A blog reader shared with me that he had put down a deposit to buy a property for investment. When he applied for a housing loan, to his big surprise, the bank told him that he couldn’t pass the TDSR (Total Debt Servicing Ratio) test. “I thought I was financially sound. How could I possibly fail the stress test?” Another reader was checking with the bank to refinance his … [Read more...]
3 investment lessons from the movie Me Before You
I was watching the movie Me Before You on a flight. There was a heartbreaking scene when Will Traynor insisted on ending his life despite all the efforts of Louisa Clark to show him that there were still reasons to continue living. “But...I need it to end here. No more chair. No more pneumonia. No more burning limbs. No more pain and tiredness and waking up every morning … [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...]
Who said property cooling measures may never be lifted?
I read with bewilderment the article from Singapore Property Review titled “An inconvenient truth: Property curbs may never be lifted, analysts warn”. “The report argued that unless property prices plunge suddenly and dramatically, buying curbs may not be lifted in order to substantially reduce Singapore's unhealthy fixation with real estate.” This remark from the Maybank Kim … [Read more...]
Say it until it comes true
In my twelve years studying in a Catholic girls school, I was taught to pray if I need to. Till today, whenever I run into troubles, I just keep praying. And I also visit different temples to say the same prayer just in case. I believe that, in the end, some God will do something. It may have nothing to do with my devotion, but the fact that God just can’t stand my nagging any … [Read more...]