Category: Property

Buying a New Home Is No More a Distant Dream

money for homeEvery individual dreams of purchasing their own home. A safe place where they might want to raise a family, or look after their parents. While the rising cost of real estate often dissuades people from the task, it’s important to remember that with the help of a home loan, your dream home is no longer just a distant hope that won’t be fulfilled.

If you’re hoping to realise your ultimate dream of owning a home, let’s take a look at a few steps that will help you along your journey.

1. Get Your Priorities in Order

Before you even start looking for a house, it’s important that you understand what you’re looking for. Do you want a home that’s in the middle of the city where you work, or do you want something that’s a bit quieter and closer to your hometown? Think about whether you want a large house with a garden or park nearby, or if you’re content with a smaller home with a good view. Figure out what is most important for you to have in your home. This makes the selection process much easier.

2. Outline Your Budget

Whether you’re funding the house by yourself or applying for a loan, it’s important that you have an estimate of how much you can afford to spend on a home. Even if you do take out a loan, you’ll have to factor in the EMIs that you will have to repay into your monthly budget. For a better understanding of what you can afford every month, you can use an online home loan EMI calculator. Once you have your budget and priorities in order, you’ll be able to find a home that meets your needs.

3. Create a Shortlist

The house-hunting process is generally quite a long-drawn one. You may see several houses before you find one that you truly identify with. If you’re lucky, you may like a home the instant you walk in and see it. However, this isn’t always the case. Once you’ve seen a wide selection of houses, you should make a list of the ones that you would definitely consider buying. Then you can list out the pros and cons of each home before making your final decision.

4. Find Financing

Unless you’ve won the lottery or you’ve been saving incredibly well over the last few years, you’ll probably require a loan to cover the cost of your new home. There are a number of loan options available to you, and you will need to find one that fits your needs. Depending on your requirements, you could find a loan that offers higher financing, better interest rates, or quicker disbursals. You could also use a home loan calculator to find out the kind of EMIs you would be required to pay based on the interest rates being offered.

5. Budget for Your EMIs

Now that you’ve found your perfect home and got a loan to finance it, it’s a good idea to come up with a repayment plan. You may have to readjust your monthly budget to factor in your EMIs and curb your expenditure a little. Of course, it goes without saying that you should also ensure you put away some amount of your savings for any financial emergencies that may come your way.

With our 5 quick tips, you could soon be on your way to finding your dream home and settling down with your family. Remember, a home loan doesn’t have to be a burden, it could be the stepping stone that helps you achieve your dreams.

7 Online Buying Tricks Revealed: Your One-Stop Guide to Selecting a Reputable Precious Metals Dealer

precious investmentsIn uncertain economic times, having gold on hand is a surefire way to liquidize and protect your assets. Even in a stable economic environment, gold is a safe haven asset that will never fail you. This is because gold’s value increases instead of decreases in direct relation to the decline of value in paper investments, such as stocks and bonds.

To minimize or even eliminate a fall in portfolio value during economic collapse it’s best to invest in uncorrelated investments. What this means is that you want to own assets that will move the opposite way of other investments when economic times become uncertain. Gold is one of the few guaranteed investments that are uncorrelated to many other investments. This makes it a very safe investment that has proven to remain positive when stocks fall.

This means that allocating some of your investment to gold is a sensible and solid choice. However, the buying of gold bullion is not always as straightforward as one would hope. There are plenty of precious metal dealers who will gladly take your money without having your best interests as a customer at heart. To avoid falling for an unscrupulous dealer, you’ll have to do a little research into finding the best dealer so you can purchase gold with confidence.

Online vs. Local

In general, there are two main ways to buy gold: online or locally (in person).

Local precious metal dealers can be found in cities around the world. However, brick and mortar stores will often come with a lot of overhead. This is due to rent, paying employees, security, and more. This added overhead and the fact that local gold dealers often have lower sales volume means that they will often have to charge more for gold bullion to make up for their costs.

On the beneficial side, a local gold dealer will mean that you will be able to physically inspect the bullion and take immediate possession of it when you purchase it.

Local dealers also have more of a reason to care about their reputation in the immediate community they serve, which may translate into higher quality of service when dealing with them.

Also, if you’re only buying small quantities of gold and you’re paying for it with cash, your purchases at a local dealer might not be reported to the tax authority and can stay confidential. If this is something you are considering, make sure you discuss it with your dealer to make sure you stay below the threshold for reporting.

The other option for purchasing gold bullion is through an online dealer. Online dealers typically do more business and will have higher volumes of sale and much lower fixed costs. This means that you can often find good gold bullion at a solid discount online.

Online dealers will have a much more varied range of products in stock and many even offer convenient buy-and-store programs that permit you to purchase the gold bullion and then keep it in an insured and protected location made available by the dealer. This can be very beneficial since storing your own precious metals can be risky.

Some people are nervous buying bullion online, since it is such an expensive product. However, if you are able to find a dealer with a long, solid history and positive reviews, you will most likely be in good hands.

