By Sonia West
“Avoid situations where your interests may conflict with your client’s, and maintain a principled, ethical, and transparent approach. It always pays off in the long run!”
Harpreet Singh is the Executive President for Development, Land, and Investment Sales at Cushman & Wakefield. He collaborates with various developers, investors, and landowners in this role. His expansive portfolio encompasses various asset classes, including managing multiple redevelopment land listings, some valued at over $100 million. He expresses his passion for the role by saying, “Every day presents exciting opportunities, challenges, the chance to explore innovative ideas, and the opportunity to assist others in realizing their real estate ambitions. To me, it feels like a dream come true.”
Upon his arrival in Vancouver in 2005, Harpreet underwent a journey of acclimatization to Canadian culture, and he dedicated himself to evolving into the accomplished business professional he is today. Starting his career in construction as a framer, he soon identified his true calling within the realm of Real Estate. Harpreet is an individual who remains undeterred by challenges and instead embraces them as opportunities to excel. He possesses diverse talents, and whatever captures his interest, he strives to master.
Who is your best friend?
“Indeed, my father! While many might say, ‘My parents live with me,’ I prefer to say, ‘I live with my parents.’ My father’s overwhelming charm, humility, caring nature, and kind soul have made him my dearest friend. At times, he loses his grasp on situational awareness due to signs of early Alzheimer’s. Dad consistently strives to maintain a cheerful disposition and continues to be my role model!”
Tell us about your family.
“My mother, one of the most resilient individuals, battled liposarcoma and its subsequent effects. She persists in her struggle against this condition, drawing strength from her unwavering faith in God.
I am fortunate to have my lovely children, Jaskaran and Jayna; they are making significant strides on their paths. During our challenging period settling in Canada, I put in extended hours at work, leaving me with limited time to spend with them. Thankfully, their mother was consistently there for them, providing unwavering support. I commend their multi-talented mother for her dedication to raising them; I don’t want to take credit for their excellent upbringing. She deserves all the acknowledgment.”
Shouldering Family Responsibility: What did you wish to become as a child, and have you fulfilled it?
“I nurtured dreams of becoming a pilot or a musician, but my father had different aspirations. He was adamant about my joining the family watch business and advocated that my education be limited to grade eight. Despite consistently ranking among the top students in my class, I needed an alternative to assume control of the family business. Within four years, I toiled tirelessly and multiplied its value twentyfold.
In addition to my full-time work, I continued my studies and ventured into software programming. I derived immense pleasure from tackling intricate code and even produced a painting using a programming language. Although I attempted to learn music as a side pursuit, it proved challenging due to the demanding nature of music that requires dedicated practice and time—resources I found myself lacking.
However, I can share a more playful anecdote from my youth: I was a mischievous child who, in grade 4, would ride to school on a motorbike. This recollection offers a glimpse into my past,” he reflects on the past with a smile.
So, what happened to those dreams?
“In essence, there is always time,” Harpreet says. “I’m still pursuing my dreams and have achieved most of them. I continue to dream and formulate a plan of action to realize them, as straightforward as that.”
How do you achieve the balance of work and family life?
“I made a concerted effort to maintain and strike that delicate balance in life. My interests span many hobbies, such as flying airplanes, motorcycling, cycling, playing badminton, trap shooting, strumming the guitar and drums, crafting poetry, and photography. Some clients have enjoyed accompanying me on a flight in my airplane. As I explore land prospects from the air and capture images of my property listings, I give my clients a unique perspective of the Lower Mainland. A saying goes, ‘Only a busy person can find time,’ and I embrace this philosophy. While I dedicate my time to work, I also steal moments to savor, live life to the fullest, and spend time with my family.”
What was the starting point for your career upon your arrival in Canada?
“Within the first week after my arrival, I embarked on my career as a gas station attendant, working the graveyard shift for seven consecutive months without a single day off. My rationale was two-fold: firstly, I aimed to immerse myself in the local community and culture, and secondly, I deliberately turned down a couple of job offers that promised a significantly higher hourly income than what I earned at the gas station. Money was not my primary concern,” he reminisces, recalling the many customers who transformed into his friends. “I vividly remember more than 300 regular customers and their specific purchases. I originated from a place where respect often correlated with income and social status. Conversations with many individuals allowed me to comprehend the local population’s diversity, values, ethics, and culture. It became evident that, unlike my country of origin, a person earning a minimum wage deserved the same respect as someone making millions annually.
