Want a sound sleep after purchasing an apartment?
Want a sound sleep after purchasing an apartment?
Andi M. Sadat
Contributor
Jakarta
"The customer is king". This decades-old adage, or maybe it's
just another advertising promise, is still frequently used in
today's "hyperactive" communication world.
A myriad of product features that are meant to satisfy
customers and secure their loyalty is one well-known marketing
strategy. Pamper customers to the utmost, more than your
competitors, in order to survive the competition, according to
some marketers. This is true for many consumer products on the
market. There is a similar situation happening in the country's
apartment market.
So a word of caution to everyone. Some promises are real,
while others are exaggerated. To avoid not only initial
disappointment but, more importantly, to ensure that your
investment in an apartment is safe and secure, the following are
some of the basic things you should check out before buying.
1. Location: Make sure the area is not prone to flooding and
has easy access to most places important to you, such as your
office, your children's schools, entertainment and shopping
centers. Besides checking for convenient public transportation
(when your car is not working) and the availability of less-
congested roads, a green and, if possible, serene environment is
more preferable.
2. Facilities: Besides basic facilities, like water supply,
electricity and telephone lines, plus the Internet, check out the
additional "perks" that are normally offered, like sports and
fitness centers, spa, playground, parking area and, above all,
the security system for both the area around and inside your
apartment building. See if the long list of features and benefits
in the brochure matched by what is really provided.
3. Lease and/or ownership agreement: As a tenant or owner do
not take things for granted. Read the entire agreement in detail
so that you are fully aware of both your rights and obligations.
Some points are, to a certain extent, negotiable and can be
revised to your advantage.
4. Property inspection: Check the physical condition of the
entire apartment and the items in it, like electronics and
furniture. Doing so will reduce the possibility of future
problems if the items were in bad condition upon receipt or
delivery. Both parties, the property owner and the tenant, are
required to sign documents verifying the condition of the
apartment as well as its contents.
5. Price: In today's highly competitive market, special
discounts are given and deals are possible. Read newspapers, ask
around and make a couple of phone calls to a number of reputable
brokers and you will be delighted by the amount you save. The
market is currently full of luxury apartments at varying prices.
6. Specifications of building materials: This is more
important if you plan to purchase an apartment and stay there for
a lifetime. The durability of the building materials certainly
matters, as you do not want to see cracks in the walls, for
example, within a couple of months of moving in.
7. Legal certainty and changes in the future: Especially for
would-be owners it is crucial to verify the legal documents are
not only proper but the status of the property, meaning the land
where the apartment building stands, is 100 percent legally
secure. Do not forget to check this out at the city office
specializing in spatial layouts and long-term city plans, so that
in a few years you do not experience the nightmare of finding out
that the area you live in is going to be transformed into a ring-
road or a new highway.
By taking these precautions, which are elementary and common
sensical, chances are you really will become the king of your
newly acquired apartment. And after a good night's sleep,
brighter days should be in store for you due to a sound
investment.