Searching for homes online
With the prevalence of the internet more information has become available to the average home shopper or seller. But is that enough when it comes to your largest investment?
Many people are under assumption that public real estate websites have the same information that is available to real estate professionals. Not so. The truth is real estate dealers have access to a great deal more valuable information than what the public sees. like how many times it has sold in the past years and so on. Real estate dealers will also have access to the listing date, expiry date, required deposit and vendor information that play a vital role in determining value or developing a negotiation strategy. This information could make the difference between getting your offer accepted and not.
Realtors also have access to information such as what similar houses in the area have sold for, how often they become available for sale, how long it takes on average for a home to sell in the area.
real estate dealers has experience of property dealings. most of the dealers know the complete history of neighbour hoods they work in. To a dealer its a property to a buyer its a home. The number of houses that a Dealer show you in days will take you months to find. and most of the times the best houses are sold by dealers before the buyers even get there.
Each buyer is unique, each property is unique, as is each buying or selling experience. It's because of this that the most important value of a realtor that will never be available by simply performing an internet search is the knowledge and expertise they bring to the table that allows them to interpret the information of your unique situation. You may look at a piece of information one way and a professional will see it from a completely different angle—an insiders' perspective.
But still searching online for buying or selling does educate an average person. Real estate dealers are also writers. most of the time they have a background in writing or marketing and they make it easier for buyers by writing in detail about properties. These days internet is becoming more and more useful for building, buying or selling a property in Quetta.
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Top 10 things That Add Value to your Home
Everyone is looking to save a buck, but scrimping isn’t always best when renovating. Investing money in your home is smart so we’ve highlighted 10 key splurges that may actually add value and end up saving you money.
How to Make a Smart Real Estate Purchase - Buying property
9 Steps to Staging Your Home to sell
With the prevalence of the internet more information has become available to the average home shopper or seller. But is that enough when it comes to your largest investment? Many people are under assumption that public real estate websites have the same information that is available to real estate professionals. Not so. The truth is real estate dealers have access to a great deal more valuable information than what the public sees. like how many times it has sold in the past years and so on. Real estate dealers will also have access to the listing date, expiry date, required deposit and vendor information that play a vital role in determining value or developing a negotiation strategy. This information could make the difference between getting your offer accepted and not.
Realtors also have access to information such as what similar houses in the area have sold for, how often they become available for sale, how long it takes on average for a home to sell in the area.
real estate dealers has experience of property dealings. most of the dealers know the complete history of neighbour hoods they work in. To a dealer its a property to a buyer its a home. The number of houses that a Dealer show you in days will take you months to find. and most of the times the best houses are sold by dealers before the buyers even get there.
Each buyer is unique, each property is unique, as is each buying or selling experience. It's because of this that the most important value of a realtor that will never be available by simply performing an internet search is the knowledge and expertise they bring to the table that allows them to interpret the information of your unique situation. You may look at a piece of information one way and a professional will see it from a completely different angle—an insiders' perspective.
But still searching online for buying or selling does educate an average person. Real estate dealers are also writers. most of the time they have a background in writing or marketing and they make it easier for buyers by writing in detail about properties. These days internet is becoming more and more useful for building, buying or selling a property in Quetta.
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Top 10 things That Add Value to your Home
Everyone is looking to save a buck, but scrimping isn’t always best when renovating. Investing money in your home is smart so we’ve highlighted 10 key splurges that may actually add value and end up saving you money.
- Energy efficient appliances are a great investment. You may be spending more up front but the amount spent will be reimbursed in no time. Plus, if reselling your home, home buyers usually attribute a higher value to the machines than they actually cost.
- Hardwood flooring boosts the value of your home the minute someone steps foot on it. There is an endless selection of woods and stains that complement a variety of design styles. Finding the right one is as easy as walking into any flooring store and choosing your favourite one!
- Installing solar energy alternatives add more than just monetary value to your home. Using solar panels or solar water heaters are quickly becoming popular, especially in our new money-strapped, green-conscious world. These options are initially expensive but will pay off in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint vastly.
