GAMES REAL ESTATE AGENTS PLAY!

We trust their advice. We take them at face value. We are willing to believe the price they quote. But, are we aware of the games real estate agents play?

1. MAKE YOU PANIC

When you are least expecting it, your broker will say something making it seem like the properties around are available at a higher price than the one you are interested in.
The result : you panic and try to take a quick decision!

Though it is at times difficult to confirm actual prices, a rough idea can be derived from property portals or newspaper ads. Or you can simply reconfirm the price with other brokers. If nothing else works in your favor, you can ask the owner of a recently purchased property in the same location.

2. FIBBING

Not all brokers are shallow and dishonest...but the one's who are are often not transparent about the inner details of the property -- for example its quality of construction or the basic (lack of) amenities. 

3. AVOID MEETINGS

It is necessary for the buyer and seller to meet in the presence of the broker for honest  business. If your broker is avoiding this, it is a sure shot sign there is something wrong happening.

4. COMMISSION

A broker's cut is a cut of the deal's value. Both the parties should be aware of the brokerage he will charge to avoid being cheated or ripped off!

5. WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET

The internet is full of misleading ads by brokers. These ads successfully lure potential buyers who easily fall in the trap. Photos online and the actual property must match. Watch out for false claims and fake ads.  

6. REGISTRATION

There are around one million - unqualified and uneducated - brokers in the country who are neither registered nor regulated. If possible, check for common references.

We all know we can't do without brokers.. but till they are brought under a regulatory body, we must be vigilant and alert at all times! 

SHANTIGRAM : PROGRESS IN PICTURES

If you're in Ahmedabad and have not heard of Shantigram, it comes as a shock! And... of course, with such large scale projects, speculations and rumors are always in the air! To break even with those speculations, here is a peek at some of the exclusive pictures of the beautiful township's construction site.

If you've invested, you can be rest assured that your money is safe and the project will be completed soon!

If you're a potential investor, its still not too late...!!! You can still be a part of Gujarat's biggest township... SHANTIGRAM!

TOP 5 TRAITS OF AN IDEAL HOME SELLER

Below are 5 of the best habits an ideal potential home seller possesses... together they make an interesting read!

1. They are Realistic

No price comparisons with neighbor's homes. No regrets. Such people trust the market dynamics and economic conditions and sell off their property at the best price offered. 

2. They are always open to Feedback

If they hire an estate agent, they tend to trust their judgement and respond to feedback. Whether they like it or not, they listen!

3. Street smart!

A general exposure to the outside world, a little background reading about real estate updates and voila! A sure-shot guarantee of fact that no one can ever cheat you!

4. Reason is all you need!

Not only are they reasonable about the price, they are reasonable and practical about other repair requests too! This doesn't mean they bow down to every single request...but one must always be a little considerate.

5. If you don't ask, you don't get!

Ask as many questions as you like. Get rid of all your apprehensions and doubts. Don't strike the deal till you are 100% sure about the terms and conditions.

AHMEDABAD - THE REAL ESTATE DESTINATION!

Ahmedabad— the largest city of Gujarat — was largely thought of as a trading hub. Today, it is much more than that. The city is providing extraordinary returns on the real estate front, and is one of the most exciting investment destinations in India today.

Residential property appreciation in Ahmedabad has been to the tune of 50%  over the last three years. The areas currently commanding the highest demand for residential space are South Bopal, Bodakdev, Vastrapur and so on.

Approximately 16 million square feet of built-up residential space has been built in Ahmedabad over the last four years alone. Another 23 million square feet is currently under construction, and a further 30 million is proposed in various parts of the city. This amounts to approximately 70 million square feet of residential real estate, of which the Western part of the city will account for 47 percent, followed by 19 percent in the Southern part and 17 percent each in Northern and Eastern parts of Ahmedabad. [Source: Internet]

The Western part of Ahmedabad is definitely emerging strongly and it will continue to gain momentum in the future. 

A GUIDE TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT...

In a desperate plea to increase sales, real estate and property developers in Ahmedabad are resorting to 'innovative' ways to lure innocent buyers.

