DLF Corporate Greens is Commercial Project in Sector 74A, Gurgaon
June 29, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Real Estate Classifieds, Uncategorized
DLF Commercial has redefined the conventional concept of stand-alone work spaces by integrating work with leisure. Combining the strengths of well-grounded experience with the dynamic needs of modern times, DLF Commercial has ushered in a new era of work culture and futuristic office spaces, at the very core of india’s most prestigious central business districts.
DLF Corporate Greens is strategically located, next to NH 8, in the upcoming Sector 74A, Gurgaon. Spread over sprawling 25 acres, the project is to be developed on the lines of district centre comprising premium Commercial , Retail and IT spaces.
The pioneering DLF Corporate Greens will set new standards for all the new developments on NH-8, in terms of design and facility, standards and lifestyle aesthetic; making it an unparalleled investment opportunity, with a substantial upside potential.
Highlights
- Spread over 25 acres, to be developed on the lines of a district centre.
- Located strategically, next to NH 8, in the upcoming Sector 74A, Gurgaon.
- Close to proposed Metro Station with excellent arterial connectivity to Dwarka, Manesar and NCR.
- Superb Connectivity to International & Domestic airports, Delhi and the neighboring commercial developments of Gurgaon.
- A well integrated development consisting Commercial Spaces, Retail and IT spaces.
- Ample parking area.
- 100% power back up.
- Centrally air-conditioned with energy efficient chillers.
- 24 hrs security surveillance.
- Modern fire detection; suppression systems with sprinklers, fire/smoke detectors meeting all NBC norms.
- High speed elevators.
- Seismic design complaint as per zone.
Eight Ways to Add Value to Your Home By : Roselind Hejl
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Building a Home
“Two story brick traditional with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, island kitchen, and large deck!” Sound familiar? We often talk about houses in terms of room count, along with a list of finishes, such as tile floors, granite counters, or faux paint. While this vocabulary conveys certain facts, it does not provide the tools to think about how to re-design a house in a fabulous way.
It is valuable to be able to make the decisions that transform a poor design into a house that is memorable, enduring, and widely appealing. To do this we need to go deeper than simply updating finishes or increasing square footage. We must think about how the structure shapes the feelings and experience of its inhabitants. In the words of Winston Churchill, “We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.” When a house has design flaws, we know intuitively that it does not feel right. On the other hand, a well designed house can make us feel inspired, enriched, and touched by a sense of order.
We often see houses that have some elements in the structure and site that appeal to us, but cannot be lived in without remodeling. Often our clients say that they want to find a house with good bones (meaning good basic design), that they can update. The truth is that most houses have some good design and some bad design. Painting walls and updating fixtures will not cover bad design. You will need to think about the house in a deeper way. Use these design processes to help you make the difficult decisions that will result in a house that many people would love to live in.
1. Relate the house to the site.
Think about how the house integrates and interacts with the land around it. This awareness is a basic, but often ignored, beginning. The connection and interplay between interior and exterior spaces enhances both in a powerful way.
Manage the views from each window. Is there an undesirable view into a neighbor’s home or yard? Is there a nice view that is blocked by a wall or fireplace?
Notice how the walkway leads to the street, where privacy is needed, where noise buffering is needed, how drainage will work.
A side area could be a private garden, accessible from the main bedroom. A front porch overlooking the street could bring the house into a relationship with the neighborhood.
2. Bring in natural light.
Houses can be transformed by adding windows and other light sources. Generous light feels safe and uplifting, and attracts people toward it.
Natural light raises the level of importance and the beauty of rooms. Light all main rooms from two sides, if possible, to reduce glare and balance the light. Use glass doors, windows, skylights, transoms, or light tunnels.
Keep passive solar techniques in mind as you add windows and shading devices. The control of solar energy for light and heat is fundamental for an efficient and comfortable home.
3. Break down hard barriers between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Glass doors, screens, and walls that slide open can create semi-transparent walls, forming indoor/outdoor spaces that have enormous appeal.
Breezeways, garden rooms, bay windows, and screened porches are spaces that people love. These bring people into contact with the outdoors, yet may be furnished in a comfortable way.
4. Think of outdoor spaces as large rooms.
When all areas of the site are thought of as living spaces, new ideas open up. These outdoor spaces expand the house by creating a sense of semi-enclosure in various ways.
Their edges can be defined by trees, fences, wings of the house or other buildings. For example, an outdoor room may be a shady natural space on the site enclosed by a line of trees and shrubs.