- Honeycomb blinds are stylish and energy-saving. These window coverings blend in easily with any decor and work to keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Choosing an investment furniture piece is essential. Decide on the area that is the most important to you. A custom created couch or a much-desired dining room set can up your style quotient instantly.
- Splurging on a new air-conditioner or furnace may not sound like fun, but updating these units is important. Old furnaces have a shelf life of about 15 to 17 years, so if yours is approaching retirement age, start looking now.
- Putting a roof over your head doesn’t have to be boring. Picking the right roof tiles updates the exterior of your home immediately. Whether it’s classic cedar shake or sophisticated slate, a new roof will add instant curb appeal.
- A kitchen update is a homeowner’s dream. When splurging on your home, going custom is the only way. Kitchen specialists offer in-home consultations that help you decide how you can use your kitchen more effectively, eliminating bothersome buyer’s remorse after an ill-designed layout.
- While investing in your kitchen, go the extra mile to include high-end appliances. A sub-zero refrigerator, professional grade oven and cook top or even an under-counter wine fridge will shine and impress visitors.
- Ready to make a splash? Use that extra money to have some fun in the backyard! Installing a pool gives family and friends a great place to chill during warm summer months. And solar heating units extend the life of your pool into the late spring and early fall as well. While you’re at it, buy a fabulous outdoor living set perfect for quiet summer nights or vibrant backyard parties.
How to Make a Smart Real Estate Purchase - Buying property
We’ve all heard the horror stories – people paying way too much for a house, not getting an inspection and then finding a million (expensive) problems with the place. I’ve seen it countless time with home owners on Income Property and from talking to eager real estate investors.
Here are my top five tips for making a smart real estate purchase so you don’t get burned!
- Stick to Your Budget
It’s easy to get carried away here, especially if you make the mistake of looking at houses outside your price range. The important part is to have a plan. also think about your monthly carrying cost and be honest about your lifestyle. Consider how much you spend every month on eating out, clothing, etc. There’s nothing worse than being house poor because you weren’t honest about your spending habits. - Don’t be Afraid to Walk Away
A house is an emotional purchase, since it’s where you’ll be living, raising your children and making a home for yourself. But it’s crucial to keep emotions out of the equation as much as possible. You should love your house, but you should love it because it’s in good condition and because the numbers work. Always get a home inspection and if you can’t afford it (or the work it requires), walk away! - Give Every House a Chance
I do most of my real estate browsing online, as do most people now, but you can’t always judge a house by the virtual tour – good or bad. If you see something online and it has bad pictures (or no pictures) but it’s in the right neighbourhood or in your price range, go look at it! Chances are you can get a good deal because so many people will skip it without photos online. - Think Long-Term
Before you jump into a real estate purchase, ask yourself: “What is the purpose of this property for the next 5-10 years?” you may have to lock in for a certain number of years, and if you think you’ll be moving in less than 5 years, I’d suggest looking at alternatives. You never want to be forced into selling your house. - Have a Support System
Having a real estate agent who understands your financial and personal situation is key, and great advice from a mortgage specialist and lawyer can be invaluable to the home-buying process. But what many people forget is to have a personal support system in place when they go house hunting. Advice from those close to you – family members, a partner, friends – is just as important to help keep you on track and avoid getting carried away. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a house, so having the personal support will keep you grounded.
9 Steps to Staging Your Home to sell
You don’t have to break the bank to have your house looking as though it was professionally staged. These tips and tricks will have your house sell-ready and gorgeous before you can say “why hasn’t it always looked this way?!”
1) De-Clutter
The first step in getting ready to sell is de-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter so potential buyers aren’t overwhelmed by your stuff, but rather impressed by your home. Counters and other surfaces should be kept clear and any furniture that isn’t needed stored away. The good news about this tedious task is packing and purging will make moving day that much easier.
2) Lights and Mirrors
Warm lighting and well-placed mirrors can make your home feel bright, inviting and even bigger. Mirrors placed over fireplaces, and along hallway walls will make rooms appear larger than they are. Table lamps, and overhead lighting like chandeliers and sconces will brighten rooms and add some flair to your decor.
