ABSA Home Loan Policy - Foreigners

Temporary Residents with Work Permits:

Now up to 100% for salaried people and maximum of 80% for self employed people.
Based on supporting documents to assess the financial stability, creditworthiness and repayment ability of the applicant.
Fully completed application form/Electronic application form
Copy of passport
Offer to purchase / sale agreement
Proof of income

SALARIED EMPLOYEES
Work permit
Employment contract dedicating employer name, income, contract term, and conditions.
Pay slip or 3 months bank statements reflecting the net salary deposits.

SELF EMPLOYED APPLICANTS
* Lending to self-employed individuals will be limited to a maximum of 80% loan to value (LTV) and lower, depending on the quality of the financial
statements (e.g. audited / not audited / only financial records etc.
* Work permit / business permit
Financial statements of the entity; and
Management accounts if latest financial statements are older than 6 months; and
3 months bank statements of both the applicant’s business and personal bank account to verify the declared turnover and salary and
Proof of registration with their local SARS branch office in order to obtain an
Income tax reference number

If property to be leased
Copy of lease agreement
In the absence of a lease agreement, affordability and repayment ability will be calculated on the income of the applicant and the potential rental income will not be taken into account.

WORK PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

The employer stipulated in the work permit must correspond with the current employer as per the employment contract.

All contract workers temporarily residing in the Republic will be required to sign the declaration regarding foreign assets in terms of Exchange Control Ruling Section B(8)(E) as well as the following acknowledgement:
\
Exchange Control Policy stipulate unconditionally, that the loan amount of your home loan MUST be reduced to an amount equal to the funds invested in the property in South Africa before permanently departing South Africa.

This means that, before departing, you are required to:
reduce the outstanding amount owing on your Home Loan to an amount
not exceeding 50% of the original purchase price as well as 50% of any additional advances granted; or
Consider selling the property if you are unable to comply with Exchange Control Rulings and Regulations.
You are required to sign the attached declaration and undertaking as confirmation that you understand the above terms and conditions and that you will comply with these prior to permanently departing South Africa.

S.A. RESIDENTS TEMPORARILY ABROAD
Up to 110% (with certain criteria )
Supporting documents required to assess the financial stability, creditworthiness and repayment ability of the applicant:
Fully completed Application form / Electronic application form
Copy of Identity Document
Offer to purchase / sale agreement
Proof of income
* Salaried applicants
* Employment contract indicating employer name, income, contract
term and conditions; and
* Pay slip; or 3 months bank statements reflecting the net salary
deposits.

Self employed applicants:
* Financial statements of the entity (International GAAP standards
acceptable); and
* Management accounts if latest financial statements are older than
6 months; and
* 3 months bank statement of both the applicant’s business and
personal bank account to verify the declared turnover and the salary;
and,
* Proof of registration with their local SARS branch office in order to
obtain an income tax reference number.

If property to be leased
Copy of lease agreement.
In the absence of a lease agreement affordability and repayment ability will be
Placed on the applicant.

Loan to Value

Normal lending criteria apply and loans up to 110% loan to value may
Be approved.
Salaried applicants: If unable to provide employee contract – lending will be limited to 90% loan to value.
Self employed applicants: If unable to provide all documents as stipulated above, lending will be limited to 90% loan to value.

Repayment to income and affordability:
The maximum monthly repayment ability of the applicant will be tested by the following:

Repayment to income;
The applicants’ gross income in foreign currency, prior to any deductions, must be converted to Rand.
The maximum repayment amount may not exceed the net disposable amount.
Affordability:
When analysing the applicants monthly income and expenses, the applicants’ foreign cost of living as well as the local expenses (if any) must be taken into account. Affordability will be the overriding factor in determining the maximum allow able monthly repayment amount.

The mortgage lending limit determined by application scoring.

Consideration will be given to the following:

Employment sector
Term of contract
Expected timeframe abroad
Intention of the applicant to return to the Republic
Property type and demand.

IMMIGRANTS (PERMANENT RESIDENTS)
Up to 110%(subject to conditions)

Once permanent residence status has been obtained, the immigrant has all the rights, responsibilities and obligations of a South African citizen.

The Permanent Residence / Immigration Certificate must first be obtained.

Supporting documents required to assess the financial stability, creditworthiness and repayment ability of the applicant:
Fully completed Application form ? Electronic application form
Copy of Identity Document and Permanent Residence / Immigration Certificate; or
Copy of Passport, endorsed with Permanent Residence Status and the Permanent Residence / Immigration Certificate.
Offer to purchase / sale agreement
Proof of income (as required for South African Residents)

In order to comply with Regulation C 2(F) of the Exchange Control Rulings and Regulations, all Immigrant applicants are to complete and sign a Declaration regarding their foreign assets at their bank or Authorised dealer. A certified copy of this declaration must be submitted prior to registration of the Mortgage Bond.

