Baby boomers, baby boomers, baby boomers; we all hear this term over and over again. So who are the baby boomers? Baby boomers are people in the United States who were born between 1946 and 1964. Approximately 78.2 million people fall into this category.
As a group, baby boomers comprise the largest population cohort in the history of the United States. The size of the group gives it vast influence over American politics, popular cultural, and of course, real estate. To evaluate the influence of the baby boomers on the future of real estate, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) conducted a study in 2006. The findings of the research were published in report entitled Baby Boomers and Real Estate: Today and Tomorrow. Below are some highlights from the NAR study.
AGE DISTRBUTION
According to the NAR report, baby boomers now range in age from 42 to 60 years old. The typical baby boomer is 50 years old, and the oldest of the baby boomers turned 60 in 2006. About 46% of baby boomers are in their 40s, and about 25% are at least 55 years old.
HOUSEHOLD INCOME
As a group, baby boomers are in their peak earning years. In 2005, baby boomers had a household income of $64,700, and about 25% them had a household income of at least $100,000 per year.
HOME OWNERSHIP
About 78% of baby boomers own a home, which is higher than the national ownership rate of 69%. About 96% of baby boomers believe that home ownership is a good financial investment.
FUTURE REAL ESTATE PURCHASES
About 10%, or 7.8 million of all baby boomers, said they were likely to purchase additional real estate in the next 12 months. Of these potential buyers, two-thirds were planning on buying a primary residence, 26% want to buy land, 19% want rental property, 15% want a vacation home or seasonal home, and 14% want a commercial property.
WHAT FEATURES ATTRACT BOOMERS
When baby boomers were asked about what features are most important to them, 38% wanted a lower cost of living, 38% wanted to be near family, 38% wanted easy access to quality health care, 37% wanted a better climate, and 36% wanted to be near a body of water.
PREFERRED COMMUNITY AMENITIES
When baby boomers were asked about the type of community amenities that interest them most, about 18% wanted to be near cultural offerings, 9% wanted to be closer to their family, 4% wanted to be on a golf course, and 3% wanted easy access to educational facilities.
WHERE DO BOOMERS WANT TO RETIRE
When baby boomers were asked about where they want to retire, 33% of them want to retire in a rural area, 30% in a small town, 25% in a suburban area, and only 12% in an urban community.
BOOMERS AND THEIR REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Baby boomers consistently use the services of a real estate agent. Approximately 60% of homebuyers and 79% of home sellers used a real estate agent in their last transaction.
SUMMARY
The baby boomers have had and will continue to have a significant impact on the real estate market. As the boomers near retirement, they continue to value real estate and will continue to invest in properties and land. Real estate agents would be well served to understand what baby boomers want in terms of their real estate investments, and design strategies that target the needs of this enormous population cohort. For more information, read the NAR report entitled, Baby Boomers and Real Estate: Today and Tomorrow
Archive for September, 2009
Baby Boomers Will Drive Real Estate Growth
Thursday, September 10th, 2009How to Choose Apartment Commercial Real Estate
Thursday, September 10th, 2009The apartments on the first floor often offered as a potential opportunity to translate it into non-residential fund and use the office or shop. How to approach this issue in terms of marketing planning.
Any whether flat on the ground floor suitable for use by commercial real estate? Consider this question in the case of real estate Kharkov.
For commercial increasingly used 2, 3-bedroom apartment. apartments, an area of 50 m2. In such facilities may be located offices (as for the large number of visitors, and «quiet»), shops, business services (hairdressing, dry cleaning, etc.).
To measure the consistency of the property commercial passenger measure (the number of people passing by the property / day), the level of proximity to major transport hubs. Also provide the level of business activity area (the availability of administrative, office buildings, other commercial real estate).
Also the level of urban migration (migration is low, as a sleeping area and past the property taking place every day, residents of one area, the high – at the center when passing of the property may be people from all parts of the city, visitors).
For the office Commercial real estate broker
For client offices the most important factor is the proximity to the center (where the maximum level of business activity). For «quiet» offices, which do not involve a large number of visitors per day, the main factor is the availability of transport. However, the area should have a high level of business activity. (Areas near subway stations: «M. Zhukov», «Moskovsky Prospect», «them. Maselskogo A.», «Ak.Pavlova», «Student», «23 August», «Botanical Garden», «Square uprising») . Also, if the activity is related to the production or brokering, the office can be located in the industrial zone of the city. Here is the main factor is the proximity of production or a large warehouse, proximity to the subway is a secondary factor, but should be comfortable car door.
For commercial real estate sale and facilities services.
Stores high-price goods group, clothing stores, luxury items, are located in the center, where a large number of people with high incomes, as well as the day goes a lot of people, and high levels of urban migration.
For non-food shops, clothing stores, salons, which are not located in the center, a factor proximity to the subway or to the central commercial facility is central.
