However, some contributors who chose to use their banks to collect their funds faced challenges. Last year, a number of refunds were sent to customers’ bank accounts but were rejected by their banks and returned to the NHT.

If you should choose to have your refunds sent to your bank account in 2010, here are some ways you could avoid having your bank return your funds to the Trust:

• Make sure your account is active. If you haven’t done any transactions on your account for at least one year, your account could be considered dormant. If that is the case, you should visit your bank to reactivate the account before applying for your refund.
• Your bank account must either be a savings account or a chequing account. Refunds will not be send to your credit card account or loan your loan account.
• Make sure the account to which you want the funds sent is in your exact name. For example if you got married since opening your account and you are applying for the NHT refund in your married name, you must change the name on your account at the bank to your married name.
• When you apply online, you must also remember to put in the branch at which you opened the bank account. So, for example, if you opened your account at Linstead branch but you now do business with Black River branch of the bank, you must input Linstead branch as the branch of origin. Thereafter, you can pick up your funds from any location.
• Once you have selected a bank from the list provided, you must type in the account number for that bank. For example, if you have selected Bank of Nova Scotia, you should not in the account number for Scotia Jamaica Building Society where you also have an account.
• Do be careful to input your bank account number and not your ATM card number when you apply for your refunds online. In the past, some applicants have mistakenly put in their ATM card numbers because they have got accustomed to using their ATM cards. Remember, the ATM card number is not acceptable.
• If the bank has to return your refunds to the NHT for any reason, to get the funds, you will have to re-apply online bearing in mind all the points noted above.

If you follow these simple steps, you should be able to have a stress-free refunds applications experience in 2010. For more information, send an email to feedback@nht.gov.jm.

ATTENTION 2002 CONTRIBUTORS
In 2010, the NHT will be refunding contributions made in 2002 and before. If you had worked for a company that had made NHT contributions for you in 2002 but you are no longer employed to that company, please look out for an NHT advertisement in all major newspapers.

“New Issues In Planning & Maintaining Housing Development”

Feature presentation – The Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, Minister of Water & Housing
Time & Venue – Wednesday, March 17, 2010 | 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | Terra Nova All Suites Hotel, 17 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10

Cost – $8000 + GCT (up to March 10) | $9000 + GCT (after March 10)
Who should attend? Developers, engineers, project managers, attorneys-at-law, contractors, architects, financiers, real estate brokers and any other interested persons.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Marlene Lawrence – 876-929-6350 | marlene.lawrence@jmb.gov.jm

• Detached studios on 3000 sq. ft. lots
• Expansion plans provided
• Panoramic views
• Easy access to Brompton Main Road (which links Black River to Savanna-la-mar)
• Considered ideal for civil servants and young professionals

This is a development by the Housing Agency of Jamaica Ltd. To get more information, please call Garcia Johnson at 876-918-3370 or 876-918-3541.

Home remodeling is a big decision, and can be a major dent to your budget (if you are not careful about spending). Homeowners approach remodeling in different ways – some save and remodel the entire house in one go, while others remodel one room at a time. Some hire outside contractors, whereas others are excited about the do-it-yourself project. Whatever method you choose, bear in mind that the decision of who is to do the work should be based on the size of the room, the complexity of the job and the skill set of the person remodeling.

According to experts of the home-remodelling guide, many homeowners choose to remodel their kitchens as a way to update their homes and improve the value of an older home. Kitchen remodeling requires wiring and pluming work, so it may not be an ideal do-it-yourself project, without substantial knowledge and experience. Kitchen remodeling requires homeowners to make many decisions. New cupboards, counters, tiles, appliances and layout have to be chosen. It is best to speak with an expert before you allow anyone to start ripping your kitchen apart. Ensure that you provide a detailed plan of how you want your kitchen to look, complete with appliance placements.

WHERE SHOULD YOU START?

You may also choose to remodel your bathroom. These, like kitchen are frequently used and often show the age of a house. Since it can add value to your house, ensure that you it a worthwhile venture. Do not take out a pedestal to install a sink with cupboards if you do not have space. You can put back a new pedestal with more flair and match it with new tiles, water closet and shower enclosure. Just remember that this room also involves plumbing and new fixtures, so it may not all be a do-it-yourself project either.