NON-RESIDENTS
Maximum of 50% of the purchase price, on new or existing unbonded properties and any improvements / or on switches.

Definition: A non-resident is a person (i.e. a natural person or legal entity) whose normal place of residence; domicile or registration is outside the Common Monetary Area.

Section F(C)(iii): The facilities accorded will not cause the borrower to exceed 100 per cent of the Rand value of funds introduced from abroad and invested locally.

BUY A PROPERTY:
The loan amount may not exceed 50% of the purchase price of the property. The borrower must pay the balance of the purchase price with funds introduced from abroad.

Notwithstanding that the transaction falls within the constraints of the Exchange Control Rulings, approval for the transaction must be obtained.

RAISE FUNDS AGAINST AN UNB0NDED PROPERTY ALREADY REGISTERED IN HIS/HER NAME
The loan amount may not exceed 50% of the purchase price of the property, irrespective when the property was purchased.

What's he like?

"As I left her office I began to mull over our conversation. I started calculating when the last time was that I had a real love interest in my life. To my amazement, I realized it had been about seven years! Why, I hadn't even noticed the time racing by. Much had happened since that last failed romance. I had turned my attentions toward another Man. This man is truly a Renaissance Man. He does something of everything and does it all well. His speciality is law, but he also has a miraculous touch in the field of medicine. He is quite an artist, creating colours and sounds that cannot be duplicated. He is also an incredible therapist. After a session with him, the broken hearted are made whole, and the bound are set free.

What's he like? Well, he comes from a good family - royalty, in fact. He is so handsome, he's the fairest of ten thousand. Faithful? He has promised to never leave me nor forsake me. He's always available, no matter what time of day or night I call. I'm always his first priority. Romantic? He has written me the longest love letter in history - hundreds of pages. And the man has deep pockets, okay? The cattle on a thousand hills belong to him and he is willing to share all that he has with me. He promises to supply all of my needs according to the abundance of his riches.

I am so proud to belong to this Man because of his reputation. If I stood in the middle of any crowd and said his first name, every one would know who he was. And he's not afraid of commitment. He's gone to prepare a place for me and make ready a banquet where he will introduce me to his father, who is a very important man. And yet with all of this going on, he is a perfect gentleman: he stands at the door and knocks. He never forces entry into my home. He patiently waits to be invited in. But the thing I love about him most is his generosity. He is so generous, he even gave his life for me.

What is his name? Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Rapha, El Shaddai .. oh, so many names. According to my heart and my need, I call him, but most of the time I simply call him Jesus. He is my everything, and I am totally his.

And so it is with a full heart that I expect to be found by a natural man, because to be caught up in a love affair with Jesus is to have nothing lacking in my world. For years I cringed when people told me that Jesus would be my husband. I wanted a physical touch. Little did I know that his touch went so much deeper. Truly he is able to satisfy completely and profoundly."

From "If men are like buses" by MM Hammond.

Market abuzz with Woolies-ABSA talk

MARKET speculation has it that Absa is in talks with retailer Woolworths with a view to buying up its financial services division.

But Absa said yesterday that though it had been in talks with many retailers in the past year, it had not concluded any deals.

The food and clothing retailer said on Friday it was in negotiations that could affect its share price, an announcement that sent its stock up to close almost 9% higher. Talk has been that Woolworths is either being bought out, or is selling off its financial services business.
Absa was believed to have lodged an application with the Reserve Bank to purchase a debtors’ book from one of the retailers, but this could not be confirmed.

Syd Vianello, an analyst with Nedcor Securities, said Woolworths could be looking into a joint venture with one of the big four banks, but it was “too early to say”.
He said Absa was the most likely contender as it was keen to get into consumer finance, which the bank saw as a big growth area.

Vianello said the bank had previously tried to enter this sector, but 14 months of talks with JD Group had not resulted in a deal.

Patrick Wadula, Absa’s head of media relations, said the company had been in talks with a number of retailers over the past year to seek synergies in the retail environment. He said nothing had been concluded and the bank was “still shopping around”.
Woolworths said it had “nothing further to add” to Friday’s cautionary.

In August, Woolworths said it had experienced a “tougher collections environment” in the year to June. Financial director Norman Thomson said profitability in the financial services division had “gone backwards”.

