Property Description specifications plot front 47' 4xbeds marble floor(14'x16' atleast) 4xatt bath fully tiled(8'x8') drawing dinning car porch(capacity 3 big cars) lawn complete wood work kitchen furnished demand: RS :5,700,000/00 feel free to visit , or for further details contact my cell 03337104936. maj retd sikander nadeem Visit Property On: Sunday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Enlarge Image

Basic Facts Furnished No Residence 2 Bath(s) 6 Total Area 14 Marla No. of Stories 2 Bedroom(s) 5 Kitchen(s) 2 Built-up Area 12 Marla Facilities: Water Sewerage Gas Electricity Telephone Broadband Internet Connectivity

DHA HOMES PHASE 5 LAHORE

Hot Deal

DHA HOMES PHASE 5 LAHORE

10 Marla Brand New corner DHA Home for sale in DHA PHASE 5, JJ block Lahore with possession. DHA Homes is a joint venture of DHA Lahore and an American firm, BEST BRANDS Inc.

Features:

1. 4 Beds
2. Drawing Dining
3. TV Lounge
4. Kitchen
5. Servant Quarter
6. 7 Split AC installed
7. Generator
8. Security System
9. Wi-Fi installed
10. Personal SECURITY BUIT-IN safe (Digitally operated) in Master Bedroom
11. 1 year complete house waranty
12. 3 years workmanship waranty installed in house
13. 25 years structure waranty
14. Chemical termite proofing with 10 years guarantee.

Demanded price is Rs. 11,600,000

askari

Aslamualikum Dear All,

We are a Real estate property firm which contains a league of purely dedicated estates personals, who are equipped with a great vision in property field. Our existing clients and investors are fully acknowledged from our work and appreciate us for our hard work and fair deal.

Dear All with our experience we guide you that this is the actual time to buy house in Askari X because Now the Property Rates are Down and u can get your Dream House. Don’t Los this Chance, Askari X is a society of Peace you can get every thing that u need. Here we are sending you full guide plan of Askai X That what are the Advantages.

Security

1. Four wall boundary.

2. Infrared System on wall nobody cross the wall.

3. High Resolution Cameras in Street.

Medical

1. CMH Hospital Near To Askari X with 8 to 10 mints drive

Shopping Center

1. Fortress Stadium near to Askari X (with 8 to 10 Mints drive)

2. General Stores are available 24 Hours in Askari X

Fitness Center

1. Cricket ground

2. Football ground

3 Basticball Ground

4. Tennis Court

5. Badminton Court For girls and boys

6. Ground for little children’s

School and Colleges

1. Lacass School near to Askari x For A and O levels Students with 3 Mints drive

2. Bacon House School in Askari X Form Class play group to Three class.

3. (LSE) Lahore School Of Economics Near To Askari X with 5 Mints drive

Mosques

1. Mosques in all Sector A,B,C,D

Why lives in Askari X Why not other Societies?

1. Because of Location and Security Reason its approach is into Mall Road and Ring road

2. Near To Allama Iqbal Airport Lahore.

3. Near To All societies Like DHA Phase 1 to 8

4. Near To Cantt, Rahat Bakery, Footers Stadium

5. Near to Sadder, Bagwanpura, Shalimir, Dharmpura,

Dear All, we wish you to come and see the Houses Because Askari X is Also Different from its designing Houses. You can got Your Designing Home. Here I Add if you invest your Mony to buy House Askari X is also Avaiable for investment you buy House and Rent Out Your property You can Get 32 Thousand rent For 10 Marla House.

Askari X Rates is Also very Reasonable from Other Societies Like DHA you Can get There 10 Marla House in 110 to 125 Lacs and in Askari x you can get House only in 85 to 90 lacs.

we established our Office in Askari X Sec A, commercial area just to provide a quality service to its residents in Sale, purchase and Rental fields at their door steps.

Choice is Your But Guide is Our Wish u a Best of Luck : )

With Thanks,

Mr. Muhammad Atif Rauf (Chairman A&K Real Estates)

Office # 19, Askari X, Commercial Market,

Near New Airport, Lahore Cantt , Punjab, Pakistan.

Phone (092)(042) 66-17890-91-92 Cell: (092) (321) (4548458)

Fax (092)(042) 66-17892

Akrealestate786@gmail.com

All areas of Islamabad

• All areas of Islamabad

SALE / PURCHASE & RENT SERVICES:

We are providing the services of sale / purchase & rent of property (plots and constructed houses) and also assist in rental services for houses in Islamabad. We treat each party to whom we provide service with respect proficiently and dignity. We extensively deal in all areas of Islamabad. Our energetic and dedicated staff always ready to assist you at every step. We conduct business with high standards of honesty, trust, professionalism and more values.

RENTAL SERVICES:

Forces Estate is pleased to provide you assistance in property rentals. If you wish to have residential / commercial property on rent/lease at reasonable price with no compromise on standards quality and comfort then you are wishing for our services. We will treat you with care and give you a best accommodation which suits you and your family. Forces Estate is ready to provide buildings for office accommodation that are both furnished as well as unfurnished, in accordance with the requirements of our honorable clients, in relation with location and space. We remain at your quick disposal for any information or assistance you may need. Please feel free to contact us, we remain. Kind regards, Luqman QadirCustomer Relationship Officer=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=Forces Estate Islamabad Pakistan Office #8, 1st Floor,Irfan Mansion, Block 1-X,F-10 markaz, Islamabad Pakistan.Phone No's.: 92-51-22 93 081 & 2Mobile Telephone: 92 301 840 69 69 Email: luqman@forcesestate.comURL:

lahoor ploting

Aslamualikum Dear All,

We are a Real estate property firm which contains a league of purely dedicated estates personals, who are equipped with a great vision in property field. Our existing clients and investors are fully acknowledged from our work and appreciate us for our hard work and fair deal.

Dear All with our experience we guide you that this is the actual time to buy house in Askari X because Now the Property Rates are Down and u can get your Dream House. Don’t Los this Chance, Askari X is a society of Peace you can get every thing that u need. Here we are sending you full guide plan of Askai X That what are the Advantages.

