My search for a flat

We were staying in a rented flat and wanted to buy our own house. I started looking for advertisements of projects of various builders in the city. Though there were many sources of information about the ongoing and upcoming projects, the main constraint was budget. During that time, an attractive banner put up near our residence caught my attention. It was a project at the outskirts of the city, but comparatively nearby from my office and also closer to my daughter’s school. I and my wife could not resist visiting the site office of the builder on a weekend.

Though the project had yet to start, we were impressed by the plush interior in the site office and the lavish sample flat. The best maintained flats I have seen so far have always been sample flats at site offices, may be because no one stays there. A Sales Executive of the builder welcomed us and we started discussing with him about the project.

“What is the rate you are charging?” I asked the most crucial question that was pinching me for a long time. “Sir, our rate is Rs. 9000/- per sq. ft.” “But the normal rate in this locality is around Rs. 5000/- per sq. ft. Why are you charging almost double?” “Sir, don’t just look at our rate. This complex is not for middle class people. See the amenities that we are giving you. Here you will jog with Tatas, shop with Birlas and drive with Ambanis.” The executive said. “I am sorry, I think we won’t fit in this locality. We are middle class people” I almost got up from my seat. “Sir, wait, wait!” he said, “you will find here something for you also. Just have a look at the amenities that we are giving over and above the normal amenities like club house, gym, swimming pool and children play area that everyone gives.”

He placed a booklet giving details of the amenities before us. It was very attractively shaped with the cover page having a curve with a window inside to look at the inner pages. Without looking at the cover page, we got to the point. The first amenity was parking for three cars per flat with no extra cost. Icing on the cake was that all the three cars would be washed free of cost on behalf of the builder for two years after taking possession. “What is the use of this facility? I have only one car” I said. “But sir, you will buy new ones in future. Otherwise your children will blame you for having only one car.” How do I tell him that after spending such a huge amount in buying a new flat, with EMI’s eating away major chunk of my income, I will be barely able to maintain even my existing car?

Another amenity was life time membership of the Royal Golden Club in the city which means availability of all club services at 50% of their actual prices. “Where is this Royal Golden Club? Haven’t heard of this name before” my wife said. I added, “and what is the use of this? We at the most go to a nearby restaurant on weekends and nowhere beyond that. If all your amenities are useless like this, then let’s not waste our time here.” But my wife was in a window shopping mood and wanted to know about the other amenities as well.

Another amenity was assured admission for two children per flat in a reputed city school affiliated to ICSE. “Another useless facility” I said, “we have only one daughter.” “We encourage you to have two children sir” the executive said blinking his eyes and giving me a smile. But I was in no mood to reciprocate.

The next amenity was availability of services of a reputed hospital chain at 50% of their normal charges for ten years from taking possession of the flat. I got angry with this. “You! You want us to recover the hefty amount paid to you by getting hospitalized and paying the hospital bills at discounted prices! Enough is enough. Let’s not sit here any more. We are not interested in your project.” We were rather disappointed because that site was quite convenient to all of us.

We then continued our search for the new flat. After one month, I received a call on my mobile from the same builder. A lady on the phone said, “Sir you visited our site one month ago. Have you decided to book a flat in our complex?” My anger arose again and I said, “see, we made a mistake by visiting your site office. Your amenities are useless like parking for three cars and club membership. We are not interested in your project. I made it clear that day itself. Why are you calling me again?” she said, “Sir, I wanted to clarify that only. The other day our executive misguided you. He gave you all the information about another ambitious project we are coming up with in Delhi and not here. We have fired that executive sir. You can please visit our site again and we will give you the correct information now. Very sorry for the inconvenience that you had due to this.” I did not know how to react to this. Such a funny situation it was.

After that, we again visited that site and got the correct information. Everything worked out well and finally we became owner of a flat in that complex.