Thursday 26 December 2019

6 common ‘myths’ about electronic locks, busted


Electronic locks offer several distinct advantages over conventional mechanical locks. We get an expert’s opinion on why these digital locks are ideal for home owners and bust some of the myths surrounding them.


Credit :pexels.com
The freedom to move in and out of one’s home, without worrying about getting locked out, is a major relief for many. Considering this, ‘key-less’ digital locks are a promising solution, as they help to simplify people’s lifestyles. Among the range of digital door lock systems available today, biometric door locking products are currently the dominant segment. This can be attributed to their lower cost and ease of accessing doors, without having to carry physical tools, such as cards or keys. Nevertheless, many people hesitate to adopt these locks, owing to numerous myths regarding electronic locking systems. Here are six such myths that we try to dispel, for the successful adoption of electronic locks.

Myth 1: Electronic locks will not function during power cuts

The fact is that most of the electronic locks run on battery power. Hence, the lock continues to function, even when there is a power cut.

The batteries can power the lock for at least two years. Moreover, built-in power sensors inform home owners, weeks before the battery drains out. This gives enough time to replace the nine-volt battery (which is available at any local hardware store), just like you would replace the batteries of a television’s remote controller. In addition, electronic locks have a manual mechanical key override too.

Myth 2: I will get locked-in, in case of a fire at home

Electronic locks today have advanced sensors that detect fire and automatically provide access to the owners. This is a major advantage of electronic locks, because in case of a fire, opening a mechanical lock involves more work and time, as compared to an electronic lock.

Myth 3: Electronic locks are difficult to operate

Advanced electronic locks have backlit keypads and touchscreens features, so that one does not have to fumble about in the dark, to unlock door. Electronic locks are extremely easy to operate, once installed and programmed properly.

If an individual wishes to install the lock by themselves, all the good brands have instructions manuals and offer online video tutorials. On the other hand, having a professional install the electronic lock, eliminates confusion. You can also have all your questions answered, while a professional locksmith is present.

Myth 4: They are bulky

One does not have to sacrifice interior styling for greater security. A vast majority of electronic locks come in different body styles, finishes and trims, to blend with one’s home décor.

Myth 5: The buttons wear off and the locks do not work when it rains

Good brands offer products that are weather-proof. Therefore, the buttons are guaranteed not to wear off.Most electronic locks also feature a fingerprint-resistant touchscreen that works in the rain or even while wearing gloves. However, an RFID access card is recommended, in case you wish to boost security.

Myth 6: Electronic locks can be hacked

Hacking an electronic lock is very difficult.. Most locks also offer multiple modes of authentication – for example, via PIN, smartcard, manual key and biometric accessibility options. Some advanced locks also offer you a scrambled PIN option, which means that you may press any number of keys before or after your password and yet, the lock will open. This is an effective way of safe-keeping your password, if someone is with you.

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Source - housing.com




Friday 13 December 2019

What is title insurance and why do housing societies need it?


The RERA has mandated that all developers obtain title insurance for their projects. We examine how this will impact under-construction and completed projects and the benefits that title insurance offers, to home owners


In order to protect the buyer of the property – whether a flat, or land, or even a developer who is buying a land – an insurance company promises to indemnify the buyer against any loss caused, due to any defect in the title of the seller in the property. Under title insurance, the insurance company pays you for any loss in the market value of the property, for expenses which you may incur due to the defect in the title of the property acquired by you.

The defect in the title may be present at the time of buying the title insurance and which, neither the insurer nor the insured are aware of.

Why title insurance is gaining importance

Section 16 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 (RERA), requires all developers to buy title insurance, for the project to be undertaken afresh, as well as for projects that are incomplete as on the date of enactment of the law. This requirement will help mitigate the hardship caused to innocent flat buyers, in case any defect is detected in the title of the land on which the building was constructed.

Title insurance for completed buildings

With prices of residential houses skyrocketing, it is important for the buyer to have an assurance about the validity of the title. As per the provisions of the RERA, the developer is required to buy insurance for title of the land and building, before he transfers the project to the housing society or association of allottees. The developer is also required to hand over the documents of such insurance to the society/association. Hence, buyers of flats which are completed after the enactment of RERA will get the insurance for title, while flat owners who have purchased the flats before enactment of this law, do not have any title insurance.

