"It's not about the money money money
We don't need your money money money
We just wanna make the world dance
Forget about the price tag
Ain't about the uh cha-ching cha-ching
Ain't about the yeah b-bling b-bling
Wanna make the world dance
Forget about the price tag"
I am sure you know this is the chorus lyric of the song "Price Tag" by Jessie J. In this world, you cannot live without money. But many times, it is not always about the money or the price tag or making huge profits. What do I mean?
It is not about how expensive the items or services are, not only about the upside potential, and not only about the price tag. It is about the need, the desire, the obligation and many other intangible human factors. From a car, a handbag, a meal, drinks, traveling, sports, apparels to mobile devices, many are willing to pay the money with the price tag as a secondary consideration. And that include a home.
All these years of serving many property buyers and sellers, one thing is certain: everyone has their own unique reasons and requirement when buying or selling their properties. And when you look at their reasons, you could understand why some times they don't go for a less expansive property or sell the house which can make a huge profit.
The Single
I had a client, single man, staying in the eastern part of Singapore. He loved the whole environment in the east, the convenience and easy drive to his work place in the central area. His property was appreciating well in value and most likely would continue to do so.
There isn't any push factor for him to sell and buy a new property at a new location. There was a saying that when someone stayed in the east once, they won't want to go else where to stay. This is true for most cases. But for my client, he had to make a decision to uproot himself.
His parents were getting on in age and they required much care due to their health. He would visit them every other opportunities he had to care and spend time with them. His parents stay in district 20 area, and he find that driving to their place from his home or vice versa took up much time. We had a discussion and planning and he decided to sell and buy a property that is within 5 mins drive to his parents' home.
We worked out his finances and time line on selling and buying. I did up an analysis of various properties in district 20 and 19, narrow down to projects that have as good a upside potential as his current place, or even better. The new place would have good amenities and conveniences like his current home and easy drive to his work place. I planned his marketing strategy to sell his place.
It is About Family
For my client, it is more than enjoying life in the home and location he stayed in. It is more than appreciating in value for his properties. It is about family.
The Young Couple
This young couple came to me because I was marketing a new launch project in RCR (more towards the west side) awhile back. They were in mid level positions working in big corporate firms.
I was surprised that they are keen in this location because they were staying up at North East OCR* area in a HDB 5 room flat. Price different between North East OCR condominium and RCR* condominium is quite substantial. After much discussion and planning with them, I began to understand why they want to move out of where they stayed.
They desired quiet and serene environment. They wanted privacy. They desired the exclusivity. They wanted the status of staying in a RCR address condominium. They have the funds. They like Bukit Timah environment.
It is About Exclusivity, Status & Serenity
And so they made the decision to sell their HDB flat and upgrade to a condominium in RCR that is probably $800psf more expansive than a North East OCR condominium!
The Growing Family
I was door knocking at Punggol area last year, and I managed to talk to a family. They have 2 young children in preschool and primary school. They were staying in a 5 room flat. To me, a 5 room flat size is pretty comfortable for a family of 4. We sat down for a consultation session and I started to understand what the parents were focus on: Their children.
It is About Their Children
They desired to have a better environment for their children during their growing up years, a place where there are many private facilities for family bonding and recreation, where they can create unforgettable memories. A bigger space was what they are looking for other than upgrading to a condominium.
They were planning for family expansion. Initially, there were not sure if they can upgrade. Ran through the numbers and calculation with them, they could comfortably sell their HDB flat and upgrade to a condominium near to their child's primary school.
We look at various options, including resale condominium or a brand new EC. In the planning, I set aside a certain amount of funds for their rainy days. This is important for a family with young children. So that was the time they feel that is right to sell and upgrade.
The Merdeka Generation or the Experienced Ones
This couple friends of mine were in their 60s. Children were all grown up and not staying with them. They were staying in a freehold landed property. One day they contacted me. They said they are looking for a condominium, because the landed house was too big for them. The situation was not favorable when their helper for more than 20 years wanted to go back to her country for good. They were considering not to have a helper anymore. If they were to sell the landed house, they would make a handsome profit.
But after more discussion with them, they actually did not want to sell their landed house. In fact, they wanted to keep it, and wished to buy a smaller condominium to stay. The landed house had so much of their family memories. The sentimental value of the house is something money cannot buy. They did have intention to leave the house as a legacy to the next generations.
It is About Sentiment and Legacy
But the up-keeping of the house is a challenge for them as they age. The fortunate thing for them was they have more than enough savings to own another property. I am still exploring options with them.
Sometimes, we may be at the point where we need to decide to buy a property. We may hear many "experts" out there saying now is a good time or now is a bad time to buy or to sell. To me purchasing a home to stay can mean more than earning a profit, although this is very important. Purchasing a home is a long term affair.
You will most likely going to stay there for the next 8 to 10 years or even longer. You and your family are going to sleep, wake up, eat, study, working at this one place call home. Choosing your familiar and preferred location, and the most suited residential project with the right facing that will benefit you and your family is very important.
You Only Have One Life To Live. Your Children Only Have One Childhood
Sometimes all that you want may come with a price tag. But if you can afford it, and this is for your family and for a long term, I would say this could worth every cents you invest in the new home. Remember, you only have one life to live. Your children only have one childhood to go through. Make it a unforgettable and memorable one.
And of course, Singapore properties, in the long term, looking at the supply and demand, and looking at the fundamental, the chances of make good money is very good.
If you wish to understand more on Singapore property outlook, leave down your details at the bottom of the page and I will be in contact to arrange a session with you.
Now is the Time
So if you ask me, when is a good time to buy property? I think if your need and desire warrant it, and you have the fund and plans to do so, "now" is always the right time to purchase a property.
If you like to have a consultation and planning session for your property purchase or sales, please leave your contact details at the bottom of the page and I will be in contact with you soon.
If you like what you have read, please subscribe to my blog and have a read at my other articles. You can also share my blogs on Facebook too. Thank you.
*OCR-Outside Central Region, RCR-Rest Of Central Region, CCR-Core Central Region
The content and information provided are for general information only. It should not be treated as an invitation or recommendation to buy or sell any specific property or product. Each illustration in the presentation or article is based on current information as at the date of publication. Readers are to consider the content as one of the many factors in making investment decision and should seek specific investment advice. Readers should carry out their own due diligence or verification of such information. The author and publisher of the article are not liable for any losses. All right reserved.
Comments