When you think of success in real estate, most imagine years of experience, vast connections, and the right market timing. But for Eric Lee, the journey looked very different. Within just 11 months of becoming a licensed agent, he achieved the Rising Millionaire title at PropNex – a recognition earned by surpassing S$500,000 in commissions.
It’s a story not just about numbers, but about transformation. From a Normal Technical (NT) student and freelance actor to an entrepreneur who lost everything during COVID-19, Eric’s path to success was anything but typical. Yet, his determination and clear purpose turned obstacles into opportunities, paving the way for an extraordinary career in commercial real estate.
Table of contents
- From actor to entrepreneur: A journey of reinvention
- A fresh start in real estate
- Becoming a commercial property specialist
- Mentorship, mindset, and making opportunities count
- Going the extra mile for every client
- Leading TheMarketPlace – PropNex
- Building a career that empowers others
- The takeaway: Ordinary to extraordinary
From actor to entrepreneur: A journey of reinvention
You might remember Eric from Mediacorp’s 9 PM drama “I’m in Charge”, where he starred alongside the late Aloysius Pang and Elvin Ng. The 20-episode series, which aired in 2013 on Channel 8, was one of several productions where Eric became a familiar face to local viewers.
He went on to appear in other Channel 8 dramas such as Gonna Make It (2013) and the horror-comedy 23:59: The Haunting Hour (2018), building his experience in Singapore’s entertainment scene and leaving an impression among audiences who followed the golden era of local TV dramas.
After completing National Service, Eric realised that while acting was something he loved, it wasn’t a career path that offered long-term stability. Seeking something more sustainable, he turned his focus to F&B, eventually owning one restaurant and three other Western stalls across various coffeeshops.
Business was thriving – until the pandemic hit. Practically overnight, Eric went from running profitable outlets to managing a six-figure debt. The debts stemmed largely from Covid-era dining restrictions, when takeaway-only rules wiped out revenue while rental costs continued to pile on. “It was a tough time,” he recalls. “I had staff depending on me, and businesses I had poured my heart into were suddenly gone. But it also pushed me to rethink what I wanted – a career that was sustainable, not just seasonal.”
By 2023, still deep in debt, Eric took a leap of faith and turned to real estate, a field he knew little about but was willing to master. That decision would change everything.
A fresh start in real estate
Eric passed the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) exam after two attempts, obtaining his license on 23 January 2024. Just ten days later, he earned his first Gold Achiever award with PropNex – a recognition for agents earning more than S$10,000 in a single month.
That early win set the tone for what came next. Within his first year, he cleared all his debts and even purchased his own condominium using the income from real estate.
By the end of 2024, Eric had achieved something few new agents do: the Rising Millionaire title, awarded to those who earn over S$500,000 in commissions within a year. This strong first year laid the foundation for what would soon become his true calling in the field – specialising in Singapore’s commercial property market.
Becoming a commercial property specialist
Aside from frequent residential transactions, Eric’s strength lies in commercial real estate, a niche that demands deep market knowledge and strong negotiation skills. Yet, his edge didn’t come from textbooks; it came from lived experience.
Having spent years in F&B, Eric understood firsthand what business owners need. “When I talk to tenants, I get where they’re coming from,” he shares. “I’ve been there before, worrying about rent, space, and operational costs. So I always aim for a win-win situation between the tenant and landlord.”
His empathy and insight quickly caught the attention of clients, including members of the Koh family, the powerhouse behind Aspial One, home to brands such as GoldHeart, Lee Hwa, and Maxi-Cash, and the Fragrance Group.
“I’m thankful to Ms. Ko Lee Meng, Ms. Koh Lee Hwee, and Ms. Sandy Lim Kwee Hua,” Eric says, referring to the elder and younger sisters of the Fragrance Group founder Koh Wee Meng, and the wife of Koh Wee Seng. “They saw the value I could bring, and they kept giving me opportunities to prove myself.”
