ApartmentGuideHomeReal Estate

How To Protect Yourself When Renting a House Or Apartment

Everyone knows that certain person who has had a bad experience with a landlord. Some will even see it from the other point of view and describe how the home was recked because of tenants gone wild. If you are renting then this article will protect you from being walked on by a slumlord and also tell you how not to become a tenant that will go down in the landlords mind as a person of low class.

Survey the neighborhood that you want to rent in. Look to see that it has all the things that you need and want. Trust me it is a good idea to develope this list prior to searching. Take a walk through the area and see how the people that live there treat their own homes and where the stores are. Make sure you have a store in walking distance. You never know if you’ll need an emergency supply of food if your car breaks down.

Talk to the neighbors. See if they’ll be open about the history of the place you’re trying to rent. What is the landlord like? What were the old tenants like? See if the know of any problems like mechanical issues etc.

This is the best way to start up a conversation, which may soon give way to a good friendship in the near future but for starters, you can consult the neighbors and take in every detail of the apartment and the area that surrounds it so as to get a general idea of what you are signing up for. Not only the house, but try to dig out the landlord’s history along with his behavior with the previous tenants as that will help you in deciding better on how to proceed further in this case. While the house may not be a Parc Central Residences floor plan but still if there is a possibility of some mishap, you shouldn’t be blamed for it.

Reveiw the lease for everything from pets to how many people you are allowed to have over at any time. See if you are allowed to line item things by crossing them out of the lease when you do not agree with certain clauses. As an example there are many standard leases that have a clause expecting the tenant to fix certain items up to a certain cost. I’m sorry unless it is my property then “NO” the landlord can fix them it is his after all I just rent. Of course that is if something breaks and not something I damaged.

Pay by check and always get receipts. Keep all paperwork in a file listing every month that you paid for and keep the canceled checks with receipts together. If you ever need to prove that you paid for a certain month then you’ll be able to access the information very quickly.

When things go wrong keep in touch with the landlord by email and have a paper trail so that you can prove what is happening. Also take pictures. This is very important before you rent. Take more when you move in and have the landlord sign a paper that proves he or she was there and that the house looked a certain way. Trust me when I say that it can very hard to prove what happend that made the landlord say you destroyed carpet when the pictures that you take early on will help when you move out.

GuideInvestReal Estate

Why Is Leedon Green Condo One Of The Most Talked-About Realty Projects?

Talk about the latest residential projects in Singapore and Leedon Green Condo comes up in full glory. It’s a plush residential project featuring 7 blocks (12-sytoreyed) residential flats with 638 units, parking lot, pools as well as communal facilities. The project is a collaborative development between Yanlord Land and MCL Land and is located at the very bustling District 10. Spreading across a sprawling area of around 320,000 sq. ft., Leedon Green is surrounded by almost all major amenities.

The post below offers a sneak-peek into Leedon Green Condo.

Strategic location

One of the main aspects of checking out Leedon Green Condo is its strategic location. The property is built on the traditionally prestigious location of Holland/Farrer Road. It’s close to commercial spaces related to engineering and science. You also have One-North, the famous finance district, nearby. Besides, there is Central Business District around which is a frequented business and research park. Book your Private Tour to Leedon Green Residences to get the hang of the place.

Amazing connectivity

Another factor that offers a great leverage to any residential project is ease of connectivity. The good part is Leedon Green also promises solid connectivity and hence worth a try. If you are a bus person, there are several bus stops in the close vicinity of Leedon Green. Then, if you wish to travel by MRT, there are 4 such stations around. The nearest one is Farrer Road Station and it’s a 10-minutes walk from the property. The other three are DTL, CL and EWL. You can walk up to these stations or else you will get a bus. Otherwise, if you love to drive mostly, there are two smart expressways, namely, PIE (Pan Island Expressway) and Aye (Ayer Rajah Expressway).

Surrounded by several amenities

This point is surely a continuation of the previous point.

If you have kids you will be glad to know the property is close to some of the topmost schools of the country, including- Raffles Girls Primary School, Hwa Chong Institution, Nanyang School and so on. All the schools are like 1-2 km away from Leedon Green.

In regards to healthcare, you have the very famous 24/7 clinic Concord International Hospital around which is just a 4-minutes drive from the property. Other hospitals nearby are Singapore General Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Apart from these, Leedon Green Condo is also surrounded by various supermarkets, shopping malls, restaurants, diners and entertainment centers.

Very resortish and upscale feel

The condominium will leave you in awe with its opulent resortish feel. The developers have been extremely particular in using only the most premium materials for both exterior and interior design. The property impresses with marble and stone finishes in Mater Bathroom, thanks to iconic brands like Hansgrohe, Axor and so on. Kitchens will come well-furnished with premium German-made Liebherr refrigerators, wine fridge and dish-washer units. To complement its opulence lifestyle, Leedon Green will support all residents with professional on-call concierge facility. The property also boasts Sky Terrace bar, Tree Top Walk, themed pavilions, Family Cabana and so on. Basically, Leedon Green promises something for every taste. If you are thinking of lavish lifestyle, this is the place to be.