Security

1. Four wall boundary.

2. Infrared System on wall nobody cross the wall.

3. High Resolution Cameras in Street.

Medical

1. CMH Hospital Near To Askari X with 8 to 10 mints drive

Shopping Center

1. Fortress Stadium near to Askari X (with 8 to 10 Mints drive)

2. General Stores are available 24 Hours in Askari X

Fitness Center

1. Cricket ground

2. Football ground

3 Basticball Ground

4. Tennis Court

5. Badminton Court For girls and boys

6. Ground for little children’s

School and Colleges

1. Lacass School near to Askari x For A and O levels Students with 3 Mints drive

2. Bacon House School in Askari X Form Class play group to Three class.

3. (LSE) Lahore School Of Economics Near To Askari X with 5 Mints drive

Mosques

1. Mosques in all Sector A,B,C,D

Why lives in Askari X Why not other Societies

1. Because of Location and Security Reason its approach is into Mall Road and Ring road

2. Near To Allama Iqbal Airport Lahore.

3. Near To All societies Like DHA Phase 1 to 8

4. Near To Cantt, Rahat Bakery, Footers Stadium

5. Near to Sadder, Bagwanpura, Shalimir, Dharmpura,

Dear All, we wish you to come and see the Houses Because Askari X is Also Different from its designing Houses. You can got Your Designing Home. Here I Add if you invest your Mony to buy House Askari X is also Avaiable for investment you buy House and Rent Out Your property You can Get 32 Thousand rent For 10 Marla House.

Askari X Rates is Also very Reasonable from Other Societies Like DHA you Can get There 10 Marla House in 110 to 125 Lacs and in Askari x you can get House only in 85 to 90 lacs.

we established our Office in Askari X Sec A, commercial area just to provide a quality service to its residents in Sale, purchase and Rental fields at their door steps.

Choice is Your But Guide is Our Wish u a Best of Luck : )

With Thanks,

Mr. Muhammad Atif Rauf (Chairman A&K Real Estates)

Office # 19, Askari X, Commercial Market,

Near New Airport, Lahore Cantt , Punjab, Pakistan.

Phone (092)(042) 66-17890-91-92 Cell: (092) (321) (4548458)

Fax (092)(042) 66-17892

Akrealestate786@gmail.com

NEAR LAHORE AIR PORT PAKISTAN BRAND NEW 7 MARLA HOUSE FOR SALE — Lahore

NEAR LAHORE AIR PORT PAKISTAN BRAND NEW 7 MARLA HOUSE FOR SALE — Lahore

• Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Date Posted: 03 Jul
• Price: Rs 4,000,000

sale farme house

Sabipak Traveler's home Guest House Islamabad — Islamabad

• Location: Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
• Date Posted: 25 Mar
• Price: Rs 45.00miloin

sale home

Structures Homes is a real estate brokerage firm working in this field since 2000, dealing in Residential / commercial properties, dealing in sale & purchase of properties etc. Plots,Bungalows, Apartment & commercial properties etc, Offices. Agency / Estate & Law Associate has a vast approach in cities i.e., Karachi, We strongly feel the requirements of our clients and provide them better and sincere suggestions and Houses/ Bungalows & open land plots sales, Purchase & Rental in Pakistan.



DEPARTMENT & WORKING
Due to expansion and diversification, several departments have been created;

- Sale of Residential plots
- Sale of Commercial Plots
- Sale of Industrial Plots
- Deal in Housing Societies
- Sale of Commercial Properties
- Sale & Purchase of Bungalows
- Sale & Rent of Shops

At this point, the most ambitious prospective real estate agents should be thinking, "Ok, now I have information about how to become licensed and start a career in real estate, but how can I excel?" Here are 10 tips for how to bypass the novice blues and start making money!

10. Invest in quality business cards and hand them out whenever possible. Cards with a current photo of yourself helps to create a faster connection.

9. Attempt to work with more sellers than buyers, although you will always do both. You can spend weeks showing houses to a couple just to have them use another agent or not buy anything at all. You have a greater chance of finding a buyer for a house that you have listed.

8. Specialize in an area or type of property until you have developed a reputation for being the best. Then the sellers will to come to you.

7. Use a customer relationship management (CRM) software system. Act!, GoldMine, Sharkware, and SalesPeople.com are specially designed for salespeople. They enable salespeople to coordinate their contacts, send e-mails, create mail merges, tack and follow up on leads with one system.

6. Create a personal website. With 85% of people using the internet to search for houses, a website is necessary to attract traffic and establish credibility. Champion Realtor Websites builds both economical template sites for beginners and custom sites for established agents with more money.

5. Maintain a clean car and drive often. When showing a home, meet clients at your office and drive them over in your car. This kindness is worth its weight in gas: not only is it deepening the relationship with your clients, but it is protecting them from fraudulent sellers. Plus there is nothing worse than showing a home to a frustrated client after he has driven around lost for an hour. Since you will spend so much time in your car, keep it freshly washed and free of fast food wrappers on the floor.

4. Be friendly and helpful around the office and make friends with experienced agents. Take opportunities to chat with them about what brought them their current success and adapt their tips to fit your style. Some experienced agents get more business than they can take, and may refer clients to you, if you make a good impression.

3. Continue your real estate education by taking classes through online coaching camps. Be wary of the coaching camps that promise unrealistic outcomes and require immense discipline. These have a low success rate as people quickly burn out. Brian Buffini's coaching company has an excellent program for new agents - it coaches agents to stay on track and teaches strategies for how to general referrals.

2. Try to have six months of savings so that you can concentrate on your work without the stress of bills and growing debt.

1. Build and maintain relationships with your clients, because returning customers and referrals is where you will get the majority of your business. Devote part of each day to keeping in touch with phone calls, hand written notes, holiday cards and small gifts.

Turbocharged with SmartDraw

Cory searched for a software product that would work well on a tablet PC and allow the assessors to create professional looking and accurate maps on site. He also needed functionality that could incorporate data cells and tables and convert all information to a usable format seamlessly.

He first looked to a dedicated AutoCad product because of its familiarity, but it was not compatible with a PC and didn't have the integration and management functions he wanted.

He then discovered SmartDraw.

"SmartDraw software was incredibly intuitive. I was surprised by the wide array of templates available that allowed me to integrate and streamline all processes and documentation," he says. "The ability to input data fields into all documents and to save those documents as PDFs helps the company achieve additional efficiencies."

Cory credits SmartDraw with helping Perma-Pier fulfill their 24-hour promise to customers while also saving the company thousands of dollars in valuable workday time.

"With SmartDraw, we've reduced the time assessors and other team members spend at their desks doing additional and somewhat repetitive paperwork."

Another significant benefit of SmartDraw is the assessors' ability —on the tablet PCs— to create professional-looking, digital maps and floor plans of the owner's building while on site (Figure 1).

"The investment in SmartDraw has directly and favorably impacted our bottom line. It has not only saved Perma-Pier thousands of dollars due to increased efficiency, but our customers also tell us how impressed and satisfied they are on a regular basis.

As an assessor finalizes a map, both the customer and our office can immediately see the digital output. The customer can review the map, scope of work and sign a digital contract all on site. The assessor can then spend more time with the customer instead of doing paperwork in the office," Cory explains.

By using SmartDraw, Perma-Pier assessors can also spend more time in the field developing leads. When Cory started working at Perma-Pier, the company had twice as many assessors as they currently have. Now, half as many assessors can do the same amount of work with the increased focus on relationships thanks to SmartDraw.