2006: U.S. Cities With Overvalued Real Estate And Home Prices
Wednesday, September 9th, 2009Buying a home is a big-time real estate investment and has to be done with great prudence. Knowing where not to buy a home is as important as are the dos and don’ts of buying a home.
Of the many top ten lists on CNNMoney.com, there is listed the top ten overvalued cities in America where it is better not to buy a home for the next two years or so. The report states a variety of reasons for the unfavorable market conditions.
Five cities in California – Bakersfield, Fresno, Merced, Sacramento and Stockton, figure among the top ten cities that have the least possibility of home price appreciation. Home prices have reached a new high (by nearly 60%) in these areas over the past two years. With an economy driven by agriculture and relatively higher unemployment rates anticipated for that area, the real estate market is predicted to slump in the region.
Although three cities in Florida are recommended as good real estate buys, the report also cites four others in Southwest Florida that fall among the very bottom of the list. With home prices here expected to plummet very soon, cities like Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda and Sarasota are those that one would do best to avoid for a year’s time or so, while buying a home or a condo.
Market prices are expected to decline in the Jersey Shore (New Jersey) area that saw a radical boom in the last two quarters. Although home prices in the third quarter have rebounded from the slight drop during the second quarter, the bubble is expected to burst soon and the overpriced market is likely to stabilize. The popular seaside cities of New Jersey, Atlantic City and Ocean city are anticipated to fall under the unfavorable list.
In Phoenix, Arizona, a hot favorite among investors last year, sliding home prices may to be an unavoidable occurrence in the next 12 months. With home prices dropping by more than $100,000 in some residential developments and investors trying to sell off their property, it is safer to wait for a year or longer before investing here.
Economists at Moody’s Economy.com also predict a sharp decline in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, California’s Inland Empire.
The bottom ten cities that are likely to see major drops in median home prices during the coming year are Stockton, (leading the list with a predicted fall of 9.7%), Merced, Reno/Sparks, Fresno, Vallejo/Fairfield, Las Vegas, Bakersfield, Sacramento, Washington, D.C and Tucson.
Given these fluctuating real estate market conditions, one should exercise a great deal of caution when investing in real estate. It makes sense to get the expert advice of a real estate agent to advise you about your next home purchase, since agents often have access to the most up-to-date real estate market data and neighborhood pricing trends.
How to Avoid Hiring a Bad Property Management Company in the Oc
Sunday, September 6th, 2009In Southern California, especially Orange County property management is an important aspect of investing in real estate.
The profitability of your property is dependent on hiring a qualified helpful and professional property management company. Hiring the wrong management company can mean losing thousand of dollars, or more. Property owners who hire the right OC property management company however, can enjoy the benefits of a lucrative property investment. Some of the most common, and often, detrimental mistakes a property owner makes is not doing enough research. The more research you do, the more you can avoid hiring a bad management company.
Property management companies that also sell properties, often nation wide corporations like Century 21, etc. are often a bad idea. They usually are primarily real estate agents, who also do property management because they want to manage when you choose the sell the property. A property management company like this is not a good idea because they make more money selling than managing. You would benefit more from a smaller, specialized company that deals only with property management in your area and nothing else.
For example, if your property is in Huntington Beach, you should try to find a local expert Orange County property management company that has a much experience in the local area only. Make sure you check the references of your management company’s other clients. Don’t be afraid to make a few phone calls, and get a good track record. You shouldn’t sign anything before you have a good idea that the company you’re hiring is the best at property management in Orange County and one that you can trust. On the other hand, as an owner, you shouldn’t be too demanding of references either. A good property management company will not release all of their clients’ information to you,
because it is private and confidential information. The management company won’t be making an obscene amount of money managing your property, so they can always tell you to take your business elsewhere if you are being too much of a pain. You will do well with around 3 references to talk to, and get an idea of how they work with their clients. Some other things to keep in mind: Is the company licensed in the state of California? Is the company insured? Do they have a fidelity bond to protect you in case an employee mishandles your money? Will they provide you with reports? Will they market your property? How do they deal with late charges? How do they handle tenant complaints? And so on. These are some tips for making sure you hire a good property management company that will professionally and efficiently manage your property, helping you turn your home/apartment/condo/commercial property into a steady investment.
Magic Masons Explains all about Buying Property in goa
Sunday, September 6th, 2009Can I see the Title Deeds? What will be my undivided share in the property? Are you building within the permissible FSI? Will you give me an Allotment Letter? Will you give me a comprehensive Agreement of Construction? Can I have a copy of PDA’s approved plan and planning permit, before commencement of construction? What are your commitments after you complete and deliver the flat?
1. Can I see the Title Deeds?
1. In order to own a flat that is yet to be constructed. You will have to first buy an undivided share in the property on which the flat is going to be built. Before buying this, you must make sure that the title deeds of the property are in order. The title deeds are the set of documents that would unequivocally establish the seller’s ownership of the property and his right to sell it.
