Apartment Hunting

Temperature: 25 c
Weather: Cloudly

We did not know where to start. All we knew was we need a place to stay. We can’t stay in hotel forever, can we? (though I really hope I could)

My future employer recommended one agent to me and I called him so that he could source some nice and affordable apartments for me. “What is your budget?” he asked. I said I need a 1 room apartment around RMB 3k to 4k per month. He sounded not interested but politely said he will try his best to get one for me.

I can’t believe it. I am offering my one month salary in Malaysia to rent a 1 room apartment and I am still considered a “ciku” client. Shanghai is really expensive to live in!

Stella joined us in our search for apartments. We were supposed to go with her to Carrefour (for those of you who think Shanghai doesn’t have one, yes, there is Carrefour in Shanghai. Whatlar! If they can build one in Jalan Kapar, you think they can’t build one here?) but we decided to go apartment hunting instead.

The first agent took us walking about an hour until we reach a “war-torn” building. It was a really old and not well maintained building. We were lured by this agent because she told us she has one 2 room apartment at RMB2.8k per month. We regretted walking an hour once we saw the building. What the heck, since we are here, we might as well go and see it. The lift was worse than the ones in Malaysian government buildings (not Putrajaya, but maybe Putrajaya 20 years later). 2 half naked girls opened the door for us and our minds immediately started wondering what these girls have been using this apartment for. Well, the apartment was quite ‘ok’ but it looks and smells like a brothel. No joke. It was messy, dirty, and dark. I am paying equivalent to 1.4k Ringgit per month and with that money I really do not want to live in Chow Kit Street. Thanks but no thanks. We said bye bye to the poor agent who failed to fish us.

A phone call came in while we were on our way to Carrefour. It was from another agent and he said he has 2 properties for me. We immediately dropped our plan to Carrefour (again) and went to meet this agent.

When we met him, he asked me “you want high class or not so high class? (see he didn’t say ‘low-class’)” I told him I want to see both. He led us to a nice and new building. It looked like a hotel! We went 12th floor to see the apartment. It was around 750 square feet, fully furnished, air-conditioned, and with state-of-the-art bathroom and bedroom. And it is right behind my office about 1km away! We fell in love with this apartment. “RMB4.5k per month” said the agent. Oh no! That was beyond my budget! But I like this apartment so much. How? I told him I have to discuss with my wife tonight and will come back to him tomorrow.

“You still have “not-so-high-class” apartment?” I asked the agent on our way out. “Yes, it’s just around the corner, I will show you. This one only RMB3.3K” the agent replied.

We went to the “not-so-high-class” apartment and we were disappointed again. It was still using my grandmother’s fan and lights in our Kuala Kangsar old house. It was NOT presentable at all. What if my father visits me? He will think: ‘why my son left his nice house in Klang and came all the way here to live in this place? Is there something wrong with him?’ I told my wife if we stay in this apartment, every night before we sleep I will ask myself again and again: is Malaysia such a terrible place that we have to leave the country to stay in apartment like this?

I told the agent this apartment is “no ok”. But I will definitely consider the one he showed me earlier if he can reduce the rental for me. He said he will try his best.

We quickly took a cab and went to see the 3rd agent of the day. We were late!

The 3rd agent brought us to see an apartment which is old but ok. I am ok with the interior. It costs RMB3.2k per month. But it is very far from my office. If I miss my bus (oh, taking bus in the morning is a nightmare) I will have to take cab which will cost me RMB20++ subject to the traffic condition. I told the agent I will consider this one but I would like to see whether there is any better apartment around this area. Yes, he said.

The next apartment he wanted to show me was located in a very old, dirty, not well-kept building. I was quite disappointed when I saw it. However, the interior of the apartment was fantastic. It was just renovated few months ago. It costs RMB3.8k. Engtee liked this place but was put off by the condition of the building. The agent asked me to consider and I said I will. I lied.

Bom came to meet us when we were walking out of the building. It was around 6.45pm. Time for dinner! (Whenever it’s time for food you will see Bom shows up suddenly).

When we were in the cab heading towards the restaurant, the aggressive 3rd agent called me and said if I am not satisfied with the 2 he just showed me, he had another one for me, it’s a service apartment and it costs only RMB3.2k. Service apartment at RMB3.2K? We decided to postpone dinner and view the said service apartment first.

When we met the 3rd agent again, he warned me first: it’s a 1/0/1 apartment, meaning 1 room, NO living room and 1 bathroom. And it is small, only 400 square feet. It was located at the 22nd floor. We liked the place: fully furnished brightly lighted, clean, neat, beautiful renovation. The best of all: one bus straight to my office! “It’s ON” I told my wife. Bom corrected me, “don’t make impulsive decision, take your time, don’t be desperate.” I told the agent I liked the place a lot but would like to discuss with my wife before we confirm anything. He said ok and bye bye.

Finally we got our chance and time for dinner. We went to a Hong Kong restaurant and ordered 4 dishes and 2 bottles of beer.

After dinner I suggested we take a bus from the service apartment to my office to see how long it takes. My wife agreed. Bom and Stella said goodbye and we thanked them for their time and advice. My wife and I happily jumped into the bus and timed the journey. We’d totally forgotten about the plan to Carrefour. Don’t worry we can do it another day.

The traffic was smooth (at 9.30pm). It took us 40 minutes to get to the station nearest to my office and we have to walk around 15 minutes to get to my office. Wow! That was far! I really have to re-consider whether to take the service apartment.

Today I experienced firsthand how property agents in China work. They were aggressive and efficient and do not waste time. When I called them this morning, I was using my lazy-Malaysia mind: I was thinking whether we can meet some other time or day to meet and discuss where to live etc. But I was shocked when they told me I could see the apartment TODAY straight. They asked what is my budget, my specific requirements etc and got back to me within hours and told me they have got the keys to the suitable apartments and I could see them today.

Well, I predicted I will have a long day today and I was right. I am exhausted. But I need to think which apartments to pick and get back to the agents. I guess I will sleep first and do the thinking tomorrow. May be I will get some inspiration in my dream.