We spent last week in KL and finally met our relocation agent in person. My head spun after nearly 20 apartments across 11 developments within a 2-km radius -- all in three days jet-lag inclusive. It's exhilarating and sure beats the hell out of watching episodes of HGTV's House Hunters (International) on the couch!
The property market in KL city center is very dynamic with established developments competing against a handful of recently completed ones. We even saw one which was so new the kitchen fittings have yet to be even installed. But it was funny because minutes before that unit, we were in the show unit which was so tastefully done up by the interior designers. Should have recorded the husband's face when we stepped into the actual unit. But oh, if only we could extract that kitchen and family area right next to it for our next home!
The property market in KL city center is very dynamic with established developments competing against a handful of recently completed ones. We even saw one which was so new the kitchen fittings have yet to be even installed. But it was funny because minutes before that unit, we were in the show unit which was so tastefully done up by the interior designers. Should have recorded the husband's face when we stepped into the actual unit. But oh, if only we could extract that kitchen and family area right next to it for our next home!
It was sad viewing another unit in what was sold as "94 apartments, 95 swimming pools". No fault of our agent since the actual unit was not available for viewing on that day so our curiosity took us to this other unit, just to get a feel of the place. It was a duplex with floor-to-ceiling double-volume glass windows (lots of natural light!) and yet, the owner covered half of them with BLACK panels to prevent prying eyes from nearby buildings. Why buy it then?
I could only guess why, judging by the looks of the unit. He had too much money, or had no problems getting the loan, and needed a place to dump his worn out sofa set and TV console. Also, the air-conditioning units in his own home are due for replacement. Why did I say that? Well, in the spanking new unit that we saw, all the aircons had been taken off the walls, each leaving four screw holes and an ugly wall socket at 2-meter height. How ironic! That unit could have been the ultimate bachelor pad, a "wanna-come-see-my-own-pool?" chick magnet!
So what's the outcome of the trip? Not much. Not because we are picky or spoilt. We are not seeking the best nor opulent, lest we get misunderstood. (Such properties are usually outdone within months in any case.) All we ask is one that allows walking: JL to the office, me to buy groceries, without getting mugged or run down by speeding vehicles. Some peace and quiet, good ventilation, enough natural light without the glare would be ideal. A nice view of greenery would be the cherry on the cake.
We just want a place that we can comfortably call "home" without the hassle of painful landlords, leaking pipes, pest control problems. Oh, a lap pool and open kitchen-dining layout would also keep both of us very motivated.
I could only guess why, judging by the looks of the unit. He had too much money, or had no problems getting the loan, and needed a place to dump his worn out sofa set and TV console. Also, the air-conditioning units in his own home are due for replacement. Why did I say that? Well, in the spanking new unit that we saw, all the aircons had been taken off the walls, each leaving four screw holes and an ugly wall socket at 2-meter height. How ironic! That unit could have been the ultimate bachelor pad, a "wanna-come-see-my-own-pool?" chick magnet!
So what's the outcome of the trip? Not much. Not because we are picky or spoilt. We are not seeking the best nor opulent, lest we get misunderstood. (Such properties are usually outdone within months in any case.) All we ask is one that allows walking: JL to the office, me to buy groceries, without getting mugged or run down by speeding vehicles. Some peace and quiet, good ventilation, enough natural light without the glare would be ideal. A nice view of greenery would be the cherry on the cake.
We just want a place that we can comfortably call "home" without the hassle of painful landlords, leaking pipes, pest control problems. Oh, a lap pool and open kitchen-dining layout would also keep both of us very motivated.
