5 Things You Need to Know Before Investing In A Property

A property for the purpose of investment is always good to have; it is especially beneficial if you are the type of person who loves to take advantage of the ever-growing real estate market. There are countless reasons why more people are starting to invest in properties, but it’s mostly due to the fact that property investments are income avenues that only require minimal effort.

But before you even consider embarking on this journey, it is important to understand first what it is all about. Here are things you need to keep in mind before investing in a property.

  1. Consider Flipping Your Investment

Before you invest in a property, it’s best to know all the possible options you have to maximize your earning potential. One of the most common ways of making a profit is by flipping your investment.

Most property owners tend to spend a good amount of time and money performing renovations on unappealing buildings or homes. The idea is to increase the curb appeal and overall value of the property.

In real estate, flipping refers to buying an asset with the intent of selling it as soon as possible. Basically, you’ll sell the property for a quick profit instead of waiting for its value to appreciate over time.

Flipping is beneficial if you are looking to make profit fast. It also serves as a learning experience, particularly in home improvement and construction.

  1. Take the Extra Costs into Consideration

Maybe you’re looking for a longer investment and instead of flipping, you’re going to try your hand at renting. There are several factors involved once you decide to rent out space to tenants. These expenses could be the following:

  • Repairs
  • Maintenance
  • Utilities
  • Insurance
  • Taxes

Aside from that, you will have to anticipate the possibility of footing extra bills for the property or space if you do not get a tenant right away.

  1. Understand Your Purpose

Just like any form of investment, an investment property is not something you should decide on overnight. You have to know and understand exactly what your reason behind it is. You might want to consider the following:

  • Are you looking for a way to make quick cash?
  • Do you see it as a means to move forward with an investment in the long haul?
  • Do you have plans for improving the property?
  • Do you want to have it rented out to tenants or sell it for a bigger profit?

If you do not have concrete knowledge why you are investing in a property, you should not be doing it in the first place.

  1. Know the Market Status

Once you understand and decide to invest in a property, the very next thing you need to do is research about the market. This is important because it’ll give you an idea of what to expect when investing in a property.

Basically, there are numerous factors that could help determine whether or not today is the perfect time to invest. When investing in a property, you want to buy low in order to sell high. It is really simple actually. You do not want to buy a property that would disable you from selling it for a better price. To put it simply, you want to know what exactly you are getting from this property when you put it out on the market. Is it only good for renting or does it have better chances of selling? Would it be profitable if you make renovations first before putting it out on the market?

  1. Know About The Neighborhood

Another crucial factor you need to consider before investing in a property is its location. Most buyers prefer houses that are located in ideal areas.

For instance, a property situated near hospitals, schools, police stations, and supermarkets, is likely to be sold faster because of its convenience. On the other hand, a house located in an area with difficult access to necessary establishments might make it hard to attract buyers.

It is also essential to consider the neighborhood. You might want to check the following:

  • Is the place peaceful?
  • What is the crime rate in that particular area?
  • What is the level of security in the neighborhood?
  • Is the neighborhood too crowded?

Conclusion

Investing in property is clearly an interesting journey to take and there are benefits to doing so. However, it is something that you need to heavily consider since you want to make sure it does not leave you and your family in debt. If you want to benefit from this great opportunity, think about all of the aforementioned considerations carefully. Visit https://SolidIncome.NET for all your property investment needs.

 

 

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Practical Strategies To Beat Inflation

Inflation is a sign of a healthy economy as it shows that the country’s wealth is growing. During inflation, you will experience periods of price surge. This is the perfect time to be more conscious of your spending. Do not worry! Inflation rates will eventually taper after several months. When this happens, your wallets can have the sigh of relief!

Ultimately, here are some strategies that you can employ to beat the inflation.

LET YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

Let’s face it! To outpace inflation, having a high-interest savings account or long-term time deposit is not enough. Consider sparing some of your money to investment options that are safe to grow in spite of inflation. I am referring to asset classes such as mutual funds or pooled investments. Nowadays, many financial institutions in Singapore offer mutual funds at friendly rates. Read this article to learn more.

SLASH YOUR TRANSPORT COSTS

The Singapore government has declared this year as the Year of Climate Action. Take a page out of this initiative by getting on board with the public transport. You will not only save money by taking the bus or the MRT, but you will also minimize the carbon footprints.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

People who own cars spend around S$2,600 per year on petrol. Not to mention, there are other accompanying costs of car ownership such as parking and road tax. Taking public transport could diminish your costs significantly! Use your extra money to combat the price surge due to inflation.

CULTIVATE YOUR EMERGENCY FUND

An emergency fund is an account for funds set aside in case of events brewing from personal financial dilemma (e.g., loss of a job or having critical illness). When inflation rates elevates, your emergency fund becomes an added cushion to cover the sudden increase in the prices of goods.

