Singapore, 3 February 2016 – ERA Realty Network (ERA) today hosted the 2016 Asia Pacific Business Conference, themed “Transform Tomorrow”, at Sands Grand Ballroom, Marina Bay Sands. Over 2,000 property agents and brokers from the Asia-Pacific region were in attendance.
A marquee highlight of the event was the award presentation, where ERA recognised the achievements of its top agents. Awards were handed out to its Top 300 Singapore Achievers; top ERA agents all over Asia Pacific; as well as the top division directors in its 178 divisions of agents.
Recently ranked Singapore’s largest real estate agency by Singapore Business Review, ERA boasts a 6,000-strong workforce and has partners from USA, Japan, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia.
In his opening speech, Mr Jack Chua, CEO of ERA, said, “ERA Singapore has been facing tough times these recent years, but I am proud to say that with the hard work of our staff and salespersons, the agency has remained resilient and continued to grow through these times. We are looking to further expand ERA not only in Singapore but also Asia Pacific.”
“In general, Singapore real estate sale transaction has been declining since 2013. However the market has improved over time, and transactions have increased in 2015 as compared to 2014. The overall transaction market has increased from 159,429 transactions to 174,795 transactions in 2015, an increase of 15,366 transactions.”
A stalwart in the industry
ERA has been gaining traction over the past few years with new offices and franchises being established all over Asia Pacific. ERA’s 6,000 agents account for 20% of the total number of agents in the industry. Yet collectively, ERA agents are responsible for over 25.48% of the total 174,795 transactions closed in 2015. That is over 44,532 transactions.
In 2015, the market also saw a year-on-year increase in the number of transactions. ERA accounted for 46.37% of the total number of increased transactions — over 7,125 transactions. Such a stellar performance attests to the productivity and calibre of ERA agents.
A positive outlook
According to Mr Chua, sentiments for the real estate market are positive for 2016, as no new cooling measures will be rolled out. ERA will harness the market potential and bring about greater growth by emphasising on six key areas:
- Technology
ERA will revamp its ERA Singapore and Asia Pacific website as well as introduce more features and benefits to its iERA mobile app.
The website revamp will feature a brand-new design. Our partners will receive a dedicated page that introduces what they do. A centralised listing will also help facilitate cross-border sales. Through these, ERA agents will be able to introduce the listings to their customers and negotiate deals effectively. Training sessions, videos as well as an online shop will also be available when the new website is unveiled.
- Online and social media marketing
ERA will ramp up its online branding efforts and create more brand awareness across its different social media platforms. ERA plans to reach out to more consumers and agents by making regular updates of market trends, educational property information, ERA insider news and training videos more accessible to everyone. Advertising campaigns on both Google, Facebook and YouTube channel are in the pipeline.
- Listings (Consolidated Asia Pacific Listings & Singapore Commercial Listings)
A series of corporate effort will be rolled out to further increase ERA’s market presence in the commercial sector. For instance, ERA will focus on building relationships with commercial clients such as Ascendas, Ascendas Real Estate Investment Trust (A-REIT), Keppel REIT, C&P Logistics Hub and more. ERA will then be consolidating and publishing its commercial listings on the new ERA Singapore website. Agents can go directly to the developers or owners to close the listings, or to team up with ERA’s commercial department.
- Training
Training remains at the apex of ERA’s priorities. Training is necessary to groom and grow the agents. ERA will organise more specialised classes and refresher courses to keep its agents abreast of the latest market developments and standards.
- Agent welfare and benefit
In 2016, ERA agents can look forward to even more welfare benefits. From medical benefits to F&B and shopping perks, ERA agents can now work hard and play harder. All they need to do is to present their ERA ID tags at the partnering vendors.
- Recruitment
ERA will continue to attract potential talents through its recruitment efforts. With the recent subsidiary from the government, the course fee required to be an agent is very affordable. For example, by tapping on the SkillsFuture credits (S$500) and UTAP funding (S$250), interested individuals can now sign up for the Council for Estate Agencies (CEA) approved Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course at less than $85 at Appointed Course Provider. – which is the only and most affordable approved RES course in Singapore. This makes it a low-risk investment that will open up a whole new world of possibilities.
The course imparts invaluable knowledge as well as offers a look into real-life applications and insightful case studies.
Through these approaches, ERA is well poised to achieve greater success for their new appointments in 2016.
At the start of 2016, ERA has already been appointed for the launch of 8 exciting residential property projects including:
- WanderVale, an executive condominium in Choa Chu Kang with 534 units
- The Wisteria, mixed development in Yishun with 216 units
- Integrated development at Cairnhill with 268 units
- Ardmore 3, a condominium in Ardmore Park with 84 units
- The Visionaire, an executive condominium in Canberra Drive with 632 units
- Condominium at Toa Payoh with 578 units
- Sturdee Residences, a condominium in Beatty Road with 305 units
- Condominium at Lorong Lew Lian with approximately 500 units