“My second job was working as a framing carpenter, which, though physically demanding, ignited my passion for real estate,” he reveals. “During that time, I learned the value of hard work and contributing to creating homes where families could thrive. Transitioning to real estate in 2008, amid the Global Financial Crisis aftermath, was challenging due to my limited community connections. Undeterred, I completed the Realtor pre-licensing course, graduated near the top of my class, and overcame financial hurdles. In my first year as a realtor, I ranked second in earnings among over 100 colleagues. I earned the title Rookie of the Year from the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. I cannot thank Jim McCaughan enough, the legendary manager of Landmark Realty Corp. in Abbotsford, who took a chance on a rookie realtor and hired me.”
Can you describe your experience with Cushman and Wakefield?
“I initially enjoyed selling residential assisting families but found myself working long hours, which left little time for my family and me. Despite financial stability, I had lost the balance I sought when I came to Canada. Consequently, I shifted my career path and was thrilled when Hendrik Zessel, the British Columbia Managing Director at Cushman and Wakefield, hired me as an associate. Hendrik’s reputation, akin to Jim McCaughan’s, was legendary. I’m forever grateful for his patient mentorship during my transition into commercial real estate. Since then, I’ve never looked back.”
Harpreet recalls, “Several years later, I ascended to Executive Vice President in the Cushman Wakefield BC Capital Markets Group. The majority of my transactions revolve around redevelopment land and investment assets. With my comprehensive market knowledge, solid and efficient research skills, adept negotiation skills, and unwavering focus, I’ve successfully collaborated with local and international developers, investors, government entities, and landowners looking to tap into the development potential of long-held properties. I’ve also guided multiple strata corporations through the intricate strata windup process. My prior experience as a residential real estate professional uniquely equips me to bridge the emotional aspects of long-time home and landowners with the analytical skills necessary for sophisticated financial decisions on the commercial side. This ability to merge emotional and financial considerations has led to successful transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars for numerous clients. I’m profoundly appreciative of Bill Philips, who has been a steadfast mentor and guide, helping me navigate the shift from residential to commercial real estate, and he still plays a vital role in my professional development.”
“Our company has been working with Harpreet for a number of years and we are always impressed with his professionalism and deep understanding of the development land market.”
Chad Margolus
Vice President – Morningstar Homes
How many clients are currently under your care?
“The list is extensive and varied. Today, I hold mandates for approximately $350 million. If you incorporate off-market opportunities, it’s reasonable to estimate that this figure would exceed $500 million.”
Any message to new real estate representatives who are embarking on their journey?
“We have faith in the divine and the blessings it bestows, even when we may question the timing of those blessings. Patience is key. But, learning from positive and challenging experiences is crucial. “As the saying goes, ‘If It Doesn’t Challenge You, It Doesn’t Change You,’” Harpreet reiterates.
Harpreet wants to teach our readers an important lesson: “Avoid situations where your interests may conflict with your client’s, and maintain a principled, ethical, and transparent approach. It always pays off in the long run!”
“Harpreet Singh worked with our strata during a sale and strata wind-up under trying circumstances. He was always professional, helpful, and approachable. He has a robust network of qualified buyers that resulted in 11 serious offers. He sold our entire strata property for more than we expected in a short period of time. He managed to get 100% buy-in from 36 owners, which was made easier because he brought us a top dollar, record-breaking, offer. I am grateful that we found him.”
Madeleine Hardin
Executive Director, Community Relations, Lifeguard Digital Health Professor Emeritus, University of Fraser Valley
Harpreet Singh
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Executive Vice President
Development Land & Investment Sales
Cell phone: +1 604 217 8888
Direct: +1 604 640 5870
Email: harpreet.singh@cushwake.com
Cushman and Wakefield, a globally acclaimed firm, operates in 60 countries and boasts a team of 52,000 members. #700-700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver BC V7Y 1A1 | Work: (604) 683- 3111 | www.cushwake.com