Whichever room you choose to remodel, ensure that it is in harmony with the rest of the house. Make a budget before you begin remodeling and factor in miscellaneous costs such as decorating items you will be in disarray for a while and you will be caught in the midst of dust, dirt, cement and grime. It is suggested that you make plans for other accommodations while your home is being transformed. Exercise patience and make your remodelling experience fun and worthwhile.

HOW CAN YOU AFFORD TO REMODEL?

If you don’t have the cash on hand to go ahead with a home remodeling project, whether you have good credit or bad credit, there will be certain financing and refinancing options available to you. For example, if you’re in the U.S., Advantage Home offers a number of mortgage lending options. For example, they offer construction mortgage loans, which allow you to finance the building of your own home (rather than direct purchase). They also offer home loan tutorials & mortgage help, for example this page on Using A Bridge Loan To Buy Residential Property. Check ‘em out!

Venue – Couples Sans Souci, Ocho Rios, St. Ann
Date – Thursday, February 18, 2010
Time – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Seminar Overview

Moderator – Leon HoSang (Managing Partner, Murray & Tucker)
Opening Address: Dr. The Hon. Horace Chang (Minister of Water & Housing)

Presentations:

• Initiatives to cope with home financing in these difficult times
• Legal dos and don’ts of selling and purchasing property – what you need to know
• Strata titles law – recent changes
• Strata housing insurance: Advantage General’s StrataSure policy
• What to expect when disaster strikes
• What happens after you die: Estate planning

Phases 2 & 3 are now on sale, with prices starting at J$8.4 million.

Features:

• 195 detached homes (3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms)
• 117.81 sq. m / 1269 sq. ft.
• 24″ Porcelain floor tiles
• Stone-coated metal roofing
• Reinforced concrete walls
• Scheduled to be completed in April 2010
• Developer – SB& W (Jamaica) Ltd. / Merit Development

For more information, please call 876-620-4605 or email info@meritusa.net

Located on the 3rd floor, with balcony, utility room, 24 hour security, swimming pool, laundry room and well-maintained grounds. Also has central air conditioning, brand new stove and refrigerator, Ashley 7-piece dining table set, TV stand, microwave and blender.

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY
Low monthly rate of $60K
Six (6) Month to two (2) year lease available.

Call Sam 450-4370 / 396-7803
Email hsamburke613@yahoo.com

[Pictures coming soon]

• Approval granted by the Trelawny Parish Council on July 31, 2009
• 750 sq. ft, 2 bedroom house. Minimum lot size of 4500 sq. ft.
• $6.5 million (subject to certified escalation)
• 7.5% deposit on applying – $487,500
• Closing cost on signing – $203,593
• Handover commences August 2010

House features:

• Gated community
• Bedroom and linen closets
• Bathtub, toilet, basin (Grade ‘A’ sanitary fixtures)
• Water heater
• Asphalt shingled roof
• Kitchen cupboards and breakfast bar
• Single glazed windows with insect screen
• Exterior washtub

For more details, contact GoreHomes at 876-617-2161.

For more information, contact:

Kemtek Development & Construction Ltd.
Shop 6, Pompano Commercial Complex
Tower Isle, St. Mary
Tel: 876-975-4576
Email: sales@kemtekjahomes.com

Offering spacious 3 bedroom, 3 1/2 bathroom town houses with:

• Approx. 2790 sq. ft.
• Swimming pool
• Single car garage with automatic shutter
• Fully air-conditioned
• Maple cabinet and marble counter-top (kitchen)
• Stand-by generators
• 50-gallon solar/electric water heater
• Jetbath in master bedroom
• Porcelain tiles

Starting price – J$33,000,000 – 15% down payment required

Model unit available for viewing.

For more information, please contact:

DUJONS’ CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
876-835-6657 or 876-313-3718
dujonsconstruction@yahoo.com