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The current pandemic has thrown life out of gear in a massive way. Almost every sector has been affected along with a slow down in economic growth. All this and more raise the question of where to invest your hard-earned money safely.

Experts advise that you should have a varied portfolio of investments with both short-term and long-term gains. This should also include a healthy mix of low-risk and medium-risk investments. While low-risk investments provide greater stability and lower returns, higher risk investments provide higher returns too. Safe and risk-free investment choices include Fixed deposits (FD) and Real Estate. Here is an insight into what makes a better investment choice:

1. Investing in real estate has been the safest investment choice since ages and is still considered the most risk-free form of investment today. And with the real estate sector undergoing recent reforms and coming under the aegis of RERA regulations, it is even more safe to invest in now.

2. With banks further slashing interest rates on home loans of recent, investing in real estate has become more lucrative. Current home loan interest rates of around 7% make this the best time to invest in real estate.

3. The uncertainty brought on by the pandemic has lead to builders offering more exciting and lucrative deals like never seen before. This is an opportune time to make a profitable investment in real estate.

4. With a large bank of ready-to-move-in apartments being available, your investment in an apartment would result in receiving monthly rentals from the beginning itself; this secondary income earned can be used to pay your home loan EMIs, such that your real estate purchase becomes virtually free!

5. Over the years, there will be appreciation in the cost of your real estate too. This doesn’t happen with FDs.

6. Comparatively, investing in an FD will continue to give you a steady low income that’s liable for tax deductions too. The returns aren’t much either.

Hence, its more profitable to invest in real estate. Fortius Infra offers you delightful ready-to-move-in Fortius Waterscape apartments in Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore. Visit https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/ to get a better look at these dream apartments in Bangalore!

Just because your bathroom is on the smaller side, doesn’t mean it has to look small too. With some clever interior decor ideas, you can create a bathroom that looks spacious and airy. Here are some tips to get you started:

Go big on Lighting

Look for ways to increase natural lighting. Use frosted glass in bathroom windows so that your privacy is maintained while increasing natural light. You could also use bright artificial lighting to make the bathroom appear larger.

Mirrors help

Placing a large frame-less mirror opposite a light source will brighten up the small bathroom, making it appear larger. Go with tarnish-resistant mirrors in this high moisture area.

Colors matter

Light colors always create an impression of space. With white and off-white colors never going out of fashion on bathroom walls, use them seamlessly across the ceiling and walls. This will create an impression of unending space.

Tile size

Using larger tiles on the walls and on the floor of smaller bathrooms creates an impression of space. Apply the wall tiles all the way to the top, creating an impression of greater height. And when the ceiling is painted the same color as the walls, you automatically improve the visuals into a bigger bathroom look-alike!

Reduce visual Clutter

Small patterned tiles, different colored fittings as well as an oddment of décor accessories can make your bathroom appear cluttered by dividing up the space. Maintain uniformity of color to open up the same and appear bigger.

Seamless Shower

To open up space, go with a frame-less, plain glass wall for your shower. This allows for seamless visual flow of light and makes the bathroom look more spacious than it actually is.

Recessed Shelves

Another idea is to build clear glass shelves recessed inside the wall so that there is nothing protruding outwards. Aside from looking aesthetic, it also creates unbroken visuals, making your bathroom appear larger.

For those on the lookout for apartments, have a look at the exclusive ready-to-move-in Fortius Waterscape apartments in Krishnarajapuram, Bangalore. And one thing is for sure, you wont have to worry about small bathrooms here! Click here for more information: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/.

If you are interested in selling your home one day, a little effort taken in upgrading your home will go a long way in increasing its resale value. Not only will you enjoy a more efficient and lovely home, but also build on wealth through home appreciation and equity.

Here is a look at some ways to improve your home’s value:

Exterior painting

There is nothing like a lick of fresh paint to ramp up your Home’s value and curb appeal. Even if you are on a budget and don’t want to repaint the whole house’s exterior, you could still touch up on any flaking or chipped away patches. Regular maintenance goes a long way in sustaining your home’s structure and appearance.

Interior painting – Sticking to a subtle neutral palette works well with potential buyers. They wont have to invest much on wall paint after buying as its easy to work with light, neutral colors.

Fixtures

Simple changes made without too much investment can have a great impact on increasing the value of your home. Think about changing your door knobs and pulls into gleaming chrome handles which immediately add a new sheen to a room. Additionally, invest in new kitchen and bathroom taps and faucets to give your home an attractive upgrade, without spending too much.

Remodeling

Sprucing up rooms such as the kitchen, master bedroom and living room go a long way in home staging and increasing the value of your home. This could include changing scratched floor tiles or countertops or even updating kitchen and bathroom cabinets with a new veneer. It will be money well-spent on home makeover.

Technology update

Adding gadgets like smart locks, smart cameras, smart smoke detectors, smart lighting system, etc, all serve to ramp up your home’s value. Smart homes are still a new concept in India and serve as wise investments.

Other ways to improve your home’s equity is servicing the roofing, piping and plumbing systems, installing solar panels and energy-efficient lighting, etc.

