Six tips for a successful move during the pandemic

Moving to a new house has become highly challenging during the outbreak of COVID-19. But, don’t worry! Careful planning and effective execution can make this entire process much smoother and less stressful for you. Here are some tips to make the whole process a hassle-free experience.

  1. Give yourself extra time.
  2. Look for movers with minimal contact.
  3. Have additional sanitizing materials on hand during the move.
  4. Keep your home well-ventilated while moving.
  5. Postpone your move if you’re sick.
  6. Check your mover’s policies during the pandemic.

Give yourself extra time.

We all know that moving is no easy feat during a pandemic. It takes time, effort, and planning to make sure you are prepared for it. Most people neglect to take care of themselves when packing up their homes or apartments. So, it’s essential to give yourself enough time in your busy schedule to take care of personal hygiene. Regularly wash your hands, disinfect surfaces, eat, rest, and hydrate. 

The process of moving is physically and mentally exhausting. If possible, take some time from work to pack up your valuable belongings to safely and securely store them before the journey begins!

Look for movers with minimal contact.

Health experts advise that maintaining minimal contact and social distancing are effective ways to prevent or spread the virus. So, follow the best moving methods that minimize contact between you and others. 

If you’re thinking about hiring movers, the key is to practice social distancing whenever possible. Many moving companies have implemented new safety measures and offer virtual estimates instead of in-person versions. So, take advantage of this.

Have extra sanitizing materials on hand during the move.

There are many things to make your move-in day go smoothly. One of the most important things you can do is provide enough sanitizing materials and protective equipment for everyone involved in the process. 

A sink with hand soap at both locations would also be great, but if these aren’t available, try to stock up on plenty of hand sanitizer. Other materials you’ll want on hand include gloves and masks. Make sure to pack some paper towels or clean rags for wiping down surfaces after use.

First-time home buyers in India? here is what you need to know

The Indian real estate market is booming, and first-time homebuyers can reap the benefits. Recent reports show that this segment has been growing at an annual rate of 20 percent over the past few years. But as first-time homebuyers, the process of buying a property can be daunting. With so many things to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and make a mistake. That’s why it’s essential to have a guide that outlines the key steps you need to take. Here is a quick guide to follow to make the process as smooth as possible when buying your first home in 2022. 

Step 1: Check your credit score for home loan eligibility

Step 2: Determine how much you can afford

Step 3: Choosing the right location

Step 4: Choosing the right builder 

Step 5: ​Tax implications 

Step 6: Legal clearance

Step 7: Property insurance 

Step 1: Check Your Credit Score For Home Loan Eligibility

If you want to get the most out of your home buying experience, take some time first and do all that research. From checking credit scores to reviewing finances, it’s essential!

A good credit score is required for a first-time homebuyer. This three-digit number summarizes the numbers in your credit report and a detailed document showing how well you have paid off your previous debt, such as credit cards and student loans.

A lender uses your credit score to decide whether or not you are eligible for a loan, how much of a loan they will be giving you, and at what interest. So, it is essential to know your credit score and take steps with overextended debts to bring it up.

Home loan eligibility criteria:

Age18-70 years old
Income:Rs. 25,000
Credit Score:Above 750
Employment Status:Salaried or Non-Salaried
Work Experience:2 Years
Loan Amount:Decided by the lender
Residence Type:Permanent resident or Non-resident Indian (NRI)
LTV Ratio:Up to 90%
Property Type:Completed or Under Construction Project, Land/Plot, Building on Own Land, Buying Land, and Building Home.

Note: Loan eligibility criteria differ depending on the bank or lender. Approvals are based on borrowers’ incomes, credit profiles, and existing relationships with the bank.

To ensure the smoothest home loan experience for you,  KS Group works with some of India’s top banks to offer up to 90% home loans. Below is the list of banks that KS Group has tie-ups with:

FIO Homes II:Canara Bank, India Overseas Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, LIC Housing Finance, India Bulls, Aditya Birla.
FIO Homes  I:Canara Bank, India Overseas Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, LIC Housing Finance, India Bulls, Aditya Birla, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank.

                                                                                                                                                                *T&C apply 

Step 2: Determine How Much You Can Afford

Before speaking with lenders, figure out how much you can afford for a new house. Setting a budget for your new home will help you decide what to expect. Typically, experts recommend spending no more than 30% of their monthly income on housing costs. Once you know how much money you can spend, consider the lifestyle you want to maintain, check your budget for emergencies and other needs such as retirement, college funds, etc.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Location

No matter your budget, location is always a key factor to consider when buying a home. If you’re not happy with where you live, it can be hard to be content in your home. Whether you’re looking for a place in the city or the suburbs, consider the accessibility, appearance, and amenities of a neighborhood, as well as development plans, when it comes time to choose your new home.

Step 4: Choosing the Right Builder 

It is critical to select a builder with a solid reputation for providing world-class quality and excellent facilities at reasonable prices. For example, KS Group, one of North India’s premier real estate companies, has been at the forefront of establishing highly valued homes and relationships that are highly valued.

Step 5: ​Tax Implications

Buying a home is all about making sure you’re aware of the tax implications. If your property value exceeds Rs 50 lakh, the TDS comes into play from September 1, 2019, so be prepared! In addition, you have to bear the cost of:

  • Registration charge: The registration fee is an additional charge that can vary up to one percent of the total agreement value depending on the state where you live.
  • Stamp duty: This is usually about 5 percent of the market value of a property.

When purchasing property, the legal clearance process is essential that you cannot overlook. Here are the documents to check before buying:

  • Agreement to sell
  • Absolute sale deed and title deed
  • Title search and report
  • Khata certificate
  • Receipt of property tax
  • Encumbrance certificate

Step 7: Property Insurance

Buying a house is one of the most significant investments you will make in your life. Protecting this investment with property insurance is essential to ensure financial stability and peace of mind when moving into that beautiful new home! The cost is relatively low and provides coverage in case of problems with the property title, certain damage, or legal issues. Choosing the right home insurance protects your property and makes the home easier to buy.

We hope that this article has addressed important questions and provided you with all the information you need to start your home buying journey. If you are still undecided about whether or not to buy a home, please reach out to us for more information or advice—our team is more than happy to help!