Friday, 28 September 2012

HOMEWORK FOR HOMELOANS!


With banks stumbling over each other to give us loans, dreams are no longer impossible. Whether it is to buy a house or to purchase a fancy car or it is simply a personal loan, man’s needs are unending!

…And when there is an option of getting low interest and easy to pay back loans, our needs keep getting bigger.

We all agree to getting regular calls from bankers who can’t wait to lend us credit cards! Executives are sent chasing behind us to consider a loan for something we might not necessarily need!

For those who are wondering why they aren’t being hammered by credit card lenders and banks, you just probably don’t meet the requirement or eligibility criteria.
Let’s take a look at what this eligibility criteria consists of…

    1.  The most important thing a lender is interested in knowing is whether or not you can repay what you have borrowed with interest. Banks normally tend to gauge one’s repayment capacity above anything else. It is noted that banks actually charge a lower interest rate for employers of a reputed company compared to someone working for a smaller firm.

    2.  How much do you earn? Is you EMI more than 60% of your monthly salary? Then your application is likely to be rejected!
Sometimes, for similar reasons, people tend to opt for joint loans with their spouses or off springs.

    3.  The nature of the loan also plays an important role in the approval of you application. Home loans are considered most important as during a financial crisis, people are more likely to repay home loans than other expenditures.

    4.  The age of the applicant is said to be another important deciding factor. The ideal age of an applicant should be between 30 – 50 years.

    5.  For those who are self employed, income tax returns and profit and loss statements of the past three years need to be in order. Although policies differ from bank to bank, this stands true in general.
    6.  One of the most important factors deciding eligibility is past repayment records / frauds or defaults. According to the RBI all banks and lenders are required to pass on information on every credit transaction to a credit information company such as the Credit Information Bureau India Ltd (Cibil) and Experian Credit Information Company to maintain the credit history of individuals and companies.

    7.  Rejected loans applications in the past. People are not aware but just like past visa rejections, past loan rejections have great chances of affecting future loan prospects.

    8.  For a home renovation loan, consider approaching the bank with which you have an existing home loan account. If you have been servicing your loan well, your lender will be more than willing to offer a top-up loan or an overdraft facility. An existing relationship with a bank always works in your favor.

In a nutshell,

 ü Be clear on property title
 ü Go for a reputed developer
 ü EMI should be less than 50% of gross salary/income
 ü Stable career/employment
 ü Margin should be 10-25% of loan
 ü Good credit record
 ü Identity proof
 ü Proof of address
 ü Get the ownership verified, if buying a pre-owned property
 ü Try approaching the bank where you have a salary account
[Source: Business Today]

…Now the next time you think of taking a loan, you know how to enhance your credit-worthiness.

Thursday, 27 September 2012

PROJECT DELAYED?


One of the biggest reasons projects get delayed is the number of approvals, clearances and permissions the builder needs to acquire before he can begin construction! Or so we hear…!

 Although sometimes genuine, a delay in the project you have invested in can make your heart skip a beat. 
And today, such delays are a common sight in India. 
Developers generally include a grace period of six months, in their agreement with buyers…and most of us take this type of a delay for granted. But… when the delay is even longer, things get out of control! Read on…

Mahesh Kapoor (name changed), a Delhi based professor, is among the scores of buyers left helpless and frustrated due to delay in construction of projects. Professor Kapoor invested a major chunk from his life savings in a project launched by a new builder in 2008. While the builder’s name was new, the prices of the property were extremely affordable compared to other players… 

Having lived in an accommodation his university had provided all along, Professor Kapoor dreamt of having his own little home…and thus, Rs 10 lakh was paid as booking amount.

In 2009, the project was shelved. Professor Kapoor was forced to shift to the developer's residential project at another location. And that was not all…he had to pay an additional Rs 2lakh as booking amount for the apartment there.

Much to his horror, one year, and this project too was shelved!

On request for a refund, the developer offered him to pay 50% of what he had invested in total… i.e. Rs 6 lakh. The booking agreement did not have any penalty clause for delays in construction. It was loss either way. Professor Kapoor claims to have been asked to take what was offered unconditionally or fight it out in court. The later, was already a lost battle…and thus, Professor took his refund and signed an affidavit forfeiting all claims against the builder.

