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Areas Where You Should Buy An Apartment In Qatar

Best Areas Where You Should Buy An Apartment In Qatar

Over the past few decades, economic advancements and the fast-paced community have made Qatar an ideal place to live. The blend of traditional, cultural, and modern aspects is what Qatar is all about. This state is otherwise known as a peninsular island surrounded by waters on all sides. Expats from many countries move into this state to expand their businesses or for their jobs. Most residents prefer renting a property for the affordability factors. In contrast, many choose to pick apartments for sale in Qatar. There are many property options like flats, studio apartments, detached homes, villas available in different budget ranges. The best places to live in Qatar are: Lusail: Also known as the future city with many green neighborhoods, Lusail is a promising city to live in. The notable architecture and the geographical location lure more people into this region. There are several budget-friendly villas, modern flats, and studio apartments, making Lusail the go-to place for residents to lead a cost-effective life. Lusail is lined up with several restaurants, amusement parks, coffee shops, bars, etc., making it a desirable area for everyone. The increase in population gave birth to multiple business units across the city, opening many employment options for people. The Pearl: This region is the dream destination for anyone entering the premises of Qatar. The Pearl is an artificial island filled with a fresh breeze and a delightful aura across the place. This city is one of the most significant real-estate expansions in Middle East Asia. The Pearl is no short of entertainment and leisure spaces that keep people occupied apart from their work schedules. The most luxurious city of Qatar- The Pearl, is home to many deluxe households like beachside flats, studio apartments, Venice-themed villas, and more. The spectacular yachts are the perfect eye candy of the city. Al Sadd: Al Sadd is one such area that reflects a comfortable vibe and surrounded by all the necessary amenities to have a peaceful stay. The city and its roads have become even busier than before without losing their charm. The most popular Al Sadd Sports Club is based out of this city, best known for the football leagues. Many gorgeous households are affordable for the residents with all the vital facilities like hospitals, malls, cafes, schools, and more. Risking and travelling in the traffic would be more of a routine for the residents. Msheireb: The world's first and Qatar's completely sustainable downtown is Msheireb, located in the city of Musherib. The downtown region is known for preserving the celebrated values and cultural aspects of Qatar. Msheireb is divided into six phases with distinct architecture and building in each sector. This town is lined with plenty of schools, prayer ground, restaurants, cafes, museums, etc., making it a great place to live for families. The sustainability factor is the main reason for the high-end prices of the properties in Msheireb. Al Dafna: Al Dafna is situated along the sea-side of Qatar. This factor happens to be of great advantage for those on the lookout for homes with a splendid sea-view. Middle East's largest mall- City Center Mall is located in Dafna, where most people visit to spend their leisure time shopping, watching movies, and more. Al Dafna links most of the essential parts of Qatar, making it easier for commutation. Living in Dafna is economical and pleasant in all aspects. People residing here can travel to different business districts of Qatar in no time. Markhiya: Otherwise known as Al Markhiya is in the central part of Qatar and a popular neighborhood of Doha. Even though this region is listed under later developed places of Qatar, it became one of the fastest developed cities of Qatar. There are multiple low-rise households spread across Markhiya, which is considered a comfortable place to live in Qatar. The homes are economical and budget-friendly for the residents and located very close to West Bay, where most people can effortlessly travel for their business and job purposes on a daily basis. West Bay: West bay is known for the flooding businesses in the city and Qatar's luxurious areas. Living in tall skyscrapers and apartments gives more comfort to the residents while simultaneously exhibiting the city's best views. Most housing properties have a beautiful sea-facing settlement, which is the most in-demand option for the residents. Many prominent cities of Qatar are easily accessible through roads and rail networks from West Bay. Read Also: 5 Best Things To Know Before Renting A Property In Kings Cross What are the Best Real Estate Seller Leads? How Many Jobs Are Available In Real Estate Investment Trusts? May 2021

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Renting A Property In Kings Cross

