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SINGAPORE : The Singapore dollar hit a record high on Thursday after the central bank moved to tighten monetary policy as fresh data affirmed forecasts that the economy could grow 13-15 per cent this year.
Read more here:
S’pore dollar hits record high as MAS moves to tame inflation
The Singapore government announced on 30 August 2010 that it will increase the holding period for imposition of Seller’s Stamp Duty (SSD).
The holding period will be raised from the current one year to three years.
Another measure will impact those who have more than one outstanding housing loan.
Property buyers who already have one or more outstanding housing loans at the time of the new housing purchase will have to pay more money upfront.
The government will increase the minimum cash payment from five per cent to 10 per cent of the valuation limit.
The Loan-to-Value (LTV) limit for housing loans granted by financial institutions regulated by Monetary Authority of Singapore decrease from current 80% to 70% for those with more than one outstanding housing loan will also see a decrease in the.
Share on FacebookI had recently chanced upon this Nonya Food restaurant so secluded in the compound of National University of Singapore that I thought there wouldn’t be many patrons. I was wrong.
The tables were almost all filled on the Sunday night – mostly by families gathering for a taste of authentic Nonya buffet at a very reasonable price. The restuarant – Chilli Padi Nonya Cafe, located at 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace (in NUS) – charges $13.80+ per person for buffet dinner on weekends. I would say that the price is very resasonable for the wide variety of food – ranging from Beef rendang, Asam Fish, Nonya Laksa, Mee Siam etc to traditional Nonya dessert. The food is also kind on my tastebuds as I am not a fan of very spicy food. Do note that Buffet Dinner is only served only on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Condos around this area include: West Park Regency, Estrella, Gold Coast condo etc (all along Pasir Panjang Road) and the bigger Varsity Park Condominium nearby.
PS: Nonya Food is a Nyonya-Baba/Peranakan cuisine that forms part of the heritage of the Straits Chinese in Malaysia & Singapore.
Check out the pictures below:
A boutique urban development consisting of eleven loft-like residences right at the edge of the city centre.
It features cutting edge contemporary design, expansive open floor plans with six-meter high ceilings, panoramic views through “wide-screen” windows, warm natural finishes and clean modern lines.
Located in District 11, this freehold private and exclusive development consists of seven deluxe lift units and four superior attic units with a total built up area of 24,743 SqFt and land area of 15,500 SqFt.
A number of the newly completed units are already profitably tenanted with leases secured till the third quarter of 2012. It offers a generous lap pool with a spa corner, alfresco dining and barbeque area, landscaped garden terraces, reflexology path, children’s play area, fitness room and basement parking where a lush sunken garden emerging from the basement forms the centrepiece of this development. A masterpiece that can be now owned.
Asking S$38.9 Million for the entire building. Contact PK SOH +65 96971131.
Share on FacebookPrime D10 Project (Not launched yet)
One block of 12 -storey freehold high-end residential development.
23 residential apartments with approx. free enjoyment of 460 sq ft Sky Terrace in every unit.
Two 4 Bedrooms Garden units 4446sqft and 4693sqft
4 Bedrooms
Sky Units 18 units 3,337sqft
Penthouse 3 units 5,393/ 5,414/ 6,049sqft.
53 carpark lots.
Ceiling Height :
Floor to Floor – Living/ Dining 7m
Bedrooms 3m
Floor to Ceiling – Living/ Dining 6m
Truly Bungalows in the Sky.
Share on FacebookAbstract:
S’pore real estate firms axe thousands of agents ahead of new MND regulations
SINGAPORE: Real estate firms in Singapore have axed thousands of agents, ahead of the regulatory framework to be implemented by the National Development Ministry.
The framework seeks to professionalise the industry, with the introduction of a new statutory board, known as the Council for Estate Agencies, and enhanced regulatory guidelines.
Click FULL STORY from Source: Channel Newsasia
Share on FacebookMistakes made when buying a house ( 购房时需要注意的错误)
A home is a place of residence or refuge and comfort. It is usually a place where an individual or usually a family can rest and relax, communicate, share, feast and be able to collect and store their personal properties.
