only recently that i have heard about this cash payment of sorts bec. the past 3 years i live here it is mostly post-dated checks. but if this is the trend now then pls make sure that it is only from a reliable one bec. i know a friend who paid for a year's advance but only after 6mos or so the place was demolished as per the government. she didn't have a choice. lost a place as well as large sum of money. so beware. goodluck.