Perk Up the Passage at Home

December 2017

A passage in any home, need not be a dull space that is wasted. We look at how home owners can spruce up this space, with just a little creativity and imagination

Most houses have a corridor, which home owners can decorate using innovative ideas, to add a unique touch to the home. The walls of the passage, for example, can be used to create a memoir wall of one’s travels. “From collages made of boarding passes, colourful small maps and tickets, to postcards collected during your travels, you can use the wall to create a memory lane of sorts. You can also display inexpensive drawings and posters from street artists. One can also use the passage as a photo area, to hang pictures of the family – including joyous and serious photos that make you smile when you look at them,” suggests Lekha Gupta, senior architect, LAB (Language Architecture Body).

WAYS TO BRIGHTEN UP THE CORRIDORS

Passages are often dark, which makes the space appear small and unattractive. This can be easily solved, with some bright, coloured lamps and lanterns. “One can choose various indoor plants, to perk up the passage. Decorating with nature is fun and not at all expensive. You can place the plants in eclectic vases and pots, to add a theme to the area. An array of ornamental mirrors can be hung up, to pep up the area. One can go in for a bookshelf, to optimise the space. Wooden shelves that resemble trees and branches are a popular contemporary trend,” says Natasha Jain, co-founder of Bent Chair.

Credits : freepik.com

OPTIMISING THE SPACE AVAILABLE IN THE PASSAGE

Most corridors are a maximum of four ft wide, out of which, one needs at least three ft as walking space, Gupta points out. “This leaves only one ft of free space and any furniture that has depth, will make the space cramped. Anyone living in cities, knows that every sq ft counts. Hence, while it may be tempting to put a shoe rack in that space, one should ensure that it does not obstruct movement. Alternatively, opt for a small rack or a lamp, or simple linear furniture. Or, opt for storage above the head level,” adds Gupta.

HOW TO USE THE PASSAGE AS A PLAY AREA

In homes that have children, you can opt for a pin board on the passage wall. This pin board can display various crafts like paintings, handmade cards and hand prints, all made by the children. The small passage linking rooms, can also be used as a play area. You can paint the walls with ‘magnetic’ paints and stick magnets on the walls. You can also paint a chess board, or a simple snake and ladder game on such a wall, to let the kids play.

USING THE PASSAGE, TO ADD A PERSONAL TOUCH TO THE HOME

“A message board, is another interesting way to utilise the space. In the age of tablets and smartphones, we rarely pick up a pen and paper,” says Gupta. From ‘to do’ messages or a simple ‘I love you’ scribbled on the board, to colourful posts, you can put up messages to read, whenever you are in the mood, adds Gupta.

Mahi Mehra, a Mumbai resident, maintains that the passage can serve as an accent area of the house. “I have a glamorous wooden trolley in the foyer, against a red wall. In the passage, I have a displayed pieces from our travel, like vintage sketches from London, plates from Greece, small porcelain teapots from China, painting from Jaipur and so on. These little memories add warmth to the house,” Mehra explains.

TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE PROJECTS IN THANE CONTACT US AT 022 2580 6868

Contact
501, 5th Floor, Plot No – A-123/4,
Odyssey IT Park, Road No. 9,Wagle Estate
Thane – 400 604, Maharashtra, India
Mobile : (+91) 9833 4583 23 E-mail: mchithane@gmail.com

Source: housing.com

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Colour Therapy for your Home

December 2017

Colours have a profound effect on individuals and can affect us on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level. We look at how you can choose the right colours for your home, to create a positive and happy environment

Colour or chroma therapy is an alternative method of healing, through the use of colours. When we gaze at colours, different energies are absorbed, as each colour has its own frequency and vibration. “We are constantly surrounded by a free flow of colours, through nature, the clothes that we wear and the space where we live or work. At different stages of our lives, we feel attracted to or repelled by different colours, depending on our emotional and mental needs,” says Amisha Mehta, an artist and colour therapist.

“If we do not receive a balance of the seven colours in the spectrum, our metabolism can be affected. For example, the lack of natural sunlight, can cause lethargy, tiredness and depression. There is no such thing as a good or bad colour. While a colour can have beneficial qualities, the same colour can also have a detrimental effect on us. Usually, too much of any colour will tip the scale. Thus, one must be careful while designing a home’s interiors and choose colours that aid the well-being and harmony of all the members residing in the house. Colours should be clear, bright or light. Muddy or dirty colours, reflect the negative aspect of that colour. There is nothing wrong with deeper rich tones, if they are also not murky in appearance,” suggests Mehta.