It will keep you secured until you can adjust your budget. Experts recommend that you build an emergency fund covering your expenses for at least six months. If you have a family, then covering nine months’ worth of expenses would be a better target.

HUNT FOR GROCERY DEALS

A major chunk of our expenses is allocated to food. Whether you like it or not, inflation affects all goods differently. For instance, the cost of food rose faster than the general rate of inflation between September and October 2017. This price hike held across all types of food, from dairy products to vegetables.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

To get the best prices on food, you may use price comparison websites (e.g., diffmarts.com) or use online coupons. Spot the latest deals to bring down the cost of your basket!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Celebrate These “Small” Financial Achievements

Do not underestimate the strength of your “small” wins. These are pivotal to tracking incremental achievements and working towards larger goals. You see, most financial goals (e.g., purchasing a flat or saving for retirement) can take a long time to achieve. It can be too intimidating!

Breaking your goals into finer pieces can help you visualize your financial path. What’s more? It can motivate you to work harder.

#1: MOVING INTO YOUR FIRST FLAT

Living alone can be challenging in the first few months. However, nothing replaces the feeling of independence that comes from cultivating your own place. You are free to march to the beat of your own drum – within the bounds of the building management or the landlord. Sometimes, it can get lonely to live by yourself. Your bravery to take the plunge is an accomplishment on its own.

#2: PAYING OFF YOUR DEBTS EVERY MONTH

Along with growing your wealth, you must diminish your mountain of debts. Start spending and saving wisely to cover your monthly balance per month. Are you capable of paying it fully? If so, then consider doing it. Nonetheless, contributing a significant amount to your debts will enable you to maximize your retirement contributions.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Think about that!

#3: GETTING A PAY RAISE

Words cannot encapsulate the wonderful feeling of being recognized and paid for one’s hard work. We are quick to press the “Like” or “Heart” button on Facebook whenever someone announces his or her promotion. It is a celebration indeed! But, remember that you do not have to wait for your coveted moment to begin celebrating. Every pay raise counts! Pour yourself a well-deserved drink and bask in the glory of your accomplishment for a night.

#4: INVESTING IN YOURSELF

Whether you are advancing your degree or continuing your certification in the field, you will more likely to increase your earning potential by receiving further education and training. Not to mention, you will widen your network and knowledge in the process.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Increasing your professional value by investing in yourself can ignite your ability to achieve long-term independence. Hence, I encourage you to set some money and time this cause.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Maybank Launches a New Concept Branch

Bank comfortably in the heart of Orchard Road as Maybank launches its first concept branch that combines café with modern banking services.

If you have ever felt apprehensive at the thought of paying the bank a visit due to its long queues and large crowd, Maybank’s new concept branch – MSpace at Maybank, may change your mind. Fusing lifestyle with banking, Maybank has teamed up with Mellower Coffee to provide visitors instagrammable coffee, while they engage in banking services with Maybank.

The first floor of MSpace at Maybank houses a regular banking branch and Mellower Coffee’s café space, where Maybank plans to experiment with new ways of customer engagement and innovate on banking services. Café and banking customers can browse the MSpace at Maybank App to discover more financial needs. The mezzanine floor above is a premium lounge for Maybank Private and Premier clients; making it the go-to place for anyone who wishes to consult a banking advisor regarding their personal or corporate financial matters.

Here are a 5 reasons why you should visit MSpace at Maybank for your banking needs.

1) Location

MSpace at Maybank is a Café cum Bank located at a convenient location in the heart of town – Orchard Shopping Center, next to Somerset 313. This location may ring a bell for some of you as it is located at where the previous famed Korean dessert shop, Ice Lab Café was. The location is easy to find and accessible by public transport, making it an ideal place to chill and make banking transactions.

2) Experience A Lifestyle Approach To Financial Conversations

For some, waiting for your turn at the bank may be daunting, but at MSpace at Maybank, you may actually want to wait. Visitors who wish to consult on financial matters can simply grab a seat and order your coffee first as you wait for your turn. To fill up your time instead of waiting aimlessly, feel free to use the iPads provided to browse the web, or enjoy the contents on the TV. For simple consultations, enjoy your food and drink while discussing your financial needs with a Maybank staff.

This branch also houses a learning space where Maybank teams up with knowledge experts to organise free thematic workshops for bank clients and the public on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. The upcoming schedule includes a will and estate planning talk, investment talk on market outlook, and even coffee workshops!

3) No Hard Selling

Most of us hate the idea of hard selling and when someone pushes you to buy something you do not need. At MSpace at Maybank, customers can choose to browse Maybank’s products or even apply for a Maybank credit card within the MSpace at Maybank App, with no one stressing or pressuring you on your decisions. For more complex matters like financing to investment portfolio or even retirement planning, you can get a queue number and speak to a Maybank staff in one of their private consultation rooms.

