Monday, 29 July 2019

10 important factors to Consider-while-Buying-Your-First-Home


So, all set to buy a house? We all dream to own a house and it is considered as one big achievement in a person’s life. It is one of crucial and important financial decision that every goes through at least once in a lifetime. Landing in your own house from here would not be relaxing process, as it requires to find a house which is best for you and analyze carefully all the factors involved in making financial or non-financial decisions.

Here I am going to list down 10 important factors to consider while buying your first home.

1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK – Which one to choose?

Credit : freepik.com

Do you have sufficient finances?

Buying a first home is not a single activity, there are many financial commitments that pops up as soon as you get into the deal. Decide carefully how much you are bound to spend on all the dependent requisites. You may either choose to finance your house or invest your savings to completely pay to purchase your house. Whatever the case, may the availability of liquid fund is import for all the following activities-

  • - Making a down payment
  • - Purchasing a housing insurance policy
  • - Paying off monthly installments of mortgage
  • - Spending on service charges and tax
  • - Your hosing maintenance charges and miscellaneous costs
  • - Keeping a small portion of buffer towards miscellaneous costs is important to avoid any last-minute surprises in your closing your deal.

Have you got a trustworthy real estate agent for your deal?

Real estate agents are those who are responsible for promoting, generating lead and informing prospective clients about the seller’s or builder’s property. They are offered brokerage and commissions for converting the deal. However, you would be approached by many agents who would claim to be reliable and trustworthy. Don’t just get carried away by their words and try to do some background verification from your end as well. Also, the important point is – never get agreed for paying commission or brokerage while buying your first home. Few, real estate agents may try to get the benefit from both the parties.

Have you identified the best mortgage products?

There are verities of mortgage products available in the market, few of them may suit best for your need and requirement. Look out for different kinds of products and offers and find which one involves lower cost and high flexibility to you. Since, mortgages are generally a long term commitments, we need should carefully decide as to which one has the best features as per our need and comfort.

Have you decided the location of new house?

Deciding the location of your new house is very important and involves lots of predictions. When you decide to build your house in a location, you are going to stay there for a longer period of time. Look for all the facilities and amenities that would accessible from your new house. The distance from schools, colleges, Hospitals, parks, retails stores, market and the traffic condition in the vicinity. Also, verify if your location of your new house is not flood prone or in danger of any natural or social threat. You can visit various real estate websites to find best location for your new house. Real estate can also help you solve any queries related to locations of new house.

Have any clue, how long you are going to stay in your new house?

Some people may choose to shift to different location for a job or for caring loved ones. However, if you know it earlier, you may plan your house accordingly. If you feel that you may have to change the location in near future, you can find a house which can appreciate faster with considerable amount of investment. You may park your luxurious needs for your next house after you decide to permanently settle down at one place.

Have you decided the category and features of house you need?

Modern houses have got lots of variants and features, a big kitchen with a dining hall or a garden in the backyard or the top floor of multistory building. What pleases you the most, is important to consider before you decide to while buying your home. List down all the features that you like to have in your house and then decide which one suites best in your budget.

Have you collected all your documents for mortgage application?

Before, getting into the final deal with an agent or the seller, arrange all the documents required to process your loan application. You can get the details on the list of required documents on the official website of the bank you are planning for the mortgage. Read all the terms and conditions of mortgage products by downloading e catalog or visiting the nearest branch. You may also contact the support services for any queries on the documents and mortgage products.

Have you reviewed your credit score for financing your house?


Credit score is an important factor to decide the approval or rejection of your mortgage application. As mortgages involves long term commitment and huge money, financial institutions look for anything between above average to good credit scores. It also depends on your credit report and your repayment history. You can easily find your credit score online through various credit score checking websites to get an idea on your current position. If you feel that your credit score is quite low to qualify for a mortgage, you may look for other financial institution who can rather offer you a loan at a slightly higher interest.

Are you comfortable with monthly EMI for your house?


Calculate your EMI online or visiting the branch, where you are planning to apply for mortgage. Various mortgage calculators and simulators allows you to reveal any hidden cost and derive overall interest, EMIs and overall approximate cost. You can also request to generate a dummy repayment schedule from your bank a analyze for each month how much you are paying towards interest and principal. These analyses will help you to identify and calculate all your financial commitments and you would free to change your decisions at this time.