Outdoor living spaces can be courtyards, walled gardens, trellis covered breezeways, stone patios, or outdoor showers. Think about their use and connectedness to the house.
Often, we see an exterior space that is built as an isolated destination place – a second floor deck, for example. If you have to make an effort to go there, the space will not be used. Outdoor spaces are most used when they are on paths used by people coming and going. This is why a front porch is a very appealing design element. People naturally meet here, and the porch connects with neighbors walking by.
A popular outdoor living area is the backyard deck. This is often seems to be an afterthought, tacked onto the house. Can it be covered and screened?
5. Consider widening roof overhangs or adding propped shutters over windows.
This is a green building technique in warm climates, blocking solar penetration.
The view of the outside roof structure seen from inside the house evokes a sense of shelter and protection.
If possible, extend the roof in some areas to create covered porches or breezeways. Rooms that are simultaneously open and protected are very appealing.
Inside the house, exposed rafters, rustic beams, or wood surfaces on the ceiling create feelings of strength and character in the home.
6. Review traffic flow – a crucial, but often ignored, design element.
Walk down the paths that bring you inside the front door, then lead you to various rooms through the house, and again to the outdoors. Do they cut through the middle of living areas? When this happens the living area will never feel complete and comfortable.
Circulation paths should lead along the edges of main rooms, and efficiently to private rooms. A maze like floorplan creates a sense of wasted energy and confusion. Few exterior doors may result in a subtle feeling of being trapped.
Bring multiple uses to hallways and connecting spaces with bookshelves, windows or window seats.
Set apart the main entrance with details such as a covered place to stand, special doors, benches, or potted plants.
7. Compare the sizes of rooms in proportion to each other.
People have an intuitive sense of the correct hierarchy of spaces. Small living spaces will seem wrong when combined with large bedrooms.
Homes with awkward design can often be improved by removing walls to make one large space from several smaller ones.
Consider the use and function of each room. Is the room to be used privately, such as a bedroom, study, or library? Or, will the family gather here to cook and eat informally? Some houses include formal areas, others do not. Some have many rooms, others are very open. There is no right or wrong decision here. Houses that have a true and intuitive appeal have a clarity as to the function of each room.
8. Choose materials as an integral part of the design – not as decorator selections made at the end.
For example, structural materials can be exposed, or flooring can be used to connect and unify spaces.
Bring in the beauty and texture of natural materials. Use materials that offset each other – warm and cool colors, rough and smooth textures, solid and delicate walls.
Use materials to connect the house to the site – for example, a wood clad house surrounded by woods, or a stone house next to outcroppings of stone. Or, connect the house to the neighborhood with historic colors and siding.
Repeat materials and colors to unify the interior and exterior.
Keep Your Property In Good Shape: Stay Profitable By : James Klobasa
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Building a Home
However, you do not require thousands of dollars for that. Only a little amount of cash will do. This little expenditure will eventually turn out to be a highly profitable investment, as it will attract your tenants, and you will be able to bargain a higher rent from them.
Replacing The Old, Ugly Switch Plates
One of the common mistakes that most real estate investing landlords and rehabbers do is that they paint the entire unit except for the old ugly switch plates. Ridiculously, sometimes, they even paint over them. Do not overlook such things, and get them replaced by new ones. It may cost you as little as about 40 cents each. Even if you have to replace the switch plates in the entire house, it will cost you somewhere around $15 only. While you do this, try to be creative and innovative. Consider nice brass plates for the foyer, living room, and other obvious areas. For that, even if you go for the most expensive ones, it will not cost you more than $4 each.
Improving The Condition Of Doors
Doors can be another inexpensive replacement. For example, if you have ugly brown doors, it is always a great idea to replace them with decent white doors. If you do not at all want to expense that much, for real estate investing rental purpose, you should at least consider replacing the downstairs doors.
Replacing The Door Handles
Just imagine an old door handle, especially with crusted paint on it. If you let it remain unrelated, what impressions will its drab look create on your real estate investing tenants? If you do not want to spend expense on that, consider replacing them with new brass finished handles. It will not cost you more than $10 overall.
Painting The Trim
If you do not want to paint the entire interior of the house, you should consider painting the trim at least. It will substantially enhance the look of the real estate investing house. If your house is one of the new, modern, custom homes with typical beige or off-white walls, with bright white trim, painting the trim with a semi-gloss bright white paint will certainly be a great idea. The same goes with the floor trim.
