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April 23, 2024

How To File A Car Insurance Claim: A Step-By-Step Guide

6:05 am

It is important to buy car insurance online. Immediately following an accident, one must file a claim with the insurance provider. The insurance provider checks the supporting documentation, and if the claim is legitimate, the insurer compensates for the car’s damages. Here are the specifics of how to file a car insurance claim if your vehicle is damaged.

What Is Auto Insurance For Own Damage?

Own damage motor insurance protects against damage done to a person’s car as a result of mishaps, natural disasters like floods, vandalism, etc. *

Here Are The Processes For Making An Own-Damage Claim:

  • Call the insurance provider as soon as possible and let them know about the damage. Obtain the information about the car that caused the damage and give it to the policyholder.
  • Within the allotted time, the occurrence must be reported.
  • File an FIR and report the event to the police. You would need the licence number of the driver who was involved in the accident as well as the registration number of the car that caused the collision when filing an
  • Keep the information about the vehicle, the driver, and the witnesses with you and in the FIR.
  • After making a car insurance claim, you must ask the insurance company to designate a surveyor to further assess the situation.
  • On the business’ website, you can also submit a car insurance claim.
  • The required documentation for submitting the claim is shown below.

One would need certain documentation to settle the compensation in order to submit a claim for the damaged cars:

  • An insurance policy copy
  • A copy of the police department’s fir report
  • A duplicate of the current driver’s licence
  • Completely completed and signed claim form
  • A duplicate of the vehicle registration document
  • Any additional expenditures paid with a copy of the original receipt
  • Original copies of the medical receipts are required in cases of physical injury.
  • Information on the costs of the repairs

Several Things to Keep in Mind When Filing a Car Insurance Claim

  • To find out if there have been any damages to the car, you should give it a thorough inspection. Additionally, you should examine anyone riding in the automobile with you or you for any injuries.
  • You must file your claim within the time frame specified by your insurance company. Occasionally, it is 24 hours after the damage is
  • Make a note of the make, model, licence plate, and colour of the car that was involved in the collision.
  • Keep track of each witness’s contact information. Identification of the accident’s cause will be required
  • Make a quick call to the insurer after evaluating the vehicle’s damage.
  • Drive your car to the closest network garage, where you can pay your payments there.
  • Own automobile damage insurance has a higher cost than a standard auto insurer, and this premium depends on the vehicle’s IDV. When you buy car insurance online, you should pay extra attention because it’s critical to take the age of the vehicle into account. *

* Standard T&C Apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

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Why Shouldn’t You Stop Paying Your Life Insurance Premium?

10:35 am

Do you believe that life insurance plans are intended to squander your money? Hold there before you consider cancelling one because, in this two-minute read, we have debunked every myth.

Ravi, a buddy’s friend, had obtained a life insurance policy. He has now utilised this policy as collateral for the repayment of his home loan and other debts. But, he later got an unexpectedly sizable sum from inherited property and had already paid off all of his debt. Although having paid back the loan, he still needs to cancel the life insurance coverage. He kept the coverage since he had two children who attended school and wanted both life and income protection.

A life insurance calculator is a tool you may use online to determine the amount of coverage required based on your needs.

 

Do not revoke a life insurance policy

Even though the goal has changed, life insurance will continue to provide Ravi’s family with additional financial protection in light of the uncertain future. In other words, cancelling a life insurance policy does not really make sense if you are raising a family and have people who depend on you financially.

You shouldn’t terminate your life insurance policy for the following reasons:

  1. To meet the financial necessities of your family’s future

The spouse, children, ageing parents, and any other family members would depend on the family breadwinner’s income and resources even after their death. When a regular source of income is lost, the family may have to make sacrifices in order to meet their basic necessities. One such product that aims to offer security and promote financial stability in the event of unfavourable income is insurance.

  1. Surrender fees may negatively affect your budget

Life insurance premiums can be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re trying to reduce your spending. It is absolutely a terrible idea to temporarily reduce the premium cost by cancelling the life insurance plan in the hopes of purchasing a new plan down the road. You might have to pay a hefty price for the same policy with equivalent coverage in the future. If an unforeseen disease is diagnosed, you may be unable to acquire coverage.

