Month: July 2018
Commercial Property Investment Values Remain Stable
Investing in real estate has generally been considered as a relatively safe and profitable venture. Over the past few years however, the housing market has proven it is not immune to volatile ups and downs nor it has been safe from speculators and scheming fraudsters. Fortunately, during the same time, commercial properties have largely escaped the chaos and ruin that the residential market has experienced.
In fact, a recent study by Deloitte Consulting LLP, a subsidiary of the financial accounting firm Deloitte & Touche USA LLP, found many reasons to believe that commercial values are fairly consistent, making them a great real estate investment choice.
-In prior boom cycles, commercial real estate has responded by overbuilding. The industry has clearly learned its lesson because this time commercial real estate is enduring a credit crunch – not a crisis – partially because it resisted this urge. No doubt, the industry is in a strong position to withstand a recession, should one occur, and commercial real estate remains a viable investment option for those seeking to diversify and insulate their portfolios from market volatility,- said Dennis Yeskey of Deloitte’s real estate capital markets practice, as quoted in a press release on the company’s website. -Capital flow will return in 2008, with the exception of highly leveraged deals, and new opportunities are being sought in distressed debt funds, niche opportunities, and global markets.-
The -Real Estate Capital Markets Top Ten Issues – 2008- study found that although profits have been skimmed as the residential market has failed, commercial property investment values have held steady in many places, and have seen modest growth in others.
Plus, the surveys detailed, because of the shakeup in the housing market, mortgage underwriting rules that were also becoming too loose in the business world are now being examined and revised. The result is that investment loans will be safer, with less risk of fraud.
Another finding is that investment values have been strong in the office and industrial segment of this market, making them a much better investment at this time than retail properties or multi-family dwellings.
Additionally, funding for commercial property investment is much more readily available today than it is for residential real estate purchases. Of course, large down payments are still required as well as well-documented sources of income and assets, but the study found that lenders approve conservative commercial property investment loans quite often.
While some shifting of prices and expectations still need to take place, the study concluded that commercial market values have shown good stability and potential for pretty profits.
Going forward the study said, -Investors would do well to stop comparing CRE (commercial real estate) returns to the previous few years’ performance, and to take a closer look at how these returns fit into the bigger picture. Returns will probably be lower, but when compared to other investment categories (stocks, bonds, etc.), CRE remains an attractive investment vehicle due to its stability and opportunity for diversification.-
The Commercial property investment potential and analysis from KISCL will help you to get the complete resources and analysis on real estate and its dealings. Learn more on real estate, right here. Visit http://www.kiscl.com for more information.
The Luxuries of Condominiums in the Philippine market
Condominiums are considered today as some of the most popular types of housing in the Philippine market. And according to many Filipinos, this is because of the kinds of benefits that allowed them, or their families, to live conveniently and luxuriously. So what kinds of benefits can these types of housing offer to its residents?
The Luxury of Accessibility What made condominiums a very popular type of modern housing in the Philippine market is because of its accessibility to business and commercial districts, such as the many popular condominiums found in Makati City, Ortigas, Eastwood, and popular business districts today.
However, other reasons why condominiums had gained a lot of popularity in the Philippine market is because of its unique collection of amenities that made condominiums even more popular in the Philippine market. So what are these benefits?
According to many experts, condominiums had gained a lot of popularity in the Philippine market not only because of its accessibility to business districts but also because of its amenities such as its own maintenance and security personnel, though other types of modern housings have been known to offer such amenities, such as apartment buildings.
However, other than just its maintenance and security personnel, condominiums are also known for its resort facilities which made it a very popular and unique type of modern Philippines properties for sale, such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports complexes.
Because of these benefits, condominiums became even more popular in the Philippine market. But other than in the city, there are also other popular types of condominiums found around the outskirts of Metro Manila which aims to offer a home for modern Filipino families. These types of condominiums are known as condominium complexes.
The Luxury of its Environment Condominium complexes are types of condo Philippines which are mostly found around the outskirts of Metro Manila, as well as in the provinces. Because of its location, these types of condominiums can offer their residents an environment suitable for their growing children, which is why condominium complexes became a very popular type of modern home for modern Filipino families.
