Mortgage and loan news

Obtain favorable mortgages from insurance companies!

When people think of mortgages, they usually think of the bank. But it is not only banks that offer mortgages – many customers are unaware that insurance companies in particular offer mortgages at very favorable conditions.

Niche role of insurance companies in the Swiss mortgage market

The domestic mortgage market is dominated by the banks. The two big banks UBS and Credit Suisse and the group of cantonal banks have the largest market shares (about two-thirds). At the same time, it is becoming increasingly apparent that, for reasons of diversification, the cantonal banks in particular are more and more interested in providing larger financing outside their own catchment area. Raiffeisen banks have made strong gains in recent years, currently (2013) holding around 16% of mortgage receivables. The remaining 20% is shared by regional banks and savings banks, which generally operate only locally, and the other banks (including Migrosbank, Bank Coop and Postfinance). Since mortgage lending is not part of the core business of insurance companies, they play only a minor role in the Swiss mortgage market as a whole.

Interesting conditions for owner-occupied homes and MFHs

Often mortgage customers are not aware that insurance companies also offer mortgages. While insurance companies generally focus on so-called "standard financing" (i.e.h. Carrying capacity up to max. 33%, loan-to-value up to max. 80%, no construction financing, no luxury properties) – but especially for owner-occupied residential property or for multi-family houses, the mortgage interest rates offered are extremely attractive – so that the banks can often only keep up with difficulty.

Mortgage and loan news

Real estate from esg to impact investment

Impact investing as a central aspect of the "real estate" asset class. The picture shows Alexanderplatz in Berlin

For Immobilien Europa Direkt (IED), sustainability is at the heart of its investment strategy. That is why the fund has been participating in the "Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB)" since 2017 and has now achieved a "4-star" rating.

For Immobilien Europa Direkt (IED), Zurich Invest AG and Schroders say it's not just about such a GRESB rating, but that sustainability is a deeply held core value. For in today's world of social change and climate crises, ecological burdens would have to be reduced as well as positive influences promoted. "This affects not only our social future, but also our investment horizons. Targeted impact investing therefore goes beyond ESG factors and proactively aims to benefit society and protect the environment while achieving attractive returns."

More and more investors want investment options that focus on sustainability and are interested in a wide range of social and environmental issues so that their investment decisions also contribute to a more sustainable society. Impact investing allows investors to engage according to their values and thus achieve a positive impact on the environment and society – in line with the investment goals they have set themselves, say the promoters.

Mortgage and loan news

School construction train rolls (slowly) on

The State Parents' Committee welcomes the 10-point plan of the districts for school construction and hopes that it will be implemented quickly in the districts and that the Senate Department of Finance will provide the planned structures with the financial support they envisage. We share the view that new school construction and renovation will require more staff than is currently available. Policy makers should consider whether hiring construction professionals, as with teachers at higher experience levels, can reduce the problem of attracting skilled workers in competition with the private sector, and how to outsource necessary design services.

In recent days, u. a. on the part of the Berlin FDP and the association "Gemeingut in BurgerInnenhand" (common property in the hands of citizens), new ideas, protests and concerns have been sporadically carried in the media. Based on this, questions have arisen for the National Parents' Committee regarding the topic of financing.

Critically Norman Heise, chairman of the national parents committee sees the sentence from the senate resolution of 27.06.2017, which reads as follows: "In particular, the long-term leases on the school buildings with the State of Berlin in conjunction with heritable building rights serve as loan collateral vis-A-vis the banks. The state of Berlin would grant the housing association appropriate heritable building rights."
This sentence does not explicitly name school properties, but nevertheless: "It is important to us to clarify how it can be prevented that hereditary building rights are sold or encumbered with mortgages, land or annuity debts, which are then tradable financial products. Before that, however, there are the questions of whether borrowing is necessary at all and, if so, whether it will (have to) become loans that could end up being more expensive, as economist Heinz-Josef Bontrup of the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Gelsenkirchen, Bocholt, Recklinghausen put it in the Berliner Zeitung of 04.11.2017 to consider. We will ask those responsible about this." says Norman Heise.

Mortgage and loan news

5 Tips for spring cleaning your business model

Metal trash bin from paper isolated on white

When the winter is over, and the sun's rays of the beginning spring reveal where everywhere still lies dust or something has accumulated in the corners, breaks out in this country something called spring cleaning: the entire apartment is turned upside down and everything is thoroughly swept, cleaned, washed, many things also sorted out. Best time to do a spring cleaning not only in the apartment, but also in your business model. For you, I put together five tips to get you started:

1 . Get to know your customers
It sounds obvious, but many companies don't know their customers. Of course, there is a database full of customer information that you use for all kinds of analysis. But that's not the point. When was the last time you had a real conversation with your customers? Give your clients time and attention to learn from them. Get out of the ivory tower! You learn more from this than from statistics or your database.

2. Decide
Many companies want to do everything for everyone. At the same time we know: Everybody's darling is everybody's Depp. Be clear about your goals, which customers you work for, how you want to reach them, and how you want to maintain a relationship with them. What will you do and what will you not do? Make sure everyone in the organization is comfortable with these strategic choices.

Mortgage and loan news

House renovation costs and step by step guide

A person counts banknotes, he wants to renovate his house

Anyone dreaming of their own four walls is usually faced with the following question at the start: new or old building? If you decide to build a house, you can design it according to your individual wishes and ideas. A new building usually goes along with high costs and a long waiting period. For many people, the choice therefore falls on the second alternative – they simply buy an existing house. But be careful: the purchase price is usually not enough, especially with older buildings.

