Applying for a HDB Flat in Singapore

As many of you are aware of, in land scarce Singapore, applying for public housing in Singapore requires up to 5 years in advance. Not many people will get their desired flat on the first attempt, and even if they do, they have to wait around 3-5 years for the construction of the flat.

If you are interested in applying for a HDB flat, here's a step by step guide on how you can do that.

The following article is written by guest blogger Teck Chong. 

Couples looking to settle down and wanting to get a HDB flat?

I have written a simple dummy guide to provide the step by step procedures to apply your love nest.

1    1. Check HDB website for any upcoming sales launch. The screenshot below is an example of an upcoming BTO sale launches in Nov 2012. Tip: You can sign up for HDB’s newsletter so that you will be kept up to date with the latest happenings in HDB.

http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyingNewFlatFlatsonOffer?OpenDocument

You and your partner can decide on which location to choose and size of your flat. There are various priority schemes which home seekers can utilize to increase their chances of getting a desirable queue number.

The priority schemes are Multi-Generation Priority Scheme (MGPS), Married Child Priority Scheme (MCPS), Third-Child Priority (TCP) Scheme, Tenants Priority Scheme (TPS) and Ageing-in-Place Priority Scheme (APPS).

For the detail explanation of each scheme, http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyingNewFlatPriority?OpenDocument#TCP

At the same time, there are some of the things that you need check before deciding on the flats

-          Check you and your partner’s eligibility to buy

-          Check loan eligibility

-          Check your fee payment capability

There are some questionnaires in the HDB website which will provide some guidance on your eligibility.
http://services2.hdb.gov.sg/webapp/BP13EligCheck/BP13SHome?strSystem=CHECK  (Eligibility to buy)
http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/HLHDBWho?OpenDocument (Loan Eligibility)

The period of sale application will be disseminated to the public via news, email or other social media. Once the sale application is open to the public, home seekers will have about a week to decide and apply for the town that they desire. Upon applying for the flat, you need to pay a non-refundable administrative fee of $10 via cashcard or credit card.

      2.       Once the application window closes, applicants must wait at least 3 weeks before they will receive a queue number to invite them to select their flats. If you are not assigned any queue number, it means that you are unsuccessful in the balloting. If your queue number is out of the range of the flat supply, fret not. There are people who will give up their chance because their desired unit is being taken up.

      3.       If you have a queue number, HDB will send an invitation letter to you with the appointment date to select your flat. In the invitation package, there are brochures, application forms and some guidelines for your information. Do read through them carefully because buying a house is a huge investment. Make no mistakes! While waiting for your appointment date, you can check out the units that are taken via HDB’s website. The information is updated real time.

http://www.hdb.gov.sg/fi10/fi10321p.nsf/w/BuyingNewFlatShortlistedApplicants?OpenDocument

       4.        Nearing the date of your flat selection, remember to check the units available for selection and decide which unit you would like to choose as your dream home. There are many factors that you have to consider for selecting a flat:

-          Afternoon sun

-          Level of the unit

-          Price

-          Floor layout

-          Proximity to the lift and the staircase

-          View of the unit

-          Noise

        5.        It is advisable to select at least 2 units just in case before your turn comes, so that you won’t panic if your unit is selected. Remember to head down to the BTO site to do some ground survey before you make any decisions because you might get some inspiration when you are actually on the site. In addition, you got to decide whether you would prefer HDB to build the flooring and door for you. All these are up to each individual to decide but of course, there is a fee attached to it. Different BTO will have different price.

        6.        On the selection date, please head down to HDB hub early so that you can orientate yourself so that you wouldn’t miss your queue number. Remember to bring the necessary documents to prevent any hiccups or delay.

      When we were at HDB hub, we were feeling very nervous because we were afraid that our dream unit was being taken away by other families. When our queue number was called, we were called into a room where by a sale officer will process your application. He/she will check through the documents quickly followed by asking which unit do you want and he will reserve for you first. After signing many documents and explanation, we need to go up to level 3 to pay SGD2,000 option fee by NETS or cash and head back to the room. The sale officer will then ask you to confirm the actual unit that you want because the decision is irreversible. (Make your decision wisely and once you decided, stick with it!) The whole procedure for flat selection is done.

  

       7.        HDB will invite you down again within 4 months to sign the lease agreement and you will have to pay a 5%/10% of your flat price as down payment via your CPF or cash. 

      

      Hope that gave you a clearer insight into how HDB application in Singapore works. It will all be worth it when you get your dream home.

      

      Good luck! (:

An Act of Courage

There is no time to waste. Start living your life!

I did something I was really proud of yesterday.