Have you decided the financial institution or bank to apply for mortgage?


Deciding your lender is a very important factor for a successful mortgage process. You may get there through referrals to get an extra discount on the interest rates or processing fees. A typical mortgage product involves lot of components, which involves huge cost. Verify all these carefully and choose the best lender for your new house.




To Buy Affordable House in Ghodbunder Road Thane,Contact - Squarefeet Group in Thane, On +91-22-25452903, 66543333 Or Email Us At - sales@squarefeetgroup.in




Thursday, 11 July 2019

1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK – Which one to choose?



Many home buyers may think that with the exception of the size and the cost, there may not be much difference between a 1-BHK, a 2-BHK and a 3-BHK apartment. But in reality, there are several factors that differentiate the different unit sizes. This article will tell you about the advantages and the disadvantages between differently-sized apartments.

1 BHK, 2 BHK, 3 BHK – Which one to choose?

Credit : freepik.com

Advantages of 1 BHK:

A 1-BHK apartment comes at a nominal price. Other than that, it is easy to maintain. This unit size is ideal for bachelors living alone. Even couples often chose such an apartment for the matter of convenience and budgetary constraints. A 1-BHK apartment is cozy and is ideal if one is in a moving job.

Disadvantages of 1 BHK:

It is difficult to find a 1-BHK unit in several societies, especially in big cities. At the same time, due to its space crunch, it can become difficult for some, especially families, to feel a sense of comfort in such apartments. Storage can also turnout to be a major hassle in such unit.

Advantages of 2 BHK:

This is the most commonly chosen unit size across cities. As per the latest Insite Report by 99acres.com (Apr-Jun 2015), 2BHK is the most supplied configuration in the top seven metros – Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata. Because of its popularity, this unit size is easily available in both small towns, as well as big cities. It is also the ideal unit size for couples. With the additional bedroom compared to a 1 BHK, storage issues can also be taken care of.

Disadvantages of 2 BHK:

Due to the high demand for this unit size, even if it is relatively nominal in price, it is not considered cost effective. Also, families may find it difficult to get comfortable as this unit size generally caters to couples and is slightly congested for three or more people living together.

Advantages of 3 BHK:

With sufficient space in a 3BHK unit, one does not have to worry about size issues. This is even true for the convenience of families living under one roof. This unit size, with three separate bedrooms, is in fact considered ideal for decent-sized families. Normally, two or more separate balconies with such units add to the charm and comfort of having sufficient personal space.

Disadvantages of 3 BHK:

This unit size with its sufficient space normally comes at an expensive price. In such a scenario, it is certainly not pocket-friendly for many people, including families. Also, because of ample space, maintenance of such an apartment can turn out to be a costly activity.

The decision of choosing the unit size is one of the the most critical ones. But one must make sure that instead of focusing on just one or two aspects, one looks at the overall picture and makes an informed decision.





To Buy 1bhk 2bhk Property in Ghodbunder Road Thane,Contact - Squarefeet Group in Thane, On +91-22-25452903, 66543333 Or Email Us At - sales@squarefeetgroup.in


Source - www.99acres.com


Thursday, 4 July 2019

4 Benefits of Married Couples Jointly Owning Property


July, 2019
Whether it’s tax benefits or hassle-free succession of assets, there are several advantages to jointly owning property

In addition to making an informed decision, property buyers are also working out the best mode of acquiring their immovable assets. Whether it’s choosing the best financing option for tax benefits or directly dealing with the seller to avoid brokerage, Indians are leaving no stone unturned. One such smart way is the decision to register the property jointly, with the spouse.

There are intangible benefits of joint registration of property like elevating the status of the wife in a patriarchal society, better bonding, long-term commitment, and trust between spouses. However, not many are aware of the financial advantages.

4 benefits of married couples jointly owning property

Credit : freepik.com

Loan options for couples

The budget to purchase property is determined by the loan eligibility, which has a specific limit depending on the income. In case of a joint registration, spouses can opt for a joint home loan. It shares the debt burden between two people and paves the way for a higher loan amount as two incomes will be considered. A joint home loan can be obtained by an applicant along with their spouse, parents or siblings.