  1. To save some money on income taxes

Section 80C of the Income Tax Act of 1961 allows for the tax deduction of annual insurance premium payments. Simply put, cancelling the policy means that no additional life insurance premiums will be paid for it and that the insurer will not provide life insurance coverage.

This bonus will be forfeited if you cancel the policy. Unlike other investment options, life insurance policies such as endowment and unit-linked insurance plans provide you with tax-efficient returns. You cannot get a good tax return if you stop paying the premium in the middle and cancel the coverage. Life insurance is still required as a tax-saving measure, even if you are wealthy.

  1. For mental tranquilly

You may live without anxiety, thanks to insurance. Your long-term financial needs are met by an insurance policy, depending on your selected coverage. Also, because life insurance policies can be used as collateral for loans, they can assist you with your immediate needs. Several financial alternatives are also available through life insurance coverage. At an additional fee, it offers additional riders, such as critical illness, accidental disability, etc. You can plan for your children’s future very organised and methodically with the help of certain life insurance plans, such as child and endowment plans.

  1. The cost of new coverage may increase

You will forfeit the coverage you have paid for when you surrender your life insurance policy. If you need to get the same policy in the future, it can be more expensive because life insurance costs rise with age. If you still think that your life insurance is a burden on you, use all the flexibility supplied by the life insurance company. The life insurance coverage does not have to be cancelled. You don’t have many other options.

  1. Modify the premium payment method

If the annual premium is too much for you to afford, speak with your insurance provider about changing the payment schedule to monthly or quarterly. By doing this, you can get through a challenging moment.

  1. Release the riders

If your policy has any riders or add-ons for which you are paying extra and are not actually necessary for you, you can lower your premium by removing them from the package. Always mind that riders should be picked just as per your demand. Never purchase one just because your friend or your friend’s friend chose to. ##

A life insurance calculator is an easy-to-use tool to check the amount of premium you would have to pay.

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Understanding the Conveyancing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

7:46 am

Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring property ownership from one person to another. It involves a number of steps and can be quite complex, especially for first-time buyers. In this article, we’ll walk you through the conveyancing process step-by-step, so you know what to expect when buying or selling a property.

Step 1: Instruction

The first step in the conveyancing process is to instruct a conveyancer. A conveyancer is a qualified legal professional who specializes in property law and will help you with the legal aspects of buying or selling a property. Once you’ve found a conveyancer you’re happy with, you’ll need to provide them with details of the property and any other relevant information, such as your mortgage lender details if you’re buying a property.

Step 2: Contract Drafting

Your conveyancer will then draft a contract of sale, which sets out the terms of the transaction. This will include the purchase price, any special conditions, and a settlement date. They will also carry out any necessary property searches to ensure there are no issues with the property that may affect the sale.

Step 3: Exchange of Contracts

Once both parties have agreed to the terms of the contract, they will sign it and exchange contracts. At this point, the buyer will usually pay a deposit, which is usually 10% of the purchase price, to the seller’s conveyancer.

Step 4: Completion

Completion is the final stage of the conveyancing melbourne. It’s when the property officially changes hands and the purchase price is paid in full. The seller’s conveyancer will receive the balance of the purchase price and the buyer will receive the keys to the property.

Step 5: Post-Completion

After completion, your conveyancer will register the property with the Land Registry and send you confirmation of the registration. They will also pay any stamp duty due and provide you with a copy of the title deeds.

Other Important Considerations

There are a number of other important considerations to bear in mind when going through the conveyancing process:

  1. Mortgage: If you’re taking out a mortgage to buy a property, your conveyancer will liaise with your lender to ensure the funds are available for completion.
  2. Property Searches: Your conveyancer will carry out a number of property searches to ensure there are no issues with the property that may affect the sale. These include local authority searches, environmental searches, and drainage searches.
  3. Surveys: It’s important to have a survey carried out on the property before you buy it. This will highlight any potential issues with the property that may affect its value or make it unsuitable for your needs.
  4. Chain: If you’re buying a property as part of a chain, it’s important to keep in touch with your conveyancer and other parties in the chain to ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly.
  5. Post-Completion: After completion, your conveyancer will register the property with the Land Registry and send you confirmation of the registration. They will also pay any stamp duty due and provide you with a copy of the title deeds.