Credits : pexels.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF COLOURS IN VASTU SHASTRA

The sun is the source of light and helps to sustain life on our planet. There is a direct relationship between the sun and the science of Vastu Shastra, as each direction has one color that influences it in a positive way, points out Mumbai-based Jayshree Dhamani, a Vastu and astrology expert. “Sunlight appears to be gold in colour but it contains seven different colours – violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Each colour has a different wavelength. Suitable colours in the right direction, enhances the health and prosperity of the home’s inhabitants. If the wrong colours are used, then, it creates stress and conflicts in the minds of the inmates,” Dhamani adds.

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT COLOURS FOR YOUR DÉCOR

It is better to choose warm colours in rooms where there is a lot of activity, such as the living room and dining room. For example, instead of red, one can use shades of burgundy, wine, terracotta, etc., as they are not overpowering. “A colour scheme that focusses on only one or two colours, can cause an imbalance in energy. It is not only the wall colour that has an impact, but also the colour of furnishings, paintings, plants and lights. So, the home should have a variety of colours,” says Mehta.

Yellow is the colour that is closest to sunshine and is regarded as cheerful colour. So, try and incorporate it in some way at home. People who are depressed, can add a dash of orange colour to their room, to develop optimism. “Someone who has tensions, body pains and sleeplessness, can opt for blue-coloured walls or curtains, to get relief. Similarly, people who do meditation and spiritual practices, can use violet colour in the room for calmness. One can also use lamps of different shades, to add specific colours to a room, as and when needed,” adds Dhamani.

IDEAL COLOURS FOR DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE HOUSE

• Ceilings should always be white or in off-white colour, as it reflects light.
• Natural shades like green (which symbolises life and growth), yellow (stability), orange (cheerfulness) and blue (aids concentration), are recommended for children’s rooms.
• For the temple area, it is best to use purple or lavender, as it is associated with spirituality, peace and wisdom.
• Orange evokes excitement and enthusiasm and is apt for an exercise room.
• Avoid excessive use of black and grey, as it can give a depressing feel.
• Red helps in increasing appetite. So, add subtle touches of red on the dining table, with red flowers or red table linen.
• Bedrooms should be done up in soothing colours, such as pink, peach, light yellow, green and other light colours.
• The colour pink is associated with romance. Similarly, red is the colour of passion but avoid too much of it in the bedroom, as it leads to aggression.

VASTU GUIDE TO CHOOSING COLOURS FOR DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS

TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE PROJECTS IN THANE CONTACT US AT 022 2580 6868

Contact
501, 5th Floor, Plot No – A-123/4,
Odyssey IT Park, Road No. 9,Wagle Estate
Thane – 400 604, Maharashtra, India
Mobile : (+91) 9833 4583 23 E-mail: mchithane@gmail.com

Source: housing.com

Top 5 Tips to get the Lowest Home Loan Interest Rate

December 2017

When the loan is of a high amount, like home loans usually are, even the slightest drop in your loan’s interest rate can make all the difference. So here’s what you can do to ensure that a home loan is offered to you at a low rate of interest.

The interest rate is the make or break factor when you’re selecting a loan. If it’s too high, the source of finance becomes entirely unaffordable. Since you’re looking for aid, you don’t want to end up increasing your financial burden in the long run. So, it is imperative that you focus your energy on securing the lowest interest rate possible when taking a Home Loan.

These 5 tactics will help you get an interest rate that is close to what you have in mind.

LEVERAGE YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Having spent all that time ensuring that your credit score is impeccable comes in handy when you’re looking to negotiate your home loan interest. The more stable your credit history, the higher your chances are of getting a Home Loan Interest Rate that is affordable. If your credit score needs work, clear your debts and avoid taking on more debt before you apply for a home loan. Even small things such as avoiding making purchases via a credit card will help.

CHOOSE A SHORTER TENOR

This may seem counterproductive, but hear us out. While it is true that when you have a long tenor your EMIs are low. However, the gross interest paid by you is higher. So, if you can pool in your finances, it is worth opting for a short tenor to keep the interest rate low.

Strong : freepik.com

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SEASONAL OFFERS

Instead of jumping the gun, wait it out for a few weeks if possible. This way, you have time to evaluate all lenders thoroughly and pick a home loan that is ideal for you. But more importantly, this gives you a chance to take advantage of seasonal offers. Many financial institutions extend offers or discounts during festive seasons or as limited-period promotions. If you manage to time your application right, you’ll be able to get a significantly lower rate of interest on your home loan. So, if your credit needs are even slightly flexible, it is worth considering this tactic.

