Local knowledge

[Burger]

Electricity and water utilities are so often empires unto themselves and not just in Thailand

Here they will/can do anything you want, as quick as you want, for the right money.

The Electricty and Water boards are particularly poor at delivery on time and at the agreed price

Agreed, but probably because of the above. You may have been waiting 3 months for your turn, but your 'turn' has just been 'bought' by someone else.

Burger

[Guess]

Here they will/can do anything you want, as quick as you want, for the right money.

Burger

Good point and it is probably good advice to budget that factor in for those who build there own houses. I had this happen although not with Lec and Water but fortunately and I had a 20% finger in the air contingency budget built in. All of this was used in bribes to get things done on time.

In some cases a mere 5,000 baht can change "impossible" into "what time tomorrow would you like it sir?"

[samlorsam]

In Reply to "Handsome Buddha" I would advise him to look at many projects and try to work out how "Avalon" can purchase the land, build and sell a house with 6 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 dining rooms, 2 kitchens, and swimming pool for 2.5m baht?
Look at prices in HH and simply compare with what others offer for 2.5m baht!

[johnnyk]

Because, if you had read carefully or further than page 1, you would have seen that is the construction price. It does not include fitted kitchen.
AND land is extra.
Even 18 months ago the price you mention never applied for the 6- bedroom house.
Perhaps you have ingested too much CO while pedalling your samlor.

[caller]

Fair point Johnyk, but my first real experience of a well known agent in Hua Hin was with Avalon. Its just that he forgot to mention the bit about the land and the other things. I should of guessed something was amiss when I was given a grand tour of places I didn't ask to see before arriving at Avalon.

Not spoken to them since.

[johnnyk]

Fair point Johnyk, but my first real experience of a well known agent in Hua Hin was with Avalon. Its just that he forgot to mention the bit about the land and the other things. I should of guessed something was amiss when I was given a grand tour of places I didn't ask to see before arriving at Avalon.

Not spoken to them since.

Just facts, is all.
Seems that Samlorsam didn't even go that far before laying out his "facts."
Questions to agents aren't forbidden and its true they often take you to see stuff you have no interest in or that you have otherwise checked out.

[Craig]

Isn't it amazing that some people will rush into buying a house as though it was a T-shirt. I always try to educate the client in the hopes that they will do the same for there friends even if they buy from me or not. Always be prepared for the scam, ask lots of questions and ask to see documents. Most good agents will be happy to see a buyer that is so involved in the market and it will usually make the finding, purchasing of your property a whole lot easier for the agent too.
Don't be shy to tell the agent that you are not prepared to look at any projects that are less than 100% legal and have the documentation to prove it!
If it is a once in a lifetime, to die for, I would give me right arm for deal then stop and ask yourself..................... why I am getting a look in. Shouldn't this guys friends and family all be involved in this?
There are some dodgy agents and dodgy developers out there, FACT. There are also some great agents that will offer solid information and great developers that will make you a great house at the right price.
good things come to those that................. spend a lot of time doing there homework before they invest there life savings in a house

[dane48]

Nice tread, lot of usefull advise

Listen to Graig - nobody ever have to complain they got conned - but then again - might clear half the forums posts ?