Warwick Lucas, an analyst with Imara SP Reid, said Woolworths was a cheap share and presented a good opportunity at an attractive price as the sector continued to weaken.
He said it seemed that the market had discounted Woolworths stock because of the perceived cyclical risk in its clothing division.

Chris Gilmour, an analyst with Absa Asset Management Private Clients, said it was possible that a private equity company was looking at Woolworths as interest rates were expected to start coming off in the near future.

In addition, Woolworths was among the cheapest shares in its sector if one compared its price:earnings ratio to its peers such as Pick n Pay.

Vianello said it was unlikely that a private equity firm was looking at Woolworths as there was not as much liquidity in the market as previously.

Gilmour said another contender could be the UK retailer Marks and Spencer, which had had a relationship with Woolworths for more than 50 years.
Posted to the web on: 19 December 2007
Market abuzz with Woolies-Absa talk
Nicola Mawson

Dollar - 6. 91
Pound - 13.94
Euro - 9.96
Brent Crude - 94.84
Repo Rate - 11.0
Prime Rate - 14.5

Banks beg Mboweni to go easy on rate hikes

ON THE eve of another expected hike in interest rates today, financial heavyweights yesterday urged the Reserve Bank to make monetary policy less reactive, saying rising credit costs have spurred the pace of company failures and may lead to job cuts.

At the same time, a key business confidence index (BCI) fell to a three-and-a-half-year low last month, suggesting growth in the economy was slowing as price pressures, fanned mainly by rising global costs for food and fuel, continue to build.

The South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SACCI) said its BCI dropped to 95,8 last month from 96,9 in October — its lowest level since February 2004 — with eight of its 13 components having a negative effect.

“SACCI is worried that higher real financing costs are particularly detrimental to small and medium-size business, especially in a slowing economy,” it said.

Investec Securities — the stock-broking arm of SA’s fifth- biggest bank — added its voice yesterday to the chorus of concern over the effect of higher interest rates, which have climbed by 3,5 percentage points since June last year.

“We expect the MPC (monetary policy committee) to raise rates by a further 50 basis points,” Investec Securities strategist Brian Kantor said.
“What we would hope for is a full recognition of the risks to growth as part of a farsighted, rather than a reactive, monetary policy,” he said.

Changes in interest rates take one to two years to make themselves fully felt and many analysts fear that further increases in lending rates could hurt the economy without having much effect on inflation — which has breached its 3%-6% target range for seven consecutive months.
“Monetary policy is pushing on a string,” said Standard Bank group economist Goolam Ballim.
“Its contribution to containing inflation expectations will be proportionally shallower than its tax on prospective economic growth,” he said.

Figures last week showed that economic growth actually quickened to 4,7% in the third quarter of this year from 4,5% in the previous quarter , but a substantial slowdown is anticipated next year in response to subsiding consumer demand, which accounts for about 60% of the economy.
In a separate statement, Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation warned that financial stress had boosted the pace of business failures to 12,4% so far this year and the rate was likely to double next year, leading to job cuts.

“Liquidations statistics … confirm that financial stress is seriously affecting business entities, and little respite is expected in the short term,” said the group’s chief economist, Luke Doig.
“Invariably, ailing companies are likely to start with retrenchments as a short-term solution, but as financial distress deepens, they will be forced into liquidation.
“As such, we foresee that business failures could rise 25% next year, with a real impact on the livelihoods of thousands.”

Official data show that SA’s employment rate stuck at about 25,5% in the year to March, despite faster growth in the economy.
In October, the government said it would consider a proposal by labour to make monetary policy focus on unemployment as well as inflation targeting.
But both the treasury, which sets the country’s inflation target, and the Reserve Bank, which enforces it, have since said that inflation targeting is here to stay — ruling out any near-term changes to the framework.

“SA may well have reached the point where a combination of higher prices and higher interest rates means that the economy performs below its potential,” Kantor said.
“We see no good reason for exposing the economy to such risks.”
Inflation measured by CPIX rose 7,3% in the year to October — a 4½-year peak — and is widely expected to peak above 8% in the first quarter of next year. This means the Bank may raise interest rates again at its first policy meeting next year.

SACCI said that despite tougher conditions, business had proved resilient in the past. “When sound and consistent economic policy decisions lead the way, business confidence will follow,” it said.

Business Day - 6 December 2007

Happy 2008!

Vandag ploeg Struwwelpeter met ‘n ander ou se kalwers; Hier het ‘n anonieme stukkie Internet filosofie aangekom, wat so lekker lees dat hy dat graag wil deel:

2007.
As dit van my afgehang het, het ‘n jaar vir ewig aangehou. Sonder oujaarspartytjies en nuwejaaroggends-kopseer Sonder oujaar bestekopnemes en nuwejaarsvoornemens. Jy neuk net aan.