And if you are looking to buy a new ready-to-move-in apartment in Bangalore, why not checkout the magnificent Fortius Waterscape apartments located in the Krishnarajapuram area. Have a look at them here: https://www.fortiuswaterscape.com/.

So, after months of research and site visits, you have finally decided on a property to invest in. However, it brings you to a new, tedious process. The documentation and legal verifications form one of the most tricky parts of your home buying journey. The simple and the most professional way is to hire a lawyer to go through the documentation. While we advise that you get a professional to go through the documentation, there are some simple tips to watch out for if you want to do it yourself.

KYC details

Know the parties involved in the sale process. Do a thorough check. If you are buying from an individual, ensure that you double-check and keep the documentation relating to identity, address, and PAN copy of the individual. It is slightly easier when it comes to a builder. Always go in for a reputed builder. This will ensure that the process is hassle-free for both the buyer and the seller.

Title deeds

The most important paperwork when it comes to real estate transactions is the title documents. Ensure that you get enough time to go through the records and double-check the documents. You will have to get the documents cross-verified with the sub-registrar’s office and this will be a time-consuming process. A genuine and reputed seller/ builder like Fortius Infra provides you with all the required documents.

Encumbrance documents

A lot of paperwork goes into the registration of a property in your name. You will have to get encumbrance documents from the sub registrar’s office. While a title or a registration document gives you the title to the property, an encumbrance certificate shows if the property in question is free from lien and encumbrance of any sort. The encumbrance certificate offers you a log of all the transactions that have happened with the said property before it has been handed over to you. If the earlier owner had taken a loan and not cleared it, the same will be shown in the encumbrance certificate. This makes encumbrance certificates important documentation to possess.

Property tax details

The Property tax documentation is another check to verify the authenticity of the property. This document allows you to verify if the taxes are paid up in full and there are no irregularities.

Approved plan vs the actual property

At times, a builder may have made some additions to the elevation that would not have been approved in the initial plan. If there are variations, ensure that the authorities regularise them and do not pose any difficulties later.

The approvals

There are different approvals on construction and occupation that are essential to ensure that a building is fit for living. However, this does not become one of your worry spots when you invest with Fortius Infra.

Contact our panel of experts at Fortius Infra and we will guide you so that the process is hassle-free.

According to a recent report by Home Credit India, two out of three borrowers in the country are unaware of their Credit Score. The credit score is an indicator of a person’s creditworthiness. The banks across the country consider the credit score as a parameter that helps in understanding borrowers’ eligibility for repaying loans. This makes it absolutely important that you work on your credit score long before you consider investing in a home.

Here are some tips on improving your credit score

Your credit score

If you have not checked your credit score, do it right now. See what your scores are. A credit score is a magic number between 300 and 900. The higher the value, the more your creditworthiness. If you are planning on a loan sometime soon, ensure you keep your scores high.

Repayment of loans

Paying EMIs on time is the best way to maintain a good credit score. This includes paying credit card bills on time too. Work with your bank if your scores are not up to the mark.

Credit card dues

Do you max out your credit card often? It could spell trouble and ruin your score. Pay up the entire amount on time.

Your loan mix

Are you in the habit of taking personal loans at the drop of the hat? Hold on, it does not help your credit score. A car loan adds to your credibility, home loan does too. So stick to a fair mix when it comes to borrowing.

Your co-applicants status

Your credit score will get affected if you are a joint applicant for a loan taken by someone else. The repayment of these loans will affect your credit score as well.

Don’t ‘settle’

Do not enter into an agreement with the bank for settling credit cards or loans. What could be a boon now will affect your credit score in the long run.

A high credit score is ideal for easy processing of loans. If you score is low, you do not have to worry about it, work with your bank and get the numbers higher before investing in your home. At Fortius Infra, we help you with the process. Contact us.

Every year house fires claim the lives of many and inflict damage to property. When it comes to household fires, heroics do not start with firefighters, it begins with you, your awareness, and quick response. Here are tips that you need to remember to protect yourself, your home, and your loved ones in case of an unexpected mishap.

What to do in a fire?

A fire can break out due to various reasons, even if you are careful. So, it is of vital importance to plan an escape route. If you are living in an apartment complex, make sure you know the easiest way out of the complex. If the fire is just starting, try to extinguish it if you know how to. It is nice to know what materials you should use to put out differing kinds of fires. When it comes to rescuing, humans and pets take priority, your belongings come in second. The most important tip that you have to remember in case of fire, is to stop drop and crawl. This is because the smoke tends to rise and more breathable air remains closer to the ground. Never take the elevator if there is a fire in your building. And it is of absolute importance that you do not panic.

So, what can developers do to avoid mishaps?

The National Building Code 2005 sets down a list of mandates that every building in India has to follow. NBC contains comprehensive information about various norms that must be followed while a building is being constructed. A builder is expected to comply with these norms that say that :

• The number of exits and their locations.
• The distance a person has to travel to reach the nearest fire exit.
• A plan for the exit at night
• Install automatic fire alarm systems and automatic sprinkler systems in high rise buildings
• Ensure easy access to fire exits
• Conduct regular fire drills.