2. Therefore get a written opinion on the title from the Builder’s advocate along with photocopies of the title deeds. Certified by an advocate. If this is not available, get an opinion from your own advocate. You must also see the Agreement of Sale between the Owner and the Builder.
3. The manner by which the Owner acquired the property decides the key documents that must be seen:
A. Property was purchased by the Owner:
See the Registered Deed by which he purchased it.
B. Property came to them by a will (i.e. Bequest):
This is known as Testamentary Succession. See the Probated Will. If no Executor / Executrix has been appointed, see the letters of Administration granted by District / High Court according to law.
C. Property devolved through succession:
If the earlier Owner died without leaving a Will, the legal heirs and successors obtain a Deed of Succession issued by the Sub-Registrar or an Inventry of the assets from the District Court, which must be seen (obtain a noterised copy).
D. Property developed through a Gift / Partition / Settlement / Exchange:
The Deed relating to such transfer of Title – Gift Deed / Settlement Deed / Deed of Relenquishment / Exchange Deed – must be seen.
4. The other ancillary / supporting documents that must be seen are :
A. Form I&IV in the name of the Owners, issued under the Seal of the Mamlatdar.
B. Nil-Encumbrance Certificate (EC) for the preceding 31 years, preferably showing no mortgage or other encumbrance that are still existing on the date of purchase. Exercise caution if an uncleared mortgage or other lien on the property is shown in the Encumbrance Certificate.
C. The property being sold must be free of restrictions for sale under the Urban Land Ceiling Act (U.L.C. Act). If a Clearance Certificate for the Property issued by the U.L.C. Authorities is not available, then it has to be ensured that with reference to the land held by the Owner(s), and the nature of their family membership, the built-up area of the construction thereon and the appurtenant / contiguous land around the built-up area fall within the ceiling of Ownership and therefore can be freely said.
5. If the property is not being transferred by the Owner(s) directly but through an Agent, acting as Power of Attorney Agent (POA) of such owner(s), ask for the original or attested copy and scrutinise it. Such a Power can be given either through a Notarised Document or Registered Document. However, a notarised power may not be accepted for property transfer by all governmental/financial agencies.
6. Besides the above, it is advisable to check the following:
A. Property Tax Demand Notices and Receipts for payments to the Corporation.
B. Water and Sewerage Tax Demand Notices and Receipts for Payments to the Panchayat or Municipal Authority.
C. Electricity Bill and Receipts for Security Deposits and Additional Deposits. The latest electricity bill is the best source of proof for payment of dues by the Owners to the Panchayat or Municipality.
2. What will be my undivided share in the property?
Your Undivided Share of land must be equal to:
The built-up area of your flat as in the approved plan/ Total built-up area of the project as in the approved plan This is usually expressed as a percentage of the total land. Therefore, the percentage undivided shares of land of all the flat owners in a complex must be equal to 100. This ensures that the title to the entire land as well as the entire building rests with the group of flat-owners of the complex.
The Sale Deed transferring the Undivided Share in your favour must be duly registered before the commencement of construction of the flat.
3. Are you building within the permissible FSI?
1. The Floor Space Index (FSI) is an important parameter you should know about.
F S I = Total buildt-up area of your complex plan/Total area of the plot on which it is to be built.
2. The permissible FSI for all residential complexes other than multistoreyed buildings in all the end-use zones listed below is 1.5: Primary Residential, Mixed Residential, Institutional and Commercial zones
3. The total construction as declared in the plans of- fered by the promoter should not exceed the FSI permissible.
4. This FSI is fixed by the Planing and Development Authority (PDA) which is the regulatory body governing architectural, structural and environmental parameters pertaining to development within the State of Goa.
5. The rules and regulations governing the above parameters are spelt out in the Development Control Rules (DCR), a copy of which can be purchased from the PDA.
If the permissible FSI is exceeded, you as a flat-owner run the risk of demolition of the construction.
4. Will you give me an Allotment Letter?
Insist on an Allotment Letter at the time of booking, which must clearly indicate:
>> All-inclusive firm and fixed price (clearly indicating the various components such as land cost, registration and stamp duty for the transfer of undivided share of the property, and construction cost) and the schedule of payments.
>> Plan of the flat (as per sketch scheme), built-up-area and the features offered.
>> Committed commencement and delivery period and commitment for liquidated damages for any delay.
>> Post-delivery product warranty by the builder.
If your builder does not provide you with an Allotment Letter, you face the uncertainty of not knowing
>> The exact amount you will end up paying for your flat.
>> When you will get possession of your flat.
>> Whether you will get all the features promised.
5. Will you give me a comprehensive Agreement of Construction?
1. The Agreement of Construction substantiates the commitments relating to land cost (your share), stamp duty and registration fee, construction cost, schedule of payment, list of features, time of delivery, post- delivery warranty etc.