5 Best Things To Know Before Renting A Property In Kings Cross

Kings Cross is located amid the boroughs of Islington and Camden in the heart of London city. It is one of the oldest districts and an important transport hub of the UK. Kings Cross is well-linked with other parts of London and Europe that makes it a prominent region. Central London is a region which is in most demand despite the bustling streets and the crowded neighbourhoods. Learn about how to become a British Citizen by clicking here. After numerous renovations in the last few years, the empty streets are now filled with a variety of households like studio apartments, modern flats, comfy penthouses, and more. Many constructions emerged in Kings Cross with time, making it a potential place of business and commutation. The well-established line-up of markets, schools, shops and restaurants in this region makes it a perfect place to live. Most of the residential households of Kings Cross are based on Victorian and Georgian architecture with thoughtfully built terraces. Many people hunting for homes take the help of letting agents in Kings Cross, the local property experts. The demand for households in Kings Cross has always been high leading to the emergence of newly built chic flats and studio apartments. Renting in Kings Cross is more feasible compared to buying a property in that region. However, being a significant industrial hub and the transport nerve centre in London, finding homes become a long and tiring process. Convenience Of The Location: Kings Cross remains crowded throughout the day and is noisy in most of the neighbourhoods. Amidst this, there are some quiet lanes with beautiful homes and constructions. Finding the right place includes having all the necessary facilities like health care centres, restaurants, tube stations and more. Most parts of Europe, the United Kingdom and London can be accessed easily from Kings Cross. People commuting to other parts of London for work can reach effortlessly via buses and tube stations despite the crowded streets. Getting ready for work earlier than the usual time is required in a place like Kings Cross. Checking the safety of the neighbourhood is also an important criterion. Rents And Deposits: Central London is expensive and an in-demand region compared to the other areas of London. Therefore, every rental home will require a deposit amount before getting into it. Chances of the seasonal increase in rents are possible in Kings Cross, which has to be understood by the tenants depending on the property market. The deposit amount differs with the size and type of the property in Kings Cross. Deposits will be charged from one month to six months’ rent of the property. In some places, landlords do not ask for deposits which is an added perk for tenants. The tenant should acquire written details of the rental deposits and rents in an agreement Total Charges: Taking the help of local estate agents of Kings Cross is a common way of finding the right home during the process. The commission fee differs from one estate agent to another, which must be kept in mind before hiring one. Enquiring all the costs while renting a home is crucial to arrange them and keep things under the buyer’s budget. Expenses like the tenancy fees, initial deposit, renewal and exit fees, and other miscellaneous fees should be enquired beforehand to have them handy. Considering all these expenses will prevent the buyer from getting into a tight spot. They can start planning and organise their payment plans without exceeding the deadlines. Clause Specifics: Reading the agreement thoroughly before signing it off is crucial because breaking any clauses will cause unnecessary issues. There are some perks for the tenants, where they can discuss the terms that they are not happy with or disagree with their landlord before signing the agreement. Tenants can also propose other additions to the existing contract such that it suits both the tenant and the owner, like the repairs, interior additions and other obligations. When finding properties for rent through a free listing site, there are high chances of scams to occur like unusual pricing for the particular neighbourhood, fake pictures of the property, or any suspicious behaviour. Satisfying All The Requirements: Living in Kings Cross is nothing less of a rollercoaster ride- exciting yet exhilarating. Renting in Kings Cross is a wise option that is convenient and time-saving. The size of the property, its interiors, open spaces, furnishings and other necessary factors like living close to the workplace, parking slots, nearby parks, schools etc., are also important. Getting a tempting chic flat but far away from all other vital regions would be a comprehensive loss for the renters. Apart from the basic requirements, the safety of the tenants in the neighbourhood, privacy is equally significant for balanced living. Read Also: Buying a House vs Renting an Apartment: Which is More Affordable? An Overview on Luxury Real Estate in Paris

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Bridging Loans

Bridging Loans Explained

Bridging loans have become popular among borrowers for all the right reasons. With everyone talking about bridging loans, including the mainstream media, the chances are that you have already heard of these loans before. This is especially true if you are trying to move houses. However, several people do not know what a bridging loan is and how it works. Taking a bridging loan could be the best thing to do if you have found a dream house you want to acquire before someone else buys it, and you are yet to find a buyer for your existing home, which still has a mortgage. A bridging loan will give you the funds you need to buy the second house as you wait to sell the current one. Even so, there is so much more to bridging loans than you might imagine. In this guide, we will discuss everything about bridging loans from the basics, pros, and cons. keep reading to discover everything you need to know about bridging loans. So what exactly is a Bridging Loan? Simply put, a bridging loan is a short-term loan taken on top of the current home loan. As the name suggests, a bridging loan is usually taken when you need to buy a new house immediately before selling your existing home. When you take this loan, you will be paying interest on two loans. To put things into perspective, bridging loans are a form of interest-only loans. The value of your existing property will determine the value of the loan. It is also vital to note that these loans have limited terms and contain special concerns. Depending on the lender, the amount and terms of the loan will vary. You can view this bridging loan calculator first before you apply for the loan to get a glimpse of your financial responsibilities. The structure of bridging loans differs from one private money lender to another. Some private lending providers will require you to continue serving your loan until you settle in your new property. The private finance providers will the interest of your two loans together during the loan duration. Once you find a buyer for your second property, the mortgage will be discharged. You will then start paying the principal and interest of your current loan. On the other hand, other private lending providers will ask you to service both loans after taking a new one. After the sale of your home, the initial mortgage will be discharged, while the bridging loan might be converted into the home of your choice for your new property. When taking a bridging loan, it would help to think about compounding interest because you will be charged for both loans. Always keep in mind that you will end up paying more than you should if you fail to find a buyer for your house quickly. Bridging loan interests are calculated daily and charged monthly. Another key element you should have in mind is the duration of the bridging loan. These loans usually last around six months to 12 months, depending on the private finance providers and your preferences. Your loan length will be six months if you buy an existing home and 12 months for a new one. What are the Pros and Cons of a Bridging Loan? Now that you are aware of what a bridging loan is and how it functions, it is time to look at the pros and cons. Understanding the benefits of these loans and the challenges you are likely to encounter when you take a bridge loan will help you make the right decisions. Here are the pros and cons of a bridging loan: The Benefits of a Bridging Loan: Bridging loans have so much to offer. It is crucial to understand what you should expect with this type of loan to get the best options. Here are the pros of bridging loans:  More Convenience: Do you want to buy your dream home quickly? A bridging loan will allow you to do just that even if you have not sold your existing house just yet. Flexible Repayments: Depending on your bridging loan structure, you will only have to service your existing home loan finance when you take a bridging loan. Avoid Further Expenses: You will not have to rent when you take a bridging loan. It will allow you to move even if you do not have a buyer for your house. Considerations of a Bridging Loan: Like is the case with any other type of loan, bridging loans also have their fair share of cons. For instance, you will be forced to pay more if you fail to sell your house as soon as possible. Choosing the Best Bridging Loans for Your Needs: Bridging loans are categorized as open bridging loans and closed bridging loans. Closed bridging loans have a pre-determined settlement date while open bridging loans do not have an agreed settlement date. When looking for a bridging loan, it will help to consider the duration, interest rates, and loan structure. It would also help to compare alternative loans before making the final decision. Above all, it is essential to find the right private lending company. Fortunately, you can use an easy-to-use online platform such as ADS.finance to find the best private finance option near you. Read Also: 5 Best Things an Experienced Real Estate Agent can do You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate 7 Tips To Purchase A Prime Real Estate Property