Improving The Foyer Area
Besides the front door, it is the foyer area that creates the first impression for the real estate investing tenants. You should consider gracing the same with linoleum floors. A good one will not cost you more than $100 in materials.
Kitchen Cabinets
I will not suggest to you to replace the complete kitchen cabinet, but you can at least consider painting them. If you have style wooden cabinets in a lovely dark brown shade, paint them using a semi-gloss white and finish them with colorful plastic knobs. However, it is not necessary to paint the inside of them.
Do Some More
If you have done everything to improve the look, do some more. How about adding a nice colorful mailbox instead of the usual old black one? Your tenant will be impressed with the creative look this adds to the house.
Always remember, in real estate investing business, you never get a second chance to build a first impression.
Property Valuations – What To Ask When Trying To Pick A Good Appraiser
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Building a Home
Valuers (or appraisers as referred to in certain countries around the world) form an important part of the general economy, not just the property industry.
Types of Property Valuations
Property valuers generally specialize in a sector of the property market or in a specific sub sector of the property market. There is also plant and equipment valuers but in this article I will focus on the larger market of valuers, property or real estate valuers or appraisers.
The different types of property reports that can be conducted are:
Commercial
Retail
Industrial
Mixed use
Rental review
Litigation
Property development feasibility studies, analysis and valuations
The most common valuation type is in the residential valuations field and the sub sectors are:
Acreage
Alpine
Apartment
Bed-sitter
Coastal property
Duplex
Executive property
Flat
Government
House
Land
Leased property
Luxury property
Property investing
Property investment portfolio evaluation
Retirement living
Rural
Semi-rural
Semi-detached
Serviced apartment
Studio
Student apartment
Terrace
Townhouse
Unit & unit block
Villa
More specialized valuations include the following (it is advisable to ask the valuation firm that you are considering if they have had previous experience before commissioning to perform a valuation):
Townhouse development
Villa development
Unit block
Single tenant office
Retail strip shop
Combined office retail
Owner occupied
Leased property
Multi-tenant
Mid rise office
Small shopping centre
Warehouse
Vacant land
Special use property
Golf course
Ski resort
Unique property
Hospitality-related property (hotels, resorts, inn valuations, motels, conference center valuations)
Regardless of property size, type, or construction material (from brick to steel to weatherboard homes), a property valuer can service all your property valuation needs as long as they are qualified to do so in that field.
I would suggest checking that the Valuer is registered with the local government or regulatory body of property Valuers / appraisers before asking for any work to be conducted.
It is also advisable to see if the valuation / appraisal reports are covered by a well known professional indemnity insurance provider such as Lloyds. Valuers insurance policies vary so see what the valuers professional indemnity (PI) advantages and disadvantages are as well as its limitations.
Another mindful check method is to contact your local or country governing property body or government organization to see if the individual appraiser or property expert is adequately qualified and whether they have current qualifications that is recognized by that body. This is always a good sign to separate the professional or registered valuers from those that are not.
Useful Tips For Landlords On Dealing With Problem Tenants
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Legal Aspects of Real Estate
It is not uncommon to see landlords being victimized by bad tenants. There are innumerable cases where tenants who initially appeared to have a clean profile and nice attitude, suddenly turn vicious and start mistreating their landlord. When a landlord screens and interviews a prospective tenant he usually uses all possible means to find someone suitable, but sometimes these methods fail to work. Even with all the precautions a landlord takes, he often ends up with problem tenants like raucous partyers, drug addicts, or scam artists trying to live rent-free.
To avoid such problems, the first thing that every landlord should keep in mind is to document everything. Verbal promises are useless. If there is a disagreement, they usually prove to be quite useless. Establishing impeccable documentation, including the rental application, the lease or rental agreement, termination notice, and an itemization of security deposits will secure your position. Thereafter, if you land in court, these documents will be the proof supporting your case.
The next matter to consider is to treat every applicant on an equal footing, irrespective of race, sex, religion, age etc. Do not allot rental accommodations according to gender, age, or status, unless the tenant specifically demands it. These days, most landlords insist on tenants showing them their ID cards. However, it is illegal to demand ID cards inconsistently. Hence, if you do require verification by ID cards, then you need to check each and every applicant’s, and not do it selectively.
The task of showing prospective tenants apartments requires a lot of time, but it is important not to rush it, or succumb to the impulse of trying to please the first candidate that comes along. Remember to question them thoroughly, and never let anyone persuade you to allow them to stay temporarily.