Conclusion

Conveyancing can be a complex process, but with the right support and guidance from a qualified conveyancer, it needn’t be stressful. By following these steps, you’ll have a better understanding of the conveyancing process and what to expect when buying or selling a property.

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Understanding the role of SIPs in debt mutual funds

11:40 am

When it comes to investing, debt mutual funds are often favoured by risk-averse investors who prefer stable returns over the volatility of equity markets. These funds are known for their flexibility, as they work in both short and long-term investment horizons. However, regardless of your investment term preference, Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) can help you build a robust portfolio through debt funds. This article will explore the importance of SIPs in debt funds and how they can help you achieve your financial goals. So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newbie, read on to find out how you can benefit from this investment strategy.

What are debt mutual funds?

Debt funds  are a type of mutual fund that primarily invests in debt instruments such as bonds, treasury bills, and other fixed-income securities. These funds pool money from investors and invest in a portfolio according to the theme of the fund. The primary objective of debt funds is to provide a stable return on investment with lower risks. Therefore, if you are a risk-averse investor who seeks a relatively safer investment option, then debt funds could be the perfect choice for you. As debt instruments have less risk and provide stable returns, debt funds offer an ideal investment avenue for those who prefer to invest in risk-free options.

SIPs for debt mutual funds

Investing in debt funds through SIPs has several benefits. Below listed are some of them.

  • SIPs in debt mutual funds can help investors to average out the cost of investments. As the cost of debt mutual funds fluctuates with the interest rates, investing a fixed amount through SIPs can help investors to buy more units when the cost is low and fewer units when the cost is high, thus averaging out the cost.
  • SIPs in debt mutual funds can help investors to benefit from the power of compounding. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, investors can earn interest on interest, which can lead to higher returns over the long term.
  • SIPs in debt mutual funds offer flexibility to investors. Investors can start and stop their SIPs as per their convenience. They can also increase or decrease the amount of their SIPs as per their financial goals and investment objectives.
  • SIPs in debt mutual funds can help investors to achieve their financial goals in a disciplined and systematic manner. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, investors can stay committed to their financial goals and avoid the temptation to time the market.

Do SIPs work for short term in debt funds?

In the short term, the returns from debt mutual funds may not be significant enough to justify the cost of regular investments through SIPs. Moreover, if an investor needs the money in the short term, they may have to withdraw their investment before the completion of the SIP tenure, which can result in exit loads and capital gains tax.

Conclusion

If you are looking to invest in debt mutual funds for the short term, it may be more beneficial to invest in liquid or ultra-short-term debt funds that offer higher liquidity and lower risk. However, if you have a long-term investment horizon, SIPs in debt mutual funds can be an excellent investment strategy to benefit from the power of compounding and averaging out the cost of investments.

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Value funds vs growth funds: A comparison of features, benefits, and drawbacks

9:33 am

The world of investing is full of opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of complexities. Investors are always looking for the best approach to maximising their returns in the ever-volatile markets. Growth and value investing are two well-known types of fundamental investing, but how can you know which one is best for your portfolio and financial goals?

Whether you are looking for a long-term investment or something that may bring quick returns, knowing how these investments compare can give you a better idea of which type suits your financial goals better. Having said that, here are some key differences between value and growth funds, including their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

Understanding value investing and its features

Value investing focuses on buying undervalued stocks when their current market value is lower than the intrinsic value, with the expectation that the stocks will reach their true or intrinsic value or even exceed it. This strategy requires investors to search for undervalued stocks using technical analysis, charts, data, and financial ratios such as:

  • Price-to-book ratio (PB)
  • Price/earnings-growth (PEG) ratio
  • Price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio
  • Dividend yield, etc

The key motivation behind value investing is capital appreciation over time, not immediate gains or income generation.

