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- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Banking Details
Banking details Please deposit make the deposit to any of the following accounts below: Republic Bank Limited Account: #510001024801 / G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited (Chequing) RBC Royal Bank Account: #100088110015889 / G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited (Chequing) First Citizens Bank Account: #2160780 / G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited (Savings)
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd
G.A. FARRELL & Associates Ltd Welcome to G.A. Farrell & Associates, our website is currently under maintenance to improve your browsing experience. Please stay updated for when we are once again live. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and we can still be reached at our contacts below. contactus@gafarrell.com | (868) 624-8628 No. 23 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago © 2022 G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | All Rights Reserved | Designed & Developed by AppNerd Inc
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Valuation Request
Valuation Request Submit A Valution Request MAKING A VALUATION REQUEST A 4-STEP PROCESS 1 2 3 4 Thank you for considering our firm to prepare a valuation report on your property. The following will acquaint you with the steps that will be necessary when requesting a valuation. Submit a Valuation Request Completion of our Fillable Valuation Request Form or our Online Valuation Request Form . Documents to be provided: (Please note that additional documents may be required based on the purpose of valuation) A copy of a valid photo ID A copy of Deed / Title document or any Lease(s) A copy of Survey Plan / Cadastral Sheet If available, any Town & Country Planning Approvals (as per our Conditions of Engagement, in the preparation of the report, it will be assumed that statutory approvals have been or would be granted for the existing or highest and best use of the site) If purchasing – copy of the Purchase Agreement / Sale Agreement For Proposed Building (Projected Valuation): Copy of approved Building Plans Quantity Surveyor’s Report (Please confirm if one is required by the Lending Institution) or Builder’s Estimate Deposit Property Type DEPOSIT AMOUNT (Please note: This amount will be deducted from the total cost and is applicable for properties below $5M.) Residential (Building and/or Land) $2,250.00 Agricultural Land (Subject to review before acceptance) $2,812.50 Mixed (Residential & Commercial) $3,375.00 Commercial Please contact our offices for more information. Please be advised that our Valuation Fees* for standard valuation reports are quoted below in Trinidad & Tobago Dollars (TTD) and the VAT Rate is 12.5%. Property Value Fee Structure $0 - 500K $2,000.00 Plus VAT $500K - $5M $2,000 + ¼ of 1% on excess over $500,000 plus VAT Over $5M Kindly contact our office for a quotation. (Minimum fee is $2,000 plus VAT for Residential properties; $2,500 plus VAT for Agricultural properties; $3,000 plus VAT for Mixed (Residential / Commercial) properties; $5,000 plus VAT for Commercial properties) *Payments can be made via cash, credit card, debit card, cheque, online banking or direct deposit. Site Inspection Your Valuation Request may be submitted using one of the following methods: Via our website: Complete our Online Valuation Request Form, submit supporting documents and pay the deposit using the ‘Our Services’ tab above. Our Administrative Staff will also call for any further information that is required. Visiting our Branch : Our Administrative Staff will take all the necessary information, documents and payment at any of our branches most convenient to you. You may enter the relevant information on our Valuation Request Form and walk with it when visiting our branch. Note: Obtaining the information may take a few minutes, and we kindly ask for your patience as it ensures all information is received. 2. Site Inspection When we have received your request, deposit and all requested documents, our Valuation Officer will contact you or your appointed access person within approximately five (5) working days to arrange an inspection of the property. Please note that the inside of all rooms have to be inspected. If the inside of all rooms or apartment were not seen, this will be clearly stated in the report. Kindly secure all dogs, regardless of size, when our Valuation Officer visits the property. Upon arrival, our Valuation Officer would advise that the outside of the property will be measured first and then the inside. In addition, external and internal photos would be taken. Report Preparation Collection 3. Report Preparation Once no further information is required and barring unforeseen circumstances your Valuation Report should be ready approximately five (5) working days after the inspection is carried out depending on the type of property and the location. This time is necessary for us to carefully analyze all aspects of your property and arrive at an opinion of value. In the valuation process, there are three (3) distinct methodologies (or approaches) used to arrive at an indication of value. They are the Market Approach (a.k.a. Direct Market Comparison Approach), The Income Approach and The Cost Approach. In valuing your property, all approaches will be considered and one or more utilized. 4. Collection When your Valuation Report is completed, we will notify you to arrange collection and payment of the balance of the fee. Should you require a soft copy of the Valuation Report, kindly advise and arrangements can be made upon full payment of fees. Note: Values will not be disclosed nor reports delivered until settlement of our fees.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Valuation Videos
