Month: May 2017
Home Security Design For Apartment Owners
Some apartment house units are conveniently positioned near commercial districts, which means easy travelling for you. The convenience of the apartment building may be good, but it can quickly be accessed by those who want to pilfer your things. This is particularly true if the security in your area is lax. If you’re just moving into an apartment building, or if you want to enhance your home security system, here are some pointers.
How to Decide on Your Home Security System
1. Alarm Sound
In a condominium complex, you can’t risk being referred to as noisy and having the landlord call you to give out a warning. On the other hand, you should not settle with an almost “noiseless” alarm because there’s no point. The alarm system you choose must have an alarm that can jolt you awake. You should have an emergency bag near your bed so that you can grab your self defense firearm or a pepper spray once the alarm rings.
A loud alarm reverberation can also serve as a deterrent for intruders. It can wake you up at night once a window or door is broken into, giving you time to call for help. If the people next door whine, talk over with them and make them understand that a loud alarm can be to their benefit. Being in one apartment complex means you are all at risk of being assaulted by thieves if the protection in the apartment complex is too slack.
2. Efficiency
Get a unit that is simple to put together. As much as possible, you must be the only one who knows where the alarm system is located so that the robber is not aware of it. This also goes for out of sight security cams. When you buy a kit, check if all the constituents for setting up are there before you begin. It can be a hassle if you start mounting and you find out too late that there is a screw missing.
Lamentably, some alarm systems are hard to install. But everything has a resolution , particularly if there is a manual and a help hotline on hand. Your best bet is to acquire something that has a good make. You can call the support personnel if you just purchased a branded alarm system, and have it established as opposed to installing it yourself.
3. Battery ot Electricity
Some home owners blame the suppliers for inaccurate performance. But the thing is, the homeowner must do his part when it comes to making the unit operate. A very simple way of doing this is to make sure that your alarm system’s power is always on. You can turn it off when you have associates around, but be sure to turn it on again before turn in for the night.
Battery operated alarm installations are common, so you need to remind yourself every few months to change the batteries. Create a reminder on your personal computer or cell phone. Some homeowners make the mistake of installing the alarm then leaving it for so long without upkeep.
4. Value
Some of the more affordable equipment are no better than fundamental door chimes. But if they work for you, then you don’t need anything else. Consider your price range when you’re choosing a good alarm system for your home. There are low price units that work better than high tech ones. There are also modern units that cost less as a result of a promotion or because there is a better one being introduced by the same brand that year.
Ways to Make Money from Commercial Property Investments
There are basically five different ways in which you can make money by investing in commercial real estate.
Strategy 1: Building equity. The key way to make money in commercial real estate business is by building up equity in the property. You can do this in four ways that are mentioned below.
The first way is to buy the property below its market value. To do this you will have to do your due research, you will have to find out the needs of the buyer and you also have to be good at negotiation.
The next way in which equity builds up is through the appreciation of property. You can easily ensure that your property appreciates by marinating it properly and undertaking the necessary repair work. It is also important to buy a property in a location that promises to grow.
The third way to build equity is by paying down debt. The key to this strategy is to try and get the lowest interest rate possible on your debt instrument. The fourth way in which you can create equity is the time when you sell the property. You must try and sell you property at above market value and to do this you have to put in effort to find the right buyer and again you have to have good negotiation skills.
Strategy 2: depreciation of property. You can save a considerable amount of tax as depreciation on building is tax deductible expenditure. When you arrive at the profit before tax, you are allowed to account the expenditure on depreciation of assets as an operational expenditure. This way you have to calculate the percentage of tax on a lower amount. It is however important to note that depreciation can be charged only on the building but not on land. Strategy 3: Charging suitable rent. It is important that the property generates enough rent so that you can easily cover the expenditure if its maintenance and can also cover the interest payment of the mortgage. But you should not stop there, it should be your goal to try and get additional rent so that you can pay off the debts and thus create equity.
