| Author |
Message |
varkenmom
Seeker
Joined: Mar 31, 2007
Posts: 65
Status: Offline
|
 Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 12:08 PM |
 
|
| Post subject: PROBLEMS... moving from usa and relo agents HELP!!! |
this is probably one of the worst FIRST posts i've seen since i've been lurking for months and months... but here we go...
back info: finally had our relo visit in august. found the school wanted (my *original* choice - and yes, i mentioned this site) found a house we THOUGHT we wanted.
owner (of house of our dreams) - absentee hong kong landlord. ok. fine, actually. although from the very first visit (of a FEW of his/her houses) we feel we're being nickel&dimed for furniture/beds/appliances/satellite - gawd, almost everything! this specific villa has NEVER been rented (2 yrs since original build). they want us to take crappy furniture from other rental units - things that don't come close to matching style of house.
Rancho Santa Fe unit (the where doesn't really matter - somewhere in the west, though). love it love it LOVE IT. close to school. relatively close to work. but we have this underlying gut feeling that if we're being squeezed DAILY, we'll be squeezed for anything and everything. and every day that looms closer to our move-in day (end of sept) seems to be one more day full of SQUEEEEEEZE. we get new emails saying we'll agree to x or y or z. - but it's never the same x or y or z. and it's never original compliance. i'm completely confused. we spent a day and a half slogging thru furniture design shops for furniture they dont' even want to consider - why were we brought there???!!!
i know while i type this it seems almost asinine to even ask it, but the reasons i do is because first and foremost, we're stuck w/ the same relo agent - and we feel as though she's working for herself and not for us. which would be ok, if we BOTH got a decent deal. but we seem to be only shown private owner units with which we THINK she may have a previous relationship w/ them. i want to ask other relo agents on this site, but i feel like i'm stuck w/ the one we have. so we aren't or shouldn't really be allowed info from other private agencies. other people from our company who have been here for a few years have mentioned that although they are stuck w/ agent, they have more knowledge for relo ability - so very little abilty for big change.
is this something that most people deal with? we're not big negotiators. (heck, i have to deal w/ the "rental" of my house here in the states!) i DON'T want to have to deal w/ this type of a landlord for everything from the amount of hot water i use to my limits of my television satellite.
question: do we take unit and hope to continue negotiations? or start again and live in serviced apt for (hopefully less than a month) and deal with longer bus ride to school?? a HUGE issue is the fact that we're coming during golden week!! i feel like we just wasted a week of our time w/ our relo agent (another issue - but we can't change companies - how can i ask for advice from other agents when our company is tied to one relo agent????!!!)
if this kind of behavior is something (and PLEASE be brutally honest) i should accept, i will. it's just not something i'm used to here. i don't want to give up a house i fell in love with because of some weird cultural differences. it's hard enough having to leave all your crap behind and then having to rely on someone else to order acceptable crapolah - when you know that it's cheap labor crapolah that will be promised in a week to ten tdays...
thnx for sticking w/ me...
-me |
|
|
|
|
Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5291
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 12:35 PM |
|
|
And why can't you change? they have contract with your company? If you don't like the way they deal, it will not get that much easier. Just drop the unit, get a serviced apartment ( it will take a few weeks for your stuff to get here anyway ) and start over with a new agent. A few weeks of inconvienence is a small price to pay for feeling good about where you live for the next few years. There are alot of high quality units on the market, and even though they have a nice unit, its not worth it if you wake every morning with another demand from a jerk landlord. You should be able to find one fairly quickly.
You can probably change, notify your company that this agent is unsuitable and agree to pay the agent fee yourself. Let the agent know you will be filing a formal complaint with your company on their unprofessional behavior. More expensive for you, but you would probably get what you want. You can get good referrals here for someone who will do the job for you. |
|
|
|
|
prcshcom
Lurker
Joined: June 12, 2007
Posts: 21
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 12:39 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
samcy
Reacher
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 245
Location: SG
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 01:22 PM |
|
|
Found a place a week ago. A villa as well.
But the unit was not ideal enough as there are too few bedrooms.
The owner was there and kind enough to drive us around the neighbourhood. That's why we like the neighbourhood so much that we only want the property there.
I did a search on the net and found 5 postings in the estate. Called up the agent to make arrangement. Eventually viewed all 5 of them. I like a particular one and managed to negotiate with the owner. End of the day, they are also afraid that we mess up their house. I have suggested enhancedment/furnitures that make sense to him and to us.
