The Pune Property Dream
Ravi’s parents call from Pune with news that a flat is available. Ravi starts converting the price into rupees out loud in the kitchen, asks whether the parking spot comes with a discount for never using it, and is ready to buy the whole building. Priya has already read the paperwork and found the maintenance fee, and one tip survives the call: compare the full cost of owning a home, not just its price.
Full transcript
A Pune home? I’ve already converted the balcony into rupees! My parents call from Pune. Ravi, the flat is available. I say, what’s the price? Priya says, ask if we need it before asking if it’s on sale. I say, we need it emotionally.
Then I calculate the exchange rate out loud in the kitchen. Arjun says, dad, we live here. I say, exactly beta. That’s why I know what a house costs. The seller includes a parking spot. So I ask if it comes with a discount for not parking.
Priya has already checked the paperwork and spotted the maintenance fee. I was ready to buy the building. She saved me from buying its monthly bills. My useful tip, compare the full cost of owning a home, not just its price.
What would you want in a Pune home? I’m not buying a flat beta. I’m investing in a very large dabba. For more NRI money stories, visit IndiaPay dot com.
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