We've got a new nest!!

Under HDB Ballot for Sector A in June 2008, we were given a queue number of 1276. It was almost a walk-over since the available units were less than 400. Our chance to select a flat was very slim. Till the last day of waiting, the leftover units were either 2nd  or 3rd floor. We might actually get a chance to select, if we could accept the low floor :( 

The allocated time was 3.15pm on 10.06.2008. At exactly this time, we were called in for selection. OK. sure to get the 2nd floor? I was totally confused. I could remember my hands were trembling as my inner angel and devil were fighting for a decision. 

Location? Jurong West is not exactly my favourite, but the price is really affordable and very near to Jurong Point. We can see the under-constructing Jurong Point extension from the estate! It is also very near to hubby's work areas: Tuas and Jurong Islands.

Re-sales value? Many have condemned 2nd floor unit is a loser for resale. And I totally agreed with this saying. If I have the money and choice, 2nd floor will never be in my list. But hubby analyzed that with the new HDB balloting system, we upgraders will get slimmer chance to get a selection like this. Under the new system, all areas of available flats will be gathered for ballot. And 90% of chance will be given to the 1st-timers. The new areas are mostly in the North-east which is too far from work, considering the daily traffic jam.  The town areas will also be too expensive for us. 

Damn it! It is really a stressful process! How could some people buy & sell flat every other years? It is simply crazy!

Coming back to the selection, we had to put our decision: buy or not to buy?

I looked at hubby, said, "I give up! You decide. Anything wrong, you bear the consequences." 

To my surprise, for the 1st time I knew him, hubby confirmed his wish at light speed.

"BUY! Tell your mum, I made the decision. She can blame me for everything."

ROFL... My mum really does instill some fear in him. 

Ok, we got to choose the unit then. At that moment, there were 4 couples making the selection. The officer told us to speak of the ideal unit at really low voice. This was to avoid competition from these other couples. This was possible as their queue numbers were ahead of us. Thus they had the right to make selection. How thoughtful this officer was!

Something mystical happened during the selection.

Out of the many blocks, we had always eyed on one block which was quite near to the bus stop. We had viewed the actual units (after knocking many doors, uninvited :P) We were very sure to get this ideal block, if we ever got the chance.

However, something might have covered our eyes. We did not select an unit from this block, but from the next one. Why? We did not understand too. Might be the commotion of emotional struggle that we missed the unit from the computer screen. Only after paying the refundable deposit of S$2000 did we realise the mistake. DAMN it!! ALAMAK, we both exclaimed.

This selected block had not been viewed at all. What was in front of the block and what was underneath the 2nd floor unit was unknown. What if there was a pump room? My head was spinning.... 

If you were me, you would do what I did. We dashed to the selected block as soon as we picked up the children. We just needed to see the extent of 'mistake' done...

It was about 6pm+ when we got there. Not too late to see the actual surrounding. It was then we set our hearts at ease. We were lucky that the ideal block was not selected after all. All the time we were viewing those units of high floors (which they were already occupied). This same block was definitely not good when applied to 2nd floor. It was facing the multi-storey carpark. The unit had a full view of the car parade :P HENG MANNN...

As compared, ours faced the kitchen of another block of flat and the distance was much further.

And most importantly, there was no pump room or sitting area at void deck. At least the chances of being disturbed was lower. 

For me, this is something I could use to comfort myself and stop thinking about the flaws of this choice. Just like Jennifer has said, at least I have got a new flat. I should be happy.

Below is the floor plan of our new nest. Other than the odd living area, the bedrooms are spacious, to hubby's liking. Another flaw, the kitchen is really tiny. Sigh... However, hubby is happy about it. Less money to be spent on this area and definitely less cleaning. FAINTZZZZ

Next will be the renovation headache... >_<