Word of Advice

In conjunction with Malaysia's 53rd Independence Day I would like to add a little chat for the evening. In less than 12 hours, at midnight of 31 August 2010 and at the same time we will repeat the historical events of Independence of Malaysia to raise the Jalur Gemilang followed by singing the national anthem, NegaraKu.

But often, we see the bias that occurs in society. Things that need to be corrected. Items to be improved. Things that need attention.

Recently we've heard many issues about the moral collapse. Relationships outside of marriage and produce children. Crime is rampant. Neighbors don't recognize each other. Lack of respect for older people. Hatred and disrespect the leaders of religion, race and nation, and much more.

Frankly sometimes I even do something wrong. An individual would not have been perfect except Allah's wills. Always need to be improved from time to time.

Even if we are buying a very beautiful, luxurious and strong house, if not properly maintained and restored, it will never last long and be in bad shape.

If I told the above stories one by one, you'll be tired to read and I'll be tired to write it down. Therefore, I choose just one topic for today in conjunction with Malaysia's 53rd Independence Day.

There are a few among our society that has lack of the sense of love, compassion and protect our nation's dignity. What is more sad is, that few people are Malaysians who cultivate hatred and disrespect for the leaders, religion, race and nation.

For example, not long before there are videos on the YouTube and several other video sharing network on the internet broadcast our national anthem, Negaraku,  is purposely sung inverted and modified to create dissatisfaction in the audience.

Latest of all, the death of His Royal Highness Sultan Iskandar, there is a man who spoken words that should not be referred to by the citizens even if he's from different states of Malaysia though. We are still a citizen of the country even though we were born or lived in different states.

This was a clear show of disrespect to the leader who led the people of various races and religions. No matter what race or religion even if the respect is still there, it will not happen chaos and we'll live in more harmonious life in accordance with the theme taken by Prime Minister Dato Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, 1 Malaysia.

Often we hear and see the theme, but the question is, are we appreciating it..?

If in Johor, every time mentioned in the Friday sermon there is a sermon marked at the beginning and it is very important to give attention.

"Taatlah kepada Allah
Taatlah kepada Rasul
dah orang-orang yang berkuasa di kalangan kamu.
Jika berbantah-bantah atau berselisihan pada suatu perkara
maka kembalilah kepada Al-Quran dan Sunnah Rasulnya.
Yang demikian adalah lebih baik untuk kamu
dan lebih elok pula kesudahannya."

"Obey God
Obey the Messenger
those already in authority among you.
If a dispute or disagreement on a matter
then returned to the Al-Quran and the Sunnah of His Prophet.
That is good for you
and more suitable for final determination."

The third matter is obey authority among you. Not limited to only national leaders and others. As well as to parents, teachers, elderly and others because they are more experienced and better educated and more empowered by the authority or organization other than yourself. Also mentioned here is a sense of humility is important.

Therefore, the conclusion can I do for my writing here; we should always respect each other regardless of race, religion or citizens of other countries.

Allegiance of law and the instructions given by the authorities no matter wherever you are. Even if a person is working as security guards at the office though, should be respected and his order followed because he was on duty and given authority in the area under his custody. Guards should also respect others for him to be respected and revered. Similarly, people working in other sector regardless of what.

If there is something wrong, comment in a better way and never insult or using words or actions that may offend others.

In countries such as Malaysia's with multiple races in the society there are three main things that can not be tampered with. That matter is race, religion and the Malay Sultans. Therefore, let us be together and improve our respect to each other to ensure the independence of our country will remain.



This article is translated using Google Translate. Please correct me if there's anything wrong in the text. Thank you.

Zaren Enterprise (Malaysia)
http://www.zaren.my (Zaren Property Classifieds)
http://www.iamNumberTwo.net (I'm Number 2, Not Number 1)
http://AllAboutPropertyMalaysia.blogspot.com (All About Property in Malaysia)
http://myplace.zaren.my (Where I Hang Out Most Of The Time)

Follow Me On

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

How fast can you go..?

Talking about speeding, do you know that your TNB meter installed in front of your house also can speed up..? Most of us don't care about it rather than having a little time to see the kw/h meter turning round and round.

Most of us just don't care. Each end of the month, open your mailbox, reach for the utility bills, sit infront of your computer, connect to your online banking service and pay your bill. Just the same like me each and every month. But now sometimes it really like to spend a few minutes looking at the service meter.

If your car can go faster when you press the throttle, this kw/h meter can also speed up when you use your appliances excessively.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad is the sole supplier of electricity here in Malaysia. So, each and every house in this country will receive TNB electricity bill each month. If your electricity bill is below RM20, you can sit back and relax because you don't have to pay for it. But, for consumers that uses more than RM20, TNB will charge your electricity usage with their expensive tariff. Easy to say, you use more, you need to pay more.