3) It’s Nothing Personal
Any personal effects should be packed away; family photos and mementoes, framed degrees, anything that’s a link to the current owner. Buyers want to imagine themselves in the house, so the more the house is a blank slate, the easier that is.
4) But Don’t Touch the Nursery!
Although the nursery and childrens’ rooms should be de-cluttered and tidied as well, personal effects can remain as they are. There’s something reassuring and touching about seeing a baby’s room that can mean all the difference to a potential buyer (especially ones that are starting a family).
5) Neutrals
Although you love that fuchsia accent wall, some buyers may not. A fresh coat of bright, neutral paint will not only enlarge the house and make it feel airy and more spacious, but it will also help buyers with their vision (there’s that blank slate again).
6) Accents and Colour
To complement the neutral house, a few well-placed bright pops of colour will bring the decor together. Bright throw pillows, or a canary yellow kettle on the stove will be noticed as soon as you enter the room and will stick in buyers minds once they leave. Fresh flowers are another great idea, and single flower arrangements are most effective.
7) Inviting Scents
Warm inviting scents will help your house be remembered. Taking the time to bake cookies or mull cider on the stove may not be in the cards (and the stove and elements should be off for open houses) but a safely placed candle or air freshener will do the trick.
8) Draw Attention to Selling Features
As a general rule closet doors should be kept closed, but if there’s a walk-in that should be noticed, a small note to alert potential buyers is ok.
9) Freshen Your Linens
Now’s the time to use your spare “good” set on beds, and ensure your towels and hand-towels are in tip top shape. And if it’s perhaps time to replace them, think neutral again.
Following these tips will have your house in tip top selling shape and make it the most appealing to the most potential buyers faster than you can say “SOLD!”
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5 Big Design Trends to Try Right Now--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Every year home design trends come and go but it’s never too late to try something new. Update your décor and impress your friends (and yourself) at the same time, by including some of this year’s hottest design trends.
Pantone Colour of the Year
Year after year the iconic people at Pantone come up with their colour of the year, inspiring not only home décor trends but fashion and other design areas across the board as well. For 2014, the colour du jour is: Radiant Orchid, a gorgeous pinky purple-hue. An infusion of this beauty would be a welcome breath of colour anywhere—from kitchen to bedroom and every room in between.
Florals
Florals are holding strong and continuing to be on-trend this year, but they’re definitely growing in size. Now, pretty blooms, the bigger the better are a force to be reckoned with. What lovelier way to add some vibrant colour and bold patterns to your home than throw pillows, sheets or duvet covers with big bright florals. (Try to find some with radiant orchid for a double-dose of style.)
Blue & Blue
Black’s younger, lighter cousin grey has certainly had its heyday, but this is the year for something far more dramatic. Black walls are en vogue—think entire living and dining rooms--but if you’re not ready to go all in, try one accent wall or the always-in-style coupling with white. And when it comes to blue, think every shade--from lovely sky blue dishes displayed in your kitchen, to darker navy and white striped towels in your bathroom.
Vintage
Everything old is new again but the good news is mixing and matching is totally ok. A distressed old-trunk serving as a coffee table or impressive antique maps framed and hung on the walls, not only serve as beautiful, on-trend décor pieces, but add a lot of intrigue (and conversation starters) to the room.
Warm Metals
Especially in the kitchen. Seems grey isn’t only taking a backseat in the living room, but in the kitchen this year as well. Warmer bronzes, golds and black are replacing sleek chrome and stainless steel when it comes to lighting and cabinetry accents. And if you’re really looking to make a big splash, try some bronze sconces in the kitchen.
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Water needs of Quetta, adjoining areas to be met through Mangi Dam
Mangi Dam and Water Conveyance System project at an estimated cost Rs 9.85 billion would be launched in order to meet water supply requirement of Quetta city and adjoining areas. According to sources, the Ministry of Water and Power prepared the PC-1 of the project and referred it to the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms which would in turn present it in forthcoming meeting of Central Development Working Party (CDWP).
