Property News & Market Trends

Happy New Year yet again - How happy?

It's a sad occassion for many, in fact. Firstly, for every owner who managed to sell beyond expectations, there were at least 7 who failed to sell at all. From Oct - Dec, transactions had dampened so much, many veteran Agents ponder if it's the sub-prime that spooked the buyers even after the ghost month!

Recently, I was reminded of the sadder fact of a lawyer absconding with trusting-ignorant clients' money. The conveyancing lawyer went missing with $6m in his care. How can such incidences happened again & again? How can the Law Society allow such incidents even though they are one of the most respected organisation in Singapore.

Then again, how can so many clients remain so naive that lawyers are the most trustworthy profession. They are human afterall. Consumers should learn how to protect themselves against such unconceived actions. All they need to do is to demand that Cashiers Orders be made instead of a personal cheque. Sure, it cost $5 per CO but it's definitely less painful should the lawyer decide to take a vacation with your money. So, the next time the lawyer advises you to make out a cheque to them so it'll be more convenient, choose the more inconvenient but 99.99% safe method, would you?

I'm sorry to have dampen your New Year mood. Frankly, this is the first day, not only for the new year of 2008 but also for the rest of your life! So, make full use of it. How about starting with a resolution? Oh no, please don't give up before you even start. I know you may have broken many since you started making them.

Many of us make a mistake by drafting a resolution that is not measurable. The 2nd mistake is - there isn't any reminder at all! Thirdly, nobody knows our secret resolution in case we broke it in a week! If you can overcome these 3 conditions, I'm sure you'll succeed.

Just to let you in on my secret; if you visit my home, take a look at my mirror in my bathroom and you'll notice my family's resolutions. Volia! There you have it! Happy New Year! God bless those who bless others! Bingo!

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