There are a number of providers offering tenant background check services. These companies charge a fee for the information which they provide. They are normally hired by landlords since they have the experience and expertise in conducting such evaluations. If a landlord hires one, he or she can carry out the procedure himself or herself and save costs.

Many landlords also use online tenant background checks service provided by agencies as a means to check if the tenant has any criminal or financial history which may affect his or her credibility. Most of these agencies resort to public records since they do not maintain personal information of an individual. Most people would not care if their personal information is shared with another individual if the same is kept confidential.

Tenant screening is most commonly conducted for those who are planning to rent apartments or are already renting properties. This is primarily because landlords need to make sure that they are not putting their valuable assets at risk. As an alternative, they can resort to hiring screening companies that would conduct tenant background check and provide an evaluation of the person’s financial and social background. The report generated by these companies would largely focus on rental applications. Many individuals would like to rent an apartment but lack the proper credit rating and income information to qualify. These companies would be able to help them obtain the necessary credit scores and other information required for leasing apartments.

It is important to note that landlords should be vigilant when conducting tenant background check as these red flags should be raised if there is reason to suspect an applicant. Although there are instances wherein the process may be inconvenient, landlords should do everything possible to get accurate reports. If the company would incur some expenses, then so be it. After all, the purpose of a tenant background check is to prevent property loss and damage. In order to avoid problems later on, it is always best to get everything in writing, especially when the process involves dealing with rental applications.

A tenant background check is usually performed on an applicant based on his or her application and rental agreement. The information being gathered would include details about previous landlords, employment history, personal history, and the criminal background of the applicant. Although it may seem like a lot of information, it is still relatively simple information. For example, the landlord should be able to determine whether the applicant has ever faced eviction or has a history of violence in the past. The landlord can also discern whether or not the applicant has ever committed fraud or falsified information.

Upon performing the tenant background check, landlords must ensure that the report contains accurate and reliable information. This means that the report is comprehensive and updated as much as possible. It is also important that the landlord conduct the search within a reasonable time frame because applicants have the right to annul the report within three days. This means that it is not good enough for the landlord to conduct the search and then leave the report alone, since the applicant can annul it at any point within the three days.

As part of conducting the tenant background check, the landlord should also make sure that they have the applicant’s social security number. This way, if there is another person who claims to be the same person as the applicant, it would be easy to determine that the applicant is indeed who he says he is. To sum up, the best time to perform a criminal background check on a prospective tenant is when you are still looking for a home to rent. When you are already in the process of renting out your property, make sure that you already have a complete report and are not just relying on one or two pieces of information from the applicant.

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Tourist visas

Costa Rica allows tourists a 90 day visa, and this allows you time to get a short term rental, see if you like the country, and explore your options for immigration. Some people do the ‘border shuffle’, and leave and re-enter, gaining them another 90 days. However, this is against the spirit of the law, and may upset the authorities, so make sure you get proper legal advice on your options.

Working

In order to get a job in Costa Rica, you’ll need to get something more permanent than a tourist visa, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to become a resident. Some times of visa include:

• Pensionado – A retired person with a lifetime annuity or other guaranteed income. Many US citizens retire to Costa Rica on this scheme.
• Rentista – If you can show you’ll have a guaranteed income stream, or have a lump sum saved, this kind of visa will cover you for two years.
• Investors – If you have over $200,000 to invest
• Representante – Someone with a job which means they need to move to Costa Rica, or someone on a government assignment.

If you’re unsure of the kind of visa you might be eligible for, seek professional legal advice from someone who knows the immigration law in greater detail.

Buying a property

If you’re going for permanent residency, then finding somewhere to live is often high on your priority list. Costa Rica real estate offers good value for money, and there are plenty of options such as houses, condos, beach properties, gated communities, and much more. Some people try a short term stay, perhaps on a tourist visa to allow them to see what life is like in the area, and then commit to buying property. Whatever way you do it, make sure you work with a reputable agency who can ensure you’re protected throughout the process.

Opening a business

For many ambitious expatriates, the thought of opening a business in Costa Rica is extremely attractive, and they assume it will be laid back like the pace of life in much of the country. However, it can be hard work, and as with any job, you need to make sure you fill all legal requirements.

If you are entering the country because you have a large amount to invest, then you can put this into a business or property in exchange for that coveted visa. However, if you’re not quite as wealthy, there are still ways to invest, although you might not be able to work in the business as such. Many expatriates invest in tourism related services, with hotels, diving schools, restaurants and cafes, tour companies, and similar businesses being popular options. Whatever you decide to invest it, make sure you get sound financial advice before you begin, ideally from someone who has worked with Costa Rican businesses in the past.

