Avoid Doing This during Home Search

Nowadays, it is not difficult to find a suitable apartment to rent. But if you are a foreigner, or have recently moved to Ho Chi Minh, you will have a bit of trouble finding an apartment. Here are some things you should not do when looking for an apartment to rent.  

1.    It is not recommended to sign a lease on any property, just by looking at pictures without a physical visit. The exception MAYBE if the property is a serviced apartment or hotel for a short stay, or if your friend who understands your requirements and have visited the property on your behalf are able to convince you that this place is really for you and you are willing to exonerate them from any mistakes (not worth losing a good friendship over this and you would only trust a good friend with such important matters).

2.    It is not recommended to sign a lease on any property, especially private properties, when it is just an empty shell (during the construction phase). The final result may be far from your imagination! Try to choose a property which is ready for occupancy or if the decoration is nearly finished.  

3.    It is not recommended to sign a lease on any property in a brand new compound where all the neighbouring apartments or houses are being decorated. Because when the apartments around you are in the process of editing and decorating will make you feel uncomfortable. There will be people working in and out of your floor constantly making it difficult for your area to control security; experience noise problems; can also sometimes lose power in your apartment, ... 

4.    It is not recommended that you provide the landlord or landiord's representative with your name card or contact information until you move into the property, otherwise you may be contacted by many strangers for different sales promotions as your contact information might be passed around very quickly.

5.    If this is the first overseas assignment you may want to consider avoiding compounds where the majority of residents are local Vietnamese, even if you feel you are looking for a "cultural experience". There may be some communication problems, and neighbor's habits and lack of English speaking services might make you and your family's life there not easy.

6.    Buyers must be careful with their words and actions while house hunting. In fact, we recommend that buyers always act as if they are being watched (and listened to) when looking at a house – this means being careful not to over-praise or insult a home. Remember: you can always discuss your real thoughts and feelings about the home after you’ve left the premises.

7.    Rent with out trying the  furniture ,  its very common that beds are harder than what westerners are used to , so before you sign a the furniture checklist and pay for deposit make sure you will be able to sleep and enjoy your new home.