#halal mortgage
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ppcbug · 8 months ago
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As the federal government announces their budget, in an attempt to make life more affordable, the government will be looking into "Halal mortgages."
In other words implementing Sharia law!🤦‍♂️
Bad policy after bad policy
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halaloptions · 3 months ago
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RUNNING A HOME BUSINESS FROM A HOUSE WITH A HOME PURCHASE PLAN
Commercial activities within the property that do not affect the re-sale of the property as a residential property are now allowed with at least one provider. Previously, the finance companies only allowed office/study to be the only legitimate commercial use.
Now, other types of home-based businesses like hairdressing, beauty therapy, cupping, etc. would also be allowed. However, insurance must be available on current terms, allowing for business use.
Let us know when applying if you plan to run any home based business.
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Empower Your Future with Halal Home Loans in Australia
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In the diverse financial landscape of Australia, Halal Home Loans have emerged as a popular and ethical alternative for home buyers. These loans, which comply with Islamic law, offer a unique, interest-free approach to home financing.
Understanding Halal Home Loans
Halal Home Loans in Australia are designed to provide a viable alternative to traditional interest-based loans, which are prohibited under Islamic law. These loans are structured in a way that allows home buyers to finance their homes without paying interest, aligning with the principles of fairness and justice in financial transactions.
The Growth of Halal Home Loans
The demand for Halal Home Loans in Australia has seen significant growth in recent years. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the increasing awareness and understanding of these loans among the Muslim community and beyond. Many Australians are now opting for Halal Home Loans, not just for religious reasons, but also for the ethical principles they uphold.
Choosing a Halal Home Loan Provider
When it comes to choosing a provider for your Halal Home Loan in Australia, it’s important to do your research. Look for a provider that is transparent about their processes and can offer you a loan agreement that complies with Islamic principles.
Conclusion
Halal Home Loans in Australia offer a unique and ethical way to finance your home. Whether you’re buying your first home or looking to invest in property, these loans provide a viable and interest-free solution. Start your journey towards owning your dream home with a Halal Home Loan today.
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hejazfinancial · 2 years ago
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Halal Mortgage Broker : Things You Need To Know
A halal mortgage broker in Australia will help you find a home loan that complies with Islamic law. Halal finance refers to the practice of making a financial transaction according to Islamic principles. It differs from conventional finance in that it prohibits usury, which is defined as any kind of interest charged on loans or investments.
In addition, all transactions must be fair and transparent and cannot involve any kind of risk for consumers or investors; there are no hidden charges or fees associated with halal financing methods such as mortgages, credit cards, investments in stocks or mutual funds, etc.
Another difference between conventional and Islamic finance is that proceeds from sales on credit must not go into circulation until after full payment has been received by the seller (or receiver)
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What’s a halal mortgage broker?
A Best halal mortgage broker in Australia is a person or company that arranges mortgages for Muslim homeowners. To be considered “halal”, the mortgage broker must follow Islamic law when arranging mortgages. This means they cannot charge any fees to the client, and they are not permitted to take on commission-based arrangements.
A halal mortgage broker must also be licensed and registered with the Financial Conduct Authority.
How to find a halal mortgage broker
In order to find a halal mortgage broker, you should ask the following questions:
Are they certified by an Islamic financial institution?
Do they have experience in Islamic mortgages?
Are they familiar with your lender?
How will they handle the paperwork for you, especially if it involves multiple banks and institutions?
What should you expect when you work with a halal mortgage broker?
You should expect your halal mortgage broker to do the following:
Help you find a suitable home loan based on your needs and requirements.
Advise you as to how much of a down payment is required for the type of loan selected, and how much equity you will have in the property once it is purchased. This information is important because it allows you to determine if there will be enough room left over after closing costs are deducted from the sale price of your current home in order to make any renovations that may be necessary once moved into the new home.
It also helps ensure that there will not be enough money left over for unexpected expenses at settlement time when all funds are disbursed (and this includes any refunds/rebates).
Assist with filling out application forms correctly according to Islamic principles so as not to jeopardize halal certification status or jeopardize future financing options with other institutions due to noncompliance issues which would cause them concern about being associated with an institution whose practices might attract unwanted scrutiny or criticism by others outside its own organization (i.e., customers).
What is the difference between conventional and Islamic finance?
There are two major differences between conventional and Islamic finance: how they derive profit, and how they deal with interest.