Costa Rica isn’t just a great holiday destination. It can also be a great place to live, and many visitors decide to make it their home. Although it’s not the easiest country to immigrate to, there are lots of options available; you just need to seek advice on which one is right for you.

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Why to buy real estates in Banaswadi?

This locality has very good connection to the Horamavu main road and 100 feet road and also has very good railway route. Banaswadi railway station is just about 3km and Bengaluru International Airport is placed at a distance of 24kms from this area. Apart from this, there are also many BMTC buses plying through this area, connecting other commercial areas and bus terminals of the city. Because of the great connectivity, there has been a rise in flats for sale in Banaswadi and its surrounding areas.

Even though it is considered a residential area, this locality boasts of having many commercial and business complexes. And it also has many well known temples, educational institutions and hospitals. Some of the educational institutes include, Maruthi Vidyalaya, Sri Ravishankar BAL Mandir, Vibgyor High School, St. George College of Management, MAKA College and Satas Institute of Technology. Apart from this, there is the Siachen Army Regiment in this locale, and also a colony named as Jai Jawan Nagar, which is in the memory of Indian Army Jawans.

Banaswadi is a well known place for having many temples in and around its locality. Few of them are like the Uma Maheshwari Amman temple, the Veeranjaneya Temple, the Panchamukhi Ganesha temple, the Ayyappa Temple and the Kodanda Rama temple. Other than this, there are also many well known hospitals and health care centers in this area. Few of them include, Narayana Nilaya Maternity Hospitals and Genesis. For shopping and purchase of groceries and eateries, and food outlets there are numerous options available for the residents of this locale. Some of them include Reliance Fresh, Big Bazaar, Food World and restaurants include Tamarind, Sree Nandini, Uttam Sagar, Malgudi Southern Cuisine and Pizza Huts etc.

Coming to the Real estate aspect of this locality, in the past few years there has been an enormous growth in terms of both residential flats in Banaswadi and commercial property developments. This is owing to the fact that it has great connectivity and easy accessibility to many areas, which has made it into a hot spot for developers and builders together. Some of the well known developers in this locality include Vijaya Bhaskara Constructions, Citadil Constructions, and Adititi Builders. The price of residential apartments in Banaswadi is in the range of Rs. 3770 to Rs. 3792 per square feet. And the starting price of residential plots for sale in Banaswadi is around Rs. 5500 per square feet.

By Gayathri Deepak

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Your Condo Must Meet The Standard

Condos are known to be in their own class. A few units are constructed in one compound with enough space for each resident. This ensures for easy management of the units. Any investor wishing to purchase a condo knows the rules and may not go for your condo if it neglects some of the basic requirements. A condo may not attract a buyer if there are too many other structures surrounding the home. Condo owners love the secluded life and may not find it interesting to live in a congested residence. Avoid leaving too many items clumsily arranged on the compound and inside the condo. Everything must be in the right place before selling the home. Areas to watch keenly include;

• The kitchen
• Dinning hall
• Bedrooms
• The TV room
• The store

The Right Color Is Everything

It is difficult for your home to attract a buyer if the color is not well fixed properly. Before offering your condo to sell, ensure that the walls are re-painted. When painting the house try and use attractive colors. You may not be sure what your client may like as far as color is concerned, but I bet you can sample what most people like. Remember your color preference may not be your customer’s preference. You may even have to paint the walls with a different color if that will attract a quick buyer. The idea is to make your condo more attractive to potential buyers.

Upgrade Before Selling

The world is moving so fast and so is the marketing trends. The real estate has not been spared either. If your condo is within the range of the rest in the compound, you may find it difficult to convince a buyer. You need to bring your condo up to the right level by upgrading some parts. For instance, change the counter tops from that cheap material to granite. Consider the floor and other sections of the condo and fix them to be at the same level if not above the rest of the condo. This is the only way to sell your home at the market price.

General Cleanliness Of The Condo Is A Must

In any business, impressing the customer is vital. When selling your condo it is of importance to ensure that your house is cleaned before your client checks on it. Many people cannot stand a dirty home even if all the other issues are fixed. Have the floor vacuumed, the walls dusted and all the food scraps removed from the kitchen. It is easier for a potential buyer to seal the deal with you if the house is cleaner than when it is dirty. Some buyers may offer lower prices because of the house’s condition.

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Reasons to Invest in Thailand Real Estate 

Burgeoning condominium sector

Over the years, the condominium sector has emerged as the fastest growing and strongest property sector in Thailand. Bangkok, the bustling capital and international travel hub, has seen steady price growth, as have resort destinations like Hua Hin and Phuket.

