Special Feature

From introvert to industry champion: Ivan Seah’s meticulous path to success

August 22, 2025 2:00 PM SGT

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Seah: I believe in adding value to every buyer’s showflat visit by helping them see beyond the surface. (Picture: EdgeProp Singapore)

Ivan Seah rose to one of the top-performing property agents with PropNex and has been crowned the company’s No. 1 champion tagger for five consecutive years (2020 to 2024). He is also a two-time recipient of the PropNex prestigious millionaire award (2021 and 2024).

Seah specialises as a property tagger — a trusted support role where he assists his fellow agents by introducing and explaining the details of the new project launches information to their client. He builds his confidence through detailed study and meticulous preparation, even to the extent of curating his own presentation kit, enhancing it with insights drawn from his research. Going the extra mile for his clients and meticulous preparation underscore Seah’s success.

When meeting clients, Seah doesn’t just recite facts — he shares strategic insights tailored to each buyer’s profile and objectives.

Seah has consistently achieved the highest accolades within the agency by bringing home the Tagger Champion title for five consecutive years and Millionaire award for two years. (Picture: Ivan Seah)

“Instead of simply repeating what they may already know, I provide a broader perspective — like how the area will evolve under the URA Master Plan — to position the property as a valuable long-term asset. At times, I even highlight potential downsides to help them make informed decisions,” he explains.

During our interview at a showflat in Lentor, Seah was asked whether the rising number of launches in the vicinity could pose a challenge for future resale. Without hesitation, he offered a calm and reassuring reply — explaining the government’s land planning strategies, the timeline of government land sales (GLS) sites in Lentor, the current buyer demographics in Lentor and how to identify attributes that enhance the area’s desirability, helping to ensure the long-term value of their purchase. “When clients understand the planning intentions and unique attributes, they gain confidence in their purchase,” he notes.

A unique showflat presentation experience

To Seah, viewing a showflat is more than just a walkthrough — it’s an experience.

Seah speaking at PropNex Malaysia’s Millionaire Masterclass. (Picture: Ivan Seah)

“I believe in adding value to every buyer’s showflat visit by helping them see beyond the surface. My goal is to guide them with clarity, offering insights they may not have considered and answering the questions they didn’t know they had. When a buyer eventually decides to purchase, I want them to do so with confidence, reassurance, and most importantly — genuine happiness,” he explains.

To achieve this, Seah follows a structured five-stage approach to enhance a buyer’s showflat experience: buyer’s pre-arrival; location map; project model; show unit; and discussion table. “I have a specific objective for each stage, and I tailor my presentation to align with the buyer’s area of interest,” he shares.

What makes his achievements even more remarkable is his quiet, introverted nature. According to feedback from his peers, his calm composure that exudes sincerity and assurance further builds trust with clients.

He often rehearses his presentations in advance to refine his delivery and ensure clarity. “One of the first few people that I rehearse with or share with is usually my wife — in fact, that’s how I ended up convincing her to make our first joint investment in The Florence Residences, followed by another in the Lentor area, and possibly a third one too in the same area too,” he says.

Seah with his family (his now five-year old girl). (Picture: Ivan Seah)

Going the extra mile

Seah does his best to accommodate his clients’ requests, grateful that they trust him to deliver. “I reach out to fellow agents, treating them as clients and striving to exceed their expectations,” he says.

“Given the competitive nature of my role as a property tagger, I observe what others do — then go one step further to differentiate myself.”

This mindset was especially evident during the height of Covid-19 in 2020, when digital presentations became the norm. Taggers operate in an increasingly competitive environment, where adaptability is key. Despite the lack of a structured framework, Seah adapted quickly — creating his own Zoom presentation kits, often working from 8am to past midnight skipping meals, handling multiple virtual showings, preparing paperwork, and closing deals at an impressive average pace of one transaction per day.

“Without a physical showflat, buyers tend to focus more on facts and data. My custom digital kits helped them focus on the essentials like layout efficiency and market value, rather than being emotionally swayed by showroom aesthetics,” he explains.

With his consistent achievements, Seah is often invited to share his methodology within the agency. (Picture: Ivan Seah)

Since joining PropNex in 2017, Seah has worked tirelessly and achieved phenomenal success. He played a key role in closing over 150 units as the project tagger for a condominium in Hougang, and has been consistently recognised as Champion Tagger across multiple project launches islandwide.

“Every achievement shows fellow agents that being a tagger isn’t just a platform — it’s a viable, empowering career path. It proves that with the right tools, mindset, and support, success in this role isn’t the exception — it’s possible for many,” he notes.

An abundance mindset

Seah also highlights the importance of not becoming too emotionally invested in chasing every deal, as it can compromise the client’s showflat experience. He recalls a period last November, when multiple launches coincided and he had to multitask under tight deadlines — he strives to uphold each client’s experience, despite packed schedules.

“There were nights I worked till 4am, juggling appointments and paperwork, and spending less time with family. But I’ve learnt not to let stress affect the client’s experience. I let go when conflicts in timings arise — but for every appointment I take, I give my best,” says Seah.

Seah conducting training for Vevien Ong District team mates. (Picture: Ivan Seah)

It is with the same mindset that he accepts invitations to conduct training sessions for fellow PropNex agents and taggers, despite not being a natural public speaker and the extensive preparation each session requires.

“It’s my nature to share — even among competitors, as I’m not afraid to lose out,” he says. “My fellow colleague commented that I have an abundance mindset and I am truly grateful to God for all my achievements.”

In his view: “To excel, you must do more than others — not just in effort, but in heart. And above all, pray.”