Singapore Education System Blog

Real Estate Investing for Dummies is yet another excellent real estate book in the Dummies series. I have “Home Buying for Dummies” and “Property Management for Dummies.” Both are highly valued, and frequently utilized, volumes in my investing library.

I have long thought that “Real Estate Investing” by McLean and Eldred was perhaps the top book for beginning real estate investors. But after reading “Real Estate Investing for Dummies,” I now think the Dummies is equally as good, although it may not cover quite as much ground. Dummies is excellent in what it presents because it written in a manner that is easily understood, it provides sufficient depth, and it covers the key topics.

I particularly like the chapter on “Due Diligence.” The chapter does an outstanding job of describing the components of reviewing books and records, and inspecting a property that you have bid on and have had the bid accepted by the seller. Purchase contracts provide that the sale can be canceled without loss of earnest money if the buyer’s physical inspection isn’t satisfactory. Following the suggestions in this chapter assure that you won’t be surprised with what you get, and gives tips on how to cancel or renegotiate the deal, if you need to.

I also like the final chapter, which lays out in plain English the time tested (non-infomercial guru) principals of how to make money in real estate. Buy when market conditions are conducive to buying, when properties are distressed and available as foreclosures or on favorable terms with seller financing. Add value to properties. Hold on to properties that offer long-term stable growth in rental rates. Refinance to tap into investment property equity and to further your real estate investments. Read…

Teaching Entrepreneurship In University – Teaching Conformists How To Be Non Conformists?
By Clarence Phoon

“…we do not spoonfeed our students.”, said a professor from Singapore Management University.

I had an interview there recently. I was with four other prospective interviewees who were like me, trying to secure a place in a relatively new establishments in Singapore.

“The Singapore education system is a conveyor belt.”, remarks a Polytechnic student in Singapore.

I was sighing as I was pondering over her quotes.

From a young age, I have been told that I must make it to university and be a lawyer or doctor. For years, I have been told to get good grades and degrees. For years, I have been taught to be a cog in this ‘machine’ called school. (more…)