"I know we have secured many new contracts as a result of the expanded capabilities SmartDraw has given us." Cory went on to say, "Our assessors are very impressed with SmartDraw and love using it. Our customers are also impressed with what the assessors show them and our on-the-spot sales figures represent that fact."

real estate work at coral draw

Figure 1.
Perma Pier uses SmartDraw to create on-site maps.

People facing structural foundation issues in their homes or businesses rely on Perma-Pier Foundation Repair Company to fully assess the problem and provide a proposed solution within 24-hours. To better serve customers and increase internal efficiencies, Cory Howard reached for SmartDraw for speedy, accurate, and impressive results. Because of SmartDraw, Perma-Pier not only saved time in their process, but they dramatically increased the number of customers who signed on the bottom line during their very first Perma-Pier encounter. Here's how.

For more than 15 years, the Perma-Pier Foundation Repair Company has been a leader in providing the most technologically advanced and accurate structural foundation solutions for Texas real estate brokers, investors, business owners and homeowners.

"Because foundation and drainage problems are critical to the structural integrity of a building, our customers need to understand the issues quickly," says Cory Howard, Operations Manager for Perma Pier Foundation Repair.

Traditionally, Perma-Pier's assessors would go to a building site and hand draw a map to evaluate and detail drainage and foundation issues. Then, they would return to the office to input the dimensions and specifics of the map into a computer-aided design (CAD) program in order to get an accurate digital image.

While this system worked, it was time consuming for the assessors, prolonged their workdays, left little time for in-depth customer interaction and added an extra day in the process of assessing the problem and producing a detailed digital image for the customer.

Cory knew this process could be done in a better, faster way—one that would make his customers happier and allow his assessors to cultivate more meaningful customer relationships.

There are also other benefits to real estate investment. There are significant tax benefits through depreciation, there is cash flow and there is pride in ownership. This course concentrates on the attitude necessary to succeed. It will take you to the starting line, and not the finish line. Remember that Japanese word kaizen for continual self-improvement. You are encouraged to take many more courses, read many more books, do lots more local research and form a local network, an alliance of experts to mentor and assist you.

What follows over the next five lessons is our ten-part system for buying the best property at the best price and getting the best possible financing. You will have that winning combination of intellect and effort that the Action Principles® give you. This investment system is meant to stimulate your imagination to help you develop your own personal investment system.

If you know that others have used these techniques successfully, why not you? The confidence doesn't come from reading; it comes from thinking and doing. You will see and meet the people in your own community who own the investment real estate. How different are they from you? Can you do what they have done? Yes, of course you can, if you make that choice to be a person of action.

You may not understand all of the discussions in this course or find them all relevant. That's OK. As you gain knowledge and experience, more and more pieces will begin to fit together. Again, you don't have to wait nor should you wait to become an expert, make your plans to buy your first home or your first income property. Get to work.

The real estate investing business is a perfect part-time business because real estate is a people business. The people are the sellers, agents, tenants, contractors, lawyers and others you make a part of your success program. If you can deal with people and understand their motivations, you can succeed. You can become financially independent and gain status in your community because you will be providing a valuable commodity: quality housing. To succeed in this people business, you must follow the Action Principles^® philosophy built upon a commitment to self-improvement and service.

Self-improvement refers to a continual pursuit of knowledge. How does the local real estate investment market work? How can I use this knowledge to work for me? As you commit to self-improvement, that will include your real estate education. You will read books. You will look at properties. You will make and win and lose offers. You will buy and sell. You will talk with agents and owners and architects and bankers and other investors. You will learn more and more.

Begin Now

This is a ten-lesson system for investing in local real estate and this system works. This system works if you're young or old, male or female, comfortable financially or just saving for a first purchase. This system will work anywhere in the United States and probably anywhere in the world. Over the last twenty-five years, I have taught this system to tens of thousands of people. The system works if you understand and apply the strategies. Don't worry; it's all very easy. Most of the people who fail are those who don't follow through.

I suggest that you begin by reading the entire course through once. At least, read this lesson and then Lesson Ten. Then go back for a second reading taking your notes. From your notes, make your plans. With your plans, get to work.

Economic Stimulus Package

What on earth does a stimulus package actually mean? Let us have a consideration first of all as to what is going on around the rest of the world. Clearly, the rest of the governments around the world have been jumping on the bandwagon and going economic stimulus packages for this and that and whatever else. Some have been handout, some have been tax cut, some have been infrastructure spending, and Australia has been there. They have done exactly all of those things.

Now, I am a little bit cynical as to the underlying purpose behind the stimulus package. Part of it is definitely political and making a political statement about how good we are in taking action and all of those sorts of things. I think the stimulus package that was announced, whatever it is that gets through the senate is a different story altogether but it has good points and it has bad points.

I am not someone who is in favor of direct handouts. Now, to some of you that might sound hard particularly if you are doing a little bit though at the moment, but it is like a drug addict for that respect. Getting to more drugs is not going to help. What you need to do is to cure the problem and the problem is not not having enough money. The problem is the squeeze and the lack of money going round and just spending more money is not necessarily going to solve that, or handing out money that the stimulus package that was put together in the handouts were given at pre-Christmas. You know, surveys show there is only a third of that that was actually spent. So, you have got really the purpose that was intended for and I do not believe it was.

Infrastructure spending on the other hand is a totally different story. I am majorly in favor of that and I think most of our governments have not had enough of a full thought and forward vision and thinking generations ahead to have the guts to stand up and spend money on those areas. Unless you have a clear leader that is going to do that, the country ultimately will stagnate and that is what has been happening.

So spending money on infrastructure is a good thing. Now, whether it goes into schools or whether it goes into hospitals or roads or technology or packages that stimulate business to get out there and do things and create an Australian-made and jobs here in the Australia, I think that is actually what is more important than just government spending. So we will employee a few people to build a couple of roads and a few schools. Sure, that is going to help but it is not going to be the real core answer to the problem.

There is a reporter that I particularly like. His name is Allan Cola and I will read you a little excerpt from one of his commentaries on the stimulus package.

“Yesterday, the prime minister said something like this. ‘The world economy is totally bugged but here is a few bucks for some of you and we are going to pay for a whole lot of more schoolrooms and give a few of you something to do.’ Well, that might be a cynical synopsis of what the stimulus package was all about. What was actually said, it goes along something a little bit more like this. ‘We now face an economic recession with a massive impact on jobs right across the world.’ And then later on in the announcement, the prime minister said ‘the policy of this government is to act and to act decisively’. Well, if that is not a political statement, I do not know what it is.”

He has possibly got it right in my opinion and we do need to be looking towards the future but the real core has not been addressed and it has nothing to do with the government. It is actually all to do about public sentiment, it has to do with media hype and it has to do with the financial institutions that have put a complete squeeze on our economy.

