After all the arguments, fighting and waiting, the day finally arrived to complete the sale on 10 March, 2008. The lawyers had completed the sale transaction.
Wednesday the 12 March, dawned gloomily with rain clouds hanging low when I went to church to serve altar. After breakfast at home, I went to the clubhouse at 0945 to find it buzzing with activities. There was already a crowd there as I took my queue number of E31. So thirty people were ahead of me to collect our cheques and cashiers orders, which was supposed to commence at 1000 hr. Because of the money, the atmosphere was jovial with anticipation, as neighbours joked with one another, on how much they were going to receive and whether they have found a new home. A stark different atmosphere to previous meetings when some people were fighting with each other over the en bloc sale.
Also present were staff from the Citibank, who stationed themselves to assist the residents/owners requiring banking assistance. A fleet of Mercedes taxis were waiting outside to convey customers to the bank to open their accounts or to deposit their money with lunch also thrown in. A carnival atmosphere but unfortunately with rain pouring outside. Citibank had been very aggressive in their quest to attract investment opportunities from the owners. They have also spent a lot of time and money in their pursuit.
I must admit that I have already opened an account with them as I am happy with their approach and services. In my previous posting, I mentioned that because of my pictures, I had developed a good rapport with them, and I was also looking for an alternative bank. I am very dissatisfied with my current bank, so Citibank fills the bill, for me to park my money there.
After a three hour wait, I finally got to receive my money. The delay was due to some people who took too long asking questions and going through all the figures repeatedly. It took only 5 minutes for me. My wife joined me, as I went home to make colour copies of the cashiers order and cheque. Never in my life have I received so much money. I deposited the money into the bank straight away. Although not greedy by nature, I was deja vu, at the turn of events.
I felt a sense of relief after months of uncertainties. Uncertain whether there are more problems ahead, and uncertain whether we are maintaining the time line. Now at last it is over. I have six months before I finally move out and collect my last tranche of money. My next headache will be my house move.
Saturday 15 March, 2008 - The Farewell Charity Party was held at the clubhouse sponsored by Credo and Rodyk. I contributed 100 pieces of my DVD for sale in aid of the charities - Kidney Dialysis and the ST Childrens Pocket Money Fund. As mentioned in my previous posting, souvenirs with my pictures were offered for sale. Gave me a feeling of accomplishment.
My family attended with the kids in tow. A high tea buffet was laid on when we tucked in to the food. The kids had their caricatures drawn and received balloon models from a lady there. While the kids were playing at the playground, I attended the auction, during which I did not buy anything. However, I stayed for the lucky draw, and surprisingly, won a consolation prize followed by the first prize of shopping vouchers. This was the second time within two weeks that I won lucky draws. Usually I have no such luck. I made heads turn with my winning but more so when it was announced that I contributed the pictures in the DVD.
Alls well that ended well with the receipt of our funds. As the agent and the lawyers commented, the en bloc sale went through miraculously at the turn of events.
Till then....
Friday, March 14, 2008
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2 comments:
Daddy! With the En-bloc windfall,.. you can now retire peacefully! Hahaha!! By the way,... Emma had loads of fun that day,... hoarding balloons and chocolate cake. It was good fun! =D
Karen
I hope so. Thanks. Hope everyone had a good time. See auction picture of Emma?
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