As the land is normally owned by the housing society and not by the individual flat owner, the society should buy title insurance immediately, to safeguard the interest of its members. Since the cost of construction of a flat is a smaller portion, as compared to the cost of land, in the total cost of the property, it is more important for housing societies to buy title insurance, with respect to the land owned by the society.

Title insurance products in India

In the absence of historical and reliable data on property titles, the level of risk borne by an insurance company in underwriting a title insurance was not known and thus, insurance companies were unwilling to jump into this segment. With the RERA mandating title insurance for all new and incomplete projects, the IRDA must have prevailed upon insurance companies, to provide title insurance products in India.

The first and the only title insurance provider, as of today in India, is HDFC Ergo Limited. The title insurance policy of HDFC Ergo covers the person buying the title insurance, against the loss caused due to any defect in the title, existing on the date on which the policy is purchased.

It also covers the expenses, which the insured part may have to incur, in order to defend his title in any legal proceedings. However, any defect in the title, which occurs after the date of purchase of the title insurance policy, is not covered. Likewise, any defect in the title which the person buying was aware of, at the time of purchase of the policy, is also not covered under this policy.

The policy covers the amount of loss or damage, which the insured may have to pay in pursuance to a final order of any court of competent jurisdiction, as well as any damage payable to a third party under a written settlement. Besides the owner of the property, even a lender, who lends against the title of the borrower, can cover himself against any defect in the title of the borrower. In due course, other insurance companies are likely to enter this insurance segment, leading to better and more refined products.

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Source - housing.com

Wednesday 27 November 2019

How to use your provident fund to finance a home purchase


Although a majority of the salaried individuals have a provident fund account, only a few are aware that they can withdraw from this fund, for various purposes connected with a house


There are various sources from where one can fund the purchase or construction of a house – from borrowing from friends and relatives, to taking a home loan. Salaried people, who are contributing to their provident fund, have an additional avenue to fund their home buying. One can withdraw from the balance in the provident fund account, subject to certain conditions and within certain limits.

The withdrawals can be used for various purposes like buying a plot of land or a house (ready-to-move-in or under-construction) or for constructing a house. The scheme also allows you to withdraw your EPF balance to repay your home loan.

For purchase of a house or plot or for construction of a house

An employee who has completed at least five years of contribution to his provident fund account, can withdraw money for the purchase of a plot and/or construction or purchase of a house. The amount can be withdrawn for the construction of a house on the plot of land owned either by you or by your wife, or jointly by both. The eligible amount of withdrawal would depend on the purpose for which you are withdrawing the money. For purchasing a plot, the amount available for withdrawal shall be restricted to 24 months’ basic salary and dearness allowance (DA). The amount of withdrawal, however, shall in no circumstances exceed the cost of the plot.

In case you want to avail of the withdrawal facility to purchase or construct a house, the availability gets enhanced to 36 months of your basic salary and DA, with the maximum amount again restricted to cost of the house. It is pertinent to note that the property cannot be purchased jointly with anybody else, except your spouse, for withdrawing from the provident fund.

In case you withdraw from your provident fund account, the construction should begin within six months and should be completed within 12 months of the last instalment of withdrawal. In case you intend to buy a ready-to-move-in house, the deal for purchase also needs to be completed within six months. The withdrawals for purchase/construction can be made in one or more instalments, depending on the circumstances.

Withdrawal facility for member of a housing society

In addition to the withdrawal facilities available to you individually, you can also avail of the withdrawal facility from your EPF account, if you are a member of a cooperative society or registered housing society. This withdrawal facility can be availed of, for buying land for constructing a residential house from government or any approved government agency.

The same facility is also available for the purpose of purchase or construction of a residential house. For being eligible for this facility by virtue of being a member of a society, the society should at least have ten members. The maximum amount of withdrawal permissible under this scheme, is restricted to 90 per cent of the accumulated balance in your EPF account, subject, however, to the cost of asset to be acquired.

