5 STAR HOTEL REVIEW

Top 10 Home loan Process Mistakes (2)

2007-08-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

5. Not getting a rate lock in writing.When a mortgage company tells you they have locked your rate, get a written statement detailing the interest rate, the length of the rate lock, and other particulars about the program.

6. Using a dual agent (an agent who represents the buyer and seller in the same transaction).Buyers and sellers have opposing interests. Sellers want to receive the highest price, buyers want to pay the lowest price. In most situations, dual agents cannot be fair to both buyer and seller. Since the seller usually pays the commission, the dual agent may negotiate harder for the seller than for the buyer. If you are a buyer, it is usually better to have your own agent represent you.The only time you should consider using a dual agent, is when you can get a price break (usually resulting from the dual agent lowering their commission). In that case, proceed cautiously and do your homework!

7. Buying a home without professional inspections. Taking the seller's word that repairs have been made.Unless you're buying a new home with warranties on most equipment, it is highly recommended that you get property, roof and termite inspections. These reports will give you a better picture of what you're buying. Inspection reports are great negotiating tools when it comes to asking the seller to make repairs. If a professional home inspector states that certain repairs need to be made, the seller is more likely to agree to making them. If the seller agrees to make repairs, have your inspector verify the completed work prior to close of escrow. Do not assume that everything will be done as promised.

8. Not shopping for home insurance until you are ready to close. Start shopping for insurance as soon as you have an accepted offer. Many buyers wait until the last minute to get insurance and find they have no time left to shop around.

9. Signing documents without reading them. Do not sign documents in a hurry. As soon as possible, review the documents you'll be signing at close of escrow--including a copy of all loan documents. This way, you can review them and get your questions answered in a timely manner. Do not expect to read all the documents during the closing. There is rarely enough time to do that.

10. Making moving plans that don't work.You expect to move out of your current residence on Friday and into your new residence over the weekend. Also on Friday, your lease terminates and the movers are scheduled to appear.Friday morning arrives: bags packed, boxes stacked, children under arm and the dog on a leash; you're sitting on your front door stoop awaiting the arrival of the movers.Your phone rings. Your loan closing is delayed until the following Tuesday. The new tenants turn into your driveway with a weighted-down U-Haul and the movers pull up across the street.

You ask yourself, "Where's the nearest Motel 6 and storage facility? How much will the movers charge for an extra trip? Can we afford it?" How can you avoid such a disaster? Cancel your lease and ask the movers to show up five to seven days after you anticipate closing your transaction. Consider the extra expense an insurance policy. You're buying peace of mind--and protecting yourself from expensive delays.

Top 10 Home Loan Process Mistakes (1)

2007-08-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

If you're like most people, buying a home is the biggest investment you'll ever make. Annual mortgage, taxes and insurance costs can range from 25% to 40% of your gross annual income.
By visiting this reference page, you're on your way to protecting yourself, and making the home-buying process easier by becoming an informed consumer. Read, talk to family, friends and real estate professionals. You'll be glad you took the time to understand the process.

Buying a home

1. Looking for a home without being pre-approved. Pre-approval and pre-qualification are two different things. During the pre-qualification process, a loan officer asks you a few questions, then hands you a "pre-qual" letter. The pre-approval process is much more thorough. During the pre-approval process, the mortgage company does virtually all the work associated with obtaining full-approval. Since there is no property yet identified to purchase, however, an appraisal and title search aren't conducted. When you're pre-approved, you have much more negotiating clout with the seller. The seller knows you can close the transaction because a lender has carefully reviewed your income, assets, credit and other relevant information. In some cases (multiple offers, for example), being pre-approved can make the difference between buying and not buying a home. Also, you can save thousands of dollars as a result of being in a better negotiating situation. Most good Realtors® will not show you homes until you are pre-approved. They don't want to waste your, their, or the seller's time. Many mortgage companies will help you become pre-approved at little or no cost. They'll usually need to check your credit and verify your income and assets.

2. Making verbal (oral) agreements! If an agent tries to make you sign a written document that is contrary to their verbal commitments, don't do it! For example, if the agent says the washer will come with the home, but the contract says it will not--the written contract will override the verbal contract. In fact, written contracts almost always override verbal contracts. When buying or selling real estate, abide by this maxim: Get it in writing!

3. Choosing a lender because they have the lowest rate. Not getting a written good-faith estimate.While rate is important, you have to consider the overall cost of your loan. Pay close attention to the APR, loan fees, discount and origination points. Some lenders include discount and origination points in their quoted points. Other lenders may only quote discount points, when in fact there is an additional origination point (or fraction of a point).This difference in the way points are sometime quoted is important to you. One lender will quote all points, while another lender may disclose an extra point, or fraction thereof, at a later time--an unwelcome surprise.Within 3 working days after receipt of your completed loan application, your mortgage company is required to provide you with a written good-faith estimate (GFE) of closing costs. You may want to consider requesting a GFE from a few lenders before submitting your application. With a few GFEs to compare, you can get a feel for which lenders are more thorough, and you can educate yourself regarding the costs associated with your transaction. The GFE with the highest costs may not indicate that a particular lender is more expensive than another--in fact, they may be more diligent in itemizing all fees.The cost of the mortgage, however, shouldn't be your only criteria. There is no substitute for asking family and friends for referrals and for interviewing prospective mortgage companies. You must also feel comfortable that the loan officer you are dealing with is committed to your best interests and will deliver what they promise.