I gave a 4-minute speech in front of 80 audience and was the emcee for a party.

ALL THIS WITHOUT MY MIND BLANKING OUT.

It was amazing because I never imagined myself doing that! I have always been such a shy girl and when it comes to speaking in front of everyone, I would have preferred to shy away into the background. Into anonymity. 

I am so proud of myself for stepping up and taking up this challenge! 

Initially I found myself really nervous and uptight. However, as the party went on, I started to feel more at ease and relaxed.

I must really thank everyone for being so supportive and giving me this opportunity to stand up on stage to lead! =D

With that, I have broken one of my many personal barriers!

Are you ready to break yours too? 

Think of something you have always been fearful of doing and JUST DO IT!

Muster enough courage to break your limits and not only will you emerge a more courageous person, you will gain more ENERGY too!

Here's my challenge to you. Do an Act of Courage today and share it with us in the comments box! (:

Introducing 10-days Vipassana Meditation Retreat as taught by S.N. Goenka

This article will broken down into 2 parts. The first part will be about my encounter with 10-day Vipassana (Mindfulness) Retreat, and the second part will be a reflection of what I have learnt.

Quote by S.N Goenka

My Experience

When I first heard of the 10 days Vipassana Meditation retreat, I got really excited! I knew I wanted to go for it. It was something new. Living in solitude for 10 days without my phone, laptop, books, and in total silence. It was a challenge! 

I have always wanted to pick up meditation but lack the discipline to do so. This retreat would be a good time for me to foster that much needed discipline. 

Many people have been raving about the course and I wanted to see for myself what is so really special about it. 

Insights from my 10-days Meditation Retreat

10 days Meditation Retreat in Dharma Malaya as taught by S.N Goenka

This article will be based on my insights after attending a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat where I meditated for 10 hours a day. This amounted to a total of about 100 hours of meditation. I wonder how I did it! 

I would like to share some of my realizations on how to lead a happy and successful life with you ( Disclaimer: May be subjective as it is based on my personal experience and therefore exercise your own discretion). I hope you will benefit from them as well!

4 Things You Must Know to Fall in Love and Stay in Love

                     

Through the ages, people have been mystified by the concept of LOVE. Romance is something on everyone’s mind. We all love being in love. The feel-good feeling associated with falling in love is simply amazing. However, when the honeymoon period (around 3-6 months) is over, the concept of romance takes on a different ball game.

We start seeing differences in each other, seeing our partners for who they really are, suddenly things they say are no longer funny and we start to see their flaws. And sadly, sometimes we may not like what we see. What usually happen next would be disagreements, arguments, and each party trying to change the other.

Love Yourself!!!

“Before you can love anyone, you have to love yourself. If you can’t even love yourself, are you sure you know what love is? So the next time before getting too involved in a romantic relationship, why not try building a relationship with yourself first?” -Yuting

I used to think I am a happy-go-lucky girl with no worries. I carry a happy and cheerful exterior and my friends are often curious about why I am always so happy. To them, I seem to have no worries in life. I used to think so too; that I am happy because my life is great and there is nothing to be sad about, perfect family, perfect boyfriend, good results, I get what I want. What's there to be sad about?

But one day, I realized something. I realized I am often reminding myself that I should be happy. In fact, my motto back in secondary school was Happy-go-lucky. I reminded myself to always stay happy despite all odds because I want to be seen as the HAPPY girl.

But do you see the problem there?

Do Soulmates Exist? - A Love Story

“There is someone special for everyone.” – Dr Weiss

Have you ever wondered whether you are really destined to meet someone?

Have you seen someone for the first time and felt great sense of familiarity towards them?

Have you ever wondered whether things happening are SIGNS which tells you if he/she is the right one?

I was once in your position.

I was utterly curious about the concept of soul mates, destiny, and fate. Are all these real? Or do they only exist in Fairytales?

It was only when I chanced upon this book, Only Love is Real, by Dr. Brian Weiss, that I got a glimpse into what this is really all about.

Dear Me: Stop Making Excuses

With each daybreak is a New Beginning

“You have always found things easy. You are good at everything. But you aren’t great at anything because you make excuses. You would rather be the ‘potential’ to be great than actually try and fail. And that is sad.”

Excuses stop you from achieving great things in life. Never be comfortable being the potential for greatness. Excuses makes you feel unfulfilled.

- the daily mind

Dear Me,

I was having dinner today when a thought popped into my mind- EXCUSES.

Rules on Love

·     Never allow your partner or yourself to denigrate the other.

·     You must have personal respect and consideration for yourself.

