Indian purchasers and investors, who are laser focused on their customary practices and principles, will rely heavily on Vastu Shastra for their decision making. This ancient practice is the counterpart of Feng Shui. It is an ancient Hindu architectural science basing the direction of the home and position and arrangement and placement of the rooms and make sure that is a positive energy flow. Indian purchasers will emphasize and highlight the exact direction the home faces. Those that face north, east and northeast are most favorable in the search for that most desirable home. Principles of Vastu take into account the sun’s rays, earth movement and geomagnetic forces, with fire, water, earth and sky as important elements. Design and construction of buildings are based on Vastu so that harmony is created where people who live and work.
Consultations are considered with an astrologer to pick an optimum propitious purchase and closing and move-in dates and times based on zodiac signs is a typical practice. This is accomplished with the family involved in every step of the decision making process due to the collectivist nature of Indian culture. The extended family e.g., parents, siblings and sometimes even in-laws plays a major role when homes are visited to come to a final decision when buying.
Many Indian purchasers search out homes that will have a dedicated room to perform their religious ceremony. Once their closing takes place they will bless the space and eliminate any negative vibes. This will enable the family to practice their rituals knowing that the space has a positive karma environment. The “puja room” becomes an extremely significant and consequential room designed in their home for their special services being performed.
A multitude of homes in India are constructed in the configuration of a rectangle or square with an open courtyard in the middle, that is open to the sky. Kitchens face southeast with the viewpoint and conviction that the gods rule in the east. Winds come from the northeast, so doors and windows should be structured accordingly. A pie-shaped lot with the front yard at the tip and the backyard at the larger portion of the lot would be attractive to an Indian buyer because the lot is likened to the shape of a cow, with the tip as its head. The cow is sacred to Indians.
Most Indian buyers have it all figured out in advance and know what they are searching for in a home. They have already done their homework, the neighborhood and the school they want their children to attend. They can also be very aggressive in their negotiations, and when their offer is accepted, they may think they have overpaid and want to counter or want something more in return. This may appear to be a bit of an over reach, but one must learn about those idiosyncrasies and be able to handle their concerns with “kid gloves” to get to the final closing. it’s just their normal nature to negotiate, like everyone seems to do in today’s’ market. They feel better if they get something more in return. Sometimes paying for the cleaning or extra work that needs to be done can often appease the buyer.
The following is what matters most to Home Buyers in India:-
- Location of the Property
- Price of the Property
- Negotiation or Discount at the time of buying
- Rate of interest of Home loans
- Semi furnished or Raw House
- No seepage in the House
- Presentation of the Property
- Builder Reputation and delivered projects track record
- Most Important Property Dealer or Broker involved in the deal.
Be patient with Indian buyers because, sometimes it may be challenging to connect with them in the beginning. They may not always return phone calls in an expeditious manner; but being patient will be to your benefit. Sometimes one will need to follow up with them multiple times. Some Indians feel they are important to their job or position in business, so they will not always interrupt their work day by returning an agent’s phone call. Remember, patience is a virtue and practicing this and by providing the required effort, being disciplined, a “never give up attitude.” Providing the necessary time to build rapport leading to a strong relationships, a solid bond and a long lasting connection that will be created, benefiting you with future referrals, lucrative earnings, success and a great sense of satisfaction,
P.S. Last week, I was remiss in not wishing all our clients an enjoyable, healthy, happy Ramadan
Philip A. Raices is the owner/Broker of Turn Key Real Estate at 3 Grace Ave Suite 180 in Great Neck. For a free 15-minute consultation, value analysis of your home, or to answer any of your questions or concerns. He can be reached by cell: (516) 647-4289 or by email: Phil@TurnKeyRealEstate.Com You can search properties at your leisure and convenience at: https://WWW.Li-RealEstate.Com
