Case 2.
Landlord reneging on promise to pay utilities bill.
As some Tenants have a higher housing allowance and prefer to have
utilities bill paid as part of their rental, Asia USA recommends that the
housing allowance be paid to the managing agent (or Asia USA Realty in
this case).
However, some Landlords, on the advice of the Lawyer, want to include this
as rebate to the Tenant. In one case, the
"flexible" Landlord did not honour her word to pay the utilities bill
which was agreed earlier. The Tenant lost his $500 utilities bill
payment as his government company did not like "rebates".
If the Landlord had
accepted the advice of Asia USA and paid the money to the agent as
managing fee, there would be no problem. There was a gentleman's agreement
but the Landlord reneged saying her "lawyer" advised direct rebate to the
Tenant instead.
Oral agreements are no
good in dealing with Landlords. From this experience, Asia USA
advises all expatriate Tenants to get agreements in writing.
Otherwise you suffer a sickening feeling of being played out by the
Landlord.
Case 3.
Be open-minded if you want to succeed in your profession.
"It is difficult to
deal with the Hongkongers" said a new Associate, declining to handle the
Hongkong expatriate. She thinks that all Hongkongers are fussy and are
difficult to close.
Recommendations:
Keep an open mind. All nationalities have their difficult clients.
Asia USA Associate had shown one American Vietnamese over 200 houses
before closing on one next to the Singapore American School.
There are German clients who see over 200 houses and condos with several
realtors too.
In the Hongkonger case,
if you can match his specifications, you will close within 2 - 4 hours of
house-hunting. Two condos were viewed with co-broking agents
for the Tanglin Regency Condos and 3 condos with the Owners for the
Oleander Towers Condo.
July 23, 1998
House-viewing report.
- Tanglin Regency,
low floor, 2-bedroom of 710 sq. ft rent around S$2,200 do not have built
in wardrobes or microwave oven from the Developer. Tenant has to be
careful as some Landlords do not provide the items after lease has been
signed. 5-minute walk to the Redhill subway.
- Oleander Towers,
Block 2, 2-bedroom, 6th, 10th and 15th
floor (open kitchen concept for series ending with -01) and closed
kitchen concept rents for around S$2,500 fully furnished. Around 900 sq.
ft and bigger than the Tanglin Regency Condo. (710 sq. ft). 5- minute
walk to the Toa Payoh subway.
Unit closed was Tanglin
Regency, 2nd floor at S$2,150 fully furnished, one-year lease.
The Beijing wife who loved the high quality furniture, the jazzy yellow
sun curtains and the elegant surroundings of the Tanglin Regency.
For smaller units, it is better for the Owner to furnish it with high
quality stuff so as to attract the Tenant and to differentiate from the
other Owners who usually do not furnish the unit, having received
conflicting advices.
Conclusion:
No rental realtor can predict how long it takes for an expatriate to
decide. It is a risky and competitive business, especially with the
introduction of the internet. You find the right apartment,
you get closing within 4 hours. If not, you lose to other realtors
or go for 200 houses and condos.
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March
23, 2011
For Rent