家，是一个能让人居住，给人庇护和舒适的地方。通常情况下，家能让一个人或一个家庭休息和放松，交流，共享宴会，并能够收集和储存个人财产。
Therefore it is important that when you consider a place to call your home, it must be a safe and pleasant place to be in.
因此，重要的是，当你考虑一个地方叫你的家，它必须有安全舒适的居住环境。
Buying a house is more often than not, the single largest investment most people ever make; yet all too often it’s a decision made in rush without adequate thought and preparation.
买房子往往是大多数人所做的最大的投资，但常常是没有充足的思想准备而匆忙作出决定。
In this article we will explore some of the house-buying mistakes to watch out for in your property hunt.
在本文中，我们将探讨一些找房过程中需要注意的错误。
Solo Mission
Buying a house is a complex transaction and should not be undertaken alone.
单独行动
购房是一个复杂的交易，不应该单独进行。
You need to enlist the help of these individuals early in the buying process : Real Estate Agent, Banker, Lawyer and Property Inspector.
在购房过程中，你需要尽早争取到这些人的帮助：房地产经纪人，银行家，律师和财产督察。
It is also wise to get referrals and advise or tips from family and friends.
听取家人和朋友的意见与转达提示，也是明智的。
When assembling your team, select rightly. Lack of experience in the person who’s supposed to be your guide can make your property hunt a frustrating experience.
当装配完你的团队，做出了正确选择，但由于指导人缺乏经验，你的房产搜寻也会令人沮丧。
Love At First Sight
一见钟情
You may be in love with the house at first sight, but you have to ask yourself if the house fit your family’s needs and budget.
你可能对房子一见钟情，但你必须问问自己，你的房子是否适合家庭的需求和预算。
You have to make sure that you make a list of your needs and wants and also check whether the house fits your requirements.
您必须确保您有一份需求清单，同时也检查房子是否适合您的那些要求。
Besides that, you should check out the neighbourhood and the communities before you buy by visiting at different times of the day and week.
此外，买房之前，你应该在一周中和一天中的不同时间，拜访检查邻里和社区。
Even if you do not have kids, you should also check out the local schools to make sure your resale value will be good.
即使你没有孩子，你也应该看看当地的学校，以确保您的转售价值将是好的。
Get past the love at first sight to consider what it’d really be like to live there.
忘记过去的一见钟情，考虑真正喜欢住那里。
Pre-qualified and Pre-approved Financing
资格预审和融资预核准
Being pre-qualified gives you a general idea of how much you can afford to borrow.
参加资格预审可以让你大致了解自己能够贷款多少。
It is a good idea to get in touch with your banker or mortgage officer early in the buying process so that you are aware of the amount you can borrow as this will determine your budget for the home.
购买早期，最好接触银行或按揭人员，使你知道自己的贷款数，从而决定自己的购房预算。
The mortgage officers will also be in a position to advise you on aspects of financing i.e. the possibility of having joint borrowers to strengthen the application or to lengthen loan tenures should a need arise.
按揭官员也将在融资问题上提出建议，比如有共同借款人以加强贷款申请或延长任期的可能性。
Being pre-approved means your banker has verified your information and credit rating and agreed to provide you with a specific amount of money.
通过预先核准意味着你的银行已核实您的信息和信用评级，并同意提供特定数量的钱给你。
You are in a better position to go house hunting knowing exactly how much you can afford and that you have the financing ready.
如果你很清楚的知道自己的资金预算并已经准备好，再去找房，那你将会有更好的定位。
Over-Buying
买得过贵
You may qualify to borrow more, but you have to ask yourself again whether you can afford it or not.
你也许有资格贷更多款，但你必须再次问你自己是否能负担得起。
Borrowing more would mean higher monthly loan commitments for just the purchase of the house. You have not considered the cost of improvements on the house i.e. renovations and furnishings.
借更多钱意味着每月更高的购房贷款承诺，你有没有考虑过装修房子和家具，以及整修的成本。
What you need to do is analyze your monthly costs – food, transportation, entertainment, car loans and other commitments. Therefore you have to be sure to budget enough to cover closing costs (often two to five percent of the purchase price), plus moving and maintenance.
