Extraordinary Genius

“Mr. Feng, nice to meet you. My name is Tony Payton. You can call me Tony. But don’t call me Payton, because, in Seattle, the name Payton refers to The Glove.” The real estate agent greeted Feng Yu warmly and even made a small joke.

But after saying his joke, Tony regretted. This customer was Asian. He might not get his joke. But this Asian should be filthy rich. He even has bodyguards!

Feng Yu laughed and shook Tony’s hand. He asked: “Seattle Supersonics’ Gary Payton is also living nearby?”

This Chinese man knows about the NBA? He even knows about the star player Gary Payton’s nickname? This was a surprise.

This was good news for Tony.

“That’s right. Mr. Gloves is staying at that house over there. Maybe you all will be neighbors in the future. It’s less than 30 mins of walk from this property to his mansion. Isn’t it very near?” Tony asked, excitedly.

Feng Yu looked at Tony. He was speechless. Do you know what neighbors mean in China? The distance is more than 1km, and you are telling me it is very near?

“These are not important. I am just interested in this property.”

“Sure. Mr. Feng, let me bring you around your future house. This house was newly built-in 1990. The current owner had moved to California this year. You should know that even if the owner is not staying here, he also must pay taxes and hire people to maintain the property. That’s why the owner decided to sell it. I can guarantee that this is not a haunted house, and no crimes had occurred here before. Also, all the furniture and electric appliances are still in good condition, as the owner had just moved not long ago. If it is two months earlier, I also cannot offer this house to you…….”

Tony introduces the house as they toured around. He could talk nonstop. Maybe it was because of his occupation. He had said so much was to persuade Feng Yu to buy this house. But his words do not work on Feng Yu. As a stockbroker in his previous life, he said similar things to his clients too.

“This is the best house in the area. You can move in straight without renovations. Of course, if you want to renovate or even rebuild this house, I can introduce a few construction companies to you.”

Tony did not give up on any opportunities. In the US, buying a house includes the land beneath it. These properties were all freehold properties. However, there are restrictions on how high you can build the property and 800 meters below ground belongs to you. If you discover oil, gold or any minerals underground, it belongs to you.

Tony saw Feng Yu frowning after they had seen the house. It was apparent Feng Yu was not satisfied with this house. Tony had heard that Asians prefer to live with their family. Feng Yu was unhappy with the number of rooms? But the land area for this property is significant. He can build a bigger house.

What Tony wanted was only to sell this property and get his commission.

“Where is the other house?” Feng Yu asked. Since the agent has two houses for him to view, he was not in a hurry to make his decision.

“The other house is just next to this property. Both lands are adjacent to each other. But there is a problem with that house. 1 of the 3 previous owners of that property was bankrupt, and another owner died in a car accident. The last previous owner had been conned of all his assets. Many people feel that house is inauspicious and is cursed. It has been vacant for years. No one even wants to rent it.” Tony replied.

Tony had heard Asians were particular about this. It was something called “Fengshui.” This was why Tony tried his best to sell the first house. The other house was only a reference.

Feng Yu still entered the second house to take a look. This house was slightly smaller and did not have swimming pools or gardens. It also has one room less than the first house. But it was considered spacious, and Feng Yu likes it.

“What is the difference in pricing for both houses?” Feng Yu asked.

Tony was overjoyed. This customer was considering these two houses!

“Mr. Feng, are you using mortgage loans or making full payments?” Tony asked.

Feng Yu glanced at him: “Do you think I need to take a loan?”

“Of course not. But the returns from investments is much more than the bank interest rates. Since Mr. Feng preferred to make full payment in cash, then based on the evaluation and the owner, this plot of land is 1328.6 sqm, and the house is 536.3 sqm. The price of this property is 770,000 USD. The other property is 816.9 sqm, and the house is 368.8 sqm. The selling price is 320,000 USD.”

Tony looked at Feng Yu after telling him about the prices. He hopes Feng Yu would buy the first house. This way, he will get a higher commission. Even if Feng Yu picks the second house, it was also fine. The price for the second property might be half of the first, but he would still get good commission.

But ordinary wealthy people would choose the more expensive house. Tony had already said that the second house was cursed. This Chinese man should not pick it.

Feng Yu looked at Tony and asked. “You said this is a good location?”

“That’s right. If not, why would so many wealthy people pick this place to live in?” Tony was curious why Feng Yu was asking about this.

Why was Feng Yu asking? This was a big plot of land and the houses were nicely renovated, big and the prices include all the furniture. Why were these properties selling so cheap?

These were freehold properties and were much cheaper than China. Was it because the US had a lesser population and that’s why the land was cheap?

Feng Yu turned and looked at Wilson. When Wilson heard Feng Yu would be making some investments in the US, he also remained there to help Feng Yu.

The income from working for Feng Yu for a year was equivalent to Wilson previous 3 to 5 years income. Wilson might be able to retire 10 years earlier if he carries on working for Feng Yu.

Wilson moved closer and whispered to Feng Yu: “Mr. Feng, is it because you think the prices are too low? In the US, you need to pay property taxes of about 1.1% of the property’s value. If one day, you are not able to pay the property tax, your property will be seized. During this period, you will not be able to sell this property. If anyone were to buy over your property tax rights and repay the property tax, he would get the ownership of your property. Also, if your property’s value increases, your tax will increase…….”

Damn! So that’s the reason! When the property was seized, the taxes I paid in the past will not be refunded? The tax was much more than China! When the property’s value increases, the taxes paid would be enough to buy another property.

But Feng Yu still decided to buy both properties and combine both plots of land. That “cursed” house can be torn down and rebuilt.

“I want both houses!