Archive for the ‘Others Articles / Guides’ Category

Property Market in Singapore

Posted on August 7th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

Property Market in Singapore

There cannot be clearer signs that the property market in Singapore is becoming more appealing and attractive to foreigners as well as domestic investors. Providing further impetus to the booming property market in Singapore is the economy. Poised at a healthy position currently, the first half of 2007 has seen a record breaking performance with rise in GDP exceeding over 7.5%. Far better than what was expected and this is just between January and March 2007!

The government of Singapore is promoting the property market in Singapore as an investment market on a international level that is a good indicator that the economy of this island country is bound to do exceptionally well over the next one – two years at least. The appeal for not just investment, purchase, and selling in the property market in Singapore is on a rise including renewed interested in off plan properties. Here’s why:

1. The latest statistics concerning GDP and economic growth in Singapore from Jan-March 2007 suggests that the property market in Singapore (construction industry) can play the role of a great benefactor to the economy despite the slow down of the American economy.

2. People across the world are now looking at Singapore as an excellent investment market and the appeal is at an all time high currently making property market in Singapore a safe option for investors.

3. Due to the attractive offers for foreign companies to set shops in Singapore, there has been a rise in demand for residential units. Off plan property in Singapore provides investors with an excellent entry point into the property market in Singapore.

4. The government and the city planners are working to ensure that Singapore is physically a more attractive and charming place to live, work, do business and enjoy a vacation. This move is also expected to have a significantly positive effect on the property market in Singapore and on the property prices.

5. Plenty of new and exciting things have been planned to provide a face-lift to Singapore. Two new mega gaming resorts are to be built at the cost of destroying ugly old high rises. The new resorts will be state-of-the-art, visually stunning architectural masterpieces with an International appeal and sensibility.

6. Plans are taking shape to make Singapore a city within a garden by maximizing the existing natural water resources of the island and enhance the overall appeal and charm of the country. Property market in Singapore is going to get a fillip with such exciting urbanization plans, some of which have already been set into motion.

7. At the recently held Cityscape Asia real estate exhibition the Singaporean Prime Minister’s representative Mah Bow Tan stated categorically that his government is committed on an ongoing basis to ‘further its efforts to make Singapore more vibrant and exciting to attract even more overseas real estate investors’ and so far all efforts are paying off.

8. The residential off plan real estate is selling out quickly and the property market in Singapore is hot with investments from international buyers. Additionally, direct foreign investment in Singaporean real estate market reached a staggering 5.4 billion Singapore dollars in 2006. And in the first quarter of 2007, the residential property prices have appreciated by an incredible 4.6% in the first quarter alone – the steepest quarterly increase witnessed in over seven years!

Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

http://www.hotvictory.com

Living in Singapore

Posted on August 7th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

Living in Singapore

Singapore is a tropical island of around 646 square kilometers in size, located at the southern tips of the Malay Peninsula and shares its southern border with Malaysia, and northern with Indonesia. Singapore is also the smallest city-state country in the Southeast Asian region. Living in Singapore allows you to easy access to Malaysia, Indonesia, and other countries such as India and Thailand.

Today’s Singapore is a far cry from the old fishing village that was full of opium dens and pearl luggers, now the island is dominated by concrete, glass and steel cityscape while hi-tech wizardry is commonplace and living in Singapore is a fun ride.

However, the contradictions are immense from steamy rickshaw to spotless streets and ethnic settlements that often remind of the colonial era that Singapore has been a part of.
A distinctly Asian city, Singapore has 71% population as Chinese followed by Malay and Indian. So you have a concoction of traditions and cultures that create an exciting and colorful contract to the big city life. The fact that Singapore is undoubtedly cosmopolitan makes it’s a highly attractive option for expatriates to come settle here. Added to this, the availability of luxurious residential real estate at reasonable prices adds to the allure. The real estate market in Singapore is an all-time high with dramatic GDP growth aided by record breaking investments by foreign investors.

Living in Singapore is completely safe and there is a lot to do here. From shopping to religious activities, to water sports, to theatre and other cultural activities, Singapore even has a throbbing party scene. You will be able to enjoy cuisines from different countries with various eateries lined along the sea front.

With many different varieties of cuisines to offer, living in Singapore means being able to enjoy Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and Western, Italian, Peranakan, Spanish, French, Thai and even Fusion, each of which is readily available everywhere on the island.

While Indian food is known for its relatively spicier flavor, Chinese food, especially the seafood dishes are an equal rage. Malay cooking makes extensive use of coconut milk making the food very tasty.