Strategy 4: Attractive financing schemes for the buyer. When you are selling your property, you can fetch a better price if you offer convenient payment schemes to the potential buyer. For example, if you allow the buyer to pay in easy installments and do not want a heavy down payment, then the buyer may be willing to pay you a higher over all price. Strategy 5: Add value to your property. You can add value to you property in various ways. Try and make strategic improvements in your property that will help you to increase its worth. You can also put your property to higher and better use to increase its worth.
William King is the director of Dubai Property & UAE Property & Dubai Real Estate Portal, Pakistan Property & Pakistan Real Estate Properties Portal , Canada Wholesalers & Canadian Dropshippers Suppliers Directory and Wholesale Dropshipping & Wholesalers Suppliers Trade Directory . He has 18 years of experience in the marketing and trading industries and has been helping retailers and startups with their product sourcing, promotion, marketing and supply chain requirements.
Sukhumvit Condominium Projects Continue Unabated
Bangkoks property market shows no signs of slowing down in terms of new construction of condominiums as projects along Sukhumvit Road, a top Skytrain route, continue to be launched. The route from the Phloenchit intersection to Sukhumvit Soi 55 or Thonglor is seeing high competition among property developers as they have launched condominium projects worth more than Bt100 billion, with more than 10,000 units.
Since last year nearly 100 projects have been launched in the area by both listed and non-listed property firms. Construction will be complete between the end of this year and 2013, according to a survey by The Nation newspaper last week. Examples are The Clover Thonglor, Le Lux & Sky Walk condominium, Ivy Thonglor, The Trendy Condominium, Noble Phloenchit, Ideo Morph 38, and Aequa.
Condominiums along this route are priced between Bt80,000 and Bt200,000 per square metre.
Luxury residences priced at over 150,000 baht ($5,000) per square metre are located between the Phloenchit intersection and the top of Sukhumvit Road between Sois 1 and 10. From Soi 10 to Soi 55, prices range between 80,000 and 150,000 baht per square metre.
One-bedroom units with a total space of 45-60 square metres are the most popular in this location.
Noble Development president Thongchai Busrapan said that after bookings for Noble Ploenchit opened from June 19-22, the company achieved presales worth Bt7.2 billion, or half of the total project value of Bt14 billion.
“Although this location has high competition, our project is freehold, which is difficult to find in this area, where most projects are for long-leasehold contracts,” he said.
Demand in this location is sufficient to absorb the high number of condominium launches, according to a survey by the Real Estate Information Centre. Since the Skytrain opened in 1999 the whole Sukhumvit area has grown quickly in terms of high-end condominiums and also serviced apartments and hotels. In addition to the condominium projects under construction there are also several five-star hotel currently being built on Sukhumvit Road.
In 2011, the total number of residential units available for sale in Bangkok was 130,282 which included single houses, semi-detached houses, townhouses, condominium units, commercial buildings and land allocated for housing. These projects were not sold out and currently have no problems but at the time of the survey the total units had not been sold and most of the residential projects were only launched shortly before the survey.
Growing demand in this area from both local and foreign buyers who live in Bangkok has driven condominium prices 10-20 per cent higher than their presale prices, depending on how close they are to Skytrain. For example, Ficus Lane on Sukhumvit 44/1, which was priced at 50,000 baht per square metre when introduced in 2005, now sells for 110,000 baht per square metre.
Condominiums on Soi Thonglor that recorded presale prices of about 100,000 baht per square metre now go for more than 120,000 baht per square metre. Condominiums on Soi Ruamrudee priced at 40,000 baht per square metre five years ago have now recently recorded sales at Bt120,000 per square metre.
Benefits that made Condominiums Popular
Condominiums have been considered as one of the most popular types of housing in the Philippines today, and part of what made these types of housings popular is because of its many benefits that can conform to the needs of many modern Filipinos.
First Benefit: Location The first benefit that made condominiums popular in the Philippine market is because of its location in which most of these types of modern housings are found in business and commercial districts, such as the many manila condominiums today.