Leedon Green also promises you a smart, secured and safe living with state-of-the-art biometric digital locks and surveillance cameras for every home.

GuideReal Estate

KEEP THIS IN MIND BEFORE BUYING ANY LAND

Land investments have become a really popular venture in today’s time because of how much they yield to the seller. The profit margins can be extended based on the kind of land it is. Experts have been doing the transactions back and forth since a long time, and if you are new in the field, here are a few things you should look at before purchasing a piece of land.

Connected restrictions

Buying and selling a piece of land might not be as simple as it would look. You have to check on the restrictions that come attached to it and its use. The government rules in your area would be defining what all can you use the land for. Not every property can be used as residential as well as commercial or any other type as a matter of fact. There would be construction rules as well, so if that is your motive, you would need to go over the building code as well.

Surrounding climate

Climate is something that will define the construction that will take place on the land later on. If you are buying the land for construction, then this will definitely play a major role in the materials you choose and what all you would be really able to do around the land. Thorough research of the climate and everything that is around that piece of land is a must before the final purchase.

Source of water

No matter what use the land is put to, and you will need water for all of them. Whether its agricultural land, commercial or even residential land, everything will need a source of water. This has to be determined in advance to know if the area has a water shortage or any rules concerning water usage. Certain areas don’t allow the usage of ground water because of environmental concerns. Hence, you will have to figure out and see where you will get your water from, and if that is a deal breaker for you.

Approvals needed

Depending on the final use of the land and what you might have in mind for it, you will need a lot of approvals before you can finally start the work needed. Various authorities will have to approve your construction if that is the ultimate goal and activities like agriculture also need licenses to be carried forward. Commercial buildings need the maximum number of licenses and approvals so you will have to get them all while you are purchasing the land because the user has to be stated alongside.

Tax receipts

Properties for sale or ones that are not being used, technically all of them have a certain amount of tax levied on them. All owners have to pay the property tax at regular intervals so if you are purchasing a piece of land, and you will need its old tax receipts as well because you would never want to be on the questioning side for it. Get as many tax receipts as you can and best pay your tax as well on time.

Potential of the land

Every piece of land will have various purposes for it, depending on what you have in mind for it. Sometimes, the land itself can pose certain restrictions for you, which might come in the way of your intent for it. Hence, before you make the purchase look at what all is possible to be done with the given plot. Look at everything that is around it and how you could turn it into a capital investment for you while contributing something to the existing neighbourhood as well. A lot of research again will go in here.

Certificate check

A lot of times plots are purchased through loans, and the amount being huge carries forward for years. To ensure all this doesn’t fall on your head and you are not held accountable for any debt or loan that might be attached to the land you were buying, you will have to get certificates regarding the same, stating nothing like that is attached to your purchase. Things like release certificate are a must to check and get before you move forward.

Orientation

Orientation of the plot will define the sun path of the site. Along with that, it will also affect a lot of things during construction. You will know if you can take advantage of the orientation and in what ways specifically. This will help you decide on the use and evaluate if that use is the best or not. Anything that’s existing will also be accounted for when you are doing all of these calculations. So, keep in mind everything before you make the purchase and finally start the construction.

 

 

Real Estate

Escondido Real Estate: Affordable Housing In San Diego's Expensive Housing Market

The San Diego real estate market is not only highly desirable, but homes are also priced well above the national average. However, to the north of the county is a real estate area that makes owning a home in San Diego an affordable proposition – Escondido.

Located 100 miles south of Los Angeles, 30 miles north of San Diego city, and west of the more affluent San Marcos city, Escondido offers one of the most affordable real estate markets in San Diego County. Escondido is near major amenities, yet offers homes for sale at prices that fall within the price range of average homebuyer. The rates of the residential property at San Diego are high in comparison to Pasir Ris Central sub zonal area. The height of the buildings will be more for providing them an impressive look.

Escondido real estate displays a Spanish flair and influence, reflecting the fact that more than 40% of her residents are Latino. The ethnic Latino flair is also in evidence in the numerous local restaurants, and is showcased in the historic homes of Old Escondido, as well as its downtown commercial and antique district.

The median prices in San Diego County are in the millions. In Escondido’s real estate market, it is possible to find single-family homes listed in the high $200,000s. This is very rare in San Diego’s housing market. The city’s median home prices are within the $450,000 to $500,000 range. Compared to many housing markets outside of Southern California, this is may seem incredibly high. However, for those shopping San Diego’s much-sought-after real estate, this is surprisingly affordable.

What Keeps the Home Prices Low?

Escondido’s real estate population is significantly less educated and less affluent than others in areas like La Jolla and neighboring San Marcos. In 2006, the median incomes for Escondido homeowners were about $60,000 – roughly $4,000 lower than that of San Diego County in general.

