July 1, 1998

Realtor: David Sing

Client: Internet savvy, having searched for "Singapore Real Estate" in search engines and found website www.asiahomes.com.

Lease & budget: corporate & S$5,000/month.

Type: Single British caucasian, male

Age: around 30-year old (active athletic type).

Job: Manager of British Government Company.

Location of office: Shenton Way, 5-minute walk from Raffles Place subway.

Knowledge about Singapore rental housing: Little. Just arrived 4 days ago. Has surfed the Internet for Singapore rental housing, found www.asiahomes.com and called the Agency.

Requirements:

• Not worried about distance, having commuted 45 minutes to work in New York.

• Wants a residence which gives a relaxing anti-stress ambience. Company retained realtor has aggressively recommended Orchard Road condos, giving him the perception that she has hugh personal gains from such advices.

• Travels frequently.

• 2-bedroom condo.

• Balcony and good swimming pool.

A prospect who knows what he wants, has Type A personality (wants things done quick and efficiently) and has done some research in Singapore housing.

Costa Rhu, The Makena and Pebble Bay Condos would be ideal as these condos have units fronting the sea and/or river. Also proximity to Changi Airport as he is a frequent flyer.

Budget of $5,000 sufficient for 3-bedroom fully furnished, over 1,500 sq. ft, brand new condo.

1. 3.15 pm Charonia 2+1 1400 sf $3500 p/f 13^th floor.

No afternoon sun. Panoramic sea view from master & 2^nd bedroom. Master has corner glass window panes x2 giving wider views, sea view from living room on left and pool view in front.

2. 3.30 pm Livonia 2+1 1400 sf $3500 p/f 13^th floor.

No afternoon sun. Pool view from living room balcony. Faces other apartments. River & sea view & pool view from master bedroom. Livonia units of 4+1 bedrooms have excellent panoramic waterfront views (contact Asia USA).

3. 3.45 pm Ancilla 2+1 990 sf $3000 f/f 3^rd floor.

No afternoon sun. Living room has picturesque green tree and mouth of Kallang River/sea view framed on upper end by Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Tranquil scene. Smaller of 2-bedroom apartments but suits singles with budget.

4. 4.00 pm Ancilla 3+1 1776 sf $4500 f/f 12^th floor.

1. 4.30 pm Oliva 2+1 1335 sf $4,300 f/f 7^th floor.

Direct afternoon sun. Unblocked waterfront view of green sparkling river, bordered by Suntec City buildings. Can feel the proximity of water and see canoes and patrol boats. Quality furnishing includes brown sofa set 3+2 armchairs, 29" TV, wooden dining table + 4 chairs, video cassette recorder and laser disc player, TV stand, refrigerator, washing machine and dryer. Value for money.

2. 4.35 pm Oliva 2+1 1335 sf $4,000 p/f 5^th floor.

Direct afternoon sun. Similar waterfront views as in 7^th floor but unfurnished. Owner's cousin arrived late. Had to persuade client to wait.

3. 4.45 pm Ancilla 3+1 2150 sf $4,300 p/f , ground floor.

Garden of around 200 sq. ft with carpet grass, pool view from living and all bedrooms. Good for expats with active kids and want to plant flowers.

4. 5.00 pm Ancilla 3+1 1776 sf $4,500 p/f. 8^th floor.

No afternoon sun. Living and master bedroom faces pool view. 2 other bedrooms have sparkling green river view under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Owner forgot to bring back-door key. Private lift was under repair and Owner had to call the Management to temporarily allow access to his unit as he has only the key to private lift foyer entrance.

 Conclusion: A representative number of units within the time given satisfied client. High floors, sea view, river view and pool view, if present in a unit, usually attracts any prospect (see unit No. 4), regardless of nationality. Exception will be those who are afraid of heights and prefer ground floors. 4^th unit described above is chosen and negotiations to close in progress.

Refer to earlier article "Costa Rhu" in Affordable homes for expats (see contents).

• There is a regular 10-15 minute frequency bus service. It takes 20 minutes by bus to the Kallang subway (MRT). From Kallang, the train goes to Lavender, Bugis, City Hall and Raffles Place MRT in <8 minutes. Total commuting time around 30 minutes.

• An express bus shuttle to Raffles Place may be available. A survey form has been given to residents.

Cheaper units without water front views and lower floors are available.

• 3-bedroom at $3,000 partially furnished. 2^nd or 3^rd floor.

• 4-bedroom at $3,500 partially furnished. 2^nd or 3^rd floor.

• 4-bedroom with all bedrooms waterfront, seeing Kallang river, 15^th floor at $5,000 partially furnished.

• 4-bedroom with full waterfront views from living to all 4 bedrooms rent at $6,500 partially furnished. 8^th floor. Additional quality fittings.
• 2-bedroom from $2,500 fully furnished. Low floor.