LOWER YOUR DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO

As the name suggests, your debt-to-income ratio is a measure of all your debts pitted against your income. Like your credit score, this ratio is also extremely important to maintain. As a thumb rule, ensure that your debts are far lower than your income to assure yourself a good interest rate. But, if your debt component seems high, take measures to clear as much of it as possible. Whether it is an outstanding education loan or a car loan, it is worth the effort to make a few large payments to tip the scales in your favour. With a lower debt to income ratio, you can convince your lender to give you a lower interest rate and find that repaying your home loan is easier than you imagined.

DON’T BE SCARED TO NEGOTIATE

If you have steady employment and your financial history is in order, don’t hesitate to verbally negotiate with your lender. You’ll be surprised at how it can help you shave off a few thousand rupees from your monthly EMIs. As long as you’re confident and you meet all the eligibility criteria, this is worth a shot. You have nothing to lose and you may be able to walk away with a better deal than you had anticipated!

With these 5 solutions up your sleeve, lowering your home loan interest rate is no longer a daunting, almost impossible task. For a home loan that truly puts your interests first, take a look at Bajaj Finserv’s Home Loan. It offers flexibility and is incredibly affordable too. Moreover, from 23rd November 2017 to 29th November 2017, you get a rate of interest of just 8.3% if your home loan’s value is above Rs.30 lakh.

TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE PROJECTS IN THANE CONTACT US AT 022 2580 6868

Contact
501, 5th Floor, Plot No – A-123/4,
Odyssey IT Park, Road No. 9,Wagle Estate
Thane  – 400 604, Maharashtra, India
Mobile : (+91) 9833 4583 23 E-mail: mchithane@gmail.com

Source: msn.com

Busting Myths Around Factors Affecting Your Credit Score

December 2017

Maintaining a good Credit Score is extremely important as banks take this into consideration while approving a loan. Read on to know the factors that affect your Credit Score and the myths around it.

Your Credit Score is an important aspect that you need to take care of to keep your financial credibility positive in the long term. If you need to apply for a loan from the bank, then the first thing that your bank does is to check your Credit Score!

You may have seen number of articles on the internet talking about the importance of Credit Scores for quick loan approvals. A credit report with no errors and a score of 750 or above can help you fetch a sizeable loan smoothly.

However, people are often confused about what they should do to maintain a good Credit Score. As a result, they don’t pay much heed to what can actually affect their Credit Score. On the other hand, there are some people who pay too much attention to their Credit Score that they are often left disillusioned.

There are few things which can impact your Credit Score negatively, but not everything will negatively impact your score. In this article, we take a look at some financial matters and habits, which have no connection to your Credit Score and therefore bust myths around it.

INCOME LEVEL AND JOB TYPE HAS NO CONNECTION WITH YOUR CREDIT SCORE

Some people have the misconception that an individual with low or average income have below average Credit Score and therefore they have less chance of getting a loan from the banks. In reality, income has nothing to do with the Credit Score.

Banks check income level to ascertain the repayment capacity of the applicant and if they find out that the applicant won’t be able to repay the loan based on the existing income, then it may reject the Loan application. There is no connection of Credit Score and income level for loan eligibility.

Similarly, your nature of job doesn’t impact your Credit Score. Whether you are in a job, business or self-employed, it does not have any influence on your Credit Score.

Strong : pixabay.com

CASH IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT

It is a good habit to maintain some liquidity in your bank account, but if you do not keep enough balance in your account, then you need not worry as it has no impact on your Credit Score.

Sometimes, banks penalise the customer for non-maintenance of monthly average balance (MAB) or keeping less money than the required minimum balance, but such charges have no consequence on your Credit Score.

The way you manage your savings bank account has nothing to do with your Credit Score, but you must manage your bank accounts properly to avoid unnecessary charges. The way you manage your bank account reflects how financially disciplined you are.

DEBIT/ATM CARD OR A PREPAID CARD USAGE

Some people confuse between the Debit Card and the Credit Card and therefore they have the misconception that using the Debit Card can impact their Credit Score.

It is important to understand here that Credit Card is a spending tool and it is very much like a recurrent Personal Loan instrument which is unsecured in nature, therefore, delay in payment of the utilized amount or a high utilization ratio can negatively impact your Credit Score.

On the other hand, when you use the Debit Card, you can spend only whatever money is available in your bank account. So, a Debit Card or a prepaid card is not a credit instrument, therefore it doesn’t impact your Credit Score in anyway.

IMPACT OF SPOUSE’S CREDIT SCORE

Some people have the misconception that financial indiscipline of their spouse can impact their Credit Score. In reality, there is no link between the Credit Score of two individuals.