What is actually going on is that they stopped lending. They have stopped lending to businesses, they have stopped lending to investors, and they have basically stopped the whole entrepreneurial world from getting out there and taking risks. And if you do not have an entrepreneur out there that is willing to get out there and take risks and a financial institution is prepared to back them, you have an economy that has stopped because they are the ones that create employment. They are the ones that create profits. They are the ones that make the money go round and round and round. And unless we keep that within these shores and not sending it all for all around the world and selling all of that technology and letting all of our amazing young talent with the creative ideas and inventions go off overseas and develop them elsewhere, we do not benefit and that is exactly what we have been doing over the last 10 or 20 years.

All of our talent has had to go overseas to get the recognition and the backing to make things happen. We need to call that back. We need to call that back onto the Australian shores and that is what the government should be encouraging. And I guess they partially are in some respects, but I do not think they really recognize just how much of an impact that had over a longer period of time in our economy. We need to stop letting—in fact, the steel industry. Take that as an example. Okay, we produce iron ore. We have got great reserves of iron ore. We are a lucky country in that respect, so we have got good mining resources and we ship it overseas to places like China. They turn it back into steel and then we buy it back at inflated process.

What do you think that is doing to us in the long term? Sure, we get a short term benefit because we get the sale but what that means is we then are buying it back at high prices. We should be at least at a bare minimum, producing enough steel in this country to supply our own needs. Sell the rest of the iron ore off to China if you want to do that, but that is the type of stimulus that we should be encouraging here, the capital and the infrastructure to might that happen.

You know, technology is so cutting edge these days that we can be competitive if we keep up to date on the technology and innovation and those types of things. Sure, our wages are always going to be higher. Our cost of living is higher. Our standard of living is higher. And I do not think any of us want to change that but we need to be a little bit more parochial about Australia and our economy and our economic futures, and everything that it means to be Australian. I think that is the thing that is going to change this country.

You know, when you look at the infrastructure spending that was actually announced, there is instillation, the schoolrooms is 350, road black spot upgrades is 200 sets of boom gates, there is 650 million of road maintenance and then urgent maintenance on 2500 vacant social commission homes, 20,000 new vacant social housing. All of this stuff, yes it is going to work in the longer term but it is not enough. The dream is not big enough.

You know, you take JFK. He said, “We are going to go to the moon.” This might be debatable as to whether they actually got there or not, but it changed the nation. You know, American president is announcing that we are going to have a rile link-up around the country. That is what is dreams are made of. We need to have bigger dreams. We need to be looking at pipelines that go into the—and to put water into the center of Australia to open up all of that country, and all it is missing is water. We need to be looking at programs to capture the water that is now flooding through Cannes at the moment. What is happening to us? It was all just running off into the ocean and in tons and tons to the south, those types of things. We need to be focusing on solar power. We need to focusing on green. We need to be focusing on all of these other things and that is where some money should going.

Back in the 1930’s, there was a gentleman by the name of John Maynard Keynes I think his name was. He created the name Paradox of Thrift. And it is quite interesting when you look at that word Paradox of Thrift. What does that really mean?

Well in the 1930’s, it was used to describe what happened if everybody saves more and spends less. Now, saving is good at an individual level but if everybody does that, exactly that, they save more than they spend, national output fall and employment rises, and incomes fall. So that is the paradoxical bit where you have an increase in the savings, right. Actual savings results decrease. That is why it is called a paradox because savings can reduce both income and savings. It is one of those funny economic quirks, if you like.

But in this case, what we are actually saying is a paradox of stimulus. To justify the spending of $42.5 billion plus $10.4 billion last year even though tax revenues have actually fallen by $115 billion over the last four years, the budget is already in deficit. The government is basically scaring the living daylight of everybody because what is actually happening is the fear that is being creating contracts the economy, which far outweighs any of the positive effect of more money in the system going round. That is because companies fight with similar big revenues, are cutting costs and reducing debt, and household to doing exactly the same. No matter how much spending the government does or the debt that they are actually incurring to do so, the crises will not end until owners of capital and consumers start risk taking again.

Entrepreneurs, get out there and start making things happen. What we have is a credit crisis characterized by a general collapse in the willingness or the sentiment or the confidence to get out there and take risks.

Banks are not lending, businesses are not investing, and consumers are not spending. No matter how much the government tries to counter all of those things or to replace them, it is just not happening.

The first thing we need to lobby and to be outspoken about and get the meteor on the bandwagon of is make the banks start lending again. Start free up the system. Our banking institutions have not hurt like the international ones. They are not in that same credit crisis. They need to be free and the things that is holding a lot of the investor market back is the mortgage insurance industry here in Australia, which is all owned by America. And because America is hurting, the company generally is hurting out of the results they have over America, nothing to do with what is going on in Australia.

Consequently, America is their major market. They have contracted so they just said, “Do not worry about little Australia. They are only a part of our market even if they are making a profit and have not had the foreclosures and have not had any of the problems that the American head office has.” What they should be doing is cutting us free and let us run our own race because we are not into trouble while everybody else is.

Anyway, I have said enough for today. I have been on my soapbox for a little too long. So that is my review of the stimulus package. Get out there, be patriotic, be Australian, buy Australian, spend Australian, and manufacture Australian. We need to get out there and take control back of our destiny of this country instead of selling it off to everybody else around the world.

But that is my viewpoint so I will leave you with that and I will talk to you again next week. See you guys! Have a great day.

ROBERT SHAROFF

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. That’s not just a cliché. It’s a statement about taking control. Whether you’re a newcomer to real estate or a veteran whose career has never quite taken off, you can begin today on the path to success. Start by recognizing that there are no excuses for failure.

In this business, “the harder you work, the more money you’ll make,” says Kenneth W. Edwards, author of Your Successful Real Estate Career (AMACOM Books, 2003), a primer for new salespeople. “There’s no secret beyond that.”

“The most common reason for not making it,” says Sean Conlon, president of Century 21 Sussex & Reilly in Chicago, “is giving up before you get over the last hill.” Conlon is one of the industry’s more compelling rags-to-riches stories. He immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1990 and worked as a janitor before going into real estate. He became the city’s top selling salesperson and, in 2000, founded Sussex with two partners.

It’s fine to talk about hard work and perseverance, but exactly what do you need to work at? What steps lay the groundwork for future success?

REALTOR® Magazine posed those questions to successful practitioners who remember what it was like to show up for work that first morning, be assigned a desk and a phone, and be told to “get out there and make it happen.”