你需要做的是分析您的每月费用 – 食品，运输，娱乐，汽车贷款和其他分期还款。所以你必须确保足够的预算，以支付交易费用（通常是2%至5%的购买价格），加上搬家和维修费。
Beyond mortgage payments, there’ll be costs like insurance. You don’t want your house to deprive you of your lifestyle.
除了按揭付款，还会有像保险费用。你不想你的房子你剥夺你自己的生活方式。
Misplacing your trust
信任错位
Remember that buying a house is a business transaction.
记住，买房是一项商业交易。
Your decision is binding.
你的决定具有约束力。
You should do your own research and know your support team’s roles and responsibilities and not just depending on what one says 100%.
你应该做你自己的研究，并了解您的支持团队的角色和责任，而不是仅仅取决于某一个人说的观点。
Verbal Agreement
口头协议
Get it right and get it in writing.
清楚无误的了解它，并把它写下来。
Written agreements almost always trump verbal ones when it comes to contracts.
当涉及到合同，书面协议几乎总是胜过言语的。
Don’t set yourself up for surprises when you move into that new house and some of the items in it are now missing.
当你搬进新房子，发现它提出的一些物品下落不明，也不用感到太奇怪。
There are many details that make up the purchase contract that governs the particulars of your house purchase.
购买合同中关于细目会有很多详尽的说明。
It is not unusual for an item to be missed; especially those requests made by you of the seller or seller’s agent. If you ask for a toilet to be repaired or a chipped tile to be repaired, don’t simply take someone’s word that the item will be repaired prior to transfer of the property. Make sure every item that you agree on is put in the purchase contract.
物品遗失并不稀奇，特别是那些由你向卖方或卖方的代理人提出的要求。 如果你要一个厕所或瓷砖进行维修，不要简单地相信这些将在转移房产之前被修复。 确保你在购买合同中提出的每一个项目都被履行。
Verbal agreements are hard to prove and even harder to enforce. They can lead to an ugly “he said, she said” situation.
口头协议很难证明，更难执行。它们可能导致一个丑陋的“，他说，她说：”情况。
Once the property transfers to your name; problems or issues that you thought were going to be repaired are now your responsibility. Don’t let miscommunication or failed promises ruin the purchase of your dream home.
一旦财产转移到您的名义下;您认为该要修复问题瑕疵已成为你的责任。不要让不畅的沟通或未履行的承诺阻止了你购买梦想家园。
Get all commitments – no matter how small – in writing.
让所有的承诺——不管多小——都以书面形式写下来。
Fine print
精细的印刷
You need to understand what you’re signing.
你需要明白你所签署的是什么文件。
As soon as possible, review the documents you’ll be signing. You must always ask for documents in advance, make time to read them and ask questions, where necessary.
你要尽快尽早审查你要签的文件。你必须提前要到文件，以便你有时间阅读，并在需要的地方提问。
Don’t just skim through the purchase contract. Real estate contracts are long and dense, but you need to know what you’re committing to.
不要只是走马观花的浏览购买合同。地产合同是又长又密的，你需要知道自己的承诺和义务。
Wrong assumptions, poorly written or missing clauses, and not understanding how the clauses affect the purchase can lead to increased costs or a void contract. Do not sign documents in a hurry. Do not rush the closing.
错误的假设，条文不清或缺失，无法理解有关条文如何影响购买，都会导致成本增加或合同无效。不要急于签署文件，不要急于结束交易。
Resale
转售
You should avoid buying a home that costs much more than neighbouring homes and think before buying the most expensive house in the area.
你应该避免买比邻里更贵的房子，在你购买该地区最贵的房子前，你应该好好想想。
Your neighbours’ lower house values will weaken yours.
你邻里的低房价会消弱你的房产价值。
Remember, markets change. If you buy intending to flip your investment and the market falls and you have to sell, your selling price may not be enough to even cover your mortgage.
记住，市场会变化。如果你有意翻转投资，市场下滑但你又必须卖时，你的卖价可能不够支付你的抵押贷款。
Wrong Price
错误的价格
Many home-buyers forget that the market value of a house is affected a great deal by its neighbours.