The first difference has to do with the relationship between lender and borrower. In conventional finance, a bank lends money to a customer by lending out its own capital (the portion of its assets that it uses as working capital).
The bank then charges interest on this amount so that it can pay back its investors—which is where you come in as an investor. You would then receive your return from the bank through interest payments made by borrowers who took out loans from them over time.
In other words: When you invest in a company or asset through conventional methods of financing (such as stocks), you become an owner of part of that company's assets; thus if the company does well financially—earning more profits than before—you will enjoy these profits as well. This is what makes up for paying back your initial investment plus any additional money spent during operations (called "profit").
Conclusion
If you’re interested in learning more about Islamic finance or would like to know how it can help you with your home purchase or refinancing needs, contact the best halal mortgage broker in Australia now.
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tomorrowusa · 1 year ago
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Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ) needs to resign ASAP. He has been associated with scandals in the past though there had usually been a plausible (if thin) element of deniability. This latest scandal is different. If this were fiction, people might call it laughably unreal.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and other top Garden State Democrats are calling on Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez to resign – a sign of how quickly the senator’s political support may erode after Friday’s shocking indictment on federal bribery charges. “The alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state,” Murphy, a Democrat, said in a statement. [ ... ] Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, are accused of accepting “hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes,” including gold, cash and a luxury vehicle in exchange for the senator’s influence.
Seriously, gold bars?
U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of NJ indicted a 2nd time on corruption charges
The indictment alleges real estate developer Fred Daibes; Wael Hana, who owns a halal meat certification business in New Jersey; and businessman Jose Uribe collectively provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for Menendez’s “acts and breaches of duty to benefit the Government of Egypt, Hana, and others, including with respect to foreign military sales and foreign military financing.” It also says Menendez provided sensitive information to the Egyptian government. Menendez, a Democrat, leads the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee and is a longtime member of New Jersey’s congressional delegation. The indictment comes almost six years after Menendez was tried on corruption charges related to a Florida eye surgeon, which ended in a mistrial. [ ... ]
The indictment says Menendez took bribes that included “cash, gold, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low-or-no-showjob, a luxury vehicle, and other things of value.” Prosecutors also say he interfered with the state attorney general’s office’s investigation into Jose Uribe, a former insurance agent convicted of fraud. The indictment describes Uribe as a business associate of Hana’s.
Some of Bob's gold...
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If Menendez were to resign, Gov. Phil Murphy (a Democrat) would appoint a replacement to serve until the next election in 2024. As it turns out, Menendez is up for re-election next year. If he foolishly refused to quit and decided to run again, he'd probably get trounced in the primary.
The Senate can expel a member, but there have been only 30 attempts to do so since the adoption of our current constitution. Only half of those were actually expelled – the last one in 1862.
Damian Williams is the US Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He opened the investigation of Menendez last year and secured the three-count indictment against the senator. Williams is a Democrat appointed by President Joe Biden. So the Menendez indictment makes it more difficult for Trump and his followers to claim that the two federal indictments against him in Florida and DC are a partisan "witch hunt" targeting him.
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berksozeri · 1 year ago
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❝ streetlights peeking through heavy fog, pre-dawn hours at the lake, worn leather, the crunch of leaves underneath scuffed boots, broken glass, frozen clocks, dog treat crumbs in every pocket, the mournful wail of winter wind scraping through bare branched trees, calloused hands raked through disheveled hair, night after night without sleep, jazz records lowly playing in the background, whiskey neat, “it’s really not you, it’s me.”
BIOGRAPHY | CONNECTIONS | PINTEREST
NAME: Berk Sözeri
PREFERRED NAME/NICKNAME(S): Dependent on the person
AGE: Thirty-six
BIRTHDAY: October 29th, 1987
ZODIAC: Scorpio
RESIDENTIAL AREA: Downtown
OCCUPATION: Full time employee at Take it Outdoors, formerly with the BRPD.
LENGTH OF TIME IN TOWN: 5 years
basics.
BIRTHPLACE: Lake Charles, Louisiana
HOMETOWN: Lake Charles, Louisiana
GENDER IDENTIFICATION: Cis man (he/him)
SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Heterosexual, heteroromantic
RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single
POSITIVE TRAITS: tbd
NEGATIVE TRAITS: tbd
family.
MOTHER: Gamze Sözeri
FATHER: Umut Sözeri
SIBLINGS: Fraternal twin sister, Deniz (deceased)
OTHER: a flat coated retriever named Kevin
tldr (but still long af as per usual).