Tax benefits for co-borrowers

According to Suraj Nangia, partner, Nangia & Co., “From a taxation point of view, a joint home loan is beneficial to all co-borrowers who can claim a tax deduction of Rs 1.50 lakhs for principal repayment under Sec 80C and Rs 2 lakhs for interest payment under Sec 24. In the case of two or more people taking a joint home loan, each of them can enjoy tax benefits under the Income-tax Act, in respect of the principal and interest paid during a year, on proportionate basis.”

Under section 80C, each joint owner is allowed a deduction of Rs 1,50,000 for principal repayment. They can also claim deduction on the registration charges and stamp duty charges that they have paid for, with total deduction not exceeding Rs 1,50,000. Additionally, they can also apply for deduction of housing loan interest from house property income, up to Rs 2,00,000 each. However, the deduction should not exceed the interest.

Stamp duty benefits for women

Delhi, UP, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, offer relaxations in stamp duty for women buyers. Punjab reduced the stamp duty charges from nine per cent to six per cent in 2017, for a limited period. It maintained that from April 1, 2019, urban areas would again invoke a stamp duty charge of nine per cent and the same would be six per cent in rural areas.

The stamp duty rate in Maharashtra, which was recently increased to six per cent from the previous five per cent, is uniform for both, men and women. However, the other states where stamp duty rates are lower for women include:

4 benefits of married couples jointly owning property
Note: List is not exhaustive – charges are indicative and subject to change.

Additionally, many banks such as SBI, HDFC, ICICI, etc., offer discounts on home loan interest rates to women as compared to men. This varies from bank to bank and goes up to nearly one per cent.

Succession of jointly-owned property

In the case of single ownership, transfer of property can be lengthy and time consuming. For instance, after the death of a New Delhi resident, his family members found that the flat they lived in, was solely owned by the deceased. The procedure to get the documents in the successor’s name involved excessive conformation to regulations and rules.

“Many people suggested shortcuts involving unethical practices. Finally, my sister took possession of the property after extensive paperwork, mental torture and time,” recounts the brother-in-law of the deceased.

If only the property was jointly owned, these hassles could have been avoided.

“Joint registration of property is always advisable as the spouse is always the successor. This will prevent unwarranted problems in the future after the demise of any person,”





To Buy Upcoming Project in Ghodbunder Road Thane,Contact - Squarefeet Group in Thane, On +91-22-25452903, 66543333 Or Email Us At - sales@squarefeetgroup.in


Source - www.housing.com

Friday, 28 June 2019

10 Best Home Care Tips For This Monsoon


June, 2019
After those long, dry, sultry and overbearing summer days, monsoons bring a sigh of relief to the faces of all. It is no wonder then that monsoon is seen as a season of rejoicing! But to truly enjoy the season you have to take certain precautions as well. Just like you need to carry an umbrella, to save yourself from getting drenched and catching a cold, similarly, your house needs to be protected from the natural elements too. With water pouring down all day long, many areas of your beautiful house are susceptible to damages. This is why we thought of throwing some light on the problem areas and then giving you advices on how to counter them.

Home Care Tips For This Monsoon


Credit : freepik.com

1. Leaks in Roofs and Walls

The most obvious danger of monsoons is the leakage in your roofs and walls. When exposed to constant drops of water, your ailing roofs and walls can quickly give up. This is why you should periodically check them for any leakages. The best practice is to get the walls and roofs checked by an expert at the beginning of the monsoons and then monitoring it yourself. Apart from this, you should also inspect the water pipes to find signs of damage or blockage in them. Without proper drainage, the accumulated rain water can cause a significant harm to your property.

2. Remove the Unnecessary Dampness

Monsoon brings high humidity with it, apart from the rains. This can cause dampness within your house, which is not good for the health of your family as well as other house contents. This is why you should check the house and find the most humid areas in the property. Ventilators should be installed in these areas to overcome the dampness issue. By doing so, you ensure that the house has sufficient cross ventilation keeping the house safe.

3. Damages to Electrical Fixtures

Water and electricity have an eternal enmity, so it is essential to seek consultation from an experienced electrician in your vicinity before it starts to pour down. When kept unchecked, the electrical wirings and fixtures can incur damages, and you can be harmed by electrical shocks and short circuits. So, cover up the uncovered electrical switches in the outdoors of your property. Also, carry out a detailed inspection of the generator room to uncover any signs of leakage in that room.