Because of its location, residents can easily access their workplaces and offices from their homes, allowing them to avoid the usual hassles of morning rush hour. And although these types of modern housings are found in some of the busiest districts in the country, condominiums can still offer the peace and privacy that people are looking for in a home.
Second Benefit: Maintainability and Security In addition to its accessibility to business and commercial districts, other reasons why condominiums had gained a lot of popularity is because of its own maintenance and security personnel.
Although other modern types of housings in the country today are known to offer the same amenity, such as apartment buildings, condominiums were considered as the first types of housing that offered such benefits to its residents. Because of this benefit, residents are assured of their safety within the condominium while assuring them that their homes are properly maintained.
Third Benefit: Resort Facilities Part of what made condominiums even more popular in the Philippine market is because of its amenities. According to many real estate experts, condominiums are the only types of housing in business and commercial district that can offer resort facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports complexes. Because of these benefits, condominiums became even more popular and unique in the market. And it was also because of this that residents were able to relieve their stresses from work by swimming, sports, and through working out.
Fourth Benefit: Flexibility Another reason why condominiums had gained a lot of popularity, particularly in today’s modern trends, is because of its flexiblity. Other than condominiums in business and commercial districts, there are also other types of condo in Philippines which are found around the outskirts of Metro Manila, and even in the provinces.
These types of condominiums are known as condominium complexes and part of what made these popular is because of its family-oriented environment as well as facilities, such as recreational parks and playgrounds.
Condominiums have been considered as one of the most popular types of housing in the Philippines today, and part of what made these types of housings popular is because of its many benefits that can conform to the needs of many modern Filipinos.
First Benefit: Location The first benefit that made condominiums popular in the Philippine market is because of its location in which most of these types of modern housings are found in business and commercial districts, such as the many manila condominiums today.
Because of its location, residents can easily access their workplaces and offices from their homes, allowing them to avoid the usual hassles of morning rush hour. And although these types of modern housings are found in some of the busiest districts in the country, condominiums can still offer the peace and privacy that people are looking for in a home.
Second Benefit: Maintainability and Security In addition to its accessibility to business and commercial districts, other reasons why condominiums had gained a lot of popularity is because of its own maintenance and security personnel.
Although other modern types of housings in the country today are known to offer the same amenity, such as apartment buildings, condominiums were considered as the first types of housing that offered such benefits to its residents. Because of this benefit, residents are assured of their safety within the condominium while assuring them that their homes are properly maintained.
Third Benefit: Resort Facilities Part of what made condominiums even more popular in the Philippine market is because of its amenities. According to many real estate experts, condominiums are the only types of housing in business and commercial district that can offer resort facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and sports complexes. Because of these benefits, condominiums became even more popular and unique in the market. And it was also because of this that residents were able to relieve their stresses from work by swimming, sports, and through working out.
Fourth Benefit: Flexibility Another reason why condominiums had gained a lot of popularity, particularly in today’s modern trends, is because of its flexiblity. Other than condominiums in business and commercial districts, there are also other types of condo in Philippines which are found around the outskirts of Metro Manila, and even in the provinces.
These types of condominiums are known as condominium complexes and part of what made these popular is because of its family-oriented environment as well as facilities, such as recreational parks and playgrounds.
Mortgage Modification Tips – The Most Effective Way To Reduce Your Emi
Before opting for any mortgage modification, it is necessary to consider mortgage modification pro’s and con’s. The biggest advantage of mortgage modification is that it is possible to reduce equated monthly installments (EMI) with it. Because of this reduction of EMI, outflows from the borrower’s monthly income can be brought down. As a result, the borrower may find it easier to manage his finances.
A mortgage is deemed as modified when lenders and borrowers mutually change the terms and conditions of the original mortgage. It is primarily the lender who has to agree to the revised terms and conditions under the mortgage modification.
