Judy Hsiao – Estate agent builds a solid foundation

When it comes to Judy Hsiao, the term ‘wealth of experience’ is applicable.

From Taiwan to South Africa, from business trading to travel agency, this dynamic 57-year-old has challenged herself to be the best in any field. For the past seven years, she’s mastered the property trade.

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Judy said she obtained a degree in International Business Trading in Taiwan and earned her first working experience as a travel agent, then moved to South Africa in 1995 to co-own a footwear company and later join a sewing machine manufacturer.

During that time, she moved to Newcastle. Over the 15 years Judy has called herself a local, she expanded her portfolio to include property, but believed no matter how long ago a person immigrated to South Africa, they were always considered a foreigner.

She also struggled for some time with the language barrier. Despite these harsh realities, Judy found her niche as a property agent for the Chinese community, and has built a solid client base within the community. She believed her work ethic spoke for itself.

“I work fast and hard and I don’t like to delay, and that might be why I close 90 per cent of my deals. I deal mostly with Chinese clients and am happy to have gained their trust and served them.”

Judy admitted her determination often led people to call her over-serious, but said that simply reflected the difference in work ethic from one country to another.

Something else people noticed was that she was always on the move. Discussing the other challenges of the property trade, Judy said working on a commission basis was a challenge in itself, but said focusing on the end result had steered her well.

“My job isn’t only selling property; it’s about your personality and involves other aspects such as law and administration.”

Part of Judy’s success was attributed to her belief that an estate agent should be a bridge to a client, not just a person who sells them a property for commission. She said it was important to keep her clients in the know.

“You get agencies which hide problems, whereas I want them resolved before I sell to the client. It’s up to a person to do right, provide services and gain people’s trust.”

When she isn’t at her desk selling property, Judy is a major roleplayer in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese community in general. Culture is one of her greatest passions.

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Judy is known for the key role she plays in Chinese New Year celebrations, but also dabbles in line dancing, hiking and music. Her latest pursuit is learning to play the violin.

“You can take a violin anywhere. I was inspired by the American violinist Lindsay Sterling, and my dream is to combine line dancing and violin.”

Judy said her newfound passion for the string instrument came after years of devoting her time to raising her four daughters as a single mother. Now her goal was to relax and enjoy her life on her own terms.

“I have the time to do things for myself and keep myself busy; it’s important to balance lifestyle, work and recreation. However, exercise gets boring so I find dancing is exercise combined with enjoyment.”

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