4. Choosing a lender because they are recommended by your Realtor®.Your Realtor is not a financial expert. He or she may not know which loan is best for you. Your Realtor® gets a commission only when your transaction closes. As a result, the Realtor® may refer you to a lender who will close your loan, but who may not have the best rates or fees. Also, many Realtors® refer you to one of their friends in the loan business--who also may not have the best rates or fees. Although most Realtors® are professional and concerned about your best interests, you should do your own homework.We recommend shopping for a loan with at least three mortgage companies before you make a decision. There are countless stories of consumers who ended up paying higher rates, or got a loan that wasn't right for them, because they blindly followed their Realtor's® advice.

HOME LOAN Whether you are looking to buy it easy!

2007-08-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

Whether you are looking to buy, refinance, or use the equity in your home we make it easy!Follow these 6 easy steps:
1. Select Purchase, Home Equity or Refinance.

If you are considering buying a home, select Purchase. If you want to use the equity in your home to consolidate debt, pay education expenses, or make home improvements, select Home Equity. To save money by converting your higher rate mortgage to a lower rate, select Refinance. No matter what your loan needs, from conventional loans to FHA/VA and cash out loans, HomeLoan USA offers you lower rates and faster approvals. We offer a wide variety of programs including no money down, no assets, limited documentation loans and less than perfect credit loans. We'll do everything we can to help you get the loan you require.

2. Determine what you can afford and how much you can borrow.

Buying a home or refinancing your current home is an important financial decision. HomeLoan.com supplies you with the calculators you need to make smart decisions. Calculators help answer important questions like: Should I rent or buy? How much can I afford? and How much can I save by refinancing? Once you finish your research, browse our frequently asked questions or contact a HomeLoan USA Loan Advisor for help with any questions. We are here to make financing your home as simple and easy to understand as possible.

3. Review the loan types that HomeLoan.

com offers and get an explanation of each. Once you know what type of loan you want you can begin searching for the best product and rate. We have a simple method that helps you find the right loan program. Just click 'Rate Search' and answer a few simple questions. This will give you a variety of the best products for your needs and the opportunity to compare rates.

4. Once you have selected the type of loan that's right for you, you are ready to Apply.

Simply fill out the loan application online. The application will take about 20 minutes to complete and you'll need to have some information readily available. Once you're pre-approved, your HomeLoan USA Loan Advisor will then contact you to discuss your approval and answer any of your questions.

5. Your loan request is then assigned to a Loan Processor.

Your personal loan Processor will begin collecting the pertinent documentation needed to fund your loan. Your Processor will also send you a Good Faith Estimate, a Federal Truth in Lending and a Mortgage Program Disclosure, and will also contact an appraiser to perform an analysis on your property.

6. The final step is the closing and funding of your loan!

We will select and put you in touch with a title company in your area. The title company will help you fill out the final documentation and complete the closing and funding process. At this point you have completed the process! At any time during the process you may check the status of your application by contacting your HomeLoan USA Loan Advisor at 1-800-HomeLoan. And as always, you can access the HomeLoan.com Glossary to clarify definitions, brush up on your mortgage terminology, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

Club Med, Bali, Indonesia

2007-08-02T01:48:00.000-07:00

Bali has been given many names – "The Island of God" and "Morning of the world" – all seeking to express the mystique that has for centuries lured visitors from far off shores.

In the South of the island, surrounded by the Java sea, Club Med Bali is located in an exceptional setting. This highly sophisticated resort has a traditional Asian feel to give you a complete change of scenery.

Club Med Cherating Beach, which re-opened last April after an extensive refurbishment exercise has clinched the ultimate accolade in the hospitality industry by winning the highly coveted Best 5 Star Resort award in the Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards 2005-2006.

Casting a spell over a panel of judges put together to determine the best service providers in the hospitality industry, Club Med Cherating Beach, swept away the competition in the category to bag the prestigious award; a clear testament to the high standard of services and products offered by Club Med’s pioneer village in Southeast Asia.

Club Med Cherating Beach was nominated in 8 different categories including Service Excellence Hotel/Resort, Best Family Resort, Best Malay Cuisine Chef, Best Pastry Chef, Best All Day Dining, Best 5 star resort, Best Spa Concept and Best Spa Experience.

The village, which boasts world class facilities and unparalleled services has attracted a steady stream of visitors; both regular Club Med revelers and first-time villagers since its re-opening last year. A self-contained tropical paradise set amongst 200 acres in one of Malaysia’s most beautiful stretches of coastline and a household name in Asia, Club Med Cherating Beach is one of the flag-ship resorts for the global resort giant, and the latest award promises to add to the village’s lure and appeal.

Commenting on the win, Club Med’s Asia Pacific President and CEO Mr Joel Tiphonnet said that the award is the ultimate recognition in the hospitality industry as it is awarded by the peers in the industry.