4. Door Care

Wooden doors generally swell up during the rainy season, as a result of moisture accumulation. In many instances, this creates a lot of problems with opening and closing of doors. So, the best idea is to get it varnished, sandpapered or painted before the arrival of monsoons.

5. Foul Smelling Rugs and Carpets

Carpets can pick up the dampness in the weather very soon and they start smelling foul. This is why a renewed sense of interest should be shown in vacuum cleaning the carpets and rugs on a daily basis. This act would prevent accumulation of dust and moisture in them. A handy tip in this respect would be to wrap the carpets or rugs with polythene sheets to prevent water damage as well as insect infestation.

6. Prevent Damages to Wooden Furniture

Monsoons are the toughest months for the wooden furniture’s. Furniture’s such as drawers, cupboards, and tables can be ruined when exposed to excessive moisture. Make sure that these furniture’s are not exposed to water. On top of this, you can protect clothes and other contents of the closet by using naphthalene balls that keep away moisture and other insects. Putting Neem leaves in the cupboard is a proven method to stop the infestation of silver fish.

7. Get Rid of the Weird Smell

Most of you must have encountered this, when the monsoon comes it brings with it a weird smell that lingers all through the house. If you want to get rid of this smell, making cleaning a regular routine rather than a weekly activity would help. You may also try placing a potpourri in ceramic or glass container and adding a bit of oil in it, as this will reduce the stench. Using scented candles is also a good way to keep your house from smelling fresh.

8. Keep your Renovation Plans Aside, for the Moment

Okay, so you are about to start a long pending renovation task. But monsoons are not the best time to renovate your house. With dampness and moisture all around, more things are prone to go wrong during this season. Small wall painting and waterproofing tasks can be carried out, but if you want to perform a major renovation task, then there are better seasons for that.

9. Prevent the Mess on the Floor

Monsoons present a stiff challenge for the homeowners, none more challenging than this one. Imagine you have just finished cleaning the floor with detail, and the doorbell rings and in walks a guest with sticky mud all over the shoes. Soon your spotless tiles or wooden flooring has ugly footprints all over! To prevent such occurrences, the best policy is to enforce a no-shoes-allowed-beyond-this-limit policy. Help the guests get rid of their muddy shoes by placing an ordinary doormat in front of your entrance. It would also be a good idea to place a bucket outside the door, where the guests can store their wet umbrellas.

10. Choose the Right Window Dressings

During the summer months, if your house is located so, you would have hung those heavy fabric window curtains to protect yourself from the sunlight. Most of the homeowners, forget to change these with the arrival of monsoons. The heavy curtains are not ideal for this season, as they take ages to dry. And they add to the humidity of the room, causing a stench. So, it is a good time to go shopping and purchase some light curtains that would suit the rains ideally.

Monsoons are keenly anticipated by every homeowner, but when it arrives it brings along a series of challenges for the homeowners. It is essential to drift clear of the problems to truly enjoy the season!




Source - www.lokaa.in

You may also contact us at - +91-22-25452903, 66543333 or Email us at - sales@squarefeetgroup.in



Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Home financing options for NRI buyers



May, 2019
Besides regulations for the type of properties that NRIs can purchase in India, legal provisions also exist on the mode through which these purchases can be financed When a non-resident Indian (NRI) opts to purchase a property in India, there are several regulations that govern how such a purchase can be financed.

Homes in Kasarwadavali Thane

Credit : freepik.com

Sources, for financing a real estate investment in India, for NRIs

The money for purchasing a property in India, has to come through banking channels only. Consequently, the payment cannot be tendered in the form of traveller’s cheque or foreign currency. An NRI can also use the money in his/her credit, in non-resident external (NRE) rupee or non-resident ordinary (NRO) or foreign currency non-resident (FCNR) account, maintained in India. NRIs are allowed to purchase property in India, by availing home loans in Indian rupees, from banks or housing finance companies. The home loan can also be granted by the Indian employer of the NRI employee, for the purpose of financing of the property.