The question is, how many consumers in Malaysia is eligible for free electricity usage..? This means that want it or not, you need to pay your ordinary TNB charge.

The more you use, the higher your electricity tariff will be. So, if you would like to lower your monthly electricity bill keep on reading.

Change Your Light Bulb: If you're still using old type incandescent bulb, it's time to change it to a new fluorescent bulb. It generates low heat and best of all it can last longer and generates low heat. If you really like the yellowish colour, you can choose "warm white" type.

Use The Fan: Wind generated by fan can reduce your room temperature by a few degrees. But, don't forget to turn it off when you're not using it. If you want to use an air condition unit, set it to 29 or 30 degree Celsius (our climate's normal temperature).

Unplug:  Our gadget like phone chargers, microwave oven, washing machine, television and other entertainment set drain electricity even when in standby mode. So, unplug it..!

Look For Energy Smart Appliances: When you go for your next shopping for electrical appliances, make sure you look for appliances that uses less power with smart energy management or Energy Star Compliance.

Full Load Laundry: Only wash your dirty laundry when the load is full. This will reduce the use of electric, water and detergent.

Service Your Air Conditioner:  Don't just sit there. Clean up your air conditioner filter once a month. This will keep the filter clean and you air conditioner can work efficiently.

If you can manage to do it all, you can see significant change on your electricity bill for up to 30%. Doesn't it great. Just do it yourself. You can make the difference.

Thank you and please come again.. :)

Zaren Enterprise (Malaysia)
http://www.zaren.my (Zaren Property Classifieds)
http://zaren-properties.blogspot.com (Real Estate in Malaysia)
http://zaren-my.blogspot.com (I'm Number 2, Not Number 1)
http://myplace.zaren.my (Where I Hang Out Most Of The Time)

Follow Me On

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

How to Set Goals Effectively...

Today I bought many colourful pencils...
Attractive colours, designs...
But all were new so I had to sharpen them...

After sharpening I was looking at them...
All were more beautiful than before...
But this time I got confused...
From so many which one to use...

Few of those looked better than others...
Randomly, I chose some of them...
I didn't see sharpness and superiority...
Suddenly I remembered...
I will have to look at where I can use those pencils...

From that small selection...
I took out only 4-5 pencils...
Which I can use in future...

But I wanted one to use only ONE for now...
I looked carefully at all pencils...
Their colours, designs, sharpness, texture....
And I came to ONE Pencil finally...
That I am going to use...

When I selected final Pencil...
I did not think more about pencils that I left...
The pencil I had chosen was THE BEST for me Right now...

I thought about application of pencils in future...
Feasibility of that Pencil...
Everything was OK with Pencil I chose...
Hence I eliminated other pencils...

In our life also when we WANT TO SET A GOAL...
Follow the same rules...
You will find number of options, Suggestions...
Use same criteria...
But BEST GOAL is decided by YOU only...



First COLLECT all dreams you want to achieve...
SHARPEN some of them randomly...
SELECT few which will lead towards your GOAL...
ELIMINATE the other and Chose Focused Once...
Among those focused...
Now SELECT ONE which is more appealing to you...
Which you think will give you more Satisfaction...
Which is best for You in FUTURE...

Life is Beautiful...
It always gives bunch of Pencils...
"If you select Good Pencils then only you can draw THE BEST picture..."

BEST OF LUCK...
Select Right Pencil at Right Time...

Source from my friend space: http://lifeisbeautiful1997.blogspot.com/

Zaren Enterprise (Malaysia)
http://www.zaren.my (Zaren Property Classifieds)
http://zaren-properties.blogspot.com (Real Estate in Malaysia)
http://zaren-my.blogspot.com (I'm Number 2, Not Number 1)
http://myplace.zaren.my (Where I Hang Out Most Of The Time)

Follow Me On

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

It's raining and for sure it will be wet

Time is 4.09am here in Kota Tinggi, Johor. I heard whistling sound at the other side of the wall. Wind blowing heavily and followed by rainfall.

Wow..! Thanks because today is Saturday morning and I will not be going to my office. Driving in the rain can be very frustrating and dangerous if you're not careful enough. It need constant attention and full concentration while driving through the rain especially in windy situation.

Visibility will be reduced and all you can use for your guide is roadside reflector and other vehicle's tail light.

Word of advice. Don't drive if you can't. Stop at any safe place like R&R or petrol station or anywhere that you think it's safe. If you really need to drive through the rain drive in a steady pace, turn on your fog light or headlight if you must. NEVER TURN ON YOUR HAZARD SIGNAL. It's not safe. In fact it's more dangerous than you think!

Drive slowly but not too slow. This can cause serious accidents when other vehicle needs to follow you all the way. Mark my word of advice. TAILGATING IS DANGEROUS.

