Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thursday, November 10, 2011

FINALLY JUL BTO

After exceeding the SK units by almost 1.5X we were kinda disheartened...
We were only given two chances for JUL BTO which we did not understand why..
We called them up and emailed them but they always mentioned that they will check for us..

So we did not think much about our selection date till the weekend before.

Anyway, on the date of selection..
We were pleasantly surprised that there's still high units left~
Though not our first choice but its our best choice out of the available units left.

AND finally

We finally gotten our lovenest
right in SENGKANG
after trying from jan onwards..
this marks our 6th time?

And we have placed the option to purchase..

Estimated waiting time: 4th quarter of 2014
from friends' estimation, might be 1-0.5 yr early so it might be 3rd or 4th quarter of 2013

Saturday, July 23, 2011

JUL BTO



Now that the government has combined two month's launches into one.
More choices to choose BUT less chances for us
they wanted to prevent repetition but it meant the "hot" places will get really high application rates! the rest will be..surplus?

we are tryin for Jul FERNVALE RIVERBOW if possible.
Not the one near the MRT as that project will be beside a HOSPITAL AND a PETROL KIOSK.

SK is around 3X oversubscribed.. hope the near HDB measures will benefit us.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Fengshui and your main entrance

front door or it could be your front gate if you're living in landed homes. So it's not only about price or the amount of cash-over-valuation you should consider when buying a new place. If you want to maximize your prosperity, pay attention to these feng shui tips.


The following is an article contributed by House of Feng Shui.

One must always take care of the main entrance to his home as he would for his mouth to his body.
The source of misfortunes often originates from the mouth. The food we take and the words we use often result in irreversible consequences.

It is said that the success of the home thus lies in the order of the main entrance, its direction, orientation, location and its composition.

Good class homes are usually oriented to the North-South plane. When choosing a home, one should look out for inauspicious factors that may adversely affect the occupants at home.

Avoid homes with main entrances at the end of a road or cul-de-sac and watch out for pointed structures directly pointing to the main door such as a flag post, lamp post or a structural pointed roof.

Avoid living next to petrol stations, police stations, hospitals and places of worships
. Besides the obvious dangers, places like these harbor negative energies due to the outpouring of problems arising from visitors which can prove too strong for everyday life.

Do not hang a mirror at the main door for this may confuse the energies vital to the home. A picture of a mountain there symbolizes obstacles before you leave home while pictures of flowers such as peonies may attract the wrong sort of attraction for the roving eye of the occupants.

Main entrances with a thoroughfare to another door or windows at the end of the home are better off screened with a divider to slow down the gushing energies form the origin.

Main entrances looking from inside out, with structures such as lights or trees on the left favors males while those with taller and more concentrated accents on the right favor females and strengthen the ladies of the house.

Depending on the location and direction of the main entrance, the flying star of the year can determine the success and afflictions of the occupants.

Monday, June 27, 2011

JUL BTOs

Government decided to COMBINE JUN AND JUL ARGH!!!

it meant less choices for us.

I guess they wanted to reduce the issue of multi applications..

BUT NO CHOICE MAH!
Up till now also cannot get unit zzz

we should be aiming SK.. again

choices for JUL

Friday, June 17, 2011

Know Our Customers

http://mndsingapore.wordpress.com/2011/06/16/know-our-customers/

The first rule of good customer service is to know our customers: Who are they? What are their needs?

In my first BTO launch last month, nearly 14,000 Singaporeans applied for 4,000 units. I asked HDB for their profile. There were many details, but some key points are tabulated below:


May 2011 BTO Launch - Profile of flat applicants
A “first-timer” refers to an applicant who has never bought an HDB flat directly from HDB, nor taken a CPF Housing Grant.

A “second-timer” refers to one who has previously bought an HDB flat directly from HDB or taken a CPF Housing Grant.

We try to give greater priority to first-timers.

I made the following observations.

First, 65% of the applicants were first-timers.

Second, 55% of the applicants were making their first BTO attempt (35% first-timers, 20% second-timers).

Third, 35% of the applicants were first-timers and making their first BTO attempt.