How can NRIs obtain a home loan

As NRI investment in Indian real estate is only allowed in residential or commercial properties, banks too, can finance only these properties. Almost all banks offer home loans to NRIs for buying a house or constructing one. One can also get a loan, for purchase of land (non-agricultural), for constructing a house in India. The application for the home loan can be made online, as well as offline. The nature of documents that need to be submitted, will depend on whether the NRI is a salaried employee or whether s/he is self-employed. It will also vary, depending on the NRI’s country of residence. Nevertheless, copies of one’s passport and visa, passport-sized photographs and proof of residence in the foreign county, will be required in all cases. Depending on whether the NRI is salaried or self-employed, s/he also has to fulfil a minimum period of stay in the country of present residence, to avail of the home loan. Banks may also insist on an acceptable co-applicant, or an NRI guarantor. The NRI guarantor too, has to submit documents pertaining to identity proof, address proof and income proof.

How can NRIs service the home loan

EMIs on the home loan can be paid through remittances from outside India, through a proper banking channel, or by debiting the NRE, or NRO, or FCNR account. In case the property is let-out, the rental yields can be used for servicing the NRI home loan. Money transferred to the NRO account from close relatives, can also be used for servicing the home loans. In case the property is purchased for self-occupancy, the NRI can avail of a loan against the FCNR or NRE account deposits, of up to Rs 1 crore, for servicing the home loan.

Remittances out of India

An NRI is allowed to repatriate some of the funds, in case the property so acquired is sold. However, the number of properties (whether purchased or inherited), for which s/he can remit or send money to India, is restricted to two. Moreover, the amount that can be repatriated, cannot exceed the amount (denominated in foreign currency) received as remittances from outside India, either for purchase or servicing of the NRI home loan. Under normal circumstances, an NRI is allowed to remit an amount of USD 1 million in a year, out of India, from his NRE, NRO, or FCNR accounts, which includes the amount remitted for sale of a house.






You may also contact us at - +91-22-25452903, 
66543333 or Email us at - sales@squarefeetgroup.in


Thursday, 16 May 2019

Use your travel collectibles to create an interesting home décor




May, 2019
From maps to suitcases, we look at how home owners can use mundane items associated with travelling, to spruce up their home décor and create a personalised space.

A person’s home is a reflection of his or her lifestyle. If one is a seasoned traveller, there is no better way to showcase your collectibles, maps, souvenirs, postcards and photos, than through your home décor. Home owners often ponder and search the internet, to find unique themes that would give a personal touch and extraordinary look to their homes. A travel-themed décor, can be a perfect amalgamation of both and hence, is quite a trend in current times.

Home Decor ideas for your 1 BHK in Ghodbunder Road Thane

Credit : freepik.com

Here are a few tips for travel-inspired décor that will jog your memory and take you back to your holidays:

1. Flaunt your maps

When you return from a vacation, do not throw the maps. Instead, convert these paper maps into personalised art. You can hang up a huge wall-size map and add photos of the destinations that you visited, on the relevant location on the map.

2. Foreign coins and currencies as art

Similarly, if you come home with lots of coins and bills from your travel destination, do not let them collect dust in a drawer. Instead, make them into an interesting art that no one else will have. You can create a shadow box frame, by combining maps, coins and currencies. Alternatively, turn your foreign coins into magnets and they would look unique on refrigerators. Prepare a creative travel collage with leftover foreign currencies, tickets, etc., from your travel.

3. Display your collectibles

Whether you collected blue plates from the Netherlands or Hungarian blue embroidery, show off your treasured collected items in a corner of your drawing room. For example, use your vintage suitcases as a placing unit, which will also serve as storage units for your home. Fill a jar with shells and sand that you collected from various beaches you took a walk on and place it at your work desk.

4. Paint a wall with a theme based on your favourite destination

Go all out and paint your walls, with a theme based on the destination that you have the best memories of. For example, show your love for nature and colour your wall with Mediterranean blues. You can also draw inspiration for Indian art or culture or French and Italian designs, or use south-eastern or American influences, to create your own wall art depicting your love for travel and adventure.

