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.