Unfortunately, buying gold online means that you will have to pay for shipping and handling costs (which are not cheap when it comes to materials of this value), and you will have to wait to physically take possession of your gold. Some online gold dealers like Lucius Precious Metals offer free local delivery for orders over a certain price point, which can be something to consider if you’re in the area.

What to consider when buying gold for delivery

If you are purchasing gold online and looking to have it delivered to you, you’ll want to consider a few things.

First, you want a dealer that has a strong and solid reputation and years of reliability. Read customer reviews and check out investment forums to make sure your chosen dealer doesn’t have any shady reports out on them.

You also want to make sure that the dealer sells only gold coins and cold bars from LBMA-approved wholesalers. This is your best guarantee that you will be purchasing authentic coins and bars.

You’ll also want to check out the dealer’s premiums on bullion. This can vary widely throughout the industry and is not a set-in-stone number. Lastly, check out the difference between buying and selling prices on the dealer’s site, which can be as high as 10% or more.

To maximize your long-term profits, you need to work to find a dealer who is reputable and trustworthy and offers low premiums.

What to consider when buying gold for storage

If you’re buying gold for storage, you still want to check out a dealer’s reputation, bid-ask spread, and other factors mentioned above, however there are other factors that come into play when buying gold for storage.

For one, you’ll want to examine the storage facilities where your precious metals will be kept.

Gold bullion should be stored with a reputable, separate entity so as to reduce counterparty risks. Ideally, you’re looking for an LBMA-approved vault provider like Brinks. These types of companies store gold reserves for massive financial institutions and government bodies. This assures that your gold is being stored in a secure environment.

When storing gold, make sure that your dealer offers insurance that will cover the full replacement value of your coins or bars in the event that something were to happen to them. Full replacement means that you will get back the physical equivalent of the gold lost, and not just the cash value—which is based on the spot price of the metal.

You’ll also want to make sure that your gold is fully allocated to you. This means that it is held in your name, you are the outright owner, and the gold can be made available for delivery or sale at any moment. Unallocated gold bullionis shared by investors who own an interest in the bars, which raises all kinds of liquidity issues that we recommend avoiding.

Mistakes To Prevent When Getting A Bridging Loan In Manchester

linking loansIn buying new properties, individuals eye bridging loans as their first option. This is especially applicable if they don’t have the required cash yet. Most of the home buyers choose to avail this type of loan because of the fast processing time compared with other loans that need longer waiting time. The best thing about bridging finance is that you can also use it for business purposes.

Bridging Loan for Business

A business can take full advantage of a bridging loan to ensure smooth-sailing business operations for a definite period. A specific business can avail this type of loan depending on the overall value of the business’ office and premises. The sum that will be loaned can be used to tide the company over a specific time. Acquiring the appropriate bridging loan for your business lets, you enjoy the benefits and advantages.

For instance, it can cost more compared with other loans if you commit these common mistakes in applying for fast bridging loans.

Unable to Clarify the Details of the Interest Rates

One of the most significant deciding factors, whether you’ll pursue a loan or not, is the interest rate. It can also determine how expensive and costly a loan can be. To avoid having a problem, don’t sign up for a loan that incurs a higher interest rate. It will surely be a burden that is hard to handle.

It’s best if you will canvas first for the best terms and most affordable loan for your business. You might think that you know how to calculate your interest rates, but most often you don’t. Before signing a contract, make sure that you can compute and double check for the interest that it’ll incur over the months or years of loan payment. Remember, the interest rate varies, and it could depend on how an individual or business handle their finances. The interest rate can be compounded over time if payments are delayed. If you came across a bridging finance provider, talk with their professional bridging loan broker to know the available options for you.

Unaware of Hidden Charges

When dealing with bridge financing, you need to consider the origination fees. Most lenders charge borrowers with charge origination fees which are deductible to the original loan amount. The cost can have a significant impact on the interest rate you are paying, depending on the amount of money borrowed. The concept is similar to ATM fees that seem like a very minimal amount but can cost you big over the long run.

When borrowing bridging loan fast processing and releasing, be aware of all the accompanying fees along with the capital infusion. These fees can include the application fees, contract fees, processing fees, and other kinds of fees set by the lender. Carefully consider your options to avoid unsettled and delayed payments.

Opportunity Cost as Real Cost

Most banks take up to half a month to review a loan application either by an individual or commercial. After approval, there is still a waiting time for the actual release of the fund for the loan.

Treat time as money. Look for reputable lenders who can move and process your application at the speed of today’s business. Choose a lender who can streamline the application process so you can spend your time on other important things.

Intangible Costs for Short Term Loan

In bridging loans, your loan amount and payment terms matter. Some companies that are in need of working capital are availing smaller amounts and paying it within a short period.

In this kind of situation, the interest rate is not that significant since the amount borrowed is small and paid back quickly, such sort of financing would not provide the substantial amortization costs that are accrued on loans accrued in the more extended payment period.