Renovating a house: This is how you should proceed

Around 50 percent of the total real estate stock in Germany consists of older buildings. Roughly speaking, this applies to houses that were built more than 50 years ago, i.e. before 1970. However, you should also not underestimate the renovation effort of younger houses. While you often have to reckon with structural problems such as rising damp, poor insulation and thin walls in pre-war buildings, it is not uncommon for more recent houses to have structural-chemical weak points. For example, the harmful substance asbestos was still permitted until 1993 and was thus used liberally in the construction of numerous houses.

Step 1: Take a close look at the current state of the building

If you want to buy a house or have inherited one, you should first put the property through its paces. While some defects, such as extensive mold growth or leaking windows, can be detected by laypersons, other problems can only be noticed by a trained eye. It is therefore essential to consult a real estate appraiser. Although a building expert can easily cost several hundred euros, he or she can save you from making expensive mistakes. If you forego the services of a surveyor and only discover serious defects after signing the purchase contract, your chances of success are rather slim.

Mortgage and loan news

Most important questions from our customersfaq

Yes! You may become a Dubai a real estate as a foreigner. Acquisition is possible in all freehold areas. Freehold areas include Dubai's most well-known and popular neighborhoods. Freehold means that the acquirer acquires all rights to the dwelling and the land portion. The rights to land and housing are therefore comparable to those in Germany.

What do I need to look out for when I want to buy a property in Dubai?

Our clients benefit here from our many years of expertise as a real estate company in Germany. We set the same standards for a real estate transaction here as we do in Germany. In this respect, the relevant criteria for buying real estate in Dubai are no different from buying in Europe in Germany.

Mortgage and loan news

How to buy crypto with the national bank of canada

National Bank of Canada

Summary: Unfortunately, the National Bank of Canada does not yet offer its customers services to buy bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies through its online banking platform, including at National Bank branches, which do not offer cryptocurrency trading counters.

However, customers can deposit Canadian dollars (CAD) from their bank accounts at a FINTRAC-licensed crypto exchange to invest in this asset class. Our first choice is Bitbuy because they offer instant and cheap CAD deposits for trading over 100 cryptocurrencies with low fees. They are licensed by FINTRAC and approved by the Ontario Securities Commission.

Table of Contents

Best crypto exchange for the National Bank of Canada

Fast and inexpensive deposits in Canadian dollars (CAD) via Interac e-Transfer from the National Bank of Canada.

Mortgage and loan news

Financing a property cheaply – what you need to know

Financing a property cheaply – financing basics for buying your first house or apartment.

Taking out a loan is a crucial step in buying your first home, and there are several factors in choosing the most suitable real estate finance. While the myriad financing options available to first-time homebuyers can seem overwhelming, taking the time to research the basics of construction financing can save you a lot of time and money. Optimal construction financing is always determined individually and takes into account personal financing wishes Ideas.

Understanding the market in which the property is located and whether it offers incentives to lenders can provide you with additional financial advantages when making a home loan. And by taking a close look at your finances, you can ensure that you get the construction financing that best suits your needs. This article outlines some of the important details first-time homebuyers need to make their big purchase.

Mortgage and loan news

What is financial crime?

What Is Financial Crime?

What is financial crime? Financial crime has become a stay-awake issue for corporate directors and C-suite executives at financial institutions around the world. Financial crime costs usually include direct losses, fines for non-compliance, and reputational damage.

What is Financial Crime?

Financial crime is generally defined as any activity involving fraudulent or dishonest behavior for personal financial gain. Financial crime refers to all crimes committed by an individual or a group of individuals that involve taking money or other property that belongs to someone else to obtain financial or professional gain. The two most significant types of financial crime are money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Financial crime is a significant ongoing challenge for banks, institutions, and individuals. As regulators and financial authorities introduce new strategies to detect and prevent financial crime, criminals develop more sophisticated methodologies to evade legal scrutiny and commit offenses, including fraud, money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. Financial institutions are also expected to participate in the fight against financial crime by ensuring compliance with the authorities’ regulations at the risk of potentially severe penalties.

Mortgage and loan news

What is a usda mortgage?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is a branch of the U.S. government that focuses on improving rural conditions, supporting rural and agricultural development and natural resource management. Rural Development is an important program within USDA and includes a comprehensive program that makes fully funded home and real estate loans to qualified borrowers. A USDA mortgage can be an excellent choice for an individual or family planning to purchase a rural property. Although access to a USDA mortgage depends on the circumstances, it is generally considered one of the safest and most affordable home loan programs in the United States.

Originally, the USDA mortgage program was developed primarily to encourage agricultural expansion. Agriculture has long been an important component of both infrastructure and the economy in the U.S., and the creation of home and real estate loan programs helped provide incentives for agriculture. The Federal Farm Loan Act of 1916 helped create the first USDA loans that farmers could use for both buying property and delivering it. Later legislation helped expand USDA mortgage programs to other qualified borrowers to finance land and home purchases and even cover the cost of some repairs and expansions.

Income is a major factor in determining eligibility for a USDA mortgage. Generally, income should be considered low or very low, but the exact limits are based on the median income for the area of residence. Borrowers with qualifying income may be able to obtain a fully funded mortgage, but must demonstrate that they can make the mortgage payments based on their existing income. Mortgage payments are often quite low thanks to a generally low interest rate lock and a 30-year loan term.