Month: September 2017

Dunedin Real Estate Your Dream Property Is Within Your Reach

Sometimes referred to as the southern gem, Dunedin is the South Islands second biggest city, characterised by a unique Scottish feel and architecture imposed on it during the time of New Zealands colonisation. Surround by beaches, forests and dramatic scenery, Dunedin is noted for its youthful and charismatic population being attracted by the educational and tertiary facilities contained within. With a population of just over 125,000, the city is one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Becoming a desired location for students, families and businesses alike, the demand for Dunedin real estate is increasing at above average rates.

According to the latest Quotable Value New Zealand figures, southern Dunedin real estate figures have surged, recording the highest percentage increase in the country. The southern region extends from Waverley to Green Island, including the suburbs of St Kilda and St Clair. The figures illustrate that the area has experienced an increase in home values by 8.7% with an average sale price of $264,000. Likewise, Dunedin overall, showed a 4.9% increase in property values with the average sale price rising to over $276,000.

The increasing prices are a direct result of increasing demand. As many of the main centres in New Zealand are experiencing continued growth in house prices and valuations, Dunedin is presenting itself to many as an attractive option. With the average house price in New Zealand just a little under $410,000, properties in Dunedin represent real value in the marketplace where many families are struggling to find suitable and affordable housing options. According to Glenda Whitehead from QV Valuations, some of the increase in market activity in Dunedin is due to a rise in purchases by existing homeowners, who realise the benefits of purchasing prime real estate at well below national averages.

There are many advantages to purchasing Dunedin real estate, apart from the scenic and natural beauty that the city is surrounded by. With the security of tenure, you will be able to enjoy the cycle of the real estate market, accessing capital gain as the property naturally appreciates. If, like most kiwis, you enjoy a little do it yourself (DIY), then additional capital gains can be achieved through renovations. There is nothing like the sense of pride that comes with homeownership. The freedom and ability to personalise your property to suit your tastes and requirements has long been an aspiration of nearly all New Zealanders. However, with the current price hikes in property prices, renting is fast becoming a reality for many who cannot afford the deposit or repayments on their first home. However, Dunedin is offering the consumer real value and choice. Why not consider a move to a new place, where the people are friendly, the amenities are first class and most of all, your dream property is within your reach.

On The New Mortgage Law Of Turkey

Since the new Turkish mortgage law passed on March 2007, the mortgage and real estate markets have continued their growing trends that are mainly driven by lower interest rates; however, this growth is probably just the tip of the iceberg.

The Turkish mortgage law that passed on March 2007 has two important properties that are expected to boom the mortgage and real estate markets in Turkey:

1) New mortgage products :
With the inclusion of the adjustable rate mortgage products, banks are able to transfer some of the economy related risks in their balance sheets to borrowers. In adjustable rate mortgage products, the interest rate is a sum of a fixed margin that is determined by the lender and a benchmark index that is set by Central Bank of Turkey. In May 2007, central bank decided that Consumer Price Index should be the benchmark index for the variable interest rate calculation. In summer of 2007, some banks started to offer various adjustable rate mortgages and these loans, as expected have lower APRs. However, as Central bank’s current records show there is almost no interest in these variable interest loans right now. This lack of interest is probably due to several factors such as: i) the lack of trust in Turkish economy and the fear of a substantial increase in the interest rates even though the economy has been performing fine in the last 5 years without any major crisis; ii) the recent mortgage crisis in the USA, and particularly, the rise in mortgage default rates in the USA and the fact that most of the increases in the defaults were in the sub prime market and adjustable rate mortgages; and, iii) the lack of understanding of the benefits and risks of these new products. We believe that these three reasons are temporary and in the near future, as people are educated about the risks and benefits of these new products and mortgage brokers fill the necessary knowledge gap, the interest in the products will increase.

2) Securitization of Loans :
About six months after the new mortgage law passed, Capital Markets Board of Turkey completed secondary legislations on mortgage covered bonds and mortgage backed securities. With this addition to the law, banks are now able to bundle the loans into securities and take them off their balance sheets. Covered mortgage bonds and mortgage backed securities are debt instruments secured by a covered pool of mortgage loans (or public-sector debt) to which investors have a preferential claim in case of default. These instruments are among the most liquid fixed income securities after the government bonds in Europe. While it is not expected to see the first securitization until early 2008, reduced risk for the banks will cause a significant and sustainable growth in the mortgage market in the coming years.