·     Everyone deserves respect and love, but you can't expect to get it unless you give it.

My Realizations after 23 Years on Earth

One month ago, I enrolled myself into a coaching program.

I have always been a fan of inspirational, motivational, self-discovery books and articles. I always thought my life was good, I was happy, and I was capable of forwarding myself. 

Whenever I am down, I would seek refuge in the wise words of Napoleon Hill, Dale Carnegie…

However, my life had reached a standstill.

I just graduated with a double-degree and good honors, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I had the world in front of me but I did not know where to go.

Exposed: SIA Interview Criteria

Update!! Chanced upon this article about being an SIA Stewardess, you might want to check it out before deciding whether this is your cup of tea! Click here to read.

Does the thought of travelling for world sound tempting to you? Is the idea of getting paid for that even better? How about adding on some perks like staying at 5-star hotels where-ever you go? It is no wonder that most girls dream of becoming an air stewardess.

For me, more than the pay and perks of staying in luxurious places, being an air stewardess encompasses the value of freedom and love. Freedom to do whatever I like during my free time, stay in the room all day, read a good book, and write some reflections. Love for people, to provide them service, and bring a smile to their faces. I will also get to meet people from all walks of life and be inspired by the stories they have to share.

However, my parents and boyfriend thought otherwise.

4 Steps to Achieving Greatness in Your Life

As a child, we have big dreams. We want to save the world; we want to make a difference to the lives of others. However, as time passes, we find ourselves falling back to the same, old, predictable routine- in a job we do not like, relationships that are falling apart, and dreams placed on standby.

What happened along the way?

Let me first cite you an example of mine.

I have wanted to start a blog for the longest time. However, I never got far.

On several occasions, I was all hyped up and decided that this would be THE DAY I would start. I would then go on to create a webpage, spending lots of time deciding on a theme for the blog and write my first entry. I never got past 3 entries. After 3 entries at most, my blog would be abandoned, neglected, and forgotten. I just got too caught up with my life and other things. There was never time to sustain my efforts.

7 Feel-Good Songs

We all have our bad days. We feel down. When I am feeling low, I like to listen to consciousness-raising songs to lift my spirits. Like how medicine heals the body, music heals the soul. Why allow ourselves to remain sad and depressed all day when we can cheer ourselves up with some good music?

I have compiled a list of 7 songs which I listen to feel-good and would like to share them with you!

1. The Greatest Day – Take That

This is an awesome song which I like to listen to, to start my day. It reminds me that TODAY is a Great Day and could possibly be the Greatest Day of my life. Listening to this song pumps me up and prepares me to take on the world.

 It makes me look forward to each day with excitement and anticipation. It reminds me to SEIZE THE DAY, live in the moment, and live life to the fullest, because we never know when we will run out of time. An excellent song to wake up to!

Leadership Lessons from Robert Swan

Inspiring Lessons from Robert Swan- the first man to walk unassisted to North and South Poles 
( Read more about him at: http://2041.com/about-2041/robert-swan/)

I recall. Several months ago, I was reading this article, from the North to South Pole: Lessons in Leadership and Love from Knowledge@SMU, which by the way, has many amazing articles which you can check out if you like reading.

This article is about one man's journey from the North to South Pole. Unimaginable as it seems, he did it. Being so afraid of the cold, I cannot imagine myself doing it. Just thinking of the harsh climate is enough to make me think twice, but not this man.

While reading the article, I felt so inspired. There was indeed a lot I can learn from him. His courage, his tenacity, his leadership style, and his discipline. 

I started jotting down notes. 

Wake up Yuting, wake up!!!

Life is beautiful. Life is short. Cherish every moment of it. This picture cleverly captures the different stages of life with the different seasons. One thing for sure, we come into the world alone, and we will leave the world alone too.

I realized I have been sleepwalking through life. 

23 years of my life. Gone like that. 

Why do I say I have been sleep-walking? Because for most parts of my life, I have been living unconsciously. I was just blindly following the path. The path designed for us by society, one that produces productive workers that will continue churning money for the economy. Let me explain.

The wheel is spinning out of hand. 

Murphy Law and the Likes

While studying I came across a series of Eponymous Laws.

What are these laws about? They are laws named after people who conceived with them.

These are amongst my favorites.

22 Inspirational Quotes on Life

Once upon a time, I was inspired. 

I started collecting quotes.

They have served me
well. And it's time
I share 'em
with you.

<3

The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work extremely well.

If you put yourself in a position where you have to stretch outside your comfort zone, then you are forced to expand your consciousness.

Everything around us is made up of energy. To attract positive things in your life, start by giving off positive energy.