TW: infertility, robbery, gun violence, death/homicide
Originally from Istanbul, Berk’s parents immigrated to the United States in their early twenties and settled in the Lake Charles area of Louisiana. After enduring years of infertility and and facing the likelihood of never getting pregnant on their own, they managed to conceive Berk and his twin sister, Deniz, via IVF. 
Already on a tight budget, the procedure (and the two unsuccessful attempts that came before it) took every last penny of their savings and a second mortgage on their home, but Gamze and Umut never once regretted the sacrifices made to have their little family. They let their kids know how wanted and loved they were every single day.
It’s safe to say they were (and still are) two of his biggest role models. Berk contributes every decent part of himself to their influence. Well, that, and the responsibility learned through the role he took upon himself as his “little” sister’s protector. 
Berk and Deniz were the best of friends all through childhood, adolescence, and beyond. Coming from a low income family who celebrated different beliefs wasn’t always easy, but no matter what life threw at them they had each other. 
So it came as no surprise that he decided to follow his sister to Baton Rouge after high school when she enrolled at LSU. Unlike Deniz, he had no ambitions of going the college route, so while she balanced class schedules and waitressing shifts he spent six months in the police academy.
It was during her junior year, when he was well into his job as a rookie cop, that changed everything. Having gotten caught up in a meeting with the Chief, Berk was late picking his sister up from her shift at the restaurant. And when Deniz decided to walk a few blocks to the closest halal grocer to grab stuff for dinner and kill time, she had no idea of the nightmare waiting for her just beyond its doors.
Berk was on the phone with his sister when the shots rang out. When he realized she’d just stumbled upon a robbery in progress and got caught in the culprit’s crosshairs. Despite all his efforts at the scene, and those of the first responders, Deniz passed shortly after arriving at the hospital.
From that point forward he was a man possessed. His sole mission? Catching the guy responsible for it all. They had a name via prints left behind at the register, and they had CCTV footage of a face, but Amos Leferve somehow managed to evade every effort to get him behind bars. 
Everybody knew Berk wasn’t handling his sister’s death well, or the fact that her killer seemingly vanished into thin air, but he refuted most attempts of help in favor of taking it upon himself to do what the department apparently couldn’t. 
After years of following lead after dead end lead across the country in pursuit of Amos, it was eventually the abuse of official resources that left Berk without a job.
Cast adrift, he packed his bags and made one last attempt at hunting down their suspect. He set out for Colorado, following the last APB to come across his desk of a man matching Amos’ description.
Ultimately his search came up empty (again), and that was the point Berk resolved himself (very bitterly) to the fact that he’d likely never get his hands on the man responsible for taking his sister. Rather than return home he settled in Providence Peak, desperate to escape the ghosts of Louisiana.
It’s been five years since he moved to town, and rather than the odd jobs he initially started with he finally has a full time job working at Take it Outdoors, but otherwise little has changed. Berk still lives in the somewhat derelict loft he first ever rented Downtown, and he;s still haunted every day by Deniz’s absence, his guilt, and the fact that Amos got away.
headcanons.
Berk has had a long string of relationships leading nowhere, many of which he feels wholly indifferent about, but his most recent failed attempt at least left him the sole owner of a gorgeous flat coated retriever, Kevin.
Growing up Berk was fairly devout, as he was raised to be, but ever since Deniz passed away he’s fallen somewhat out of touch with his faith. He still eats a mostly halal diet, but doesn’t shy from alcohol in the least, and it’s a hit or a miss whether or not he observes the holidays unless he’s on a visit home to see his parents. 
These days he likes animals more than most people, but the few close friends he has made since moving to town mean more to him than he likely lets on. 
Is a secret Bachelor stan, even if he thinks the entire franchise has become total garbage and has a personal “no thanks” stance on finding a long term partner himself. 
Can knit. Will confirm. 
One of his favorite pastimes has become taking one of the kayaks out into the lake. There’s a peace to be found in that particular solitude that he rarely experiences elsewhere. Kevin may or may not be a willing participant in these endeavors. 
Could be called an adrenaline junkie? Yes. 
Due to what happened all those years ago (being late to pick her up, too late to save her) he’s developed a quirky obsession with time. He’s constantly checking the clocks around him to confirm they’re set to the correct time and gets antsy when they’re so much as even a minute off. Will 1000% point it out until you do something about it if said clock belongs to you. 