In addition to its environment, condominium complexes are also known for its exclusivity. This is due to the fact that most condominium complexes are found in an exclusive community, or a complex, which is made up of mid-rising to high-rising condominium buildings.
Another reason why these types of housings became popular in the Philippine market is because of its many facilities. Similar to condominiums in the city, condominium complexes can also offer residents facilities that cater to their growing children, such as recreational parks and playgrounds.
For Sale by Owner Real Estate – What it Means
For Sale By Owner limit , which is abbreviated as FSBO , yranekilnojamojo estate term that describes the environment, kuriojenekilnojamasis property is offered for sale directly by its owner, in addition to the owner of the light to consult with a real estate broker for assistance , which means that no real estate commission is related to the sale.
In recent years, this concept has been widely used to describe the process of marketing , buying and selling real estate without a real estate broker representation .
FSBO trends in the U.S. and Canada
Sellers who want to sell a FSBO much to do to avoid paying a commission to a broker, which is typically 6 % of the selling prices in many areas of the U.S. property. However, the commission can range from 5% to 7% in different markets across the United States as well as Canada.
According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors ( NAR ) , 12% of 2006 U.S. real estate transactions were done through FSBO and 13% of 2005 U.S. real estate transactions took place in a FSBO , which fell from 14% 2004th
Some FSBOs who are willing to pay a reduced fee may conclude an agreement with a broker to list your turtamakleriu ” local Multiple Listing Service for a flat fee. This may be one of the fastest growing segments of the real estate sector. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association , which claims that 75 % to 80 % of homes in Canada were sold through brokers , it would appear that the ” for sale by owner ” share of approximately 20 % or 25% of the rest of the sale .
How to Do a FSBO
Pradejuspardavimui owner without representation is not that difficult, jeirinka moving inventory quickly and snapped when it becomes available for sale . However, most FSBOs , finding buyers typically yraiukis . According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of most owners end up listing with a Realtor , in part because most buyers are represented by an agent . Other reasons are because the owners who sell themselves do not experience priced homes for sale and lack of marketing knowledge . Sell ??home without help of the mediator , try these helpful tips:
– Prices are a home to sell dalisnuojauta , research and market timing . You can not always depend on the agent’s assessment of the value , because sometimes the medications take expensive listings just to lure your business from competitors.
– Hold an open house, and remember that in many areas , Saturday is just as popular as Sundays. Also, get a good photographer services to shoot a virtual tour of your home, and advertise the virtual tour link to your affiliate marketing site.
– Marketing your home should be focused on increasing the traffic to your home. Avoid marketing mistakes by being flexible sessions , incentives to customers and getting feedback from customers or opinion.
Alvin Steinberg has been Real Estate since 1972 and carries a CRS (Certified Residential Specialist ) in both California and Nevada. Alvin and his team are dedicated to providing you with professional service whether you are buying or selling real estate in beautiful Lake Tahoe .
Affordable and reasonable flats for sale in Zirakpur. Contact us and get the best deals.
Buying Off Plan Real Estate In Thailand Condominium Acquisition And Escrow
Off plan condominium purchase in Thailand means buying a condo in a planning stage or a condominium not yet fully constructed. The standard payment schedule found in an off-the-plan sale and purchase agreement of a condominium in Thailand is:
1. a reservation agreement with a reservation fee of 100,000 baht (approx 3300 USD)
2. a deposit of 10 to 20% of the purchase price on the execution of the condominium sale and purchase agreement
3. periodical installments during the construction of the condominium with a final installment of 1/12th to 1/20th of the purchase price upon transfer of ownership of the condominium.
Who to pay to?
Paying in escrow for a condo in Thailand means that payments are made to an Escrow Act licensed third party financial institution or bank that will hold the deposited monies till the conditions of the condominium sale and purchase agreement have been met, depending on the contract. The use of escrow services in Thailand for property purchases is not common!!