The withdrawal facility as a member of a cooperative society cannot be made, unless the member has been contributing to the EPF scheme for a minimum of three years and the aggregate of the accumulation of the member, with his/her spouse, if the spouse is also a member, is a minimum of Rs 20,000 on the date of the application for withdrawal. This facility can be availed by you only once in your lifetime. Under this scheme you can get your instalments of any loan taken for these purposes paid through your EPF account, subject however, to there being sufficient balance in your account.

Withdrawal for addition/improvement of the house owned by self and/or the spouse

You are also entitled to withdraw money from your provident fund account, for making additions or improvements to a residential house that is already owned by you, or your wife, or jointly by both. This withdrawal can only be availed of, after five years from completion of construction of the house. It is not necessary that the house for which you want to carry out the improvements should be the same for which you had availed of the withdrawal facility.

This withdrawal for improvement of your house can be availed, even if you have not availed of the withdrawal facility for purchase or construction of this house. The amount that you are eligible to withdraw, for improvement or addition to the existing house, is restricted to 12 months’ basic salary and DA, subject to the cost of such improvement.

You can also avail of the withdrawal facility again, only after 10 years from the first withdrawal for addition/improvement of the existing house, subject to the same eligibility criteria, vis-à-vis the amount. Any amount withdrawn from your EPF account and which is not used for the above specified purposes has to be refunded to the EPF account.

Advances for repayment of housing loan

The provident fund scheme allows you to avail of the withdrawal facility, for repayment of the outstanding balance of a home loan taken by you or your spouse, for any of the above purposes. The amount cannot exceed 36 months’ basic salary and DA.

This withdrawal can only be made for repayment of the home loan taken either by the members and/or by the spouse, from specified entities like governments and state governments, registered cooperative societies, state housing board, nationalised banks, public financial institutions, municipal corporations, or any development authority, for purchase of a house. This facility can be taken, after you have completed at least 10 years of contribution to the EPF account.


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Thursday 14 November 2019

Children’s needs and its influence on home buying


What are the needs of children that buyers need to consider before finalising a house purchase and does this have an impact on property prices? We examine


People often do not pay heed to the children’s requirements, when they buy a home. As children usually spend more time at home than their parents, property owners and buyers should ensure that the home fulfils their requirements. Moreover, the house should also be able to meet the child’s changing needs, as they grow and mature.
“There are many good reasons why children should be an important consideration, while buying a home. Everything that transpires within a family, directly or indirectly involves its children. Even young couples, who do not yet have children, will still consider this as an important factor, while choosing a residential property,” maintains Kishor Pate, CMD of Amit Enterprises Housing Ltd. In a country like India, where emotional ties are strong, it is common for people to make significant investments, based on the present and future needs of our children.

Things to consider, as per children’s requirements

Experts suggest that buyers on a conservative budget, should focus on connectivity, rather than location. One should invest in a location that is well- connected and not in a location that is centrally located. Builders are also recognising the importance that children’s needs play, in property transactions and are therefore, coming up with projects that cater their requirements.
“While buying a home, the factors that need to be considered, depend on the various phases of life – a new born child, a teenager and an adult,” explains Kunal Rishi, VP – corporate and projects, Paras Buildtech.
“Medical facilities should be readily available, not only for children but also for other members of the family. Everyone will agree on the importance of good educational institutions being available. Today, people also look at connectivity to nearby amusement parks, theatres, pubs, malls and food outlets,” he adds.

Children’s requirements and its impact on property costs

Nevertheless, the availability of good schools, colleges, green spaces, connectivity, hospitals, malls, etc., will add to the cost of property, points out Rishi. “As the comfort and convenience that a particular location offers increases, so does the price. It all boils down to what kind of a budget you are working with,” he says.
However, a home is essentially a family-oriented property and should not cost more because it is children-friendly. If certain developers want to charge a premium for specific children-oriented features or services, there should be a clear and visible justification and its price should be comparable to any other property, with similar lifestyle amenities.