Vat nou maar vir Januarie.’n Maand sonder identiteit. Party hou vakansie en die res sukkel om hulle werk gedoen te kry, want die spul wat tjeks moet teken lê op die strand. En dan jaag almal huistoe, terwyl pa sit en mor oor sy overdraft en ma die nuwe rolle om haar middellyf blou knyp. Die res van die maand eet almal viennas en droë krismiskoek, want die kinders se skoolklere kos ‘n plaas se geld.

Februarie. Arme, stomme Februarie , nie eens genoeg dae om ‘n ware maand te wees nie, en kry toe maar Valentynsdag by om te troos. Intussen gooi almal hulle goeie nuwejaarsvoornemens oorboord, begin weer drink,/rook/vreet en verval in diepe depressie.want die hond is weer pregnant en vrou kla sy’s moeg om almal se slaaf te wees.

Maart. Ag, foei tog. Nog vis, nog vlees. Te koud vir somersklere en te warm vir wintersklere. Jy kry ‘n vieslike verkoue en vergeet jou selfoon op die apteek se toonbank. Die rentekoers gaan op en Breggie dreig om universiteit op te skop en haarself te gaan soek on ‘n pelgrimsreis deur Indië . Graeme Smith bedank as Protea kaptein omdat hy meer tyd saam met Herschelle Gibbs wil deurbring.

Dan is dit April. Immers ‘n paar vakansiedae wat die gemoedere opkikker. Maar die Kaap is te duur, en Durban te warm. Dan maar Oudshoorn toe vir die KKNK waar jy jou beursie in die biertuin, jou geduld by die kaartjieskantoor, en jou balans by die brandewynsatalletjie verloor.

Mei. Ons spanne sit op die onderste vyf plekke in die Super 14 punteleer, en die Minister van sport sê dis goed. Die Creepy Crawly verstik aan herfsblare.

Junie is nes Julie, jy spel hom net anders. Die verwarmer brand uit, maar dit maak nie saak nie, want Eskom sny weer krag. Robert Mugabe koop die duurste huis in Clifton en George Bush verklaar oorlog teen Switserland.

Julie het nog nie die son gesien nie. Hy dra ‘n grys mus, langonderbroek en stewels wat sy voete laat stink. Dis nat in Gauteng en droog in die Kaap. Benoni se hoofstraat word herdoop Charlize Theron Boulevard , en daarin open ‘n Charlize Theron droogskoonmaker, ‘n Charlize Theron skoonheidssalon en ‘n Charlize Theron drankwinkel.

Eintlik wou Augustus nog September gewees het. Nou steel hy maar ‘n paar bloeisels en ‘n bietjie son om sy vaal gesig te kleur. Almal karring maar aan, behalwe die adjunk-president die wêreld rondrits in haar jet. Sy ontken dat sy dit as ‘n special by Shaik broers gekoop het.

September is ‘n ander woord vir sinus. Mense snuif, stik en stotter die maand deur. Patricia Lewis en Amor Vittone skryf saam ‘n boek: “Skoonheid vergaan maar silikoon bly staan.” Pa val van die leer af terwyl hy geute skoon maak en Ma sluit by Weight Watchers aan.

Oktober is miskien die mooiste, mooiste maand, maat terwyl die lente sy kleure en geure in ‘n weerbarstige streep oor die landskap trek, klim die herinnering van verspeelde dae onder jou gewete in. Die jaar is amper verby en jy’t nog boggeroll gedoen. Instede is jy luier, dikker en dommer as ‘n jaar gelede.

November begroet jou met ‘n kakofonie van voortydige krismisklanke. Na drie doppe by die office party beledig jy jou baas, lê aan by die ontvangsdame en brand ‘n gat in die duur, gehuurde tafeldoek. Op Guy Fawkes raak die hond, die huishulp en die tuinslang weg. Sussie word naar op haar matriekafskeidrok en boetie kleur sy hare pers.

Desember is die begin van die einde. Steve Hofmeyer en Jacob Zuma stig hulle eie kerk, f*k*f polisiekar stel hulle gospel CD vry en Leon Schuster se nuwe fliek “Daar’s ‘n Xhosa in my kooi” is ‘n weghol sukses. Op oukersaand gee Pappa vir Mamma ‘n bottle “you’re the fire” en mamma maak vir pappa so warm dat hy Kersdag nog vonke doodslaan.