Expectations for the future

a)The secondary mortgage market will probably trigger a decrease in the interest rates as banks will be able to transfer their risks off their balance sheets and the ratings of the deals in the secondary mortgage market could be higher than Turkey’s sub-investment grade sovereign rating (this has been the case in similar cases).

b)With the secondary mortgage market’s effects, the banks’ competition growth will fuel an already booming housing market. Especially, when the monthly interest rates get closer to 1 percent per month, the volumes will be substantial, as they were earlier. Expected growth in the mortgage market is expected to mimic those in Spain and South Korea as these countries have followed similar paths as Turkey. Sizes of the mortgage market in Spain and South Korea GDP are 50 and 25 percent of the GDP respectively. So it is not inconceivable to expect that Turkey’s mortgage market may grow up to 30% to %40 percent of the GDP from its current share of less than 10%. Note that since Turkey has a very strong ownership culture, the ratio can be even higher.

c)Turkey’s new long term mortgage laws will increase the investment in Turkey. The new instruments that will be introduced with the securitized mortgages will increase the stability and depth of the financial system probably creating a natural cushion for any unexpected events and decreasing the volatility and avoiding the episodes of financial crises that were observed in 2001 and 1994.

d) Enhanced foreign investment in the property market will cause a boom in the property market. Also in addition to real estate market, as mortgages will need associated insurance, it is expected that insurance sector will be a big beneficiary of the new mortgage law.

e) The central bank will have more dominant place in the economy similar to the developed countries.

f)New law will help strengthen Turkey’s EU bid. The Turkish mortgage law will bring Turkey into line with the standards and practices expected from worldwide property purchasers and investors.

In addition to the tangible effects listed above, we expect that there will be very important intangible effects too. For example, in a country like Turkey where ‘future planning’ is measured with months (mostly because of the economic, financial and political crises), just the fact that people are now able to get a loan up to 30 years is an encouraging incident that will probably change the way people plan, invest, spend and save in the future. Since being able to plan for the future is one of the most important requirements of economic development, the additional foresight produced by the new mortgage law may be one of the biggest impacts of the new mortgage law in the long run.

Mortgage Broker Software Impress Your Clients With Software For Mortgage Brokers

Customer relationship management (CRM) is an integral part of a mortgage brokers job because it is extremely important to follow up with customers in a timely and respectful manner. This means leaving enough space between contact attempts, so as to not appear pushy or over-eager to secure a loan. Let mortgage broker software help you manage your client base, help generate mortgage leads and provide marketing automation for you to make your life easier and to grow your business quicker. Many software programs even offer additional benefits like loan calculations, all of which are automated and accurate.

You can now easily maintain a client database with a mortgage broker software program, as it allows you to view your current loans in progress online in an easy to use manner. Alternatively, a searchable database allows you to locate prior clients when you have new offers that may interest them. The possibilities are endless to improve workflow and increase mortgage CRM when you use a reputable software program, for instance you can create comparison charts for various options to display to your refinance customers.

Maybe a 20 year note would be a more cost effective solution, as opposed to keeping your mortgage payments on a 30 year note. Its never been easier to show them their options as it is now, thanks to these easy to understand comparison charts. You can even utilize hundreds of marketing templates to produce flyers that look professionally designed as well!

Mortgage broker software programs are compatible with standard loan applications like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These programs are specially designed to speed up the application process because they offer user friendly electronic alternatives to filling out forms. Submit PDF loan applications via email to your clients, that way they can print and sign them at their leisure, or fill them out electronically and email them back. Going green is another advantage to this type of software. You can eliminate printing multiple hard copies of applications for others involved in the mortgage process, like loan officer assistants and mortgage underwriters. All of these advantages make a smooth, seamless process for you and your clients.

You are also likely to increase your customer retention rates when you use mortgage broker software programs. When you engage the services of a professional company with reliable software, you open yourself up to incredible results. The benefits to working with a professional company includes customized software solutions that can help build your business from the ground up, or obtaining targeted solutions for portions of your mortgage broker business. Ongoing technical support is also a standard benefit with software packages you purchase. Researching all of your options for software solutions can help you obtain the program that is right for your company and your budget.

Steel Kit Homes The Best Choice

Many people dream about building their own home, but are intimidated by the cost. Constructing a traditional home requires considerable time and expertise-whether one does it themselves or hires someone else to do it. Steel kit homes have emerged as an option to the traditional home. Steel kit homes are cost-effective and much easier to construct than a wooden house. Steel kit homes are shipped in one or two loads and assembled on site. These houses are strong, sturdy, fire retardant and 100% termite resistant. Steel is becoming popular in many applications thanks to its durability and the fact that it is recyclable.

A kit home can be modified to suit ones budget and personal needs, and modified to the particulars of a site, neighborhood or environment as well. A kit home is a particularly excellent option for Australians because it allows them to own a home created in their personal style.

Naturally, those interested in building a steel kit home will also have to purchase the land on which the home will be built. Not to worry; the price tag is still much lower than that of a conventional house. Financing is available for all kit home designs, thereby helping one to build their dream home.