You Are Not Aware That You are Financing

Most financing errors happen without you realizing it. You should know that the situation wherein you are financing, so you will not be caught off guard of all the incurring fees during the repayment due date. Being aware will also help in preventing misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding your loan terms. Or better yet, talk to the best bridging loan broker who can enlighten you regarding all the technicalities of bridging finance.

Financing is essential not only to individuals but companies as well. To get the best out of it, one should understand the factors and considerations before pursuing a loan. Avoid making mistakes when dealing with finances to ensure that you’ll get the value you deserve for your loan needs. Are you decided to file bridging finance? Check out a bridging loan in Manchester and explore the options made available to you.

Real Estate Investments in Australia – Private Equity in Commercial Property

property investmentsA portfolio solely consisting of shares, bonds and stock has the probability of generating low returns at higher risks. Commercial properties, however, have a potential to offer long-term returns as the market is more stable. Additionally, it diversifies your investment portfolio and opens up future possibilities of growth.

From a more professional aspect, commercial properties in Australia offer a better investment perspective. The cost of the building with minor customization work is initially higher but covers up the expenses through increasing returns. This is why you can observe an upward trend of people investing in commercial properties.

There are several ways one can invest in a commercial property including investing through Real Estate Investment Funds (REIT), which invests in public properties; or through private acquisition. Out of these options, private acquisition either through property syndicates or property trusts has seen prevalence in Australia. Choosing either one of the two is a matter of personal choice of the investor as both have different impacts on a portfolio.

But in the past few years, we have observed a huge growth in private equity as it gives investors more control. Besides that, people have realized that due to a growing need for commercial properties for rent, they have become a more viable investment option than residential properties. The points mentioned below are a few reasons why investors have been compelled to invest in commercial properties through private acquisitions:

High Returns

As mentioned previously, private acquisition in commercial properties yields higher returns on investment across the majority Australian cities. Since private investment gives investors the opportunity to do with their businesses as they please, most rent it out. This rent generates a higher returns than residential properties, making private acquisition of commercial properties a sound investment opportunity.

Portfolio Diversification

Putting all your money in just one industry or company might not be the most intelligent move, as it increases the risk of low returns. This means that if the industry or company fails, the stocks will lose their value and increase the chances of diminishing returns. Creating diversification in your portfolio by investing in commercial properties balances that risk. And since private equity eliminates the risk of a fluctuating stock market, it becomes an attractive alternative.

Low Risk

Private acquisitions, unlike publically traded REITs, are significantly correlated to the stock market. This means that if various economic factors change and fluctuate, it impacts the risks too. REITs have proven to be a volatile market with fluctuating return rates and indexes. Having private equity in a commercial property doesn’t involve this risk and increases the chances of high returns.

Active Ownership

While investing in public commercial properties might give you the chance to earn in returns, it limits how much active ownership you have in the business. On the other hand, private acquisition in commercial properties made through Stamford Capital Property Investment will give you the opportunity to hold a controlling stake in the business. You can do with the property as you wish to increase its value and maximize the returns.

From this, we learned that private acquisition in commercial properties have seen a prevalence in Australia as it gives investors a chance to add value to businesses and build a more sustainable portfolio.

Why you should Fintechs instead of Private Banks for your credit requirements

banking servicePrivate Banks have always been the leaders as far as offering credit products are concerned. This has however, changed in recent times, thanks to the emergence of Fintech companies. Popular surveys have indicated that Fintechs command a larger market share in the lending space, and this has occurred due to a lot of reasons. While we look at these reasons, we’ll go on to determine why Fintechs are a better option than traditional lenders for instant personal loans.

Turnaround time for loans from Fintechs vs turnaround times of banks

The equation is quite simple and straightforward actually. While traditional lenders take at least 7-8 business days to complete the processing and subsequent disbursal of your loan amount, Fintech companies boast ridiculously low turnaround times of 24-48 hours.

Eligibility Parameters – Fintechs vs Traditional Lenders

Traditional lenders generally have stringent eligibility parameters as far as the credit score, income and other parameters are concerned. For starters, applicants need to have a minimum credit score of 750 to qualify for a personal loan with a traditional lender. However, most Fintechs allow individuals with low credit scores to apply for loan, with the more popular ones such as Fintechs requiring scores of as low as 575 to become eligible. As far as the income parameter is concerned, top private banks require applicants to have minimum monthly income levels of at least Rs. 30,000 to qualify, while on the other hand, Fintechs allow for income levels starting at Rs. 20,000 per month.

Processing of application – Fintechs vs Traditional lenders

Fintechs are literally the reason why instant personal loans have evolved. Unlike traditional banks that haven’t shifted completely to paperless and digital processing, Fintechs have made the transition to a digital and paperless application, thereby saving a lot of time and resources. Moreover, applicants can get instant approval when the apply for a loan based on their credit assessment – which is performed by a credit assessment algorithm – allowing them to choose a different lender if they face rejection.