The next important step is to check the references thoroughly. If you think that it is a very time consuming process, or are not sure that you will do a good job, you can entrust it to tenant-screening agencies that will charge around $10-$20 per application, and will give you accurate data. Additionally, also run checks on the candidate’s criminal, credit and employment background. A good source of information can be the tenant’s previous landlords, but beware of the candidate’s friends posing as landlords. Although all this may seem like a hassle, but it is nothing compared to the problems that unsavory tenants can create.
Make a lease agreement and make the tenant sign it before he moves in with his belongings. Making a tenant sign a lease agreement is especially important if he or she happens to be a student. For additional security, you can also ask the student’s parent to co-sign the agreement.
Problems also often arise when the tenant is of some other nationality. These problems arise not because of the difference in nationality, but as a result of different traditions and customs, which can become awkward in an apartment environment. You need to spell out all the rules and conditions, documenting them and making the tenant sign it.
Personal bankruptcy is one of the problems that landlords are increasingly faced with these days. According to the law, you cannot evict a tenant if he has filed a bankruptcy petition. Although efforts are being made to change the laws, it will take time. In the mean time, you can master the legal paper work and boost your chances of recovering some of the money owed to you.
It can be tough being a landlord, and to survive it you should always be up to date with the latest tenancy laws and rules. Take regular advice from people who are experienced in real estate issues, or you can also take the help of self-help legal guides, or join a local apartment association, and save your apartment from problem tenants.
By : Kevin Kiene
Important Information About For Sale By Owner Selling & Escrow
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Legal Aspects of Real Estate
In real estate transactions, there needs to be a way for the buyer to guarantee that the seller will indeed pay the funds agreed upon. Similarly, the buyer needs a way to guarantee that, once his or her deposit is paid, the seller will hand over the deed or title to the property. This is where escrow comes into play.
What is Escrow?
As a for sale by owner home seller, you are responsible for setting up, or opening, the escrow account. The escrow agent will be a third-party who is responsible for holding the title or deed to the property as well as earnest deposits made on behalf of the buyer. The purpose of an escrow is to hold legal documents and money until certain conditions, agreed by you and the buyer. The escrow agent will hold money and property ownership until these conditions have been met.
In many for sale by owner transactions, both the seller and the buyer open escrow accounts. There is no standard way of one or the other. Rather, it depends on what you and the buyer agree.
To process your escrow instructions accordingly, the escrow agent might ask you for several pieces of information. You might not have all the information available immediately, but you should get it to the escrow agent as soon as possible. This information includes, but is not limited, to the following:
Your (the seller) name and address
Buyers name and address
Purchase agreement
Amount of deposit
Buyers insurance agent
Lenders or other financing partys information
Termite report information
Closing date
If there is an earnest money deposit, the escrow agent will place it into a separate escrow account. The agent will then order a title search. In addition to you and the buyer, the lender will receive a report of this information. Any loan and interest fees charged by the lender will be included in the escrow instructions.
Choosing an Escrow Agent
When you are choosing an escrow agent, there are several factors that you should take into consideration. If you are working with a real estate attorney, he or she might be able to act as the escrow agent as well. In any case, here are some tips on choosing an escrow agent.
Choose a reputable escrow agent or company. Friends or family who have recently sold property are good places to get recommendations for an escrow agent. Ask the references about their experience with the agent. Did he return phone calls in a timely manner? Was he courteous and professional? Was he knowledgeable?
Choose an escrow that has experience in for sale by owner housing transactions. It is best to choose an escrow that has previously worked in a transaction in which the seller did not work with a real estate agent.
Choose an escrow with reasonable rates. Since rates vary from one company to the next, it is a good practice top shop around to get an idea of the rates that are available.
After talking with several escrow agents and getting a feel for their professionalism, experience, and rates, you are prepared to make an educated decision.
By : T J Madigan
Pay Attention To Detail
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Basic Real Estate Concepts
It is the details in real estate investing that can make you or break you. As you can imagine, unplanned repairs can put a serious dent in any profit that you were planning to make from a deal. The failure to notice a crack it the foundation can leave you financially devastated when major repairs need to be done before you can sell your investment. And if you have a knack for noticing details that others do not, you could find profitable properties that other investors pass over.
The key to noticing the small details of any real estate investing opportunity is to slow down, be observant, and ask questions. Do not accept any investment opportunity if you are not well versed in every detail of the agreement and know all there is to know about the property itself. Granted, gathering and studying the necessary information might take up some of your time, but it is time well spent as the time spent researching a property directly corresponds to the amount of money you will have in your pocket after the investment has been sold.
