We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Candice Lee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Candice below.

Hi Candice, thanks for joining us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, I take vacations. As a Realtor, I have the flexibility to schedule time off each year. For employees, I suggest negotiating for more vacation time as part of your benefits package when discussing terms with an employer. A vacation doesn’t have to involve international travel; even small changes, like taking a different route home or spending a weekend at a nearby state park, can count as a refreshing getaway. As we say in Taiwan, “Travel means leaving a place you’re tired of for another place where the locals are tired of living.”

For a weekend trip, I recommend destinations within a four-hour drive. If you’re based in Houston, places like San Antonio, Texas Hill Country, Austin, and Dallas make excellent choices for a short vacation.

Personally, I love traveling. While many in the U.S. prefer visiting Europe, I highly recommend exploring Asia for your next trip. Major cities or the West Coast often offer direct flights to Asia, making it more accessible than you might think. I’ve had the opportunity to visit Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and China, and I hope to explore Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Hainan Island in the future.

Candice, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hi everyone, my name is Candice Lee. I immigrated from Taiwan to Houston in 2001 to pursue better educational opportunities. After earning my Master’s degree in Advertising from Syracuse University in 2013, I returned to Houston in 2014. At the time, Houston was experiencing a population boom, with an influx of residents from other states and significant international interest, particularly from China and Mexico. This trend continues to this day. Encouraged by a long-time friend, I decided to pursue a career in real estate and officially became a licensed Realtor on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2014.

Currently, I specialize in both residential and commercial real estate. My clients include a large number of first-time homebuyers, with many coming from the Taiwanese community. My expertise lies in new construction properties. When working with clients, I provide a detailed map of the surrounding area, highlighting key amenities like grocery stores and shopping centers. I also encourage them to drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day and calculate their commute to major highways. For most clients, I recommend homes within a 30-minute drive to work, though some prioritize neighborhood preferences over commute times. I pride myself on empowering my clients to make informed decisions by providing them with factual information while respecting their autonomy. This personalized and client-focused approach sets me apart from others in the industry.

I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on my clients’ lives. Helping them find a home is more than just a transaction; it’s about enhancing their quality of life. Beyond real estate, I’m always willing to provide additional personal advice. For example, I’m currently assisting a client in finding a job in Houston, which will also help him secure housing once he lands a position. This creative and holistic approach to client service demonstrates my commitment to being not just a Realtor, but a genuine, resourceful, and innovative partner in their journey. My ultimate goal is to be recognized as someone who truly cares about her clients and goes above and beyond to meet their needs.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Reputation, as defined by Oxford Languages, is “the beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.” It is crucial because word-of-mouth often drives business, particularly in the real estate industry. In Asian cultures, reputation holds even greater significance—it’s often viewed as a defining trait, with people being perceived as either very good or very bad. I strive to consistently maintain a positive reputation, as it reflects not just on me as a professional but also on the trust clients place in me.

As a Realtor, the greatest compliment I receive is when clients refer me to their friends and family. These referrals are a testament to the trust and satisfaction I’ve earned. Over the years, I’ve also come to accept that some working relationships naturally come to an end; However, I’ve found that what truly builds and sustains my reputation is my commitment to going above and beyond for every client. I focus on being fully present in each interaction, giving my best without overanalyzing whether it will directly enhance my reputation. This genuine approach often encourages clients to think of me when they know someone with real estate needs, ensuring my reputation grows organically.

By balancing professionalism with authenticity and understanding the cultural weight of reputation, I’ve been able to create strong connections and establish myself as a trusted Realtor in my market.

Can you open up about a time when you had a really close call with the business?

In September 2022, I reactivated my real estate license after stepping away from the business since 2019. Restarting a business was challenging—I had to rebuild my client base from scratch. By February 2023, five months after reactivating my license, I still hadn’t closed a single deal. It was a humbling and uncertain time. My leads either chose another Realtor or decided against purchasing property altogether.

I tried to build my presence in the community through initiatives like hosting a First-Time Homebuyers Seminar, but progress was slow. By the end of February 2023, I began considering other career paths. I thought about going back to school to earn a Paralegal Certificate and even entertained the idea of attending law school to become a real estate lawyer.
Then, just as I was feeling stuck, I received a text from a former client I had referred to another agent while my license was inactive. Their initial transaction had fallen through, and they were now looking to purchase a property worth nearly $1 million. That moment was a turning point. I seized the opportunity, and my business has been thriving ever since.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: perseverance pays off. If you stay committed to your business long enough, opportunities will come your way. The key is to remain prepared and ready to act when they do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candiceleerealtor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicecleerealtor
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecandice-lee/