很多购房者忘了，房子的市场价值很大程度上受邻里房产的影响。
The best way to gauge a fair offer price is to get your real estate agent to pull prices that comparable homes nearby recently fetched. The listings will show not just the amounts but how long the house has been on the market and its condition and size.
衡量一个合理的价格最好的方法是，让你的经纪人拿出附近可比房产最近的售价。该清单将显示价格总额，以及在市场上的时间按长短，条件和面积大小。
Note that the nearby houses will affect your house’s value. That means the most expensive house on the street may be pulled down in value by its cheaper neighbours, while a low-end one will benefit from posher surroundings.
请注意，附近的房屋会影响你的房子的价值。 这意味着，由于更便宜的邻里房产，在街道上最昂贵的房子的价值可能会被拉下来；而低端房也会因豪华邻里环境而受益。
Conditional Offer
附条件开价
It is good practice to have your offer to purchase the house conditional upon securing financing.
开价的前提是你已获得融资担保，这是很好的做法。
The last thing you want happen to you is the forfeiture of your deposits for backing out on a purchase transaction because of it.
你最不想发生的事情就是，买房时由于没有担保，而丧失了资助交易的保证金。
One thing is being pre-approved, the other is the property itself.
一方面是通过预审核，另一方面是房产本身。
The banks will do a valuation on the property to confirm the market value and then to determine the margin of loan they are willing to offer you. There may be other conditions are well that you might want to add in at this point.
该银行将对房地产进行估价来确认市场价值，然后确定他们愿意为你提供的贷款保证金。你也可能会有其他条件想在此补充。
House Inspection
房屋视察
It is well worth your money engaging a House Inspector to check out the house before committing to the purchase.
在承诺购买之前，你值得花钱请一个房产视察员来检查房子。
These Inspectors know what to look out for and can advise you accordingly on the state of the house, whether it is in need of repairs so that you are fully aware of the additional expenses needed.
这些视察员知道该注意什么，并可以在房子状态，是否需要维修等方面提供建议，以让你充分了解所需的额外开支。
Don’t take the word of the seller that certain repairs and maintenance has been made to the home. A formal inspection of wiring, plumbing, and general structure of the home is needed to avoid nasty surprises.
不要相信卖主说已经对房子维修和保养。有必要正式检查电线，管道和房屋总体结构，为了避免令人讨厌的意外发现。
Inspection reports are great negotiating tools when it comes to asking the seller to make repairs.
当谈到要求卖方修理，检验报告是很好的谈判工具。
If a professional home inspector cites specific repairs in the inspection report the seller is more likely to agree to them than if you simply try to negotiate based on your observations. As we mentioned above, make sure that any last minute items that arise based on the inspection report or your own visual inspection during the walk through are addressed in writing and completed before you take ownership of the property.
如果一个专业的房屋检查员的检查报告中列举具体的修理，卖方更可能同意他们，比如果你只是想根据你自己的意见进行谈判更有用。 正如我们上面提到，确保任何在步行视察的基础上出现的临时问题，都以书面形式写下，并在你获得房产权之前实施完成。
If the seller agrees to make repairs, have your inspector verify the work is completed properly. Do not assume that everything will be done as promised.
如果卖方同意进行维修，让您的视察员核实工作完成好。不要以为这一切工作都将如承诺般做好。
If you’re buying a new house, off the plans from the developer, they will offer the Defect Liability Period upon Vacant Possession, where they will rectify problems, if any, with the house during Handover.
如果你要购买发展商的计划之外的一所新房子，他们会在空屋占有时提供一段缺点责任期，如果在房产移交时有任何问题，他们都将纠正。
Buyer’s Remorse
买方的自责
No place is perfect. There will always be surprises. Don’t let a few initial blips spoil the whole ride.
没有地方是完美的。 总是会有意外的惊喜。 不要让一些初始光点破坏整个旅程。
And don’t miss a great house waiting for the perfect one!
不要为了等一个完美的而错过任何一个很棒的房子！
Failing to jump on an opportunity, I believe, is a mistake. Too much shopping around can backfire.
不能把握机会，我相信，是一个错误。过多的游逛可能适得其反。
When you have done your homework and when you see something you that matches, go for it.
当你做好必要的准备，当你看到你想要的东西，就去争取它吧。
Source of English article: The Star/Asia News Network – 22 Jul 2010.