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Commercial Construction After COVID-19

Commercial Construction After COVID-19: How Developers Can Adapt

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the construction industry heavily. With people focusing on social distancing measures and businesses going online to cater to their customers, the commercial sector took a hit. The pandemic fuelled a boom in e-commerce has increased the demand for retail spaces, while many office spaces were left vacant. Fortunately, some companies have been taking up strategies that can benefit the commercial construction sector greatly. Speaking of adapting, the commercial real estate sector can focus on strategies like adaptive reuse. Apart from this, developers can also focus on creating spaces that are safe from COVID-19. When both these strategies are combined, the developers can repurpose vacant spaces into structures that are higher in demand and also ensure the indoor spaces are safe from the novel virus. Over the last few months, plenty of safety measures and precautions have been provided by organizations like ASHRAE and the CDC. The IWBI created the WELL Health Safety standard by providing scientifically proven measures for fighting against infectious diseases including COVID-19. Creating Safer Indoor Spaces: After a lot of research on the transmission of the coronavirus, extremely important evidence came into the picture that COVID-19 transmission can be airborne, especially in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Therefore, creating safer than ever indoor spaces should be a top priority for developers. ASHRAE released a detailed guide for building owners on measures for promoting a safe indoor environment. The recommendations can be summarized in 3 main areas: Increasing outdoor air ventilation as much as possible, while minimizing indoor air recirculation. Upgrading the air filters to MERV rating 13 or higher. Installing Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) system for killing harmful airborne viruses and bacteria. Depending on the building conditions, the applications of the above-mentioned measures may vary but the main principle of ventilation, filtering, and purification still holds. Apart from new construction, they can also be implemented for existing buildings and in renovation projects as well for improving the indoor air quality. It is highly recommended to consult professionals that can identify the optimal measures for all building types. The IWBI came up with a list of 22 effective measures against COVID-19, and building owners can obtain the WELL Health Safety Seal by implementing at least 15 measures that are subject to verification. Mixed-Use Projects: A Viable Option While many companies are struggling with low occupancy in commercial buildings, the demand for housing is on the rise. A mixed-use project can not only provide housing spaces but also offer spaces for commercial use as well at the same time. Some of the interesting benefits observe are that in a mixed-use building, the occupied residential spaces will require services that can be easily accessible and provided from the commercial spaces in the same building. Also, business owners are drawn to such buildings as their potential customers are already there. Professionals working from home are also attracted to mixed-use developments as it offers various services within walking distance. Apart from this, mixed-use projects are highly beneficial for entrepreneurs planning to open a franchise, since they can have immediate access to a large number of potential customers. Repurposing Vacant Buildings with Adaptive Reuse: As mentioned earlier, some types of commercial buildings, like warehouses, are rising in demand, while some are seeing high vacancies. Adaptive reuse can be an excellent strategy for such building owners as the vacant buildings can be repurposed into structures like apartments, which are always in high demand. Work from home, implemented as a social distancing measure to fight against the spread of COVID-19 transmission, is now becoming a permanent solution for many companies. This led to less use of office space, which resulted in vacant office spaces and buildings. Repurposing such buildings is a viable strategy for office building owners. Conclusion: The commercial real estate sector was highly disrupted in the pandemic as the demand for some buildings increased greatly, while the others are now facing imminent vacancy. For staying competitive, developers implement the strategies mentioned above. Read Also: Commercial and Residential Construction: Key Differences Lifting and Rigging Equipment—Your Hardware Guide 3 New Age Engineering & Construction Technology All You Must Know About Construction Business Management Software

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Real Estate Seller Leads

What are the Best Real Estate Seller Leads?