So, look for a few more. Talk to the owner. |
|
|
|
|
|
YorkshireKing
StreetBeater
Joined: Mar 16, 2007
Posts: 2365
Location: Loooooooooooooooooose in Luwan
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 01:51 PM |
|
|
Notify your company that you feel the relocation agent isn't acting in you or your families best interest, offer to pay the agent fee, formally complain to the relocation company against the agent, and let them know that this isnt the way to do business, then contact other agents, giving the original ones chance to redeem themselves too
http://www.autumnleaves.com.cn/housing/detail/ws/hd-rancho-santafe.htm
http://www.metropolis-sh.com/plink/vsp-Rancho%20Santa%20Fe.htm
http://www.autumnleaves.com.cn/housing/detail/pretty-home/rancho-sf-13 9.htm
Let them know what you are looking for, DO mention you have other agents looking also!
Move to a serviced apartment,until and only until you find the best home/deal for your family, the pirices are always negotiable and should include furnishing to your standards, Internet access, Telephone lines installed, Satellite TV Installed, Ayi plus other essentials.. Washing machine, Microwave, Water cooler etc
DON'T TAKE NO SHIAT!!
Until people realise that us "Expats" aren't stupid and that we will not be ripped off the better it will be for all!!
Dont let them know your maximum budget!!!
Happy Hunting |
_________________
"So help me God I will kill you and you will stay dead this time" |
|
|
|
|
Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5291
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 02:37 PM |
|
|
The other possibility if you want to try to salvage this deal ( you should be prepared to walk and look at other places-other agents anyway ) is to give them a terms. Write down all details you need to have handled in a reasonable offer for one fair rental price per month. No additional charges ( must in the contract and no additional nickel dime stuff ). They probably won't take it, but at least you gave them the final shot. Tell them this is the bottom line if they want to save the deal, and you will start looking at other places with other agents immediately. |
|
|
|
|
|
wingwing
Newbie
Joined: Feb 28, 2007
Posts: 5
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 10:01 PM |
|
|
From an agent's perspective the best thing to do is ALWAYS write up an offer letter/letter of intent and use this document for negotiations. It provides a clear picture for both parties. We always suggest that you put in all your requests very clearly. Add as much as you want as so that they can be used as bargaining chips.
And about the agreement that you have with this relocation company, we've got people like yourself out of their situation in the past. The company had some form of agreement with a certain agency or relocation company but we always managed to get around this.
Another thing to bear in mind is that now relocation companies have a higher involvement in the real estate market than before, they are putting out their hand for a big chunk of the commission. So, as agents have to share commissions, many don't bargain down rentals like they used to. Some of the large international property agencies have even closed or halved their residentail leasing departments.
Bottom line is there are enough good agencies in town that no-one needs to put up with poor service. The only reason that poor agents survive here is because some local staff are more interested in furthering their own interests and referring new arrivals to their friends/relatives company, irrespective of their level of service. Sorry to say but your relocation needs can be the least thing on their mind.
If you'd like some assistance then please get in touch. And have a look at our leasing advice too so you will know what you need to know.
Adrienne
http://www.shanghaiprops.com |
|
|
|
|
|
varkenmom
Seeker
Joined: Mar 31, 2007
Posts: 65
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 13, 2007 - 11:37 PM |
|
|
our company has had a long standing contract with this agency. the agency knows up front what our housing allowance is (actually they had the info before we did). we just have too many people in the loop.
i think the most frustrating thing about dealing w/ this owner, is that we communicate with our agent. agent communicates to owner's management agent. owner's agent communicates to owner and the process is reversed. and the time delay is just driving me crazy.
btw, we *had* an offer letter. with very specific list of inclusions and furniture specs. but when we reviewed it (via email) and responded saying that certain things are missing or changed (satellite, telephones, television spec is different), it seemed EVERYTHING started to change on the contract. owner says fabric is too expensive. wants to substitute couch from storage. owner says bed that was in storage that was too big is now sized to fit master bedroom. owner says european washer/dryer cannot be changed out for western appliance. owner doesn't want to purchase box springs for mattress/beds. but this does not come all in one email. first we're sent fuzzy scanned catalog pix of furniture. then (yesterday) we're told that they'll just put the furniture they want in the house and we can just go buy new stuff if its not appropriate. whose money? ha.
we had a loooong talk last night and decided it would be easier to walk away, start off in a service apt and start this whole process again. but now i have to do it with two children in tow. during golden week.
wooo hooo.
