2 months, 35 viewings and 3 failed offers later, we finally bought our dream home. It isn't exactly our dream home for now due to its current state, but we believe with renovations, it will be the zen japanese home we want.
Looking back at our house hunting process, I think we've been quite hardworking in our hunt and lenient with our criteria. We viewed on almost every weekend, sometimes also viewed in the evenings after work. Initially we wanted 3 rooms intact for 5-room flat, #15 floor & above, near LRT/MRT, unblocked view. But such units were rare and often very expensive with COV of $45k & above. So we lowered our criteria to #10 & above. Whenever we felt something for the flat, we would go to the temple to ask GuanYin's opinion before offering the owner.
The 1st flat we offered is still my top choice at #15 with a balcony, unblocked view of garden, quiet environment, proximity to amenities, private corridor and nice renovation. However we didn't get GuanYin's approval on it and we don't feel comfortable going ahead with a flat that gave a "xia qian". (bad lot)
The 2nd flat at #17 was in sad state, old layout, dirty condition, view of other flats' rooftop. However it has a nice private corridor and very bright & windy. However we couldn't settle on the price. The owner wanted 75k COV, then dropped to 50k, and finally 42k. However in view of the major renovation it would require, we refused to pay more than 35k cov. So the deal dropped.
The 3rd flat at #15 was wonderfully done up. 200% move-in condition with good materials used for their renovation. However the owner wasn't totally serious about selling, or rather, the COV they had in mind was very high. They refused to reveal the last offer, preferring to get all buyers to offer a price and they will see who has the highest offer and inform buyers later. Sort of like a bidding system. So we gave up.
Finally we came to the 4th flat at #16. The 1st viewing was in the evening after work (on Tues). Based on the map, I wasn't too keen as it's just next to the expressway. However since it's the top floor, we decided to view it as there aren't many high floor units for sale in Punggol. The deco of the flat was rather out-dated in design. Layout is ok. What attracted both of us most was the unblocked garden view from the living room and bedroom. We've always wanted a home with a garden view, so that met one of our main criteria. It was quite windy though can't be compared to flat no. 2. We were quite excited about it and the next morning went to ask GuanYin again. A good lot!
Once we got a good lot, we asked the agent to offer. However the price wasn't right and we decided to view it again on Saturday afternoon to assess the place better to see if it's worth the 40k cov the owner's asking for. Dad joined us too. He didn't like the noise coming from the expressway but we are fine with it. Owner refused to lower the COV initially. We insisted it should go lower as owner needs 2 months extension after deal is done, plus it's noisy. When he still refused, dad said to drop the deal and walked out of the flat with us following behind. Finally he agreed to drop to maximum 38k. Deal!
The COV we paid seems crazy. But on comparison with the average 40+k COV others are paying in the same area, we feel it's reasonable. Esp when most top floor units are asking for 50k. No doubt those forking out 40k might have better reno, but it may not be the reno we want. This is my home, why should I live with other people's design?
Our hunt has finally ended. Now is the start of renovation & furniture hunt :)