In 2024 alone, Eric completed over 50 property transactions, including more than 10 commercial sales and purchases. His results placed him among the top performers in the field, ranking No. 4 in commercial transactions across PropNex that year. This growing portfolio not only elevated his standing within the company but also established him as a trusted name in Singapore’s competitive commercial property scene.
Mentorship, mindset, and making opportunities count
No one achieves success alone, and Eric is quick to credit the mentors who guided his journey. Under the mentorship of PropNex’s Sean Yin, a veteran with over 15 years of experience, and Cijay Tew, Vice President of PropNex Realty, he learned the importance of persistence, preparation, and perspective.
“I didn’t want to miss any opportunity,” Eric shares. “Whenever I had a lead, even the smallest one, I’d do all the research I could, reach out to my mentor, and learn everything possible before meeting the client.”
This proactive mindset became his formula for growth. By combining self-learning with mentorship, Eric mastered the nuances of industrial and commercial transactions, from zoning regulations to tenant profiling, in record time.
His approach to clients reflects that same thoroughness. “My job is to paint a clear picture based on your financial profile and help you make informed decisions – there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to investing.”
Going the extra mile for every client
One of Eric’s most defining moments as an agent came when he was asked to help close a final unit at Jervois Treasures, with only hours left before the developer’s tax clawback deadline.
“I remember it was already late in the day when I got the call,” Eric recalls. “Instead of rushing, I took a step back to analyse the numbers – the selling price, rental yield, and potential capital gain. Once I confirmed it was a sound opportunity, I reached out to my network of investors.”
Among them was a buyer who showed interest but wanted more clarity. Eric ran through a second round of calculations, reviewed comparable transactions, and provided detailed data to back his advice. This assurance helped the client move forward confidently. By 10:30 p.m., the deal was confirmed, and Eric personally delivered the paperwork to the developer’s office before midnight.
That deal not only saved his client but also achieved 100% sellout for the entire Jervois Treasures project.
“That experience taught me that in real estate, timing and preparation are everything,” Eric reflects. “You can’t wait for opportunities – you create them.”
Leading TheMarketPlace – PropNex
As his career flourished, Eric turned his attention to helping others grow too. He founded TheMarketPlace – PropNex (IG: @themarketplace.propnex.), a team designed to guide aspiring realtors toward both financial and personal breakthroughs.
“I know how hard it can be for newcomers,” he says. “With rising marketing costs and portal fees, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why I want to build a community that’s strong, supportive, and self-sufficient.”
His team currently has five active agents, with over 50 individuals preparing for their RES exams under his mentorship. By next year, Eric expects his team to grow to 30 to 50 members.
For Eric, TheMarketPlace isn’t just a team name – it’s also a philosophy. As a Christian, he believes in “shining in the marketplace” and creating positive impact through ethical, service-oriented work.
Building a career that empowers others
Behind the awards and accolades, Eric remains grounded in his mission: to help others achieve what once felt impossible. He sees real estate not just as a business, but as a platform for transformation, both for clients and agents.
“If you’re new, don’t hide at home doing the same thing every day,” he advises. “Be open to mentorship and attend training. This isn’t a job – it’s a career. You need to keep learning and asking questions.”
His leadership philosophy centers on community and growth. “Join a company whose vision you believe in,” he says. “PropNex has a strong culture of mentorship and integrity, and that’s what drew me in. It’s not just about sales; it’s about building a meaningful career.”
The takeaway: Ordinary to extraordinary
Eric’s story is proof that success doesn’t depend on where you start, but on how far you’re willing to go. From a debt-laden entrepreneur to a top-performing commercial agent, he’s shown that with grit, learning, and heart, anyone can rewrite their future.
For aspiring agents, his journey offers a clear message: your background doesn’t define you; your mindset does.
For business owners and investors, it’s a reminder that in the world of real estate, you need someone who understands your challenges, your risks, and your goals – someone like Eric Lee. Whether you’re exploring investment opportunities or a career in real estate, you can reach Eric at +65 8332 0473 or connect with him on Instagram at @ericlee.tmp.
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