What can homebuyers do?

• Before finalizing a project, talk to your developer about the security features in the building. When you go on a site visit ask specific questions and check out the fire safety measures. It is also mandatory for you to check whether the project has a NOC from the fire department.
• Be aware of the location and proximity to the fire exits if you are investing in a high rise project.
• Check if there are enough sprinklers in the basement, parking, and other areas where highly combustible things are stored.
• All the fire alarms, smoke detectors, water sprinklers, and fire extinguishers are in working condition.
• If you doubt your building’s level of fire safety, you can get it independently assessed by the fire department for a nominal fee.

Helpful fire safety products

When you are moving into an apartment complex ensure that these products are available and in working condition.

• Fire Extinguishers.
• Fire Blanket – A piece of handy equipment, a fire-retardant blanket helps extinguish a small fire before it gets bigger.
•  Smoke Detectors & Heat detectors
• Home Fire Sprinklers. Most apartment complexes are by the NBC mandated to have a sprinkler system.
• A Fire Escape

At Fortius Infra, your safety is our primary concern. We have made use of the best equipment and provide guidance and fire safety drills often. Contact us for more details.

So, you are all set to invest in the house of your dreams. Among the many things you will have to consider, there is one that takes the top priority – especially if you are a first-time homeowner. You are entitled to certain benefits under the tax regime. A little research and a little thought into it can help maximize benefits.

What is Section 80EE of the IT Act?

Section 80EE deals with tax deductions under the Income Tax Act, 1961. Section 80EE that came into effect in FY 2013-2014 and applied to FY 2014-2015 allows first-time homebuyers to avail of tax benefits on interest paid on home loans. Aimed at assisting resident homeowners’ avail of income tax benefits on the interest paid on their home loans and was limited to a maximum value of 1 lakh. This Section was later upgraded to include FY 2016-2017 and allowed an individual borrower to claim tax deductions of up to Rs.50,000 per year until the end of the tenure. This implies that the deduction is granted for the loans made between April 2016 and March 2017.

Are you eligible?

There are certain conditions applicable to the homebuyer to enjoy the deductions. The deduction can be claimed by individual taxpayers on residential properties that are purchased either individually or jointly. If you take a joint home loan, with your spouse, to purchase the property and the installments are paid by both of you; then both parties can individually claim deductions under this act. Tax benefits under this section are not applicable for units such as Hindu Undivided Families or HUF, Association of Persons or AOP, trusts and companies, and so on. You have to be a first time home buyer who has taken a loan from a recognized financial institution to benefit from deductions under Income Tax Section 80EE. The deduction applies on per person basis as opposed to a per property basis. The benefit can be claimed irrespective of the fact that it is self-occupied by the taxpayer or rented out to someone else.

What is the scope of Section 80EE?

The benefits offered in Section 80EE are over and above the ones that are granted in Section 80C and Section 24. However, the borrower should note that they can only enjoy the benefits under Section 80EE after exhausting the waiver provided under Section 24. Section 80EE will only work for someone who is paying around Rs 2.25 lacs as interest on their home loan in a financial year for the first time.

If the property has not been handed over to the homeowner, then they can claim the deduction while living in the rented place since the Section 80EE does not specify that the property must be self- occupied. The deduction under this section can be claimed by both the residents and the non-residents of the country.

What is Section 80EEA

The union budget 2019 has introduced a new section 80EEA to extend the tax benefits of the interest deduction up to Rs 1,50,000 for housing loan taken for affordable housing during the period 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2020. The individual taxpayer should be a first-home buyer and should not be entitled to deduction under section 80EE.

The entire process can get intimidating and confusing if you are a first time home buyer. At Fortius Infra, we can introduce you to a professional consultant who can help guide you. They may charge a nominal fee for their services, but it will also ensure that the entire process will run smoothly.

Until a decade ago, a consumer had to approach the consumer if they wanted to redress their real estate issue. And consumer courts were slow and rather not efficient enough to resolve their issues. This gave rise to a series of laws and acts to give more voice to the consumers. Let us see what each of these terms stand for and which is the most preferred redressal forum for the consumers now.

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Owning a home is a cherished dream and availing a loan is one of the easiest ways to turn this dream into a reality. However, what if you come by a windfall and want to pay off the loan well before the stipulated time? Will the banks allow it? The answer is yes, and this process is known as pre-closing the loan or foreclosure. Read on to know the most important things you have to keep in mind before you do this.

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The newer breeds of homes are increasingly coming with internet-enabled smart home technology. Such homes are called ‘smart homes’ and serve the purpose of making day-to-day living much easier, safer and more entertaining, comfortable and economical. Evolving technology and Internet of Things (IoT) is ensuring that there are more home automation and smart home products flooding the market than ever before. What’s more, most of these smart home products are connected to smartphones, making it possible to control the environment of your home from virtually anywhere. Here is a look at some of the new trends in 2020:

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