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Monday 11 November 2019

Decorate your home with travel souvenirs


Travelling has become an important part of most urban people’s lifestyles. We look at simple ways, in which home owners can use the souvenirs collected from their trips, to enhance their home décor

A home is about togetherness, where the inhabitants not only share the physical space, but also experiences. While many people love to travel, we always bring something back home, in the form of memories or things. These reminders, from one’s travels, can be used to spruce up the home.
“Our journeys are what we are. We love some travels and some are lessons. While thoughts can be penned down in a diary or blog, souvenirs from journeys can find a place in our personal spaces. A home is like a canvas and mementos, like plates, magnets, local musical instruments, miniatures, etc., can be used to make this canvas colourful. For example, the entrance of the house may have a vintage post box that one has picked up, from a flea market in Germany,” suggests Munawwar Sharifi, founder of The Design Company India.

Frame your travel memories, with photographs

Photographs are the easiest tool, to remind us of our journeys. With most modern phones having decent cameras, people tend to take numerous pictures during every trip.
“Take a few of your favourite shots and make a grid of pictures. Let them merge into one another. You can also make small stamps out of the pictures and arrange these stamp-sized photos and frame them on a display board at home. You can also create postcards using your pictures and. mail them to your relatives,” suggests Lekha Gupta, senior architect, L.A.B. (Language Architecture Body).
“Many people like buying magnets, as souvenirs of the places they have visited. Instead, one can get a simple ‘do it yourself’ (DIY) set that lets you put your pictures on them, with your vacation spot in the background,”

Using postcards as souvenirs

Travel postcards are collected by many and they look beautiful. “Instead of just buying them, write down the most favourite part of your trip and mail it to your house. It will be waiting for you when you return. Moreover, it will have the stamps of all the countries or cities from where you mailed it. Instead of keeping in the drawer, laminate it and hang it on a string near the window and keep adding to that string,”

Region-specific décor items

Each place that you visit, may have its own unique arts and crafts. You can buy such items for your home décor. For example, one can buy beautiful throws and rugs, or street art work and hang them on walls. You can use wall art to depict a narrative, or use artefacts to create niche corners in your house.

Be creative

“You can also transform ordinary things that you buy, into a more beautiful form. For example, a tiffin box from a flea market, can be converted to a lamp. Every object from your travels can be used creatively – whether it is the first ticket from a metro train journey in Paris or a tram ticket from Kolkata, or an opera ticket or even a Starbucks takeaway mug. Remember, it’s your story. So, let it be told with panache and incorporated in your home,” concludes Sharifi.

Tips for displaying travel souvenirs at home

  • 1. Display holiday photos, by getting them printed on plates, or as a poster, or create a collage. You can also frame your tickets, entry passes, keychains, posters and maps.
  • 2. While travelling, you are bound to like several things but bring back only those items that you would like to see at all times. Do not clutter the tea table or side table with too many models of various monuments or artefacts.
  • 3. Buy things of utility and some value too. Textiles are easy to carry and use and can add style and colour to home décor.
  • 4. If you are fond of cooking, pick up different mugs, teapots and other silverware, to display as souvenirs in your kitchen and serve your guests in style.
  • 5. Ensure that your cherished pieces find a place of pride at home and are always dust- free.
  • 6. Try grouping together all your collectibles from various travels. This creates an interesting focal point and can act as conversation starters.


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Tips for Dhanteras and Lakshmi puja at home


Dhanteras is an auspicious time to buy new property and Lakshmi Puja is performed, to worship the Goddesses of wealth and to welcome prosperity at home. We speak to two experts about the pujas and their significance


Dhanteras is one of the most auspicious days of the year. It is believed that whatever ones buys on this day, reaps rich benefits. The word Dhanteras is derived from two words –‘Dhan’, meaning wealth and ‘Teras’, which signifies the 13th day of the Krishna Paksh, of the lunar month Kartik. “Dhanteras is the day of incarnation of Dhanwantari, the God of health. It is said that on this day, Dhanwantari arouse from Lord Vishnu’s Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean, with a pot of life-giving nectar. So, one prays to Dhanawantri, the deity of health, for good health and wealth in life,” explains states Jayshree Dhamani, a Vastu Shastra and astrology expert.
“Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, which is celebrated two days before Diwali, is an auspicious time to buy property or give token money for a new house. However, ideally, one must not perform a griha pravesh on this day. People also buy gold or silver, utensils and electronic appliances, on this day,” says Mumbai-based Nitien Parmar of VastuPlus. “It is believed that any purchases, whether it may be gold or property, will flourish and bring prosperity, if bought on this auspicious day,” adds Parmar.
A Dhanteras puja is performed in the evening. Along with fresh flowers and prasad, one offers wheat and various pulses. Small footprints, using vermilion, symbolising the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, are made near the entrance of the home. “Many people also take out their gold and silver items from their lockers and clean it with honey, holy water, curd and milk. People also buy new gold or silver, on this day. Finally an aarti is performed,” Parmar elaborates.

