New Homes That Help Save Planet Earth

Are you searching for information about new homes that will help you leave your "green" footprint on planet earth? If so, you've come to the right place. Let me briefly guide you as to what you should be looking for when you want to purchase one of these cost-effective dwellings. Simply put, there are two basic benefits to owning a green home. First, they're a much better choice for our environment and your loved ones, and second, they're extremely cost-effective and will save you tons of money over the years.

Just what do these monetary savings entail?

- A green home will have very good insulation, with sealing of all cracks and crevices where air could sneak through. This fact will reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly.

- Green appliances, lighting and windows will keep utility bills way down.

- Position your green home to take the best advantage of the sun's light and heat.

- The installation of low flush toilets, new faucets, an upgraded water heater intelligent landscaping can ensure that your home makes the most efficient use of water.

- A green home will be constructed of the highest quality materials: those that are durable and will require fewer costly repairs.

- Many more people are buying new homes that are more energy-efficient, so one purchased now will only increase in value over the next years.

- There are many health benefits to a green home. Materials are durable, yes, but they are also free of toxins. This helps to reduce health issues caused by the buildup of mold, mildew and bacteria, as well as improving ventilation.

- It goes without saying that new homes that are environmentally sound are safer for the environment and use less energy than your standard home.

- A green home will utilize recycled materials, further conserving our environment.

At the moment, we're discussing the benefits of new homes that are built green to assist our over-taxed planet. But we mustn't discount the fact that you can also make remarkable changes to your existing home as well. Changes such as sealing every crack, especially around windows where cold air can seep in during the winter will benefit your current residence as well. And there are many things you can do to improve the inside quality too. Use of proper ventilation is vital. If you're thinking of repainting any portion of your house's interior, there are plenty of paints produced without harmful chemicals that give off toxins and reduce your air quality.

Possibly of greatest importance, there are many ways you should educate yourself when you own and operate a green home. That's just as important as having one built in the first place. It is vital, when you are considering new homes that are environmentally viable, that you seek out a certified green home builder. By doing so, you'll assure yourself and your family that your next home will meet all of the requirements to help save the planet.

Based on the article by Ace Abbey.

Jun 25, 2012

Classy comfort in Butterworth

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HOME investors visiting The Star Property Fair 2012 who are looking for chic urban living, may want to consider Wellesley Residences, a development by PJD Eastern Land Sdn Bhd at Harbour Place Butterworth. At the Wellesley Residences, buyers will be spoilt for choice as they have five different design types ranging from studio, family deluxe and penthouse with the size of a unit ranging from 650sq ft (studio) to 1,810sq ft (penthouse), to choose from. The Wellesley Residences is designed to complement and enhance the living requirements of the modern urban family by focusing on the 3R — Re-energize, Rejuvenate and Revitalize. In addition to that, residences can also enjoy new innovative features such as sky gymnasium, yoga and aerobic zone, sauna and steam rooms, jacuzzi, massage zone and many more.

Nestled at a centralized location where the Penang Bridge is only eight minutes away, the property is also just two minutes drive away from the Butterworth Outer Ring Road and the ferry terminal. It is also close by the Jalan Chain Ferry trunk road, the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway and there is a direct link to the North-South Highway. The residences is also situated near the commercial development of Harbour Place. Buyers will receive 5% rebate with the S&P fee absorbed. For Bumiputras, there will be a further 5% discount.

Touted as Malaysia’s premier showcase for stylish living, the three-day extravaganza will be held at Gurney Plaza and the adjoining G Hotel from July 12 to July 15. Organised by The Star for the 10th year, the fair will be open to the public from 10am to 10pm daily. Admission is free. To date, 43 exhibitors, including financial institutions and investment companies, have confirmed their participation.

Among the major players are IJM Land, SP Setia Group, Mah Sing Properties, Sunway Bintang, Ivory Properties Group, DNP Land, Oriental Realty, Modular Platinum (Ideal Property), Bukit Kiara Properties, Andaman Property, Henry Butcher, KPWG International, Magna Putih, Province Valley and Tambun Indah Land. This year’s new faces include Elite Forward, Sunrise Manner, Solid Tribute (Asia Green Group), GSD Land, Quantum Metro Development, Zetapark Development, East West One Consortium, PJD Eastern Land, Airmas Management, Property Talk, Avenue Properties and Popular Realty. For contest buffs, three tablets and other attractive prizes will be up for grabs daily. IJM Land is the official sponsor for the contest while Hong Leong Bank is the sponsor for the talks and forums.

For details, call Shir Mein (016-4420085), Hafidz (017-7091987) or Maggie 04-6473388 ext 3023.