For starters, the term "the best" is a wide term. One could think of a quality that can sustain them as a solo agent while others might think of lesser quality with a lot more quantity for a real estate team. You will have to define what are your best real estate seller leads for your real estate lead generation at the end of this article. Social Media Real Estate Seller Leads: Social media is a great platform to generate real estate leads. These real estate leads will typically end up costing you less money per lead than other sources. The reason is simple. These leads have a strong call to action in a potential seller that might be three years out vs looking to sell their home now and needing a real estate agent to help them now. In short, these ads are like billboards right in front of you with a strong call to action with the very easy ability for the potential lead that was not even looking for information prior to seeing your social media ad in their news feed. With just one click, they are on your home valuation landing page giving you their contact information. Cold calling FSBO, Expired Listings, and Cancelled Listings: Real estate agents who specialize in cold calling are the toughest of the toughest real estate agents. The cost to dial these real estate leads is very inexpensive, but the fight must be in the real estate agent to survive in this lead source. They are going up against other extremely skilled real estate agents who have mastered the scripts and rebuttals to win in the cold calling arena. Once you have mastered your expired listings scripts and rebuttals, for example, you need to book your appointment usually within one to two hours from your phone call to be at their property fully ready to list it. If not, I assure you that other real estate agents will beat you out time after time. Google Real Estate Seller Leads: When you are looking for seller leads online, Google offers one of the best ways to attract higher-quality leads. A seller leads that first says, "I have a problem and I need a solution, so I am going to google it", has just increased their quality score. Then once they visit your real estate seller landing page and provides you with their valid contact information, you just got a lead most likely looking to sell their home if not now, in the nearing future. Unlike social media, real estate seller leads google ones had to think about it and seek it out. Farming Real Estate Seller Leads: Why should you generate seller leads through farming is a great question. Your quality of lead will increase with constant branding of yourself or your team to your local community. Even though you are constantly in front of them, they are actually seeking you out as google seller leads do. The reason why this one will increase in their quality score is that your farming has increased their ability to trust you. Once the seller leads land on your landing page, they will be more likely to give you their valid contact information, unlike Google and social media. The quality score goes from Farming to google, to Social media in this order from higher to lower. TV, Radio, and Billboard Real Estate Seller Lead: When you generate seller leads from TV, Radio, and Billboards, you now are leveled up that much higher than even farming. Where farming is mainly local and can use a billboard too, TV and Radio can cover entire cities and counties. Potential home seller leads are seeing you constantly and building celebrity status over time. The issue in most real estate markets is that the average successful real estate agent cannot afford these advertising platforms. However, the ones who can crack into these sources commonly end up getting high-quality and quantity real estate leads. Commonly you find your top real estate teams doing their real estate lead generation this way. Past Clients and Sphere Real Estate Seller Leads: If you are on a tighter budget but you still can afford to advertise and do a good amount of marketing to your past clients and sphere, this is a great source for a solo real estate agent. These without a question should be one of your highest quality real estate seller leads. The reason why they are such an amazing source of real estate seller leads is that they already know you, like you, and trust you from your existing and prior relationships with them. This is why it could be the number real estate lead generation for solo agents. Even though this is a scalable real estate lead generation method it is not the wisest one to scale for a real estate team. The last thing you want to do is spend all your money-making another real estate an all-star on your team with their past clients and sphere for them to just take your spend and walk away with all of your strong efforts and financial investment into their database. Summarizing Up Your Real Estate Lead Generation Options: While there are several different ways to get real estate leads, there will commonly only be one wise selection that meets your unique personality to generate seller leads. Plus for some real estate agents, will not be able to afford some of the platforms for real estate leads. This will leave them looking for different lead generation ideas for seller leads. The bottom line is, choose what lead generation you can afford and stick to it. Then build a system around it and make sure you are always inspecting what you expect, so that you can scale it as much as possible. Doormat Seller Leads Platform: If you found this article informative and you are feeling that you have a direction you want to go, but you would like to read some additional lead generation articles for seller leads then you will want to visit Dorrmat's blog for additional articles on lead generation for seller leads. Read Also: How to Use Videos to Get Real Estate Leads from Social Media with Little Effort Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path? REITs Pros And Cons

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Body Corporate issues

5 Common Body Corporate Issues Faced by Strata Management

Most body corporates tend to be well managed. However, there are still numerous issues that come with such management. It is actually possible for different issues to arise in two buildings that have been built the same way. Here are the top five problems that are faced by many body corporate managers: 1. Financial Stability: A body corporate is only as stable as its financial foundation. Like many legal entities, a body corporate requires strong financial stability if it is to run smoothly. There are credit contracts to be made, tax returns to be filed and bank accounts to be managed. If the finances of the body corporate are not managed effectively, many problems start cropping up. Bankruptcy actually becomes a possibility when the entity’s finances are poorly managed. Most times, however, members often contribute funds to prevent the entity from sinking into debt. To avoid falling into this pitfall, take a good look at the body corporate’s finances before you invest in it. Look at the cash levels and debt ratios. This should give you a sound estimation of the entity’s financial stability. 2. Compliance with The Law: Another common issue that many body corporate managers face includes compliance with regulatory requirements. Compliance with legislation means much more than simply complying with the BCCM Act.   There are fire safety rules to comply with and pool safety regulations to be adhered to. Sure, complying with the law will increase your management costs, but it’s much cheaper than having to pay fines or to face the consequences that the law is trying to prevent. 3. Management Problems: Poor management can be just as costly as non- compliance with legislation. Usually, the problem with management comes where the committee members are volunteers. This means that they have to squeeze in hours to do the management work in addition to their regular jobs and their family responsibilities. Poor management can be costly to any body corporate manager. Before you decide to venture into this investment, make sure that the properties are properly managed. Look at compliance with the law, fiscal strength and how well the management promotes harmonious living. 4. Dispute Resolution: When people live together, disputes are inevitable. In strata management, disputes can also be very expensive. Whether the cause of the dispute is noise or failure to abide by the set rules, it can be a very stressful time. Sometimes, disputes end up in court or arbitration, and this is both time consuming and costly. In order to avoid unnecessary disputes, it is best to have clear rules that are enforced strongly. 5. Building Condition: The state of the buildings can also be a cause of a headache for property management. New buildings are often riddled with many defects; and old ones require renovation and refurbishment. You might think, but there are insurance companies to take care of the defects, right? However, sometimes the insurance companies just won’t pay, and you are suddenly faced with the problem of having to improve the state of the buildings. This can be rather stressful and costly. Conclusion: Most of the above problems are related. Poor management will certainly lead to poor dispute resolution as well as financial instability. If there is no money available, renovating buildings and fixing problems will be impossible. Although most body corporates are properly managed, a fair share are riddled with issues. And sometimes, those issues can go unresolved for a long time. Read Also: Tips For Finding A Joint Venture Partner Is Property Investment Still A Good Way To Make Money?

