View Full Version : Lessons Learnt from seeing Showflats
recently visited a few showflats, and I know there are many here visiting showflats as past time, kapo, or to buy or for whatever reasons.
It will be good to share here the lessons learnt from seeing the showflats,
1. Customised bed : yesterday, I almost had a heated argument with an agent on the size of bed in the showflat. Queen size bed, to them is King size. Standard bed (ie the queen size bed of HK, 4 or 4.5 ft. Super single is 3.5ft, singe is 3ft) is Queen size. The mattress in the helper's room is 4 ft long.
2. A lot of what you see is not going to be what you get. Like flooring, kitchen, etc. Brand of all the fixtures....
3. plot ratio : SkyVue is 4.8...terribly high....
4. Number of carpark lots...especially those in town and near to MRT
5..pl add
Remove all the walls and replace by thin sheet of glass and remove all doors (so that you will not see the akwardness and tightness of opening the doors) in the showflat to make the space looks bigger, but all the thick walls & doors will exist in actual completed unit! So, can you imagine a 3xx-4xx sqft unit even with 1 bedroom is going to be liveable? :banghead:
Showflat dorned with all branded electrical appliances, but these appliances are either not provided in actual completed units or will be replaced by brand-not-specified electrical appliances subject to availability by developers! :simmering:
Showflats' floors renovated with super big piece marbles everywhere and bedroom with top-quality very big piece solid woods, but actually hor, you are not going to get all these in your actual completed units.... :axekiller:
recently visited a few showflats, and I know there are many here visiting showflats as past time, kapo, or to buy or for whatever reasons.
It will be good to share here the lessons learnt from seeing the showflats,
1. Customised bed : yesterday, I almost had a heated argument with an agent on the size of bed in the showflat. Queen size bed, to them is King size. Standard bed (ie the queen size bed of HK, 4 or 4.5 ft. Super single is 3.5ft, singe is 3ft) is Queen size. The mattress in the helper's room is 4 ft long.
2. A lot of what you see is not going to be what you get. Like flooring, kitchen, etc. Brand of all the fixtures....
3. plot ratio : SkyVue is 4.8...terribly high....
4. Number of carpark lots...especially those in town and near to MRT
5..pl add
use a lot of mirrors to create a bigger space impression
new BCA regulations explicitly state that developers are not allowed to replace walls with glass in showrooms and all walls should be of actual thickness
one way to get a closer impression on the size of the unit is to stand just before the edge of the PES/balcony area and look inward. then you avoid having the illusion of size when you look from the main door out into the PES space.
one thing to observe is the way the door swings. in the showroom there are no doors. look carefully at the floor plan. i have seen cases where when the master bedroom door is swung open, the access to the master bedroom toilet is blocked. silly design.
Ceiling at showflats are usually higher than actual. When asked, the agent will use their laser pointer to point at a small sticker mark at the corner of the room indicating the actual height. :tsk-tsk:
Most agents have no idea who is the architect unless it is a celebrity architect.
Agents are 'suppose' to service you. So ask a lot of questions! They will try to explain some negative points into positive or neutral points but it is ok, as long as you can see through them. In reality, i never trust the words of a agent, unless they are your very good childhood friend. If you meet the agent for the first time in the showflat, you think they care for your interest?:tongue3:
Almost all the developers remove some blocks from their showflat model claiming that it will allow potential buyer to see the layout. But in actual fact, the removal creates the spaciousness effect that misled buyers.
You have to ask exactly what is given and what is not. Some developer do provide some carpentry work to hide that weird dryer located in the living room. Make sure that they do provide that! Don't assume.
In the olden days of bay windows, the developer put the bed on top of the bay window to ,again, create the illusion of space.:banghead:
Make sure you know exactly where the substation, the rubbish dump and the bbq is located, and don't buy any unit near them regardless how cheap they are.:sleep:
new BCA regulations explicitly state that developers are not allowed to replace walls with glass in showrooms and all walls should be of actual thickness
You shd check out Skyvue 2-bedroom showflat.. the ultimate in toeing the line.
Homogeneous tile displayed on the floor with a label.. "laminate / timber flooring".
You shd check out Skyvue 2-bedroom showflat.. the ultimate in toeing the line.
Homogeneous tile displayed on the floor with a label.. "laminate / timber flooring".
the kind of tile shouldn't affect one's overall perception of space eh?
i learn that most show flat agents are full of bull, lol.
Hate it when they always use the PES units as showroom, the large balcony always give a fake impression that you will have a lot of space.