So, the credit report of spouses is independent of each other’s financial activity. However, if you are looking to raise a loan as a co-borrower with your spouse, then the Credit Score of both the applicants is checked individually. The bank may reject the loan if it is not satisfied with the Credit Score of any of the co-borrower.

Apart from above-mentioned points, your Credit Score will not get affected by buying or selling an asset, living in a rented home or late repayment of a debt taken from your relative.

Things that may impact your Credit Score are unsecured loan repayment history, credit utilisation ratio, number of inquiry for unsecured loan and settlement of an unpaid loan.

So, you should be careful about the things that can really impact your Credit Score and do not bother unnecessarily about things which have no influence on it.

BankBazaar is a leading online marketplace in India that helps consumers compare and apply for Credit Card,Personal Loan,Home Loan,Car Loan and insurance.

The post Busting Myths Around Factors Affecting Your Credit Score appeared first on BankBazaar - The Definitive Word on Personal Finance.

TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE PROJECTS IN THANE CONTACT US AT 022 2580 6868

 Contact
501, 5th Floor, Plot No – A-123/4,
Odyssey IT Park, Road No. 9,Wagle Estate
Thane  – 400 604, Maharashtra, India
Mobile : (+91) 9833 4583 23 E-mail: mchithane@gmail.com

Vastu Shastra Tips for a Temple at Home

December 2017

When it comes to the temple or prayer area in a home, there are several Vastu Shastra guidelines that should be followed, to ensure maximum positive effects for the home’s inhabitants. We examine the dos and don’ts

The temple at home, is a sacred place where we worship God. So, naturally, it must be a positive and peaceful place. The temple area, when placed according to Vastu Shastra, can bring health, prosperity and happiness to the house and its occupants. Although a separate puja room would be ideal, this is not always possible in metropolitan cities, where there is space crunch.

The temple area, should be a zone of tranquility that is full of divine energy, says Mumbai-based Nitien Parmar of VastuPlus. “This is a space where one surrenders to the Almighty and gains strength. If one does not have the space to allocate an entire room for the temple, one can set up a small altar on the east wall, towards the north-east zone of the house. Avoid placing the temple in the south, south-west or south-east zones of house,” adds Parmar.

IDEAL DIRECTIONS AS PER VASTU FOR THE HOME TEMPLE

Jupiter is the lord of the north-east direction, which is also called as the as ‘Ishan kona’, explains Jayshree Dhamani, a Vastu Shastra and astrology expert. “Ishan is Ishwar or God. That’s how it is the direction of God/Jupiter. Hence, it is advisable to keep the temple there. Moreover, the earth’s tilt is also towards the north-east direction only and it moves with the starting point of the north-east. Hence, this corner is like the engine of a train, which pulls the entire train. The placement of the temple in this area of the house is also like that – it pulls the energies of the entire house towards it and then, takes it forward,” says Dhamani. A temple placed in the centre of the house – a region that is called as the Brahmasthan – is also said to be auspicious and can bring prosperity and good health for the inmates, adds Dhamani.

Strong : freepik.com

HOW SHOULD A TEMPLE AT HOME BE CONSTRUCTED AS PER VASTU

When it comes to constructing the temple, do not place it directly on the floor. Instead, keep it on a raised platform or pedestal, advises Parmar. “The temple should be made of marble or wood. Avoid temples made from glass or acrylic. Do not clutter the temple. Ensure that you do not have multiple idols of the same God or Goddess, either in a seating or standing position in the temple. The idol or photos placed in the temple, should not be cracked or damaged, as it considered is inauspicious,” suggests Parmar.

One should be able to perform poojas, wherever the temple is kept. During special poojas, the entire family tends to pray together. Hence, ensure that there is enough space for the family to sit down and pray. The temple area should have good and healthy flow of energy. So, keep it neat and clean, without dust or cobwebs and avoid stuffing the space with too many accessories. Above all, the temple should give you a feeling of serenity and calmness.

DOS AND DON’TS FOR DECORATING A TEMPLE AT HOME

• The light or diya, should be placed on the right side of the person performing a pooja.
• Decorate the temple with fresh flowers. Light a few aroma candles, dhoop or incense sticks, to cleanse the area and create a divine ambiance.
• Photographs of the dead/ancestors, should not be kept in the temple.
• Create a small shelf near the temple, to place the incense, puja materials and holy books.
• Ensure that there are electric points near the temple, so that one can light up the temple during festive days.
• Avoid keeping unnecessary items below the temple or dustbins in this area.
• Some people keep the temple in the bedroom or kitchen. In such cases, hang a curtain in front of the temple, when you are not using the temple.
• Temple should not be against a wall that has a toilet behind it. It should also not be placed below a toilet on the upper floor.
• For the temple space, use white, beige, lavender or light yellow colours.

TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE PROJECTS IN THANE CONTACT US AT 022 2580 6868

Contact
501, 5th Floor, Plot No – A-123/4,
Odyssey IT Park, Road No. 9,Wagle Estate
Thane  – 400 604, Maharashtra, India
Mobile : (+91) 9833 4583 23 E-mail: mchithane@gmail.com

Bonsai Plants : Bring the Forest Home

December 2017

Besides being an enjoyable hobby and de-stressing, growing bonsai plants in one’s garden, balcony or window sill, can also make the home vibrant and green

Bonsai plants offer an ideal way for urban residents to enjoy nature’s beauty at home. The word ‘bonsai’ is derived from the Japanese words ‘bon’ (meaning tray) and ‘sai’ (which means growing). So, bonsai literally means growing trees in trays.

“Bonsai is an ancient horticultural art, through which, a replica of nature can be artistically landscaped in a tray, along with other elements like a cascading waterfall, moss, pebbles and a rock garden. Bonsai is the art of dwarfing trees or plants and growing and pruning them in containers,” explains bonsai expert, Urvashi Thacker of Galleria Verdant.

Maintaining a bonsai plant is not very different from maintaining any regular plant.

“Cultivating a bonsai and giving it a good shape, requires learning some techniques. However, once you have a bonsai (or have purchased one from a nursery), maintaining it is comparatively easy. One has to water it regularly, put compost once a month and change the pot once a year,” elaborates Divya Maurya of Bengaluru-based Upvan-The nature boutique of Bonsai.

HOW TO MAKE A BONSAI

Anyone who is interested in gardening and has a little space on a window sill or balcony, can nurture bonsai trees. You will need some basic knowledge about bonsai gardening and some skill and patience. You can opt for training from a professional, or try learning the basics of bonsai gardening, using resources on the internet. You will also need a few basic tools to grow the bonsai plant at home – pots specifically made for bonsai plants, compost and soil. Lastly, you need to get the plant for which the bonsai needs to be made.

Strong : freepik.com

Regular maintenance, careful pruning of foliage and roots throughout the year and consistent watering, are needed to keep the plant in shape. If you do not have a green thumb, you can also approach bonsai nurseries for help or call professionals once a month, to prune and fertilise it.

“There is a common misconception that there are special seeds for bonsai plants. Bonsai plants are regular plants, which are programmed to grow as bonsais. If the sunlight is very limited, plants like Ficus, Aralia and Schefflera can be kept,” suggests Maurya. Fruit and flowering plants require a lot of sunlight. One can grow bougainvillea, fig, orange, cherry, pomegranate, chikoo and even lemon plants as bonsais.

“Keep your credit history clean, by settling outstanding loans and bills in a timely fashion. This will help you, when your credit-worthiness is being evaluated. Compare the long-term benefits of having a floating rate loan versus a fixed rate loan and determine what is best for your needs,” advises Adhil Shetty, CEO of BankBazaar.com.

TIME TAKEN TO CREATE BONSAI PLANTS

It may take several months, to create a beautiful bonsai. Aluminium or copper wires are wrapped around branches for a few months, to give the branches specific shapes. Bonsai plants are classified according to their shape – formal, informal upright, slanting, cascade, and semi-cascade, double trunk and literati. “Regular trimming and pruning of roots, branches and leaves, is essential to maintain the desired shape. Knowing which branch should be cut and which one should be retained, comes with experience,” says Maurya.

“Prices depend on many factors. A basic bonsai tree costs Rs 500 to Rs 1,000. The value of a tree depends on its age, its beauty and aesthetic appeal. Exquisitely styled bonsai trees, can cost Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 or more. It’s like a beautiful piece of artwork,” concludes Thacker.

TIPS FOR GROWING BONSAI PLANTS AT HOME

• Although bonsais are largely displayed inside the home, they should also be kept outdoors, as they require sunshine and dew.
• Once in 15 days, a bonsai plant must be taken out for two to three days.
• Water the plant when the soil is dry. The leaves should be sprinkled with water, as well when watering the plants.
• Bonsai pots should have holes at the base and have unglazed interiors.
• Once in a month, put compost in the plant for nourishment.
• The pot needs to be changed once a year.

TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE PROJECTS IN THANE CONTACT US AT 022 2580 6868

Contact
501, 5th Floor, Plot No – A-123/4,
Odyssey IT Park, Road No. 9,Wagle Estate
Thane  – 400 604, Maharashtra, India
Mobile : (+91) 9833 4583 23 E-mail: mchithane@gmail.com