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Buy to let mortgage

Buy to Let Mortgage Explained

A buy to let mortgage differs from a regular mortgage since it is for investors or landlords who buy property to rent out to tenants; not for their residential purposes.  The essential differences that an investor should be aware of can be provided through professional and experienced advice from mortgage brokers in the UK. Some issues linked to the subject are listed below: Buy to Let mortgage in the UK is available to individuals as well as to corporates and companies. However, a BTL mortgage for a company will have to be through a lender who accepts investment through limited companies. Maximum limit:  The amount that can be borrowed is linked to the expected rental income.  Lenders usually require the rental income to be 25-30% higher than the mortgage payment. Deposit: A deposit will be required to be paid to the lender; it is usually 25% of the value of the property (though this can escalate to about 40%). Repayments:  The two ways of paying back the mortgage are explained below: Interest-only mortgage: is self-explanatory and, every month, only the interest on the loan is paid back. This means lower monthly payments, but the loan will have to be paid at the end of the mortgage period. Repayment mortgage: is when both the interest as well as some portion of the loan itself are paid back.  A higher monthly payment will be required, but the advantage is that by the time the mortgage term matures, in all probability, the entire loan would be repaid. Depending on the investor’s capital and budget, advice will be required on the Repayment issue since lenders vary on the repayment requirements. Taxes:  Both Capital Gains Tax and Income Tax are payable on buy to let properties. Capital Gains Tax: The rate is payable dependent on the income bracket of the investor. By adjusting property purchase fees (or even losses from another BTL property), this tax can be reduced. Income Tax: Landlords will not be able to deduct the mortgage interest from rental income.  Instead, the total mortgage interest payment will receive a 20% tax relief.  Fees like council tax or property maintenance charges can be offset if the annual income allowable is exceeded. BTL remortgage: By switching to another deal once the current mortgage is over, a BTL remortgage can sometimes be advantageous as the interest rate can be lower. If a remortgage is required earlier, lenders usually require a minimum time of 6 months after the title deeds are transferred before they will consider this.  However, arrangement fees for BTL are high so remortgaging can be expensive and, since interest rates can fluctuate, the pros and cons will need to be carefully reviewed. Regulation of Buy to let mortgage:  Most of these mortgages are not regulated by the FCA as they are treated as business borrowing. However, Consumer BTL mortgages are handled in the same way as residential mortgages by the FCA, protecting the investor from fraud or incorrect advice.  This type of mortgage is for “accidental landlords” - it is defined as ‘a buy-to-let mortgage contract which is not entered into by the borrower wholly or predominantly for the purposes of a business carried on, or intended to be carried on, by the borrower.’  For example, if the property is bought for relatives to live in, it would be considered as a Consumer BTL mortgage. Legislation:  Investors need a tenancy agreement, outlining the terms and responsibilities of both parties.   The rented property should be kept safe with a fire alarm and all gas and electrical equipment maintained in good condition.  An energy performance certificate should be provided to the tenant.  The tenant’s right to rent should be checked.  The deposit should be protected in a Government-backed scheme. Conclusion:  As in every critical decision, the pros and cons need to be weighed.  In the case of a Buy to Let mortgage, some of them are: Advantages: Demand: With the demand exceeding supply, the rental market is suitable for investors. Capital gain: Although there is a risk with the value of property fluctuating, “brick-and-mortar” has usually survived and increased in value. Income: With the rental trend increasing, the revenue should be an asset. Disadvantages: High fees: Fees, deposits, and admin/legal costs can be increased. Rental voids: There is the risk of having no tenant or a tenant who is problematic with payments. Legal: Keeping in line with the legal requirements can be a big responsibility. Should a BTL mortgage be decided on, just keep in mind that the stamp duty holiday is till 31 March 2021 and so all necessary documentation should be completed well in time if this benefit is to be availed! Read Also: Federal Government and the Subprime Mortgage Crisis They Created 7 Expert Tips In Finding The Best Mortgage Broker In Vancouver Finding the Best Mortgage Lenders to Buy Your Dream House