Lakshmi puja and Diwali celebrations

Diwali is one of the most important festivals in our country. It is also a day when the Goddesses of wealth is worshipped. To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, home owners clean their homes thoroughly. “It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only enters a clean house. So, ensure that the home is free of dust, dirt, cobwebs and old and broken things, as they obstruct positive energy from entering the house. From a practical perspective, this is done, to rid the house of insects and fungus, which may have built up during the monsoons,” Parmar explains.
Diwali is celebrated on the day of amavasya of Kartik month. As there is no moonlight on Amavasya, hence, diyas are lit to illuminate the home. Lighting of the diyas, signifies dispelling of darkness, (ignorance) and it represents knowledge, happiness and hope. For Diwali puja, the temple area should have good flow of energy and hence, should be clean. “As the sun rises from the east, one gets maximum energy in this direction. Keep all idols on the east wall of your house and face east, while worshiping. The Diwali puja is done after the sunset and the mahurat lasts for almost two hours, after sunset,” says Parmar.
A kalash, rice, kum kum, coconut and betel leaves, are all needed for the puja. Light a diya to start a puja and this diya should be kept lit overnight. The entire family should sit together for the puja. “During the puja, one worships three forms of Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess MahaLakshmi, Maha Kaali and Goddess Saraswati. People also worship Lords Kuber and Ganesha, as they represent wealth, education and peace and serenity,” adds Dhamani.
Prasad of fruits, sweets and dry fruits must be offered. Decorate the temple with fresh flowers, especially red roses and lotus. Light camphor, dhoop or incense sticks. Reciting aartis, ringing bells and chanting of mantras, are the rituals to be followed for blessings of the divine.

Tips to decorate the house for Diwali and Dhanteras

  • 1. The main door is called as the Simha Dwara and it is the face of the Vastu Pursush. Hence, should be decorated well, clean and free of any obstructions.
  • 2. Light diyas, not only near the temple but also keep them at the main door. Keep safety in mind, when placing diyas near the main door, windows or in the temple. Opt for diyas with glass covers.
  • 3. Decorate the home with rangoli designs, with motifs like lotus, swastika, Om, etc., to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
  • 4. Hanging of torans at the entrance, restricts negative energies from entering the house and invites good luck and prosperity.
  • 5. Decorate the temple with fresh flowers, like marigold, mogras and roses. On a white paper, write ‘Shubh Labh’ with Kum Kum and keep it near the Lakshmi idol or photo.


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This Diwali, budget tips for revamping your home


Considering that home owners cannot spend huge amounts to renovate the home for every festival, we look at some pocket-friendly tricks, to deck up the home for Diwali


Diwali is a time, when one spruces up the home to make it look clean and fresh. For the festival of lights, it is important that the house looks bright and cheerful. “The first thing to do, is to thoroughly clean all the walls, fans and lights. All chandeliers and lamps should be cleaned, so as to emit more light and give a sparkling look to the home. Keep the rooms well-organised and clutter-free,” advises interior designer Meghna Mirchandani, of House for sale in Pune Dimensions, Delhi. Dry cleaning the sofas and curtains, can also give a fresh feel to the Rent House in Pune house and is an inexpensive option, compared to changing the upholstery, adds Flats in Coimbatore Mirchandani.
You can also use colourful throws, or lustrous silk and shimmery brocades, to decorate the house. “Change the cushion covers and add a few more, on the sofa. One can opt for raw silk fabrics in various colours to spruce up the home’s décor. The right size and mix of colours, can make the space inviting,” states Saheba Singh, director, This is it Designs Pvt Ltd, Delhi. The walls can be given a quick makeover, with some acrylic emulsion and block print patterns on the entire wall, adds Singh. “You can opt for a single colour or use multiple tones of two chosen colours. Embellish it with crystals, shimmer, or whatever else you might fancy,” suggests Singh.