Here's some list of advice that I really think you should follow while driving in the rain.

1. If you cannot drive in the rain, don't! It will be dangerous for you and other commuters.

2. Turn on your fog light. If you must, turn on your head light. Never turn on you HAZARD SIGNAL. People will think that you park on the roadside..!

3. Don't drive too slow and too fast. Be easy on the throttle. Avoid using your brakes if necessary because it's slippery and brakes won't help to stop your car.

4. Keep your distance between the vehicle in front. Follow their tail light if visibility is low. NEVER tailgate another vehicle because you will not be able to stop from kissing other vehicle's bumper.

5. In daylight, it's wise to wear your driving glasses NOT sunglasses. Light amber glasses will make you see better in the rain and fog. The color Red and Orange will be better seen.

6. Back to number 1. Don't drive if you think you can't. Delay your trip is safer than having to drive in the rain where your confidence and vehicle is not well prepared.

Have a very nice day and safe journey..!

Zaren Enterprise (Malaysia)
http://www.zaren.my (Zaren Property Classifieds)
http://zaren-properties.blogspot.com (Real Estate in Malaysia)
http://zaren-my.blogspot.com (I'm Number 2, Not Number 1)
http://myplace.zaren.my (Where I Hang Out Most Of The Time)

Follow Me On

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

The Power of Paint

It's time to make up your mind whether you want to repaint your house or not. Festive season is just around the corner and one of the most common thing to do is painting. Either painting the interior or exterior of your house, it needs to be done accordingly and systematically. Know the tips, guide and procedure to make your paint job easier and giving out the best result with less effort. Aso, it can save your budget too.

Okay... Let's see...

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform any room is through the use of paint. With just a bucket of paint and a weekend, you can make your entire home feel fresh and new. It's the perfect solution for any budget decorator.

Why..? By choosing the right combination of colour and paint type, you can give a new look to your room or your entire house. This is not an easy task because many paint manufacturers offer various paint type and colour depending on their customers need. Interior paint is not the same with exterior paint but most of us use it both.

To paint the exterior of your house, consider the paint that can resist harsh weather. Our climate condition will make our exterior walls looks dull in a matter of months. Choosing the paint that can withstand harsh weather is a better choice for painting your exterior walls. But, you need to make sure that you really follow the instructions just to make sure it will do what it suppose to do.

Bright colours can reflect heat from the sun while dark colours absorbs it although pastel or darker colour looks nice and it can highlight your house from the surrounding.

Make sure you clean all the surfaces that you want to repaint and coat it with primer paint before laying the colour you want. It will make your job easier and you don't need to apply thick coat to cover the old paint.


>> Painting house interior.

After taking your time to paint your house exterior, you need to refresh the interior look of your house or room.

Updating the wall color in a space can create a completely new atmosphere in your home. If you cannot repaint the entire room, consider painting an accent wall instead. Choose an accent paint color that works with the other elements of the room, and has a medium to high level of contrast to your existing wall color.

Select a wall that will make sense when accented. For example, choosing the wall with the entertainment set will naturally reinforce the entertainment center as the focal point of the room. Other good accent walls may contain a large bank of windows, interesting architectural details or amazing artwork.

If you have a chair rail or other decorative molding, you could paint an accent color above or below the trim. This is a simple way to add pizzazz to a space without painting all of the walls at the same time.

While changing the color of the walls is a great way to use paint, there are other ways to harness the power of paint. Painting your existing wood or metal furniture is a way to add punch to your room while keeping your budget under control.

Think about painting a side table in tropical turquoise. Or, perhaps the bookcase in the corner would look richer when painted tomato red. You can paint just the legs of a table, or the top of a desk. Lamp bases, candlesticks, picture frames and other accessories also come to life with a fresh coat of paint.

If your room contains mismatched pieces of furniture that you have collected over the years, painting them all a fresh shade of ivory or chocolate brown will instantly make them feel as though they are part of a matched set.

To choose a paint color, look to hues found in the accent fabrics in the room, and you cannot go wrong. For best results, use an oil-based gloss or semi-gloss paint for furniture as it offers the most durable finish. Small metal items and oddly-shaped accessories will be easiest to cover with spray paint.

While paint is inexpensive, it gives you amazing bang for your decorating ringgit. Never underestimate the power of paint!

ZAREN ENTERPRISE (MALAYSIA)
www.zaren.my   Search. Add. Buy. Sell. Rent. It's all about Real Estate in Malaysia.

Follow me on:

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

Seasonal Crime Spree

Hari Raya is just around the corner. Together with our national day celebration. Roads and highways will be packed with vehicles into and out of the city. People will leave their homes and their destination will be their hometown or just going for a shopping spree for big day celebration.

Don't forget, there's someone that will have their own fun too. When you leave your home for a long time or just for a day or two, make sure everything is in order. Be prepared is better than be sorry.