Voorspoedige 2008. Ek kan nie wag nie!

Struwwelpeter 20 Des ’07

A Dog's Purpose (according to a 6-year old)

Hi Bloggers - enjoy this one!

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life --like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, and sit close by.

Be always grateful for each new day.

Shop for sale - rural Eastern Cape

1. Extent of Shop, Bottle Store and Store Rooms 592sqm.
(a) 2006 Mahindra 1 ton Bukkie (July 2006)
(b) 2006 Tata 407 Truck
(c) 2004 Toyota 3.0D Raised Body
(d) 2003 Toyota 2.7l Petrol
(e) 1998 Ford 1800 LWB with Canopy
(f) 1998 4Ton Dyna Truck with drop sides.
(g) 7ft closed Trailer
(h) 1 Ton Trailer with Sides
(i) 3 x 3 Walk-in Cool Room (serviced by MH Refrigeration)
(j) 3 x 2 Walk-in Deepfreeze Cold Room, fully serviced.
(k) 4 x Electronic Tills linked to POS
(l) 2 x Computerized Tills liked to POS
(m) 4 x Fridges, Various
(n) 1 x SAB Fridge
(o) 1x Coca-Cola Fridge
(p) 12 x Bullets Surveillance Camera System
(q) 1 x Infrared Surveillance Camera with Complete Back-up (1 x Computer and Printer runs this System)
(r) 1 x Computer, 2 x Printers 4 x UPS, Runs POS and Book keeping Systems.
(s) 1 x Built-in Wall Safe
(t) 1 x 1m x 1.7m Bicshoff Safe
(u) 1 x 1m x 1.5m Gun Safe (Built-in)
(v) 1 x Double Deep Fryer, Brand New
(w) 1 x Pie Walmer, Brand New
(x) 1 x Generator, Runs whole Shop & Tavern system when Escom is down and is used when we need to fix tyres in the Transkei and 1 x Pump for Pumping out Parafin
(y) 1 x Compressor with all fittings 1 x Pallet Jack and 1 x Platform Scale with a spare scale for spares
(z) 2 x M6 Block making machines
(aa) 1 x Homemade Tyre Changing Tool
1 x water cooler
1 x 500l milk cooler/stainless steel bulk tank
2. M6 Brick making Business, Produces 5000 blocks per month, could do more; I use my own staff, when we are not too busy.
3. Fully Licensed Tavern with an extent of 389sqm
(a) Fully equipped also includes the following: 2 x Electronic Tills, 2 x Built in Wall Safes, (1 under the floor),
72cm TV, Juke Box, Pool Table, Soccer Machine and DSTV, 1 x SAB Fridge and a Double Door Fridge (new compressor)
3 x 8-Seater Picnic Tabels

4. 4 x Bedroom Home, 2 x Bathrooms, 3 x Lounges, Full Kitchen with Built-in Oven and Cupboards. In extent of 550sqm, in a very good condition.

5. 2 x car Garage, 4 Flatletts, in extent of 450sqm

6. Additional Store Rooms (can be converted into 3 more Flatletts, in extent of 300sqm.

7. Additional Store rooms in extent of 300sqm.

8. Piggery, enough for 10 Pigs

9. Milking Parlor, needs attention

10. Chicken Run.

11. Fruit Orchards with Good Baring Orange Trees.

The Business is currently running as follows:

1. Trading Hours are from 8.00am – 1.00pm 2.00pm – 5.00pm
Monday to Friday
Saturdays are from 7.30am – 12.00pm

2. The Tavern Opens at 9.00am and Closes at 8.30pm week days and closes at 12.00am on weekends, Public Holidays and Pension times are longer hours, December and Easter have extended hours, open almost 24hrs a day.

3. FNB ATM in the Shop, The Pensioners draw their pensions on the 3rd of the month, the average is R680000.00. The average that goes through the ATM per month is: R160000.00

4. Escom Vending Machine for Pre-Paid Electricity, the commission from this is about R1200.00 per month.

5. 2 x 1 ton Bukkies go through to the Transkei every day with an average turnover if R4500.00 each per day, every 2-3rd day, the Dyna or Tata go through with a load of food and hardware. On Pension day the Dyna brings in between R15000.00 and R20000.00 and the Tata does between R8000.00 and R10000.00. This could be increased by sending in the Tata everyday.

6. Most of the stock is bought in from Big Daddy’s, Weirs, Paramount and SAB.

7. We sell on average 1000l of milk a week.

8. I have two other shops, one in Mgwali that turns over R30000.00 per month and is open from 7.00am – 7.00pm 7 days a week and 1 in Kuze in the Transkei, that also turns over R30000.00 per month.