Two major aspects may be changed in such mortgage modification. These are:
* The interest rates and
* The repayment period
If a borrower is desirous of reducing EMIs, then lenders have a choice to reduce interest rates or extend the mortgage repayment term. At times, the lender may lower interest rates and also extend the term for repaying the mortgage loan.
From the borrower’s perspective, the mortgage becomes more affordable and therefore he/she can avoid any financial problems that could have led to their credit report being affected. Moreover, if the repayment period is extended, the value of money that will be spent in the future towards mortgage loan EMI would be much lower. This is because equated monthly installments remain uniform throughout the mortgage term. But the value of this money (i.e. the purchasing power of this money) keeps on decreasing because of annual inflation. Because of this, the effective interest that is being paid to the lender is much lower.
For assessing the benefit, all present and future EMI s can be discounted at an estimated rate of inflation, and their net present value can be determined. The difference between the outstanding mortgage loan amount and this NPV of future cash outflows through EMI’s, is the amount of interest that will be paid to the lender. This is certainly much lower than the amount of interest without discounting EMIs. The borrower can also spread the tax deduction advantage over longer period if the present income is not allowing him to utilize the maximum limit. As years go by, the borrower is likely to find it easier to pay the EMIs, because his/her income will increase, but EMIs will stagnate.
From the lender’s perspective, it saves on costs of foreclosure proceedings. Even if the lender chooses to foreclose the mortgage, it is not guaranteed that the sale proceeds will be adequate to cover loaned amounts; therefore, the lender does not seem to have much choice but to accept a mortgage modification. In addition, foreclosure proceedings and bankruptcy proceedings take time. The lender may have to wait till the house is sold, and sale proceeds are received. In the period in between, the lender does not get any interest on the amount loaned. The lender factors in these losses and accepts the revised terms and conditions as may be proposed by the borrower. At times, the lender may even accept to absorb some losses. In such cases, lenders may choose to inform credit agencies of borrower’s inability to pay the loaned amounts-this can affect the borrower’s credit score.
In view of these mortgage modification pro’s and con’s, both parties to the contract will be willing to modify the terms and conditions of the mortgage. However, borrowers should not become complacent again, as the lenders most likely will not be willing to extend similar modifications in future. Lenders also try out the mortgage modification plan that the borrower has proposed during the trial period, to check whether the borrower is truly able to adhere to the revised terms of the mortgage repayment.
It is in the best interest of borrowers and lenders to work together to modify the terms of the mortgage.
Thai Condo Ownership And Inheritance By Foreigners
The Thailand Condominium Act divides foreign heirs of condos in qualified and unqualified for ownership of the inherited condominium unit. Unless the foreign heir or legatee is qualified for ownership under section 19 of the Condominium Act; any foreigner who acquires a condominium unit by inheritance in Thailand must dispose of the unit within one year of acquisition of the unit (section 19 septum Condominium Act). The fact of heirship, either under will or as a statutory heir, does not qualify the foreigner for registering of ownership at the Land Department. Under the Condominium Act the successors and assigns of a diseased foreign condominium owner must meet the same criteria as any other foreign purchaser (i.e. a foreigner must qualify under section 19 of the Condominium Act for ownership).
The following foreign natural or juristic persons are qualified to register ownership under section 19 of the Condominium Act:
(1) Aliens permitted to have residence in the Kingdom under the Immigration law;
(2) Aliens permitted to enter into the Kingdom under the investment promotion law;
(3) Juristic persons as provided in Section 97 and 98 of the Land Code and registered as juristic persons under Thai law;
(4) Juristic persons which are aliens under the Announcement of the National Executive Council No.281 dated November 24, B.E. 2515 and have obtained promotion certificate under investment promotion law;
(5) Aliens or juristic persons regarded by law as aliens who have brought in foreign currency into the Kingdom or withdraw money from Thai baht account of the person who have residence outside the Kingdom or withdraw money from a foreign currency account.