Consult your nearest police station on how to prevent crime this festive season.

Be safe and keep your property in safe hands. Lock it up and if there's the need to make more arrangement, do it. Your property is important but your family safety is your most precious possession.

Leave nobody behind alone. 1 is good but 2 is better.

On the road, please be careful. Drive only if your condition is at the best physically and mentally.

Remember this. Lock Up. Be Safe. At home, on the road and at your destination.

Have a pleasant journey and enjoy your holiday..!

ZAREN ENTERPRISE (MALAYSIA)
www.zaren.my   Search. Add. Buy. Sell. Rent. It's all about Real Estate in Malaysia.

Follow me on:

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

Another day with very slow connection.

I don't know this has been how many times Telekom Malaysia with their "best" service of Streamyx got me very frustrated. Since early this morning until now, the speed is really slow.

Many streamyx users in my area reported the same problem. The "Fair Usage Policy" is really not fair for me. I've paid for 1.5mbps connection but what did I got? Lower than 512kbps.

But, what can I do. Only tmnet reaces my area. No 3g, no high speed internet. Just plain old Streamyx with the speed of 1909 ford in a highway with no limit competing with brand new Porsche.

My work that should be completed within a few hours takes me all day to finish. Wargh..!!!

ZAREN ENTERPRISE (MALAYSIA)
www.zaren.my   Search. Add. Buy. Sell. Rent. It's all about Real Estate in Malaysia.

Follow me on:

--- @ WiseStamp Signature. Get it now

It's your money. You decide how to use it.

Buying a Home...? Don't Judge a Home by Its Listing Price...!

Now, you got the money. You have the need to find a new house for yourself and your family members. Each day our daily expenses expanded. Things are not cheap nowadays. Renting a house is one option most people use. How about buying your own?

When shopping for your next home, you want to take advantage of the best bargain property that matches your ideal neighborhood and property features. In order to accomplish this goal, you need to be aware of the principles of valuation. By applying these principles, you'll be able to locate and identify homes that present great potential for future appreciation.

As you shop for a home, you may rank homes as overpriced or a good deal based on their listing prices.

For example, if a real estate agent takes you to view three similar homes in a community-one property is listed at RM182,000, another one at RM197,000, and the third one at RM169,000.

Your first impression of these homes may lead you to believe the $169,000 one looks like a bargain. You might be tempted to tell yourself this home is a deal since the sellers probably underpriced the property. Before you get too excited about this promising deal, you need to research the local comparable sales.

The possibilities could exist all these sellers may be asking too much for their homes. Their listing price could be out of line with the current market. It's not uncommon for greedy agents to show four overpriced homes to unsuspecting buyers and then complete the tour with a home priced RM10,000 or even RM50,000 less than the previous properties. By stressing the fact the property is new on the market and priced at a bargain, the agent will try to capitalize on your fear of losing out on a great bargain.

Before you dive headfirst into making an offer, it's important for you to verify the home is truly a bargain. Check the the most recent selling prices of homes in the community. If the home market took a recent dive, many home sellers haven't come to the reality of needing to lower their listing price. This is one possible reason a seller may complain why their home isn't selling. It's not simply because buyers aren't willing to buy. Instead their properties are slow to move because their listing prices are way out of line with what buyers are willing to pay.

Therefore, their homes will sit on the market for months. Those sellers who become serious about selling will eventually learn about the market and lower their listing price. Be sure you carefully check the comparable sales value, not just the listing price.

It's important to remember many sellers are negotiable when it comes to their listing price, especially if market conditions abruptly changed for the worse.

When you see a home that's overpriced, don't overlook it. Talked with the seller or the realtor to find out how flexible the seller is. You can also present realistic facts about current market conditions to convince the seller to lower their asking price.

---
ZARENEnterprise
http://www.zaren.my/ 

Signature powered by WiseStamp 

Do you know..?

Investing in real estate is not cheap. Even the 10% down payment needs a lot of sacrifice to be made.

I just bought an double storey medium cost terrace house. Tag price is RM245,000 and it means that I must pay RM24,500 for the downpayment of the house I bought. That is a very big sum of money to let go.

But, at one side I already got my own beautiful house inside Iskandar Development Region.

Let's see here. This is my first house and its located inside a very fast developing area. It really cost me my fortune and the monthly repayment for sure will give me a headache. Thanks to KWSP, I can manage to make monthly withdrawal just to pay my loan to the bank for at least a year.

It can buy me some time to arrange my monthly budget.

For those who don't know about this, just go to any KWSP offices and ask them.

Bottomline is, you can opt to make a withdrawal to pay for the down payment or monthly payment. Most people make their withdrawal to pay for down payment and still need to pay for monthly repayment. This will affect your monthly income and at the same time you need to save some more for your expanding expenses.

