Permanent Flat found =)

After shopping around and visiting various areas and units, I've finally found my permanent flat. It is somewhat in the heart of Wan Chai, tons of entertainment in the nearby areas (although lots you wouldn't wanna walk into), and a public playground that has a full size football field (soccer for those in the US, but not grass) and 4 full size basketball courts! Not to mention the massive amount of food places just below... well, there are tons of food places everywhere in HK, so just a matter of finding it. It is also only a block and a half from the Wan Chai MTR, making it VERY convenient to go places.

It took me some time debating with myself on whether to take this apartment, most places wanted more, but this place was actually a lot bigger than the others, but was asking for less money... why??? Take a look at the photos below and you'll have your answer.




Talked to my coworker (Jon, the guy in the picture) and a friend and they both agreed for an apartment this size it is good deal for $7,800 HKD ($1,000 USD). From talking to the agent, she said that in most cases, for apartments in this area, they would ask for about $9,000 to $10,000 because the size of the apartment is actually around 450 sq. ft. (living area). The only reason they're willing to rent it out for a lower amount is because of how dirty it is.

The owner had listed it at $8,300/month (with everything as-is), so I low-balled (HK way) the agent to $7,500... she became frantic and started saying the owner will not go lower than $8,000. Then my coworker took over and convinced her to lets try with $7,800 and request the owner to fix the sink and toilet in the restroom. Surely enough, we hear back from her in about an hour, saying the owner will accept $7,800 only if he doesn't have to fix anything because everything is supposedly to be working. I said alright, lets schedule a time look over the apartment again and sign the papers if I accept the terms.

Today, after having lunch with Billy and Daniel, Billy was kind enough and willing to check out the apartment and give me a second opinion. After walking in, his first words were "wow, pretty big space", then asked the agent if the owner was willing to sell. LOL... He then looked over the apartment, with the main focus in the bathroom and told the agent about how the water heater doesn't look that safe and the toilet is a bit scary. I walked into the shower to make sure that I can actually fit, and yup there's enough room. Upon stepping out of the shower, I noticed there's water on the floor next to the toilet... I told the agent to look at it and ask the owner again on whether they're willing to fix the toilet. After a few minutes of talking with the owner, sha-zham!! The owner agrees!!! woo hooo, now instead of fixing it, he's actually going to pay to replace the whole thing, which will cost him $1,800 HKD (only $230 USD, that's not bad). That definitely sealed the deal. I happily signed the agreement and went back to work. =) Plus they're willing to let me start the rental on the 15th of July, so giving me around 10 days to do some work before moving in.

There are definitely some things I need to do with the flat, but saving around $1,200 HKD/month (compare to other flats in the area), gives me plenty to spend. Here's my checklist:
Paint (Billy and I will paint it on Saturday): $1500 plus a good meal for Billy

Cleaning crew for 5 hours (emphasis on the restroom): $700
Fridge: $1300
Hot plate: $700
Wardrobe: $1000
Bed: $2000
Desk: $500
TV: $4000
Totaling around $12,000 ($1,500 USD) is actually not so bad since everything will be mine instead of paying more for some furnished place. =) I'll set aside another $500 USD just to be on the safe side ;)

I'm happy and reliefed that my search is complete. =D I will of course post some after clean-up photos ;)