Benefits of value investing

  • Since you buy stocks at a lower price, you have a built-in margin of safety that protects you from losses if the stock doesn’t perform as expected.
  • The strategy takes a long-term view which is ideal for investors who don’t want to worry about short-term fluctuations in the market and are willing to wait for their investments to pay off.
  • With higher dividend yields, value funds can help generate steady income.

Overview of growth investing and its features

Growth funds are focused purely on capital appreciation. Investors choose stocks or growth mutual funds whose prices are expected to grow at a better rate than its peers or the overall market. This type of investing requires more research and analysis since you need to identify stocks with high-growth potential.

There are many ways to create a growth investment plan focusing on capital appreciation, such as investing in small-cap stocks with huge growth potential, emerging market stocks, blue chip stocks, or mutual fund investments focusing on high-growth sectors like technology and healthcare.

Benefits of growth investing

  • You can choose high growth mutual funds to benefit from their high return potential.
  • Diversifying your mutual fund portfolio with a mix of growth stocks can reduce overall volatility exposure.
  • If done wisely, returns from mid and small cap growth mutual funds can be significantly higher than inflation.

Value funds vs growth funds – Comparing features and potential risks of both investment options

Parameters Growth funds Value funds
Company type Small to mid-sized with growth potential Mature, financially strong companies
Market growth Focused on capital appreciation and long-term growth Focused on growth and dividends
Period of holding Short term to long term Long term
Benefit to investor Capital gains Dividend and stock price appreciation
Risk Carry high risk due to equities’ volatility. Intrinsic values are difficult to predict
P/E Ratio P/E Ratio tends to be higher than value stocks Generally, a low P/E Ratio
Expense More expensive than value investments Relatively less expensive
Bet returns on Profitability estimates for the future Market psychology
Ideal for Investors with a moderate to high-risk appetite along with a long investment horizon Investors aiming for regular income and long-term growth potential

From the potential returns to the risk profile and overall investment strategy associated with each fund, evaluate your individual needs to invest in the right fund. Or you can even create a balanced portfolio that combines these two investment styles to get a consistent portfolio performance.

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Know All About Trip Cancellation Coverage Under Travel Insurance

12:08 pm

We must schedule transport, lodging, and any other expenses well in advance when arranging a trip. Additionally, it is advisable to plan ahead for unforeseen circumstances like sudden cancellations brought on by unforeseen events or losing luggage while travelling, which is why travel insurance cover was created.

Specifically, trip cancellation insurance covers the case where you are compelled to cancel your trip or reservations for circumstances beyond your control, including becoming critically ill or hurt a few days prior to your departure. You can receive reimbursement for all of your non-refundable travel expenses thanks to this coverage.

How does travel insurance operate?

In addition to dealing with the inconvenience and disruption of having to change your travel plans, having to pay cancellation costs can be a significant financial hardship. The majority of travel and lodging companies charge larger cancellation fees and offer smaller refunds the closer the departure or check-in date gets.

When completing cancellations, you must notify them as soon as possible (preferably, five days before the event) and submit supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificate, a certificate from employer). Because different travel and lodging providers have different cancellation policies, it depends on when you cancel if you will be charged a portion of the whole cost or forfeit your deposit. The full cancellation price levied by the suppliers is covered by international or domestic travel insurance.

Cancellation insurance is usable if the following circumstances apply:

  • Appears in the policy
  • After you purchased insurance
  • Is unexpected
  • Is accidental

A few instances of legitimate cancellation scenarios may include:

  • Passing away of a family member
  • Severe illness or injury (applicable to you or family)
  • Damage to the home
  • Date modifications for your paid leave
  • Natural disaster or terrorist assault at the destination
  • You’ve been refused a tourist visa
  • Having to take an exam again
  • Employment loss or employment gain
  • Identity theft or ticket fraud

The grounds for cancellation may differ depending on the policy, so be sure to take attention of the exclusionary language.

Several exclusions might include:

  • Strikes involving organised public transportation unless the insurance period begins before the strike is anticipated.
  • An airline, cruise line, or tour operator may modify or cancel your travel plans due to bad weather.
  • Changes made individually by the insured or their travelling companion to their travel plans for any reason.
  • An adverse shift in the insured’s financial situation.

Refer to the policy’s ‘General Exclusions’ as well before you buy travel insurance online.

