Club Seng Kang
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MMM:
OIC, thanks, :lol: The picture is not very clear and at first I thought it was some shop in Chintown selling CNY goods since you put it up near CNY, thought you were in some CNY mood! :lol:
:lol: what can you see??? It's actually a shop at Asakusa in Tokyo selling those japanese novelty. Hope to visit Japan again this year :lol: -
Haha i need to vent my frustration somewhere now.... :x But I am still feeling lucky :lol:
There was a funeral procession on last friday. They went pass our house and then stop at the road behind our house (not directly). :!: Think it's a traditional taoist ceremony so they started throwing joss paper. We were like :shock: as it's still CNY but this kind of things can't help it right. So we just ignored it.
Next moment, those joss paper flew all over the grass patch at the back of our place (around 6 houses experienced the same thing). It was there for whole of saturday. Finally someone \"cleared\" it on sunday. :rahrah: Frankly, it's quite unsightly looking out of the room to see joss papers on the field. It looks eerie at night so I kept the curtains close the entire weekend.
But to our horror, the person who swept (think employed by the family of the dead) iso clearing away, swept it in the public drain right behind our house :shock: :x Really angry angry when fil complained to hubby last night. It's like we've old folks at home not so nice right. Also it's CNY at least do a decent job and not inconvenience other people right. So what are we expected to do???? Sweep to neighbour's house? Get the maid to pack the papers and deposit it at the family of the dead house???? Of course, we are not going to do such things as that's so selfish and inconsiderate.
Anyway, I got the HDB guy who is in charge of our area and he said he will get someone to help us to clear it today. But just wanted to vent as just when I was feeling lucky.... -
MMM:
Indeed fate plays a big part in house-hunt. We had frustrated many housing agents, one of them is a good friend's wife, who brought us to view more than 20 i think houses in our 2 rounds (2005/6 and 09) of hunt. In fact, went to view one unit before at realty park back in 05/6 too, but because we're so used to Serangoon, was hoping to find somewhere nearer to current place so didn't go for it. Then price shot up in 06/7 and again last year
My kids are 9, 8 and 5 this year. Right now, they still prefer to sleep together but it's true when they grow older, it's better for them to have their own rooms. We structure our rooms as follows 1) Masterbedroom 2) Pils' room 3) Girls room 4) Boy's room 5) Study room. We've a small room for the maid but she don't sleep here currently. But as son don't sleep in his room, we currently use his room as another study room.
Actually for old folks, it might be advisable for them to stay on the ground floor so they don't have to climb up and down many times a day. Our ground floor bedroom is the same size as 2nd floor. Currently we use it for study room but it's actually a backup room for my pils when they grow older. They are in their early and mid 70's. They chose to stay on 2nd floor when we shifted in 2 yrs back.... so I suppose it's their choice for now.
I am at realty park area. It is along upp serangoon. We found this place very convenient as it's walking distance to Hougang MRT and Hougang Mall (5 mins walk), those eateries along Upper Serangoon. We will sometimes walk to Heartland mall too. Around 15 mins of casual walk. Driving wise is also a ease with the KPE, CTE,etc.... though traffic can be heavier at Upper Serangoon area. Most importantly there are alot of buses that pass by our place as it is going to hougang interchange. Besides those buses along upper serangoon, we also get buses along hougang ave 2/3 (I am still confused)? so my kids have 3-4 direct buses to school at ubi area. In terms of school, we are within 1km to HIPS, CHIJ (Nativity?), Montfort and 1-2km to Rosyth. It is near to swimming pool and stadium... Haha I sound like a property agent huh :lol:
Yes I understand what you mean by the budget. Prices have gone up quite a fair bit. We got this place for 800K+ but it was more like a original state house. But spent on the A&A works. To get something of a decent size (eg. the no. of bedroom you require), it becomes a challenge as not alot of places have 5 bedrooms unless they've done A&A works. But in such instance, you will need to pay more. Also, landed prices vary not just on location but also condition of the house so psf is not a good indication. It depends on how much work has been done to the house.
We went to see Luxus Hill? and I think they are asking for 2MM for inter terrace. Frankly, with that kind of budget and size of house, I think it's better to source for a original state house and you do rebuild/ A&A. It's still cheaper and you can choose the location. But I also observed that original state house prices have gone up too. It's at least 1MM now depending on location and size.
