We have talked about the first two tips of successful property negotiations: being well prepared and knowing the art of making offers. Let's continue with the other three tips to negotiate for a good bargain. Tip #3: Think win-win 1. Return of favor The key to winning a negotiation is to temporarily put aside what you want, and think about what the other party wants … [Read more...]
5 tips to negotiate for a good bargain (part I)
In a tenants’ market, it is commonplace to see tenants bargaining with landlords for a good rental deal. I shared a private apartment with two flatmates between the years 1999 and 2003. The 1,700 sq ft flat previously tenanted at $2,500 was let go at $1,800 a month after being left vacant for some time, despite the fact that the owner was paying $2,500 every month for the … [Read more...]
Property Fengshui 101
Do you believe in house fengshui? I am a big fan of it. Don’t get me wrong. I am not being superstitious. Fengshui is very scientific. There is nothing speculative or supernatural about it. Property fengshui believes in maintaining the harmony between man and nature for the sake of good health and good fortune. Good fengshui depends very much on the external environment, … [Read more...]
Picking the best unit in a property project
Do you like visiting showflats of new launch projects? Was that once your favourite weekend activity before you bought your present home? Me too. Except that I didn't stop doing so even after I bought five properties. Have you chosen a good unit? In fact, I have visited well over a hundred showflats since year 2000. Now I can step into any sales gallery, flip the sales … [Read more...]
Lessons learned from a property investment trap
I was in Jakarta when I saw an article on the front page of The Jakarta Post with the headline “Property firm deceives thousands of buyers” (May 27, 2015). Another story of property investment scam A property consulting firm known as PT Royal Premier Internasional marketed to the public investment opportunities of 12 complexes across Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, Bandung … [Read more...]