A Tale of Trust in Overseas Property Investment

THE MYSTERIOUS PHONE CALL

It was just another day in 2017 when my phone rang, displaying an unfamiliar overseas number.

The voice on the other end belonged to an American, eager to invest in a private property in Singapore. He had found me online and sought my expertise and recommendations.

After carefully considering his requirements, I suggested one condominium (my sole recommendation) that was close to construction completion. He requested more information via email—unit types, layouts, pricing, and the usual.

Since he wasn’t in Singapore, I volunteered to go onsite to take some pics of the neighbourhood and the facade of the almost completed building.

Little did I know this call would lead me on an extraordinary journey of trust and surprises.

A LEAP OF FAITH

To my astonishment, after just a few emails and a couple of Skype calls spanning two weeks, he declared his readiness to proceed with the purchase. Why would someone trust me so implicitly without even a face-to-face meeting?

I had anticipated a more cautious approach, perhaps involving a Singaporean friend to assess both the property and myself. Or to ask me for a couple of other options for comparison. But this American buyer was different.

He reaffirmed his intention, and the deal was sealed with minimal fuss. It was a first for me — selling a property to a buyer whom I’d never met in person. A surreal experience that challenged my own perceptions of what was possible in the world of real estate.

A CHRISTMAS ENCOUNTER

Months later, as the property achieved its TOP, I was entrusted with collecting the keys and inspecting for defects. The keys remained in my safekeeping until the American and his wife finally visited Singapore in December 2018.

I’m extremely fortunate to enjoy the trust of many clients, both foreigners and locals.

But that trust came with time.

This American couple was extremely brave to buy an overseas uncompleted property through a property agent (total stranger) whom they had never met. It was unbelievable. I wouldn’t have done it myself.

When I met them in person, I couldn’t hold back anymore.

What made you trust me?

A complete stranger whom you’ve never met, with such a significant investment?

Me

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

The couple revealed their connection to Singapore, having been doctorate students at Nanyang Technological University two decades earlier. When they decided to invest in a property here, they searched online for someone to help them.

My bio, showcasing my education at the National University of Singapore, genuine client testimonials, and a professional demeanour — convinced them that I was the right person for the job.

And then they smiled at me with a confident look.

They knew exactly what they were doing.

At that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.

It was truly humbling and a testament to the power of human connection, even across vast distances and through the digital realm.