General Growth had previously put several of its flagship properties, including all three of its Las Vegas malls, up for sale. [ID:nBNG465138] Analys

General Growth had previously put several of its flagship properties, including all three of its Las Vegas malls, up for sale. [ID:nBNG465138]

Analysts and other real estate experts have speculated that mall owners Simon Property Group Inc -- the largest U.S. mall owner -- and Australia's Westfield Group would be interested in buying some of General Growth's assets from bankruptcy.

"Their stock of malls in the U.S. is pretty good -- they are decent quality retail real estate. And I imagine the market reaction if there are any sales of their assets will be positive," said Bruce Nutman, UK head of retail capital markets at CB Richard Ellis.

General Growth said its properties would be open for business and operating as usual.

"Our core business remains sound and is performing well with stable cash flows," General Growth Chief Executive Adam Metz said in a statement. "While we have worked tirelessly in the past several months to address our maturing debts, the collapse of the credit markets has made it impossible for us to refinance maturing debt outside of Chapter 11."

General Growth has received a debtor-in-possession financing commitment of about $375 million from Pershing Square Capital Management LP as agent.

Pershing Square, the hedge fund run by William Ackman, owns about 25 percent of General Growth shares and had been urging the company to file for bankruptcy. Ackman has said its shares could rise even in bankruptcy because the market value of its assets far exceeds their book value.

At the end of 2008, about $15.17 billion of General Growth's debt consisted of mortgage loans that had been securitized into commercial mortgage-backed securities, according to research firm Trepp.

"This underscores that real estate companies are most vulnerable to refinancing risk rather than market risk," said Nomura's London-based property analyst Mike Prew.

General Growth shares were halted on the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, but in premarket trade, they had fallen some 43 percent to 60 cents. The shares hit a 52-week high of $44.23 in May 2008 and a lifetime high of more than $67 in early 2007.

The bankruptcy helped push down the entire real estate investment trust sector, as the benchmark MSCI U.S. REIT Index fell 2.1 percent.

While General Growth bonds were not trading, Rouse's 5.375 percent notes due 2013 rose to 37.5 cents on dollar versus 29.25 cents on Wednesday, according to MarketAxess.

SETTING UP A TEAM

General Growth's refinancing troubles led to the firing of former CFO Bernard Freibaum in October. John Bucksbaum, who succeeded his father Matthew in 1999, stepped down as CEO the same month, but he remained chairman.

The company has hired law firms Weil Gotshal & Manges and Kirkland & Ellis to represent it, according to court papers. Pershing Square has hired law firm Jones Day and lead attorney Robert Profusek to represent it.

The case is In re: General Growth Properties Inc, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York, No. 09-11977.

(Reporting by Ilaina Jonas and Emily Chasan; additional reporting by Sinead Cruise, Ajay Kamalakaran and Nick Carey; editing by Patrick Fitzgibbons and Tim Dobbyn)

The Other Reason Why New Agents Fail

In addition to being unprepared and overwhelmed by real-life situations that aren't covered in real estate licensing classes, new agents have another reason why their failure rate is so high - they don't go after the business.

Getting a real estate license is just the first step toward preparing real estate agents for their new career. Other steps include Internet readiness, having a business plan to follow, learning the ropes with mentors or by reading agent advice, and much more. But one thing agents aren't prepared for enough is how instrumental they have to be to get sales going.

Where do sales come from? Many agents don't give enough weight to this question. Are you one of these agents? If you are destined for success, you already know that you are responsible for generating your own business. You are prepared to get on the phone, knock on doors and tell everyone you know and meet that you are ready to do business with them.

If you are destined for failure, it is because you hold one of these three erroneous beliefs:

1. Your broker, family and friends owe you sales

   Many brokers like to boast that they are the most well-known or the largest brokerage in town, or that they are affiliated with the finest franchise. These superlatives are great recruiting points but only if they translate into helping you make more money.

   For example, being associated with a large franchise can be prestigious, but did you know that franchises are not about helping agents? They are about helping the broker be profitable. Very few franchises care about the brokers' agents, because the agents are not their customers - the broker is. In fact, with most franchises, the franchise fees for some franchise affiliates are so steep that many agents feel handicapped by them. Some franchises also charge the brokers' agents for referrals and relocation business. You might get business from a franchise broker, but you'll pay dearly for it.

   Everyone shakes their heads over poor agent retention without looking at the number one reason why - franchises and brokers expect the agents to bear most of the costs of their businesses. Agents, in turn, who can bring in business, have turned the tables and have strong-armed the brokers into paying higher commissions. So a bitter war is going on between the agents and brokers on who will pick up the check for lead generation.

   Brokers expect you to pay all the costs of getting your business up and running so that you can bring business to them. That's why you're called an agent, rather than a partner.

   The bottom line is that if you expect your broker to help you get business, expect to pay the broker a hefty referral fee for doing so. Many brokers charge their own agents as much as 30 percent of their commissions for a broker referral.

   You can assume, therefore, that a broker will only pass this business along to someone he or she is certain can close the deal.

   So don't expect to be handed sales from your broker. The most you can expect is to do "floor time," where you answer the brokers' phones to get business. While this can result in some business, it is certainly more profitable for the broker, who is saving receptionists' costs in exchange for your time.

   Family and friends shouldn't be counted upon either. First, the odds that someone in your close circle is buying or selling a home just when you get licensed is lucky timing, and you shouldn't depend on luck. Second, what makes you think they want to bet their money on a rookie? You charge the same commission as an experienced agent, don't you?

   While you may get lucky and someone you know hands you a listing on a silver platter, that's not real life nor what life will be like after the sale. You'll only be putting off the inevitable - that moment when you are right back where you started - needing new business. However, if someone you know is selling or buying and is uncomfortable about working with you, you can always offer to bring in a more experienced agent and split the sale with him or her in exchange for letting you learn under his or her wing. Then your family or friends get two for the price of one, and you get some much needed experience and tutelage. Plus, the more experienced agent might refer business to you one day, if you've proven yourself with a high work ethic.

2. You think you won't have to farm to get business

   Conjoined to the notion that your broker will bring you business is the idea that all you have to do to get business is to advertise. Advertising is spending money to attract strangers, and strangers are a lot harder to turn into clients than people who know you. While a little advertising is good, especially on the Internet where buyers and sellers look for strangers to do business with, it should not be the only way you rely on getting business.

   There is no substitute for mining what is already at your door - friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, and past business associates - people who know you and would put their faith in you. There's also the neighborhood where you live and other areas with which you are familiar.

   That's why all real estate pros will tell you that you have to "farm." Farming is just like it sounds - hoeing, planting seeds, watering, nourishing the soil, and spraying for bugs. It's also harvesting and replanting for next year, so it is a continuous process.

   Farming in your business means establishing a geographical area to be your area of expertise (you may be licensed by the state, but do you really have time to drive back and forth to all its borders?), knocking on doors and introducing yourself, sponsoring neighborhood interests and events like schools and fund-raisers, and getting your face and name generally known as someone who cares about the area.