Source: Star Property

Handy Advice Before You Buy A Home

Getting into the real estate market requires preparation and focus, and there are many dos and don'ts that one must be aware of. If you're planning on buying your own home, read on. Below are tips that will let you go about the process smoothly; things that you may want to keep in mind before you even start viewing houses.

Don't make major purchases

Unless you really need to, don't spend your money on major purchases. Prioritize on what you need to buy first--while you can have loans for big purchases, paying them all at the same time will make it very difficult. Remember that you also have to cover other expenses such as association fees, insurance, and taxes so there will be a need for tight budgeting.

Don't change jobs

One of the things that you must have before you secure a loan for buying a property is financial stability. Changing jobs would mean restarting with employee benefits like health plans, relocation assistance, insurance plans, child care plans, etc. Losing these employee perks will mean you have to spend more money and possibly be in more debt, and therefore delay your house payment. If you have a stable job and you're buying a home, staying will be a wise idea.

Start saving for a down payment

Once you've got your job secured and credit report updated, start saving up for a down payment. Also start reading up on how mortgages work--its structure and laws, so you'll have an idea even before you speak to a lender. In addition, you must look into various loans available out there--don't rush and make sure you're 100% comfortable with the offer before you seal the deal.

Do your research

One of the main reasons why people make bad house purchases is lack of research. Take your time in weighing your options; begin with different choices and gradually narrow them down. For the most part, all you need is the internet--this is where you'll find the details of things like photos about the neighbourhood, news, attractions, local crime rate, etc. These days, home-buyers rely on online sources when they're looking for home pegs, realtors, and lenders. Visiting the neighborhood and talking to the people living in the neighborhood will do wonders as well, as they're the ones who know all about the goings-on in the area.

Home-buying is a process that is as exciting as it is challenging, and it will surely be an utterly rewarding experience to see a house turn into a home. Do not just leave the job to your real estate agent--keeping an eye on the whole buying process is best for any future homeowner, so make sure you're always aware of what's going on as you move forward.

Based on the article by Melissa Douglas

WR Construction site progress as at 14-06-12

BN's vision of Penang

BARISAN Nasional’s alternative blueprint for the development of Penang will include new tourism products and attractions plus new premium shopping outlets. It is learned that under the proposal, Penang will be a hub for the northern region’s tour and travel operators. Also proposed are more incoming airline flights which will generate additional airport tax while also promoting service apartments and condominiums as alternative accommodation for tourists.

In George Town, neglected inner city areas like Magazine Road and Noordin Street will be rejuvenated and turned into hives of activity with the opening of premium outlets. “Allowing various premium brands to rent the shops without changing the heritage structures will create a win-win situation as the city’s heritage will be preserved while job opportunities are created,” said a source who is helping to draft the blueprint. The ‘Sia Boey’ town square concept to capture the feel of old Penang is also being considered.

Revival idea: BN has plans to turn the old Sia Boey site into a floating market.

Clearing the surrounding drains will allow small boats to enter from the clan jetties on Weld Quay to the old market spot. “We can have the taikong wearing traditional Chinese costumes to row the boats. “On board, art and craft items will be sold — it will be a floating market of sorts. “Once the waterways are cleared, stalls selling popular local dishes and trendy coffee outlets can be set up. We can have the trishaw peddlers converging there. 

“The entire ambiance will be attractive to tourists,” he said, adding that adventure cruises along Sungai Pinang and island hopping packages to Pulau Jerejak, Pulau Aman, Monkey Island, Muka Head, Pantai Keracut and the many surrounding isles would also be promoted as Eco-tourism attractions. The iconic Penang ferries could generate greater income if they were turned into floating restaurants that offer sunset and sunrise cruises, he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the Penang International Sports Arena and Pulau Jerejak have the potential to become centres for nightly cultural shows. “These are just some of our ideas — the details are being fine tuned and nothing has been finalized yet.”

On May 14, Penang Barisan chief Teng Chang Yeow announced plans to restore Penang’s free port status as part of a “comprehensive development framework” to make the service industry an engine of growth for the state and narrow the gap between the island and the mainland. He said the state could capitalize on medicine, entertainment, sports and education.

He said Barisan would get the rakyat’s feedback before proceeding with the next stage of its “people-centric” plan. There are also plans to develop the mainland into an international monetary centre and to have an innovative dynamo park as well as a modern aquaculture centre.

He said the plan would include infrastructure and public amenities projects.

By CHRISTINA CHIN (May 19, 2012)
sgchris@thestar.com.my

Roadshow @ Gurney Plaza (31/05 -3/06/12)

Wellesley Residences will be having a roadshow at the ground floor of Gurney Plaza old wing. Please feel free to drop by and find out more about this latest luxury condominium at Harbour Place, Butterworth that is based on the Chis Urban Living Redefined concept. Attractive packages awaits.