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How my struggles shaped my passion for helping others find their dream home
By Khalil Adis
By Khalil Adis
Photo: Courtesy of Pexels.
I have a confession to make.
For the past few years, I’ve struggled to feel creatively inspired to write.
On the surface, I’ve been busy with viewings and helping clients find their dream homes.
But deep inside, I’ve been processing a traumatic chapter of my life—one that shaped who I am today.
For the past few years, I’ve struggled to feel creatively inspired to write.
On the surface, I’ve been busy with viewings and helping clients find their dream homes.
But deep inside, I’ve been processing a traumatic chapter of my life—one that shaped who I am today.
I grew up in a broken home.
I never knew my father, and my mother, devastated by divorce, suffered frequent mental breakdowns.
She was in and out of hospitals, leaving my sister and me to fend for ourselves.
I often cried, wondering why she had to leave, but those tears brought no answers.
Thankfully, my uncle and his family took us in.
I can only imagine the weight of raising two children that weren’t his own, but he did it with kindness and generosity.
I never knew my father, and my mother, devastated by divorce, suffered frequent mental breakdowns.
She was in and out of hospitals, leaving my sister and me to fend for ourselves.
I often cried, wondering why she had to leave, but those tears brought no answers.
Thankfully, my uncle and his family took us in.
I can only imagine the weight of raising two children that weren’t his own, but he did it with kindness and generosity.
Photo of me growing up. Photo credit: My aunt.
At school, I was a quiet and reserved child.
My teachers saw potential in me and nurtured it.
I threw myself into academics, imagining my father’s pride if he were there to see my report cards.
It was my way of coping—a quiet tribute to a man I never knew.
My teachers saw potential in me and nurtured it.
I threw myself into academics, imagining my father’s pride if he were there to see my report cards.
It was my way of coping—a quiet tribute to a man I never knew.
A photo of me writing. Photo credit: Khalil Adis.
At 14, I discovered the magic of writing.
My journal became my sanctuary, a place to pour out my feelings and find solace.
A teacher noticed my natural flair for writing and encouraged me to participate in a short story competition.
To my surprise, I won.
Writing became my therapy, my outlet, and my anchor.
My journal became my sanctuary, a place to pour out my feelings and find solace.
A teacher noticed my natural flair for writing and encouraged me to participate in a short story competition.
To my surprise, I won.
Writing became my therapy, my outlet, and my anchor.
Taman Jurong Community Club. Photo: Khalil Adis.
When I turned 18, my mother, sister, and I had a family discussion about finding a home of our own.
We had no money, but my uncle and his wife pooled their resources to help us put down a deposit for a flat in Taman Jurong.
For the first time, I experienced what having a home truly meant—a place of safety, love, and belonging.
That dream, however, was short-lived.
At 21, I came home to find my belongings thrown out.
My sister and I had a falling out, and I was left homeless.
We had no money, but my uncle and his wife pooled their resources to help us put down a deposit for a flat in Taman Jurong.
For the first time, I experienced what having a home truly meant—a place of safety, love, and belonging.
That dream, however, was short-lived.
At 21, I came home to find my belongings thrown out.
My sister and I had a falling out, and I was left homeless.
Staying in Admiralty in Woodlands taught me the value of self-reliance. Photo: Khalil Adis.
During my national service, I lived in camp for several months.
Eventually, I found a small room in Admiralty for $300 a month.
By then, I had secured a job as a writer and could afford the rent, but the experience left a lasting mark.
It taught me the true value of a home—not just as a shelter, but as a place to belong.
Eventually, I found a small room in Admiralty for $300 a month.
By then, I had secured a job as a writer and could afford the rent, but the experience left a lasting mark.
It taught me the true value of a home—not just as a shelter, but as a place to belong.
Punggol is now where I call home. Photo: Khalil Adis.
When I was 25, my sister asked me to return home.
Shortly after, she moved to New Zealand and got married.
Although the property wasn’t mine, I took over the mortgage, property tax, and conservancy charges.
In January 2014, my sister returned home and threatened eviction.
It was a moment of despair, but I sought help from my Member of Parliament, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
With his support, I secured a two-room flat for my mother and I — a place where we could finally feel safe and settled.
That is why I became a realtor: to help others find the sense of security I once lost.
Shortly after, she moved to New Zealand and got married.
Although the property wasn’t mine, I took over the mortgage, property tax, and conservancy charges.
In January 2014, my sister returned home and threatened eviction.
It was a moment of despair, but I sought help from my Member of Parliament, Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam.
With his support, I secured a two-room flat for my mother and I — a place where we could finally feel safe and settled.
That is why I became a realtor: to help others find the sense of security I once lost.
If you’re seeking a home that offers more than just four walls—if you’re looking for a place of safety, belonging, and peace of mind—let’s talk.
I understand what it means to build a secure future, and I’m here to help you find a place where you can truly feel at home.
Reach out today, and let’s start this journey together. Your dream home isn’t just a house, it’s the foundation of your next chapter.
I understand what it means to build a secure future, and I’m here to help you find a place where you can truly feel at home.
Reach out today, and let’s start this journey together. Your dream home isn’t just a house, it’s the foundation of your next chapter.