swift

About open concept kitchen. Look at those Restaurants (selling 'Xiao Long Pau') or those even those Bakeries (Br###Talk) Do you think their money and luck are flowing out easily too?

Yup. I don't think its right for the agent to ask you for commission. Refer this web site to the agent. Ask him to post here, and explain to us why he deserve the 1%.

As a whole, i feel its reasonable. Yes, be prepared to factor in another lump sum (perhaps $5-10k) on accessories, such as those u mentioned, the taps, hood, hob, toilet bowl, basins, lightings. Remember to watch out for the GST component too.

Anywhere...

You are paying agent fees. Ask your agent for advice,

I'm actually quite confused. You mentioned that the owner can only release the unit by end Feb, or Mar 2010, YET you can also rent the unit from the owner while waiting for the transition period. Isn't it obvious that they are trying to scoop additional $$$ from you?? A little thought also came across my mind. Would you still go ahead with the purchase, if the agent had not make the promise of "the owner will hand over the keys n unit to you ON 1st appointment with Hdb"? I opined that you will have a strong case if you can prove that you were being INDUCED into entering the contract, by the UNSCRUPULOUS agent's Misrepresentations.

Saw an interesting article in Asiaone, so extracted to share with all... How to shop for an HDTV With different sizes, resolutions and functions, not all HDTVs are created equal. Do you need a "Full HD" TV or just a "HD Ready" one? The answer is neither: both "HD Ready" and "Full HD" are general terms that might vary from country to country and are not sufficient enough in informing a potential buyer on the quality of the TV's image. Read this complete guide to choosing the best TV for your needs and budget before you hit the stores shopping for one Point 1: Size - BIG is not always better How big is your room? If you have limited space in the room you're planning to place your new TV, a giant screen might not be the best for both your viewing pleasure and your eyes. Large TVs in tiny rooms will dominate decor and instantly shrink the size of the entire space to a Lilliputian scale. The tricky part is, when viewing them in a spacious showroom like that of an electronics store or an IT fair, they don't look too big. To make sure you don't end up with a too large (or too small) TV, make sure you take measurements of the area that you intend to place the TV, and the distance from where you intended to view it from. Ideally, viewing distances should be something along the lines of this rough guide: Screen Size --> Recommended Viewing Distance 26 inches --> 3.5' to 10.5' 32 inches --> 4' to 13' 37 inches --> 4.5' to 15' 40 inches --> 5' to 16.5' 42 inches --> 5.5' to 17.5' 46 inches --> 6.0' to 19' 52 inches --> 6.5' to 21.5' Point 2: LCD, LED or Plasma? There are three main technologies that you can choose from, with each one having it's own set of pros and cons. Here's a simple breakdown: LCD TVs These are the most common HDTVs out there. The cheapest of the three, they are offer consumers of having a relatively thin, power-efficient and lightweight TV for a pretty good price. LED-Backlit TVs Also called LED-TVs, they offer consumers a better experience with brighter screens and often come thinner than their LCD cousins. More expensive than LCD TVs, they might not be the best option in small spaces because of the significantly higher heat that the LCD diodes generate. Make sure you 'keep' them in a well-ventilated or cool space. Plasma TVs These TVs might look more expensive at the onset, but offer arguably the best picture quality and offer more value in the long run. However, relatively inefficient power consumption might put consumers off, especially for those who spend lots of time in front of the goggle box. Point 3: What is the difference between "HD Ready" and "Full HD"? These numbers seem to be on the lips of every television salesman nowadays, so understanding what they mean would probably save you some time while discussing a potential purchase. Numbers (720 or 1080) represent the number of pixels that your HDTV screen has. Since 720 or 1080 doesn't mean how many pixels your screen has in total but the number of 'lines' of pixels. In a nutshell, the higher the number would mean more pixels and therefore an increase in the TV's ability to display more detailed images. The letters "p" and "i" mean "progressive scan" and "interlacing" respectively. To make things simple, remember that progressive scan (p) is the better technology compared to interlacing (i), and results in a smoother picture. If you're looking for an HDTV to play games in high-definition (such as those on the PS3) or to watch Blu-Ray movies, go for the highest available resolution at 1080p. Should that TV set be one for Junior to replace that broken old CRT, getting one that is 1080i or even 720p would be pretty sufficient. What is "HD Ready" and "Full HD"? You might also come across terms like "HD Ready" and "Full HD" at stores. While figures like 1080p is an industrial standard measurement, terms like "HD Ready" are not. A 1080i set can be considered "Full HD" in some countries, and all TVs which are able to display HD images (from the lower-end 720p to the best 1080p models) are all "HD Ready". Before sinking in your hard-earned dollars into a new HDTV, make sure you get the actual industry standard HD resolution specifications from the retailer and check that against your needs. Contrast Ratio This term refers to how well an HDTV is able to display the colour black. There is no industry standard for contrast ratio measurements, but in general, plasma TVs have the best contrast ratio, followed by LED TVs and finally conventional LCDs. Point 4: Internet-ready TVs, are they worth the extra dollar? With the competition getting tough, manufacturers are adding more tech candy in the form of extra functions into their HDTVs. One of the most common add-ons is the ability for screens to connect to the Internet. Some models are Wi-fi enabled and can even connect to popular photo and social networking sites and services like Facebook, Flickr and Twitter. If you find yourself having to decide between paying more for an Internet-ready TV and getting one that doesn't have those functions for a little less, consider the amount of time you would spend on such services while fiddling with the remote. Most of these online services can be accessed through the computer, and most DVD or media players can display digital photos and home videos on your screen without too much trouble. Online services and Internet functions are still in a relatively early stage of development, so the general advice is to save a couple of hundred dollars and drop those for now.

