Singapore Expats

We've been in SG for 7 years so know the market a bit.

In May we have to move since the new landlord who bought the condo recently wants to move in on the end of the contract.

I called the agent I used twice before but no reply to mail, sms, etc. so I guess she stopped.

Found a new agent through a friend but she's not very active and "may be able to set up some viewings in a few weeks" because she's too busy.

I then called a landlord's agent directly for a viewing. She listed 7 units in one condo but all but two were already gone. The one I was interested in was also gone (seams property sites are quite outdated).

We already have a shortlist of some 10 condo's so the only thing needed to be done is make appointments.

Any tips one what the best approach is? Keep looking ourselves (have busy job and limited time) or get another agent?

Issue there is how to find a good agent?

You actually had the gall to use good and agent in the same sentence? Talk about oxymorons! That's better than "military intelligence" or "Microsoft Works"!

Any recommendations other than our hosts here will have to be by PM otherwise they will be deleted.......

sundaymorningstaple wrote:Talk about oxymorons!

LOL. Exactly my problem.

PM is good for me. No need to plaster names etc. all over the place

Thanks

Are there trailing spouses who become expat agents here? or is that a thing from the past? or that never really existed here?

There are a few.

Cool. Has anyone here ever used an expat real estate agent? and was the experience better than using a local agent?

Hi there,

Here's my 2 cents on "finding a good real estate agent":

- There are "fake/expired" property listings on property sites, i.e. the agents do not actually have the listings, but replicate others'. Hence, when you ring them up, they can't seem to recall the listings or simply say "the unit is gone". it's also possible that the listings are theirs, but they have been rented out. Either way, the listing still appears on the internet because it can attract calls.

- If the price is very attractive, it's probably too good to be true, especially if the listing is also offered by a few agent, and a particular agent markets it really cheap. Again, the aim is to attract inbound calls, i.e. leads for the agents. Or another objective is to persuade the owner to take a lower than market price after showing you the house. Personally, i feel this is a waste of your time viewing a house that may not result in fruitful negotiation. I recently viewed a house for myself that was offered at $5000 but later realized it was for $8000. Totally wasted my time to view the place and raised my hope of moving into it.

- Re scouring the land vs engaging one agent. I would stick to one agent is he/she has shown early in the search process that he/she understands your requirements. There are some ridiculous agents that will show you units without a balcony when you said that it's important, or show you a 3 bedroom under 2000 sqft when you needed 4 bedroom and above 2000 sqft. If you've found an agent that understands your need, do try to stick to him/her. Otherwise, you'll have to repeat the experience with other agents, who again have to take time to understand your requirements. The agent should have a good understanding of your needs after seeing just 3-4 units with you. Also, do know that all listings in the market are accessible by any one agent.

- Expat agents vs local agents. I would say there are plus and minuses. Expat agents should understand your requirements better but some local agents who work mainly with expats should have a good feel as well. At the end of the day, you'll want to work with an agent who's really interested to help you find a home, and whom you are comfortable dealing with.

These are pretty much the key things to note in looking for a "good" agent.

edited by moderator

I know of one that is quite good. You can always look for condos yourself but if you have a tight schedule it would be best if you find an agent.

Hi all,

Quick question in relation to this. If I see a property of a mixed website with the agents details and then call that agent will he/she be happy to just show me that unit or will they insist that I take them on as my agent. Also is it still the case that rent over 3000 a month does not attract the agency fee?

Thanks

Hey Pointy

We're in a similar situation - but arriving permanently from Europe in June.



Dave

24601 wrote:Hi all,

Quick question in relation to this. If I see a property of a mixed website with the agents details and then call that agent will he/she be happy to just show me that unit or will they insist that I take them on as my agent. Also is it still the case that rent over 3000 a month does not attract the agency fee?

Thanks

When calling the Agents up I always get them to confirm that they are acting on behalf of the Landlord and stres to them that they are not in any way acting on behalf of me.

the thing about acting for landlord is not that bad. more importantly, i think a good agent must be honest and understands your needs.

some just want to close cases. and some are not exactly the most honest ppl i know.

talk to them and u be the judge.

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