Generally developers in Thailand DO NOT offer escrow payment arrangements. Property developers in Thailand are under the Escrow Act or new Condominium Act and Condo Act regulations NOT required to offer escrow agreements to consumers. Property developers in Thailand are free to require deposits and installments in agreements without offering any protection for the purchaser payments. There is no legal protection structure in place for realty buyers. This part simply depends on the agreed and accepted contract terms and conditions between the seller and purchaser. If the buyer pays directly into the developer’s account this is an accepted risk he as the purchaser takes.
In 99% of the property development projects in Thailand the purchaser makes the payments directly to the developers bank account. Obviously payment made directly to the developer, as opposed to payments made in escrow, carries some serious financial risks for buyers in case of default by the developer. They risk loosing all. In addition, pre-paying the development, the buyer looses all leverage in case of delay or poor workmanship. At the time of completion the buyer has paid up to 95% of the purchase price and the developer is in a much stronger position and can simply refuse transfer of ownership to the buyer.
The developers company
The standard payment schedule by which the purchase price is paid directly to the developers bank account during the construction or even before the start of a condominium project carries risks of losing your payments in case of default or bankruptcy of the developer.
An important part of this arrangement is the developers company. Is it a large SET listed (Thailand stock exchange) real estate developer or a limited liability company with a low share capital and a poor track record? Limited liability for the developer means limited liability and in case of default there is for the buyers little chance of getting any of the payments back.
The Condominium Act supposed to protect the interests of the buyers of condos in Thailand but does not require the establishment of escrow arrangements in an off-plan condominium development.
Paying directly to the developer in Thailand is taking a risk.
Types of Masonry Construction, Characteristics and Common Uses
Types of Masonry Construction, Characteristics And Common Uses
Virtually, all buildings incorporate some type of masonry construction, whether it is a stone or concrete foundation, brick veneer walls, or terra cotta ornamentation. Preservation of these buildings requires a basic understanding of masonry types and their characteristics, technology and construction methodology, proper maintenance and conservation treatments.
Masonry is generally a highly durable form of construction. However, the quality of material used, together with the quality of the mortar and workmanship can strongly affect the durability of the overall masonry construction. Masonry is commonly used for the walls of buildings, retaining walls and monuments. Brick is the most common type of masonry and may be either load bearing or a veneer. Concrete Masonry Units (CMU’s) are made from concrete and are larger than ordinary bricks. CMU walls can be reinforced by filling the block voids with concrete and steel reinforcing bars. Typically, not all voids are filled, but rather those at corners, wall ends, adjacent to window and door openings, which increase wall strength and stability. Placement of steel reinforcement generally results in a CMU walls having much greater lateral and tensile strength than unreinforced walls.
The earliest material to be used was stone. It can be obtained in two ways: from natural outcroppings or scattered deposits, and by the process of quarrying. Most early buildings were constructed of stone readily available near the building site. Early stonemasons also were aware that certain stone types had more -weatherability- – able to withstand the effects of weather better than others – and they utilized each type in accordance with its properties. Stones may be laid up in their natural form, or broken and squared, or shaped, for the proper fit with other stones in the wall.
Quarrying, the industrial process of extracting stone from the earth requires substantial effort and technology. In this process, stone is drilled, blasted, fractured or cut from the quarry face, and then shaped and finished for use in construction.
Concrete masonry units (block and concrete brick are available in sizes, shapes, colors, textures, and profiles for practically every conceivable need and convenience in masonry construction. In addition, concrete masonry units may be used to create attractive patterns and designs to produce an almost unlimited range of architectural treatments of wall surfaces. The following are some more prominent uses:
Exterior load-bearing walls (below and above grade)
Interior load-bearing or non load bearing walls
Fire walls, party walls, curtain walls
Partitions, panel walls, solar screens
Backing for brick, stone, stucco, and other exterior facings
Veneer or nonstructural facing for wood, concrete, or masonry
Fire protection of structural steel members
Firesafe enclosures of stairwells, elevator shafts, storage vaults, or fire hazardous work areas
Piers, pilasters, columns
Bond beams, lintels, sills
Floor and roof systems
Retaining walls, slope protection, ornamental garden walls, and highway sound barriers
Chimneys and fireplaces
Catch basins, manholes, valve vaults
Paving and turf block
Solid brick masonry is made of two or more layers with the units running horizontally (called -stretcher- bricks) bound together with bricks running transverse to the wall (called -header- bricks). Each row of bricks is known as a course. The pattern of headers and stretchers employed gives to different bonds such as the common bond, with every sixth course composed of headers, the English bond, and the Flemish bond, with alternating stretcher and header bricks present on every course. There are no real significant utilitarian differences between most bonds, but the appearance of the finished walls is affected. Brickwork, like unreinforced concrete, has little tensile strength, and works by everything being kept in compression.
