Suvie's
About 3 years ago, in October of 2010, we begin applying for our BTO flat. At that point of time, we were both still studying in university, but it was strong faith and of cause, lots of encouragement from my parents, that allow us to draw out the courage to apply flat even when we really have nothing and the future is still unclear for both of us.
The application process was a stressful one as there are so many factors which influence the flat that we want and will get; Singapore too little land - especially in developed areas. The first area we applied for was Yishun Greenwalk. We got a number for that but it was in the 208% of the selection, by the time it was our turn there was only 1 unit left, there is really no choice at all, thus we rejected it.
We waited about 2 months or so for another area to be release; Sengkang Fernvale. We got a number for that too, but it was in the 213% and from the first experience we know we won't be able to have much choice from that as well. Therefore, the following month when Hougang Parkview was release, we applied. And this time round, our Q number was well within 88% of the selection. We were both extremely delighted and excited for our flat selection. But little did we know the nightmare to come.
The day comes for us to select our flat, we were both super lucky to be first in line for the selection appointment for the day, thus we know that whatever is left online the night before if we select it we will get it in the morning. And true enough we did.
We got a unit @ the 16 floor, real high up, I like! And just like this with the future still unclear, we got our flat. Here is a bit more about our flat!
The few blocks @ our area!
Ours is 470C!
The baby models of our flat!!
Artist impression of the place!
Site plan of the area.
Our floor plan!!
Looking back at this decision we made, there was no regrets even though it was really a tough period for us. Still remember we have NO GRANT, little CPF, no full-time income. But still manage to tie in together, not take a single cent from our parents and with whatever savings and earning from tuition and blogshop, pull through together and indeed from this experience we come out stronger together. And of course appreciate what we have between the 2 of us more! It was not easy, but we choose to stand by each other no matter what. And today we are just looking forward to getting the key real soon!!! =)
Early 2012
4 May 2013
19 May 2013
Currently, the building process is done, they are painting the inside of the flat and the outside they have also started painting a little. So yup after 2 years, while many of our friends are just starting to get flats, we are glad to say that we are waiting to just move in. And with the price going up, the BTO release in the same area, this year have an increase of about 20K to 40K more. Thus we are really glad that even with nothing our faith, love and courage brought us there! =)
Stanley's
Well. How should i start.. As a couple, Suvie is always the one with alot of plans ahead in the future, while I am the lazy one, very impromptu actually. So during Year 4 sem 1, while we are studying? (not sure if i so hardworking anot), Suvie brought up the topic that we should try to apply for house as her parents encourage her to get. Well, at that time I was actually not so into the idea since we are not even financially stable, worst still, we did not even have a job. Maybe not for Suvie since she already more or less confirm she will be going into NIE.
Furthermore, we have a car to "FEED".. YES, we bought a Perodua Kenari when we are in Year 3 sem 2. You can say we are crazy, with no stable income yet we bought a car. We definitely had a hard time at that time, Suvie use her tuition money to contribute, while i use my tuition money and pocket money to contribute, and also our blogshop earnings. Still remember those days which i only limit myself to 4 bucks a day to spend.. Hahaha.. Everyday was chicken rice, mixed veg rice with 1 meat 1 veg.. and Instant noodles are my best pal...
So when Suvie was so into applying for the house, and being a supportive one, I decided to take a leap of faith. After all, applying for the house only need the registration fee though.. (Thats what i thought).. So Suvie was doing all the registration and all, while i did not help or contribute much, only nodding my head while playing computer games.. Hahaha.. Seriously, i really have no idea, only preference is to be near parents.. thats all.
I only remember we bid for some Yishun, Sengkang BTOs which i cant even remember the project name, let alone where the BTO located. When I finally realized, we already got the number for Hougang Parkview. Hahahha.. And very soon, we are called down to select the flat.
On the selection day, Suvie was having lesson in NIE, and if i am not wrong, i am still jobless hence I went down to HDB together with my mum. And because Suvie just started working and i have no income, we do not even have the capability to pay the 2K option fee to select the flat, ended up having to borrow from Suvie's parents. Back to selection of flat, as we know we are the first on that day to select the flat, we have the luxury to select the flat at home the night before, and do not have to go through the process of worrying that people might select your ideal home right before your turn.
So with the help of my mum and Suvie parents, we selected a unit high up @ 16floor.. =). We also did not choose to have HDB tiles and doors although they can be paid by CPF, but just to give anyone who read our blog a heads up, some of the BTO projects, the tiles are ugly and besides, they charge a much higher fee than outside market.
I think the real stressful time came when we have to pay the 1st down payment for the house. At that time, me and Suvie had already worked for at least half a year already. but the real problem is that our CPFs are not enough to pay the down payment, we could not get near parents grant as our BTO is not exactly near, we could not get Additional Housing Loan grant as our income had exceeded the limit. Not really into the idea of digging our cash savings to pay the house, we decided to make a trip down to meet the MPs. Well, not really a great fan of our dear Government, but the couple of trips down make me realize, if you get to meet your MP in your GRC, you should really go buy 4D or TOTO; and also, do not expect your problem will be solved even if your MP are some big shot.. In the end, thinking that we should not waste anymore time to ask for help, or rather waste time queuing to meet the Grass Root leaders. We decided to bite the bullet and pay the 6k cash instead. At least we pay with pride. I am a PROUD man.
Looking back, we are glad we make the decision to select the flat when we are still in university.. Though its abit stressful.. haha. =)