This is just one example…there are thousands of people who fall prey to project delays daily!

The crisis of 2008-09 impacted projects of all companies. Even though it counts as a loss on the part of the builder, it also counts as a major loss for helpless investors.
Another major reason for delays is that developers have also been facing challenges in sourcing funds. With banks tightening credit conditions for the real estate sector, developers are forced to borrow from NBFCs at 16-18% interest and from PE funds at rates between 20-24%. [Source: Business Today]

Although most of the delays are out of our control, we as investors and buyers need to be extremely vigilant and alert to avoid risk of getting trapped in a delayed project. If investing, you are entitled to as where the funding comes from… banks or foreign private equities or other investors.  This way, the builder cannot site funds as a reason for the delays.

We can ask for a copy of the project's drawings, duly stamped by the municipal authorities and the construction schedule from the builder.

However, it is advisable to process the deal through an attorney rather than independently.

As far as refunds are concerned, they can be claimed if a project is delayed beyond the period stipulated in the agreement.

But the point is that unlike other financial institutions, anybody can start a realty firm...Thus, it is us who need to be vigilant.

If you are one of those stuck in a delayed project your nearest consumer court can help you out.

Tuesday, 25 September 2012

GO GREEN!


From major deforestation cases to plaster of Paris idol immersions…from plastic to paper… from polythene to jute… to organic food and eco – friendly Ganesh idols, we have come a long way!
  
Slowly and steadily, we are proceeding towards reducing carbon footprints on planet earth. Our TV sets are thronged with celebs vouching for Green movements … and famous personalities reminding us to switch off the lights and save energy when we leave the room…

Yes, everybody seems to be concerned about the environment...but is only concern enough?

Here is a more concrete, more efficient way to make sure you conserve energy not only now but in the long run too… Read on!

With people becoming more and more aware, the demand for eco friendly homes is definitely up! Builders are using this as their selling point to promote sales. While lawns and trees are definitely green, they do not count as being ‘eco-friendly’. Let’s find out what eco – friendly is (and is not) all about…

Firstly, here is a peak at what Eco – Friendly is -- 
 
   · Preservation and protection of top soil and landscape during construction
   · Optimization of building design and structure to reduce demand for conventional energy
   · Integration of renewable energy sources to generate energy
   · Water and waste management 
   · Selection of ecologically sustainable materials for construction
   · Indoor environmental quality (indoor thermal and visual comfort and air quality)
   · Conservation of soil during construction and proper top soil for vegetative growth
   · Renewal energy-based water heating system such as solar water heaters

[Source – Internet]

Now that we got that right, let’s take a quick look at what does NOT count as eco – friendly! [Even though people think it does!]

   · Lawns. Lawns are not at all ‘green’! They consume around 4 times more water than native species! (And not to forget the pesticides and fertilizers used.) 
   · ‘Eco – friendly elevators’. The term itself sounds bizarre. Elevators run on electricity and thus cannot be classified as eco friendly. Period.
   · “Energy saving PLASMA TV”. Plasmas are the SUVs of televisions. They guzzle two to three times more energy than other screens and are made with nitrogen trifluoride, a gas linked to global warming.
   · Phrases like “Birds Paradise” or “Animal Heaven”. We come across builders who claim their projects to be ‘eco friendly’ because birds and animals are found in abundance! Well, they are found in zoos too…but that does not make the place eco- friendly. 

There are plenty of examples where people do little things to make the world a better place. Whether it is celebrity Gul Panag, who is among the handful of people in India to own a ‘completely eco friendly’ – certified- home or a civil engineer; Professor Venkataramiah Jagannatha who constructed a house based on natural resources… there are ideas galore!

Here is what you can do with what you already have…

1. You can install a mini solar wind hybrid power generating system atop your house that generates electricity which is stored in rechargeable batteries. [The cost for the entire setup would be around 1 lakh].

2. Rain water can not only be harvested, but also recycled! Water which is used for bathing and washing can be collected in a separate tank after gravel treatment and stored in another tank to use for flushing toilets or watering gardens. This will reduce the demand for fresh water. 
 