Roughly 20% of the residents have a college degree, while only about half are considered white collar. Her crime rate is also slightly above the national average. Another aspect of this real estate market is that wrestling with the illegal immigrant problem; with over 40% of the population being Latino, issues such as banning landlords from renting to illegal aliens is raging on.

On the flip side, the low home prices make the Escondido housing market affordable for first time homebuyers. On the other hand, it means that the schools are not very highly rated, and often tend to have to deal with the issues that associated with most lower income populations.

Should you Buy In Escondido?

Although it does not compare with San Diego’s million-dollar neighborhoods, Escondido does have a lot to offer the homebuyer on a tight budget.

The citrus and avocado groves that abound in area enhance the beauty of Escondido neighborhoods. It also offers the perfect year-round weather for out door activities, with annual temperatures that range from lows of 39 degrees to highs of 87. What’s more, it boasts 2 lakes, 8 nature parks, and number of different facilities for a variety of sports lovers. Other popular facilities include the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, the Escondido Children’s Museum, as well as a number of great golf courses.

With so much to offer, it is a small wonder that Money Magazine listed Escondido as the “Best Place to Retire in the World.” Add to this the affordable housing it offers, and it is easy to see why first-time home buyers would do well to take a second (or first) look at Escondido.

Real Estate

What to do and look for before buying a new condo unit from a developer?

The process of buying a new condo is wholly different from buying a resale unit. The developers tend to put new condos on sale even before developing them. The buyer love to invest in the new condos as developers offer them to choose the unit of their choice and develop the condo according to their needs and preferences. The buyers need to be active and alert while thinking of buying a new condo from a developer. It is imperative to clear your doubts and get a clear vision of everything about the new condos.

If the condo developer is professional, he will finalize the date of developing the condo and will tell the buyer about when he can take possession of their condo unit. The buyer must ask about the construction phase and how long will it take to end. It is good to know about the total time that common areas would take to get ready like a rooftop, terrace, balcony, and other shared areas. People who are about to invest in housing can know about the Ola EC floor plan and can book their units before.

There are many things that must be noted, and the buyer must ask the developer before buying the condos which are as follows:-

  1. Parking areas and storage space

Before buying the condo, you must know about the parking area and must check if the developer is developing an area for underground parking. The underground parking area helps people that save their time and money and help them to keep their vehicles safe and secure. If there is no parking area, then you must know that parking areas charge a lot of money for parking the vehicles monthly. It is good to look for newly developed or developing condos that have parking spaces.

  1. Location

The location of the condos that are developing must be near to all the places of interest like restaurants, shopping centers, and more. Location is an important factor that decides the buyer is attracted or not. The condos are mainly developed in an area where there is high convenience to all the necessary places. The buyers must check if the condo units are close to the areas of their needs and preferences to save money and time for traveling to distant places. People must not face difficulty in traveling to long distances to move to jobs or schools.

  1. Contract deposit amount

All condo communities have their principles and way of accepting the money from the buyers. A buyer must ask the developer on what percent of the amount is required to make a down payment and know about the closing date of the condos. Once the buyer has made the payment, the payment is non-refundable and is tied up till the closing of the condos. It is better to know about the closing date and prepare yourself to be flexible as the days may convert in weeks and months.

  1. Amenities offered

It is good to know about all the amenities that will be offered once the condos and condo community is completely constructed. This will help you to know what will not be there and you have to go out to get it. Amenities are one of the most important things that attract buyers. The buyers love to spend more on getting excellent amenities like playgrounds, yoga centers, fitness gyms, swimming pools, and many more. If the developer is providing all such things, a buyer would love to invest in those condos.

  1. Condo fees

The buyer must know about the condo fees that the developer is going to charge monthly for providing the amenities. The condo fees include charges of using the amenities and for all the maintenance and repairs. It is to know about the fees before and know about the overall charges that will be charged by the developer.

A buyer must know about the steps included in buying a new condo from a developer which are as follows:-

  • Financing the condo

The first includes the buyer to apply for the mortgage for purchasing a condo. The lender or the developer will review the documents of the condo board and all the building operations.

  • Insurance

Insurance is mainly done to protect your property from any loss, which may be human-made or natural. Once the condos are developer, the buyer needs to insure their unit and not the whole condo community. The developers tell all the benefits of insuring the condo units to the buyers.

  • Condo board approval

There is a condo board of the condo community, and the developers always want the buyers to give an interview to the condo board for approval of the condo. This helps the condo association to know more about the buyer’s character and their financial status.

The buyers are required to submit some amount of money for booking the new condo units. It is good to know everything in detail and do homework before thinking of investing in condos. You must check out the things that must be cleared with the developer before buying a new condo unit and know about the steps included in finalizing the condo. A buyer must make it a smart move by collecting all the details of the condo developer and know about the closing details of the condo.