In my opinion, better to make KWSP withdrawal to pay for your monthly repayment than making a withdrawal to pay for the down payment.

---
ZARENEnterprise
http://www.zaren.my/ 

Signature powered by WiseStamp 

Landlords and bills

Should the landlord be held responsible if his tenant defaults in the payment of utility bills?

A landlord may be envied for being a property owner who generates income for himself by letting out his premises. Apart from the fact that to be a landlord, one needs to have financial resources or at least access to them, the role is not without its problems.

Tenants who are in breach of their obligations are sometimes threatened with having their supply of water and electricity disconnected. In the absence of express and specific provisions, this approach is not advisable.

Whilst the landlord may be perceived to be in a better position because he can choose his tenants, he is more exposed to risks. The landlord's obligation is only in the form of handing over possession of premises when the tenancy commences.

But it is the tenant's obligations to the landlord to pay the rental and upkeep the property which is more difficult to enforce. If the tenant runs into arrears of rental, causes damage to the premises or leaves without paying for the utilities, there is nothing to hold him on except to sue him.

Non-payment of electricity bills is one area where tenants have left landlords in the lurch. When this happens, landlords are held responsible by the supplier and cannot reconnect supply for new tenants or sell their property without paying up their bills.

Supply disruption 

If it is the tenant who has not paid the electricity bill, is it right for the landlord to be held responsible? A landlord will feel aggrieved at having to settle the unpaid electricity bill. Whilst the supplier concerned may expect payment from the landlord before resuming supply, such decisions are dependent on whom the electricity was supplied to. Was it supplied to the tenant who was the occupant or the landlord who is the owner?

The Electricity Act 1990 states in its preamble that it is "an Act to provide for the appointment and functions of a Director-General of Electricity Supply, the supply of electricity at reasonable prices, the licensing of electrical installations and the control of electrical installations ... and for purposes connected therewith."

Following this, it is provided by Section 24(1) that a licensee, meaning the supplier, shall upon being required to do so by the owner or occupier of any premises, provide supply of electricity to the premises. As such the supplier knows whom it is supplying electricity to.

Upon receipt of a request seeking supply of electricity, the supplier is duty-bound to supply electricity but the supplier can specify the payment required and any security that must be given. In view of this, if the person who seeks the supply is the tenant and not the landlord, the supply contract would in such circumstances be with the tenant as would be the rights and obligations.

In addition to the security required and given, Section 28(2) of the Act empowers the supplier, where the security is insufficient, to increase the security. Failing to comply with this is a ground for disconnecting the supply. Therefore, adequate provisions exist to safeguard the supplier.

As the supplier has an opportunity to protect itself against unpaid bills by taking an adequate deposit, it would not be fair to hold the landlord responsible and withhold supply because of the tenant's default. This is especially so where the supplier has through its own negligence, allowed the debt to pile up.

Owner's request 

However, the contract is usually in the name of the property owner, who is the landlord. A clause in the tenancy agreement makes it obligatory for the tenant to pay the electricity charges and other utility bills. This, for all it is worth, is merely an internal arrangement between the landlord and the tenant.

As far as the supplier is concerned, the arrangement is with the landlord. If electricity bills are not paid, the supplier is entitled to recover them from the landlord. If payment is not made, it is not wrong for the supplier to discontinue supply or refuse to resume supply.

Unpaid bills is a matter between the landlord and the tenant; it does not concern the supply authority. It is for the landlord to pay up and then seek recovery from the previous tenant. Whether he wishes to rent out the premises again is of no consequence.

Hence, the landlord must be aware that electricity bills are paid promptly. Monitoring can be done by including an appropriate clause in the tenancy agreement.

The tenant can be required to provide the landlord with evidence of payment of the electricity bills of the preceding month together with the rental for the current month. Failure to do so could be made a ground for terminating the tenancy.

The electricity deposit should not be a nominal sum. It should reflect an amount that is a reasonable estimate based on the expected usage so as to provide adequate security.

There should also be a clause to vary the electricity deposit. Thus if it appears that the electricity consumption per month is more than what was earlier anticipated, it could be increased in the light of higher usage so as to be meaningful.

Conclusion

To the supplier, the landlord is a sure source of payment. If the landlord is not made to pay, the supplier may not be able to recover the arrears as the previous tenants may no longer be around and the same may happen with future tenants.

But one must not forget the provisions empowering the supplier to obtain security. If it can have an adequate sum as deposit to cover defaults, and exercise its power to discontinue supply, it can minimise problems with unpaid bills.

If the supplier wishes to make the landlord responsible in any event, then at the time of supply the landlord should be made a party to the supply agreement.

However, in the absence of a contractual relationship with the landlord, it appears to be neither fair nor equitable to compel him to pay when the supply contract is with the tenant.