Good luck to you in finding something you like and works for you. Sometimes fate plays a part.
My wife and I are both not fond of moving, so we're thinking that the next place is likely for the long-haul, which partly explains the slow speed of our hunt. Not only will my folks find stairs a problem now/soon, there will come a day that we'll reach that stage too. If ever we find a suitable place that's affordable and we do A&A works, we'll prob try to fit in a home lift.
Well, that remains distant given the current market condition... -
atrecord:
Yes. Sometimes it's also about the no. of missed opportunities. Had a friend who started looking around before us 2005 onwards and it was only this year that they finally decided on the landed in NE too. They actually bought somewhere nearer to the secluded YCK area but it eventually didn't happen. Imagine the no. of missed opportunities they had. It come to a point (end of last year) that they told me that they believe the price will go up further, then just get in now rather than later. They were also sourcing for a house nearer to school. They were looking at realty park but too bad nothing suitable came along in terms of budget and needs.
Indeed fate plays a big part in house-hunt. We had frustrated many housing agents, one of them is a good friend's wife, who brought us to view more than 20 i think houses in our 2 rounds (2005/6 and 09) of hunt. In fact, went to view one unit before at realty park back in 05/6 too, but because we're so used to Serangoon, was hoping to find somewhere nearer to current place so didn't go for it. Then price shot up in 06/7 and again last year
My wife and I are both not fond of moving, so we're thinking that the next place is likely for the long-haul, which partly explains the slow speed of our hunt. Not only will my folks find stairs a problem now/soon, there will come a day that we'll reach that stage too. If ever we find a suitable place that's affordable and we do A&A works, we'll prob try to fit in a home lift.
Well, that remains distant given the current market condition...
I recalled that in our case, we didn't have intention to get the current place. We went to look at some 4 bedrooms unit in the same development that we stayed in. It was quite cheap then and there was a unit up for auction in the same block. Except that I saw that they hang ba kua on all windows left me feeling uncomfortable.... Then pils asked us to consider landed and we only look around during dec 2006 holidays and we firm the deal around 2 jan 2007.
It is really fate as I tried calling the hp of the agent but just couldn't get connected for some reason. I persisted and eventually I got her the next day. I could have given up and move on. We saw less than 20 houses in the entire search of around 2 weekends. We were initially keen on a unit at li hwan drive but land is smaller and it was tenanted. We also considered another 3 storey house at ubi area as it has a nice no. and it's walking distance to kid's school.
But it's the size of the realty park that made us go for it. It's funny, we didn't even check out the transport (mrt, bus), schools,etc... It was after staying at the place then we realised how convenient that place is. It was really old and has been vacant for years as the previous owner moved to a condo. They have been renting out the place. Without reno, I cannot imagine staying in the house. The original ceiling reminds me of my primary school ceiling eg. those with small holes. Also, the owner has been selling for years asking for 1.1MM. By the time he sold to us, it was like minimum negotation. Hubby said sometimes it probably fate, it's just waiting for us to appear :lol: For us, this is long term place. Hubby talked about selling it and I am like.... I don't think we can find something at this price, this size and that is so convenient. Our plan is for our son to take over the house one day.
I am not sure if lift is a good option. Had a relative who bought a 5 storey cluster house that comes with lift. It's about 1.5 yr. All the kids asked during CNY this year if they can visit them as they were fascinated with a lift in the house. They took the lift up and down. Very suaku you know :roll: I heard that they've \"close\" their lift and the yearly maintenance for the lift is around 1k. I saw on some ads that they do have those chairs that are fitted to staircase. I believe this is used in public area too. Not sure if that is a cheaper alternative. -
MMM:
Definitely those chair lifts would be a cheaper alternative - it's prob abt $2K c.f. to abt $100K for the lift, plus the maintenance fee. but it's like not so good for my mum now if we need her to sit on chair to lift up. plus it's quite bad to spend so much money to get a landed place, ask my parents to move in, then face a situation where they (well, now it's only my mum, but sooner or later, it'll happen to my dad too) are discouraged from going upstairs because of the stairs...