Simple buying process for condos

Although it can prove difficult for foreign property buyers to buy landed properties like houses and villas, it’s remarkably straightforward to buy a condominium. Thai property ownership laws restrict foreign ownership of all properties to 49% with the remaining 51% Thai owned. This can prove problematic for those with their hearts set on buying land, though those who are interested in buying a condo –the condominium sector is the strongest property sector in the Kingdom – will find it simple and advantageous to buy a condo in Bangkok or one of the resort destinations along the beautiful Thai coastline.

Rapid economic expansion

The Thai economy has been expanding and growing strongly for some time now and this trend shows no sign of slowing down. This is great news for property investors because it shows that the already burgeoning Thai property market will continue to grow steadily well into the future as Thais increase their purchasing power and further continue to rent more comfortable properties. The stronger Thai workers’ purchasing power becomes – the greater the opportunities for foreign property investors to make a tidy profit by investing in the condominium sector.

Top tourist destination

Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and not only Southeast Asia. The attention Thailand receives helps to further boost property prices, but not only that, it also makes investing in the condominium sector in resort destinations more appealing for investors as the market grows stronger. When property investors think of tourism, it’s now important to not only think of Western tourists who flock to Thailand, but also Chinese tourists who are increasingly setting their sights on Thailand and resort destinations like Phuket as they enjoy higher wages and are increasingly able to travel overseas.

Long-term growth potential

Thailand has long been receiving global investment and it’s remarkable just how diverse the nationalities of investors who have been taking an interest in real estate in Thailand for investment purposes are. The diversity of global investment interest puts the already burgeoning Thai property market in an excellent position for long-term growth and sustainability.

Strong capital gains and yields

Rental yields in the condominium sector have been increasing strongly over time with many property investors enjoying rental yields of 6 – 10% per annum. Furthermore, due to increasing property prices,real estate investors who have invested in the condominium sector have been enjoying significant capital increases in recent years and this is a trend that experts predict will continue for many years to come.

As you can see from the points made above, there are some excellent reasons for investing in Thai property as a foreigner, though it must be stressed that as easy as it is to buy a condominium, nothing should be left to chance and legal advice or representation is therefore advisable.

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A Gemologist/Jewellery appraiser is a person who evaluates a jewellery item and determines its total worth. Ideally he should have a large education and work background, as the jewellery appraisal is a task that involves precision, attention to detail and a great deal of patience. An appraiser should have love for jewellery and should keep himself updated with the latest information on the jewellery market. He should be able to distinguish fake from real.

Finding a gemologist appraiser in Orange County is not a big deal.  You could take the help of search engines, yellow pages or even ask your friend or relative to refer one. Though there are a few points you should definitely keep in mind while hiring one.

Finding a Gemologist appraiser: Points you should keep in mind

Like all other countries, even the USA has an organization which offers education and training in jewellery appraisal, it would be highly desirable if your gemologist has a certification from them.

Gemologist appraiser should be educated and should follow the proper methodology as put worth by “Uniform Standards Of Professional Appraisal Practice”.

Working independently or working with any jewellery store, you could do a little research and background check before hiring the services of either.

Jewellery appraisal is a service that requires a lot of knowledge and knowledge comes from experience. If you want a correct valuation of your jewellery, make sure you find someone who is highly experienced in this field.

Again, reputation and trustworthiness of gemologist appraiser are something you should not ignore. It takes a lot of time and efforts to build a reputation that is flawless. Honesty in such trade is highly desirable. You would want to trust your jewellery antique or otherwise to be in the hands of a person who has a disputable reputation.

Any gemologist would charge a fee for his services but how much is the fee? Is it well in your budget or is it exceedingly high? You need to ascertain this before you trust your precious jewels with him. You could perform a little market research, check the market standards and pay accordingly. Do not underpay and expect a world class job.

You should also be ready to set certain questions that you would ask the appraiser. The questions could range from asking about the certification, area of expertise, experience in years, whether he will evaluate items in the premise itself or you would have to come back to collect it?

To reiterate jewellery appraisal is a task of mutual trust and expertise, you cannot trust anyone with your prized possession. You might want to get in touch with some professional recognized organization of appraisal, they are :  ASA,  ISA or NAJA, details of which you can find online.

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The capital of India, during the colonial era, Kolkata was considered the getaway to India. Years down the line, this Indian megalopolis is home to more than 15 million people. Popularly known as the cultural capital of the country, this old-world city has undergone numerous changes in terms of economy on the past two decades. The city’s landscape underwent a revamp as Information Technology forayed into the market. Emergence of multinational companies saw the rise of business parks housing world-class office spaces. This was the time when the city’s realty market witnessed a boom.