Only the above foreigners are eligible to register freehold ownership of a condominium unit in Thailand, as long as it remains within the 49% foreign ownership quota as specified in section 19 bis of the Condominium Act B.E.2522.
Generally foreign heirs are not eligible under section 19 of the Condominium Act and are required by law to dispose of the unit within 1 year of acquisition. It is not unusual for foreign heirs obtaining ownership of a condominium by inheritance to encounter problems having to deal with transferring ownership of the condominium at the Thailand Land Department or even selling the unit in time. Foreigners owning a condominium could prevent problems by planning succession of their unit in a Thai last will, and foreign heirs of a condo unit should obtain legal advice and assistance to have their rights and duties under the Thailand Condominium Act explained in an early stage of obtaining ownership of the unit by legal professionals familiar with condominium conveyancing procedures
Duty of Care
Duty of care prosecutions for at work drivers involved in vehicle collisions will increase substantially as a result of the new Bill.
Furthermore, the police will now record in all accident reports if the crash involved an at work driver. This will allow an accurate picture to be built up of the number of work-related road accidents. Many experts feel at work drivers represent the biggest risk on the roads today and that proper attention should be paid to the Health and Safety at Work Act Approved Code of Practice on driving at work.
Exercising Proper Control Fleet vehicle sales continue to rise and consistently account for over 50% of total new car sales. Commercial vehicle sales, including vans, are the best they have been for 25 years!
With more cars, vans and trucks on the roads comes an increasing need for companies to exercise proper duty of care towards their at work employees.
As mentioned, directors could face manslaughter charges if deaths occur involving the use of vehicles not fit for the purpose or poorly maintained or not insured for business use. Such deaths would be deemed to be caused by managements lack of duty of care, due to a failure to establish proper controls. In such instances, company disclaimers may not be sufficient to protect company directors if they do not exercise the right level of duty of care.
Many companies still do not have the right controls in place to ensure that vehicles are being properly maintained and insured, have a valid MOT certificate if required and are suitable for the purpose intended.
Survey results can be revealing. For example, in one survey, a quarter of fleet drivers did not check their vehicles or were not even aware that they should. In another, only a third of fleets imposed some form of penalty following an accident or fine and only an eighth introduced some form of driver training following an accident.
The Right Vehicle for the Job Duty of care can even be exercised at the time a new vehicle order is placed. Companies should make sure the new vehicle ordered is the right one for the job. For example, a hatchback or estate with the luggage platform at the right height would be the most appropriate for a sales representative regularly lifting loads. A sales representative off sick with a bad back is not what the employee or the company wants.
Vehicle specification could also be a determining factor in duty of care. By spending more on sensible options, companies can clearly demonstrate their duty of care. Many manufacturers offer power steering, ABS and driver/passenger airbags as standard but if not companies should specify them. Basic safety equipment should be on any companys checklist as being essential in meeting its duty of care responsibilities. And drivers need to know how to use the equipment.
Besides basic safety equipment, consideration should be given to front fog lights, heated front windscreens, steering column audio controls and wide-angle heated mirrors. For driver comfort, the checklist should include height-adjustable seating, a height adjustable steering wheel and, possibly, even air conditioning.
How National Trends in Luxury Real Estate are Impacting Orange County
Recent coverage of the luxury market at events like the National Association of Real Estate Editors conference has highlighted the market’s strong resurgence and steady sales. In fact, statistics from the National Association of Realtors suggest that the luxury market is rebounding from the recession faster that middle market and lower-end properties. All signals point to great news for luxury owners that may be considering a property sale in the near future. If you are contemplating listing a luxury property in the Orange County area, what you learn may surprise you.
What is considered a luxury property is changing: Today, a luxury property in many metropolitan areas begins at about the $4 million dollar price point or more than 3500 square feet of space. In more rural areas, the price point for what is considered a luxury property starts around the $500,000 mark. There is further differentiation regionally and even on a town by town basis. In competitive markets such as Orange County, the prices may be higher than anticipated.