The island is a cosmopolitan society and living in Singapore is a peaceful and harmonious experience. You will also get to interact with different races on a common place basis and find mixture of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European influences, all of which have been woven into the cultural fabric of the country.

But cultural diversity aside, Singapore is a fledging hub of many commercial activities and at the top of these are the manufacturing, trading and tourism industries. Singapore is the world’s 4th largest Foreign Exchange Trading center after London, New York, and Tokyo. It’s expected that Singapore may overtake Tokyo to stake claim at the 3rd position by 2008 if the economy does as expected.

With a tropical climate with no distinctive seasons throughout the year, living in Singapore allows you to enjoy sunshine, and spend time going for family get-togethers and outings.
Truly a great place, living in Singapore means ensuring a great future for your family providing them with the best of everything. Try Singapore today!

Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

Buying Property in Singapore

Posted on August 7th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

Buying Property in Singapore

In the early part of the 21st century, property market in Singapore suffered a significant slowdown and correction after a period of economic instability.

However, now the Singaporean economy is on a rebound and things are changing for the better. The property market in Singapore is recovering at a dramatic pace and the residential real estate is setting new records of investments. In 2006, the off plan property saw a complete sell-out and the first quarter of this year has been no different. The GDP growth from Jan-March 2007 has already touched a record breaking 7.2% already!

Here are some reasons why buying property in Singapore is such a fantastic opportunity for those who want to benefit from the booming property market in Singapore –

1. Singapore is the 18th wealthiest country in the world. It has foreign reserve of over $139Bn.

2. Singapore’s economy is on an ascent and the economic revival can be credited to the government’s initiative to sell Singapore as a commercial hub with excellent infrastructure.

3. Singapore is one of the Four Asian Tigers along with Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan with a strong presence in Asia.

4. The Singaporean economy grew by 6.4% in 2005, and zoomed to set a new record when it grew by 7.9% in 2006!

5. The property market in Singapore is witnessing a boom. The boom is expected to last for the next 3-5 years and this is an excellent time for investors to invest in retail and commercial property as there is a strong potential suggesting gains of around 20%-25% in over 2 years.

6. A cosmopolitan and secular approach has made Singapore a favorable destination for expatriates. Many foreign nationals are shifting base to Singapore and rentals rates have also seen a hike since the past couple of years.

7. Singaporean government is launching a series of incentives to reignite the retail, commercial and residential property markets in Singapore. A direct outcome of these initiatives is that Singapore is likely to prove a positive prospect for the medium to long term for investors and buyers alike.

8. Singapore offers a tropical rainforest type of climate with no specific seasons. The temperatures range from 22°C to 34 °C with relative humidity of around 90% in the morning and 60% in the afternoon.

9. A highly favorable and popular tourist destination, Singapore has seen an increase of tourists in the recent past.

10. The tourism industry provides employment to many and the demand for quality accommodation for rent or sale has increased and is not likely to abate anytime soon.

11. Land deals at record rates have also added to the confidence levels of the local developers and the buzz in the property market in Singapore is that the demand will only grow from here.

12. A number of new and exciting developments on the Sentosa Island are already proving to be tremendously popular for foreign property investors who are buying off plan property and then finding a strong demand for resale of these properties or a market for rental properties upon completion.

To summarize, Singapore is in an excellent position currently and the government is committed on an ongoing basis to managing and bettering this island country’s fortunes. Investors should draw confidence in the property market in Singapore from these facts.

Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

http://www.hotvictory.com

Success = Love + Time + Knowledge + Money + Health + Opportunity

Posted on August 7th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.
Success = Love + Time + Knowledge + Money + Health +