Rising income as a result of economic growth resulted in improved lifestyles. Which in turn the saw an explosion of the residential realty segment of the city as well. Several areas began to be targeted by investors and end-users for the purpose of property investments. Of late, the regions that have come up in the city’s realty market happens to be the suburban areas—like Behala and Garia in south Kolkata  have recorded a huge property boom.

Behala Realty Market—an Overview

Behala happens to be the one of the oldest residential area of the city. The area is also a significant industrial zone where manufacturing units like plastic recycling, chemicals, metal plating and galvanizing are stationed.

Encompassed within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) only in 1984, today, Behala counts the largest suburban agglomerations of the city of Kolkata. Due to its strategic location and well-connectivity with the rest of the city, the neighbourhood has become one of the preferred realty destinations of Kolkata and one can find some of the best apartments located in Behala.

An end-user can choose from a plethora of options available in Behala’s realty market— rights from flats to independent houses, penthouses, and commercial assets to retail segments like shopping malls are obtainable in the region. The robust social infrastructure comprising hospitals, schools and colleges accentuates the area.

Accessibility and Price Trends

Strategically located, Behala is extremely well-connected to the rest of the city. Neighbourhoods like BBD Bag, Sealdah, Park Street, and Gariahat can be covered easily through various modes of transport—both private and public. Moreover, the Sealdah Railway Station and the Kolkata Suburban Railway Station are barely 45 minutes’ drive. This is not all. The anticipated metro railway extension of 17 kilometers, other social infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and the closeness of establishments like the Indian Institute of Management, Joka (Calcutta) have boosted the realty market of this south Kolkata neighbourhood.

Keeping in mind the realty boom of the area, the government of West Bengal has already laid the plan to open up an IT park in the south-western suburbs of the neighbourhood.

With such mammoth developments all around, the property prices in Behala has received a shot in the arm. Within a year the property prices recorded a 7% hike. The average price of a 2 BHK flat in Behala way back in 2010 was quoted at INR 2000 per square feet. Today the same property will come at a cost of INR 3300 per square feet (as of March 2013). An end-user will have to fish out at least INR35 lakhs in order to buy a 2BHK flat in Behala in the present scenario.

Several new residential projects with state-of-the-art architecture are coming across the neighbourhood. These projects promise to offer the ultimate luxury lifestyle to meet the growing demand of the end-users. Developers and builders like Godrej, NK Realtors, and Unitech Groups have invested in area. Others like Ambuja Realty are also looking forward to capitalize on the Behala property market.

Because of its moderately priced lifestyle and upcoming real estate, Kolkata has always been a safe haven for investments with assured returns.

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Islamabad is the city of bigwigs of Pakistan and is powered by a number of sectors including real estate, tourism, business and the financial hub. Let’s look at few sure signs, which point towards broader economic growth for the federal city and the country alike.

Tourism is Booming

Besides being home to Federal Government employees, Parliament House and several Politicians, the city is also a magnet for tourists. Islamabad is the only name that comes into your mind, when you want a peaceful place to unwind your tired soul. The city is becoming something more than a 9 a.m-5 p.m. city, as it adds more to its charm. The city hosts a number of tourist attractions like Margalla Hills, Saidpur Village, Daman-e-Koh, Lake View Park, Shakarparian and Pir Sohawa which attract hundreds and thousands of tourists every month. Though consolidated numbers of the tourists visited Islamabad in the first quarter of 2013, but the data indicates that Islamabad topped the country in terms of hotel occupancy level throughout 2012 and in Q1 of 2013 as well.

The government is very much interested in further boosting the numbers of tourists to Islamabad. So, it has taken a number of initiatives to enhance the country’s position in global markets. Several new hotels, shopping malls and parks have been planned to develop in Islamabad. Government is also focusing on tourism because it is considered that tourism can indirectly boost real estate sector and Pakistan government is intended to give a boom to real estate sector.

Property Prices are increasing

Certainly, you do not need any statistical proof to figure it out that property prices in the federal city are increasing. A number of residential projects and commercial developments were launched by the end of 2012 and are scheduled to start later in 2013 to entice local and international inventors. It is because government and developers are well aware of the fact that Islamabad is one of the most desired areas in Pakistan to buy properties to live in or to earn profit in the long run. The increasing demand and the peaceful environment of the capital are the two basic reasons behind Islamabad real estate getting expensive gradually. Several state of the art residential communities like Gulberg Islamabad, Bahria Town and Bani Gala are launched in previous few years to give various choices to property buyers and investors.

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What Is a Rent-to-Own Plan?