Practical features are coming at a premium: When people are contemplating buying a luxury property, they typically ask fairly standardized questions about luxury amenities. Is the kitchen gourmet? Does the house feature a stunning view? But more and more, luxury Realtors are seeing the importance of what can only be dubbed -practical features.- For example, generators are one key trend throughout the country as more areas are affected by hurricanes, storms, and other inclement weather. More concern has also been show about factors such as privacy, safety, and exterior builds to protect cars and other possessions during weather events. Buyers still want traditional luxury amenities, but it is important that safety and emergency infrastructure has also been addressed at the property level.
Luxury townhomes and condominiums are on the rise nationally: A recent piece in the New York Times highlighted the trend of the growing luxury condominium market. While the piece focuses on the New York market, it underscores a trend that is taking hold nationally. More and more people are looking for luxury-level accommodations with the benefits and flexibility of condominium living. Some luxury home owners are even evaluating whether or not their homes can be divided and sold as condos to maximize profits. The success of this approach depends greatly on the home’s location, zoning laws and overall layout and design.
Lifestyle features are playing an increasing role: Another trend that has been noted is the importance of lifestyle features in luxury property purchases. Lifestyle features could be as simple an inside/outside design that allows more flow between a home’s interior and exterior spaces. In other cases, it is more specific to aspects like waterfront or riverfront property. Many buyers are also looking at factors such as golf course access, high end club houses, and other luxury community amenities.
Non-traditional buyers are entering the pool: While the prospective pool of buyers for luxury properties is more limited than for mid-tier homes, there’s been an increasing diversification within the luxury market. Many owners are finding offers coming from buyers that contemplate transforming the space into retreat centers, upscale boarding schools, and even wineries, thus opening up advertising opportunities for Realtors and owners alike with truly unique properties.
The luxury market is thriving in areas of the country such as Orange County. Staying on top of trends helps sellers to make the right decisions regarding their properties. The first step in the sales process is finding an experienced luxury real estate agent that understands your local market and can guide you through the process.
Florida Commercial Real Estate – Having the Best Commercial Property
You can always take advantage of the recession and make some good profit in times of need. Are you wondering how this can happen? By simply investing your money in Florida commercial real estate, you will surely achieve your goal.
Florida is a well-known thriving part of the America. Money may be a little bit tight during recession but there is always a good business in Florida wherein tourists from all over the globe are flocking together. With this it is time for you to take advantage of buying a commercial property in Florida commercial real estate market. t.
These commercial properties are can be rented by prospective business owners or you can set your own business here since you have the advantage of having a good location. And after some few years when you are tired of the routine, you can even sell the place and earn a good profit from it. Normally these properties in Florida commercial real estate can double or even triple the price. With this, there will be a lot of prospective investors who will get interested of it.
Having your own Florida commercial real estate property can offer you a lot of things. As mentioned earlier, you can have it rented or open your own business using the property. You do not have anything to worry about since these properties are usually situated with those populated areas of Florida.
Opening your down business in Florida is a good idea since the money that you will use as your capital will never decrease. As we all know tourist is willing to spend for their vacation and that is good for the Florida economy not to mention their entrepreneurs. You might want to consider venturing into a hotel, spas, restaurants, bars and night clubs, shops and equipment rental for water sports and other activities. Even paid parking space is a good business idea in Florida.
When it comes to Florida commercial real estate, the location is always good. You dos not have to worry about wasting your money on a worthless piece of land even if you buy one in a small city because you can always expect to earn and appreciate after few years. Knowing all the advantages that you can get out of Florida commercial real estate, you can go ahead and start your investment. There are plenty of commercial properties that are available and for sure you will find the right one for your business ideas. You have to take time in searching and collecting selections. Once done checking the commercial real estate market, then it is time for you to make some comparisons among the selections that you have. This will help you end up with the right commercial property to invest.
Ella Ayson
Florida Commercial Real Estate