2. If defines the responsibilities and obligations of both the Contractor (or Builder) and the Contractee (or Buyer) and is normally put down on a Rs.10.00 stamp paper and signed by the Builder and the Buyer in the presence of witnesses.
3. The Agreement of Construction is the only source of your title to the flat, read in conjunction with the Property Tax Assessment and Demand Bill in your name. Since it is the document of ownership, funding agencies would demand it, when you apply to them for a loan.<
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6. Can I have a copy of PDA’s approved plan and planning permit, before commencement of construction?
1. The plan given to you at the time of booking may not be fully conforming to the Development Control Rules and the plan actually approved by the PDA may consequently be different. Therefore insist that you are given a copy of the approved plan and the planning permit before the construction of the complex commences. Check whether the area of your flat in the approved plan is as per the allotment letter.
2. If you have a copy of the approved plan and the planning permit, you can monitor the actual construction and ensure that it is as per the approved plan. If the building is not constructed as per the approved plan, you as a flat-owner, could face the threat of its demolition.
7. What are your commitments after you complete and deliver the flat?
1. Ensure that the builder gives you the Completion Certificate issued by the PDA, which confirms that the construction is as per the approved plan.
2. Ensure that the builder gives the Association of Flat Owners (of which you would be a member) with a set of detailed drawings covering structural, plumbing, electrical wiring, drainage and water supply details.
3. Ensure that the builder commits to rectify defects in your flat and the complex in materials or workmanship.
4. The Completion Certificate confirms the adherence of the completed complex including your flat to PDA’s approved plan, and eliminates all chances of demolition of the construction.
5. In the obsence of the drawings, maintenance of your flat (and the building) will be difficult.
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Abatement notice:
A notice served on the owner(s) or occupier(s) of a property from which a private nuisance arises, warning them of the intention to enter on the land in order to abate the nuisance.
Absolute title:
1. The right of ownership of a mortgage deed, which gives the right, in certain specified circumstances, to demand repayment in full, of the outstanding debt than the due date.
2. A clause in a deed or contract, which provides for the early termination of an exciting interest in land, in certain specified circumstances, thereby advancing the future interest.
Agreement for lease/sale:
A contract to enter into a lease (or sale), which in order to be enforceable either must be evidenced in writing and signed by the person against whom action is taken for the breach of the alleged contract and there must be a sufficient act of part performance.
Alternative user value:
The value of land and buildings, which reflects a prospective use, which is different from that of the current use.
Amortisation:
1. (UK) The concept of writing off the capital cost of a wasting physical asset by means of a sinking fund.
2. (USA) Payment of a debt in equal installments of principal interest, as opposed to interest -only payments. Anchor tenant: One or more department or variety chainstores, or supermarkets, introduced into a shopping center in key positions to attract the shopping public into the center for the purpose of encouraging other retailers to lease shops n route. The larger the developments the more anchors required.
Annuity:
A sum of money paid each year during the life of the recipient. An annuity is usually paid as a legal obligation under a contract or undertaking, as through a pension scheme, and may be paid in installments more frequently than once every twelve months.
Asset valuation in the property market:
This expression is applied to the valuation if land and buildings or plant and machinery. The term is often used to describe an expert opinion of the worth of a property, which may be incorporated into company accounts, where the ownership of the asset is not necessarily to be transferred but the valuation is required for the company takeovers, share flotation or mortgages.
Assignment:
The transfer of a property interest, especially a lease, from one party to another.
Atrium:
An entrance hall of a building, often rising through a number of storeys and containing lifts, reception areas and plants. Originally the hall or chief apartment of a Roman house.
B
Balloon payment:
A repayment of a loan bond, usually but not necessarily the final repayment, which is larger in amount than other installments.
Bare shell :
This Depicts the condition of any property after completion of construction activity and installations of basic building services. A bare shell includes basic flooring – tiled, mosaic, cement or granite and plastered walls. Apart from this, pantry and toilet facilities may also be operational in such condition.
Basic rent:
A monthly rental net of maintenance and interest costs charged or quoted by landlords for any property. The base rent comprises of only the payment made for Usage of the subject property under a lease agreement. Imputed costs such as holding costs fit out costs and building service charges are not usually included in the base rent.
Bayana:
An Indian term used to denote the token money given to the landlord to informally freeze negotiations on a particular property, after the initial terms and conditions have been formalised.
Breach of contract:
An act, or omission, contrary to enforce specific performance to rescind the contract and / or to claim damages, the remedy available depending upon the nature of the breach.
Broker/dealer:
A person or company who acts as a medium of bringing owners and proposed buyers together with a view to complete a real estate transaction.
Brokerage:
1. Commission paid to a broker.
2. The activity of a broker in bringing together two parties in a transaction.
Building byelaws:
Local authority control of building standards promulgated to regulate and control the usage of land, property and areas in cities and towns.