Has also developed a hobby of collecting old timepieces. When his anxiety is bad, his mood is foul, or he needs to mentally work something out he’ll get lost for a few hours taking them apart and putting them back together. 
Despite every insistence that he’s let go of his vendetta, Berk has a secret murder board in his loft composed of everything he’s ever learned about Amos because maybe he ain’t quite as over his Vigilante Shit as he claims. 
Will strip for homemade cookies. I mean. Not really, but I figured if you made it this far you deserved the pure TREAT that is that mental image 😘
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tummanoj9 · 1 month ago
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🏡 Halal Mortgages: Alberta's Game-Changer in Real Estate! 🌟 #shorts by Manoj Atri, REALTOR® 🎙️ Join us as we dissect the hot topic of PST cuts and their impact on Alberta's real estate market! 💬 🔍 Our discussion dives deep into the potential benefits of halal mortgages and how they could reshape the financial landscape. 💡 🚀 Don't miss this insightful debate! 📈✨ 💰Bank of Canada May Cut Rates AGAIN! 📉 What it Means for Toronto Real Estate.🏡#TorontoRealEstate 🌆 Full YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/08UqRnTQVjg 👉 Subscribe Now for more Tips and Insights: https://www.youtube.com/@ManojAtri9?sub_confirmation=1 ✨ Help me reach 1000 Subscribers! 🎉🙌📈 🌆 Hot News Daily: Toronto Real Estate Digest! 📈 Wednesday 6th Nov 2024 Newsletter: Review Entire Podcast 20 Articles Here: https://bit.ly/3YDD5Ol ▶ Visit the following website links for HOT New TORONTO REAL ESTATE for Sale Listings → https://bit.ly/3zE97S3 ▶ Manoj Atri, REALTOR® with Architectural Experience Re/Max Hallmark Realty Ltd., Brokerage 401 – 685 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto ON M2K 1B6 Office: [416] 494-7653 | Cell: [416] 275-2089 Fax: [416] 494-0016 | Email: [email protected] #AlbertaRealEstate #PSTCuts #HalalMortgages #FinancialDebate #RealEstateEconomics #HomeBuying #ShariaFinance #TaxReform #PropertyMarket #EconomicInsights via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehODhNcF06E
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cavenewstimes · 2 months ago
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Alberta government tables legislation to enable halal mortgage options
The Alberta government has introduced legislation that will, if passed, enable provincially regulated banks to offer halal mortgages and home financing products. Paying and receiving interest is prohibited in the Islamic faith under Shariah law, which means traditional interest-based mortgages aren’t an option for many Muslims in Canada. A few private lending firms, such as the Edmonton-based…
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spotblueproperty · 5 months ago
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petnews2day · 8 months ago
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Halal mortgage expansion not exclusive to Muslim buyers in Canada
New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/XSGtA
Halal mortgage expansion not exclusive to Muslim buyers in Canada
Copyright © AFP 2017-2024. All rights reserved. Canada’s 2024 federal budget mentioned exploring halal mortgages, sparking some to claim the home financing plans would offer unfair advantages to Muslim buyers in the tight housing market. This is misleading; the loans, which do not charge traditional interest, are open to people of any faith and have […]
See full article at https://petn.ws/XSGtA #PetFinancialNews
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roadwarrior1157 · 8 months ago
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About Those HALAL Mortgages Trudeau is Promising
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halaloptions · 2 years ago
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Hello, I have a question re. a BTL mortgage via a company structure. Firstly, what is the minimum amount of deposit accepted? Secondly, I noticed that the minimum amount that one can borrow is £75k, is it possible to borrow less (lets say £60k)?
Thank you for your message.
We don't offer mortgages. We only offer the halal alternatives to mortgages.
Islamic principles prohibit the profiting from any lending, therefore, you can't borrow anymoney on these plans.
Therefore, you will be entering a co-ownership agreement where the bank will buy with you and charge you rent on their share.
Assuming you are happy with the above, the answer to your questions are as follows:
The minimum deposit for a company BTL is 20%.
The minimum finance at the time of writing is £75,000.
Products and criteria change all the time. We suggest you check our BTL products page for up to date products showing minimum deposits and finance amounts.
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The Ultimate Guide on Choosing the Right Mortgage Broker for Your Home Loan
Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in one's life, and securing the right mortgage is crucial for a successful home loan journey. To ensure you make an informed decision, it is essential to understand the importance of a mortgage broker and their role in the process.