Great! My Indian neighbour sold their flat and HAD just moved away for good.... No more smoke from the incense... No more ringing of bells along the corridor... (Every day, i'm being woken up religiously, either by the smoke or by the bell) No more dried flowers along the corridor. (They used flowers to garnish their God placed above their door, BUT did not bother to sweep away when the flowers dried, and mess up the common corridor) No more curry smell lingering in the air... (even the rubbish chute seems to be polluted by those waste curry) No more rowdy strangers crowding and smoking along the corridor... (my neighbour seems very popular, they like to have dozens of visitors every weekend, but these people has got no concern abt intruding others' privacy, they will rudely look / point into your house and leaving behind litters (cigarette butts, sweet wrappers, etc.) after they left No more slippers clogging up the common passageway... (sometimes to the extend of right in front of my doorstep) At the end of the day , we have to accept the fact that we live in a multi racial community and have to learn to respect each other, regardless of race, language or religion. That's why, all these while, i've been really tolerant, so as to achieve happiness, harmony in the neighbourhood.

Charcoal can work too, and is used as a filtering material quite often! However, the most common thing to use is a box of baking soda.

Interesting case, but not to worry, you are entitled to get every single cent back. Clause 15 of your Option to Purchase 15. Non-approval of sale and purchase 15.1 If the HDB’s approval for the sale or purchase of the Flat is not obtained, is refused or is revoked before the Completion Date and it is not due to the Seller’s or Buyer’s default in complying with the HDB’s terms of resale or requirements  (a) the sale and purchase will be cancelled; (b) this Option will be rescinded and become null and void and of no further effect; © the Seller will immediately, without demand, refund to the Buyer the Option Fee, Option Exercise Fee and any other monies paid by the Buyer to the Seller, without any interest or deduction; (d) each party will bear his own costs in the matter; and (e) neither party will have any other claim against the other. Perhaps you may wish to write to HDB. I'm sure they will advise promptly. http://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BE05Fee...20Resale%20Flat Anyway, the sellers will soon serve their dues... for if they had falsefully declared their eligibility to sell. Section 60 of Housing & Development Act It is an offence for any person to give false information to HDB in relation to the buying/selling of an HDB flat. Any person who gives false information shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both. On a separate note, Kudos to HDB, for coming out with such stances, so as to deter couples who try to fake marriages*, so as to purchase flats at subsidised pricing in view of making profit. *Annulling marriage after obtaining flats.

Most places have payment by installment (0% interest) Just a humble piece of advice if u intend to go for those installment by credit cards, do make sure U make your monthly payment religiously, otherwise may incur finance charges (abt $50) in the event if you overlook.