Building contract:
A contract between an owner or occupier of land and a building contractor, setting forth the terms under which construction is to be carried out, basis of remuneration, time scale, and penalties, if any, for failure to comply with terms of the contract.
Business center:
Commercial premises usable by the occupiers for a short period on a membership basis of the center. Usually, a business center charges for the full service accommodation, which is generally substantially higher than the rental of a standard office space, and higher than the rental of a standard office space, and usually includes cost of HVAC, housekeeping, electricity, and security systems.
Business park:
A landscaped area containing high tech, other amenities for business purposes, as a distinct from high-tech park or a science park. Building density is lower than would be usual in a traditional industrial estate. Business parks are preferentially located where motorway, rail and airport communications are within a short distance.
Buy-out rate:
In a funding agreement between a developer and a prospective purchaser, the pre-determined investment yield which will be used to capitalize the annual income receivable at the time of sale to determine the buy out price.
C
Capitalisation:
1. At a given dat
e the conversion into the equivalent capital worth of a series of net receipts, actual or estimated, over a period.
2. A method of calculating a final purchase price for a development using an agreed formula to convert actual, or assumed, income from initial lettings into a capitalism. Such capitalised sums may be offset against a purchasing fund’s interim finance payments, any excess being paid to the developer.
3. In relation to a company’s reserves, the conversion into capital of money, which is then distributed as a capitalisation issue.
Catchment area:
1. The area of land from which finds its way into a particular watercourse, lake or reservoir.
2. By analogy, the area which contains those people who can be expected to obtain goods, services, employment or other benefits from a particularly property. More especially related to retail premises, where the success of forecasting depends on the accuracy of estimating the number of purchasers (catchment population) likely to be attracted from the different parts of the area and the average expenditure, which might be expected, from them.
Central business district:
The functional center around which the rest of a city is comparison shopping, office accommodation, leisure facilities, buildings for recreational use, public museums, art galleries and governmental functions. Generally the area of highest land values within a city.
Clearance area:
An area, which is to be cleared of all buildings. Generally promulgated by way of a government declaration, which is normally followed by the acquisition of the land and the clearance of the area. Completion certificate/statement:
1. (UK) statement prepared by solicitors, usually those acting for a purchaser and a vendor respectively, following the conveyance of an interest in property, giving a schedule of sums received leading to a balance being the final amount due to the vendor. In some case the statement is prepared at a later date and may show a figure recoverable by the purchaser from the vendor.
2. A certificate issued by the local development authority certifying that all necessary works have been completed and that the property is fit for occupation.
Condominium (USA):
A building or a structure of two or more units, the interior space of the individually owned and the balance of the property (both land and building) being owned in common by the owners of the individual units.
Conveyance:
A document transferring title to land from one person to another.
Current yield:
The remunerative rate of interest, which is, or would be, an appropriate at the date of valuation, assuming the property to be let at its full rental value. It will be the same as the reversion yield where the reversion is to full rental value, and the same as the term yield where the rent receivable under the lease is full rental value.
D
Developer:
An entrepreneur who has an interest in a property, initiates its development and ensures, that this is carried out (for occupation, investment or dealing) and from the outset accepts the responsibility for providing or procures the requisite funds needed to finance the whole project.
Development control:
The powers of a local planning authority to control the development and use of land, which includes inter alia,
a) the refusal or grant (with or without conditions ) of planning permission;
b) the issue of enforcement notices;
c) the making of revocation, modification or discontinuance orders;
d) the grant or refusal of listed building consents;
e) the designations of conversion areas;
Development yield:
In a valuation to ascertain a ground rent, the rate at which costs are decapitalised to find the annual deduction from the occupation rents; it comprises:
a) an investment yield
b) an annual allowance for developers risk and profit and, in some instances
c) an annual sinking fund element
Discounted cash flow analysis:
Techniques used in investment and development appraisal whereby future inflows and outflows of cash associated with a particular project are expressed in present -day terms by discounting. The most widely used forms of DCF are the internal rate of return (IRR) and net present value (NPV). The techniques may be used for such purposes as the valuation of land and investment, the ranking of projects or their components.
E
Easement (UK):
A right appurtenant to a parcel of land entitling a dominant owner to use the land of the servient owner in a particular manner, or constraining the legal rights otherwise enjoyed by the servient owner, e.g. A right of way, right to light, right to support. Strictly speaking, easements cannot exist “in gross”, i.e. personal and unattached to the ownership of land, but rights similar to easements can be created by statute, usually for the benefit of public utility undertakings, and these are commonly referred to as “statutory easements”.
Effective rent:
The gross rent payable per month by the occupiers which includes the base rent, maintenance charges, imputed costs of loss of interest on security deposit and rental advance. The effective rent indicates the total cash outflow of an occupier every month on account of leasing any property.
