Hi Amey,

1. Most pvt banks will be more or less similar in interest rates etc (anyway, a lot will change during the tenure of the loan). Go for floating rates.  Better to choose the same financer who has financed the builder / most of the apts in the building.

2.  Most builders accepting 100% white would charge reasonably. Look for location! Also, each apt within the same bulding will be different. Go for the one which you like and can afford easily. But make sure that commute to work, market, school etc is not too painful. Some compromise may be needed here.

3. The bank will scrutinize all of these. Their lawyer would raise any red flag.

4. Don't go overboard, If possible, do not go beyond what bank suggests.

5. Take loan for the max duration.

6. Take your time with interior designing. Again, think about your needs over the next 5-10 yrs. Spend wisely. Better to leave interiors to better half.

 - If HDFC has pre-approved the project then you should not worry much about builder documents etc. as generally they have very strict screening criteria

 - Several real estate blogs/forums are there which should give you a good sense of pricing as well as pros/cons about the project; even you bank RM can give you a sense of pricing as they get loan papers from other clients

 - Go for SBI max gain loan with maximum tenure (30 yrs); and ensure that all your surplus money is parked in this account as the loan interest is charged on the over draft amount only; the benefit is that your effective rate of interest is low and you have the flexibility to take out the money if tempting investment opportunity arrives such as significant market correction etc.

What I have learnt is that buy the property which has maximum potential of appreciation even if it is temporarily away from your office. This ensures good enough return while this happens to be the largest investment in one's life. The most imp. is obviously location and this is very subjective.