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27 June 2008
By: Michelle Cheow
Nestled in lush greenery, you'd think that you are entering some Balinese-themed sanctuary. But Class 95 babe, DJ Jean Danker is not at all far from town and can literally walk to Holland Village. This pint-sized lady with a powerful voice sure knows what to look for in a property - Location, Location, Location.
Though a Catholic, this avid Feng Shui dabbler's modern but cozy home is also peppered with Feng Shui brick-backs. She'd even be willing to put a pair of gold elephants to flank her doorway if it guarantees good luck for her. I'll bet you never knew that side of her.
Michelle Cheow (MC): Is this your first property?
Jean Danker (JD): Yes. I got it about two years ago. It's nice and quiet. My sanctuary.. bachelorette pad.
I try to spend more time at home but I'm out a lot. When I'm home, I try to have friends over as well
MC: Do you throw a lot of bachelorette parties then?
JD: Yeah, I love having my girlfriends over and we'll bring our wine and cheese and hang by the pool. Try and do a chi chi thing but I'm a good neighbor, I don't have to many wild parties. *guffaws*
MC: It seems like a small and cozy project.
JD: Yes, there's only 99 units here and the first time I came by, I knew I was going to buy this place. If you walk around the ground level, you'll see that it feels almost like Bali. Very chill.
MC: Did you take a long time to find a property when you were house-hunting?
JD: Not at all. I've a good friend who's a property agent. I told her which areas I wanted, what I was looking for. I was specific in that I wanted a Freehold apartment. This was only the fourth or fifth place I saw and I knew I wanted it straight away.
MC: You sound like you know your stuff. Are you savvy in property investment?
JD: I know enough to know what to buy, like a 99 year leasehold is not as valuable as a Freehold. I was also looking at this apartment as an investment, to rent out if I don't want to live here. Since I bought this place, it's doubled in price and everyone's asking me to sell it but I can't let it go. I'm very attached to my place and the things and I've spent money renovating and decorating the place and I love it. It's not just a house, it's a home for me!
MC: OK, a little test for you then. What's the PSF (per square foot) value here now?
JD: Oh gosh! I just asked.. I know it's doubled. $1,200 I think?
MC: The last transaction in May was at $1,780 psf.
JD: Oh really? Wow very good rate. (not at all ecstatic, hmm.. this lass doesn't need the money at all)
MC: Is the design entirely your inspiration?
JD: Yes. I didn't need a designer doing up the place because I knew what I wanted in terms of color schemes (earthy tones) and what not to have (too many structures).
MC: Any similarities between your family home and here?
JD: The coziness and chill out factor is something I replicated. Even though my place is small, I wanted every space to allow me to chill out wherever I want to, like fall asleep in the living room here in front of the television.
MC: Any designers whom you draw inspiration from?
JD: Not really. What I look for is comfort. I don't like starkness. Just simplicity, and a relaxing feel.
MC: DIY or pay money to get someone else to do it?
JD: Pay money! I was never a domesticated person and knew nothing about property purchase. It was only because I wanted to buy a property that I read up about it and decorating to learn more. I still don't know a lot of things so yes, I'll pay for somebody to do it.
MC: Investment tips for someone who wants to buy a property?
JD: Erm, now's not a good time to buy. Sell if you have a place to sell! *guffaws*
MC: What do you look for in a property purchase?
JD: Location is quite key. Near my parents, near where I work, near amenities.
MC: What's your favorite part of the house?
JD: I spend most time here, lounging on the couch, watch TV, unwind, chat on the phone, looking out at my neighbors..
MC: Can you give someone who wants to buy a property a step by step guide?
JD: Check your finances, get a good property agent to source for places. But don't rely on them. Do your own scouting otherwise the hunting phase will take forever. Check the place in the day and night to see the environment at different times.
MC: What about paperwork?
JD: I'm sooo bad with that. Just pay the agent to do it. I'm lucky I had a good agent to help me with that. She even helped me with the bank loans and recommending me to a decorator.
MC: Are you into Feng Shui?
JD: Yes! Very! I wasn't really into it till I moved in. I read up about it and dabbled in it. There are various things in my house that is Feng Shui driven and I tend to choose to believe in recommendations. It's more like why not. Just try la.
MC: If somebody told you that you have to put a pair of Golden elephants outside to flank your door, would you do it?
JD: I probably will! *guffaws*
MC: OK. Can you finish this sentence for me? My house...
JD: My house is a big part of my life. It's my little private sanctuary where I have my alone time. It's also my bachelorette pad and hopefully it stays that way. *guffaws*
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