Now, to think abt it, i remembered i bought some extended warranty, that covers the 'contents' in the fridge, in the event if the fridge breaks down... Haha... i dunno how are they gonna qualify the extent of the damages, to make compensation, eventhough i don't think i wanna find out... (fridge spoil, then file for claim).

Hi, Its good that you've fixed your mind on a 46" which may help to narrow down the search, although i thought your budget of abt $1500 can get a reasonable LCD for less (perhaps abt 40"). Personally, i'm using 40" LCD which i bought during the PC show in June (i paid < $1500) The screen is big enough, so for me, not necessary to splurge on a bigger TV. If i'm not wrong, i was told that Panasonic was the leader in Plasma. (not sure how true its is)

Seems a little on the high side. Apart from what the others mentioned... I was charged only $80 per tv point. Would advise that you seek to lower the price....

Yes, Agrree with your approach... Should try trouble shooting first....

I've been using that for abt. 1/2 year. No problem encountered. Maybe its due to low usage? I'm only operating it at 1 out of the 5 'power setting' available. and its cool enough... Strange thing is... i bought mine for less than $800 during Courts clearance sales in April... Back then i din't think much abt the price... Then subsequently, seen the same model in some other electrical roadshows, however, the price has gone up to $1k. Was puzzled to see prices of eletrical goods appreciating? e.g. price of handphone / tv / etc... only drop If its selling at $799, i think its a good deal.... Can go for it...

Agree... the output gotto be routed to the same hole...

Do anything, but dun get caught.... I think when it comes to re-selling the flat. HDB will get their technician to inspect the flat.

Dun think so... Alot of prohibition... http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10297p.nsf/Im...nitaryGuide.pdf

Agree. Its easy to relace, and it don't pose any problem for maintenance.

I beg to differ. I like meeting IDs. Meeting more IDs generates more ideas. That's what / and how i do to get my flat nicely renovated recently. However I don't do referals / nor recommend my ID to my friends, eventhough the ID whom i worked with din really give me much problem. Reasons being that... I dun wanna end up in the middleman situation, sandwiched between the ID and my friends. Seriously, there's nothing to gain being a middleman (the ID isn't going to pay me for referring) except for blames from my friends IF their renovation din proceed smoothly. Even if my friend's renovation goes on well without any glitch, there won't be any credits because so-and-so recommended a good ID to them.

Personally, i feel that the more you consult, the more procedures you will have to follow. Previously, after i've taken possession of my flat, i have also consulted a few others. Each person mention 1 step, i ended up doing so many... To the extent that i went to temple and get the 'red flower' leaves to use for sprinkling of water, together with the concoction of salt + rice. I've also burnt incense at all corners, so as to 'smoke cleanse' the house. Heard it is 'useful' esp if the house has been left vacant for quite some time, i.e. IF the previous owner has long ago moved out of the house before the new take over. Juz to give some examples, of what you can expect. Some of my friends who did nothing, and also 'Heng Heng' staying in the house Happily. To each his own...

Personally, i feel its ok, although i'm just a nobody. As you are displaying it at your entrance, you are 'welcoming' the "FU" to your premises. For all we know, you may even be attracting / absorbing your neighbour's 'FU' into your house... Therefore, i feel that you should not be so overly concerned with who's the beneficiary, as you've already benefitted from it. Reasons for saying this, I'm sure you've felt good after looking through the house and think that the most appropriate place to display the 'FU' is at your entrance.

The price of a plain (w/o jaccuzzi) acrylic bathtub is at least $300 If you factor in all that, your desired built-in bathtub can easily sums up to at least abt $1500. You may wanna consider those Stand Alone Portable Bathtubs? i.e. you dun need to construct (i.e. masonry work, making cement base, and plumbing) Based, on my market research, as i've just gotten mine a 2 months back. The cost of stand alone bath tubs cost between $580 - $11,000 for designer. Personally. I went for the Stand Alone type Bathtub. Apart from saving the hassles on the contruction aspect, i also don't have to worry abt the hacking / demolition part, should 1 day i decided to do away with the bath tub. You can see some pictures of those stand alone bathtubs in this thread http://www.renotalk.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=20519

GrandPaPa. Can advise on what to do when moving into a new house? Thanks in advance.