9. December turnover in 2005 R871250.00 and in 2006 was R1200000.00, the average monthly turnover is R610000.00 with a GPO of 23% R137180.00. Nett is R78180.00.

10. We sell livestock over Easter June-July and December. This is not reflected in the books, as it’s hard cash.

11. Stock in Trade fluctuates between R450000.00 and R250000.00 on a normal month and in December increases to accommodate the extra volumes.

12. We have just started a Take-Away inside the Shop and done extensive Refurbishing of the entire premises. The Take-Away has turned over 22000.00 in its first month, and growing.

This covers most f the Business, you need to see the set-up

The Financials are available if required. vania@bondapply.com

The Power of Persistence

One of the main attributes for success or achievement is sheer determination and persistence.

This is the characteristic that underpins nearly every success story. You will struggle to find a single example of great achievement that has not involved determination and persistence.

John Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States (1923 - 1929) understood the power of determination and persistence when he said:

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race."

- From SAMO Newsletter - Nov 2007

Mortgage Originators must ensure the best possible advice to their clients

- Over the past few months, the property industry has experienced a slow-down compared to the same period last year and even during the first few months of this year.

- The main reasons for the slow down is the introduction of the new National Credit Act (NCA) in June 2007, the usual seasonal slow-down during the winter months and a total interest rate hike of 350 basis points since the middle of 2006.

- Although there was a mild recovery during July and August 2007, which could be attributed to the market players’ efforts to adopt to the new rules set by the NCA, the steadily increase in interest rate probably had the biggest impact on the slowing down of the property market over the past few months.

- The Reserve Bank made it quite clear that they will continue to increase the interest rates as an instrument to keep rising inflation under control. According to many economists, this might mean as much as 3 more interest hikes of 50 basis points in the near future. The upside of this strategy of the Reserve Bank is that the interest rate is measured against the current inflation rate and not the exchange rate as before. This means that it is unlikely that the interest rate will reach the 20% level as it had a few years ago.

- The rising interest rates had a particular negative impact on the first-time buyers market as well as those home owners who were already stretched to afford their monthly bond installments.

- Mortgage originators should advise first-time home buyers that interest rates are likely to rise again in the near future and that they should not over-commit on their first purchase. They will also be well advised to buy smaller, more affordable houses in areas with higher capital growth projections in order to accumulate wealth and to gradually work their way up in the property market.

- Gavin Opperman, ABSA Home Loans Managing Executive, expects that, although less 5 % of South Africa’s total mortgage loans have fixed rate terms, more people will opt for a fixed rate in order to protect them against further rate hikes. Mortgage Originators should also take note of the significant improvement in fixed interest rates offered by the banks when advising first time home buyers and those already under pressure to afford their home loans.

- In recent years, the market experienced a massive growth in the buy-to-let market. However, the continues slow down in the capital growth of properties in 2007, the over supply of rental properties in recent times that pushed rental prices down as well as the interest rate hikes, have put more pressure on those individual with more than one bond to pay. Given the new fixed rate options, those individuals might also be well advised to look at fixed rate bonds.

- However, it is not all doom and gloom. Two major factors that also drive the property market, is our GDP that consistently stays above 5%, and also the population growth. According to some, we have also only seen the tip of the so called “black diamond” generation entering the property market.

- Further to that, ABSAs house price index forecasts property growth over the next year at approximately 10%. Although it is much less than what we have become accustomed to over recent years, the property market still remains a good investment.

- Looking at recent publications on the forecast of the local property market, many economists remain positive on the prospects of a turn for the better in the second half of 2008.

By Theuns Hanekom - CEO SAMO

Holiday Rentals

Free guide to letting out your holiday home

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/holiday_lettings_guide.pdf

Recommendation

LinkedIn Recommendations

Peet Mocke has endorsed your work as Home Loans Consultant at Absa Bank.

Dear Vania,I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation:

"I've worked with Vania for more than 2 years now. She's done quite a few deals for me and was always prepared to go the extra mile for me and other clients. She does very profesional work and get things done quickly and right the first time. I love to do business with her as she makes everything as painless as possible"Service Category: Mortgage Manager

Year first hired: 2005 (hired more than once)

Top Qualities: Great Results, Expert, High Integrity

New National Credit Act

Irrespective of income and size of the credit agreement the NATIONAL CREDIT ACT applies to the following customers;

Individuals –Sole Proprietors-Trusts (this is where the trust consists of two or less individual trustees and neither trustee is a Partnership/an Association or other Body Corporate.)