And you can't even build shit there.
guys, simple.
buy resale better! u can see actual unit!:D
guys, simple.
buy resale better! u can see actual unit!:D
agree :cool:
princess_morbucks
02-10-13, 12:11
guys, simple.
buy resale better! u can see actual unit!:D
Yes! I also think so, especially for investment, i would rather go for a unit which has top-ed or buy resale, so that I can lock in the low interest rate for the next 3 years while getting the lump sum loan from the bank.
When I go to Thomas 3, I asked them about Skyvue.
When I go to skyvue, I told them I am considering T3
samsungtay
02-10-13, 21:09
When I go to Thomas 3, I asked them about Skyvue.
When I go to skyvue, I told them I am considering T3
Ha ha. After you hear too much of the negative, you will stop buying!!
When I go to Thomas 3, I asked them about Skyvue.
When I go to skyvue, I told them I am considering T3
At the end, i think you will not buy at all! hahah
In property investment, the key to the "investment" is by stepping a foothold first. otherwise, you will never commit to any property even if its the best you will think its too high a price!
When I go to Thomas 3, I asked them about Skyvue.
When I go to skyvue, I told them I am considering T3
Smart investor!
That's what Office Boy does also (means I also quite smart), my principle is "Agents will lie through their soul (like some Jurong buyers here) to con(vince) you to buy something from them so that they can earn a few thousand dollars while you carry the million dollar debt. And it takes another as eager agent to point out the lies, also in an all out effort to con(vince) you to let him con you."
Quite a long principle. Pai Seh...
DKSG
Ask agent if they have bought if it's really gd
Ask agent if they have bought if it's really gd
Eeerrmmm ... from my experience this kinda question usually get this kinda of answer :
"I would have bought if I have the money! This will be my first choice! You are lucky to be able to afford this and be here at this moment! Those choice units are still available!"
DKSG
reporting "live" from showflats!
Go showroom most important technique is kin in kin out (kiko). With proper tactic u can sneak in openly without an agent. No need hear bullshit or stories, 15mins is all you need. With KIKO, 1 sat can easily cover 5 new launches. . No horse run
Eeerrmmm ... from my experience this kinda question usually get this kinda of answer :
"I would have bought if I have the money! This will be my first choice! You are lucky to be able to afford this and be here at this moment! Those choice units are still available!"
DKSG
reporting "live" from showflats!
Haha so true
When asked if I am buying for staying or investment, I replied I only look look see see, no strong interest to buy at tis time...this usually stop all the bs!
When asked if I am buying for staying or investment, I replied I only look look see see, no strong interest to buy at tis time...this usually stop all the bs!
same for me!
Go showroom most important technique is kin in kin out (kiko). With proper tactic u can sneak in openly without an agent. No need hear bullshit or stories, 15mins is all you need. With KIKO, 1 sat can easily cover 5 new launches. . No horse run
haha, I go showflat nvr tio harass by agent one :D
the way u slither into the showflat is oso very impt. u dun walk in like another customer. u follow closely with the cust in front of u, n once u reach inside, u detached fm the group, hahaha :D
maybe agents see you no up, that's why dont even bother.
juz kidding.
see up or not, got 1 test.
agent give u brochure = see u up.
agent say brochure out of stock = see u no up.
maybe agents see you no up, that's why dont even bother.
juz kidding.
see up or not, got 1 test.
agent give u brochure = see u up.
agent say brochure out of stock = see u no up.
brochure issit the thick book?
I hv nvr receive brochure b4!! :scared-1:
maybe agents see you no up, that's why dont even bother.
juz kidding.
see up or not, got 1 test.
agent give u brochure = see u up.
agent say brochure out of stock = see u no up.
hey say 1 litmus test sure will work,, wear PT kit go in.. best if you go for a run under the hot sun with sweaty armpits.. sure see no up
hey say 1 litmus test sure will work,, wear PT kit go in.. best if you go for a run under the hot sun with sweaty armpits.. sure see no up
y u so like dat, make fun of YT?
hey say 1 litmus test sure will work,, wear PT kit go in.. best if you go for a run under the hot sun with sweaty armpits.. sure see no up
hor! u tink agents very stupid?
tat day my coll was telling me wat an agent told her.
Agent "u dun look down on those shabbily dressed buyer. They can buy 5 units at 1 shot. on the contrast, those wear until very glamorous one, came in branded car still trying hard to squeeze here n there to come up wif the 20%" :D
y u so like dat, make fun of YT?
wat is YT?
brochure issit the thick book?
