2024 is a significant year. It marks the commencement of Period 9 (九运) in the Chinese calendar. On February 4 precisely at 4.37 pm, we welcomed the arrival of spring (立春). From that moment, we officially entered Period 9 that will last for 20 years until the end of 2043. What is three cycles and nine periods? I remember the teacher mentioned three cycles and nine … [Read more...]
6 property questions that have no answer
When we were young, we believed when we grow older, we will have the answer to most questions. As time passed by, we had more questions than answers. As former US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld told us, “There are things we don't know we don't know.” Sometimes we ask a question. Rather than getting an answer, we end up with more questions. Philosopher Aristotle said, … [Read more...]
Why private home buyers aren’t buying now
The pool of private home buyers is fast shrinking in the current property market. While HDB resale flat prices are on the rise, why are HDB owners not upgrading? Other countries are fighting hard to avoid slipping into recession. In contrast, the economy of Singapore still looks fine at least on the surface. Where have all the private home buyers gone? Private home sales … [Read more...]
Things I wish I knew as homebuyers 15 years ago
It has been two years since clients came to me for one-to-one property consultation sessions. Different homebuyers have different personal circumstances and housing needs. Some know better than others. Some are more prepared to buy. No matter which stage they are in, I thoroughly enjoy answering their questions and sharing my knowledge. It is satisfying to see that, at the … [Read more...]
What retirement planning has taught me
Long-time readers would know the reason why I set up this blog twelve years ago. It was to create a platform to share experiences and exchange ideas with fellow property investors. Gradually, I got many emails from people telling me the stories of their regrettable property purchase. Then I started writing about tricks and traps of this not-so-transparent real estate industry. … [Read more...]