Yes. Sometimes it's also about the no. of missed opportunities. Had a friend who started looking around before us 2005 onwards and it was only this year that they finally decided on the landed in NE too. They actually bought somewhere nearer to the secluded YCK area but it eventually didn't happen. Imagine the no. of missed opportunities they had. It come to a point (end of last year) that they told me that they believe the price will go up further, then just get in now rather than later. They were also sourcing for a house nearer to school. They were looking at realty park but too bad nothing suitable came along in terms of budget and needs.
I recalled that in our case, we didn't have intention to get the current place. We went to look at some 4 bedrooms unit in the same development that we stayed in. It was quite cheap then and there was a unit up for auction in the same block. Except that I saw that they hang ba kua on all windows left me feeling uncomfortable.... Then pils asked us to consider landed and we only look around during dec 2006 holidays and we firm the deal around 2 jan 2007.
It is really fate as I tried calling the hp of the agent but just couldn't get connected for some reason. I persisted and eventually I got her the next day. I could have given up and move on. We saw less than 20 houses in the entire search of around 2 weekends. We were initially keen on a unit at li hwan drive but land is smaller and it was tenanted. We also considered another 3 storey house at ubi area as it has a nice no. and it's walking distance to kid's school.
But it's the size of the realty park that made us go for it. It's funny, we didn't even check out the transport (mrt, bus), schools,etc... It was after staying at the place then we realised how convenient that place is. It was really old and has been vacant for years as the previous owner moved to a condo. They have been renting out the place. Without reno, I cannot imagine staying in the house. The original ceiling reminds me of my primary school ceiling eg. those with small holes. Also, the owner has been selling for years asking for 1.1MM. By the time he sold to us, it was like minimum negotation. Hubby said sometimes it probably fate, it's just waiting for us to appear :lol: For us, this is long term place. Hubby talked about selling it and I am like.... I don't think we can find something at this price, this size and that is so convenient. Our plan is for our son to take over the house one day.
I am not sure if lift is a good option. Had a relative who bought a 5 storey cluster house that comes with lift. It's about 1.5 yr. All the kids asked during CNY this year if they can visit them as they were fascinated with a lift in the house. They took the lift up and down. Very suaku you know :roll: I heard that they've \"close\" their lift and the yearly maintenance for the lift is around 1k. I saw on some ads that they do have those chairs that are fitted to staircase. I believe this is used in public area too. Not sure if that is a cheaper alternative.
There are not many cluster houses with lift leh - which one is your relative staying in? In any case, cluster houses are usually v small in terms of land size so rooms are all small too, as you had pointed out.
In fact, we're willing to compromise and settle for a good 4-bedroom condo if it's not too old or small, and fits more/most of our requirements, but again that's not easy in this market. prices are just crazy...
talk abt missed opportunities... -
atrecord:
They are at Amanusa. The development might have changed name as I read there is some legal case on the name. It is near teacher's estate further down. But that part is quite ulu. Yes, the rooms are terribly small. Mastermbedroom can only put 1 queen size bed and that's it.There are not many cluster houses with lift leh - which one is your relative staying in? In any case, cluster houses are usually v small in terms of land size so rooms are all small too, as you had pointed out.
In fact, we're willing to compromise and settle for a good 4-bedroom condo if it's not too old or small, and fits more/most of our requirements, but again that's not easy in this market. prices are just crazy...
talk abt missed opportunities...
It appeared to be quite challenging to find a 4 bedroom condo. My hubby's dream is to move back to high rise. He finds it stressful to stay in landed. Must ensure doors and windows are locked,etc... in high rise, only need to lock 1 or 2 doors and u can go out. -
Hi , dropped in ....
Don't worry lah atrecod, the rite house will come along. That is what DH and I believe in.
We were also aggressively looking for landed property last yr. The best deal so far was one w/i Braddell Heights estate, freehold, 3500 something land area (for us that is more impt than built in) double story semi-D. It was going for 1.68M. Owner lived there for 40 yrs. That was the most reasonable (but that doesn't mean we agree to the px lah) among all the houses that we had looked at. The only prob was late 80s early 90s deco. Had to renovate. But good thing is that 5 mins from ILs.
But DH kept hedging lah ... say this wrong, that wrong, very hot as land not elevated land (true, when we went to view in the aft, wah, v v warm lah). Didn't like the longkang behind etc ... :roll: :roll:
Finally it got sold.