Valuation Videos Valuation Return Part 1 - Manual Submission Valuation Return Part 2 - Online Submission
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Purchase
Buying A Home Buying A Home is one of the biggest investments/purchases most of us will ever make in our life. It normally involves borrowing a large sum of money which is to be paid back over 20-30 years – a significant part of our lifetime. Despite that, many buyers go into this exercise without knowing what to expect or what to look for. One of the most important aspects in buying a home is the cost/value. While no one will mind if they pay less than the home is worth, it is a different story to find that you have paid too much. Also, mortgage-lending institutions normally lend up to 90% of the value or cost of the home, whichever is the lower. For example, assume you are buying a home for $600,000 and hope to borrow $540,000. (You have made a $60,000 deposit from your own funds). If the valuer then determines the home that you are buying is worth only $540,000, the mortgage lending institution will only lend you $495,000 and you will have to find an extra $55,000 on your own or possibly lose the deposit you made on the house. There are two simple ways to avoid this happening to you. The easiest way is when you have finally decided what house you are going to buy, find out from your mortgage lending institution who are the valuers on their panel, then select one of them to value the house before you make a deposit. Another way is when making a deposit, specify that if the independent valuation report done by the Bank is less than the agreed purchase price, you have the option of canceling the contract and getting a full refund of your deposit. If you adopt this option, ensure that the deposit will be held in escrow with an attorney or other such professional to avoid problems if a refund becomes necessary. Another important factor to consider in purchasing a home is how much extra money you will need for closing costs. There are several costs involved in addition to the actual price of the house. Some of these include: Attorneys’ fees for the Deed of Conveyance which transfers the house to your name. It is based on the cost of the house and generally, it is 1.5% on the first $100,000; 0.75% on the next $400,000 and 0.5% on the balance. . (Shortcut if cost > $500,000 – Divide cost by 200 and add $2,000.)Don’t forget – add VAT @ 12.5% The Stamp Duty on the Deed of Conveyance. The first $850,000 of the purchase price is exempt. After that, it is 3% on the next $400,000; 5% on the succeeding $500,000 and 7.5% on the balance. The stamp duty is payable to the government and the rates stated here are for residential homes. (Shortcut if price > $1.750,000 – Calculate 7.5% of cost and subtract $94,250.) Attorneys’ fees for preparing the Deed of Mortgage. This is based on the amount of money you borrow and the rate is the same as in (1) above. This can be reduced by 50% if the same solicitor prepares both deeds and property not under RPA. Stamp Duty on the Deed of Mortgage. Again, this is based on the amount of money you borrow and is payable to the government. The amount varies depending on the type of property (residential, land, etc.), purchase or refinance, and if the amount borrowed is larger than the purchase price. In the case of a purchase of a residence, it is often $2.00 per $1,000 (0.2%) assuming mortgage is for more than $850,000. (If less, then there is no stamp duty). In other cases, it is $4.00 per $1,000 (0.4%). Valuation fees which are usually between 1/3 to 1/5 of 1% of the value of the property, plus VAT @ 12.5%. Mortgage Lending Institution Fee (Varies between 1/3 – 2% of the amount borrowed). Mortgage Indemnity Fee. The calculation of this depends on several circumstances. It can be either 1.5% of the loan amount or 18.5% (of which 6% is a government charge) of the amount on which the mortgage indemnity is taken. Let the loan officer advise you on this. Do not forget the house itself. There are many questions you have to ask yourself. What is the traffic like at rush hours (a.m. and p.m.)? Remember you will be in it for the next 20-25 years. Do all the plumbing fixtures work? If not, why not? Is the electrical wiring adequate for all you equipment? (e.g. fridge, stove, a/c, kettle, washer, dryer, etc.) Do you see any leak stains on the ceilings? If yes, it could mean that the roof needs repairs/replacing. Is there any evidence of termites? You may want to call an expert to determine this. As you can see, there is a lot to be aware of in buying a home. Do not “Buy in haste and Regret in leisure”. Given below are 2 examples of the approximate closing costs involved in buying a home which we hope will be helpful. The above costs/fees are estimates only and are likely to vary from case to case. The above information is believed to be correct as of the date of writing. Before you make any decisions however, you are advised to consult with a suitable professional such as an accountant, an attorney, a financial advisor, etc.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Limiting Conditions & Assumptions
