10 Questions With Arthur Ng
Managing Broker, Burnaby
Arthur Ng, Managing Broker of Macdonald Realty’s Burnaby office, shares the story of how he got into real estate, his best advice for those looking to join the industry as an agent, and where you can find him in his free time – all in this 10 Questions interview.
How did you get into the real estate industry? I was attending BCIT in the administration program and enrolled in the real estate option. In one of my business classes, an instructor suggested I meet with his past co-worker in the HR field who operated a brokerage in West Vancouver. My eyes opened when I saw the real estate office operations.
On my initial visit to the brokerage, I was in awe with the activity that was buzzing in the office. Agents were at their desks on calls and making appointments. Listings and sales were being posted on the boards. Voice pagers and announcements over the PA system were frantic because all calls went to the office. It was like the stock exchange! The environment alone made me want to start right away in the business. This was the typical Monday morning meeting in the bullpen. My meeting with the MB only confirmed my decision to be in the real estate industry.
What led to you to become a managing broker? While doing some summer work for the brokerage, I saw how the business operated and the support offered to the salespeople. I was told that if I wanted to manage an office, I had to sell real estate first to understand what salespeople go through and the challenges they face. After 6 years in sales, an opportunity to manage an office appeared. I never looked back. My mentor and Managing Broker was one of the people who helped to develop the clauses used for today’s residential real estate contracts!
What is one thing you wish you knew when you first got into real estate? Don’t expect the phone to ring off the hook, nor should you expect a line-up of buyers and sellers waiting for your services once you get your real estate license. Leads are not provided; you have to secure the business on your own! The success of a top agent does not happen overnight.
Above: Arthur’s very first listing, circa 1992.
What is your advice to someone who wants to become an agent? Understand the real work involved before you decide to get into the industry. It’s relatively easy to get your real estate license (after spending $5k for the course and fees), it’s quite another to make a living and succeed. Is this the career you really want or just wanting to try it out? You need to be self-motivated and very, very disciplined. If you are financially strapped, commission sales may not be the right fit.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received (related to real estate industry)? Don’t spend your commission before the sale completes unless you have other firm sales in your pipeline and don’t forget to leave money aside for CRA! Stay humble and don’t let success get to your head. The market goes in cycles as does the commission.
Why do you enjoy working in the real estate industry? I like to say I’m in it to make a difference in our industry. I do my part by helping agents to be successful and doing the right thing, teaching new licensees via BCFSA and the APC (Applied Practice Course) program to help ensure agents understand their role and obligations. Being on the Professional Conduct Committee for the REBGV also helps me stay updated on compliance topics.
What is your favorite thing about working at Macdonald Realty? I enjoy the support that is available to staff and salespeople alike. While you are working independently within your office, you are not alone.
Above: Arthur’s Culinary Creations: a simple Sunday breakfast; healthy oatmeal cookies (complete wtih wheat bran/germ, hemp hearts, and oats) that he makes occasionally for office meetings; ancient sourdough bread; and sourdough bagels that his wife makes from scratch.
What is a fun fact about yourself? I’m a food lover (and can cook) but not really a foodie. I could spend hours in the supermarket and more time in the kitchen preparing the meal! I do let my wife bake her sourdough bread from scratch regularly.
What is your favorite quote? “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” or “Treat others the way you want to be treated” – the Golden Rule.
What is a book that everyone should read? While I have no favorites (though cookbooks do come to mind), everyone should be reading something to keep their mind active and always learning. Most of my materials are technical in nature, dealing with rules and regulations, legislation, etc. (i.e., really dull stuff).