Ways to brighten the home for Diwali, with accessories and lights

Beautiful metals accessories like silver, brass and copper, can add subtle glimmer. Add a few ornamental brass pieces in the rooms, or decorate a fancy silver tray table with a few lights and flower petals and keep dry fruits and chocolates in it, for guests. LED lights are easily available. You can spread them over trees, balconies, window sills and outdoor spaces, to add a warm glow for Diwali. When opting for lights, don’t limit your choices to merely wall and ceiling lights. For example, there are statues and stones, with built-in lights. Glass bottles filled with LED string lights too, can be placed in gardens, the balcony and near the main entrance.

Use plants as accent pieces

Aesthetic plants can also be used as accent pieces. “Add some lush green foliage indoors. You can paint the earthen pots with easily available geru, (brown earth powder) and arrange them in the corners of the room. Potted plants, shrubs, creepers, bonsais, and sculptural stems can be arranged in any room,” states Mirchandani. You can set up a temporary vertical garden indoors, by keeping a wooden ladder in a corner and arranging plants on each step and twirling fairy lights on the ladder.

Decorating the main door for Diwali

Decorate the main door for the festival, to welcome positive energy. If one has the space near the door, place a large metal diya stand and marigold garlands on the floor. For a classic look, place huge white candles in jars and sprinkle pink roses and white mogras, around it. “For the dining table, make an arrangement with flowers, fruits and candles. Choose a single colour for all three. For example, marigold, tangerine or tiny oranges (clementine) and yellow and orange candles on the table, can spruce up the table instantly,” says Singh.

Diwali decoration tips


  • 1. Arrange fresh flowers like lilies, hydrangeas, lotus, carnations, or tulips at home, in tall vases or in flat brass urlis with candles.

  • 2. For Diwali, add a stunning lamp at home, as a symbol of the festival. You can choose a carved metal lamp or one with metal fittings or merely opt for a brass lantern.

  • 3. For tableware, you can choose ethnic rustic crockery for flat plates, dip bowls, sweet platters and so on. Dress up the dining table with desi textiles and colours like red, purple and turquoise.

  • 4. Rangoli and torans are a must, to decorate the main door. You can make a traditional powder rangoli and also draw Laxmi’s feet and swastika with kum kum, which is considered auspicious.

  • 5. On the floor near the temple, arrange diyas.

  • 6. To spruce up the walls, you can use washable colours and designs.

  • 7. Ensure that the Diwali decorations in the house do not hinder movement.

  • 8. Use traditional ‘itra’ for fragrance at home.

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Quick ways to add a festive touch to your home for Dussehra


There are many ways in which home owners can quickly get their homes ready for the festive season, with designer accessories that are readily available. Here’s a guide on how to use these, to spruce up your home for Dussehra.

The festive season is a time, when many home owners decorate their homes to make it colourful and bright. This often extends to the temple area, where attractive puja accessories are used. For those who lack the time to make elaborate preparations, designer accessories for festivals are now easily available in stores. From bandhanwars, decorative kalash and chowkis, to instant rangolis and thalis, these accessories can be used to add a festive look to the home, quickly.
“Nowadays, people are increasingly opting for readymade puja accessories and decorative embellishments, to create a divine aura at home during festivals. These accessories can also be customised, according to one’s requirements, the theme of decoration and price. Readymade accessories are available for decorating the home’s entrance, temple area, floor and corners,” explains Khushboo Jain, founder, Urban Haveli – The Home Décor Studio, Mumbai.

Sprucing up the main entrance, to make it welcoming

The main entrance provides the first impression of any home. It is also the entry point for positive energies into the house. Hence, this area should be vibrant and welcoming, especially during festivals.

You can decorate the entrance with auspicious symbols like a swastika, shubh labh, om and Laxmi feet. “These days, one gets fancy torans made from terracotta, fabrics like bandhini and even wooden cutouts and papier mâché. Along with fresh flowers like lotus, one can use Ashoka leaves, as they are considered auspicious and combine it with colourful pompoms.