There are many brick laying patterns, the following are but a few:
Stack Bond The brick laying patterns described by this term are not structurally sound and are used only for decorative purposes. The stack bond is a run of stretchers with each stretcher stacked centered on the stretcher below it. All joints run vertically down the entire wall.
Running Bond brick laying patterns are a run of stretchers with each stretcher placed in the center of the stretcher below it. This pattern gives a reasonable amount of structural soundness.
English Bond is made up of alternating courses of stretchers and headers. This is the strongest bond for a one-brick thick wall.
Brick Terminology
Bat is a brick cut in half or quarter along the short face
Closer A queen closer is brick cut in half down the long face. They are used in corners of English or Flemish Bond.
Header Brick is laid in a wall, usually connecting two rows of a double wythe wall. The smallest end of the brick is horizontal, aligned with the surface of the wall and exposed to the weather.
Quoins are groups of brick that project slightly from the face of a wall at the corner of a building. The pattern often alternates with several courses projecting bricks, and several courses that are aligned with the wall. The pattern of projecting quoins often alternates with the brickwork on the other side of the corner.
Rowlock is a complete course of brick laid on its side, with the shortest end of the brick exposed and vertical. Commonly used on the top course as a coping for a garden wall.
Sailor Brick are laid on its end with the largest, broad face exposed.
Shiner Brick laid on edge like a sailor, but the broad face is set horizontally.
Soldier Brick often is a complete course of brick laid on end vertically, with the narrow side exposed in the face of the wall.
Wythe is a single vertical wall of brick.
Clay Brick vs. Concrete
The formula for brick making has not changed for hundreds of years. The primary ingredients are clays and shale. It is these ingredients that give natural brick its colors and hue.
The natural color of concrete is gray. In order to give concrete bricks color, additives are necessary to create the variety of colors. Weather and the ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause concrete bricks to fade over time.
Concrete bricks have a tendency to shrink. During the concrete curing process, if the bricks are not properly cured prior to being delivered to the jobsite, shrinking and cracking will appear at the mortar joints and can allow water to enter the wall cavity.
According to a recent survey of architects, designers, engineers, and environmental planners and managers conducted by the Portland Cement Association (PCA), 77 percent chose concrete as a sustainable material. Overall, respondents ranked concrete favorably for its energy efficiency, durability and reduced maintenance. Over 500 individuals participated in the blind survey presented in an Internet survey form by a third party web host.
According to PCA President, -buildings with exterior concrete walls utilize less energy to heat and cool than similarly insulated buildings with wood or steel frame walls-. Additionally, -the superior insulation, air tightness, and mass of the walls can reduce energy for heating and cooling by up to 40%.
Why You Need To Start Investing In Commercial Property
To most of us, investing in a Residential Property seems to be a more lucrative option as compared to investing in Commercial property for sale or commercial property on lease. However, in reality the scenario is totally different. To know more, let us go through some of the pros and cons of investing in residential property.
Residential Property Investment: Pros It is tax deductible: Most expenses related to Residential property are tax deductible. For instance, the depreciation on the property, property loan are all deductible when you pay your annual tax. This is one of the main reasons why investors often make a beeline for investing in Residential properties instead of commercial property. Money minters: Another advantage of investing in residential property is that you get to make a huge amount of money as and when the value of the property increases. This is particularly true in the case when you invest in a property that is situated in a prime location in various cities. Earn from rentals: An investment made in residential property is an investment for a lifetime. This is because after buying a residential property, you can put it for rent or lease it to a company and earn extra income from the rentals. The cons of investing in Residential property : Why invest in commercial property in Mumbai (and elsewhere ) Rise in interest rates: Many a times, the interest rates of residential property may rise overnight, leaving investors in a lurch. This is not the case with commercial properties and hence, it is a safer bet particularly if you are taking a loan for investment. Bad tenants: Okay, so you give your property for rent and earn extra income. But what if you get really bad tenants/occupants? They may not pay the rent on time, cause damage to your property or even carry out activities that might not go down too well with those living as their neighbors and for that matter you. Commercial property on lease by various companies, won’t encounter such problems. Developing it can take up your time: Many a times, investing in residential property can take up much of your personal time since sooner or later, you might end up using it. This is the reason, you’d want everything to be perfect. Commercial property on the other hand, needs less attention from you as an individual and hence it is a safe bet.