   Farming can also include concentrating on a group, like an association, networking group, or club.

   Farming means going out and asking for the business - telling people you want their business, and convincing them you will do a great job if they give you their business.

3. You think you'll get lucky

   Many new agents, because they are undercapitalized to go into business for themselves, hedge their bets by keeping their day jobs. This is especially true if they are secretly afraid that they won't be successful.

   But you can't serve two masters because one's demands won't be subordinate to the other's. Imagine telling your boss that you can't come to work because you have a listing appointment. Could you tell the listing appointment you can't come when it is convenient for them because you have a second job? Either situation underscores why having two jobs is a sure reason you won't be successful as an agent.

   "In my opinion, the biggest reason new agents fall out of real estate is failure to get up and go to work each day," says Realtor Mary Leizinger. "Not everyone is cut out to be an entrepreneur and has the self discipline to work seven days a week for a couple of years to learn the business and build a pipeline. Many never cut the cord from other careers and aren't able to make the full-time plus commitment it takes. For many agents, it takes 4-5 years to turn the corner to a good, after-tax income."

   So luck is a matter of hard work, and the harder you work, the more your "luck" improves.

Average Income of a Real Estate Agent

According to the Department of Labor, the median real estate agent's income in 2004 was $35,670 (median means half above and half below). That's gross income, out of which all their business expenses had to be paid. The bottom 10% had a gross median income of only $17,600. Even if you're with a broker that provides an office, phone, business cards and some prospect leads, you'll still have expenses for your car, personal marketing, client gifts/entertainment and more.

Real Estate Sales

A Bound has offered real estate sales services for commercial, industrial, and residential properties since the company's inception. These professional services are offered to both buyers and sellers and include real estate sales, leasing, renting and property management services.

Each of our Salespeople / Realtor Reps are licensed as members of the Northern New Brunswick Real Estate Board (NNBREB), the New Brunswick Real Estate Association (NBREA) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

A Bound's experience ranges from the sale of vacant residential building lots through to the sale of abandoned military bases.

Property Appraisal

A Bound has been in the property appraisal field for over 12 years, and has expertise in industrial, commercial, institutional and residential property appraisals.

We pride ourselves as an industry leader on turn-around time for our appraisal work:

• typical narrative commercial appraisal (typically 2 week turn-around) and
• residential appraisals (typically report between 24 to 48 hours after inspection)

Our broad range of service offerings provides quality appraisal work produced for a variety of applications, including:

• appraisals for capital gains
• appraisals for fire damaged properties
• real estate sales
• financing
• matrimonial
• Transactional
• Asset Valuation
• Assessment Appeals
• Other Legal Purposes
• Land Rights for First Nation Communities
• Property for Mortgage Foreclosures
• Review of Existing Appraisal Work
• Pertaining to Stumpage Estimates
• General Property Consulting
• Updating Property Information Using New Technologies, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Land Surveying

Land Surveying

A Bound Corporation's founder has been a land surveyor since the beginning of his professional career. We are constantly enhancing our real property service offerings to our clients, and as such have recently acquired the assets of two additional survey companies, Surtec Services Ltd. and Cain Surveys Ltd. to add to the breadth of our offerings.

We provide a full line of legal survey services for boundary line determination, financing purposes, control, mining / exploration, expropriation / condemnation and subdivision of land. We also have significant experience in title abstracting, subdivision design and layout, pipeline right of ways, highway widening and relocation, range lights, First Nation / Indian Reserves, national parks, railway right of ways, provincial control system and provincial mapping system.

Our offerings in this field include a broad range of specialized services, including:

• Boundary Verification
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• Surveyor's Real Property Reports for Financing
• Topographic Surveys

UAE capital looks to strengthen property sector with clear cut laws

21-Apr-2009

The bylaws to be presented before the Abu Dhabi Govt later this month

In a bid to effectively guide the UAE capital's property market in line with the real estate law issued five years ago, Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) has come up with some effective bylaws, a top official said. The bylaws will then be presented before the government later this month, said Dr Abdullah Gareeb, executive director for DMA's property management arm.

The laws will eventually help create separate land departments, property regulatory bodies and rent indexes in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region municipalities. Currently each municipality functions as infrastructure development body, land registration entity and as a regulator itself. The functions are yet to be defined and split.

Usually, the government formalizes the laws by a decree. Although there is no time-frame for the decree, Dr Gareeb said, he expects them soon. He said, following the formal issuance of the law, all property developers, brokers and sub-developers will be asked to register their companies and projects.

Sanofi-aventis to establish entity in King Abdullah Economic City

21-Apr-2009

King Abdullah Economic City and its several components will create up to 1 million employment opportunities and will be home to 2 million residents

Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sanofi-aventis to establish an entity of the leading global pharmaceutical company in King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), the single largest private sector real estate development in the region. Developed by Emaar.E.C, with SAGIA as the prime facilitator, KAEC has emerged as one of the global hotspot investment destinations in a range of industries. Sanofi-aventis is one of the first pharmaceutical majors to establish a significant presence in KAEC, which will also have a full-fledged Healthcare City to drive the medical needs of its residents.

HE Amr Al Dabbagh, Governor, SAGIA, said, "Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority is committed to achieving its Vision 10x10 of making the Kingdom one of the world's top 10 investment destinations. As a pioneering Economic City, KAEC is strengthening Saudi Arabia's standing as a globally preferred destination for investors. The MoU with Sanofi-aventis is a reiteration of the multi-pronged investment options offered by KAEC."

Located by the Red Sea Coast on 168 million sq m of land, KAEC real estate development has 6 key components - The Sea Port, Industrial Zone, Central Business District, Educational Zone, Resort District and Residential Communities. Emaar.E.C has launched the first phase of the project to overwhelming investor response.

amptons International to display best British properties at Cityscape Abu Dhabi

21-Apr-2009

Hamptons International to display best properties on sale in the UK at Cityscape Abu Dhabi

Hamptons International, a premier international property services company, will showcase a diverse portfolio of British properties at Cityscape Abu Dhabi as part of its ‘Best of British' campaign, which was launched in Dubai. The unique event is aimed at UAE investors interested in leveraging falling property prices in the UK.

Niki Gifford, Marketing & PR Director, Hamptons International, said, "This is the first time we have launched the ‘Best of British' campaign in the UAE and so far the response has been encouraging. We look forward to Cityscape Abu Dhabi as it is an ideal opportunity to meet prospective property buyers and a wider network of developers and customers."

According to Gifford, the UAE investors have always preferred the UK market for its range of quality property developments in some of the best locations providing easy access to a host of amenities including schools, leisure destinations and healthcare facilities. Due to the economic slowdown, there are now profitable and affordable developments available for sale and the ‘Best of British' showcases incredible value propositions including townhouses, vacation homes and commercial properties.

