Since it makes no sense to start looking at all available 922 units, it only makes sense to start the shortlisting closer to our appointment date. This way we only look at which are the likely units to be available. After eliminating the VERY ULU Punggol, we have about 60+ units on our list.
Trip 1:
The flats available in Hougang were repurchased flats. I guess this means that families were either unable to afford to upkeep the flats, or ran into difficulties (divorced??) and so HDB took the units back. Hougang being two MRT stops nearer to central Singapore, we decided to take a look at these units first.
Hmm.. somehow these units were not so appealing. They were low floor and had dubious origins. Some of them had front porches that were in very sad states and one even had paint splashed on the door. Needless to say, the previous owners were probably running into financial difficulties and hounded by loansharks. NO way are we going to take up units such as these. Also, in terms of renovations, it would incur more hacking and labour fees if the house is in a bad state..or done in bad taste :P
Initially we had wanted to cover both Hougang and Sengkang. Well, our legs didn't want to..
For the next trips, we decided to involve our parents in the selection process. This way we'll eliminate units that they didn't like (due to any fengshui issues or anything)..well so they can't say "I said so!". Hehehe..I'm just covering our asses *bleah*
Trip 2:
After a night's rest, we the dinosaur and hulk brought the dinosaur mummy and daddy down to Sengkang. On this day, we blazed through 50+ units, gazing from the void decks and walkways, and walking up to the front doors. Oh and can I say "AUNTIE POWER!"? Barney's mum and her friend were able to get us entry into some of the neighbouring units beside and along the same vertical sections. This means that we can actually see the layout of the units we are scouting and get some reno ideas eh? ;)
Trip 3:
A week later, the hulk family came along! Well we learnt certain "things". Like how windows shouldn't be facing bridges and so forth. At the end of the day, it's not that we are avid believers in mysticism or fengshui, but it's to give a peace of mind for our parents as well. In a way, the dinosaur is hoping that these scouting trips gives the unspoken endorsement on the units we are choosing. At the end of the day, the place we choose must be the one WE are most comfortable with.
That's why, at the end of it, we plan to come back during one of the evenings to see if the place is deserted or spooky at night :)
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