Fourth, among the first-timers, more than half applied under HDB’s FiancĂ©-FiancĂ©e Scheme. Their median age was 27. As for the other first-timers (i.e. those already married), their median age was 34. There is therefore justification to revise the HDB income ceiling, given the rising age of applicants.

Fifth, about 40% of first-timers applied under the Married Child Priority Scheme, to live near their parents. This is an aspiration, which we must be mindful of. However, meeting it will not be easy, as mature estates have limited scope for further BTO development. But we will try to squeeze out as many as possible.


Sixth, 45% of the applicants were making their repeat BTO attempts. In the previous quarter, the corresponding figure was 60%. I take some comfort that the situation seems to be improving. But we have much work to do still.

Seventh, 14% of the applicants had applied for three or more previous BTO exercises in the last one year. Of these, a third had the chance to select a flat but did not do so for their own reasons. I am, however, conscious of the frustrations and anxiety of those who did not have a chance to select at all. I am ramping up BTO launches to try to ease this problem. Meanwhile, my advice is that they try less mature estates to improve on their odds.

HDB is now processing the applications. 4,000 will be successful and we must analyse the profile of the successful applicants, after the exercise is complete. I am sure the analysis will provide further insights.

Friday, June 10, 2011

MAY'11 RESULT

"We refer to your application to buy a 4-room flat at Tampines in the May 2011 Build-To-Order Exercise.

We have conducted the computer ballot and your queue position is beyond three times the flat supply. We regret to inform you that you have been unsuccessful in your application."


SIAN TO THE MAX ARGH!!!
5th FAILURE

Friday, June 3, 2011

1,000 more flats set to be offered

EVEN as the latest offer of 3,957 Build-To-Order (BTO) flats drew to a close on Thursday, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan announced yet another infusion to ramp up supply.

He has asked the Housing Board to look into releasing 1,000 unsold units from earlier sale exercises later this year.

Just last week, he raised the total number of flats on offer this year from 22,000 to 25,000, in a bid to help more young couples own homes as soon as possible.

With the 1,000 now set to be added from the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise, Singaporeans are looking at a total of 26,000 units to choose from for the whole of this year.

In his latest blog posting titled Within Expectation, Mr Khaw noted that application rates for the latest BTO were 'good and within expectation'.

The six BTO projects, which will be built only after eligible buyers register sufficient interest, are located across four towns - Pasir Ris, Punggol West, Tampines and Woodlands

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_675698.html

Thursday, June 2, 2011

May'11


Number of Applications Received as at 02 June 2011

AND TAMPINES GREENLEAF has only 384 4-room units!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

More But Not All

My earlier comment that I have asked HDB to consider putting up some BTOs in mature estates next year was well received, judging by media reports.

However, ST reported a young couple living in Tanjong Pagar saying that they welcomed the news and were looking forward to a BTO in Tanjong Pagar. I must add that while I have asked HDB to put up more BTOs in mature estates, it will not be possible for many mature estates to benefit from this development, certainly not in the short term.

This is because most of the matured estates are substantially built up, and there is limited land for public housing.

HDB is still studying the details, but preliminarily, they told me that a couple of mature estates such as Kallang/Whampoa and Tampines could benefit from BTO launches next year. We will do our best to meet young couples’ aspiration to be able to continue to live near their parents. But unfortunately, we will not be able to do so in every mature estate.

Tanjong Pagar is fully built up and a BTO there is unlikely. I hope the young couple would seriously consider other options, especially those in the non-mature estates.

http://mndsingapore.wordpress.com/2011/06/01/more-but-not-all/

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

MAY'11

We have just applied for TAMPINES GREENLEAF.

WISH US LUCK
AGAIN.

AFter failing for 3 times, I am kinda weary and losing enthusiasm

Build more BTO flats in mature estates: Khaw

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_674414.html

IN HIS third blog posting in five days, new Minister of National Development Khaw Boon Wan has asked the HDB to look into building more Build-To-Order (BTO) flats in mature estates.

Titled Making A Calculated Move, Mr Khaw acknowledged that his Ministry had been reluctant to launch BTO projects in mature estates for fears that its popularity 'would attract high subscription rates, further alarming the market.'

'While this is a valid concern, I believe that Singaporeans will understand that mature estates will always attract very high subscription. We should not be daunted by such a prospect, but should instead try to meet the aspirations of many young couples wanting to set up nests near their parents,' Mr Khaw wrote.