So, these are some of the pros and cons of investing in a residential property. I am sure that after going through them, you might want to reconsider and invest in commercial property in Mumbai. You can either go for commercial property on lease or commercial property for sale – whichever falls within your budget constraints.
Indian Real Estate Market Problems And Prospects
India is a very large country of South Asia, the second most populous country in the world and the seventh largest by extension. The Indian continent from many centuries has been well known for its rich culture and commerce. To make your real estate investment more and more beneficial for you in this country, you need to rely on a network with a lot of real estate experience. Through an operating platform of a realtor investment becomes easier and safer for you as the firm helps to find the property in India.
The real estate market in India is undoubtedly growing local demand for housing space and office incredibly intense, but the market has to be regarded as emerging market for investors because the laws concerning foreign direct investment in the real estate market in India are so restrictive that the benefit of the real estate sector of India is far from straightforward.
This article is an attempt to combine some of the facts and figures which we hope will help anyone who joined the business of Indian real estate. There were changes made to the public good laws concerning foreign direct investment in the back of the real estate sector in February 2005 now mean that the Indians passersby (most commonly designated NRIs) and companies Overseas (CBOs for short) can invest up to 100% in the housing sector.
The government of India also has some rules in place that allow foreign investors to buy commercial property in India. if these properties are to be used by the company for business purposes. Most of the projects where FDI is allowed in a loop period of the investment of a minimum of 3 years to prevent speculative investment, but the good news for companies or NRIs who want to achieve in the real estate market of investment in India is that investment in smaller projects is now a real possibility. Before the IDF is allowed only in projects on sites larger than 100 acres, this was reduced to 25 acres. For individuals who wish to incorporate the real estate market in India is the easiest way to buy into an investment fund.
Changes to laws relating to FDI and the real estate industry in general that were announced back in 2005 rules of the investment fund of the Sierra relaxed to the point where many experts believe a sector of the investment company of real estate (REIT) could now emerge.
Meanwhile there are a number of attractive and transparent funds available from reputable investment houses that do not prohibit individuals hassle free entry into the real estate market in India. In terms of state of the real estate market in India in general and Mumbai property in particular care must be taken when acquiring any land or real estate because the fact of registration of title is not updated and independent legal advice should be taken at each stage of the process that buying property in India.
If anyone has a definitive guide to the process to purchase real estate in Mumbai, he/ she can maximize the benefits to the maximum. But a proper professional guideline is necessary before any investment.
Lending And Loans For Small Apartments
There is the old question that comes up every now and then, –
Should I buy that studio apartment?
They are usually marketed with a very attractive rental return however thats sometimes where the good news ends.
Here is some of the noise that surrounds them-: They wont lend against small inner-city studio apartments, You wont get approval if the floor size is less than 50 sqm, Student apartments are not an option, Some lenders wont lend for apartments in large complexes, Hotel or motel conversions are no good, The location of the unit within the complex is important
While being just noise some of these points are somewhat valid.
The recent credit crisis has put the brakes on a lot of lending overall and small apartments have not been shielded from this
The biggest hurdle is usually lenders mortgage insurance (LMI).
They are the ones imposing all the restrictions that are passed onto the bank.
If you require LMI this is where the hard work starts
Hurdles:
Title. Strata/stratum title is normally acceptable, as are group titles. Mortgage insurers arent usually afraid of company title and will lend, though they may lower their LVR.