For those who feel aggrieved, Section 30(4) of the Act provides an option in that the matter could be referred to the Director-General of Electricity Supply for determination of such disputes. Pending the determination, the supplier is required to continue providing supply.

---
ZARENEnterprise
http://www.zaren.my/ 

Signature powered by WiseStamp 

Get the right mortgage

When you have located the right property and paid the necessary deposit, you need to hunt for the right mortgage loan. Before you visit every bank in the city, it is advisable to sit and think about your loan requirements. Ask yourself these questions.

> How long do you want to borrow?
> What is the margin of financing you want?
> What is the amount of monthly instalment you can afford?

Choosing the right mortgage loan is not just about choosing the loan with the lowest interest.

Key mortgage considerations for a property investor

An investor does not want to have a long lock-in period as he or she will flip (sell) the property within a short duration of time, when the time is right.

Although it is difficult to find zero-entry-cost package deals these days, a property investor can opt for the loan legal fees to be included into the loan amount. This is known as Finance Entry Cost (FEC).

Advice for first-time home-buyers

Loan tenure. If your income is not enough to support a housing loan application, do not despair. This is where you, the borrower, can apply for longer loan tenure to lower the monthly instalments. A professional or graduate can stretch the loan tenure between age 65 and 70 years old. When your income improves, you can make extra pre-payments to reduce the loan's principal amount. It is important to find out if there is any penalty for extra pre-payments.

Another alternative is to apply the loan under a joint name. The bank will assess the income from all borrowers in the loan application.

Properties under construction. For properties under construction, some banks allow you to pay the interest only without having to serve the principal amount. Once the property is completed, only then do you start paying the regular monthly instalments. The money saved during the construction period could be used for other things such as paying your existing rental. It may not be much for some, but a Ringgit saved is a Ringgit gained.

Flexi-loans. Some loan package deals come with a cheque book. This type of loan is also known as flexi-loan, where you can withdraw the excess money for emergencies or other use. While it may seem handy, you need to assess whether this is really required. For some flexi-loan borrowers, the cheque book is never used and/or the funds are never withdrawn. Not all flexi-loans are free as some impose a one-time set-up fee and a monthly maintenance fee. The amount will vary from bank to bank.

There are two types of flexi-loan. One is semi-flexi while the other is fully-flexi. The main difference between these two is that semi-flexi loan requires an advance three-day notice for withdrawals, while a full flexi loan does not require any advanced notice.

In conclusion, every loan package deal is different, with its own set of pros and cons. Due to the recent rise in BLR (Base Lending Rate), some banks have already revised their loan package deals. Choose wisely, or get a mortgage agent to assist you. 

---
ZARENEnterprise
http://www.zaren.my/ 

Signature powered by WiseStamp 

Must Haves In A Home

We crave for the peace and comfort of our home after a tiring day at work. Indeed, serenity and peace of mind can only be found at home. To create a place of comfort where you can unwind and just be yourself, what are your home bare necessities?

We all want to be in a house where everything is organized and squeaky clean.

1. Clean home - We all want to be in a house where everything is organized and everything is squeaky clean. But if there are kids around the house, cleaning would be a little difficult. But you can actually delegate tasks to them and ask for their help. It would be a lesson for taking responsibility. 

2. Furniture- A good home always have a comfortable sofa to sit on. It should not be hard or too soft just enough to make your body feel comfortable after a day's hard work. Coffee table is not just placed in the center of your living room for decor but it also serves a purpose which is where you can place your coffee when you want a sip of freshly brewed coffee to soothe all the stress you've had from the traffic. 

3. Tub and shower- It has been reported that warm water can give you a great sleep at night. A home should therefore have a hot and cold shower that functions properly. A bath tub, aside from the shower, is also a home essential because it can soothe you as you get ready to go to bed. Just like those in spas where there are rose petals all over the tub and you can put scented candles all over, you can definitely have a relaxing experience.

4. Kitchen appliance- Microwave, toaster, pancake maker, blender, juicer, rice cooker, dishwasher, trash can, refrigerator and coffee maker are only few of the kitchen appliances that every home needs to be able to prepare a hearty meal. A good meal is what everybody needs to be able to face the many surprises in life. 

5. Telephone- We all value communication. Thanks to the invention of the telephone, communication has become so much easier. Each home needs a telephone so that those residing in it can communicate with their loved ones. Telephones are also very handy in case of emergencies because you can easily dial 999.

The home essentials can be found from staying at a furnished apartment if you are travelling. You can enjoy the luxury of a hotel plus the basic home essentials.

ZARENEnterprise
www.zaren.my 

Signature powered by WiseStamp 

End of Tenancy Cleaning Dilemmas

"So you've kept written records about any property damage, you have an inventory statement; you've stuck to your rental agreement and been a model tenant. Now it is time to move out of your property and get your deposit back, however, there is one step left... Cleaning your property for future tenants. However, as a tenant this last step is not always clear. Fortunately for you there are a few rules of thumb to help you out.