Another $10bn bond planned by Dubai to brighten real estate prospects further

In keeping with Dubai's efforts to shore up real estate sector, another $10 billion (Dh36.73 billion) is being raised by selling bonds this year to tide over the present crunch. Dubai had earlier launched a $20 billion bond programme in February, issuing the first half to the UAE Central Bank to support firms struggling to meet debt and other financial commitments.

Dubai, home to the world's tallest properties and manmade islands shaped as palm trees, is somewhat emerging from the present nightmare through some visionary policies. Come September this year it will have a soft launch of its hi-tech metro services. This eventually can perk up the real estate sector further.

The global financial crisis and a collapse in oil prices somewhat froze the Gulf region's six-year economic boom. Things are somehow returning back to normalcy and the government should be lauded considerably on this count.

Dubai’s Real Estate Investment Trusts outperform equities, bonds - Research

Analysis of property price data provided by two of Dubai's leading property management firms - Colliers and Landmark Properties -has revealed that the performance of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) outperformed equities and bond. Inclusion of unleveraged REITs, as an asset class in a portfolio, provides increased returns while reducing overall risk.

According to new research, enhancing returns, reducing volatility, hedging inflation, and complying with Shariah law are among the many benefits associated with unleveraged real estate investment trusts (REITs),

REITs are commonly regarded as close-ended companies or trusts that hold, manage and maintain real estate for investment purposes which is leased to tenants. Using knowledge gained through research, data and methodology, as well as business courses at BUiD, findings outlined the advantages and growing popularity of REITs in Dubai.

Pakistani Government to provide all facilities to investors in Gwadar

Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Muhammad Saleh Bhutani said on Tuesday that the interim government was committed to provide all sorts of facilities to investors and industrialists for their investments and establishing industries in Gwadar port city.

The CM was talking to a delegation of Chamber of Commerce led by its president Sardar Anwar Khan Jaffar here at the CM Secretariat.

He said the government is making all-out efforts for promoting investment and trade activities aimed at creating maximum job opportunities in order to end unemployment from the province.

“Gwadar port city reflects bright future not only for Balochistan, but also for the country,” he said, adding that the port city is ideal for investment and setting up industries. In this regard the government encourages investors and industrialists.

Meanwhile, Director Health Foundation called on the CM. The Director Health briefed him (CM) about the performance of his foundation.

The CM lauded the performance of the Health Foundation and said the government is taking all possible steps for development of health sector in the province.

Pakistani Government to provide all facilities to investors in Gwadar

Caretaker Chief Minister Balochistan Muhammad Saleh Bhutani said on Tuesday that the interim government was committed to provide all sorts of facilities to investors and industrialists for their investments and establishing industries in Gwadar port city.

The CM was talking to a delegation of Chamber of Commerce led by its president Sardar Anwar Khan Jaffar here at the CM Secretariat.

He said the government is making all-out efforts for promoting investment and trade activities aimed at creating maximum job opportunities in order to end unemployment from the province.

“Gwadar port city reflects bright future not only for Balochistan, but also for the country,” he said, adding that the port city is ideal for investment and setting up industries. In this regard the government encourages investors and industrialists.

Meanwhile, Director Health Foundation called on the CM. The Director Health briefed him (CM) about the performance of his foundation.

The CM lauded the performance of the Health Foundation and said the government is taking all possible steps for development of health sector in the province.

Islamabad: Gwadar plots only for those who mean business

ISLAMABAD (October 24 2008): Adviser to Prime Minister on Industries, Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo on Thursday proposed constitution of an administrative body to oversee major projects being undertaken for development of infrastructure in Gwadar and adding that industrial plots should be allotted only to those who mean business.

The Ministry of Industries and Production has also proposed zero rating of sales tax on supply of construction materials to investors who are working at the Gwadar Export Processing Zone for development of infrastructure. The proposal was floated in the meeting of the committee constituted by the ECC on package of incentives for Gwadar Export Processing Zone under the Chairmanship of Manzoor Wattoo.

It was also proposed that provision of plots be made to investors on lease at reasonable rates which will be determined by authorities of EPZ in consultation with government of Balochistan depending on the size of investment.

The committee also proposed to give permission to industrialists for exporting upto 80 percent of their production from zone to tariff area of the country on payment of usual duties.

The committee proposed 20-year tax holiday for accelerated development of Gwadar Export Processing Zone. Exemption from stamp duty was also suggested for the purpose. The committee also recommended similar incentives to exporters in Gwadar as were available to projects in other parts of the country. The representative of Balochistan government, Ahmed Baksh Lahry said that all the policies regarding development of Gwadar project should be framed keeping in view the needs and desires of the local community.

Gwadar: ECC approves tax relief for port

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Tuesday approved up to 40 years’ tax exemption to Gwadar Port on Dubai-backed proposal, but shelved decision on wheat support price. The ECC on Tuesday held its last meeting, totalling 115 meetings under the chairmanship of Shaukat Aziz as Finance Minister and Prime Minister. It also posed for a photo session.

After the meeting, Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan, Special Secretary, Finance, briefing the journalists, said that the ECC granted 20 years corporate income tax exemption. He said that three companies, to be formed by Gwadar Port, would be exempted from sales tax, while material and equipment to be used for construction of Gwadar Port would also enjoy sales tax exemption for 40 years.

An official, however, told Business Recorder that Gwadar Port proposal was not on the agenda till previous night and it was brought up at the eleventh hour as it was being pushed by the Dubai-based investor. When he was asked if this tax exemption was not being given to Aqeel Karim Daddy, he preferred to remain silent.

The ECC also decided to shelve wheat support price, proposed by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock (Minfal) and the committee under Minister for Industries and Production Jahangir Khan Tareen.

Minfal was of the view that wheat support price should be Rs 500 per 40 kg while the Tareen committee had revised it to Rs 450 per 40 kg. “The ECC has decided to delink support price and procurement price, signalling to the farmers that the government was targeting 7 million tons wheat procurement–two million tons more than last year,” Dr Ashfaque said. He said that the issue was discussed in detail and it was decided that support price would be determined at the time of procurement.

He said that the ECC also approved motorcycle development program, according to which $50 per motorcycle would be provided as Research and Development (R&D) support on export. However, the government would review the policy annually to ensure that it is not misused.

At present, 43 companies are manufacturing motorcycles. Of this number, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki have been here for long, but 40 companies are new, which are owned by Chinese investors.

The ECC also approved the long-awaited auto sector development program without any financial implications, he said, adding that used vehicles import would be regulated so that local industry may not feel the brunt. He said that ECC approved co-generation of power by the sugar industry on fast track basis, but did not approve the tariff recommended by Industries Minister.

