Agent Lying ?

[MaxMara]

we arrived in SG a few days ago and trying to make some kind of arrangement to look at some condo with an agent. My budget and requirement is between $2.5k-3.5k, condos around Orchard Rd, with at least 3+1 br. The agent then proceeded to tell me that with that budget and req, I wont be able to get a condo on Orchard rd area. Now I have been doing a lot of net surfing looking for condo online listing and have seen some pretty decent place within my budget. This agent had been recommended by a local friend who used to be an agent herself not too long ago, so I was sort of hoping that she is somewhat trustworthy. What do you think? Is she telling the truth and I am just a crazy disillusion expat? Or she is just being a typical real estate agent?

[Pal]

I do not see any problem in finding a 3+1 condo in Orchard area with your budget.

Take a look at the pricing here:

http://www.singaporeexpats.com/housing- ... operty.htm

Search for District 9

[IZY]

I pay 3.8 for a 3+1 on Grange Road, which is as good an area as I've seen. It's got a huge pool, gym, clubhouse, snooker table, ping pong, tennis courts, squash courts, shop, playground etc. Apartment is big too.

2.5 is too little for the above. Expect to pay this higher end of your budget. Unless you don't want any facilities, in which case you may have scoope for paying less.

But who relocates without the little extra's you can get here, right?

Agents typically show you 9 rubbish properties and the last one is great, but just outside your budget (am I right?). When you get the list of places you are to view, ask to see the last one on the list first (pretend you're going to be there anyway). Shows the agent you are not going to be taken for a ride.

Best of luck

[Yutenji]

Hi. IZY makes a good point

2.5 is too little for the above. Expect to pay this higher end of your budget.

Also, you need to watch out for floor space (square ft/metres). 3+1 could be a big (probably older) place, or a smaller (probably more recent) place.
Good luck

[MaxMara]

Thanks everyone. We are going to look at a few places on Saturday. If her selections are all rubbish, I will dump her.
Pal, I have contacted Angel, so hopefully will hear from her soon.