According to PC-1 of the project, the federal and Balochistan governments would share the cost of the project equally. The location of the project is districts of Ziarat and Quetta. The project will be implemented by Planning & Development Department, Government of Balochistan through Project Management Unit of Quetta Water Supply & Environmental Improvement Project (QWSEIP) and two supervisory cells for technical assistance to Project Director QWSEIP - one from Irrigation Department and the second jointly from Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) & Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) which will be established for the construction of Dam and Water Conveyance System respectively.
The project would be completed within 36 months after its approval. The existing source of water supplies to Quetta city is dependent on ground water, which is extracted by means of tube wells. The ground water table is depleting at an alarming rate due to which it is no longer possible to rely on groundwater solely as Quetta city is facing acute shortage of water. In order to meet water supply requirement of Quetta city and adjoining areas, the project of Mangi Dam has been conceived.
The main objective of the project is to reduce the existing shortfall in water supply.
The project envisages: (i) providing about 8.10 MGD for augmenting the existing under stress water requirements of Quetta Town, (ii) shifting the existing trend of extracting underground water by means of tube wells to more sustainable option of constructing the surface water storage reservoirs, (iii) providing un-interrupted drinking water supplies to the inhabitants of Quetta Town by means of Construction of Water Storage Tanks in Quetta Valley, (iv) uplifting the livelihood of inhabitants by providing employment and business opportunities during construction phase of the project, (v) mitigating the impacts of floods D/S of propose Dam site.
In order to achieve these objectives, a concrete gravity dam of 61 m height with a gross storage capacity of 29,530 AF is envisaged; for the purpose the Mangi Dam is proposed for construction with the objective of supplying about 8.10 MGD water to Quetta City. Other parameters are: (i) Water Conveyance System , pumping main to high point, 40 Km of 600 mm DI Pipeline, Gravity Main, 20 Km of 450 mm DI Pipeline, and (ii) Water Storage Tanks, 12-hours storage (18000 Cum), 03-hours storage (5400 Cum).
Since this is a social sector project and proposed for construction with the aim of providing drinking water to the most deprived population of Quetta by reducing stress on mining of ground water and managing for supplies of water through a more reliable source.
According to PC-1 of the project, the federal and Balochistan governments would share the cost of the project equally. The location of the project is districts of Ziarat and Quetta. The project will be implemented by Planning & Development Department, Government of Balochistan through Project Management Unit of Quetta Water Supply & Environmental Improvement Project (QWSEIP) and two supervisory cells for technical assistance to Project Director QWSEIP - one from Irrigation Department and the second jointly from Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) & Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) which will be established for the construction of Dam and Water Conveyance System respectively.
The project would be completed within 36 months after its approval. The existing source of water supplies to Quetta city is dependent on ground water, which is extracted by means of tube wells. The ground water table is depleting at an alarming rate due to which it is no longer possible to rely on groundwater solely as Quetta city is facing acute shortage of water. In order to meet water supply requirement of Quetta city and adjoining areas, the project of Mangi Dam has been conceived.
The main objective of the project is to reduce the existing shortfall in water supply.
The project envisages: (i) providing about 8.10 MGD for augmenting the existing under stress water requirements of Quetta Town, (ii) shifting the existing trend of extracting underground water by means of tube wells to more sustainable option of constructing the surface water storage reservoirs, (iii) providing un-interrupted drinking water supplies to the inhabitants of Quetta Town by means of Construction of Water Storage Tanks in Quetta Valley, (iv) uplifting the livelihood of inhabitants by providing employment and business opportunities during construction phase of the project, (v) mitigating the impacts of floods D/S of propose Dam site.
In order to achieve these objectives, a concrete gravity dam of 61 m height with a gross storage capacity of 29,530 AF is envisaged; for the purpose the Mangi Dam is proposed for construction with the objective of supplying about 8.10 MGD water to Quetta City. Other parameters are: (i) Water Conveyance System , pumping main to high point, 40 Km of 600 mm DI Pipeline, Gravity Main, 20 Km of 450 mm DI Pipeline, and (ii) Water Storage Tanks, 12-hours storage (18000 Cum), 03-hours storage (5400 Cum).
