This story was submitted by Patrick Lee
This is the story of an unfortunate amateur first-time homebuyer.
A few years back, I and my then girlfriend (now wife) went to Giant. We were approached by a sales women who convinced us to check out an ongoing project at Puchong. We had no idea to purchase a property at that time, however, we fixed an appointment instantly to visit the showroom.
Once we visited the showroom, the salesperson convinced us that we will be given two units of air-cond as the free gift, on top of the RM10,000 Ang-Pow which will be given during the key handover, if we make an immediate booking.
However, we didn’t have the sufficient amount to pay RM1,000 for booking at that time. But the sales guy was too pushy and was willing to accept RM200 as the deposit, given we pay the remaining amount the next day. Hence, without much hesitation, we booked the unit.
My loan application was rejected at first, but was approved later. Like other homebuyers, I started paying the monthly installment after that. Buying a house was a huge commitment, but my intention was to rent the house; so that I don’t have to fork out cash on my own.
Finally, the key collection day arrived. I was quite frustrated as I only received the Ang-Pow. The two air-cond units were not included as promised by the sales person! But honestly, it was my mistake since I failed to check the Sales and Purchase agreement. I was just an amateur buyer that time with zero experience.
I felt cheated, but life has to go on. More problem arose later when Irented the unit to a African couple with a toddler. They seldom pay the rental and even if they do, it will be four to five months once.
In the midst of the contract, they insisted on moving out and demanded for their deposit to be returned. Even though they violated the contract, yet I paid the deposit without much argument as I wanted them to leave. Again, I made a huge mistake by returning the deposit without the necessary check.
I was quite surprised to see the house half empty when I rented it fully furnished. The tenants took most of the furniture with them, when they moved out. They also didn’t settle the electricity and other bills, leaving a hefty sum of pending bills.
Moving forward, I had a difficult time to maintain the house and unable to serve the monthly installment. After many years of trying to keep the unit, it was eventually auctioned off.
Unfortunately, I learned a lesson the hard way. I bought the house just for the sake of getting free gifts, without understanding the huge commitment it comes with, as well as by overlooking the other important factors.
I regret taking a hasty decision and I hope my story will help other first-time amateur buyers to avoid the same mistakes I did.
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