“We began with a vision to create a revolutionary new holiday experience and Club Med Cherating Beach is the realization of that dream. The results are simply breath-taking and awe-inspiring,” he said.

“We are proud that Club Med has set new benchmarks in the travel industry; one that we hope to keep raising progressively as we strive to reinvent ourselves and offer even more to our guests. We take pride in setting new trends in the hospitality industry and we are very honoured to have received this award, which will motivate us to keep exceeding customer demands and expectations in the coming months and years,” he added.

Club Med Cherating Beach offers a new buffet concept with a wide selection of international and ethnic food and recently opened its fine-dining restaurant which allows guests to enjoy the best of haute cuisine in a romantic and exclusive environment. The village has more than 320 rooms in various categories, including brand new suites; each complete with its own unique characteristics that cater to the needs and wants of each guest.

Another star attraction is the Spa Village, which offers an array of therapeutic treatments that invigorate and refresh, enabling resort guests to unwind in the lush surroundings that is the hallmark of the resort.

The Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards, organized by World Asia Publishing, is in its fourth year, and has grown in size and prestige since its inception, with the number of awards presented doubling to 46 from the original 20. The repute and standing of the awards has also resulted in the number of submissions increasing substantially in the past year.

Renaissance Penta Vienna Hotel

2007-08-01T22:11:00.000-07:00

Renaissance Penta Vienna Hotel
Ungargasse 60
Vienna, Vienna 1030 Austria
Phone: 43 1 71175 0
Fax: 43 1 711758143
Toll-free: 43 800 200 288

Hotel Highlights

Renaissance Penta Vienna Hotel is a stunning historic property near many area sights
Historic first-class hotel with garden facilities, indoor pool, 2 on-site restaurants
Renaissance Penta Vienna Hotel with ten function rooms with natural daylight, for up to 700 guests

Hotel Information

Check-in: 2:00pm Check-out: 12:00pm
Express check-in and Express check-out
Video Review Billing
Pet Policy
Pets allowed, non-refundable sanitation fee: 15 EUR; contact hotel for details
Property Information
7 floors, 321 rooms, 18 suites
339 The Room That Works guest rooms
10 meeting rooms, 1,268 sq m of total meeting space
1 concierge level

Services
Complimentary Services
Coffee in lobby
Newspaper delivered to room
Newspaper in lobby
Shoeshine
Business Services
Copy service
Fax service
Full-service business center
Messenger service
Overnight delivery/pickup
Post/parcel
Translator
Guest Services
Babysitting
Concierge desk
Evening turndown service
Foreign exchange
Housekeeping service daily
Laundry on-site
Limousine service
Room service, 12:00AM-12:00PM, 24-hour
Safe deposit boxes, front desk
Valet dry-cleaning

Features
Guest Facilities
Bar-B-Q and/or picnic area
Beauty shop, nearby (referral at front desk)
Car Rental onsite: Jet Car, 711-75 - 813

Shopping & Stores
Gift/newsstand
Accessibility No reason this can't span 2 columns... So says I-->
Service animals allowed for persons with disabilities -->
There may be a fee for some guest services. Not all features and services are available in all rooms. Contact hotel for details.

Review for The Peninsula Bangkok

2007-08-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

In the few years since the hotel opened, the luxurious riverside Peninsula Bangkok has quickly established itself as one of Bangkok's finest hotels, winning many awards and accolades, including "World's Best Hotel" in 2003 by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine and recently by Conde Nast Traveler (USA) 2006 Gold List No. 1 in Bangkok for the forth consecutive year by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Thanks to its unique waved-shape design and location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok is a stunning, 37-storey hotel offering uninterrupted panoramic views of Bangkok fro,m every one of its large, luxurious guest rooms and suites.

The Peninsula Bangkok is within easy access of the business and shopping districts of Bangkok and is close to several of the city's numerous attractions. Adjacent to the Saphan Taksin Station of the Bangkok Sky Train (BTS), The Peninsula Bangkok is also 50 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport and 35 minutes from Don Muang Airport.

Among the largest in Bangkok, each one of the guest rooms features pioneering technology, allowing hotel guests to control their environment with the touch of a fingertip. The hotel's elegant and chic dining options include contemporary Pacific Rim cuisine at the stylish Jesters restaurants, authentic Cantonese cuisine at Mei Jiang, extensive International buffet at River Cafe & Terrace and home-style Thai dining by the river at Thiptara.

With unrivaled hotel facilities, The Peninsula Bangkok features a magnificent, three-tiered swimming pool, a Fitness Center with gymnasium, sauna, and steam rooms as well as The Peninsula Spa by ESPA offering a full-service oasis in the heart of the city that is a spa destination in itself.

Therapies uniquely layer European, Oriental and Ayurvedic philosophies for an entirely new, holistic experience. Hotel guests of The Peninsula Bangkok also have special access to the exclusive Thai Country Club golf course.

The Peninsula Bangkok blends traditional Thai hospitality with a fresh yet timeless elegance - and, of course, the legendary Peninsula service.