Disadvantages:  

September 20, 1998
To: Newcomer Expats
From: Anne Brocklebank.

Many global firms such as those in the computer field, have powerful Human Resource Managers (mostly ladies) who will insist that you use realtors listed by them. Some do receive hampers and presents at the end of the year from "company retained realtors" in appreciation of their referrals.

The Human Resource Manageress will dictate to the new arrival that the company has a list of realtors for them and they must use the services of such realtors. Ask a simple question as to whether every expatriate in the past has used the designated realtors and you will find that the ruling does not apply to everyone. In other words, you need not be forced to use "company retainers" but you can do so if you wish. However, being new, try not to deal direct with the Landlord as there are many implications.

Engage an experienced realtor you are comfortable with. It does not mean that the outside realtor is less professional or dishonest, as implied by the Human Resource Manageress or the retained realtors of the company. You can always test the Realtor and use your judgment.

Case Study: Landlord, how to make Realtors give priority to your unit. Cleverest Lawyer-Landlord in Singapore.

September 20, 1998
Everything was right for this Costa Rhu, Livonia Condo.

• full waterfront with sparkling clean waters of the Kallang River immediately seen on entering the living/dining room, the master bedroom and one other bedroom,
• partial waterfront views from the other 2 bedrooms,
• attached bathrooms in 2 bedrooms (not one),
• balcony bigger than usual Costa Rhu Condo,
• 4+1 (in demand from Caucasians),
• 2,200 sf (good size),
• facing North (therefore no afternoon sun), thereby rooms are cooler and there are savings on air conditioning.
• 8^th floor ("8" is lucky for Cantonese Chinese),
• unobstructed view of river, beach and green trees. The Merdeka bridge in the distance, Indoor Stadium on left hand side and no massive buildings of Suntec City city views as in the Oliva units,
• no Benjamin Sheares bridge cutting the living room views in half or facing other apartments,
• no expressway traffic noise,
• no construction noise,
• no immediate neighbours from the master bedroom which has corner window units with clear waterfront views,
• 41 power and TV points, concealed and of great importance for Internet surfers.
• air-conditioning in the kitchen, from the utility area (rarely if ever installed by any Landlord of Costa Rhu),
• extra matching French kitchen cabinets which were sourced with great difficulty,
• re-positioning of Singapore Cable Vision in master bedroom to take advantage of the waterfront view as the Developer has positioned the point such that the bed faces the walls,
• electrical point fixed above the fluorescent light and mirror in the bathrooms (rarely if ever installed by any Landlord of Costa Rhu) for hair-dryers and shavers. The Developers of this Condo do not provide such points and it costs money to install them, away from the marble walls,
• more storage space in cupboard along hall way with hidden compartment above shelving,
• winter clothes storage possible in the cupboard mentioned above,
• quality bathroom accessories like glass shelvings not put in by the Developers,
• bidet hoses in the bathrooms (uncommon in any new Condo in Singapore although older expensive ones have bidets).
• mirrored wall in the private lift lobby,
• brick-like flanking of the left and right sides of the above-mentioned mirror in the private lift lobby,
• a real mariner's lamp in the balcony, now using electricity,
• quality curtains,
• cushions on bay windows provided for sitting and viewing water by Caucasian prospects,
• prompt response from the Landlord to any realtor for viewing,
• keys available for collection from Landlord's house,
• good humour and personality of the Landlord working as a partner with the realtors,
• "Owner" advertisements in the Straits Times, attracting all Singapore realtors.

Some of the advantages mentioned above were acceptable though. It was high-pressure selling for this second viewing. The choice unit for Mrs F was the ground floor unit taken by another British. As the Landlord had given a key to Asia USA, Mr and Mrs F were shown this unit too.

Mr F wanted some private discussion with his wife. Both agreed and mr F shook hands with the Landlord. Rental was $6,000 without the refrigerator, washing machine and dryer (negotiated by Asia USA realtor). The cheques arrived within 3 days and the lease was stamped. The Landlord felt he had a higher net income since he needed not supply the appliances. He was glad that the Tenants had no children, hence less wear and tear of the Condo.

On receipt of the cheques and lease, the Landlord paid the agency commission immediately, without the need to ask for invoice (which was given later). What better motivation for any realtor than prompt payment on signing of the lease agreement as agreed in the Letter of Intent? You can be sure that his properties get first priority as there is so little hassle getting payment, unlike most Landlords in Singapore!