at least i don't have to outfit my house for a month w/ ikea waiting for the air shipment to be released... |
|
|
|
|
|
CoffeeHawk_0
Board Buddha
Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 14444
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 12:26 AM |
|
|
like everyone said above, everything is neogotiable - literally write out a list with everything you want, that's what everyone wants to see. The agent then does the negotiating. You sound like you might be coming from the US - the rental process from an expectations perspective on both sides is completely different here, all the way down to the details. I could not comprehend what was being asked of me when I first rented here, not because it was complicated or difficult, but because it was so different. A good agent will be patient though, but they don't get paid by the hour either. |
|
|
 |
|
prcshcom
Lurker
Joined: June 12, 2007
Posts: 21
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 09:00 AM |
|
|
Just can't understand how the landlord is dealing this situation this way, while his place has never been rented. If I were him, I would do whatever to please the tenant. But I noticed many first time lardlords tent to be inflexible since they are new to the market. I guess they choose to learn the hard way.
No matter how you look at it though, you certainly don't want to start out living in a place with a discontent. God knows what's ahead of you. Though you might have to go through the pain first week you arrive here, it's better now than later. |
|
|
|
|
|
samcy
Reacher
Joined: July 26, 2007
Posts: 245
Location: SG
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 09:34 AM |
|
|
The landlord may have a budget in mind how much he is willing to spend for providing the furnishing. If you have an "expensive" taste, you will encounter the same problem all the times.
For my case, I told the landlord what I need. The landlord actually ask me to shop and give him the price list. If it is within his budget, he is ok with it. I briefly estimate that he is willing to set aside a month of rental to provide for furnishing.
Another headache for landlord is where to keep the furniture that you do not want. For my case, the landlord has a few apartments and factory, therefore not an issue for him to remove the furniture.
If the landlord has the constrain in budget and place of storage, I guess you better start looking elsewhere. |
|
|
|
|
|
CoffeeHawk_0
Board Buddha
Joined: July 14, 2005
Posts: 14444
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 09:43 AM |
|
|
for HK and local landlords, negotiation IS doing business, there is no such thing as just walk in and take or leave the apartment. They're just doing business the way they know how, it's not personal. They're expecting your neogtiation/demands and have played the first card. They can smell fear too, so gather your wits and accept the fact that you are in China. |
|
|
|
|
|
Adrienne
Rocker
Joined: Mar 01, 2003
Posts: 779
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 10:21 AM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael
Moderator
Joined: Mar 22, 2002
Posts: 5291
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 10:54 AM |
|
|
| Quote: |
| for HK and local landlords, negotiation IS doing business, there is no such thing as just walk in and take or leave the apartment. They're just doing business the way they know how, it's not personal. They're expecting your neogtiation/demands and have played the first card. They can smell fear too, so gather your wits and accept the fact that you are in China. |
This brings up an important issue in dealing here in China. It is really a different headset in negotiation. When we bought our first apartment here, the first round of negotiations took 6 hours.. drove me crazy.
It boils down to who thinks they are in the stronger position. If the landlord thinks you won't walk - if he thinks you want his place with an impending more than you want to keep looking - , he will push for the best deal he can get. For you to be the stronger position here you need to have other options and be willing to walk away and exercise those other options. If he thinks he is loosing you, he might change his tune. |
|
|
|
|
|
varkenmom
Seeker
Joined: Mar 31, 2007
Posts: 65
Status: Offline
|
| Posted:
Sep 14, 2007 - 11:04 AM |
|
|
coffeehawk. dead spot on w/ response. thnx. wouldn't have expected anything more. fear (or perhaps the smell of impending doom?) is just eminating from us. we want/NEED an easy transition for the kidlets. and a relatively easy transition for us.
i wonder if because most of us come on our week or so "look-see" visit and SO MUCH has to be accomplished, that they all know they have us dead-to-rights. and then when you forget which unit was which and you start negotiations thru email when you're back in your home country, the upper advantage is never to you.
we all come w/ baggage. and a sense of urgency. and yah, we are so dang excited to come and live here. this was a month(sss)-long discussion (never a doubt in our minds). you would not believe the amt of chinese history i have amassed...
ya know what's really funny? we REALLY were dreaming that we could just up and deposit ourselves amongst the locals. i scoffed at posts from people w/ these villa (VILLA?!?!?!) and compound dreams - thought it was completely ridiculous and isolating. WOW. were we put in our place. so much that my athiest husband was *actually* considering concordia as a school for our children. THAT was a first. and we have friends who have kids there. seems like a great school. just not what *WE* are looking for in terms of education.
i guess it'll take a year or so to settle in. and next year? i'll be able to negotiate my a*s off.
-me |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Forum FAQ
Search
Preferences
Watched Topics
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