4) It Covers All Aspects Of Your Banking Needs

If you are not sure what services MSpace at Maybank offers, rest assured that they cover all areas of your financial matters. Maybank customers can do their regular banking at MSpace at Maybank and there is even a 24-hour auto-lobby with 4 multi-function ATM machines.

For Maybank Private and Premier clients, MSpace at Maybank is one of the two branches you can visit in the central area of Singapore! Head up to the premium lounge at the mezzanine to get your financial issues attended to.

5) Drink Quality Instagrammable Coffee

Mellower Coffee’s menu consists of exclusive drinks only made for MSpace at Maybank. Indulge in premium espresso-based coffee made from Sumatra Single-Origins beans as you consult your financial matters. May we also mention that besides good coffee, they are very instagrammable too? If you love taking photos, Mellower Coffee is definitely one for the ‘gram’. A nice and relaxing setting, you may not want to leave even after you are done with your banking matters. Here are some visuals of Mellower Coffee at MSpace at Maybank:

Order your drinks on the MSpace at Maybank App with the iPads provided and indulge in instagrammable drinks like Mellower May, Gold Rush Sparkling Mango and Mellower Sumatra as below:

MSpace at Maybank

If you seek a relaxed and comfortable banking experience, be sure to visit MSpace at Maybank and give their new concept branch a try! Taking a different approach from the run-of-the-mill banking concepts. You will be sure to experience a satisfied banking service upon leaving the bank, and a very good cup of coffee!

For more information, Maybank’s Facebook Page or Website.

MSpace at Maybank
321 Orchard Road
#01-01/02 Orchard Shopping Centre
Singapore 238866

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How To Deal With Friends Who Are Big Spenders

With about 183,737 millionaires and over a thousand of insanely rich people in Singapore, you will come across some big spenders in your lifetime. Some of these people may be considered as your friends. How can you socialize with these people, if you cannot spend money as freely as they can?

KEEPING UP WITH THE NEIGHBORS

When you are surrounded with rich friends who love to splurge, it is understandable to feel envious at times. However, you must not linger excessively on this thought. The mere act of comparison can exhaust your energy. Constantly comparing what you have or what you do not have can contribute to your attitude towards money.

You must accept the fact that you are not as wealthy as your friends. What’s more? Keeping up with them can be detrimental to your finances. Apply the Negative Visualization exercise instead. Negative visualization entails imagining what will happen to your life if you have nothing. How can you survive without a job or without a spouse to support you? Doing this exercise will make you realize how blessed you truly are.

SOCIALIZING WITHOUT SPENDING

While your friends may be fulfilled with every swipe of their plastic cards, this may not be the case for you. Resist overspending by avoiding temptations. Opt for entertaining activities that do not require you to break the bank.

Outdoor activities such as cycling or hiking require little money to release some happy hormones (i.e., endorphins). You may also book a yoga class or a trip to the museum. Have a cup of coffee or tea afterwards.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Do your best to enjoy intimate and inexpensive settings that will take spending off the table. Indulging in fancy restaurants or spa appointments occasionally is perfectly fine. These are some of life’s pleasures that are worth paying for, anyway.

SAYING NO TO FREELOADERS

Economically speaking, there is a considerable division between you and your affluent friends. They may be capable to cover your expenses but, you should never ask them to do so. Only accept their help during special occasions.

If they offer to lend you some cash, contemplate on whether you can pay them back or not. Discuss the payment procedures and terms surrounding it. Do not feel bad if your friend suddenly takes back the offer. Ultimately, you must not take advantage of someone’s generosity.

When all is said and done, try to give something simple in return. You may present a token of your gratitude or treat him or her out to a delicious meal.

COMMUNICATING IN AN OPEN MANNER

If you are constantly hanging out with big spenders, you need to be transparent with them. It is easy to talk about current events or Korean bands, but it is challenging to discuss about money. Even the best of friends can be drive apart due to money matters. Few people can openly admit that they cannot afford something. Feelings of shame can take over.

While spending money is typically associated with power, your wallet will thank you after being open to your affluent friends. Tell them that you cannot afford another hundred-dollar dinner two nights in a row. Genuine friends will back off once you let them know that you cannot spend money as freely as they can.

FOCUSING ON FRIENDSHIPS ALONE

Genuine friendships focus on the relationships between people rather than their net worth. Your income or capacity to generate money does not define your identity. If your friends belittle you because of your financial limitations, then you must reconsider your relationships with them. Is it healthier to disconnect? Is it better find friends who are more accepting of your financial situation? Ponder on these. Remember that genuine friends will help you rise up, and not drag you down!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It may be difficult to rebuild your relationships at first, but you are always better off hanging out with friends who do not rub their wealth in your face. Surround yourself with people who will serve as your financial inspirations. Learn and ask tips from them regarding management of cash flow, investment portfolio, and business.

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