We looked at the different features, specifications and whether it comes in various colours, shapes and sizes. It was distinctive that we can almost name the brand and model just from the physical appearances from afar.
Then, we entered into the era of smartphones which are predominantly driven by touchscreen features. Slowly, the design becomes homogenous across every brand with similar aspects contained in that long rectangular slim metal box fronted by a reflective screen.
You can no longer tell the difference, and you now select the product based on the preferences and the brand. Lasting is no longer a requirement as you are expected to change your phone whenever the latest edition hits the market every time.
The analogy can be used with cars too. The features and specifications are almost identical within the same segment and are similarly priced. Aside from branding, it’s the service, maintenance and after-sales upkeep that makes the difference. It’s the service and parts warranty, parts availability, after sale service level, maintenance costs that will drive the ultimate decision these days.
The same can be said about property purchase as well. Properties nowadays generally come with similar facilities regardless of the popularity of the developer.
Facilities such as swimming pool, clubhouse with gym and public function hall, among others – is a standard for most developments currently, instead of a unique feature that sets them apart.
As such, branding is the only part of the consideration. In selecting a property, one must look at not only the subsequent facilities management after the handover but also the management friendly design, the expected ongoing service quality in addition to just comparing which developer has a better reputation and built a better brand throughout the years.
As already pointed out above, when developers are building their project, infrastructures and specifications are generally the same. Perhaps the differences are the location as well as the design language of the property.
It is advisable to not to emphasize solely on the location of the property as the primary factor to consider when purchasing a property.
Without a doubt, a property which offers walking distance to the nearest MRT or other public transport hotspots can be taken into consideration while choosing a property to purchase.
However, chances are soon the government or developers will build such public transport facilities near each of their respective project to boost their sales.
Furthermore, building a dedicated highway to the property is also one of the trends which developers will generally offer at present day. As such, location is not that much of a problem anymore.
Let’s think of purchasing a car, the vital thing to emphasise on is the service quality a brand can provide. Ask yourselves, will you buy a car brand which the spare parts are pricey and the service quality is subpar?
Worst still, will you purchase a car brand where you can hardly find any spare parts in the country despite it being a good looking and breathtaking machinery with an exclusive brand? I guess the answer is no, you will not.
One point to note is that most buyers when selecting and purchasing their property would be carried away by the unique design language of the property and the ample facilities presented to them in the brochures.
They overlook who the property management provider is and whether they can perform their work diligently. While one may fancy the idea of being able to enjoy the facilities, however please note that the more facilities provided the more expensive the maintenance cost incurred.
Furthermore, with the power of internet and social media, one can quickly gain information to the condition of the property and conduct due diligence before purchasing it. It is a general perception that no one will pay a reasonable price to buy an ill-maintained property.
In addition to the above, it is not as easy to buy a property compared to a car. Most cars generally come with a five-year warranty and owners might sell their vehicles before the period ends and purchase a new one to restart the cycle.
However, when buying a property, one has to take into account the abundances of factors such as location, education facilities nearby and so on. Settling down into a new property is not easy as well, as you need to move your furniture and appliances, not to mention the schooling rearrangement of the children too.
Therefore, purchasing a property at present day, the management of the property is a crucial factor to take into consideration. The maintenance fees for a property will only increase as time goes by, just like owning a car, the more mileage, the higher the maintenance.
Our current Prime Minister Tun Mahathir once quoted that Malaysia has first-class facilities but third-world mentality. Thus, it is utterly crucial for home buyers to make sure that their property is well maintained.
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