Special Feature

Smart property investing with Isabella Teo

By Isabella Teo

/ ERA Realty Network |

March 3, 2023 4:30 PM SGT

This MBA realtor equipped with an engineering background has a distinct approach to work with her clients’ requirements efficiently, in a trusty manner

Isabella Teo has a unique way of connecting with her clients. Beyond her warm demeanour and professionalism which are hallmarks of her services, she offers a skill that sets her apart from other realtors: a strong technical background. As an MBA-holder, Teo can conduct intensive market research, perform financial evaluations and vet investment proposals — skills that give her a huge advantage in the real estate business.

Indeed, figures and statistics are the language Teo uses to communicate with her clients, who comprise predominantly working professionals and property investors — sophisticated clientele who require a deep understanding of real estate market trends and data when making property decisions.

Teo offers consultancy services backed by her keen eye for numbers as well as her ability to make sense of complex data. Combined with her vast experience and knowledge in the real estate landscape, Teo listens and understands her clients’ needs, and is able to provide professional advice tailored to her clients — be it for own stay or investment purposes.

Teo’s exemplary work in the industry has earned her numerous accolades, including ERA Realty’s 2022 Rising Millionaire award and Top 50 Achievers award in 2021. “These awards are a testament to my hard work and putting clients first has always been my top priority. I would like to thank my mentors Chris Chen and Mark Teo, my clients and my family for supporting me all this while,” she says. Over the years, many of her clients have become friends who have, in turn, referred their friends and family members to her. “I appreciate the trust and long-term relationships that I have with them,” she adds.

Listen, understand and customise in an efficient manner

Given her background, Teo has developed a systematic approach when it comes to working with her clients. In any given situation, she assesses the data, research and trends in the property market that are relevant to the clients’ needs and presents those in an efficient manner to assist them in making sound decisions.

Teo has started to embrace digitalisation in her real estate business even before Covid. She realised with globalisation, clients have limited time, greater expectations and need a trusted realtor to work as a business partner to source for the right property in limited time. Video calls, data analysis, and email discussions are widely used in Teo’s work to streamline viewings so that the client can effectively shortlist the property in a timely manner.

Every client’s requirement is unique and every client has different service expectations, Teo believes. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy and she always keeps pace with changing customer demands, and listens to their needs to ensure that they have a hassle-free decision-making process. She will explain the entire sales and rental process to the clients upfront and guide them along the way, even with after-sales services like providing plumber, pest control advice, and more.

Passion with a successful mid-career shift

Prior to joining the real estate industry, Teo was in the field of research and development and product marketing for several years. Through her work at a number of multinational companies, Teo cultivated a strong analytical background and mindset.

Teo made the decision to carry out a mid-career switch from the engineering field to the real estate industry. Given her established career, it was a move that surprised friends and acquaintances, but not Teo, who has long held a passion for property.

As an avid traveller, one of Teo’s favourite pastimes during her travels is to observe real estate trends in the places she visited or learn about property prices in a particular city.

Teo obtained her real estate licence and she joined ERA in June 2014. “I contemplated joining the real estate industry much earlier, but I wanted to focus on my son before I venture into something new,” she shares. In any case, her inherent interest in property ultimately propelled her to take the plunge.

Financial freedom

Looking back, Teo is extremely proud of what she has accomplished so far and the resilient person she has become today. But among her many achievements, the one she is proudest of is achieving financial freedom at the age of 46. “I think it is important for women to be financially savvy and to take charge of their own investments,” she contemplates.

It’s a philosophy that has shaped not only her career path but impacted others, as she helps her clients build their real estate portfolios. Teo believes obtaining financial freedom is an important goal that applies to everyone, regardless of age or background. “I’ve started teaching this to my son as well, so he is prepared when it comes to making financial decisions and managing wealth,” she adds.

For Teo, having financial freedom gives her the bandwidth to take up other interests. Besides giving back to society through various avenues, she also enjoys other pursuits in life, such as nurturing her artistic side and keen eye for art by completing the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts’ (NAFA) advanced certification in watercolour painting.

Leading the way

As a team leader to agents under her division, Teo’s passion for her work and life has also influenced her team members. Teo aims to unlock the full potential of each member, guiding them towards successful and rewarding careers that underpin their own financial freedom. “Everyone has their own version of what success is,” she relates. As such, Teo makes sure that she tailors her methods and guidance to best suit every member, so that they are always moving in the right direction.

Besides taking a very hands-on approach when it comes to helping her team, Teo strives to be a dedicated mentor that her team members can learn from. “I’m always there for my team,” she says. Team leader, realtor, mother and daughter… Teo has much to balance in her life. But just like her love for watercolour art, that needs patience, perfection takes time, and the rewards will be that much sweeter.