls other agents asking how she has the energy to serve six to eight clients in a day. “I tell them it’s because I really enjoy the work that I do,” she relates. “That fuels me. It’s like I have an internal furnace that just keeps going!”

She also credits her excellent interpersonal skills and customer service to her previous job as a sales representative at a mobile shop. The customer-oriented nature of the role taught her how to understand clients’ needs and deal with different kinds of personalities.

Eileen Lim: Prioritise clients' best interest always, cover all potential blind spots so they can make an informed choice. (Photo: EdgeProp SG)

Down-to-earth agent who understands clients’ concerns

Lim’s personable attitude also comes from the fact that she hails from a humble background. Being a single mother of one, she understands the importance of legacy planning. In fact, it was her ambition to provide for her daughter, who was in her teens at the time — that pushed her to become a real estate agent.

Family drives Lim to excel in the real estate industry. (Photo: Eileen Lim)

She can also relate to other common concerns, such as investing sustainably in real estate without affecting one’s ability to provide for their family. Home investors may also be unsure of what is best for them due to the huge amount of information available.

This is why she prioritises clients’ best interests and works hard to grow their assets, by providing relevant information and practical solutions. Lim’s 14 years in the industry helps her offer advice that only an experienced agent can give. However, this does not stop her from learning from her clients. “If the solution I provide does not work for the client, I will re-evaluate. I will tell you the good and the bad so you can make an informed choice,” she adds.

Her bubbly and outgoing personality makes her stand out from the crowd. (Photo: Eileen Lim)

Having clients’ best interests at heart is not a mere slogan for Lim — she walks the talk by taking on pro-bono cases for clients who cannot afford agent fees. One of her most memorable cases involved a couple in their 60s who were seeking to divorce and sell their five-room flat. After speaking with the separated couple and understanding their needs, she managed to find a one-bedroom resale flat each. Though the couple could not pay her fees due to limited funds, Lim found satisfaction in being able to help them and fulfil their needs.

Adding value

When it comes to selling properties, Lim demonstrates impeccable marketing skills, given her extensive experience in the sales industry. She is excellent at showing clients the true value of properties and making a convincing case for why they should buy them to enhance their real estate investment.

Lim uses a simple acronym, “BETTER”, which identifies where clients can buy their daily necessities around the development, nearby eateries, transportation options, upcoming neighbourhood transformations, educational institutions and key employment nodes, as well as recreational options.

Lim excels in enhancing her clients' assets based on their circumstances. (Photo: Eileen Lim)

On top of highlighting the property’s nearby amenities, Lim also does a thorough comparative market analysis to ensure that her clients invest in profitable assets. By preserving their asset progression and enhancing their investments, Lim secures their financial independence and legacy planning.

She remembers fondly one client who has benefited from her meticulous and thoughtful work. “He was a 96-year-old retiree who was looking for a quality asset for personal occupation, but he also wanted the property to have good appreciation value,” she recalls.

Before she gave advice to the client, she considered his personal circumstances so she could choose an ideal location for him. He had a daughter who was working in the CBD and drove her own car. Considering that the daughter would visit him regularly, Lim recommended a quality asset in the southern side of Singapore, which would take the daughter a short time to commute between her father’s home and her work. Her considerate planning tailored to her client’s needs led to an excellent property purchase that not only developed his investment and guaranteed financial security, but also provided ease and comfort to the client and his family.

Generous mentor

As an experienced agent, Lim always looks forward to teaching new agents about the ins and outs of the industry. This is fuelled by her past experience as a new agent who found reliable mentorship from her agency, ERA. Having well-meaning seniors to help her when she was unsure provided a huge stepping stone in her career, and pushed her to thrive in the industry.

Lim's passion for mentoring is fuelled by her belief in the culture of sharing. (Photo: Eileen Lim)

When it comes to mentorship, Lim’s philosophy is based on a quote by the agency’s CEO: “We rise by raising others.” She believes that a culture of sharing will propel one to success even further than going at it alone. Although new agents may be shy to approach senior ones, she is more than happy to meet and talk with them to see how she can guide them in their career.

One important lesson she imparts to her mentees is to appreciate clients’ time and make every second count. “Every chance you get with the client is a chance to connect with them and learn how you can make a difference in their lives. It is also an opportunity to build trust and provide the best for them.”