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Real Estate

How to Use Videos to Get Real Estate Leads from Social Media with Little Effort

Being a real estate agent is already a tough job. With all the other agents out there and the competitive market, agents need to do their best to win their share of the market. But it has become even harder in the market since the direct marketing strategies are not as effective as they used to be. hard-earned cash is spent on ads on Facebook and Google and little is returned. The Roi of direct marketing strategies is not satisfactory. This does not seem to be a one-time decline in the performance of direct marketing methods. There seems to be a logical and meaningful trend emerging in the market: the audience is exposed to too many marketing messages and has started to ignore all-the-same ads. However desperate it might make agents, especially those new to the business who do not enjoy the advantages of word of mouth and referrals, repeating the same mistake over and over is not going to fix anything. There should be another turnaround to this predicament. And that is to look at the problem and think of what the audience wants. The Root of the Problem: Bad Content Real estate just like any other field in business is overwhelmed with the huge load of marketing messages in which real estate agents all claim to be the best, but most offer the same message. A brief look at the ads on social media platforms and Google shows that a majority of ads are centered around the agents and few focus on the needs of the clients. “Content is king”, said Bill Gates back in 1996. Back in the day, he saw the potential internet has and saw the content as the pivotal point. The content indeed turned to be the king. In an era, where people are tired of all those ads with nothing to offer, content is the key to stand out and be unique. Of course, everyone can make content, but not everyone creates great content. But what is great content? the long and the short of it: content that your audience is looking for on the internet. It caters to their needs and problems. Real estate is quite complicated in the eyes of the homebuyers and home sellers. They have many questions which they try to find answers to. Agents who focus on these questions and problems tend to become the go-to guy. The expert they are looking for. Videos, Videos, Videos We simply cannot highlight this enough. Watching videos is now easier than ever thanks to the advances in technology which has resulted in an increase in internet speed. Every day millions of videos are shared across different social networking platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. on the other hand, YouTube as the biggest video sharing platform has made videos easier to watch. This is all good, but the problem is unlike watching videos, creating them is not easy. The great content we mentioned in the previous paragraph is offered best in the form of videos. roomvu market update videos A bad video should be better than no video, right? Wrong. Reputation and brands are so delicate in real estate that it is not recommended that agents risk them by using poor videos. As videos are hard to make many agents would rather stay away from them and forget about the benefits they offer. With a few searches on the internet, agents can find many great tips on how to record their own real estate videos and also the ideas to base their videos on. Another option is simply to hire professional real estate video creators to do the job for you. It might seem like extra expenses, but the ROI is definitely worth the cash you spend. roomvu neighborhood bio videos Social Media, Automated Social media is one of the greatest avenues to generate leads in real estate. The features popular social media platforms offer, like Instagram live for real estate all help agents reach their audience on a larger scale. If you have the time, skills, and patience to manage a couple of social media accounts properly, create appropriate content, and keep it consistent, go ahead. But given the hectic schedule, most agents run; it is unlikely. The only way to make it as a real estate agent on social media is to keep it interesting, informative, and valuable for the audience and keep it going all the time. This is probably what keeps most agents away from giving social media a shot as they do not have the time, skills, content, etc. All these do not mean agents can't enjoy the benefits of social media. In fact, social media automation systems like roomvu real estate social media automation calendar can take care of all from content creation to sharing them on social media accounts. There are many platforms that offer social media automation. roomvu does what needs to be done effortlessly and also offers a free calendar. All agents need to do is connect their social media accounts and pick the right content provided by the roomvu content factory and then let the technology do the rest. roomvu social media calendar Final Words Whether agents like it or not, they can't insist on old-school methods. Furthermore, direct marketing methods too are failing due to being all the same and offering no value. No one clicks on ads anymore. It does not mean that ads are bad. The problem is that they offer nothing other than a bunch of claims which the audience is sick and tired of. What is suggested here is that agents need to take on a novel approach towards their marketing efforts. Coming across as a helpful expert who is always out there sharing valuable information and helping the audience with their needs by providing insightful answers through valuable content in the form of videos. This mindset requires patience and consistency as the desired community is not built overnight. Thinking of customers and their needs and concerns as the highest priority instead of claiming to be the best agent out there, is the key to success in real estate’s highly competitive market. Read Also: Best Transaction Management Software for Your Real Estate Business 8 Social Media Tips for Your Business How to Start Social Media Agency in India 5 Easy Estate Planning Tips to Help You Plan for the Future

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Sold Your Home

What To Leave Behind Once You Have Sold Your Home

You have finally put your home for sale on the real estate market and now you are just looking for a potential yet promising buyer to purchase your home. As the seller of the property, you are likely to look forward to agreeing to future inspections and issues that need to be fixed before officially selling the property but if you have hired professional housekeeping services then your property will be spotless by the time the new owner comes around. When people finally reach the closing process, most of them don’t know what to leave behind or not leave behind exactly, but help is on its way through this article that will ensure you all that needs to be left behind and what you need to take with you so that you won’t have to face any stressful situations that you might deal with from either you or the potential buyers. What Should Be Left Behind The Keys To The Property When it comes to closing day, the first thing that should be left behind are obviously the keys, while most new homeowners will probably make a new lock and have a new set of keys, they will also appreciate having obviously as a sign of respect because if you only have one set of keys it is best to suggest to the new homeowner that visiting a locksmith is an option if they want to make sets of keys. If you have your realtor under your services then you can give your realtor the keys on closing day and let them handle this situation for you so you won’t have to deal with the potential buyer himself/herself. As a responsible homeowner who has now sold his home to a new couple or a family, there are many things, which you can do to help them. Firstly, any new homeowner would like to change the old locks of the house. This is where a central coast locksmith can help them change the locks to the entire household. This can give the new family complete peace of mind knowing that they are the only ones that have the keys to different areas of the house. They can store their possessions safely and secure the premises at all times. A Folder That Contains Manuals And Warranties For Your Appliances Keep in mind that once a buyer has purchased the household, they have also purchased all the appliances that are included inside as well. It would be best to leave behind all the user manuals for these home appliances and if you have a warranty or guarantee from a recent appliance that you recently bought, would be definitely useful to have as well. It would be best for the future owner to have all these documents in case they have to operate, repair, or maintain some appliances, they wouldn’t have to go through any hassles. Features Included In The Household Chances are when you bought this property yourself, is that there are things that came affixed with the property itself such as certain kinds of hardware, curtains, shelves, kitchenware, and light fixtures and blinds. Unless you have bought these things and possibly might need them for the new place that you are planning to purchase/rent then it is best to leave these home features behind for the new owners to use and enjoy as well. Things like remote controls should obviously be left behind for the new owners as you don’t want to leave your property with any questions being asked. Try to label each remote control in case it is not obvious which one is for which electronic appliances such as ceiling fans, lights, televisions, and much more. Believe it or not, home automation systems that are used as home’s smart features can actually be one of the things that made your potential buyer be appealed by the property so it is best to keep them where you are but if you paid a hefty price for them, it’s best to put this in the contract and have it be said during negotiations so that you don’t make any losses along the way that are not necessary. It has been researched that Smart Home products actually increase the property value by almost five percent by just owning home automation, so if you are getting it customized and built-in within the property, then it is best to leave it behind and ask for the price that would seem reasonable for you. Pool Supplies Does your property have its own swimming pool? If this is the case then it is best to leave all your accessories and pool supplies for the new owner. It will also be a great idea to leave any kind of directions, manual, or assist with any information regarding how to maintain and keep the pool or spa area clean as possible and who to contact if you have someone doing it for you as well. Landscaping If you have your own backyard or natural garden that you purchased and came with the property, most of these places have the plants, shrubs, and trees already affixed to the property and will remain with the household regardless of how much you would like to miss them. The only option that you have is the case that if you want to take the removable pots that have flowers and plants inside which won’t be a hassle in taking and moving away with you. There are things such as equipment within the garden such as chairs, tables, swings, and even a grill, which can all be seen as personal belongings so it would be better to take it with you unless you don’t find any value in them anymore and consider just leaving them behind for the future owner of the property to either use or throw out themselves. Take Your Emotions Out Of The House Last but not least, the most important thing to do is to take all your personal belongings with you and do everything to depersonalize your property so at least that potential buyers can imagine themselves there when you have emptied out the place. Just think of it this way, if you have all your stuff currently still at your homes such as family photos and stuff that comes with sentimental value, the potential buyer will only see your house and not the house on sale pretty much because they won’t be able to see themselves living there because they can only see you and your belongings among the place. Consider hiring a professional who will be able to stage your home and to maximize profits. Read Also: The Guide to Understanding Your Home Value 8 Smart House Upgrades that are Totally Worth the Money How to sell your house fast? Five must-know tips to move your property!