Opportunity

  Being successful is something most people strive for.  However, what exactly is success?  For most people, success is accomplishing a sense of happiness in their everyday lives.  Breaking down what that means, however, can be a bit trickier.  Almost everyone agrees that love is an essential component to success.  Health is also necessary.  Knowledge in life and in one’s career choice is helpful in garnering success and with that often follows monetary gain.  It does take time, though to accomplish all this.  Everyone has the opportunity to achieve a successful life but not everyone recognizes when opportunities arise.  Think of success like an equation:  Love plus time plus knowledge plus money plus health plus opportunity equals success.  Everyone wants someone to love and someone to love them.  With divorce rates today at over fifty percent, this may seem like a difficult prospect.  However, it is important to know what qualities one wants in a partner and to take the time to find exactly that.  This may take some time but it will be rewarding when it occurs.  It is important to take as many opportunities as possible to find the one who will be perfect.  Being able to share the success with that special someone will be incredibly fulfilling. Knowledge is also an important factor in the key to success.  With knowledge comes the ability to recognize possible opportunities to achieve the other parts of the equation also.  Knowledge will allow one to accomplish career and personal goals by expanding the skill set and enabling one to advance more quickly.  It will also allow management of personal life more effectively so that when each of the pieces of the equation falls into place, they can maintained. With additional knowledge and advancement of one’s career follows money.  Money is important to lead a quality of life that is comfortable for most people.  Everyone has bills and the necessities in life that need to be paid.  But money allows for much more than the necessities.  It allows people to have some fun, purchase the luxury items one may want, indulge in hobbies and take vacations. Time allows people to gain more experiences and allows more opportunities for success to come their way.  As time passes, there will be more opportunities and additional knowledge gained that will help to achieve success.  It does not happen overnight but with patience and perseverance, it will occur.  If there is time spent, knowledge gained and opportunities presented, a person is sure to find love and money.  But once these pieces of the equation have come to fruition, a person must enjoy it.  A person in good health will be able to live longer to take pleasure in the success that is achieved.  A person who is healthy will also be able to work harder to reach their goals of finding success.Everyone wants to be successful.  Those who have it will attest to the fact that it takes time and the ability to recognize opportunities to establish all the components.  If one takes the time, has the opportunities and establishes knowledge, money, health and someone to love, all the factors will be there that are necessary in the equation for success. Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

 

 

 

Singapore Expatriates Resources and Property Guide

Posted on August 7th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

Singapore Expatriates Resources and Property Guide – Your all-in-1 Singapore property shop which includes solutions to renting, leasing and purchasing property in Singapore for own use or for investment. Here at Singapore Expat Choice, you are able to learn more about Singapore residential properties, relocation of expatriates, living and working in Singapore, procedures on renting, relocating and moving, and some other useful resources.

Search from our widest database of properties for rent, lease and buying in Singapore. Properties included range from apartments, a condominium, conservation house, colonial bungalow, HDB flat, landed house, townhouse, penthouse, terrace, serviced apartment, shop, warehouse, factory, and JTC flatted factory.

 
Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

mindy@mindyyong.com

Career Opportunities As Property Agents

Posted on August 6th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

Career Opportunities As Property Agents

Are you tired of your boss treating you like a nobody? Have you dreamt of a job that is fun, easy and allows you to spend time with your family? Well, if you have wished for these things then becoming a property agent is the right career for you. You can enjoy the flexibility of controlling and handling your own business and at the same time schedule your day according to your whims and fancies.

The job of a property agent has lots of perks and benefits. For one thing, there is no limit to how much you earn! You can earn anywhere between 500 dollars to a million dollars in just one deal. It completely depends on what deals you close and this is possible because you are your own boss. As a property agent you can work according to your own timing, come and go as you like, balance the time between your family and wonderful career and in general, keep everyone happy.

Career opportunities as a property agent are massive and are now in demand because of the flexibility the job offers. A career in real estate will keep the cash flowing because you will never run out of people who want to buy homes. A house is a man’s basic need, a form of shelter. Therefore the more you sell, the more people will buy. All you need to be is committed to the job, have a passion for meeting new people and be aggressive.

Join the team at www.property-elite.com to start building your career in real estate. www.property-elite.com gives you a unique advantage of investing in Singapore real estate and at the same time have the flexibility of working according to your own leisure. www.property-elite.com might just make your dreams of hitting the jackpot, true!

A career in real estate in Singapore is especially a good idea at this point of time. Singapore is currently witnessing the biggest boom in property and real estate values. According to experts there are as much as 20% returns in 2007 alone. The previous year, the returns were as much as 36%. With major properties like Universal Studies and Casino Hotel opening up in Singapore, real estate is going to witness a major explosion in Singapore.

If you decide to become a property agent in Singapore, all you will need to do is provide solutions to your clients according to their needs and offer them good advice. You will be there to help them buy, sell, rent or investing in Singapore real estate. www.property-elite.com treats its customers with special services which set the company apart from others. Therefore understanding your client’s needs and helping them in every way possible will be your goal.

Still thinking twice? Now is not the time! Real estate values in Singapore are going up in the amount of time you are taking to think. So stop hesitating and make www.property-elite.com one of your favored companies. Be your own boss and take a sip of the sweet life in Singapore.

Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

How to Analyze a Property Deal in Less Than Five Minutes

Posted on August 6th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

How to Analyze a Property Deal in Less Than Five Minutes

Have you thought of buying a property but don’t know HOW or WHEN? What is the best time to buy? Will there be any value appreciation and how much should you offer for the deal? The truth is, there are loads of ways in which to analyze a property. Read on to find out more!
Does software help?

Nowadays, there is a lot of software that will help you do this in just a few minutes. It helps you calculate your internal rate of return every year from present until the end of your loan tenure. There are other ways such as buying a spreadsheet that will work for you or you can now even design your own. You can even simply analyze your deal with a calculator and pen! The point is, using good software or other methods will not do you any good if you don’t know how much margin you need to leave or the cost of repairs, etc. For any software, calculator or spreadsheet, you need to put in the numbers, and if you are not sure of the numbers, you cannot analyze your deal.

The KISS factor - Keep it simple stupid!

If you want to analyze a property deal in less than five minutes, you need to go by a few rules of the thumb. All you need to do is ask your realtor a few questions and seal the deal before both of you even get off the phone! The first rule you need to keep in mind is that any deal that requires a calculator, is not a deal at all. You should be able to judge by looking at a property, the repair costs, the value, and how much the person is asking for the deal. The main thing is that the property should give you value, and the details should be easy enough to evaluate in your head. If you need a calculator to find out how close the profit is to the deal, then it is time you move on to the next property.

Points to Ponder

As mentioned before, you need to know only a few things before closing the deal. The most important thing you need to know is after repaired value, the amount of repairs required, the closing cost and the profit margin. And if the property is on rent, you need to know the amount of rent. The next question is - how much should you pay? Well, you generally don’t need to pay more than 70% of the repaired value cost and this will always include the purchase price, the repair and closing cost. It is important to keep a margin of 30% to ensure that you can still have 30% equity after all overhead costs have been taken care of. If you are looking at an “instant landlord” property, you can pay a little more than 70%. However, never pay more than 80% of the repaired value.

Using a few good questions, the right tactics and simple rules of the thumb, you can seal any property deal in less than five minutes. No more long conversations or multiple meetings! Just quick analysis and determination!

Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985

How To Refinance Successfully

Posted on August 6th, 2007 by Mindy Yong.
Categories: Others Articles / Guides.

How To Refinance Successfully


The idea time to refinance is when the current rate is two percentage points lower that what you have paid. However, nowadays because of the popularity of the “no cost” refinancing options, this benchmark does not seem to be valid anymore. Do not get fooled and think of the “no cost” refinancing options as free because it certainly doesn’t come free. It merely means that you do not have to pay anything out of your own at the time of closing. This is adjusted by fees charged by the lender which will again be adjusted with the new loan balance or a higher rate if you do not pay the lender up-front.
Before refinancing however, you should be able to determine how long it will take you to revive your costs. Consider monthly savings and cut down on unnecessary costs. Compare your monthly savings to up-front costs. If you choose to refinance you can manage to save a 100 dollars on your mortgage but you will still have to pay 2500 dollars for this privilege and this new loan has be kept for at least 25 months to reap the benefits. However, if you are planning to move much faster, then it is not such a good idea to refinance. But if you decide to stay longer than 25 months, refinancing can certainly work for your benefit.
Generally, you should follow a few rules of the thumb before deciding the refinance. Refinancing usually makes sense if the rates have become lower or reduced since the time of the original loan. It is a good idea if you want to use the equity that has grown since the time you bought your house. It can help you shorten your mortgage period and also is a sound idea if you want either a fixed rate mortgage or an adjustable rate one.
To start getting prepared to refinance you will have to prepare for the same process as your loan. You will definitely have to do all the same things you did to take out your current mortgage. Gather all essential documents, records and most importantly, make sure you have a good credit history. If your credit history is good with the current mortgage, the lenders will view you as a good risk which makes your refinancing easier to qualify. Your lender will have to validate your income, employment, account balances and everything else necessary so you need to prepare yourself for the process. You may also be asked to produce the last two year’s federal income tax returns if you are self-employed along with checking account and personal financial statements. It is also a good idea to bring a checkbook along to pay for a new appraisal and a credit report.
The costs of refinancing can depend from lender to lender but usually they are the same. They include an application fee, a title search and title insurance fee, an appraisal fee, a flood certification fee, a loan origination fee and a discount points fee. Once you have managed to establish your break-even point you can determine the value of a refinance.
Mindy Yong
(+65)91002985