What is a Mortgage Broker?
A mortgage broker acts as a middleman between borrowers and lenders. Their primary responsibility is to assist home buyers in finding and securing the most suitable loan options for their individual financial situations. Unlike lenders who only offer their own products, mortgage brokers have access to a wide range of lenders and loan products, giving borrowers a broader selection to choose from.
Differentiating between Brokers and Lenders
It's important to understand the distinction between mortgage brokers and lenders. While lenders directly provide loans to borrowers, brokers work on behalf of the borrowers to help them navigate the complex mortgage landscape. Brokers are not tied to any specific lender, which allows them to provide unbiased advice and present various loan options.
Benefits of Using a Mortgage Broker
Engaging a trusted mortgage broker can provide significant advantages for prospective home buyers. Here are some key benefits:
Time and Money Savings: A mortgage broker can save you precious time and effort by doing the legwork for you. They have the knowledge and tools to efficiently compare loan options, negotiate rates, and find lenders with favorable terms that align with your financial goals. This can potentially save you money in the long run.
Expertise and Guidance: Mortgage brokers are well-versed in the complex world of mortgages. They understand the intricacies of different loan types and can offer personalized advice based on your specific financial situation. Their expertise can help you make informed choices and avoid potential pitfalls.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mortgage Broker
Selecting the right mortgage broker is crucial for a smooth and successful home loan experience. Consider the following factors during your decision-making process:
A. Accreditation and Licenses
Ensure that the mortgage broker you choose holds the necessary certifications and licenses. This ensures they meet the professional requirements and operate within ethical guidelines. Professional certifications such as the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) or the Mortgage Broker Association of New Zealand (MBA) signify a high level of commitment and expertise.
B. Experience and Expertise
Evaluate the broker's experience in the industry. Look for brokers who have a solid track record and have been in business for several years. Additionally, consider their expertise in handling specific loan types that align with your needs, whether it be first-time buyer programs, investment loans, or refinancing.
C. Network and Connections
Understanding the broker's relationships with lenders is crucial. A well-connected broker often has access to a broader range of loan products and can negotiate better terms on your behalf. Inquire about their network and their ability to leverage their connections to secure favorable loan options.
D. Client Testimonials and References
Positive reviews and feedback from previous clients can give you confidence in the broker's abilities. Check for testimonials on their website or request references to contact directly. Speaking with past clients can provide valuable insights into the broker's professionalism, communication skills, and overall performance.
E. Fee Structure and Transparency
Ensure you have a clear understanding of the broker's fee structure. Ask about any upfront charges, ongoing fees, or commissions involved. Transparency is crucial, so make sure the broker provides a detailed breakdown of costs and explains the reasoning behind any fees to avoid surprises later in the loan process.
F. Communication and Availability
Assess the broker's responsiveness and availability. Prompt communication is essential, as delays in the loan process can impact your timeline and potentially jeopardize your purchase. Choose a broker who is easily accessible and willing to address your concerns promptly.
G. Compatibility and Trust
Establishing a good rapport with your mortgage broker is vital. During the initial meeting, gauge their level of professionalism, willingness to listen, and ability to understand your specific needs. Trust plays a significant role in your relationship with the broker, as they will guide you through critical financial decisions.
Steps to Selecting the Right Mortgage Broker
Choosing the right mortgage broker requires a systematic approach. Here are the steps to guide you through the selection process:
1. Assessing Your Financial Situation
Before approaching mortgage brokers, evaluate your financial standing. Determine your budget, including your desired loan amount, down payment, and monthly repayment capacity. Identifying your specific loan requirements will help you communicate effectively with potential brokers.
2. Researching Available Mortgage Brokers
Utilize online resources, industry directories, and seek recommendations from trusted sources such as friends, family, or real estate agents. Compile a list of potential brokers who align with your requirements.
3. Initial Consultation and Interviewing Brokers
Schedule meetings with the selected brokers to discuss your needs and evaluate their services. Prepare a list of questions to ask, including inquiries about their experience, approach towards securing loans, and how they plan to work with you throughout the process.
4. Evaluating Brokers and Comparing Offers
Compare the qualifications and track records of each broker. Assess their ability to present suitable loan options based on your requirements. Analyze the loan terms, interest rates, and repayment plans offered by different lenders to find the best fit for your needs.
5. Verifying Credentials and Checking References
Conduct due diligence by researching the background of the brokers you are considering. Verify their credentials, licenses, and accreditation. Contact the references provided by the brokers to gain firsthand insights into their past performance and client satisfaction levels.