One of the first instances of any real estate investing venture where your eye for detail will be needed is during the initial walk through of the property. This happens before any agreement has been made and is meant to give you an idea of what kind of condition the property is in. Be sure to inspect all of the major mechanics of the property such as plumbing, heating, electrical, etc. You should look for any flaws in the structural integrity of the home and make note of any repairs that need to be done. Even though you are not an expert in these areas, you will be surprised by what you can learn about a property if you pay attention.
If you have any questions about issues that arise during the walk through, you should consult a professional to evaluate the property. This is because seemingly small problems, such as cracked drywall, may not be purely cosmetic but may point to a major structural issue that will cost a great deal of money to fix.
Another area where attention to detail is vital in real estate investing involves paperwork and the legal mumbo jumbo that makes up every real estate transfer. Be sure to read all paperwork thoroughly and ask questions if you are having trouble understanding a particular clause.
The bottom line is to not be afraid to inspect and ask questions. Never make a deal based on the seeming honesty and upfront attitude of the seller. Dig deep; find the hidden details of the property. After all, it is going to be your money on the line and your potential profit that will be lost if the investment fails.
Different Types of Investments
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Mortgage, Loans & Investment in Real Estate
Overall, there are several different kinds of investments. These include stocks, bonds, and cash. Sounds simple, right? Well, unfortunately, it gets very complicated from there. You see, each type of investment has numerous types of investments that fall under it.
There is quite a bit to learn about each different investment type. The stock market can be a big scary place for those who know little or nothing about investing. Fortunately, the amount of information that you need to learn has a direct relation to the type of investor that you are. There are also three types of investors: conservative, moderate, and aggressive. The different types of investments also cater to the two levels of risk tolerance: high risk and low risk.
Conservative investors often invest in cash. This means that they put their money in interest bearing savings accounts, money market accounts, mutual funds, US Treasury bills, and Certificates of Deposit. These are very safe investments that grow over a long period of time. These are also low risk investments.
Moderate investors often invest in cash and bonds, and may dabble in the stock market. Moderate investing may be low or moderate risks. Moderate investors often also invest in real estate, providing that it is low risk real estate.
Aggressive investors commonly do most of their investing in the stock market, which is higher risk. The different types of stock can confuse first time investors. That confusion causes people to turn away from the stock market altogether, or to make unwise investments. If you are going to play the stock market, you must know what types of stock are available and what it all means!
Common stock is a term that you will hear quite often. Anyone can purchase common stock, regardless of age, income, age, or financial standing. Common stock is essentially part ownership in the business you are investing in. As the company grows and earns money, the value of your stock rises. On the other hand, if the company does poorly or goes bankrupt, the value of your stock falls. Common stock holders do not participate in the day to day operations of a business, but they do have the power to elect the board of directors.
Along with common stock, there are also different classes of stock. The different classes of stock in one company are often called Class A and Class B. The first class, class A, essentially gives the stock owner more votes per share of stock than the owners of class B stock. The ability to create different classes of stock in a corporation has existed since 1987. Many investors avoid stock that has more than one class, and stocks that have more than one class are not called common stock.
The most upscale type of stock is of course Preferred Stock. Preferred stock isn’t exactly a stock. It is a mix of a stock and a bond. The owners of preferred stock can lay claim to the assets of the company in the case of bankruptcy, and preferred stock holders get the proceeds of the profits from a company before the common stock owners. If you think that you may prefer this preferred stock, be aware that the company typically has the right to buy the stock back from the stock owner and stop paying dividends.
Before you start investing, it is very important that you learn about the different types of investments, and what those investments can do for you. Understand the risks involved, and pay attention to past trends as well. History does indeed repeat itself, and investors know this first hand!
How To Build Your Own House – If you are looking for a new home
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Building a Home
If you are looking for a new home, one of your best options may be to build your own home. Purchasing a home that is already built can be quite expensive and may be out of your price range, but building it yourself offers a cheaper route that will leave you even more satisfied with your home since you can design it yourself.
Hiring someone else to build your home can also be quite expensive, so why not take control of your new home and the price, and self build the home just the way you want it. Self building is becoming quickly popular in places like the UK, and people from all professions are beginning to build their homes this way.
Planning and Designing
One of the first tips that you will need to take if you are going to self build your home is to start planning and designing. It is important that you take the time now to get your planning done, because doing so will make the process much easier. Start thinking about where you want to live and what kind of a house you would like. Also you will want to find out the building regulations that are in place where you desire to build as well.