The industry has indicated to generate 1500-2000 MW electricity, using coal (local or import) and bagasse which could also be expanded. He said that the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) had been directed to determine upfront within 45 days of filling the application.

“PSMA will provide all necessary information to the regulator for upfront tariff,” he added. He said that at present 3.347 million tons wheat is in stock available in the country. Of this, Punjab has 2 million tons, Sindh 350,000 tons, NWFP 72,881 tons, Balochistan 48,270 tons and Passco 863,969 tons.

The ECC also reviewed the prices of essential commodities and noted that there was an increase in the prices of 24 items, decrease in four, and prices of 25 items remained stable during the week ending November 8.

He said revenue collections during October was Rs 66 billion against the target of Rs 61.8 billion, showing an increase of 23.7 percent. The revenue collection during the first four months of fiscal year was Rs 271.1 billion, showing an increase of 14.3 percent as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

Dr Ashfaque said total exports during July-October this year were worth $5.865 billion, registering an increase of 6.3 percent over the last year, while imports were of $11.4 billion, showing an increase of 19.7 percent as compared to the corresponding period last year. The increase in imports was mainly due to rise in oil bill and machinery.

Export Processing Zone to be constructed at Gwadar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minster for Industries and Production Mian Manzoor Ahmad Wattoo has said that Export Processing Zone would be established in Gwadar and 1000 acre land has been acquired for the project. The government will also provide special discounts and other facilities to develop the industry at the zone. He stated this while chairing a meeting of the Gwadar Port Review Committee here on Wednesday. Balochistan Minster for Industries Syed Ahsan Shah and Chief Secretary Balochistan were also present at the meeting. The minster said that the government was determined to make Gwadar port the economic hub of the world, which would accelerate the socio-economic development process of the country. He said that the port was already functional and more than 500 trucks were engaged in fertiliser transportation, while the port will also be used for wheat imports.Wattoo said that promises by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani to the people of the province will be fulfilled. He said that the people and the government of the province were fully cooperating with the federal government which will help successfully complete the development plan in the province.

He said that this port will also lead to raising the living standard of the people by generating more job opportunities, and added that all components of the Gwadar port master plan would be implemented.

The set of recommendations for establishing of the EPZ would soon be presented to the cabinet for approval.

Pakistan Navy demands Rs 7 billion for 584-acre Gwadar Free Zone land

KARACHI: Viability of the $250 million Gwadar Port project is in hot water, as the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has refused to transfer 584-acre “defence land” to Gwadar Port Authority (GPA) for establishment of the long-awaited Free Zone. Further, MoD has also turned down a request from the ministry of ports and shipping for a free-of-cost transfer of the said land to GPA, which as per Concession Agreement would hand over it to Port of Singapore Authority (PSA). It must be recalled that under Concession Agreement the Government of Pakistan (GoP) was required to hand over 923 hectares (2281 acres) land to PSA, the concessionaire and operator of Gwadar deep sea port, by June 2008 on lease basis for developing a Free Zone at East Bay of Gwadar. According to well-placed sources, MoD commenting on a summary moved by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping to Prime Minister for allowing transfer of the said land to GPA, had cited “technical, strategic and geographical” reasons for its refusal.They said the MoD had contended that as per Defence Land (Acquisition Custody and Relinquishment) Rules 1944 the land could not be transferred on gratis basis, as requested by the ministry of ports and shipping, to an “autonomous” body like GPA.

The defence ministry, the sources said, had also backed last year’s PN’s demand for the payment of Rs 7008 million (Rs 1200 million per acre) for the land in question.

In the support of its argument, the ministry said that the said land was transferred by the Government of Balochistan to PN in 1980 on ownership basis, they said.

However, showing generosity MoD had linked a free-of-cost transfer of the disputed land to Prime Minister’s approval in favour of ministry of ports and shipping, said the sources.

They said recently MoD had taken a “new stance” on the lingering issue and had said that out of 584 acres land, which is at present in possession of the naval forces, only 30 acres could be made available for the development of road-rail-link leading to the Free Zone at Gwadar Port.

They said according to MoD the remaining 554 acres land was “essentially required by Pakistan Navy from technical, strategical and geographical point of view”.

According to sources the ministry of ports and shipping, where change of faces was rampant and had become almost a permanent phenomenon, may be in a difficult situation, as it had to convince the Prime Minister who had okayed recommendations of MoD on the fate of Free Zone land.

It may be recalled that former President (Musharraf) and Prime Minister (Shaukat Aziz) on February 2, 2007 had also directed hand over of the 584 acres land to GPA for the said purpose as soon as possible.

Low-cost housing schemes attract public interest

KARACHI: The low-cost housing schemes by private builders announced in great numbers all over the country have witnessed extraordinary public interest which has led to price hikes in properties in some cities and over subscription of projects in others. According to real estate insiders, many more housing projects are in the books of both top and small developers of Pakistan and would be launched after Muharram. These projects have been initiated in Islamabad, Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Mardan and have received tremendous responses from the common public. “Pakistan’s backlog of 8.8 million houses may now be met to at least some extent,” voiced Vice President of FPCCI Sub-committee of Housing and Construction Munir Sultan.He said this backlog was of homes for lower and middle income groups who found it difficult to build their own shelters for their heads and therefore lived in slums or ‘katchi abadis’.

With the new housing development plans, the annual requirement of 1.5 million homes may be met at least half way through. But Sultan says, even this is not enough.

“The government has not given any incentives in many years and though they have promised the world verbally, nothing has come about in writing or in practice,” he added.

Sultan states the government had banned land allotments for the past seven years and now this ban should be removed so that the value of empty plots also comes down.

He further expressed that the government should encourage satellite towns in suburbs to also deal with the backlog in the country. “The government should also give us incentives as they have provided to foreign developers and builders in the country,” he continued.

“Foreign builders would take the money back to their countries, however, the same incentives if provided to local builders would help them to expand and introduce more projects,” he pointed out.

On the other hand, another known developer requesting to remain anonymous said that since investments in the real estate sector were returning into Pakistan, the government should ensure security for local developers.

Referring to the Dubai based law of escrow accounts, which ensures protection against fraud and embezzlement, the developer said it was essential for a similar rule to be initiated in Pakistan so that developers “do not run away”.

He said day light robbery and fraud cases in Pakistan were a norm and when a lot of black money was being converted into investments in shape of low cost housing projects, then protection of the investors was of the top most priority and the government should sit up and be more attentive now.

The basis of financial crises all over the world was due to the insecure housing loans which led to about 35 per cent downfall in the housing sector in US and 45 per cent in Europe, he added.

Since more investments are expected to come in the next four to five months, and Federal Minister for Housing and Works Rehmatullah Kakar has also announced investments worth $700 billion would be entering the country, the government should pass new laws for this industry as a revival in the real estate sector would also lead towards uplift of the economy, he concluded.