Equity linked mortgage:
A mortgage whereby the interest on the principal in part or in whole is calculated, usually yearly, by reference on the security, e.g. It may reflect annual increase or possible decreases, in the annual return on, or the value of, the property in which the mortgage is secured.
Escalation clause specified in lease agreements wherein renewals of lease period are built in:
It involves an increment in the base rent at every renewal of a lease agreement in the base rent at every renewal of a lease agreement and is generally a percentage rate that is either pre agreed or negotiated before the renewal of the lease agreement.
F
Facilities management:
The coordination of many specialist disciplines to create the optimum working environment for staff.
Fail rent:
The rent determined by a rent officer (or, on appeal, by a rent assessment committee) under a regulated tenancy and registered.
FERA:
An act to regulate certain payments dealing in foreign exchange, securities, the import & export of currency and acquisition of immovable property by foreigners. Under Section 31 (1) of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act ( FERA) of 1973, It is mandatory for foreign corporations, which are not incorporated in India to obtain permission from the Reserve Bank Of India (RBI) to acquire, hold, transfer or dispose off in any manner (expect by way of lease for a period not exceeding five years) any immovable property in India.
Fire certificate:
A certificate covering matters of safety required under the legislation for hotels, boarding houses, factories, offices shops and railway premises, excluding those buildings containing less than a minimum number of employees. In order to obtain a fire certificate, one must apply to a fire certificate, one must apply to a fire officer, who then inspects the building and issues a list of requirements (e.g. Fire doors). Once the fire officer is satisfied that those requirements have been met he will issue the fire certificate. It enables fire officers, in the event of an emergency, to have prior knowledge inter alia of the permitted number of people on each floor; it also informs officials
if any authorised inflammables /explosives materials on the premises.
Fitouts:
Relate to the interior permanent furnishings required in a property including HVAC ducting, fire protection system implementation, establishment of workstations and telephone/computer cabling among other, in order to make the property fit for usage.
Flatted factory:
An industrial building of more than one storey, usually with two or more goods lifts, and constructed or converted for multiple occupation. The building is subdivided into small, separately occupied units, which are used for manufacturing, assembly and associated storage.
Force majeure:
A force, which cannot be resisted, in other words, something beyond the control of the parties involved. It includes acts of God and acts of man, e.g. Riots, strikes, arson. In many contracts and insurance policies, specific provision is made for damage or injury arising from force majeure. For example, the financial liability of a building contractor for failure to complete by a specific date may be relieved to the extent it was caused be force majeure. This is a common clause in most property contracts.
Foreclosure:
1. (UK) The mortgagees restricted power to extinguish the mortgagor’s right of redemption by transferring the mortgagor’s interest in the property to himself, if the mortgagors defaults in paying his dues or in complying with any other terms of the mortgage deeds.
2. (USA) The legal process by which a mortgagee can sell the mortgagors interest in the property to satisfy debt: also called “foreclosure sale”. Also applied to the extinguishment of a mortgagors right of redemption. Freehold:
In general parlance this is used as shorthand for the tenure of an estate in fee simple absolute in possession. Strictly speaking, however, freehold includes fee simple, entailed interests and tenancies for life. Frontage (line): The full length of a plot of land or a building measured alongside the road on to which the plot or building fronts. In the case of contiguous buildings individual frontages are usually measured to the middle of any party wall.
G
Greased:
Lease back The disposal by a freehold or leasehold owner of his interest on a property or leasehold interest where the rent payable is geared to a fixed percentage of some variables, often rack-rental value.
Gold cause (UK):
A clause in a lease, which provides for the rent to be reviewed by reference to the price of gold.
Green field site:
An area of land, usually in the edge of a town or city or away from substantial urban areas, hitherto undeveloped but for which development is now proposed.
Gross External Area (GEA):
The aggregate superficial area of a building taking each floor into account. As described in the RICS/ISVA Code of Measuring Practice (UK), this includes: external walls and projections, internal walls and partitions; columns; piers, chimney-breasts, stairwells, and lift wells; tank and plant rooms, fuel stores whether or not above main roof level and open-sided covered areas and enclosed car-parking areas, terraces etc.
H
Hi-tech building (high technology building):
Primarily a modern industrial building which is particularly suited to the flexible uses and space needs of business organisations engaged in modern technologies. Such activities usually require more office or laboratory space than a traditional factory and also more sophisticated and adaptable installations for services and communications.
High point loading:
A concentration of abnormally heavy floor loading at one point or more particular places in a building or other structure where extra support may be required.
HVAC:
Refers to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system installed in a building to regulate temperature. This includes air conditioning plants, chillers and ducting systems, which ensure the uniform transfer of the cold or hot air, as the case may be throughout the building.
I
Indian Stamp Act, 1899:
A legal statute, which provides for the payment of stamp duty in case of all real estate transactions to duty to the local government. The value of the stamp duty depends on the rental payable and the lease term or the sale value as the case may be. This duty is paid by purchasing non-judicial Indian Stamp Paper, on which the lease/sale agreements are documented.
