Yippee! We've finally obtained the keys to our new home. Met up with the agent and sellers tonight and got the keys from them. Settled the next month's taxes and conservancy charges, transferred the utilities and also signed an idemnity form (in case anything happens before the second appointment with HDB).

Here's a peep into our new place. Of course it's quite empty now... It will be OUR place after some slight renovation works. Going to call up some contractors for quotes tomorrow.

Walk-in wardrobe and the master room attached bath all nicely done up. =) See my reflection in the mirror.

Bed frame of master room waiting for the arrival of King Koil mattress.
Having an oven just like the one I have at home now is a dream, but will I have the time for some cake/ cookie baking in the new kitchen?
A cosy living room area with the sound and projection system in place. Notice something at the bottom left corner, it's a baby rocker given by the sellers. It'll be in the store room for now. ;)

Neat shelvings in the store and the study area where I think I'll spend most of the evenings doing my 'homework'.

Bernard locking up before we left tonight. =)

By Hui Zhi

We went down to the Expo yesterday afternoon with Bernard's parents, wanting to go to the Robinsons sale and Popular fair.

We happened to pass by the Living Showcase 2008 and went in to take a look. There, we talked to two companies doing laminated flooring. The first one, K, quoted us such a high price and we just walked away. The second company, S, was fair in their pricing and we will arrange an appointment with them when we get the keys in 2 weeks' time.

There were many mattress brands at this exhibition and Bernard tried several of them. We wanted a good price for great comfort. =P As we near the end of the exhibits, the brand King Koil was there, a brand which was recommended by the sellers of our flat. The first few we tried were really hard, or firm as the salesperson said. A no-no for us. The last mattress we tried was really comfortable with 2 latex layers. We were quoted $1688 which we think is too much. Bernard then started pitching his negotiation skills against the salesperson. From $1688, we were offered $1488, then $1400 excl. GST and freebies. Refusing to relent we tried walking away and was hee hee.. ushered back by the salesperson again who agreed to give us $1400 inclusive of GST, 2 pillows and a bolster... Thank God for his favour once again. He always helps us get the best deal.

We then went on to the Popular fair to get some items before proceeding to the Robinsons fair. At the timing we went, it happened to be the start of the hourly sale of bedsheets. What coincidence! And there we got our first bedsheet set from SINTEX at $39. Not bad for a 300 thread count set. =)

I've set up a section under Our Home to track our spending. Do surf over!

By Bernard

Content extracted from an email from our housing agent, Feliz

"This is what you have to bring for the 1st appt
 
Identity Card, birth cert. Passport if Identity Card is not available;
letter to support that you're getting married in aug (eg booking of wedding dinner/church etc)
original payslip / income tax assessment (what you've provided to HDB when applying for HLE)
HLE approval from HDB
Cheque book, ATM card
 
Fee payable (in cash, cpf* or combination of both) at 1st appointment:
1) Conveyancing fee & stamp fee (about 3% of resale price)

2) Caveat fee of $134.25 (est)
 
3) 10% downpayment of flat ($31,250)
 
After the above 3 fees are deducted from both your cpf (top up cash if CPF not enough), the officer will work out your loan amount, and if you need to top up any cash (minus loan amt granted) for the purchase of house.
 
Cash Payment: Cash over valuation = $17,500. This amount must be paid within the 10 days period.
 
Others
If you intend to use your CPF money to service the monthly loan instalments, you have to take up an insurance under the CPF board Home Protection Scheme.  The amt of premium will depend on the % of coverage, amt of loan, age, sex etc. The premium can be paid either using your CPF savings or cash. There are a few providers. You can enquire at 1800 227 1188 or www.cpf.gov.sg or contact your insurance agent (I can recommend if you need). 

* if you intend to invest your CPF, kindly do so before 1st appointment as you're not allowed to touch your CPF after that.

Looking forward to our 1st appointment... Please pray that we will have favour with the current house owners to have the key on the day itself... =P