Making Headway.

In the Straits Times today, Friday 28 September, 2007, there are three full pages in the Classified section with all the names of those who have signed up for the en bloc sale totalling 565, and those who did not sign totalling 53, making a grand total of 618 owners. This advertisement, is a legal requirement, in our final submission to the Strata Title Board (STB) for approval for the en bloc sale. Approval, in principle, had already been given to the developer's submission of plans for the project, as well as for the topping up of the 99 year lease, by Singapore Land Authority (SLA).

Looking through the names in the list, it is how little that I know of the neighbourhood. I have lived in the estate for 30 years since it was built. Since then, people have moved in and out, most of the original owners have moved out and a small group like myself have stayed behind. People are not that friendly and when you meet them in the lift, they are usually stone faced. There are a few who are quite friendly and will greet you but this is few and far between.

My neighbours upstairs are a noisy lot banging and scrapping furniture. There is a kid who has the annoying habit of tossing a golf ball and a ball at all hours. Below me, there is a lunatic woman who howls with her dog everyday. This is one of the reasons why I am looking forward to moving out.

Looking at the list also, it is interesting to see some of those, who were so vocal and nasty against the en bloc sale, finally signing up. They were so nasty as to resort to shouting and bickering and trying to entice their neighbours not to sign. Among the 53 who did not sign, there is a group of trouble makers who want more money and who just want to be difficult. I have been informed that some are bankrupts, whose money will eventually be taken away from them to pay their creditors. There are some joint owners who have divorced, and not being able to sign jointly, must wait for their legal proceedings.

It is true that an en bloc sale will bring out the good and the bad of the community. There are always pros and con, with valid reasons. It will be the sticking point in all housing estates in Singapore in years to come.

For the last two weekends, I have been viewing houses. Saw a new project at Thomson Hill, but found the layout disappointing and the prices too high.

Last Sunday, I went to the new Springside launching with the family. When we got there, the crowd was so big, it was incredible that they were all looking at houses. The show houses were nicely done up especially with the modern concept. Starting at $1.7m, and with a TOP at around 2009, I had to back away. It not only broke my budget, but the timing is too far away for me. But I like the location and hopefully I can buy a resale unit in one of the older development.

The next stop was at Saraca Villa, an old development which was left unoccupied due to the downturn of the property market a few years ago. The terrace houses were quite nice with a long backyard and three storeys of living space. Quiet but facing the CTE shielded by a long row of tall plants. Priced at $1.4m, it would require renovation work to bring it up to standard. This will probably cost another $100k at least and without warranty. It is also very out of the way for me since I have no car but depend on public transport.

Last stop @Stratton close by. We had our dinner at Jalan Kayu and by the time we got there, they were packing up. But they obliged to open up for us and showed us their new project. Nice and innovative, the models looked attractive. It was a soft launch and the project has not been built yet. Priced at $2m and with a TOP of 2010, it is obviously not for me.

And the hunt goes on and on. Unfortunately I have not received my money yet which makes it difficult and frustrating for me. At this point in time, my money is only expected by March 2008. Hopefully all the procedures will go smoothly and the money will be on time and maybe earlier.

Besides the en bloc frenzies, it was also my wife's birthday. The previous Sunday, the family had a very nice lunch at the Churchill. It has been one of the favourite places, where we gather for the Family Lunch on a Sunday. With a $50 voucher, it is conducive for us to indulge in the fine spread of good food. The kids always enjoy eating there with the children's menu and the lavish spread of dessert, not forgetting the balloons. This time, they have removed the play area, which reduced the noise level.

Last Saturday, being the actual birthday itself, the family gathered at home for a home cooked dinner by the wife. On both occasions, my other son-in-law was absent due to work. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable. Emma, as usual, took the limelight and was as funny as ever. She is the live wire and everyone's darling.

As I am trying to close this post on Sunday evening, I had another indulgence today after having a delightful and expensive brunch at the Shangri la Hotel, with my son and wife. Costing about $70 per pax, we consumed several plates of the seafood comprising of oysters, scampi, prawns, crayfish, mussels and scallops. Following this, we had Japanese sushi, tuna, yellowtail and salmon. Then on to a splendid roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, finishing off with plates of dessert and decaf coffee.

Both my son and myself have the same strategy, in tackling a buffet, where there is so much food that it is impossible to eat everything. Surveying the spread of food, we go in for the expensive sections like the above, and indulge ourselves leaving space for everything. If we account for all that we ate in an ala carte menu, it would have cost more than the buffet price. If we had blindly stuffed everything in, we would be too full and not truly enjoyed the food. It is not possible to eat every item. This coming week, I must work harder at my exercise to burn off the extra food.

Till then....

"Big house!"

Had another house viewing on Friday, 14 September. Through a client of my son, we trouped down to Springside, to view a new house.

Packing all the three kids including the maid, wife and son, we drove down to the site. We were met by my son's client, Leo and the developer. You can imagine the boisterous group including the live-wire Emma, laughing away.