But even though the Minister pointed out that HDB doubles the balloting chances of such couples under the Married Child Priority Scheme, he advised young couples to look to get a HDB unit in newer estates, so as to 'better their chances of getting a flat.'

Mr Khaw's blog comes after the current BTO launch that saw about 8,000 applications for 4,000 new units so far, the highest demand coming for flats in Tampines, a matured estate.

To read more of Minister Khaw's latest blog post, go here: http://mndsingapore.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/making-a-calculated-move/

Debating

We Were debating between PASIR RIS COSTA RIS VS TAMPINES GREENLEAF

In the end, Greenleaf won.

Due to TAmpines Town being more "prosperous" and with MORE facilities. NO DOUBT, Tampines will be MORE crowded than Pasir Ris but the facilities will come in useful.

Price is similar but Greenleaf is at a quieter location as compared to Costa Ris which is sandwiched between MRT LINE AND EXPRESSWAY


Tampines Greenleaf is still walkable distance away from MRT.
That is one important factor.

Will find time to go down actual site soon.

The MAIN PROBLEM, TAMPINES IS OVERSUBSCRIBED By MANY TIMES MORE.

*******
Some comparisons that I've made.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

MAY'11 BTO

We Gotten 200% for APRIL BTO..

Even though we were given a selection date, there's not much hope in getting a unit, thus we have to start balloting for MAY first..

*********

http://www101.hdb.gov.sg/hdbvsf/eampu05p.nsf/0/11MAYBTO_page/$file/11MAYBTO_about0.htm?open&ft=bto


Pasir Ris
Golden Lily
(Standard Contract)

Pasir Ris
Costa Ris
(Standard Contract)

Punggol West
Punggol Parcvista
(Standard contract)

Tampines
Tampines GreenWood
(Standard contract)

Tampines
Tampines GreenLeaf
(Standard contract)

Tampines Tampines GreenWood/ Tampines GreenLeaf
(Standard contract)

Tampines GreenLeaf
(Standard contract)

Woodlands Woodlands Peak
(Standard contract)
***************




Our potential interest

Pasir Ris
COSTA RIS

Thursday, May 5, 2011

MAY AND JUNE SITES

MAY 2011



next aim (PR) cause near MRT


JUN 2011

the other will be Bukit Panjang which we are not interested in

from HDB website

*************
we have 3 chances for APRIL BTO..

wish us all the best again!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

APRIL'11 BTO



and so, dear and I applied for SK in APRIL.





  1. Higher chances to get one (2.5X oversubscribed compared to 7X for waterway)




  2. More affordable (we want to make sure we can afford our home in the immediate future not banking on future earnings)




  3. More accessible and nearer to MRT/LRT (from map seems nearer)



**************



Dear's colleague is aiming for WATERWAY TERRACE II 5room 0.o
ambitious ah.. but dear and I decided that it's better to be safe than sorry.. in affordability that is

Friday, April 15, 2011

Calculating Finance


just did a little calculation on HDB wesbite for a 300K Loan repayable in 30yrs with 2.6% interest, montly contribution will be $1.2K/mth


From CPF allocation, OA which is used to pay for HDB loan will be 23% of wage that means.. to support $1.2K/mth, gross combined pay should be around $5.2K/mth

so dear and I must earn >$5K combined to get decent flat

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Result for March BTO

and we did not even have a Queue Number..

we exceeded 3X the number of flats available.. SIGH.

second time and it was worse than Feb's result.

NEXT, we should be aiming for PUNGGOL in APRIL.

now waiting for the BTO application exercise to be open.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

one more day

to the date of closing for MARCH application

already 6.5X oversubscribed!!

I NEED LOTS OF LUCK

the location is good, near Buangkok=proximity to town, AND it's PREMIUM flats

date of release for queue numbers is estimated to be Mid april..

Friday, March 25, 2011

MARCH 2011 BTO

HDB decided to be SUPER EFFICIENT and showed even APRIL AND MAY SITES!!
And it will be 4-5 sites each for each mth!!

