AMONG the early birds at the Star Property Fair 2010 was house-wife Petrina Wong, 33, (pic) who was searching for properties to invest in.

“I came early in the hope of grabbing a good deal. My husband and I have been investing in property for the past five years but he is away on a business trip and left the task to me.

“We normally invest in condominiums as the price range for landed property was too high. We are aiming for shoplots this time as they are easy to rent out if the location is right,” she said.

A couple from Dubai, Pritam Mirchandani, 49, and Racine Dy, 42, who have been travelling in and out of Penang over the past three years under the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme, said the fair was timely as they had just arrived in Penang three days ago and would be in the country for two weeks.

“We now have a condominium in Bayan Lepas but would like a bigger unit. We are checking out our options at other locations.”

Chef Lee Teik Koon, 53, said he preferred to come early as he feared that he would be unable to find a parking space.

“Last year, I came in the afternoon and had to make several rounds before finding a parking space,” he said.

Another early visitor was administrative executive S.N. Cheong, 30, who was looking for affordable properties at the fair.

“I can avoid the crowds by getting here early. Besides, with a smaller crowd, those manning the booths will have more time to give me information about their properties,” she said.

Businessman Kek Aik Soon, 29, said he was able to ask all the pertinent questions pertaining to his ideal property as the staff members manning the booth did not have to attend to others.

“I already have a condominium in Bagan Lallang, Butterworth, and I am looking to buy a unit on the island,” he said.

Source: http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/7/24/north/6727108&sec=North

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