Insuring against trip cancellation:

When making your travel arrangements, you can purchase trip cancellation insurance at the travel agency’s or the tour operator’s website. The overall cost of the insurance varies based on the coverage you choose and is proportional to the cost of the trip.

Is trip cancellation covered by travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance does cover trip cancellation as well as medical costs, lost or stolen property, delayed flights, and emergency airlifts, provided you fall within the guidelines of the claim. The most often used travel insurance coverage is trip cancellation. You should get travel insurance as soon as you’ve made your vacation arrangements because it offers more complete protection against various financial hazards.

In summary, travel insurance policies are individualised and based on your insurance company. Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly read the small print and understand the validity and restrictions of the coverage. While trip cancellation policies are required, flight insurance policies will provide you with better protection because they not only cover unforeseen cancellations but may also assist with making arrangements for a temporary passport in the event that you lose yours. It will make for a more relaxed journey.

* Standard T&C Apply

** Currently, there are 2 tax regimes in India – new and old. To get the tax benefit you desire, choose the correct one after consulting an expert. You can opt for a regime change during the next financial year.

# Visit the official website of IRDAI for further details.

## All savings are provided by the insurer as per the IRDAI-approved insurance plan. Standard T&C apply

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions,

limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully

before concluding a sale.

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Australian commercial market predictions in 2023

4:56 am

Facing many setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian commercial property market somewhat showed some positive trends in Q1 of 2022[1]. Office and industrial sectors foresaw the importance of new office spaces and the need to hire more employees following the ease of COVID restrictions.

As the remote work mandate was lifted across the country, investors grew hungry to find better and more suited office spaces for their operations. This demonstrated a healthy flow of capital into the commercial real estate market throughout the first quarter of 2022.

As we approach the fall of 2022, the interest rates will be higher, and so is inflation [2]. How will commercial real estate respond to such alarming issues? If you are a buyer, seller, or investor of any kind, you will want to access the impact of rising inflation and interest rates on commercial real estate property; are there any positive sides to it, or just are the bearer of bad news?

Investing in Commercial Real Estate in 2023

Commercial real estate in Australia, especially commercial real estate in Melbourne and across other major cities, is always topical to local and foreign investors. If you are considering a possible real estate transaction right now, you will want to have a clear assessment of how commercial real estate in Melbourne and other big cities is going to be in 2023.

With the constantly growing inflation, banks are bound to throw higher interest rates on bank loans to curb inflation. This creates an unwelcoming scenario for businesses or individuals in pursuit of commercial real estate loans. Furthermore, rising inflation means an increase in construction costs that will escalate the cost of commercial properties to new heights.

Higher interest rates mean a loanee has higher loan repayments and will be reluctant to apply for a mortgage. This will reduce the number of buyers in the current market, which means less competition. This constricts the population of potential buyers in the commercial real estate market. Those with robust finances will be the only ones pulling the strings in the market when interest rates are higher.

If you have adequate cash flow to invest in commercial properties right now, this can be the right time for you to enter the market and find the best deals upfront. Commercial real estate in Windsor and Caulfield are two of Melbourne’s growing commercial centres. There are high chances of finding the right commercial property for your office spaces in those cities. You can find the best deal on commercial real estate in Caulfield and Windsor with Axis Property.

One more considerable impact of higher interest rates, which is the current scenario in Australia, through less interested parties in the market is a drop in property prices. Fewer buyers imply an oversupply of commercial properties in the market, and when supply is high, the price will move ahead in the counter direction.

A period of over-supply of commercial properties will give new investors a chance to grab desired property for a relatively lower price before the market sets course towards correction. If you are in correlation with an experienced property management agency, the year 2023 sure can land you the best deals on the commercial real estate market.

Owing to several factors; key market drivers, the commercial property market is one of Australia’s financial hubs in constant influx. Market drivers such as supply and demand, interest rates, population density, and economic state come into play when accessing (based on data) the market.

If you are a commercial real estate investor, you must have a keen eye on these subjects before making a play. Axis Property makes it easy for every client to manoeuvre speed bumps in their journey through Melbourne’s commercial real estate market.

