With No Middlemen Involded, Process Remained Smooth, Says This Delhi Home Buyer  

When Jagdish Chander Piplani was waiting for his retirement six years back, his primary concern was to find a house, which would provide him security while keeping him connected with his circle of friends. This prompted the now 66-year old former banker to look for a home in Delhi's Tagore Garden area, a locality where he has been living since 1981, with his wife Pushpa Piplani and two daughters, Garima (now married) and Gunjan. In an interview with PropGuide, Piplani says that the home buying process remained smooth because no middlemen were involved in the deal. Edited excerpts:

Q. Tell us about your new home.

Piplani: I have been living in Delhi's Tagore Garden area for more than three decades. I am well-acquainted with the neighbourhood and have a social circle here. So, I decided to buy a property here six years ago, right before my retirement. I looked at other properties in this locality, but this particular builder floor was my final choice. This is my dream home for various reasons. To begin with, it was a well-planned, semi-furnished construction, which made it easier for my family to move in. Security and privacy have been of utmost importance for me. This set up offered us a gated colony with special security provision such as automated locks, etc. A newly constructed 2BHK property, my house is also easy to maintain.

Q. What were the factors in your mind before you started looking for a home?

Piplani: I was looking for a house of moderate size in a secure and known locality which also fits into my budget.

 Q. How did you zero down on this property?

Piplani: Though I had spoken to a few brokers and agents, I was more dependent on word of mouth when looking for a property. I think that is a better way to do a ground check. People you know will understand your need better than brokers or agents.

 Q. How much did the home cost? How did you arrange your finances?

Piplani: This property cost me Rs 35 lakh, including the paperwork and property registration. I made a down payment and rest of the money was paid once I sold a property I had in Rohini. I had bought the Rohini property for investment purpose, which came to my rescue at the right time.

Q. Did you face any difficulties during the process?

Piplani: I did not face any hurdles while buying the property, and I think this is solely because there was no middleman involved in the process. This was a floor I bought from one of my friends.

Q. What are your suggestions to new home buyers?

 Piplani: I would suggest that when looking for a property, always approach your acquaintances first. When going for property visit, visualise how well the set up fits your definition of a dream home, within your budget. Also, give enough time to home hunting and take suggestions from all the family members. As it is a lifetime investment, look at how feasible the property will be for you 10 years or even 20 years down the line. Always see for the renovations you would need and get over with them before you move in.