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Sunshine Coast

Smart Reasons Why You Should Buy Real Estate from Home Builders in Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is geographically located in South-East Queensland, with an urban area that spans about 60 kilometers from Tewantin to Pelican Waters. It is an upcoming spot for both commercial and residential real estate. Buying real estate, whether for commercial or residential purposes, is one of the most sophisticated financial decisions you can ever make. A real estate investment has several benefits, such as huge upside potential, amazing returns, and even tax advantages. If you are probing for your next real estate investment but don’t know where to look, you have come to the right place. This article will give you smart reasons to buy real estate from home builders, Sunshine Coast. Massive Potential Despite being considered the third most populated area in Queensland and the ninth most populated area in the country, Sunshine Coast has not yet reached its full potential. This should be good news for real estate investors because there is a huge upside potential, which means massive investment returns. Investing in an area that has massive potential but is still underdeveloped is a huge advantage. This is because the value of real estate appreciates over time, according to experts. The earlier you buy, the larger your possible returns will be, when your real estate investment materializes. Accessible and Awesome Geographical Location Sunshine Coast is less than 100 kilometers away from the city of Brisbane, making it quite accessible. It only takes less than an hour to drive from Brisbane to the wonderful beaches of the Sunshine Coast. The 65-kilometer stretch of the Sunshine Coast is home to unbroken beaches, which include Noosa Main Beach, Sunrise Beach, Sunshine Beach, and Shelly Beach, to name a few. These beaches are arguably considered as the world’s most mesmerising beaches. Buying real estate from home builders in the Sunshine Coast is truly a wonderful investment because of its strategic location that offers accessibility and beauty. Also, the neighborhood and community are great and will surely make you feel like home. Less Hassle One of the biggest disadvantages of buying raw land is that after doing transactions with real estate developers, you still need to talk to a construction firm for your plans on building your home. This process is simply taxing and causes a lot of hassle. Fortunately, buying house and land packages offers a solution to this predicament. You can never go wrong with investing in house and land packages from home builders in the Sunshine Coast because of the ease of transaction. You no longer have to do transactions with multiple companies because home builders will be responsible for both land and house construction. You may go through Sustainable Home Builders In Australia Turn Your Investment into a Rental Asset Sunshine Coast is poised to become a promising tourist destination because of its amazing coastline home to Australia’s best beaches. This means more and more tourists will be visiting Sunshine Coast during family vacations and summer trips. You can benefit from this future demand by owning a piece of residential real estate in Sunshine Coast and renting it out to families that need a place to stay during their vacation. You can also register your home to websites and rent it out as accommodations for tourists that visit Sunshine Coast. This is certainly advantageous because you are earning money passively, through rental income. By doing this, you get good cash flow from your real estate investment that can increase your monthly income by upwards of 10%. From the reasons mentioned above, investing in Sunshine Coast real estate is, without a doubt, a sound financial decision. Owning a piece of real estate in this wonderful area is something that you won’t regret because of the potential it offers in the coming years. Read Also: How Do Law Firms Help Companies with Their Real Estate Issues? 5 Easy Estate Planning Tips to Help You Plan for the Future Real Estate Syracuse NY Investment: Flipping Houses You Need to Know the Pros and Cons of a New Career in Real Estate

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Concrete Driveway Contractor