“Embellishments such as tiny bells, beads, stones, pearls, tiny mirrors sequins, silk and tissue flowers, can also be used to add some glitter,” states Mital Surendira, CEO of Sanskrriti, a gift store in Chennai.

Rangoli is considered auspicious at the main entrance of the house. Readymade rangolis save time and are smudge-free, unlike powder. These are available in various shapes, such as floral and geometric shapes, in acrylic and even plywood. “Portable rangolis are quite popular. They are a perfect fusion of contemporary and tradition designs, We make them on ply and they are light in weight,” adds Surendira. When it comes to serving guests, prasad trays and boxes exquisitely crafted using velvet and gota, are also available.

Decorating the temple area for festivals

To decorate the temple, one can use a variety of fresh floral garlands that can be custom-made from a florist. One can customise them, according to a theme or colour. For example, use orchids for a blue and purple theme, or rose and tuberose if you prefer a red and white colour theme.

The puja thali is an important accessory and there are plenty of options to choose from.

“Puja thalis, decorated with kundan, gemstones, laces and metal motifs can add a glamorous touch. Try and colour-coordinate the thali, with the garlands and coconut (festooned with fabric) for a stunning effect. For the festive season, colours like red, yellow, orange, gold and silver are ideal. Accordingly, matching clothes and fabric for the deities, decoration and other puja accessories should be picked, to celebrate events like Dussehra,” suggests Neelam Lahoti of Neelam Arts and Crafts, Mumbai.

Puja thalis made with a wooden base or MDF (medium density fibre board) or papier mâché with kundan studded on them, are easy to maintain. “Apart from this, marble puja thalis with attractive meenakari hand painting work are also becoming popular,” says Jain.

Ways to brighten up the home

To brighten up the home, a variety of diyas and candles stands, in different colours, sizes and materials, can be used. Simple, hand-painted diyas or even ornate silver ones can add radiance to the temple. Even lanterns have undergone a transformation. Today, one can choose from earthen lanterns or metal lanterns made from copper, brass, or silver in various colours. Dress up the floor with bright rugs and dhurries. Most importantly, ensure that there is ample seating space available for the family around the temple, to sit together and pray during the festival.

Tips to decorate your home quickly, for Dussehra


  • Shades of red, orange, green, etc., are ideal colours for decorating the temple area during festivals. Place red rose petals or marigold in the corners near the temple, to add a festive touch.

  • Brighten up the home’s entrance, with spotlights and a toran. Strings of colourful LED lights at the entrance, can add to the festive look.

  • Arrange tiny twinkling lights around the temple or stuff fairy lights in see-through jars and place them near the temple area.

  • If you prefer eco-friendly décor, opt for products like fresh or dried colourful flowers and leaves, jute flowers, bamboo and recycled paper.

  • Fragrance plays an important role in infusing a festive feel. So, light incense sticks, fragrant candles, or dhoop near the temple. Alternatively, you can use diffusers with camphor, sandalwood, rose or any other oil.

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Saturday 9 November 2019

11 Things To Do Before You Sell Your Home


Selling your house could be as difficult a task as buying it. So, if you are planning to sell your house and are not clear how to begin with the process, read through the following suggestions.


Make the first impression

They say “first impression is the last impression”. The first impression of your home could be a crucial move towards finalising your deal. Make sure you present your home in the best light to a buyer in the first meeting itself.

Price it right

You may want to get the best deal for your house, but do not quote a price which is too high for your property. First, compare the prices in the market, research about the price trends and before demanding. A real estate advisor could help you to acquaint with the price of your property.

Check your papers

The first thing to do before you start the process is to find, check and collect all the legal and civic documents that were created at the time of the purchase. Make sure all the documents are ready and complete to avoid any last-minutes hassles.

Clear the dues

Make sure all your dues which are related to your property such as electricity and water bill, lease amount or property tax, etc, are clear. Not doing so can land you in a fix during the transaction process and may even spoil the deal.

Choose the right advisor

If you are planning to sell your home through a real estate advisor, ensure they have a good track record and understand your requirements. A local advisor can assist you in selling your house in a better way.