Limiting Conditions & Assumptions 1. If the Valuer has provided a sketch in the valuation report, it is to show approximate dimensions of the building and the sketch is included only to assist the reader of the report in visualising the property and understanding the Valuer’s determination of its size. 2. If the Valuer has provided GPS coordinates (Global Positioning System referenced to WGS 1984 UTM), it is to show the approximate location of the property and is included only to assist the reader of the report in locating the property. While it depends in part on atmospheric conditions prevailing at the time the reading was taken, the accuracy of the coordinates is generally within 15m. 3. The valuation report, which has been prepared in accordance with the terms of engagement (TOE), is not a Court document and is not to be used in any Court proceedings. On acceptance of the TOE, the client had accepted that no representative of this firm will give testimony or appear in Court by reason of having prepared a valuation of the property unless specific arrangements to do so have been made beforehand. 4. The purpose and function of the report and valuation for mortgage is to enable the lending institution to assess the security offered by the property for the proposed loan. Unless otherwise stated, the client has not commissioned another specialist survey of the property, structural or otherwise. It must not be assumed that if defects are not mentioned in the report, all parts of the structure are free from defect. Where attention is drawn to some defects, it does not mean that other defects may not exist. Moreover, services have not been tested. 5. If the client is proposing to purchase the property and wishes to be satisfied as to the condition of it, he or she must have a surveyor’s detailed inspection and report of their own before deciding whether to enter into a contract. If the property is of architectural or historic interest, appropriate specialist advice should be sought before carrying out any works. 6. It is assumed that in the event of the destruction of the existing structure(s) if any, all approvals would be granted from the appropriate Statutory Authorities for the reconstruction of a similar building on the site. 7. It is assumed that the property is connected to, and there is the right to use, the reported main services on normal terms. It is also assumed that sewers, main services and the roads giving access to the property have been adopted and that any lease provides rights of access and egress over all communal grounds, parking areas and other facilities. 8. This report does not constitute a structural survey and the opinion of value is contingent upon - a) Good and marketable title; b) Vacant possession is available unless otherwise stated in the Report; c) Planning permissions and statutory requirements for the existing building and its use, including any extensions or alterations have been granted; d) Statutory approvals have been or would be granted for the existing or highest and best use of the site; e) No deleterious or hazardous materials have been used; f) There is no contamination; g) There are no unusual or onerous outgoings and restrictive covenants and there have been no breaches of the lessee’s covenants to 8. warrant a determination of the lease; h) There are no encumbrances or encroachments; i) All parts of the property which are covered, unexposed or inaccessible are in satisfactory repair and condition and an inspection of those parts which have not been inspected, or a survey inspection carried out, would not reveal material defects or cause the valuer to materially alter the valuation; j) 1There are rights to use the roads, drains and all communal areas and facilities; k) No account has been taken of an additional bid by a prospective purchaser with a special interest; l) All information, data, title documents and plans provided by the client and mortgage applicant which were relied upon by the valuer were true and correct; m) There are no outstanding taxes, rates or charges associated with the property; n) The services and any associated controls or software are in working order or free from defect; o) The building and other improvements are structurally sound; p) Where the property is part of a building/development (e.g. townhouses and apartments): i. There is a properly formed and operated management company; ii The cost of repairs and maintenance to the building and grounds are shared equitably; iii. The leases of all the properties in the building/development are materially the same and there are suitable, enforceable covenants d. between all leaseholders; iv. There are no substantial defects, or other matters requiring expenditure (in excess of the current amount or assumed amount of service charge payable on an annual basis), expected to result in charges to the leaseholder; v. Where the subject property forms part of a mixed residential/commercial building or development, there will be no significant changes in the existing pattern of use. 9. This Valuation Report is provided for your benefit alone and solely for the purposes of the instruction to which it relates. Our valuation may not, without our written consent, be used or relied upon by any third party, even if that third party pays all or part of our fees or is permitted to see a copy of our valuation report. If we do provide written consent to a third party relying on our valuation, any such third party is deemed to have accepted the terms of our engagement. 10. Neither the whole nor any part of this Valuation Report or any reference hereto may be included in any published document, circular or statement, or published in any way, without the Valuer’s written approval of the form and context in which it may appear. 11. No investigation has been undertaken with the land registry, regional corporations, public utilities, town planning department, EMA, or any other government body in preparation of this report. 