All tenancy agreements have an end clause saying that at the conclusion of the occupancy, the tenant must pay to professionally clean the premises so the property can be rented to others. It is essential to complete this last step before vacating the premises. Failure to do so is a breach of contract and the landlord has the right to withhold the tenant's deposit if the latter fails to clean the property.

Though how do you avoid getting cheated by your Landlord when leaving your property and getting your deposit back? Sometimes there is a fine line between what you're responsible for and what you're not. To help you make the distinction there are a few points to think about that will allow you to understand your rights when cleaning your property.

1) Your landlord cannot keep your security deposit for "normal wear and tear". Examples of "normal wear and tear" are a scuffed finish on wooden floors, worn carpet and chipped or faded paint.

2) The landlord is allowed to withhold the cost of repairing damages beyond "normal wear and tear". Some examples of common damages include broken windows, pen marks or holes on the walls or leaving rubbish or other items that need to be disposed off. If you made the flat or apartment so dirty that it is unsanitary or dangerous, the landlord may subtract the cost of making it livable again from your deposit.

To help you clean your property there are many professional end of tenancy cleaning companies that specialise in end of tenancy cleaning. Each will guarantee a smooth exit from your former home and a bright entry into your new one at little cost

Cleaning your apartment doesn't have to be a chore. Just remember your rights in the two points above and contact a good tenancy cleaning company and you will be on your way to your next pad with deposit in hand and a smile on your face.

By: Alfred Halfnigh

3 Tips for a Successful Home Renovation

Renovating your home, whether its with selling in mind or just for improving your own surroundings, is an investment which, if planned and executed properly, will add value to your property and will pay for itself in the long run. Renovating a home can be a very rewarding undertaking, but can easily turn into an expensive nightmare if you're not careful! Here are 3 tips to help you to make the most of your home renovation project.

Careful Planning - Careful planning is one of the keys, it is very important to create a plan that will make the most of your budget. What is the main goal? If you're renovating with an eye to sell your property, there are inexpensive ways to add value to your home without spending an arm and a leg. Painting is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to add value to a home that is going on the market, and many may choose to do the painting themselves, saving a bundle on labor costs. If the goal is to enhance the beauty and comfort of the home for the homeowner, then the plan should reflect the owner's aesthetic sense in a way that will still add value in the long term. However, in both cases, there should first be an assessment of any needed repairs before adding that hot-tub or home theater.

Do it Yourself! - Many home renovation projects can be managed by the average homeowner who has a basic knowledge of tools and is who is willing to get down and dirty. Nothing beats the rewarding feeling of having done the job yourself. It doesn't cost a fortune in tools to do many repairs or improvements and there is a wealth of information for the DIYer on the internet and in books. A small investment in tools and a willingness to learn and get sweaty can save a fortune. The skills you will learn and the tools you buy will no doubt prove useful in the future, as well. Be careful, though, not to bite off more than you can chew. Sometimes it is far more practical to have a pro do the job.

Cleanup - Once the job is done, there will undoubtedly be a big mess. Sawdust, bent nails, used sandpaper, dirt and mud tracked into your carpet, paint splatters - it's all part of a day's work (or many days of work!) - and it's surprising just how much of a mess renovating can create! You might want to consider using the services of an after builders cleaning service. When it comes to after builders cleaning, many contractor offers a wide choice of reputable and efficient firms ready to clean your newly renovated dream home from top to bottom at reasonable rates. You deserve it and can afford it considering all the money you've saved in your well-planned and successful renovation!

By: Alfred Halfnight


+++

Realtor Assistance in Buying a Home

When we talk about investing in a real estate property, we are not talking about a small amount of money. We are actually talking about a big financial investment. This is, perhaps, the biggest investment that one can have. Because of this, we need to take precautionary measure when we plan to invest.

When it comes to investing in real estate, an expert in this field is important if you want to have a good deal. If you are planning to buy a house and not considering a Realtor, here are a few things that might convince you otherwise:

Realtors can help you determine your buying power which refers to your financial reserves versus your ability to borrow. To do this, a few pieces of information about your savings are needed including your income and liabilities. He may advise you to go to a lending company or perhaps some other mortgage companies.

A realtor also has considerable resources in order to help out in your search for a home. Oftentimes, the property you need is available but not openly advertised on line. The agent can search these properties so you can have more options.

A realtor can aid you in selecting a home by providing unbiased information about the property. They have access to different information resources on important things such as zoning, utilities, educational facilities in the area and many more.

When you have a realtor to help you, you can be able to understand two important issues. You can find out how conducive the property is for raising a family and how much is the value if you resell it.