Now my DH can still tell me that we shd have bought it and flipped it :!:
Anyway, the thing is, I agree with my DH that if that hse is meant to be yours, you will somehow get it at the rite time and px
So we are now taking a break as DH thinks property pxs are really ridiculous .... :siao: -
MMM:
Arrhh... that one. it's called Atilla (dunno 1 or 2 'L') now. went there before it was built to view as was attracted by the lift option, plus it's near my in-laws. the show flat didn't reveal the small size of the rooms, but we felt it was too inconvenient anyway.
They are at Amanusa. The development might have changed name as I read there is some legal case on the name. It is near teacher's estate further down. But that part is quite ulu. Yes, the rooms are terribly small. Mastermbedroom can only put 1 queen size bed and that's it.
It appeared to be quite challenging to find a 4 bedroom condo. My hubby's dream is to move back to high rise. He finds it stressful to stay in landed. Must ensure doors and windows are locked,etc... in high rise, only need to lock 1 or 2 doors and u can go out.
Then 2-3 mths ago saw got pple sell this Atilla cluster house say got lift, went there see, it's actually Amanusa... this time saw the rooms. the other bedrooms put one single bed only, finish...
I think the recent/new condos are rediculously designed and therefore not worth the (crazy) money (they are asking for). I need more useable space because of my family dynamics -- while I want to stay with my parents (and it was DW who suggested it), I'm well aware of the need to have enough space of our own to avoid unnecessary or potential conflicts.
Then all the condos give you lots of balconies, bay windows, planters, aircon ledges, etc., complete with huge (and many) toilets. The rooms, living rooms/area, dining, etc. are as a result, tiny... I actually did some measurement, and for a 17++ sq ft 4-BR condo, the unuseable space amounted to about the size of 2 bedrooms added up :x
how to buy...
but we know the trade-offs betw condo vs landed: security/amenities vs space/no need maintenence fees, etc...
Anyway, tough... -
autumnbronze:
ha ha... how familiar. guess all guys are like that? DW also kept complaining that my hesitation resulted in all the lost opportunities, and if only we had bought one back then...Hi , dropped in ....
Don't worry lah atrecod, the rite house will come along. That is what DH and I believe in.
We were also aggressively looking for landed property last yr. The best deal so far was one w/i Braddell Heights estate, freehold, 3500 something land area (for us that is more impt than built in) double story semi-D. It was going for 1.68M. Owner lived there for 40 yrs. That was the most reasonable (but that doesn't mean we agree to the px lah) among all the houses that we had looked at. The only prob was late 80s early 90s deco. Had to renovate. But good thing is that 5 mins from ILs.
But DH kept hedging lah ... say this wrong, that wrong, very hot as land not elevated land (true, when we went to view in the aft, wah, v v warm lah). Didn't like the longkang behind etc ... :roll: :roll:
Finally it got sold.
Now my DH can still tell me that we shd have bought it and flipped it :!:
Anyway, the thing is, I agree with my DH that if that hse is meant to be yours, you will somehow get it at the rite time and px
So we are now taking a break as DH thinks property pxs are really ridiculous .... :siao:
Our biggest regret in this is not so much that we lost the chance to buy something at lower price, but more so that with my parents getting on in years, there might not be that many years for them to live a ilttle better even when we finally can find a place that is suitable/affordable... -
atrecord:
Then 2-3 mths ago saw got pple sell this Atilla cluster house say got lift, went there see, it's actually Amanusa... this time saw the rooms. the other bedrooms put one single bed only, finish...
Yes, it's really small. They paid $1.6MM for it. They are quite well off financially and I actually wondered why didn't they get a original state house and rebuild to 3 storey,etc... at that point. They could well afford it as they have 2 other properties which they sold off and there will be so much space. 8 of them as well. Heard their face turned really black when they first took over the unit. When we visited their units, only the kids were fascinated with the lift. The adults were like.... not enough place to sit down.atrecord:
You must be a sensitive new age men :udaman: It's true. When we were in the condo, I would usually stay in the room. Everywhere you go, you end up seeing each other due to space. But now, I feel that I don't come face to face with my pils so often due to space. I am usually in the room while they are in the living room,etc... Or I could be in study room so we don't have to bump into each other.I'm well aware of the need to have enough space of our own to avoid unnecessary or potential conflicts.
But seriously, don't give up. You never know if you come across something decent. With the market volatility, you never know.
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