If you opt for a rent-to-own home, this means that you are renting a property with an option to buy it once your lease expires. At the end of your lease, if you are planning to travel or to try your luck in another state, you can opt to move out instead of purchase the property. Also, the price of the house is already determined before the lease ends, which means that the price is set even before you make up your mind about buying the place or not. So, it can be a loss in case property values go down when your lease expires.

Pros versus Cons of Rent-to-Own

As with most choices, there’s a good side and a bad side of a rent-to-own plan. Below are a few issues that you should thoroughly consider.

1. Pro — Knowing the House

A renter will live in the house that he might consider buying. Because of this, he’ll be able to truly understand the environment and the property. In other words, he’ll be able to get a feel of the house and the neighborhood, which will help him to see if he can have a family and grow old in that place. Unlike home buyers that only get to see a property for sale during open houses, a renter will spend a long time in the dwelling. So, he’ll know if the water supply is good, if the basement is leaking, or if there are molds. In case he finds something unfavorable, he can pass up the chance of buying the property.

2. Pros and Cons of Related Cost

– Down Payment versus Option Fee

Down payment for a new home can be pretty expensive for most, and this can deter people from buying a home. Choosing a rent-to-own plan can benefit those who do not have enough money for down payment. But still, they have to collect a significant amount so that they can first pay for the option fee, which will go to the down payment in case they do decide to purchase the house when the lease expires.

– Improve Credit Score

For those who have been denied mortgage due to low credit scores, a rent-to-own plan can benefit them too. During the time that they’re renting a place, they can work on improving their credit score as well.

– Rent Credit

Then, there’s also the issue about the rent credit. In rent-to-own agreements, the rent credit becomes void if the lessee fails to pay rent on time. This can be a significant loss if, say, the rent credit is $500 and the lessee is a day late in paying his rent three times during the lease period. That’s equal to a loss of $1,500.

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1.Understand where you stand

Keep up to date with the latest industry goings-on and strive to improve your positioning with it. Get to know your competitors – direct and indirect – full-service and part-service – and look at how they have planned their marketing strategy. Is there anything you can use as inspiration? Are there any gaps that can be exploited? Draft an effective marketing strategy that is not out-with your capabilities as an agency, but is also not too weak that it won’t gain you any advantage over competitors. By showing that you know what you are talking about will really fill your client with confidence and leave them optimistic about your future success together.

2.Get a Mobile Site

You have a smartphone, what’s to say your customers don’t have one! The leaders in the smartphone industry believe smartphone browsing will overtake desktop browser pc and laptop surfing in the next 2 years. Does your mobile site – if you indeed have one – provide the relevant engaging content that your visitors want? The most important point however is how easy to use your mobile site is. Google has pointed out that its own research found that over 60% of visitors will abandon their visit if they do not find what they want straight away. This is a staggering amount of potential custom thrown away because your mobile site is poor. This should be catapulted to the top of your priority list.

3.SEO

With so many real estate agencies out there it will always be difficult to rank at the top of every search engine. The competition for keywords in this niche is fierce. If you have a large budget go for the best words. If you are working to a budget focus on narrowing down your categories with location based and localised keywords, long-tail and niche branded keywords. Make sure your website is optimized for your keywords to attract traffic. Remember to keep your keywords trimmed, there is no benefit in targeting inner-city penthouses if you operate in rural locations. Keep to these points and you will see your site viewed more and more by would be customers.

4.Blogging

Blogging has become increasingly important for owning and running a website. It offers a great opportunity for your visitors to engage with the site and voice their opinions and offer insights. The real estate market and property marketing industry offers plenty of opportunities for user-generated content too. Anything from how best to present your house to buyers, to DIY quick-tips, to the best time of year to sell your home, are equally great topics to write and share about. Your social media interaction will receive from maintaining a blog too through social shares, likes, tweets and recommendations.

5.Email and Social Media Campaigns

By bringing together a concise and targeted email campaign you are increasing your chances of repeat business and people talking about your business or service. If you are sending e-shots to your customers or clients’ inbox you will be front of mind when it comes to that person wanting to use our services. A targeted and intuitive social media strategy will engage thousands of people, contacts and customers through an intricate network of followers. Branch out with facebook, twitter, pinterest, youtube, and linkedin and watch your brands image receive a welcome shot in the arm.

This is not an exhaustive list. Use all intermittently and in line with how your customers expect you to behave – diligently and professionally. There is nothing worse than a disgruntled customer.

Also, remember not to sacrifice your offline marketing practices to take on these new processes. As we move closer and closer to a digital workplace it is important to mix off and online property marketing in order to establish your company or team as a dominant force. Just because the property market stagnates, does not mean your marketing practices have to as well!

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