5. Use photographs as display objects

Decorating a space with pictures, is a simple way of personalising a room and making the space feel like home. The way in which you display these photos, also offers a whole set of décor possibilities. You can just hang your Polaroid photos with strings on the wall or frame them in different sizes. You can also customise a simple picture frame and make it an interesting display of several pictures. A well-curated wall art can turn a blank space into something that is both, visually striking and also serve as a talking point for guests.
An avid traveller will always long to visit new and exciting destinations. So, the next time you book your tickets for a soothing holiday, collect badges, coins, shells or anything from your visits, remember that you can use it to bring your traveller personality into your home’s décor.



Source - housing.com

You may also contact us at - +91-22-25452903, 66543333 or Email us at - sales@squarefeetgroup.in


Thursday, 9 May 2019

What is an LTV ratio and how does it determine home loan eligibility?


May, 2019
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is based on the size of home loan sought and determines the maximum amount that can be sanctioned to a property buyer. We explain how this is calculated.

Loan-to-value (LTV) is a ratio of the amount of loan that can be given to the total value of the property. The LTV can range from 75 per cent to even 90 percent of the property value and also depends on the borrower’s relationship with the lender and the scheme availed. A higher LTV implies a greater loan amount and therefore, lesser down-payment that you need to arrange out of your pocket. However, it also means a higher EMI. A lower LTV means that you have to arrange for a larger sum to be paid as down-payment.

Home loan on buying 2 BHK flats in ghodbunder road Thane

Credit : freepik.com

LTV slabs and ceiling

The LTV ceiling depends on the quantum of loan sought and is divided into slabs. “The RBI has allowed up to 90 per cent LTV, if the loan is up to Rs 30 lakhs. The LTV for loans between Rs 30 lakhs and Rs 75 lakhs, is 80 per cent. For loans higher than Rs 75 lakhs, you can get a maximum LTV of 75 per cent. The age of the applicant, credit score and the total liabilities of the applicant, also affect the LTV they are eligible for,” explains Adhil Shetty, CEO, BankBazaar.com. A higher LTV also means that you will end up repaying a larger amount to the lender, through EMIs. If you have sufficient funds for the down payment, then, it would be best to opt for a smaller loan, as it would be less stressful to repay. You can also use excess funds that you may have, to close your loan earlier.

How much LTV should one look for?

When it comes to a property purchase, buyers generally tend to first look at their own finances and then bridge the shortfall through a home loan.

Kalpesh Dave, head – corporate planning and strategy, Aspire Home Finance Corporation Ltd (AHFCL) explains how much LTV would be ideal for a person, with the help of an example: “Let us assume that a home buyer is looking for a loan amount of Rs 25 lakhs, to purchase a property worth Rs 40 lakhs. He approaches two financial institutions, namely ‘A’ and ‘B’ for the loan amount. From the initial interactions, he gathers that ‘A’ would offer a loan of Rs 25 lakhs at an interest rate of nine per cent for a tenure of 20 years and ‘B’ would offer a loan of Rs 20 lakhs an interest rate of 8.5 per cent for the same tenure. In this case, even though the rate of interest offered by ‘B’ is lower, the buyer may prefer the home loan from ‘A’ as it would meet his funding requirements. Opting for lender ‘B’, would mean that he would still have to arrange for Rs 5 lakhs from other sources and bring uncertainty into an overall purchase transaction.”

Experts suggest that if you do not have enough savings to afford a huge down payment, it would be better to opt for a higher LTV. No matter what you decide, compare all your options carefully, before taking a decision. Calculate exactly how much you would need to pay back in either situation and do a cost-benefit analysis.

Factors that determine home loan eligibility

Income:

Higher your income, greater the amount of money banks would be willing to lend to you.

Age:

Your eligibility for a loan is connected to your age. Most banks usually have 60 years as the cut-off period to close a loan. So, if you take a loan at the age of 45, you will have only 15 years to repay the loan. Consequently, your loan eligibility will be higher at an early age, as you have a longer period to repay the loan.

Credit history:

If you have a good credit history and score, the lender would be willing to give you a better LTV.

Total liabilities:

Lenders calculate the ratio of your total current debt to your total current income, before giving a fresh loan. If you are currently repaying too many loans, the amount of home loan you will be sanctioned will be lower.


Source - housing.com

You may also contact us at - +91-22-25452903, 66543333 or Email us at - sales@squarefeetgroup.in