Schedule the right dates

Have a clear idea about the timeline within which you want to sell your house, and be ready to hand over the possession to the new buyer on a prefixed date. Following a timeline can make the whole process smoother.

Click your house pictures

If you are planning to sell your house via social media or real estate listicle websites, it is always better to click in-and-out images of your house and post them in the portals. Beautiful images of your home can give the perspective buyer an insight into the property. It can also be a helpful source for increasing the number of buyers interested.

De-clutter your home

Clean your house and de-clutter it of any unused or extra articles. Also, organise your wardrobes and other storage spaces and try to highlight more empty space. Any buyer would notice available storage spaces in the house, as they are one of the important segments of the house.

Fix the fixtures

Get all the required repairs done in the home before you show your house to buyers. Check for any electrical fault or water leakage. Get your home painted if it needs a dash of shine.

Focus on kitchen and bathroom

The kitchen and the bathroom of your house could be a deal-maker or breaker. So, re-model them with some latest designs, if possible. This investment will definitely add value to your property.

Take your home out of your house

While showing your house to buyers, you are offering them their future abode. This is why it is suggested you clear your personal belongings at display from the house. Give buyers time and space to have a close look at the house and feel every corner of it.


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Navi Mumbai All Set to Witness Direct Connectivity via Airoli-Kalwa Rail Link


The upcoming Airoli-Kalwa rail link is on the fast track, thanks to railway planners. It is touted to connect Navi Mumbai all the way to Kasara, thus not only making commute hassle-free, but also opening up new markets for residential development.


Have you made lifelong friends in that 9.02 am semi-fast local from Kalyan to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) that you have been boarding for the last ten years? Living in Mumbai directly co-relates to making connections on the local train and now the Railways is working on a plan to make one such seamless connection from Navi Mumbai all the way to Kasara. This will not only increase Mumbaikars' mobility, but also open up markets such as Kalwa, Mumbra, Diva and Thakurli to a number of residential projects.

These areas that have predominantly witnessed illegal and shoddy construction will now be subjected to an overhaul, as the Railways plans to extend the railway line running from Navi Mumbai to Thane, to Kalwa via Airoli and eventually, all the way to Kasara. It has set an internal deadline of March 2021. Officials working closely with the project say that it had been in the doldrums due to very lengthy negotiations for land acquisition. But the negotiations seem to have been moving forward and work for the same has already begun. A railway official says, "The Railway Ministry has been asking the state government to take a call on the same and finally after a push by both, the negotiations for land acquisition have finally seen some positive signs."

This railway link is also a part of the state's plan to provide new Central Business Districts (CBDs) across the suburbs and take away the stress from areas such as Fort, Churchgate and the increasingly saturated BKC. As a result, the Railways plans to find a way to join otherwise non-connected suburbs like Panvel/Vashi to far-off suburbs like Kasara, via a rail rink that will connect Airoli to Kalwa, albeit on the slow line.

Rajesh Mehta, a developer who has extended his business from Vashi to Thane due to increasing opportunities says, "When the Thane line had come up more than ten years ago, we didn't know that places like Airoli will become one of the biggest hubs of commercial realty. Also, it is has boosted residential sales." With an expected surge of 30 percent in real estate prices, he further adds, "If the line is extended all the way to Kalyan and then Kasara, we expect more people to travel between the two areas, which in turn will create a huge demand for housing. Usually, there is always a 30 percent increase in housing prices when a mass transit system is introduced in the area. In areas like Ulwe, we saw an increase by 100 to 150 percent when the work on the railway line had begun."

Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) has been assigned to build this link, which is worth Rs 476 crore. It will have an elevated deck for the new line at Airoli station. Chief managing director, R S Khurana says, "The Airoli-Kalwa bridge is a priority project for us and we are leaving no stone unturned to finish the work. We hope that it connects two opposite ends of the city on a seamless platform for commuters."

Currently to come to Navi Mumbai, one has to change at Thane while travelling from Kasara and catch a train to Panvel/Vashi and vice-a-versa; but the rail link on the slow line will imply that commuters can board simply one train and travel from Panvel to Kasara without having to break their journey.


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