Locate Land
Once you have basic plans in place for your home, you will want to start looking for a great site to build your home on. When you are considering the land that you purchase, there is more to a great home site than a great view, although a wonderful view is an added bonus. You will also want to take into consideration whether or not the land already has permission to build. If it does not, it make awhile before you are able to build your home on this land. Be sure that you take the time to consider a variety of plots of land before you make your final decision.
Assessing the Land
Things that you need to consider when purchasing property for your home include how large the plot is, services like sewer, water, and electricity, trees on the property, and how accessible the property is to vehicles. Take things into consideration and you are sure to find a great plot of land for your new home. If the land has problems such as no water or the land is not level enough for a home and will consider a great deal of money to fix that, then you may want to consider another piece of property. Be sure to remember that you do not overspend on the land, so you have plenty of money budgeted out to actually build the home.
Once you have the planning done and a great piece of land, you are ready to get started on your dream home. Within a few months you will be able to enjoy the comfort of a home that you built yourself. Having a self built home can provide you with personal satisfaction and can save you a great deal of money as well.
10 Tips To Finding The Right Mortgage Loan Broker By : James Copper
June 4, 2010 by real-estate
Filed under Mortgage, Loans & Investment in Real Estate
More than half of all borrowers use a broker to arrange their mortgage. But how do you go about finding one? Should you be paying any fees for their services and how do they work?
#1
There are literally thousands of mortgage brokers in the UK – well over 10,000! These mortgage brokers will range from large companies with nationwide coverage through to the small one-man bands covering their local area.
These different companies may use the full range of advertising media to attract your attention such as the internet, newspapers, magazines, radio, television and yellow pages.
Should you prefer to use a local broker, you can get a shortlist of three financial advisers in your area from Independent Financial Promotions (IFAP) You can also look online at the numerous directories of mortgage brokers online to find one that best suits you.
#2
Whenever you have dealings with a mortgage broker, ensure that you find out whether they are authorised by the Financial Services Authority, either directly or as an appointed representative/principle of another company. Regulated brokers are listed on the FSA website: fsa.gov.uk
#3
Many mortgage brokers will have access to literally thousands of different lenders and products – this can be hugely beneficial when shopping around. It should be the aim of all mortgage brokers to source the market in order to achieve the best deal for you. Beware however, not every mortgage broker will be as ethical as the next – make sure you do your research!
If you wish to find out which lenders a mortgage broker has access to on their panel, you simply have to ask them. Brokers will either charge you a flat fee for their services, or charge you nothing whilst receiving a commission from the lender, or of course, a combination of the both. They are legally bound to disclose details of the commission they receive including the figure if this is more than 250.00.
#4
Mortgage advice is regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Individuals who give mortgage advice must be professionally qualified.
#5
If you are looking for advice on other financial products, for example on pensions, investments and insurance, be aware that these areas are also regulated by the FSA – your mortgage adviser may not be qualified to give advice on these areas. Unlike mortgages, advisers dealing in investment products have to be either tied to one provider or an independent financial adviser who can source the whole of market.
#6
The mortgage industry is packed full of confusing words that you may never heard of before – Do not be afraid to ask any questions. If you are not completely sure what you are getting into or signing up to, it is vitally important that make sure every detail is explained fully by your broker or lender. A mortgage is a huge commitment so make sure that you know exactly what is entailed.
#7
Using the services of a mortgage broker can offer many different benefits to the borrower. If your mortgage requirements are specialised, a broker can sometimes access specialist lenders that may not be directly available to the public. Having a damaged credit history can mean that can that applying for a mortgage can be a little more troublesome via the conventional routes.
#8
As a first time buyer the prospect of using a mortgage broker can be very appealing – even if your needs are very simple. Buying a home and arranging a mortgage for the first time can be a daunting prospect and having a point of contact available can make the process run more smoothly.
#9
It is important to be as honest and accurate as possible when applying for a mortgage. In todays market of high house prices, it can be very tempting to inflate your income or downplay your debts and other financial commitments. It is in fact a fraudulent offence to lie about your income on a mortgage application form.
#10
If you have a problem with your broker or have reason for complaint, it is necessary for both yourself and the broker involved to meet a satisfactory conclusion. Once this avenue has been exhausted, you may take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman service. It may be possible to claim compensation from the broker in question via the Ombudsman service.

