Hoppler’s Broker of the Month: Doni Tantongco

We are often drawn to people who are selfless. For Hoppler’s Broker of the Month Doni Michelle Tantongco, genuine growth happens when we learn to put the interest of other people before ours. Her goal to help everyone find a home that would elevate their lives allows her to further understand that trust is the result of being selfless; and in the real estate industry, when you have the client’s trust, success in sales inevitably follows.

Doni shares her insights on how brokers should excellently transact with clients.

Tell us something about yourself.

I’m Doni Michelle Tantongco, 38, a graduate of BS Psychology from Our Lady of Fatima College in Valenzuela (now, Our Lady of Fatima University). I am a full-time wife, a mother of 2 kids, and a part-time Hoppler Partner Broker.

How did your career start?

I worked as a Negotiator in a real estate agency for 3 years. In 2012, I took the broker’s licensure examination and passed. That was the start of my career as a licensed real estate broker.

How would you describe your work ethic?

Professionalism is important to me. I work with integrity. I make sure that I am always truthful no matter what stage we are in the sale process.

What do you love most about your job?

I love to express myself in a way that benefits people, and I get to do that when I meet with clients. I converse with them about topics that interest them so they will feel that I care about the things they care for.

What are your motivations?

When I became a mother, I stopped working – and I missed it. I love being a mom, but since I am used to working in the real estate industry where I frequently meet with clients, I longed for that kind of routine that is really essential for my growth as a person. Another motivation is my goal to close transactions and give satisfaction to my clients.

Do you have any fears as a broker?

Trust is a big thing especially if you are in sales. I do not want to lose my client’s trust. Even when you are at the peak of your career when you lose your client’s trust, your career might fall drastically. Otherwise, once you win their trust, they will come back to you; they might even refer you to people.

What do you enjoy most about being a broker?

As a part-time Partner Broker of Hoppler, I enjoy having my free time. I said to myself that for as long as I could close deals and deliver the needs of my clients, I can spend my time the way I want to.

How would you describe your work style?

I set a timeframe for the things I need to accomplish. First, I allocate time for the important and urgent tasks that I need to finish before doing the less important things. Usually, I allot 2 to 3 hours answering inquiries via e-mail every day and then proceed to work on the other things that I need to do. It’s that simple. Having a schedule to set the structure of your work style is essential.

Name your top 3 strengths as a broker.

I am truthful. No matter where we are in the sale process, I make sure that I only present facts to my clients.

I am sincere. I deal fairly with clients. Of course, we should never take advantage of people who trust us. I see to it that I deliver what I promise and I even go the extra mile for clients, if possible.

I am patient. I always exercise patience. As a broker, I always need to be there to answer the concerns of my clients even when they consistently ask the same questions.

What have you learned from your experience as a broker?

As a broker, you need to be flexible but with limitations. The broker’s code of ethics and responsibilities should not be bent nor broken. Never make a promise that you cannot deliver; do not commit anything that is not feasible.

How do you value with clients?

I always affirm my clients before and after the sale that I am just a call or text away. I always intend to make them feel valued. If they need anything that I could be of help, I assure them that I will try my best to assist them. I do not tell them how I work; I show them how I work.

What is your long-term goal?

Being a real estate broker is a long-term career since it is not bounded by age. No matter how old you are, if you are a licensed broker and you have a pool of clients who trust you, people will always look to you for their concerns about real estate. My long-term goal is to have more clients that I can serve while enhancing my skills and being more familiar with other real estate projects in the process.

What is your advice to real estate brokers who want to be successful in the industry?

Have integrity of the heart. Always be honest, fair, and truthful. Do not enter situations that will put your credibility in line. Most importantly, ask for God’s guidance; pray. Allow God to move before you move.

Real estate brokers know that how they treat people determines the track and sets the tone of transactions. Doni’s hope to assist clients in finding a home that would best cater to their needs is her fuel to be excellent in all she does.

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For other featured brokers and industry experts, visit the Featured People section in our blog.