I hv nvr receive brochure b4!! :scared-1:
Last time like to collect borchures til song song.. until 1 big cardbox inside all borchures but these days not all new launches give brochures anw and even if they do give, I rather save time KIKOing than collect brochures. oOf all the developments I went for the last couple of months, the only one that gave me a brochure was RV Residence.. looks like allgreen jin rich haha
y u so like dat, make fun of YT?
lol I really did that hor.. I cycle from west all the way to river valley for a new launch via my "branded" bicycle.. PT kit I was wearing, Sweaty I was, but heng armpit not smelly
Last time like to collect borchures til song song.. until 1 big cardbox inside all borchures but these days not all new launches give brochures anw and even if they do give, I rather save time KIKOing than collect brochures. oOf all the developments I went for the last couple of months, the only one that gave me a brochure was RV Residence.. looks like allgreen jin rich haha
actually I rather agents dun waste time entertaining me, esp if they r gd. cos I feel rather guilty for wasting their time shd I decide not to take up the project eventually :(
basically I dun nid agent's explanation. I can research & analyse it myself. I oni nid the agent to submit the chq, tat's all.
I quite enjoy talking to the property agents, especially those who are better and more experienced. Not the new birds of course. I was particularly impressed with one who bothered to follow up with me and do a pro/cons of all the units I was interested in. I eventually bought from him with a slight discount back then in 2011 when sentiments were uncertain. Fast forward to now, price has since gone up. So, I was lucky even though property price index are already at all time peak in 2011. The rationale for my purchase was that I love the project, it was perfect for my family and the numbers worked out. There is no need for me to sell in the next 10 years.
So my lesson learnt is that there is no harm listening to property agents. Some of them are able to give perspectives/information that you are not aware at all. However, utimately, you make your own decision.
So r agents overpaid? With rising prices, their comm as % stays.
So r agents overpaid? With rising prices, their comm as % stays.
very cheap at 1%. other countries commission higher.
proud owner
09-10-13, 21:04
So r agents overpaid? With rising prices, their comm as % stays.
I think agents in Singapore are quite a tough job...
1. comm only 1 pct
2. clients can play agent out, use 1 agent to view and deal thru own agent friends
3. clients kana hijack by other agents
4. so many CEA regulations, all anti agents .. clients can complain about agents thru CEA but agents have NO WHERE to complain about clients who 'cheat'
5. other agents can steal your listings
in USA which I am more familiar.. buying property .. one engages an agent, give him your requirement, budget and location.
agent will search up to max 5 for you to choose. Viewing is usually working hours... rarely at night ...
in Singapore agents work like slave I think.. everyday ( weekday/weekend) , morning noon and night ...
Last time like to collect borchures til song song.. until 1 big cardbox inside all borchures but these days not all new launches give brochures anw and even if they do give, I rather save time KIKOing than collect brochures. oOf all the developments I went for the last couple of months, the only one that gave me a brochure was RV Residence.. looks like allgreen jin rich haha
Skywoods never give you brochure ?
Sky Vue leh ? Though look a bit tiny.
DKSG
London launches have damn thick brochures
London launches have damn thick brochures
nowadays brochure getting more and more miserable...
Skywoods never give you brochure ?
Sky Vue leh ? Though look a bit tiny.
DKSG
No and No haha.. SV KIKOed... Skywoods think I was one of the first few to hit the showroom there.. probably brochure not ready
You shd check out Skyvue 2-bedroom showflat.. the ultimate in toeing the line.
Homogeneous tile displayed on the floor with a label.. "laminate / timber flooring".
Wow, very observant! That should not be allowed, if it is going to be timber flooring it should be on the show flat and not homogenous to mislead buyers!
When I go to Thomas 3, I asked them about Skyvue.
When I go to skyvue, I told them I am considering T3
But is it not a bad time to buy now? With the 7 million in question due to infrastructure strain?
But is it not a bad time to buy now? With the 7 million in question due to infrastructure strain?
In 2008, 2009, 2010 ... people always says it is a bad time to buy then.
In 2008, Lehman Bro collapsed, so-called analysts says 10 years of recesssion if not another Great Depression - remember ? Office Boy bought something then .. and now still smiling ...
In 2009, analysts says the spike in prices is just a spike, downturn is expected.
In 2010, CMs started, analysts shouted market will drop at least 30% ...
The rest of the not-a-good-time to buy now, you can research from internet.
DKSG
Bro, agree... But this time round, the govt is very determined.... If properties continue shooting up say 10% or/and properties can sold out within 1 day (a few launches with high prices), do u expect someone CMs????
So I don't see meat leh????
My money is somewhere else.... ;)
But of course if go fire sale by desperado, that's another case lar... U let me know if u see any hor... But u buy first lar, than let me know.. Share - share... I will not cheong with u... Let u have first bite, I taken the second bite... Only if u ok... Cheers bro;)
In 2008, 2009, 2010 ... people always says it is a bad time to buy then.
In 2008, Lehman Bro collapsed, so-called analysts says 10 years of recesssion if not another Great Depression - remember ? Office Boy bought something then .. and now still smiling ...