3. Biodegradable waste which is created in the house can be used as manure for plants and gardens instead of pesticides and fertilizers.

4. Use of ‘hollow clay bricks’ instead of the ordinary ones. These
provide better thermal insulation and cooling and reduce the need for heaters and air coolers.

REAL ESTATE JARGON!


Jargon no matter what the field, always seems a little confusing to those who cannot make head or tail of it! Not only is it considered rude to converse in plain jargon with a lay man, the fact that we cannot understand it makes it frustrating!

A ‘super built up freehold property’ sounds great... but do we really understand what it means?

There is never a right or a wrong when it comes to Jargon, there is only one thing – “uncertainty”! Here is a list of typical real estate terms, with meanings of course, for you to ponder and register… so that never again does real estate jargon leave you confused!!!

     1.  Freehold

What we understand – “Flexibility over the property…” 
What it really means - Permanent and absolute tenure of land or property with freedom to dispose of it at will. If you have ‘freehold’ you can enjoy the ownership of the property for perpetuity! Obviously, freehold property is considered more valuable than leasehold properties.

     2.  Leasehold” 

Leasehold properties, as we know, are properties which we take on ‘lease’ – which means temporary ownership for a specific time period with terms and conditions et al. The lease includes full responsibility of maintaining the property too. Normally, lease agreements are for 99 years after which, the ownership of the ‘leased property’ is transferred back to the ‘freehold’ owner. Lease papers can be transferred subject to terms and conditions.

     3.  Power of Attorney” 

We come across this term quite often. The dictionary defines this term as the authority to act for another person in legal or financial matters…or the legal document giving such authority to someone.
If a property cannot be sold or purchased due to certain restrictions, a power of attorney is executed to transfer the rights to the buyer.
It is a legal contract, which gives a person the right to manage, rent, lease, mortgage or sell property, and take binding decisions on behalf of the owner…But, the ownership of the property remains with the seller.

     4.  Floor Space Index” 

In essence, the floor space index refers to the ratio between the Built up Area allowed and plot area available. This depends on the plot area and varies from one locality to another based on factors such as road width. It is expressed as a ratio or the total built-up area to total area of the plot of land. For example, if the FSI is 5, the total floor area of a multi storey building cannot exceed twice the size, i.e. 10 floors.

     5.  Carpet Area” 

Like the name itself suggests, the term ‘carpet area’ refers to the actual usable area within the walls of the floor. In any house or apartment, the area within the confines of the walls, but not including the thickness of inner walls, is the carpet area.

     6.  Super built up area” 

Nor is it super, nor is it built up… but the aggregate superficial area of a building taking each floor into account…including the lifts, the corridors, the passages, staircase, external walls and projections, internal walls and partitions, columns, piers, stairwells, lift wells, tank and plant rooms etc etc etc. This is the area which is being sold by everyone today and is the center point of mis-selling…and miscommunication! Developers add the shared space and distribute it among flat owners in proportion to the area of the flat. Ideally, the common floor area should not be more than 12-15% of the built-up area.

     7.  Mutation
 
Mutation of a property is the entry of the transfer of title in the revenue records of the local municipal body. Since it is only for the purpose of paying property taxes, it doesn't provide a legal title to the person mentioned in the mutation records. As the state collects property tax, the procedure and fees differ among states.

Thursday, 20 September 2012

TOP NEW SCHEMES AND UPCOMING PROPERTIES OF AHMEDABAD



The rapidly progressing and ever developing Ahmedabad is brimming with new construction projects and housing schemes. With more than 75 new projects seeing completion in the next two years, one finds it hard to choose one.

To make this simple, Property News Ahmedabad has shortlisted few schemes and projects which it felt were the most ambitious and of superior quality!

