Everytime I comment on how some HDB units are starting to look better than condominiums, my friend starts ranting about the 'unconscionable appropriation of public money' . (Note for the uninitiated: HDB is the local form of public housing. First-time buyers whose income does not go beyond the required level receive a grant for purchase from the government).
I believe it's more a reflection of the increasing sophistication amongst HDb dwellers- the in-betweens who have just started working and are seeking to reconcile their tastes in interiors with their budgets.
The move to bring the local version of starchitects WoHa and SCDA on board to design HDB blocks is a reflection of that trend. The above photo is an artist's impression of WoHa's proposal, with a choice of planter box, monsoon windows, balcony or bay windows by the occupants. The asymmetry and emphasis on outdoor spaces is reminiscent of Moshe Safdie's Habitat complexes.
Am partial to WoHa's proposal based on looks, the ability to customize a facade and the potentially interesting overall facade based on the residents' requests.
Photo below is SCDA's proposal. Photos taken from The Straits Times' 1st September.
Designer HDBs
Bungee Jumping Agent
I wouldn't trump up strength in numbers if the team consists of 4 people.
Especially appreciate the 'team orchestrated by...' bit.
Seth Godin blogged about real estate agent's business cards.
I remembered my manager telling the class to included 'useful information' like calendars or 995(or 911- depending on which country you're in) type numbers on the back of the card just so that owners will have a reason to keep your namecard in their wallets. That doesn't actually work when the whole class takes him up on his advice and all real estate agents' cards come with the panic button numbers, calendar and a pack of tissues.
Seth suggests Moo for something different-a very interesting looking company although I do remember another company based in Barcelona that had better looking templates.
I don't quite agree on the point of steel business cards though- I loved Kevin Mitnick's:
and of course New York's #1 Escort must agree that steel business cards bring in a lot of- business.
Ours is lenticular(or rather mine is- with plans for other agents to use the same namecards later ):
God is above all
Like in everything else, God is invoked in very odd circumstances in real estate.
And it's good to know we're not the only ones with the 'uber alles' mentality.
