Homebuyers are prone to making dumb property decisions because of human weaknesses. Hong Kong author Suhei (素黑) said human beings have five major weaknesses - greedy, confused, lazy, stubborn and dumb. We need conscience and guts to admit that we have made a mistake. However, it is not difficult for us to confess that we can be greedy, confused, lazy or stubborn at times. … [Read more...]
We’ve upgraded our home. But are we happy?
Easter is just over. Lingering in my head is a happy bunny. Who doesn’t want to be a happy bunny – always happy, contented and satisfied with life. Be happy after having money When we are living hand to mouth or have piles of loans to repay, we don’t have the luxury to think whether we are happy or not. We only have one simple goal in mind: survival. When I was new … [Read more...]
Do you buy properties with a scarcity mindset?
Fear is a much more powerful sales strategy than greed. It doesn't matter whether you are creating needs, doing negotiations or closing deals. If you know how to play with the FOMO phobia and manipulate the scarcity mindset of the other party, your chance of winning is high. That is why property agents tell you that you must make that buy decision right away. If you are … [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...]
4 big questions of Singapore’s wealth taxes
Blackbox Research surveyed 764 people on Singapore’s Budget 2022. The results showed that two in five respondents “highly favored” tax hikes for top income earners and higher duties for luxury cars. The poll didn’t mention the type of home or personal income of the respondents. But those who “highly favored” raise in taxes are probably not targeted in the new round of … [Read more...]