6. Final Selection and Engagement
Consider all the factors discussed above and weigh them against your individual preferences. Select the mortgage broker who best aligns with your goals and requirements. Once you have made your choice, officially engage the broker and initiate the process of securing your home loan.
Summary
Choosing the right mortgage broker is crucial for a successful home loan journey. By understanding their role, considering the key factors, and following a systematic selection process, you can find a broker who not only helps you secure the best loan options but also provides guidance and support throughout the entire process. Remember, doing your due diligence upfront will pay off in the long run, ensuring a positive experience and ultimately leading you to your dream home.
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masgwi · 8 months ago
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The federal budget mentions the creation of halal mortgages as a means to 'enable Muslim Canadians, and other diverse communities, to further participate in the housing market'
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littlejoe59 · 8 months ago
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Trudeau to introduce ‘halal mortgage’ for muslims in Canada, bans foreigners from buying home for 2 years | World News - Hindustan Times
Trudeau to introduce ‘halal mortgage’ for muslims in Canada, bans foreigners from buying home for 2 years
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reasoningdaily · 1 year ago
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The indictment of Senator Bob Menendez on charges of corruptly aiding the Egyptian government has set the stage for a week of renewed pressure on US lawmakers to withhold military aid to Egypt.
Menendez stepped town temporarily from his position as head of the Senate foreign relations committee on Friday after he was indicted by New York’s southern district court on a set of explosive and detailed charges.
These included accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes as well as gold bars, payments towards his mortgage and gifts including a luxury car, in exchange for using his influence and breaching his duties “in ways that benefited the government of Egypt”, while bolstering a halal meat certification business based in his New Jersey district linked to the Egyptian state.
The senator has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, stating “those who believe in justice believe in innocence until proven guilty”.
The indictment also details the senator’s close relationships with members of the Egyptian intelligence services, including meetings in his office in Washington and in Cairo to discuss the $1.3bn in foreign military aid given to Egypt by the US each year, an area where Menendez possessed substantial control due to his position.
The Biden administration recently opted to withhold $85m of military aid for Egypt citing human rights concerns, substantially less than the amounts withheld in previous years. The move sparked criticism from observers who pointed to Egypt’s abysmal human rights record, citing tens of thousands detained under president Abdel-Fatah al Sisi including political prisoners and US green card holders.
With one week remaining before the end of the financial year, Menendez’s indictment has sparked furious calls from rights groups and lobbyists in Washington demanding that US lawmakers withhold on national security grounds a further $235m in military aid to Egypt that was previously approved by the Biden administration earlier this month.
“According to the three-count indictment, while enriching himself, Menendez used his position to prioritize the wants of Egypt’s corrupt and brutal government and security services,” said the Washington-based group the Freedom Initiative, which focuses on political prisoners held across the Middle East.
“The indictment alleges significant efforts by the Egyptian government to improperly influence US policy and law. President Biden and his administration should demand an accounting from the Egyptian government and announce a review of the bilateral relationship.”
Seth Binder, advocacy director at the Project on Middle East Democracy in Washington, said that his organisation would be among those pressing lawmakers to withhold the military aid to Egypt in light of the accusations against Senator Menendez and revelations around Egyptian interference in US policy.
“This is a rare thing; Congress jumping in like this is not commonly done. But also the information in the indictment is quite unusual,” he said.
He added: “We often hear that using military aid as leverage won’t work, as the Egyptian government doesn’t really care about the assistance. This indictment should put that argument to bed, it has clearly been proven false.”
Among the details in the indictment against Menendez are text messages to his wife, Nadine Menendez, which were passed on to Egyptian officials, specifying sensitive information regarding staff at the US embassy in Cairo. The accusations also include examples of Menendez communicating with Egyptian officials, via his wife, about his personal approval of specific arms sales to Egypt.
“Asking for names and individuals working at an embassy: that part is truly scandalous to my mind,” said Binder. “We know that Egypt is regularly trying to harass Egyptian nationals that work at foreign embassies, to use them to gather intelligence and information. Playing a part in that is really dirty.”
The extensive allegations against Menendez appear likely to affect multiple areas of US foreign policy, while also emboldening rights groups who have long complained of the Biden administration’s broken promises on Egypt. As a candidate, Biden promised “no blank cheques” for Sisi, belied by increasingly warm relations once he took office.
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