Mr. Eng and Ms. Lim, who are now divorced and embarking on separate paths, were introduced to me by a close friend for whom I had previously handled a property sale. Their joint property, an Executive Condominium (EC), had to be sold on the open market. Additionally, Ms. Lim sought my assistance in purchasing a resale Housing and Development Board (HDB) flat for herself.
During our initial meeting, we carefully reviewed the details of their finalized divorce court order and assessed their financial situation post-divorce. We needed to determine the type of property that Ms. Lim could afford.
Considering that Ms. Lim had custody of her 11-year-old son, and he would be living with her, her initial plan was to purchase a 2-room resale flat. However, after discussing the future needs of her teenage son, I recommended that she opt for a 3-room flat to ensure he would have his own space as he grew older.
Ms. Lim sought advice on the feasibility of this decision. To address her concerns, I examined her financial situation, including her cash and CPF (Central Provident Fund) components, to determine whether it would be possible for her to purchase a 3-room flat without needing a loan. After conducting the calculations, it became evident that she could afford the 3-room flat with a slight contribution from her personal savings.
Ms. Lim was relieved to know that she could transition to her new home without the inconvenience of moving twice, as I had effectively coordinated the timing of her property sale and purchase.
The process of divorce can be emotionally challenging for couples, and having a knowledgeable agent who understands the procedures and technical aspects is invaluable. It ensures that sellers can make informed decisions and proceed smoothly, allowing both parties to move forward with their lives.