The National Credit Act does not apply to the following customers;

A partnership
Association
Body corporate
Body unincorporated
Trust with three or more individual trustees
Any sized trust where an individual trustee is a partnership an association or other body corporate or other body unincorporated.

ASSESSMENT DOCUMENTATION :

SOLE PROPRIETORS AND TRUSTS
Balance sheet and income statement.
If new venture or business – financials are less than six months old a six month cash flow projection needs to be provided.


ALL INDIVIDUALS/SURITIES
Marital status documents
One pay slip and proof of variable income for three months e.g. commission/overtime/and any other non-fixed income.
Three months Bank statements for all external applicants
Fixed monthly income should include the payslip items;
Basic salary
Car allowance
Housing subsidy
Sundry income includes the following
Rental income-(copy of the lease agreement and three months bank statements to support this income)
Average commission
Average overtime
Interest income
Dividend income
Maintenance income

Linkedin.com

Please visit my profile on http://www.linkedin.com/

LinkedIn Recommendations

Jonathan Baker has endorsed your work as Owner at bondapply.com.

Dear Vania,I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users.

Details of the Recommendation:"Vania never ceases to amaze me every time I deal with her. She does her work passionately and sincerely and strives to meet all your needs as efficiently as only she can. I have dealt with others in the business, but nobody tops her. Well done Vania and keep up the excellent work! I know we will work together again in the near future!"

Service Category: Financial AdvisorYear first hired: 2007 (hired more than once)

Top Qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative

Capital Gains Tax

1. What are capital gains and losses?

A capital gain is the profit you make when you dispose of an asset, such as shares, a property or unit trusts. Profit takes into account the cost to you of the asset, plus the cost of anything you have don’t to make the asset more valuable. You will only be taxed on that part of the capital gain which accrues after the tax kicks in on October 1 2003. Say, you bought shares in October 1980 and sold them in October 2003. You will pay tax only on the increase on the price of the shares between October 2001 and October 2003.

2. What is not affected by the tax?

The property you live in, unless you make a gain of more than R1 million or unless it is bigger than two hectares;
Your car, unless you use it for business purposes;
Clothes, jewellery, stamps, art works, antiques, collectors’ coins and other personal effects;
Lump sums from your pension, provident or retirement annuity funds;
Lump sums from endowments; compensation for injury, illness or defamation;
Winnings on the national lottery, the horses or from a casino;
Any gain you make when you exchanges foreign currency for rands when you come back from an overseas trip; and
A gain of up to R500 000 on the sale of the assets of your small business when you retire.

3. What is affected?

Shares;
Unit trusts;
Land;
Property you do not use as your primary residence (and that means rights to property as well);
Large boats and aircraft;
Plant and machinery;
Krugerrands;
Mineral rights; and
All other assets except those specifically excluded


4. What is the tax rate?

You will declare capital gains as part of your normal income tax return. As an individual, you will be taxed on one quarter of your aggregate capital gains – the total of all the capital gains you make in a year, less any capital losses.
The first R10 000 of your aggregate capital gain or loss is disregarded. On the rest of your gain, you will be taxed at your marginal rate (the highest rate of tax you pay on your income). For example, if you are on the top marginal rate of 42 percent and make a capital gain of R20 000, your CGT would be calculated as follows:
R20 000 less R10 000 = R10 000; divide by one quarter = R2 500; tax at 42 percent = R1 050.
You can offset capital losses against capital gains, but you cannot offset capital losses against them.

5. What is the object of the tax?

The main point of introducing CGT is not to raise money, the South African Revenue Service says. The tax is expected to bring relatively small amounts into the government’s piggy-bank – R200 million in the first years and between R1 billion and R2 billion a year in time. Rather, the tax is designed to plug holes in the tax system. In the absence of a capital gains tax, sophisticated taxpayers can convert income (which is taxable) into capital gains (which are not) and this erodes the country’s tax base. Many other countries have CGT.

6. What is base cost?

Capital gains are the difference between the base cost of the asset and the sum you get on sale or disposal.
Base cost includes:
Acquisition costs – what you paid in order to acquire the asset;
Costs associated with acquisition and disposal – for example, legal fees, agent’s commission, stamp duty, advertising costs, broker’s fees, transfer duty, conveyancing;
VAT;
Improvement costs – what you spent on improving the value of the asset; and
Any legal costs you incurred. For example, if you had to fight a court battle to maintain your right to an asset you already owned.
You are not allowed to claim current expenses, such as insurance, repairs and interest on a loan, as base costs. But if you bought a second home and sold it at a profit, for the purposes of calculating a CGT liability you would be able to claim the price of the house, any improvements (not repairs) you made and the estate agent’s commission on the sale.