AND this mth SengKang is so much better, though more expensive~

it's near BUANGKOK and SENGKANG MRT!



recap, FERNVALE pricing


please refer to HDB for updates
http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyingNewFlatFlatsonOffer?OpenDocument

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Feb'11 results


First timer chances not very useful afterall
considering it was 4-5X oversubscribed

NVM.. just have to continue donating money to HDB

Friday, March 4, 2011

Update of application


3X oversubscribed for 4Rm, left 11 days before application ends..

There's 210 4Room for Fernvale Gardens btw
for 3 blocks of 25 storeys building

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Budget 2011: First-time flat buyers to get more help

SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan has announced measures to benefit first-time flat buyers.

There will be an increase in supply of flats this year.

Mr Mah said if demand sustains, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) will offer up to 22,000 Build-to-Order (BTO) flats for the entire 2011.

For the first half of this year, HDB will offer 14,000 new BTO flats.

This is comparable to the BTO supply for the whole of 2010.

Starting from March, HDB will halve the time taken to invite applicants to select their flats.

HDB will inform applicants of their ballot results within three weeks of the launch.

Selection of flats will start from the fourth week onwards, instead of the ninth week, previously
.

HDB said the faster turnaround will enable applicants to know their queue number for the current launch, before deciding whether to apply for the next BTO launch.

HDB will also raise the monthly household income ceiling for purchase of three-room standard flats in the non-mature estates from S$3,000 to S$5,000.

This is allow low- to middle-income first timer households more choices of affordable flats.

HDB said the new income ceiling is applicable for the purchase of three-room standard flats in the BTO projects at Sengkang and Bukit Panjang launched on Feb 28, 2011.

Eligible applicants who have submitted their application to buy a four-room or five-room flat and now wish to buy a three-room standard flat instead, will be allowed to do so.

HDB said it would waive the application fee for resubmission.

HDB will notify applicants who have already applied for a flat under this BTO exercise to reconsider their choice of flat type in view of the revised income ceiling.

-CNA/wk

Monday, February 28, 2011

FEB'11 launch

BUKIT PANJANG AND SENGKANG

I am more interested in SENGKANG FERNVALE GARDENS



TYPICAL 4-ROOM FLOOR PLAN
APPROX. FLOOR AREA 92 sqm
(Inclusive of Internal Floor Area 90 sqm and Air-Con Ledge)


We will be registering for this.
Our First time, Wish US luck!

Monday, February 7, 2011

our guess for Potential Sengkang sites

Dear and I went on an excursion to Sengkang to look at potential sites for BTO development :D and we have marked out a few. Hopefully the lands that I've marked are slated for BTO and hope we can get a good queue number too~

We drove from East side to Sengkang through KPE, TPE, took around 20min. We drove around Sengkang neighbourhood too to look at the surroundings. Quite pleased with what we have seen. Not too far from town if we take NEL line and not many industrial factories around.

Only problem will be, it's really far from my parent's house. But, dear said that should not be part of the consideration, we should find a place that is near town and quiet(for both of us likes peaceful environment)and also affordable. So far, Sengkang flats cost around 250-350k for 4Rm.

So let's hope for the best!


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

First look- VISTA@Yishun

This BTO in Yishun came out on 25 Jan and interested parties can apply till 7 Feb.

First thought that came to my mind-out of place as I stay in the West and he, the East.
Going North seems to be inconvenient for both of us. We sat down and we considered a few things.



PRICE

the units are relatively cheaper than puggol and sengkang units.
It fits our budget well for a 4Room flat.
We had decided we will settle for a 4Room if around 300-350K, anything bigger is a redundant to us.

LOCATION

situated at the juncton of YISHUN STREET 41 and YISHUN AVE 1
Google street view, the empty plot of land will be for VISTA

what puts us off the most, it's near to SELETAR AIRBASE

AND its very inaccessible, even by bus. We checked the bus directory and there's only one feeder bus (804) to Yishun Interchange and the there's a school right before that plot.
There's not many facilities around eg markets or food centre..

FUTURE MRT lines for reference taken off from the web, might not be accurate. Serve as a gauge.

SO... if we both decided to work in the central area, its quite troublesome, even more troublesome to go back HIS place in the east.

Conclusion: we decided to skip this BTO and wait for the next
BUKIT PANJANG/SENGKANG.