A number of kit home designers are available in Australias Queensland, NSW and Victoria. All Australian kit home companies will provide you with the complete kit home package. This includes all kit home building materials, all appliances and fixtures for kitchen, laundry and bathroom, all fittings, insulation, tiles, paint, electrical and plumbing kits, even a set of tools to help the owner build their own home. Kits can cost up to 40% less than conventional home construction because:

* Frames and materials are mass produced

* All components are cut to size and pre-marked at the factory

* Delivery of all the components comes in one or two loads

* Fast, relatively simple construction-many pieces just slot together

* No architect service costs

* No special tools or heavy equipment required

If youre thinking of building a new home, steel kit homes are a good decision for quality and price.

Building a Home Gym The Right Way

Building your own home gym can help save you a lot of time, money and frustration. What you need to know is your desire fitness goal which will help you get the right equipment that will help you reach your results ultimately. This article provides things you need to know when purchasing the right gym equipment for your home.

It is very important to realize your fitness goal when considering buying home gym equipment. After you know what your goal is, it will be much easier for you to decide the right equipment that will help you reach that results. No single person has the same goals. Some want to lose extra weight or get rid of excess fat or stay healthy or build muscle mass. If your fitness goal is to build your muscle mass, one of the best equipment that does the trick is strength-training benches. Normally, the benches come with everything you need to build yourself a nice muscle mass. Some type of benches can be adjusted to allow you to work on both entire upper body and lower body. There are, however, some people whose fitness goal is nothing to do with weight loss or fat burning or bodybuilding. Rather, some want to gain more weight. Thus, when buying gym equipment for your home, it is very important to realize your fitness goal and your ultimate results.

You may want to consider buying a basic home gym and fitness DVD set, to start your fitness journey. You may find that some DVD sets not only offer workout DVDs but also fitness equipment, workout guide, diet plan and exercise chart as well. The advantage of these type of DVD set is you are provided with equipment that you can use along with it. If you are serious about staying fit, you may need to consider buying a full home fitness system which offers DVDs, paper guides and fitness accessories such as med balls, straps and fitness mats. They may come with special gadgets such as heart rate monitor or pedometer to help you keep track of your health.

Your home space and your existing health problems need to be taken into consideration when considering buying gym equipment. It is not a good idea to find out later that the equipment you just purchased does not fit your home or may be harmful to your health. Thus, if you have pending health issues, do consult with your doctor in advance of buying any gym equipment.

You will find that some home gym equipment are costly. The good news is you can find products with deep discounts easily online. All you have to do is hop over several online stores to do a comparison of different equipment and prices. It is a good idea to check product reviews from trusted sources before pulling your credit card out from your wallet.

No matter what your fitness goal is, to achieve that result, you need the right gym equipment, strong commitment and actionable workout schedule. There is no point to find out later that the equipment you just purchased is not suitable for your health conditions or too big for your home space.

If you are unclear on the kinds of home gym equipment that can help you achieve your fitness goal, stop by home gym reviews for more info on the best home gym equipment available today.

Eligibility For Property Sales Tax Reductions In Alicante

We all have to suffer the payment of taxes on already bloated property prices. Despite the downturn in the economy forcing a reduction in prices especially in the coastal areas of Spain, many people, especially the young, find it difficult to get on the property ladder in Spain.

This is a result of not just low incomes but also the difficulty in putting together a deposit given the reduced mortgages that are now being offered by the banks here. However, there are some initiatives currently being rolled out in Spain to attempt to make home buying by first time buyers “” as well as other identified groups “” somewhat easier.

This is principally being carried-out by introducing tax-breaks or reductions in the applicable property sales tax rate to these identifiable groups. The central government has devolved the property sales tax rate to the autonomous communities or regional governments in Spain, and all have taken on that responsibility and established the local rate of tax for such operations. Some have also opted to introduce income tax breaks for property investments of various types and by various identified groups in society.

In the Alicante area of Spain, property sales tax rates are set by the Valencia regional parliament and the standard rate is set at 7% in Article 16 Ley 11/2000. This rate is however subject to a number of exceptions as follows:

Ley 13/1997 provides that the acquisition of a property by a person suffering a physical or sensory disability of greater than 65% or a mental disability greater than 33% shall attract a rate of tax of 4% for that part of the property which they acquire.

Article 13 of Ley 13/1997 also provides that where the property being purchased is a property subsidised by the government then it is subject to a tax rate of 4% if the property is going to constitute the main home of the purchaser.

The same reduced rate of tax is applicable to property purchases effected by families considered as ‘large’ “” as per Article 13 as modified by Article 32 of Ley 14/2007. In addition the following criteria must be fulfilled:

– the property is purchased within 2 years of the family achieving the status of being ‘large’
– the property formerly used as a family home must be sold within the same period of time
– the new property must be at least 10% larger in area than the previous home
the total taxable income of the family unit may not exceed “‘44,074

Each of these reduction can represent a significant saving and it is worth confirming with the local office of Hacienda eligibility.