In 2009, analysts says the spike in prices is just a spike, downturn is expected.
In 2010, CMs started, analysts shouted market will drop at least 30% ...
The rest of the not-a-good-time to buy now, you can research from internet.
DKSG
Bro, agree... But this time round, the govt is very determined.... If properties continue shooting up say 10% or/and properties can sold out within 1 day (a few launches with high prices), do u expect someone CMs????
So I don't see meat leh????
My money is somewhere else.... ;)
But of course if go fire sale by desperado, that's another case lar... U let me know if u see any hor... But u buy first lar, than let me know.. Share - share... I will not cheong with u... Let u have first bite, I taken the second bite... Only if u ok... Cheers bro;)
Of course no problem to share good things with fellow forumers here.
Except for some, which we dont need to mention. Hahahaaa!
Office Boy now is 65% property, 35% cash, shares, bonds, blah blah.
DKSG
Make sure you know exactly where the substation, the rubbish dump and the bbq is located, and don't buy any unit near them regardless how cheap they are.:sleep:[/QUOTE]
I don't mind...These are value deals to me:tongue3: If you go to show flats, these are the first ones to be sold anyway...For own stay, no evidence of personal danger at all (although ppl will tell u that u will become green if stay nx to substation or die of disease if stay nx to rubbish bin)...For selling, u buy cheap, u sell cheap liao...Dont be greedy....:cheers3:
In 2008, 2009, 2010 ... people always says it is a bad time to buy then.
In 2008, Lehman Bro collapsed, so-called analysts says 10 years of recesssion if not another Great Depression - remember ? Office Boy bought something then .. and now still smiling ...
In 2009, analysts says the spike in prices is just a spike, downturn is expected.
In 2010, CMs started, analysts shouted market will drop at least 30% ...
The rest of the not-a-good-time to buy now, you can research from internet.
DKSG
No more seats are to be lost in 2016. You can be pretty sure prices will be stabilized - no up or down.
Make sure you know exactly where the substation, the rubbish dump and the bbq is located, and don't buy any unit near them regardless how cheap they are.:sleep:
I don't mind...These are value deals to me:tongue3: If you go to show flats, these are the first ones to be sold anyway...For own stay, no evidence of personal danger at all (although ppl will tell u that u will become green if stay nx to substation or die of disease if stay nx to rubbish bin)...For selling, u buy cheap, u sell cheap liao...Dont be greedy....:cheers3:[/QUOTE]
Yup. One's man meat is another's poison.
Personally , these are the stuff I look out for. I cant take the bbq noise and smoke smell wafering into my unit, or every morning the pungent aroma from the rubbish truck and the noise wakes me up. Electrical substation does nothing, just not ideal feng shui for me . lol:cool:
hanafi_d2000
11-10-13, 21:53
And then you gotta consider where the nearest kopi tiam is ...the wind may blow bad smell your way:eek:
blackjack21trader
12-10-13, 10:49
I recently bought a few 300sqft units completed. I must say, they are certainly liveable la. At least bigger than a hotel room.
I recently bought a few 300sqft units completed. I must say, they are certainly liveable la. At least bigger than a hotel room.
In the short run can la!
But to really call that a home, I think a bit tough.
Can rent out like some hotel/service apartment on long term rental.
DKSG
No more seats are to be lost in 2016. You can be pretty sure prices will be stabilized - no up or down.
:) agree that it will be centrally planned at least till next GE.
If price shot up in short 1 qtr, more drastic CM (TDSR, ABSD type)
If price increase slowly 5-10% in next 3-5 years still considerable though I think not what central wants
If price remain or down little, they want because Central said before "price is currently ahead of the cycle" so must stagnate for the timeline
Now, what if price drop drastically? Prob during panic days.
Past ones will be Asian crisis (do you remember the fear?), 9/11 (can recall?) SARS (recall the pandemic fear & standstill when everyone stay indoors), Lehman bro (people only knew if AIG, Credit L & even citibank can fail, our local bank also will). So what will be the next one? Some say China, some say local politics ...... But just be prepared to make the decision when time comes. :2cents:
I recently bought a few 300sqft units completed. I must say, they are certainly liveable la. At least bigger than a hotel room.
Can become service apartment operator? :)
Definitely. Can buy many MMs, then manage them as a portfolio like service apartments & even hotels(!) renting out at say 1 day to 1 month, taking advantage of the loop-hole signing a contract of at least 6 months mandated by URA but contract says (or sign a separate under-table contract) which says tenant can give notice to terminate subject to 1 day notice. Viola, it becomes legal even to rent out private property even for 1 day only even though Govt rules say private properties can only be rented out for at least 6 months period! :rolleyes:
Can become service apartment operator? :)
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