The Right Road to Development

One of the biggest requirements of any city is a well-planned and more importantly, well-made road network. Unfortunately, in most cities around the country, just like Pune, a single heavy bout of rain is all it takes to undo months of road building labour.

A lot has been said about the more than ten foot wide potholes that come springing up during the monsoon. Journalists have gone on camera with measuring tapes, as if any more proof was necessary, to point out some of the more massive craters. But in an effort to change this outlook the state government is taking strong steps to ensure a well-maintained network of roads.

A rough ride

One of the biggest challenges for the new Maharashtra government is to ensure that up and coming cities like Pune do not lack in the basic infrastructure. Having seen abundant investment, Pune was always a prime student destination, it now can also boast of an IT industry competing that of Bangalore. But once again, it is the basic infrastructure that holds this vibrant city back from fully achieving its investment potential.

Public transport, already a nightmare in the city, becomes an even bigger hassle on account of clogged roads and badly planned exits. One of the biggest refrains of visitors to the city has been the condition of the roads, providing an almost derbyesque bounce in some patches.

Vehicles plying on the roads increase

Statistics indicate that Pune has the highest number of households in the state using two-wheelers. More than 23 lakh privately owned vehicles are plying the city streets, in a situation like this if the roads are not planned properly or not made correctly, problems are bound to arise. 

 The city has also planned to increase the bicycle connectivity of the roads. This will help greatly in student-heavy areas of the city. Some of the best cities in the world have a beautifully planned pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes. Pune definitely needs to take a leaf out of their book in order to better its road network.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the city streets are not just the conditions they are in, but also the massive amount of illegal vehicles and animals that abound on them. Add to the chaos the high number of cars, two-wheelers and public transport vehicles and you have on your hands a logistical nightmare. This is compounded by encroached footpaths and underpasses which often become bottlenecks at peak hours.

Road to the future

 

However, not all is lost. With renewed interest in clearing up the city roads, the state government and city officials are taking steps towards remedying the state of the roads. According to reports, four six-lane roads are being constructed in the city, and out of the twelve planned arterial roads, construction of eight has already been concluded. Developing areas are especially under the limelight owing the high amount of investment they are attracting in terms of property and corporate interest.

All said and done, Pune has one of the better established and maintained road networks among Indian cities and requires just more attention to detail to remain in ship shape. The city officials have also hired the help of professional designers so as to spruce up the drab looks of a few key roads. If the plans fall into place, it is without doubt that a couple of more years and Pune will have one of the best roads in the country.

Property shows – Bringing the mountain to Muhammad

 

One of the best ways to promote freshly constructed property directly to end users is property shows. Each city has its own share happening these days, providing buyers an array of choices and the real estate companies a chance to make a big pitch in a short span of time. Property shows can be anything from a three day affair to weeklong exhibitions where real estate companies, builders and real estate agents from city and various parts of the country gather.

Perfect way to cater to the NRI market

One of the biggest markets for builders lies among the Non Resident Indians, who are always looking for investing back in their original city/state of residence. Property shows targeting them are often scheduled in December or January, keeping in mind their presence in the country.

Their property of choice ranges from apartments, penthouses, and farmhouses, depending on their spending capacity and preference. Weekend homes are a rising choice of investment. Property shows give real estate agency the perfect opportunity to advertise their various amenities and schemes, and help provide a direct contrast with the competitors.

Organizers have also begun setting up property shows in cities in the US, Australia and Singapore, with a higher concentration of Indian population to better cater to this segment. These property shows are the best way to meet prospective customers and convert them for real estate companies.

Creating the right first impression

Property shows are the perfect setting for promoting property away from home. Builders from various cities throng shows in hopes of finding takers for the various investment opportunities property affords. With the property markets seeing a huge upswing on both the personal and commercial property front, builders are exploring different sales avenues to consolidate their gains.

Property shows allow builders and real estate companies to meet their clients directly, inform them of the various benefits of buying property with them. It allows for that much needed personal touch, many companies also go to these shows armed well with an audio visual presentation of the property along well made brochures and flyers so as to make the best possible impact. Stalls at these shows reflect the individuality of the company and are often designed at great expense and with considerable attention to detail all in an effort to create the best first impression possible.

Reaching out to the customer 

Elite properties often have a very selected customer base, and it is this base that is most effectively targeted thanks to property shows. It works for the benefit of both, the real estate companies as well as the buyers, providing the former with a ready customer base and the latter with a selection of prime property.

Passive Income: Make it Real (Estate)

In the 21^st century, at this point, we’ve been raised a certain way. The prospect of success and it’s benefits, the rush of instant gratification through retail therapy and this idea of our version of the American dream, a house, a car, a beautiful wife, two kids and a dog. Well, it’s not that much different from the American dream when you think about it. But you catch my drift. And one of the ways of getting there, climbing the ladder to that success, in my humble opinion, is Passive Income.

Whether passive income exists is an age old debate, but we all have our own individual definitions of the term. According to us the top 4 walks of Passive income are:

• Fixed Deposit: One of the safest and most common way to save your hard earned money 
• Inheritance: Being an heir is what everyone who isn’t would dream of. But sometimes we wish life gets a little movie like and an atrociously rich relative makes us their beneficiary.  So, that becomes your passive income roll.
•  Royalties/Franchise fees:Don’t you wish you ran out of your bath tub someday shouting, “ Eureka Eureka” …and then sit back and reap the benefits of the above. 
• Real Estate: One of our favourite mode to capitalized on.

Owning a property should always be considered as an asset. Location of your property is the basic parameter as owning one in a prime location can be given out on lease, advertising purposes or rentals. Not only are you exempt from paying rent, you have complete control over the area, which may or may not include its renovations or modifications. In one of the better case scenarios, you also have the option of renting out a partial space to another venture. An unused property can also help you seek loans. 

Real Estate is one of those rare few businesses in which the selling price will most likely be higher or equal to the price at which you bought a space, barring any special or unforeseen circumstances.

Real estate makes for excellent collateral. You’d be a sure shot shoo-in for a prospective loan, say for another house, or perhaps more likely an education loan if you have a property of good market value to keep as collateral at the respective financial institution.

Compared to other options for Passive income, real estate is one for the ages. It’s a safer bet than most, and you can always turn the space into a fancy restaurant, if all else fails.