Throughout my career, compared with being a department head in the management team, it is more satisfying to be an independent property blogger - I have absolute freedom to write what I like, say what I believe is right, and tell the truth from my heart. In return, I receive messages from readers who also bare their heart to share their property stories. Once in a … [Read more...]
The 7 deadly sins of Singapore property buyers
I was recently invited to speak at the Investors Exchange organized by BIGScribe - a half-day seminar offering retail investors useful investment advice and concepts from successful investors. I could have chosen the title “7 Common Mistakes of Singapore Property Buyers”. But no one likes to admit that they have made a mistake. So I call it “7 Deadly Sins” instead to … [Read more...]
3-3-5 rule now endorsed by the CPF Board
It is official. CPF Board just endorsed Property Soul’s 3-3-5 rule. The statutory board recently published an article “How to use the 3-3-5 rule to consider if you can afford your new home” in its “Are You Ready?” portal. “Are You Ready?” is an initiative by the CPF Board to educate Singaporeans on how to plan for major financial decisions at different stages of their … [Read more...]
Why housing affordability is more than your salary
Dollars and Sense recently published a blog post titled “Here’s the salary you need to earn to determine affordability of these homes in Singapore”. The writer of the article has the good intention to show readers what type of housing they can afford based on their monthly salary. However, income is only part of the whole picture when it comes to deciding whether you can … [Read more...]
4 things buyers wish they knew before buying a property
The radio is playing Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” when an email from a blog reader popped up on my screen, “Property Soul You’ve Got Mail.” It’s another message about a home buyer’s remorse. Every week there are so many messages on disappointment and regret after buying properties. They all go like this: “I wish I had … before I bought …” “Why didn’t … [Read more...]