Apartment Hunting – Part 3

OK! I've decided! After all the looking around and internet surfing, I'm tired (physically too – awww my legs!). I think I've seen enough apartments to become an agent. So, after searching high and low, I've narrowed it down to 2 places:

APARTMENT 1

1. At Sukhumvit area (happening), but also close to one red-light area. Actually, I still feel its safe – just have to walk past a lot of the bars with girls in skimpy clothes (if they really ARE girls). Area = pro
2. Far walk to train station. 20 mins fast walk or 30 mins slow walk. OR 10 Baht for motorbike taxi. Distance to BTS = con
3. Need to change trains to get to work. Distance to work = little bit cons, but still alright.
4. 1 bedroom apartment, large size. Balconies on front and back. One side facing the canals. Very airy. Apartment = pro
5. THB 23,000 per month, include tv and internet, towel change, cleaning, bed sheet change, etc. Price = ok
6. Nice small swimming pool and garden. Amenities = pro
7. Laundry is calculated by pieces, can be quite expensive. Laundry = con
8. Furniture is ok. Not much. Furniture = so-so

APARTMENT 2

1. Not at happening area, but still near to shopping malls. Happening are just few train stops away. Though not many expats around here. Area = pro
2. Just 15 min walk from station. 10 mins if you walk fast. But they do have free tuk-tuk from the apartment to nearby areas, like the train station. Distance to MRT = borderline pro
3. Just 4 train stops from work. Don't even have to change trains. Distance from work = pro
4. Studio apartment. Balcony has nice view from 5^th floor. Studio = con, view = pro
5. THB 13,000 a month, include cable tv. But internet, water/electric pretty reasonable. Price = pro
6. No swimming pool. There's one community pool nearby (eeww). However, there's a big tv. Amenities = con
7. There's coin laundry on each floor. Laundry service also provided at ground floor. Laundry = pro
8. Furniture is brand new and very modern, posh looking. Furniture = pro

So... after much thought, I've decided to go for apartment 2! Yes, I've finally made my decision!! The thing that push me over = near to work, no need to walk so far, and nice modern furnishings. Oh yeah... half the price too.

Global Warming

I learnt something new today. "Animal agriculture emits 18% of the greenhouse gases (GHG) produced by humans – more than transport at 14%." - cifw See more here: http://www.ciwf.org.uk/globalwarning/index.html#videoFrame

Apartment Hunting – Part 2

After seeing a few apartments, I've narrowed my search to some things I've wanted.

1. Apartment – the entire block is managed by one owner. That means if something is wrong with the apartment, they'll fix it immediately. Also, its better security.
2. Near to train station – don't wanna walk too far to reach the train. Also, not too far from work. Best not to change trains. Dont have to be in 'happening' area, I figured I could just catch a train there anyway.

   

3. Budget – I think I don't mind having something nice for 20,000 Baht a month. But of course, cheaper is better.
4. Amenities – Fully furnished (with modern furniture), 1 or 2 bedroom (to have some privacy when guests bunk in – especially when everyone back home says they WILL be coming!), with kitchen (I like cooking), internet is a must (or else no blogging), security (duh), swimming pool is a plus, balcony with a view is also a plus, all others are bonuses.

Of course, it's not all written in stone. I'm flexible. Hmm... maybe that's why I find it hard to decide.

Miss Piggy Bids Farewell!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Gong Hei Fatt Choy!!

I'll be home for CNY! Yeah!!

And this is what my boss gave me today as a little CNY present...

Too bad, it says this in my apartment agreement....

"9. The Lessee is not permitted to keep any article of a dangerous, inflammable or explosive character that increases the danger of fire in the rental premises and the premises of the apartment. No condition that creates a fire hazard (including plants) maybe kept in the rental premises. For safety reasons the Lessee is not allowed to keep or use LPG gas in the building, this includes cooking stoves of any kind."

and

"10.1 No animals or pets of any kind may be kept within the rental premises or on the premeses of the apartment. The Lessee is prohibited from keeping plants, potted or otherwise, within the rental premises."

Poor little plant...

Apartment Hunting in Bangkok - Part 1

Wow. A whole big task here. I started browsing through the internet before I came here. Just so many choices, so I guess I could easily get one when I come here. Wrong guess… TOO MANY choices is the problem here! Yes, too many choices can be a problem. I’ve become rather picky now. So sum it up… I’ve looked at apartments via:

1. Internet. DUH. Just so many websites, so many agents, so many ads… the list goes on and on and on. Just one headache when I first arrived. I have no idea where all the places are!
2. Newspapers/magazines. Someone told me to look into BK Magazine. Heck, its even online.
3. Agents. Yes, their names are everywhere. They’ll show you some apartments for free. Just tell them when.
4. Walking around. You’ll see ads along the sidewalk. Just give the numbers a ring (it could turn up to be an agent’s number too).
5. Word of mouth. Well, this is tough when you don’t know anyone around. Hehe… fortunately for me, while shopping around, I met this Thai girl who was working in KL. After talking for a while, she said she was a real estate agent! What luck. :D

One thing you’ll realize very soon. You’ll need to prioritize what you’re looking for in a place to stay:

• Type of accommodation – condo, apartment, service apartment, townhouse, house (yes, they’re all different). Then its what you want in the apartment – 1 bedroom, big kitchen, fully furnished, etc.
• Budget – the all important factor! You can get a cheap, no-security condo for maybe 5000 Baht thats probably too far away from any train station. Or, you can get a nice serviced apartment at most happening place that’s only a 5 min walk to the train for 35,000 Baht.
• Area – in “happening” area like Sukhumvit, red light district like Patpong, somewhere near to work, somewhere near to PAARRTYYY, somewhere near to train station, near to shopping, near to eateries, etc.
• The small stuff – well, not so small actually, it can make a difference. That’s things like security, swimming pool, internet, cable tv, laundry, etc etc.

At the end, I realise I don’t even know what I’m looking for!! Too many choices!! Where do I begin???

Moving time...

After much thought into choosing an apartment... I've finally gotten one (will blog about it next day). Tomorrow will be moving time! p.s. Too lazy to update blog this week. Will do so in the coming days...