Improvements:
Generally, physical changes which enhance the capital value of land or buildings. These may include additional buildings, extensions to existing buildings, installation of new services, e.g. Central heating and air conditioning and infrastructure works. On the other hand, mere replacement by a modern equivalent if something worn out would normally be regarded as a repair rather than an improvement. The distinction has legal and taxation consequences.
Indenture:
A deed between two or more parties, each party having his own copy. Originally copies were all included in a single document from which each was torn or cut along a wavy (intended) line. Institutional investors: These are generally taken to include banks, pension funds, insurance companies, unit trusts and investment trusts, which are together commonly referred to in the investment field as the “institutions”. Investment yield: The annual percentage return which is considered to be for a specific valuation in an investment being expressed as the ratio of annual net income (actual or estimated) to the capital value. It is therefore a measure of an investor’s opinion about the prospects and risks attached to that investment. The better the prospects and lower the risks, the lower the expected yield and thus the greater the capital value. The required yield from an investment is estimated in the light of such factors as:
a) the security in real terms of the capital invested;
b) the security in real terms and regularity of income;
c) the ability to adjust the income to reflect market conditions;
d) the complexity and cost of management;
e) the ease and likely cost of realizing the capital;
f) the tax position
Internal rate of return (IRR):
1. The rate of interest (expressed as a percentage) at which all-future cash flows (positive and negative) must be discounted in order that the net present value of those cash flows should be equal to zero. It is found by trial and error by applying present values at different rates of interest in turn to the net cash flow. It is something called the discounted cash flow rate of return.
2. An alternative explanation might be: the highest rate of interest (expressed as a percentage) at which funded f cash flow generated is to be sufficient to repay the original outlay at the end of the project life.
J
Joint agent:
One or two or more agents jointly instructed by a principal to act on his behalf. In the case of estate agents this is normally on the basis that if any one of the agents effect the sale, letting or other joint agent(s) will share the remuneration in agreed proportions. None of these agents would be entitled to a commission if the transaction is concluded as a result of someone else’s introduction.
Joint sole agent:
One of two or more agents jointly instructed as the only agents entitled to represent the principal. It is customary for the joint agents to share any commission earned on an agreed basis, irrespective of which agent effects the sale or letting.
K
Kiosk
:
A small enclosed retailed outlet, normally without toilet facilities and in the retail area, frequently located in a public concourse or other place where it may remain open place where it may remain open only during peak times and be closed securely when there are no customers. Kiosks are now sometimes included in managed shopping schemes.
L
Land assembly:
The process of forming a single site from a number of land, usually for eventual development or redevelopment. This will include acquisition of individual interest the eventual development or redevelopment. This will include acquisition of the individual interests, removal or discharge of any restrictive covenants or other encumbrances and obtaining physical possession, when required, from occupiers.
Landlord:
The owner of an interest in land who, in consideration of a rent or other payment (e.g. A premium), grants the right to exclusive possession of the whole or part of their land to another person for a specific or determinable period by way of a lease or tenancy.
Lease agreement:
An agreement, usually written, between the lessor and the lessee, which allows for the conveyance of property to the tenant under a contract, and confers usage and control rights to the tenant for the duration of lease. Apart from financial terms and conditions, several clauses describing the other binding terms and conditions of the agreement are also documented.
License:
The lawful grant of a right to do something, which would otherwise be illegal or wrongful. It may be gratuitous, contractual or coupled with an interest in land. The grantor of license is the licensor and the grantee is the licensee. A gratuitous (“Mere” or “bare”) license can always be revoked (i.e.. Cancelled), but revocability of a contractual license depends on the terms of the contract. A license coupled with an interest in land may be irrevocable and unlike the other two categories, may be binding on successors in title of the licensor. One example of license is permission, usually required in writing, given specifically by an owner to a tenant, enabling something to be done which otherwise would be in breach of a term of the lease. A license does not itself transfer any interest in the land but may authorise the licensee to enter the licensor’s land for some specific purposes of the license; the licensor may enter the land and use it in any way not inconsistent with the rights of the licensee. However, a landlord may authorise by license some act or omission by a tenant, which would otherwise be a breach of the terms of the lease.
Load bearing:
The capacity of an element in a building structure to support a weight in addition to its own, whether vertically or laterally. Thus a load-bearing wall is one, which supports part of the structure in addition to its own weight.
M
Maintenance in property parlance:
The keeping of a building, structure or other physical feature in a specified e.g. Wind and weather tight, condition. The approved cost of maintenance may be deductible for income taxation.
Mattha:
Frontage of a building with the main road.
Mortgage:
The conveyance of a legal or equitable interest in freehold or leasehold property as security for a loan and with provision for redemption on repayment of the loan. The lender (mortgagee) has powers of recovery in the event of default by the borrower (mortgagor). A mortgage is a form of land charge and can be either legal or equitable.
