[tex]

we're considering parkview as our next home in hong kong and i'm wondering if anyone who lives there can give me some info as to which towers are preferable (and why), and if there's anything to look out for/beware of and if its possible to rent without using an agent. would really appreciate any insights. thanks.

[Paddles]

Hi Tex

You can contact Parkivew directly on 2812 3456 and they will let you know what apartments are available for rent - no need to go through an agent.

Regarding which tower is better, it really depends on what your requirements are... size, view etc. All the towers are kept to a very high standard. Price will vary depending on the quality of the decoration and the size rather than which tower it is in.

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know

[tex]

Paddles, thanks so much. I suspect I'll be asking you more.

[tex]

in fact, let me ask, if one can deal directly, then why bother with an agent's fee? am i missing something? i'm so glad you let me know this, and now am thinking its too good to be true! i come from new york where one must grease lots of palms before securing an apartment.

[KnowItAll]

>> i come from new york where one must grease lots of palms before securing an apartment.

We'll be happy to get a check for 50% of the normal agents fees.

[tex]

well i had a better night's sleep thanks to the preceding exchange with paddles. but morning had to come and with it the news that parkview's leasing office will charge 50% of 1 month's rent for units owned by private landlord and their own units are 10-15% more expensive. sorry kia, no cigar!

[Paddles]

The apartments that are owned by the private landlords are generally in much superior condition hence the price difference. They nearly always redecorate them after a tenant leaves to ensure they're in great shape for the next tenant.

As for the 50%, what can I say, it's a business, everyone's here to make money, agents and Parkview alike!! I guess you need to use your best negotiation skills and get yourself a deal!

[KnowItAll]

Awww ... bummer... there goes my new Z4

[KnowItAll]

On second thoughts, have you posted a notice in the parknshop in Parkview saying that you're looking to rent "Landlord enquiries only".

Also, if you have experience bribing doormen in New York, you should seriously try your luck with the management people, I'm sure they know whose flats are available (fairly common practise in HK too..)

I'd also look on gohome.com.hk ... might just come across a rent by landlord posting.

[HKFella]

Originally Posted by Paddles

The apartments that are owned by the private landlords are generally in much superior condition hence the price difference. They nearly always redecorate them after a tenant leaves to ensure they're in great shape for the next tenant.

Au contraire! I find the Parkview-owned units to be in better shape than the typical pvt. unless you get lucky with the latter. E.g. deep pockets and has a long term landlord rather than short/medium term investor mindset. That's borne out by 10-15% premium for PV's own mentioned by tex. They will also repair and maintain their apts without fuss (and take care of issues like whether the flat above is the source of the leakage etc) whereas with a pvt LL it's your luck of the draw. Parkview's standard of redecorating and general upgrading during vacancy is also of a consistently high order - they have captive resources and economies of scale which indvidual pvt LL's mostly don't.

Tex, the reason PV leasing office charges that commission is that THEY are acting as real estate agent for the landlord. Sorry, I should have warned you as much on first reading your post.