Axis Property is a leading property management agency in Melbourne that handles hundreds of commercial properties inside this beautiful metropolis and its suburbs. All you need to do is to list your commercial real estate with Axis Property and acquire reliable services related to commercial property management in Melbourne and its suburbs like Caulfield and Windsor.

Find the best deals on commercial properties in Melbourne, Windsor, and Caulfield with Axis Property. Windsor and Caulfield are two of Melbourne’s fastest-growing commercial hubs boosting hot properties for investors to buy or lease. This can be your opportunity to strengthen your commercial real estate portfolio with the best deals in the market right now.

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How to Make Online Payments for CESC Electricity Bills After Due Date

11:58 am

Electricity bill payments received after the due date are subject to late fees, penalties, and service interruptions, as it is a standard policy. Late payments do not absolve the defaulting customer of the consequences. You might experience suspension of electricity supply by the terms and conditions for late payment. For a swift Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) online, you can carry out transactions via Airtel Payments Bank. This will help you avoid additional delays and charges on your bill. So let’s look at how to make your CESC bill payment online after it has passed its due date.

How to make your CESC bill payment online after it has passed the due date?

The majority of fees will be added to your subsequent electricity bill if you pay fines after the due date. However, if you recently paid it, late fees might still be automatically applied due to payment systems. However, a late fee is set by electricity operators, so you might not have to guess how much you’ll have to pay.

The steps listed below will help you understand how to pay your CESC bill after the due date with Airtel Payments Bank.

CESC bill payment via the Airtel website

  • Go to the Airtel website and sign in to your account.
  • On the homepage, click on “Electricity bill.”
  • Enter West Bengal as your UT/state.
  • Choose CESC as your biller.
  • Enter your customer ID.
  • Fill in your Billing Unit (BU).
  • Check the status of your electricity bill, and click “Fetch Bill.”
  • An OTP (One-time password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
  • Enter the OTP and continue with the bill payment.

CESC bill payment via Airtel Thanks App

  • Navigate to the Payments Bank Section in your Airtel Thanks App.
  • Select ‘Electricity Bill.’
  • Choose West Bengal as your UT/state.
  • Pick CESC as your operator.
  • Enter your CA number as it appears on your bill.
  • Proceed with the payment by clicking on Pay Now.

How to Check CESC Bill Details Online?

You can view the details of your bill on Airtel Payments Bank. To check your CESC bill online, follow these steps:

  • Go to the website.
  • Navigate to the Airtel Payments Bank section.
  • Select “Electricity Bill” from the menu.
  • Fill in your consumer and biller number.
  • Enter your billing unit.
  • Tap “Fetch Bill.

On the left side of the screen are the details of your CESC bill, and on the right are the available payment options. This is another way to make your CESC bill payment online.

How to view and download the CESC bill online?

With the Airtel Thanks App or the Airtel website, you can easily download your CESC bill as a reference or to keep a record. To get started, follow these steps.

  • Log in to your Airtel account.
  • Choose West Bengal as your home state.
  • Select CESC to be your biller.
  • To view a CESC bill, select “Fetch Bill.”

The app allows you to check your CESC bill history and download your CESC bills. It only takes a single click to download and view your bill.

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Should You Buy or Lease a Property for Your Business?

5:14 am

The decision of whether to buy or lease a commercial property is one that many business owners face at one time or another. It might be that you are setting up a new business or you need to expand to a bigger premises because your business is doing well. According to the good folk at EXIT Real Estate Consultants in DeRidder, there is a lot to consider when choosing whether to lease or buy. While buying might be sensible for some businesses, leasing might be the preferable option for others. It is important therefore to consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

What are the Pros and Cons of Leasing a Commercial Property?

The biggest benefit of leasing a business is that you don’t have to tie up capital in a down payment that will almost certainly be required to secure a mortgage. Furthermore, buying a property means paying out for other services such as origination, appraisal, and closing fees.

With a leased commercial property, you are not responsible for repairs or maintenance to the structure of the property, but some lease agreements include a charge for maintenance. It is the landlord’s responsibility to make sure the building is maintained and that repairs are taken care of even if they are making you pay towards the costs. You are likely to have a fixed lease amount each month, allowing you to factor this in to your expenses.