N
Negotiation:
Discussion, written or otherwise, between two or more parties no different sides, the aim being to reach a common agreement.
Non-confirming use:
The use of a property, which does not conform to the allocation of the area for planning purposes. Such a property may have been built in conformity with the planning requirement at the time and a policy change ensued; more usually, the property was constructed before planning control was introduced.
Net present value method (NPV):
A method used in discounted cash flow analysis to find the sum of money representing the difference between the present value of all inflows and outflows of cash associated with the project by discounting each at a target yield.
O
Open market value:
1. The best price which might reasonably be expected to be obtained at arms’ length for an interest in a property at the date of valuation, subject to any statutory assumptions which may be required.
2. For the purpose of asset valuations this is defined by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (UK) as the best price which might reasonably be expected to be obtained for an interest in a property at the date of valuation assuming:
-a willing seller
-a reasonable period in which to negotiate the sale
-that values will remain static during that period
-that the property will be freely exposed to the market; and
-that no account will be taken of any higher price that might be paid by a person with a special interest.
-Outgoings Costs incurred by the owner of an interest in property, usually calculated on a yearly basis. e.g. management, repairs, rates, insurance and rent payable to the holder of a superior interest, as appropriate to his contractual or other liabilities. It is prudent to make annual provision for future items involving expenditure at intervals of more than one year.
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Errors Veteran Property Managers Make With Apartment Rentals
Friday, September 4th, 2009Mistakes that cause profit losses are often associated with property managers that are new to the industry. This simply isn’t the case. Experienced apartment rental managers often learn what works early in their career and continue to use these concepts throughout their time in the industry. Unfortunately, they often fail to notice when their tried and true methods are no longer as profitable as they once were. They end up wondering what is going wrong when they notice their tenancy rates decrease and their turnover rates increase. Here are three issues to watch out for.
Failing To Provide Adequate Customer Service
While this error is frequently found in apartment rental owners who have underestimated the job or have spread themselves too thin, experienced property managers can make the same mistake. One of the biggest goals in this job is to hold onto the good renters as long as possible to keep that income coming in. This saves on time that would otherwise be used to screen tenants and saves money because there is no concern about having the unit sit empty or risking the loss of income with a new renter. This also helps to stabilize cash flow overall.
Taking a few extra moments right from the start to provide personal customer service goes a long way. Take time to learn the names of the renters, give them a tour of the complex and its amenities, and read the agreements with them. This demonstrates you value their support. In addition, both sides have a positive experience and each knows what to expect. Another good idea is to give new tenants a gift when they take over the unit. This can contain items such as a map of the area that includes public transit stops, coupons and contact information for takeout restaurants, and even a checklist that provides them with information for all of the things they may need to change over utilities and other items after the move. This makes the move easier for everyone and reduces the stress.
Improper Or Poor Maintenance Plans
Set up a pre-determined schedule to ensure that the property continues to run at the highest quality level possible. Property managers find that the number of afterhours calls decreases because there are less things breaking down in the evenings and weekends. The extent of the damage caused by these incidences is decreased as well because they are fixed in a timely manner and are found sooner. When you set up a maintenance plan, make sure to check with the building’s residents to see if they noticed anything that needs attention. This prevents having to make numerous trips for the same apartment rental and it looks after issues before the tenants have to complain making for a far more positive experience.
Repairs and maintenance in any building is inevitable. When setting a schedule for repairs and maintenance, be sure to stick to these goals by providing a specific date. Sharing this information with the tenants is also highly beneficial. The apartment rental can be prepared if need be and they are aware that you are making a conscious effort to keep things up to par.
Not Dealing With Late Fees And Rent Payments Adequately
Some property managers attempt to avoid situations by allowing late rent payments to continue. Some will only send a letter of request or make a quick phone call. This simply doesn’t work; it is harder for renters to hide if they have to look at their landlord directly. Renters who are rarely if ever late on their payments may have something going on, so take the time to ask questions. It could be an innocent mistake, but sometimes it may be that the tenant is dissatisfied with a situation and using this to get your attention. In this case, find out what it is and deal with the issues while working to prevent the same situation in the future.
When payments are not made on time, make sure to add on a fee as a discouragement to keep it from happening again. This will help to ensure that the apartment rental is paid for on time in the future. Property managers want to be careful here however. It needs to be large enough to be a deterrent, but not so large that it is unreasonable. Also, offer some type of incentive to promote prompt payment.
Many property managers regard these things as being a waste of time and money, but the truth is rather quite the opposite. By watching out for these three problems, you will notice the apartment rental’s occupancy rates improve dramatically. It will also improve your reputation and save time in other areas, making these solutions well worth the effort. Both new and experienced rental professionals will notice a significant increase in the returns these solutions provide.