In no particular order, please find them below –
    1.  Project : Sun Embark
Builder : SUN BUILDERS PVT LTD
Location : SG Highway, SG Highway & Surroundings

Unprecedented heights of style and luxury, Sun Embark-Sky Suites have been created with a clear vision to be Ahmedabad's first affluent 12 Storey Residential tower located on S.G Road

Type
Built Up Area in Sq. ft
No. of Units
4 BHK
3010 Sq. Ft
8
4 BHK
3065 Sq. Ft.
8
4 BHK
3110 Sq. Ft.
2
4 BHK
3165 Sq. Ft.
2

    2.  Project : Altius Living
Builder : Synthesis Spacelinks Pvt. Ltd.
Location : Thaltej, SG Highway & Surroundings 

Altius Living is a Luxurious 3 BHK Apartment project, situated opp. Aryaman Bungalows, Thaltej, which is one of the most posh locations of Ahmedabad.

Type
Built up Area
Price
3 BHK
2815 sq. ft.
Available on Request







    3.  Project : Belle vue vieraaa
Builder: Davda
Location: Bavla, SG Highway & Surroundings 

This is a collection of plots & villas.

Independent House/villas:

Type
Built Up area
Price
200 Sq.Yard Plot / 2 BHK bungalow
900 sq ft
23 lakhs onwards
5oo Sq.Yard /3 BHK Bungalow
1300 sq feet
40 lakhs
1000 Sq.Yard / 4 BHK Bungalow
1700 sq feet
65 lakhs

Plot Area 200 sq.yard + 1300 sq.ft also available with extra cost

 
Plots:
Built Up area
Price
200 sq yard
8.4 lakhs
500 sq yards
21 lakhs
1000 sq yards
42 lakhs
1500 sq yards
63 lakhs

    4.  Project : Nilkanth Greens
Builder: Nilkanth Infrastructure
Location: Vastral, Ahmedabad City & East 



The project offers 4BHK bungalows.




Type
Area
Price
4 Bhk
222 sq mt
Price on Request
4 Bhk
212 sq mt
Price on Request


    5.  Project : Satyam Insignia
Builder : Satyam Developers
Location : Satellite, Ahmedabad West 

Satyam Insignia is located at the most prime location in Satellite. It is situated Near Chandan Party plot, Jodhpur, Satellite , Ahmedabad.

Type
Super Built up area (Sq Feet)
Prices
3 BHK
2430
On Request
3 BHK (Penthouse)
3690
On Request
4 BHK
3771
On Request
4 BHK (Penthouse)
5310
On Request

    6.  Project : Jainam Bungalows
Builder: Shree Elvadurga Infrastructure
Location: Gandhi Nagar, Gandhinagar & Sabarmati 

Located on Pandit Deendayal Petroleum university road, Gandhinagar, Jainam bungalows is a community of double storey villas.

Type
Super Built Up Area
(SQ Yards)
Price (Rs.)
4 BHK
185
Price Available on Request
4 BHK
197
Price Available on Request
4 BHK
205
Price Available on Request
4 BHK
227
Price Available on Request
4 BHK
324
Price Available on Request
4 BHK
365
Price Available on Request


    7.  Project : Shantigram - The Meadows
Builder: Shantigram group
Location: SG Highway, SG Highway & Surroundings 

These are homes that are occupied with the fragrance of fresh green grass. Where crisp, clean air can inspire and envelope you in lush green serenity. These are homes that mark perfect beginnings. 


Type

Area (Sq Ft)

Property

2 BHK + 2 T

1080

Apartment

2 BHK + 2 T + 1 Study Room


1350

Apartment

2 BHK + 2 T + 1 Study Room


1370

Apartment

2 BHK + 2 T + 1 Study Room


1400

Apartment

3 BHK + 3 T
1775

Apartment

3 BHK + 3 T

1815

Apartment

3 BHK + 3 T

1815

Apartment

3 BHK + 3 T

1850

Apartment

3 BHK + 3 T + 1 Study Room


2135

Apartment
3 BHK + 3 T + 1 Study Room

2280
Apartment


     8.   Project : Sankalp Serenity
Builder : Sankalp Organizers Pvt Ltd
Location : Thaltej, SG Highway & Surroundings 

Serenity : A disposition free from stress or emotion,
Serenity : The absence of mental stress or anxiety;
Serenity : The peace of mind;
serenity : the peace that passes all understanding

Type
Size (Sq Ft)
Price
3 BHK
2100
Available on Request