These innovative ways include 'interest free EMIs till possession' , 'free parking, free club membership' and what have you!

Many a leading real estate development groups have confirmed this trend justifying it as a plea to attract customers. The current market is at such a high time low that apart from direct cash discounts, developers are resorting to whatever means they can!

In such circumstances, finding the correct real estate agent/broker is essential to enjoy a painless real estate transaction. 

The saying is "20% of the agents do 80% of the business," and it is true. 

The question is how can you find a good real estate agent? 

Here's how:

1. Referrals: Ask the people around you who they have used and ask them to describe their experiences with that real estate agent. 

2. Search: A better bet is to Google the top real estate companies in your area, go to those Web sites and look up profiles of individual agents at offices near you. Look for customer testimonials.

3. Attend Property Shows: By attending property shows, you can meet real estate agents  and interact with them. Collect business cards and make notes on them. Try to judge what they come across as...and what vibes they give off.

4. Using Print Advertising: Browse your local newspapers for ads in your targeted neighborhood. Then cross check the websites of the agents who are advertising. 

5. Recommendations: Ask other real estate agents or developers for referrals. 

AHMEDABAD REALTORS TO RIDE DOLLAR COASTER!

Realtors in Ahmedabad are all set to ride the 'Dollar Coaster'!!! 

Cashing in on the appreciation of the American and Australian dollar, Ahmedabad realtors are planning to organize property shows for Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRGs) in North America and Australia. 

The Gujarat chapter of Confederation of Real Estate Developers of India (Credai) has accepted the invitation of the Association of Indian Americans in North America (Aiana) to participate in the World Gujarat Conference –‘Chaalo Gujarat’ – at New Jersey from August 3st1 to September 2nd.  

Credai Gujarat will stall about 30 unites at the conference displaying more than 200 projects by major developers from Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Mehsana and the likes.

The Gujarat Institute of Housing and Estate Developers (Gihed) has also received an invitation from organisers of Gujarati Conference in Australia, which is all set to begin from August 18th. 

The depreciation of the Rupee against foreign currencies has attracted NRGs to the real-estate sector of Gujarat. Thus they  are expecting good response from buyers in these international markets. The shows will also offer special time-bound discounts for clients. These discount schemes will lure buyers as they might not get similar offers when they come to India.

It is anticipated that these shows will ward off the sluggish demand for property among domestic buyers.

AES’ PLOT FETCHES RS 137CRORE!

Here is another piece of news which will testify the fact that real estate recession is just a term in Ahmedabad's dictionary!!!!

Defying the odds, Ahmedabad Education Society’s (AES) 22,774 square yard land in Vastrapur was sold for Rs137 crore.

Even though Mumbai-based Ajmera Group and Gandhinagar-based Sheetal Infrastructure turned out to be the sole bidder for the plot with just Rs1 lakh higher than upset value set by the charity commissioner, when calculated, the consortium paid Rs60,160 for yard for the parcel.

According to newspapers and hammering news channels, the plot had been sold at the price set during slowdown.

This plot is located in the posh locality of Vastrapur near the lake. 

AHMEDABAD BUILDING HEIGHTS TO RISE AS HIGH AS 70 METERS

A new policy for allowing taller buildings titled ‘Regulation for tall buildings’ has been floated among top officials for deliberation on the subject. If all goes well, in the next few years, Ahmedabad will touch new heights.

At present, hotel and hospital rules allow buildings up to 40 meters tall. Now, our government is mulling a policy which will allow 70 meter (and taller) tall buildings to come up.

Some officials believe the policy needs more dimensions and must not be limited to safety norms, and parking space only. One must also keep in mind that the skyline of Ahmedabad will change with the construction of these skyscrapers.  One the plus side, they will add to the city's aesthetic sense.

However, discussions are in progress about the area, land size and so on for such building. The most important question is, will the people of Ahmedabad buy houses at such a height? Well.. only time will tell!

In the meanwhile, upcoming properties like Shantigram, Godrej City, Metrocity, Balaji Agora and the likes should keep an eye out for more on this piece of news! A couple of stories higher, their buildings might look pretty 'towering'!!!