12. It is expressly agreed that in the absence of authoritative information and/or formal advice from any planning authority or related State body, the valuer will make an assumption as to the highest and best use of the property considering, but not limited to, the characteristics of the property including its current use and the character of the neighbourhood. If subsequent investigation by a suitably qualified professional reveals that such use is not allowed by the relevant authorities, the opinion of value could be significantly affected, and the valuer shall not be liable for any such difference. Should any planning permission document, status-of-land letter, completion certificate and/or an approved development plan be provided prior to the completion of this valuation assignment, it will be assumed that the information contained therein is true and correct and no further investigation will be conducted. It is strongly recommended that a suitably qualified professional verify that all relevant approvals have been or would be granted, wherever applicable. 13. We did not undertake a land survey therefore we cannot confirm the size or precise boundaries of the site.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Loan Calculator
Loan Calculator
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Unit Converter
Unit Converter A free conversion tool to assist you with your calculations.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Webinars
Webinars 2024 Residential Real Estate Webinar 2022 Commercial Real Estate Webinar - Clint Langton's Presentation 2022 Commercial Real Estate Webinar 2022 Residential Real Estate Webinar 2021 Commercial Real Estate Webinar
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Insurance
Insurance How Much Insurance Do I Need? For most people, the answer to this question is obtained when they first buy their home. At that time, a valuation is customarily done and the valuation report will state the sum recommended for insurance. If they are getting a mortgage loan, the Bank will usually insist that the house be insured for a sum not less than that stated in the valuation report.Unfortunately, thousands live in their home for several years and never change the amount of their house insurance. In a time of increasing costs, this can be very dangerous to a homeowner. It is like playing Russian roulette.Let’s examine a case where a homeowner Mr. I. N. Trouble buys a property for $600,000 at which time the cost to replace the building is $400,000. At that time, he buys insurance on the building for $400,000. After a period of 10 years, let us assume that his building will now cost $600,000 to replace. However, he has never increased his house insurance…and… DISASTER!…his house is fully destroyed. Mr. I.N. Trouble will be entitled to a cheque for $400,000. (the amount of his house insurance). However, to replace the house he had, it will cost him $600,000 and as a result, he will have lost $200,000. The worse is yet to come. In obtaining his mortgage loan, his house insurance was assigned to the Bank that carries his loan. The cheque from the insurance company will therefore go to the bank first, and only be released to him in some format, if and when he rebuilds his house. O.K. you say, but a house is rarely 100% destroyed. What if it is only 60% destroyed? Surely Mr. I. N. Trouble will get the full $360,000 (60% of the replacement cost of $600,000.) as his insurance is $400,000? The answer is NO. In this scenario, he will get $240,000. This represents 60% of what the house is actually insured for (which is $400,000.) and therefore, he will be short $120,000 i.e. $360,000 (the cost of repairs) – $240,000 (insurance proceeds). This clearly shows the danger of sitting back and not paying attention to your house insurance. For all of you who are guilty of not checking to see if your house insurance is sufficient, please contact a qualified expert. It may be a Quantity Surveyor, Engineer, Architect, Valuer or Contractor. Their fee will depend on the value of your home, and will generally be between 1/6 – 1/3 of 1% of its value (i.e. divide the value of the building by between 600-300). While it may appear costly at first, it is definitely worth it when compared to what you might lose. It is also important to select the insurance company very carefully. A major consideration is that the company is financially sound. In addition, it should have a good reputation for settling claims. While cost is a factor, it is not a good idea to select a company solely by the insurance premium. The sum you save now may not seem worth it when you are having difficulty in obtaining a settlement cheque for your loss. Finally, having a good insurance agent is also very advisable. You want an agent who is knowledgeable in insurance and has an interest in your needs. Do not procrastinate. The time to get professional advice is NOW. Contact a professional or G.A. Farrell & Associates Limited.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Closing Costs Estimates
Closing Cost Estimates Rough Estimate on your Closing Costs for the following: Notes: Figures for Stamp Duty on Conveyance do NOT apply to First-Time Buyers Assumes purchase price is the same as the value of the property. No provision has been made for Mortgage Indemnity. Assumes different attorney used for conveyance and mortgage & NOT RPA The figures provided above should be used solely as a guide and is Private and Confidential and intended for your use only. G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited accepts No liability whatsoever if it is subsequently determined that the sum stated above is inaccurate Neither the whole nor any part of this estimate or any reference hereto may be included in any published document, circular or statement, or published in any way, without the express permission in writing from G. A. Farrell & Associates Limited.
- G.A. Farrell & Associates Ltd | Online Valuation Request Form
Online Valuation Form