Since this is a social sector project and proposed for construction with the aim of providing drinking water to the most deprived population of Quetta by reducing stress on mining of ground water and managing for supplies of water through a more reliable source.
Business recorder
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Real Estate in Pakistan – Property finding Made Easy
Pakistan’s property market has been revolutionized drastically and is constantly moving forward. It has managed to establish a strong baseline that tends not to shift too easily.
Role of Technology
One of the foremost factors that have led to this revolution is the introduction of technology into the real estate sector, particularly since the arrival of 3G and 4G networks, which has brought more and more property hunters online. In 2014, out of Pakistan’s total population of 196 million, around 30 million people were internet users, and given the advent of 3G and 4G, this is likely to rise in the near future. Searching for information online is now commonplace in the country and a trend is emerging where transactional decisions are backed by a considerable amount of online research.
Therefore, with the average property hunter online today, technology provides conveniences to buyers, sellers, tenants and investors alike. These conveniences come in a variety of forms, so let’s take a look at some of the ways in which today’s realty sector is different from how it used to be merely a decade ago.
All Properties Under One Roof
Searching for properties online is a simple process. All you have to do is search for real estate agents in your favourite location or search for the details of houses or plots along with their prices. In this regard, a particular web portal has come in handy time and again for thousands of people in Pakistan. Zameen.com, Pakistan’s largest real estate portal, has made it possible for people to access over a million properties from anywhere on the globe and that, too,from the comfort of their homes.
This is a good indication of how the real estate landscape has changed. Property hunters no longer spend endless days driving around to far-flung locations to look at middling options, and top choices narrowed down on an online property portal is where they now begin their search.
Smartphone Users Have it Easy
In Pakistan, as of 2014, approximately 134.8 million people were active mobile subscribers which is an excellent penetration rate, one which is like to bear many fruits for Pakistan’s IT industry in the near future.
Companies can now target customers directly. Through the use of various apps, Android or iOS, users have a variety of entertainment and educational options to choose from. Real estate has also made its presence felt through, and apps like Zameen.com’s allow users to explore excellent options on the go.
Apps are increasingly popular because smartphones are becoming more affordable by the day. Coupled with fast mobile internet connections, the environment was ripe for a revolution in the real estate sector, which now seems to be underway.
End.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The real estate industry in Pakistan holds a bright future in 2016, despite being affected by issues such as housing shortages, a new report said.
The report released by Lamudi provides a comprehensive Pakistan’s property sector and focuses on a series of online surveys of both real estate agents and customers as well as interviews property experts’ data.
The research examines the change in estate trends in 2014-15, the online property-hunting trends, changes in real estate prices, the renting vs. buying patterns of Pakistani sustainable of demand rising change in oil prices on Pakistan’s real estate sector and much more.
The first survey of real estate agents examines the progress of Pakistan’s property market, the shift from offline to online medium and their outlook for 2016.
According to Agents Survey, 78 percent believe that the outlook for Pakistan real estate is positive. The customer survey predominantly focused on the house-hunting habits among property buyers and renters, along with their preference for sustainable houses, buying vs. renting.
According to customers survey, more than 50 percent of respondents preferred to buy a house or an apartment over renting one.
Moreover, 36 percent of them think that sustainable features in a home are extremely important.
Country Director of Lamudi Pakistan, Saad Arshed on Tuesday said he agreed with overall positive outlook.
Looking at our own pricing data as well as reports from agents around the country, the market is full of investment opportunities as Gwadar is great example of investment hot spots right now.
Other indicators that the Pakistan real estate market is growing in a positive direction are the improved security situation in the country leading to increased foreign interest and investment, which can be seen in projects such as the China and Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Turkemanistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) pipeline.
The report also covers an in-depth interview with Mazhar Raja, President of Association of Real Estate Agents.
Source: APP
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