About bondapply.com

bondapply.com was launched in June 2007. The main focus is to provide a hassle-free property finance service at no extra cost for the customer. We also provide clients with free advice on purchasing and selling properties, investments and all processes involved in the property industry in general.

Our vision is to grow our client base and to continue to provide personal and excellent service to clients, by negotiating the best finance deals for clients in the market at any given time.

Member of Business Warriors

Welcome to the Business Warriors community.

The reason for this site operating on a subscription basis, rather than being a book, is based on my experience after presenting the CrashProof your Business seminars. These ideas are brand spanking new to most business owners, and take some time to assimilate and apply - even though it isn't too difficult. And it's during that application period where most folk need a little guidance - and remaining part of this CrashProof community means I can offer just that - via the Forum, as well as via interpretation and advice regarding any sureties you're being asked to sign. Each month I will highlight new areas and ideas to further help you reach complete personal independence from your business. Remember that your personal business success isn't necessarily related to your firm's success. Your current firm is probably just one of many stepping stones on your path towards entrepreneurial fortune. I will be trying to use the Forum as the primary method of answering questions - because that allows us to share that answer with any folk with a similar situation in future.

And on that note, lets have some fun together scaring a few banks. I am here to help you enjoy successfully CrashProofing your Business. All the best. Peter Carruthers. Warrior Central

Thanks to my clients, friends and family for all their support...

"ek hoop sy nader jou, ek ken jou goeie diens" - E Rauch, Candidate Attorney, VGV.

"ek admire jou durf" - R Uys - AIB Online

"alle sukses en sterkte, hou my asb op jou mail lys vir die toekoms!! Klompe vrede en vreugde". - E van Schalkwyk, Sanlam (client)

"dankie dat jy darem nie van my vergeet het nie" - K McKay - Estate Agent

"jou logo lyk baie smart" - Y Olivier, SAMO

"keep the business rolling in" - Z Isaacs, Standard Bank

"Baie dankie vir die kennisgewing - waardeer dit! Sal jou definitief in die toekoms gebruik!! Baie geluk met jou eie maatskappy - ek wens jou baie geluk daarin". - J Baker, IS (client).

"baie geluk vir achievement" - S Kriel, ABSA.

More about Vania van Dalen

Started own company bondapply.com in June 2007.

Mortgage Origination Business

Montague Gardens, Cape Town

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE:

BondClinic, Bellville, Cape Town
Senior Home Loans Consultant
To achieve contracted targets and attract quality new business.
To proactively and continuously deliver service excellence to clients.
Motivate declined applications in accordance with all banks appeal processes.
Running of Parklands office
2 November 2005 to 29 June 2007

Bond Select Mortgage Originators, Oostersee, Cape Town
Home Loans Consultant
To achieve contracted targets and attract quality new business.
To proactively and continuously deliver service excellence to clients.
Motivate declined applications in accordance with all banks appeal processes.
1 March to 1 November 2005

ABSA Home Loans Head Office, St George’s Mall, Herengracht Street, Cape Town
Home Loans Consultant – Estate Agents
To satisfy customers’ final requirements through the proactive selling of Home Loan solutions to attain strategic objectives of both ABSA Home Loans SBU and clients.
Compile action plans to achieve set targets.
To achieve contracted targets and attract quality new business.
To expedite timeous communication from receipt of application forms to final grant. (all role-players including client).
Motivate declined applications in accordance with the ABSA appeal process.
Maintain routine administration.
Stay informed of ABSA policies and procedures.
To proactively and continuously deliver service excellence to clients.
Establish a rapport with the customer/role-players.
Identify product/financial services utilization, with the view to cross sell and up sell.
Determine the prospect’s needs and expectations.
Understand the relevant product features and benefits.
Contract the terms and conditions of the deal.
Assess the risk to the bank of prospect’s need and expectations.
Make recommendations to credit, technically correct and of high standard.
Interface with client regarding the deal.
Communicate the decision/approval.
Answer critical questions.
Handle customer queries to satisfaction of client.
Build and maintain effective relationships with all internal partners and external clients.
To act as single point of entry to all external business sources (estate agents) and clients.
To accept ownership of the application in the end to end process, with the object to expeditiously advise the client of the decision and conditions.
3 December 2003 to 29 February 2005

De Huizemark Properties, Langebaan, West Coast
Property Consultant
Marketing and Sales of residential properties in Langebaan.
October 1997 – November 2001
ABSAlute Winners Gold Status