A realtor can also help you negotiate for the price, terms, financing, date of acquisition of the property and whether or not to include repairs, furnishing, or equipment. Agreement of purchase should allow sufficient time period for you to complete necessary inspections and investigations of the property before completing such purchase.. An agent can advise you on such things.

Because an effective realtor is diligent, he will conduct a painstaking appraisal or evaluation of the property that you are eying on. The evaluation will include the location and condition. This means that the property can be inspected for termites, dry rot, faulty structure, roof condition, asbestos, septic tank, tests, etc. These things are only made possible if you have a realtor.

Since these people are experts in this arena, they know who to contact so that you can be provided with written reports. In the preliminary report of the property title, you'll find all sorts of problems about ownership and the rights of way. The limination can also be seen like easements or access rights for utilities.

With a realtor to guide you, you can be able to differentiate all the financing options and pick out the best one that fits your needs. These experts can help you close deals without setbacks. These are just a few ways that a realtor can assist you when you plan to buy a house. Not convince yet? Oh, did I mention that a realtor can help you the best deal possible? Thus, you should not hesitate in hiring one.

+++

Should you buy or should you rent..?

To buy or to rent? That is the question. For most people, owning a house is a dream. A lot of people say that it is more worth it to buy a house, and pay the mortgage monthly because at the end of the day, the house will be yours. But is it really that simple? Many things need to be taken into account before someone can make the decision. So should you buy or rent? Well, ask yourself these questions first before you decide.

1. WHAT KIND OF CREDIT REPORT DO I HAVE?

In Malaysia, banks generally use the Central Credit Reference Information System by Bank Negara. Besides that, there are also two private credit reference agencies which are Credit Tip Off Service (CTOS) and Financial Information System (FIS).

These will track an individual's spending habits, repayment patterns, credit card and other electronic transactions, and credit standing with other banks for the last 10 to 20 years.

So when an individual applies for a loan, banks will check his/her credit rating before deciding to approve or reject it. It may sound scary that everything you do is literally being tracked but it's necessary for banks to do this to avoid giving money to people who are not genuine.

It's all about how you manage your money. If you do it well, odds are you're probably ready to own a house. However, if you spend your life tied up in debts, then maybe you should consider renting for a little while more until you get yourself stabilised.

2. HOW HIGH IS MY DEBT RATIO?

By adding up the total amount of your monthly payments and comparing the total to your monthly income as a percentage, you get your possible debt ratio. The higher your debt ratio is, the more difficult it will be for you to pay off your loan.

So, if, after calculation, you have a low debt ratio, then go for it! But if your debt ratio is high, we wouldn't recommend buying a house just yet. Renting is the choice for you, at least, until you manage to lower the ratio.

3. DO I HAVE A STABLE JOB?

Before buying a house, you should make sure that your job is stable. If you're still unsure of your future in the company that you work in, it is best to stick to renting. You don't want to be stuck with mortgage payments in the event that you get laid off or decide to look for a new job.

4. AM I PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND FINANCIALLY READY TO DEAL WITH MAINTENANCE ISSUES?

When you rent a place, the maintenance of the house is taken care of by your landlord. With just a phone call, that pipe leak is likely to be fixed within the week itself. When you own a house, however, this luxury is not there. Leaky roof? Malfunctioning lights? The cost to fix all of these would have to come out of your own pocket. Therefore, when you buy a house, you need to make sure that you have some cash stashed aside for emergency maintenance purposes.

If the down payment itself takes away all of your cash so that you have none left for these, maybe you should rent for a little while more until you're really sure you'll be able to afford any emergencies. These are things you have to be psychologically and financially prepared for if you intend to buy a house.

5. HOW LONG DO I PLAN TO STAY?

Ideally, you should plan to stay at a house you want to buy for at least 3 years, if you want to get back what you spent. It has been said that generally, it takes about three to six years for a house to appreciate enough to make up for the cost of selling and moving as well as the amount you've paid in down payment and mortgages. Therefore, if you don't have plans to move anytime soon, then buying a house is a good choice. However, if you are still uncertain about where you will be in the future, renting is the better option.

6. IS IT CHEAPER TO RENT OR TO BUY?

Some people say that when you rent, you'll forever be poor. That may be true because at the end of the day, no matter how long you stay at a rented house, it will never be yours. However, sometimes it's good to look at the simplest of arguments: which one costs more?

Depending on your salary and the stability of your job, a costly mortgage payment may take a toll on your overall expenses. So sometimes, it's better to save up that extra cash until you're sure of your financial stability. However, if, after calculating everything you'd have to pay a month, it's more beneficial to buy, then by all means, go for it!

By the way, we found a very handy tool for calculating your best option. Just enter the required information into the fields provided and let the calculator tell you which is the better option for you.


+++