Size: While this might not be important to the lender, you can expect the mortgage insurer to have minimum limits on the floor space. Always aim to avoid any apartments with a floor space of less than 50 sqm. It must be 50 sqm of actual living area (not balconies and car space etc). In special cases this may be stretched down to 40 sqm but the property would have to be in a blue-chip capital city area. The Bank may not impose a floor-space limit but notes that LMI might fail the application for that very reason.
Location in the development/complex. One important factor may be whether its in a good location in the development or if its at the dark shaded noisy rear corner of the complex.
Changing from commercial or industrial to residential. Hotel conversions, holiday lettings and serviced apartments (commercial) lettings rather than residential units fall under completely different lending requirements (possibly commercial). So if they are being converted you may not get finance until the conversion is complete providing it meets all councils ordinances and general lenders requirements, most lenders will proceed but there may be a reduced LVR or restrictions on LMI. The biggest reason is youre reliant upon the performance of the management company looking after the apartments.
Number of apartments in a development: There might be a limit on the number of apartments within the one development that you can put up for mortgage insurance.
The bank may limit lending on six apartments in any one development or limit lending for no more than 25 per cent of a development
Do you want an investment apartment loan? Contact Us Here and let us help you out.
More Hoops?? You Are Kidding
Here are some extras hoops you may have to jump through for finance:
-More thorough valuation inspections and reports.
-A lower LVR (70 to 80 per cent max, though some, usually non-bank lenders, only go to 60 per cent) a higher deposit required.
-Reduced maximum mortgage amount.
-More expensive LMI if even available.
-Reduced consideration of the rental income to allow for longer vacancies.
-A call for additional or cross-collateral security(see earlier post here).
-Downright refusal of application at worst!
The fundamentals of real estate remain important, not necessarily the fact that theres a studio apartment. There are plenty of studio apartments that have doubled their value over 10 years. The unit my have great rental returns low vacancy and be located very well so a bit of hard work and research at the start may pay off long term!
So Where Now->
Will your apartment qualify for finance?
Building Your Own Outside Fireplace With An Outdoor Fireplace Kit
It’s always good to have a fire for warmth when winter rolls around. The newest pattern among new homeowners is having one outside, but it’s too costly to have someone else make it for you. DIY outside fireplaces are such an easy project that it may be performed by anybody willing to dig in and do the work. There are two ways to do this: build one from scratch or purchase a backyard Fireplace kit. Either approach, you’ll at the very least must get cement, stones, decorative tiles, and a fireplace screen to make one yourself.
1. Placement and Laws
Choose a spot that is far enough away your house and anything that may catch on fire easily. You also have to verify your local legal guidelines concerning home improvement to see when you not only can, but should you need a building permit to do such a thing.
2. Choosing the Right Fireplace
The easiest method to make one is to purchase an outdoor fireplace kit. These don’t come with all the material that you’ll need, however it should save you time and energy. Nonetheless, you can also find plans to make one from scratch for those who choose.
3. Build a Foundation
After choosing the right spot, clear away whatever debris is there and create a foundation utilizing concrete, cinder blocks, or whatever you want to use on your DIY outside fireplace.
4. Putting in Your Fireplace
No matter whether you’re following plans to make your own or the directions from the kit, begin assembling your fireplace. The difference between this and one for inside your house is the lack of a damper. It’s best to build the chimney as high as you possibly can and the opening a bit lower to prevent wind from swooping down. That can both make it troublesome to begin a fire and even blow sizzling embers out of the fireplace.
5. Try It Out
Before making it look nice, start a fire inside to make sure every little thing is to your liking. This may help you decide if you want to make the fire place taller or fix the inside of the chimney to let the smoke out from the top.
6. Enhance your Fireplace
This is the place the work stops and the fun begins. After finishing your DIY outside Fireplace, embellish it to your specification and/or let the paint dry (should you chose to use some).
That is all you have to do to make your individual outdoor fireplace. You may purchase plans and outside fireplace kits at your local home improvement store and online as well. The kits cost approximately $1,000 and the plans to make your own can be found online from free to around $30. Creating your own fireplace outside will not only put a smile on your face and your loved ones’s, but it also provides you a cause to spend extra time outside. Even if you don’t have a fire going