On entering the house, I was struck by the immense layout of the property. It was beautiful and tastefully decorated. Emma yelled out, "Big house!", and clamoured all over the place eventually climbing up all three flight of stairs.

Judicious placement of glass panels made the house bright and cheerful. There was an air-well above the dining allowing ample light in. Featuring a dry and wet kitchen, there was a fifth bedroom with bath and toilet attached at the back of the house.

The staircase was at the side which did not mar the appearance of the house. With three stories, the master bedroom was large. Another bedroom on that level offers an opportunity to turn it into a study, cum computer, cum library, cum hideaway. Third level featured a duplicate master bedroom, which would fit my son's requirement, and a fourth bedroom.

On the roof, a terrace garden with a gazebo. It extended the length, the depth of the house. Excellent for a putting green. My son would love this, smoking Havana cigars with his friends.

It was befitting of my dream house, agreed by my family especially the kids. When I spoke to the developer, I was informed it would cost $1.9m o.n.o! They would consider $1.8m. My heart sank, for it broke my budget. The only consolation was that, they would sell the house with everything inside. That is, with all the furnishings, air-conditioning units, kitchen, dining set, lounge set, beds, refrigerator, etc.

The house was a corner terrace house with a nice garden space and a lap pool. The kids would love this, swimming in it. It would have made a perfect family home for family gatherings. I was told that the house was originally priced at $1.6m, but with the rise in property prices, it has been raised to $1.9m asking price. It has been used as the show house. Another property at the other corner, is also available at the same price, but with a small swimming pool and with some additional fittings. Again it would break my budget.

How frustrating! Disappointed, we left for Leo's house, a stone throw away. Leo showed us his house in which he keeps sting ray in the middle of the house. Also a very nice house but different from the show house. Interesting to note that many houses in his neighbourhood are still vacant. Leo told me that some of them buy for investment. Some of them had very nice roof gardens. So I told Leo that I would be interested in a resale if his neighbour should decide to do so. A glimmer of hope there. Another phase of new houses will be built around there, but will not be ready by 2010/2011. Too late for me.

If I had won the big sweep last month, I would have bought the house outright. I hope another house like that would come my way when I am truly ready with my money. Meanwhile, back to my dreams!

Till then....

What's up?

As Bugs Bunny would ask his signature question - "What's Up, Doc?", my posting today will be updating on some of the events that has happened. My mind has boggled lately and it is hanging somewhere out there.

Our Lady's Procession on 2nd September, 2007.

I have been serving as Eucharistic Minister for this annual event for many years now, and enjoyed it. Held at the Novena Church, Thomson Road, we commemorate the important role of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The procession would start at 6 pm with the Rosary. During the procession, the various church groups including the nuns and priests will be walking together, and a big portrait of Our Lady will be carried in the centre. The Archbishop will invariably be at the back as the main celebrant. It is a very solemn and poignant sight.

The procession will end up at the altar, erected in front of Novena. The Mass will then commence. During the Mass, the Bishop will crown Our Lady on top of her portrait.

This year's event has been shortened somewhat. Just as the crowning was taking place, there was a short shower. We called it a shower of blessings. But we were protected by some huge umbrellas provided by our Communion Guides. I had a young and pretty girl as my guide this year, who helped me give Holy Communion along a very narrow and slippery path. There were over ninety Communion Points.

The Mass ended just after eight. This year saw the emergence of the ladies Eucharistic Ministers who joined us, the men. Subdued in our men's jokes, we coped well with them. Some of them took a lot of kidding from the guys. I remember giving directions to a lady looking for the toilet. It turned out to be a gent's toilet. To save face, I told her that in the eyes of God, we are all the same! She took the joke well. This year's hymns are not as lively as last year though.

My en-bloc update

The EGM was held on 25 August, 2007. The turnout was very good and amicable. This was our last meeting, and surprisingly, went off well, without the usual fighting and shouting, common among the residents. There were obviously many 'money faces' laughing and cheering away even thanking the agent and lawyers. Some who opposed the sale, were there looking very sullen. I found out that some of them has already bought their replacement properties. Many have commented on their selfishness.

Given the legal process, barring any hiccups, we should conclude the sale by May 2008, and receive 90 - 95% of our money at the same time. We are given six months to finally move out and to receive the final tranche of money by then. That would be around November 2008. With 91.3 % of owners already signed the CSA, the cut-off date will be 15 September, when application will be made to the Stata & Titles Board for approval and to hear the grouses of those who did not sign. It would be impossible for a 100% sign up, because there are some bankruptcies, and divorced couples who have not settled their legal proceedings. I hope the sale will complete in time and without any hitches.

So now I sit back and wait for the next phase. I have not been out viewing properties lately since there is nothing I can do until the money comes. My post box has been filling up with advertisements from the various housing agents. Running through my mind now is the final packing up for the move. We have all been accumulating so many things through the years and packing will be a major operation, throwing away most of the unwanted things. This will also be our last Christmas and Chinese New Year here. Wonder where we will be Christmas 2008?

Till then....