Tips When Hiring a Concrete Driveway Contractor in California

Hiring the right concrete driveway contractors in San Diego or concrete driveway contractors in Los Angeles is an important process in ensuring quality results you have desired for your home or business driveways. Improving your residential or commercial driveway areas comes with several benefits, but projects as such should be done by a professional concrete contractor in California. Driveways are the first area of your property that your visitors notice. It is essential to make sure this area is aesthetically pleasing with the help of a professional and trusted concrete driveway contractor. Improving concrete driveways has been a popular choice over the years because it offers an elegant and durable finish. There is also a wide range of colors and styles to choose from, which makes it worth the investment. If your goal is to have a driveway that would be aesthetically pleasing and last for many years to come choosing to use concrete would be a great option. To achieve your desired design finishes for your driveway, you have to make sure you are working with a professional and experienced concrete contractor. However, with so many concrete companies out there, how could you possibly find the right one? Here are five tips to help you make the right decision in choosing the best concrete driveway contractor in California: 1. Do your Research  To have some perspective contractors hire, you have to do some research and learn more about the concrete services they provide. You can do your research through the internet to easily find the best concrete contractors in your area. Most concrete companies these days offer a free estimate, this is an opportunity for you to ask them questions regarding your driveway project to better access their knowledge and abilities. Before asking any questions, it is important to know what you are looking for in a concrete company including their contractors. You can also ask your friends and family for referrals or ask your local concrete suppliers if they can recommend someone in your area. In this way, you’ll be able to ask them about the work they have done and their experience they had with a concrete contractor. Doing your research allows you to better understand the steps and processes, including the proper preparation of the area and the variety of options available to you. You’ll be able to compare your list of choices that would help you find the best concrete driveway contractor in your area. 2. Consider their Years of Experience Mixing, pouring, and laying down concrete may sound as simple as that, but in reality, this type of job is tricky. Any mistakes can’t be easily fixed, unlike other flooring materials, the job needs precision, and that can be achieved with years of experience. While finding the right concrete contractor, you need to make sure that the contractor has spent years in the industry to give you a guarantee that you’ll receive quality finishes for your driveway. Choose a contractor who has at least five years of experience in the concrete industry, ask them if they have done concrete driveway projects in the past. Asking them suggestions and tips for your concrete driveways project would also help in gauging if they are knowledgeable and skilled in that particular area. When a contractor gives you helpful answers and viable examples, it only means that they are knowledgeable and experienced in the concrete industry. Related: What Independent Contractors Need to Know about Workers Compensation 3. Ask for a Contact Reference As you interact more with your contractor, ask them to give a contact reference to verify their work, process, and how they operate. Ask their contact reference questions such as the type of project they did with them, the span of time they have completed the project, their involvement and communication, and how happy they are with the results. Their answers to your questions would help you decide which contractor to hire for your concrete driveway project. 4. Ask About the Company’s Insurance & Permits  The concrete company’s insurance gives you peace of mind over a possibility that something might go wrong during the process. You will not be held liable if in case an accident happened. It is important to verify if the concrete company is insured. You can call their insurance company to know its coverage. Ask your contractor if a permit is necessary before starting the process, obtaining a special permit depends on several factors, including location and the type of project. A professional and experienced contractor knows every process, including all the necessary paper works, hire someone who gives the right answers since day one. 5. Gauge the way they interact During your consultation with your contractor, observe how they interact or assist you with everything you need. Good interaction with your contractor and with the concrete company plays an important role in the whole process. Hire someone that accommodates you well and makes sure to respond to your questions promptly. If the concrete contractor does the opposite, it’s time to consider other contractors in your lists. Read Also: Roofing Painting Contractor Leads: Ask Before Hiring One Fix Your Home up This Summer With These Core Hacks

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property

Real Estate 101 – 3 Simple Tips to Boost the Value of Your Property

Whether you’re looking to downsize or are relocating to a new area, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to get your property sold quickly. However, selling a house is neither a simple nor straightforward task. After all, not only is the real estate market oversaturated. But there are a lot of factors that can deter you from getting the money that you want out of your home. The good news is that there are ways to keep depreciation at bay without having to spend a small fortune in the process. And with a little bit of preparation and research, you might even give yourself some excellent bargaining points and get as close as possible to your asking price. To this end, here are a few simple tips to boost the value of your property. Real Estate 101 – 3 Simple Tips to Boost the Value of Your Property 1. A little curbstone appeal can go a long way They say that first impressions last. And this statement is true, especially when it comes to selling a home. And if you want to entice prospective buyers to purchase your home, it will need to look as good on the outside as it is on the inside. And because of this fact, it makes sense to work on the curb appeal of the property. From doing a little bit of landscaping and retouching the paint on the exterior of the house to getting rid of any debris or junk. If you have a scrap car Gloucester firm Phelps will take it away for you. A little time and money invested in making your home aesthetically pleasing can go a long way in piquing the interest of aspiring homeowners. And, in turn, increase the value of your property. 2. Make sure that your home is depersonalized No matter how much history or memories you have built-in your home, none of it matters to potential buyers. So before you list your property for sale, make sure that you depersonalize the house completely. By removing artwork, collectibles, photos, and other personal items, you’ll present the market with a blank canvas that will not only help make them feel more welcome. But also allow them to imagine themselves living in your home much easier. More importantly, de-cluttering your home and keeping it neutral will also add some square footage. And as a result, give you another talking point to drive the price up. 3. Price the property reasonably Let’s face it: we all want to get as much money as we can from our properties. However, economic conditions and market demands will often ultimately determine the price. And while you don’t necessarily need to undersell your home, it’s crucial not to overprice it either. So make sure that you do some research and price your home reasonably and accordingly. In this way, you’ll be able to reel in more potential buyers and get your house sold quicker than you would have otherwise. There’s no denying the fact that it’s not easy to sell big-ticket items like a house. But with these tips, you’ll be able to find the right buyers for your home. More importantly, you’ll be able to land a much more favorable deal in the process too. Read Also: 5 Tips For Transport & Logistics Business Owners Before Investing In Insurance 4 Questions To Ask From Your Home Relocation Company

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