Chinese translation by http://SingaporePropertyResources.com
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Last week, my friend Thomas Tan recommended me and a couple of my friends to this durian stall at Balestier Road to try the “Luxury” class of durians – the “Mao Shan Wang”. “Mao Shan Wang” literal translation would mean “King of the Mountain of Cats” or “King of Furry Mountain”.
I have no idea how this relates to durians, but I guess that’s not too important right now.
Well, so we arrived at this makeshift stall by Balestier road, beside the national heritage <Dua Peh Kong> Temple, near Quality Hotel.
The stall has a unique name <Combat Durian>. Apparently, the stall owner is crazy about military stuff and hence the name of the stall.
I ordered two “Niao” (Cats) at $12 per kg, which was supposedly a very reasonable price.
I also understand now that the price fluctuates as well. A typical price range for Mao Shan Wang is between $12/kg to $18/kg.
Thomas’ recommendation didn’t fail me. The yellow “meat” wrapped around the seeds like a thick towel wrapping around a smooth egg – it simply just peeled off easily without sticking to the seeds. Most of the seeds are also small (jiu ji).
I can’t find the right words to describe … It just tasted different from normal durians and worthed every cent of the $54 I paid.
Check out the photos below and you decide if you want to drop by one day and <Combat> it out. Remember to drink plenty of salt water to cool down the “heatiness” after your combat 
If you are even thinking of selling your house the priority would be to get a higher price.
To achieve this you must not think like a seller but like a buyer. This will enable you to optimize conditions such that the value of the house increases substantially. The corner stone is that visibility adds value.
Here are a few tips:
1. Pay attention to the exterior first. This is what potential buyers notice. Give priority to home improvements that are visible to the naked eye. Fixing the facade will get you a better price than ensuring the foundation is solid.
2. Tidy up the yard and garden. If there are signs of neglect, most buyers will not even step in. What one needs to do is create a presentation. Make sure there are no tires or wood lying around and any loose shutters or storm drains and gutters are properly fixed.
3. It helps to landscape. This does not mean you need to spend on redesign. Prune hedges, trees, and shrubs. Weed flower beds and paint old pots.
4. Ensure that the roof is clean and sparkling. Have it power cleaned. Statistics reveal that 30% curb appeal is a sparkling roof.
5. Have the interior repainted and the carpets and vinyl flooring replaced. Most buyers want to move in right away. Few would consider investing in a house where they need to get work done.
6. Reduce clutter and spruce up the interiors. Sparkling windows, clean curtains, attractive upholstery, bright cushions, flowers on tables and a few paintings or photographs placed strategically make a room a home. It gives the place warmth and invites a person to take a look.
7. Pay attention to odors. What may seem fragrant to you may be repulsive to others. Invite a friend in to inspect on your behalf. Many find pet odors, smell of urine, sprays, insecticide, herbs, deodorants, incense, spices, and so on repulsive. Often if curries are cooked or egg or bacon fried the smell tends to hang around the house.
8. Spruce up the kitchen and bathrooms with friendly plants, colorful towels and inexpensive fixtures or brick-a-back.
9. Have the house cleaned from top to bottom. There should be no evidence of mold, mildew, or leaks.
10. Arrange the furniture and lamps to give a warm glow. If you have too much furniture or personal belongings of sentimental value have them stored. The closer the interiors come to being out of the glossies the faster the home will sell and that to for a good price.
Never overspend or make changes that are not in keeping with the neighborhood.
If handled cleverly, 80-90% of the costs of repair and sprucing up can be recovered.
If emotions and sentiments cloud your judgment seek professional help, ask an interior designer or consultant to give you a few guidelines. The internet today is an invaluable source of information. Do some research which will clear your mind and give you direction. When in two minds, seek the advice of the local real estate agent who has property values at the tips of his fingers and a licensed appraiser who would know what is best.
Share on FacebookOver the past 8 years as a self-employed Agent, I have seen people who come and go.
Life is never a smooth journey. How many of us could really finish the marathon strong?
I have seen the below video numerous times but it still provides a boost to my mental stamina.
If you are thinking of giving up your dreams, watch the video below :