Additionally, with a leased property you can move once your contract finishes. Moreover, you won’t have the headache of finding a buyer should you need to move to a bigger or smaller property.

The downside of leasing is that it can be expensive, and rent can often be higher than what you would pay for a mortgage. Your monthly lease payment is likely to include utilities, property taxes, maintenance, and insurance.

What are the Pros and Cons of Buying Commercial Property?

When you buy commercial property, you will instantly have an asset and you will own 100 percent of the building. The amount of equity you have in the property will depend on the down payment you make, but the more payments you make as well as potential increases in the value of the property will all increase your equity. If necessary, you can refinance at a later date to release some of that equity to use for the business.

If you buy a property that is larger than you need to run your business, you can lease some of the space to another business, thus earning an income that can be put towards the monthly mortgage payment.

Another added benefit of buying a commercial property is that you can change the internal layout and configuration should you need to. Provided you follow zoning laws, you will not have to ask permission to make changes.

With the good comes the bad, and for some businesses buying commercial property means tying up funds that they could use elsewhere in the business. Furthermore, it can be difficult to access financing for a purchase without an adequate down payment. Some lenders require businesses to put up between 10 and 40 percent of the purchase price as a down payment.

Conclusion

Whether to buy or lease a property for your business is really a matter of whether it will suit your circumstances. If your business has a lot of capital and is performing well, then it may make sense to purchase. However, leasing may be better if you think you might need access to that cash in a hurry and you want more flexibility about moving should you need to.

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What Will My Body Corporate Fees Cost?

10:33 am

Body corporate fees are payable by every member of a body corporate. A body corporate is a legal entity or structure that is created when land is subdivided and registered. Upon this land, multiple dwellings are built, such as an apartment building, with the land collectively owned by all purchasers.

When you purchase an apartment that is held within a body corporate, while you own the apartment itself, you only hold a share in the common property and amenities. The body corporate fees, which are generally proportioned to the size of the apartment you own, are pooled with those of other residents and used for maintenance of the shared assets. You can expect that a property with multiple common areas and amenities such as pools, elevators, gardens, and gyms will have higher fees than one which does not. The location of the property itself also plays a role, as does the property age, size, and number of dwellings it has.

What Do Body Corporate Fees Pay For?

There are multiple services that your body corporate fees may encompass, including:

  • Building manager fees – many body corporates will have a paid building manager who is responsible for liaising with owners and organising maintenance and other directives received from the body corporate committee. As well as wages, some body corporates offer their building manager onsite accommodation as part of their remuneration package too.
  • Upkeep and cleaning of common areas such as the lobby, gardens, and swimming pools – the maintenance and cleaning of all common areas are covered, ensuring that they are always presented to a high standard and can be enjoyed by all.
  • Insurance which covers the building and associated facilities – while you are responsible for the insurance of your apartment and belongings, the fees you pay will cover damage and repairs to the buildings and common areas and possible liability and employee coverage.
  • Compliance with local regulations for building and infrastructure safety – safety inspections and reports, fire alarm testing, electrical certification and other testing requirements for the building and common areas are completed on your behalf. Any certifications from local authorities will also be obtained and kept valid.
  • Future sinking fund for additional maintenance and renovations – as a building ages, there is a need to plan for the additional costs for repairs and updates that will be required. A sinking fund is often created with part of your fees being added to it.
  • Security and caretaker fees – the body corporate will engage the services of professionals to assist them in meeting their requirements towards property maintenance. They may also employ people to provide services to residents, such as a concierge and security.
  • Special levy – some body corporates require payment of a special levy which may be included within your fees or an additional cost. A special levy may be collected due to unexpected damage or required maintenance to a part of the property or to cover any legal costs.

It is important to realise that like almost everything, body corporate fees are almost certain to rise over time. You will also be required to follow the body corporate regulations and rules as to what you can and cannot do, and you should receive voting rights when it comes to major property decisions. As for living in the property or renting it out, with so many tasks being undertaken on your behalf, what will you do with all of your free time?

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