Archive for May, 2008
May 27th, 2008 -- Posted in Real market |
Someone much wiser than I once told me that more people than not end up hating their real estate agents. At the time, I didn’t believe that. I can see now, however, that it could very well be true.
My only personal experience with realtors has been from the position of Seller. The view from the other side could be different. I also realize that my experiences may not reflect those of many others. Not all realtors are the same, but most tend to follow a learned course of action. Also, all real estate transactions in a given state must follow established regulations, proceedures, policies and protocols. So similarities will exist between my experiences and those of others, although the circumstances may vary.
Selecting the right real estate agent is critical. This agent will represent you in one of the most monumental decisions of your life. It’s a hugely stressful situation to be selling the home you grew up in, as in my case. It’s almost impossible to put any sort of monetary value on such a home. Yet, that’s exactly what you have to do, and the agent you select must understand that you will likely be offended when he or she tells you what your house is worth in dollars and cents.
So, when choosing a realtor, you want someone sensitive to what you’re about to go through. You do have a right to be choosy, and you should be. You’re about to face what could be a long, difficult road, depending on market conditions, which could change at any moment.
Because it is, or can be, a volatile market, you should choose a realtor with considerable years of experience. Such a realtor will have worked under both seller’s and buyer’s market conditions. He or she will be most qualified to market your home under the market conditions that exist at the time. He or she will also be able to advise you properly, and take the appropriate actions, should the market take a swing while you’re trying to sell it.
An agent who has only been working a few years, or only occasionally and selectively, will likely flounder when faced with situations not encountered before. That’s what happened in my case. When we first put my home on the market, in July of 2007, market conditions were still more in my favor. It’s changed considerably since then, as you may know.
The key in choosing a realtor is actually very simple. It should involve just three things: 1. Interview; 2. Interview; 3. Interview. Then, interview some more. Ask questions about his or her background and experience. Ask how long he or she has been with the agency, and what other agencies he or she has been with. Take down names, and do a little research on your own. If the agent seems to be an agency-hopper, there is likely a reason, and it might not be “upward mobility.”
On the subject of agencies, elect to interview agents with well-known, established companies. Smaller, or individually-owned agencies are less likely to have the reach and resources you might need. An example might be an in-house attorney, or law firm, on permanent retainer to handle legal issues that may arise. Independent agents, like the lady next door who sold Joe’s house up the street last year, might best be avoided, unless you’ve known that person for a long time.
That brings up another point worth consideration, however. The opening sentence in this article should be a clue to this. Avoid choosing friends or relatives as your realtor. As much as you may want to “keep it in the family,” so to speak, when push comes to shove, and it inevitably will, you do not want the personal relationships clouding your judgement, or interfering with harsh decisions you might have to make.
Look for someone who is aggressive, but professional, and not offensive or overbearing. If you find the person you’re interviewing seems to be making your decisions for you, making you uncomfortable saying “no,” then it might be best to thank them for their time, and send them on their way. Be wary of braggarts and big talkers. Keep all business cards and presentation packages, though. You can always talk to them again.
The bottom line is this: You are hiring a professional real estate agent. You are not looking to form a friendship, or a romantic relationship. You will be paying a lot of money for services and representation of your interests. You’re not buying a can of soup or a used car. You are putting your, and your family’s, financial future on the line. It’s a big decision and one that should not be entered into lightly.
Source: real estate
May 26th, 2008 -- Posted in Real market |
The real estate market may have cooled considerably, but not real estate television. House-flipping and home-renovation programs are still big hits on cable. While for-sale signs sprout on lawns across the country, TV programmers are like developers who plow ahead with new housing projects anyway.
New seasons of the A&E network’s “Flip This House” — one of a troika with TLC’s “Flip that House” and Bravo’s “Flipping Out” are premiering. HGTV had its highest prime-time ratings ever in January. Nine of its top 10 series deal with the housing market, including “House Hunters,” “My First Place,” “Hidden Potential,” “Buy Me” and “Design to Sell.” The network did a special theme day Feb. 29: “taking the big leap,” or investing in that first house.
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Source: Real Estate
May 26th, 2008 -- Posted in Uncategorized |
Hi Everyone!
Rumor has it, you are thinking about starting a home based business….Let’s look at some facts and stats…
Millions around the world are starting to realize the numerous benefits of working at home. More people are working their way back “home”, so to speak, by putting their talents to work. Millions have done it already, even more are gearing up to do it, and their are plenty of opportunities, in both the offline and online world, just waiting to be explored – by you!
Depending on the type of home based venture one undertakes, you might just be able to go to work in jeans and a t-shirt, or even in your PJ’s. This is especially true if your chosen career path is one that deals mainly with a technological aspect, such as owning and operating websites to generate revenue. One important thing to take into consideration: Depending upon the business you want to start up, you may have city, county, or state regulations, as well as permits and licenses to deal with. You must be sure that the type of business you want to start is legal as a home-based business in your area. Check with the local government, or chamber of commerce in your area.
Everyone of us has dreams to retire early but very FEW will TAKE ACTION to actually do it. Most of us are too busy with our jobs . Everyone wants to get a few extra perks – make extra money in hand! Well duh – Who doesn’t want that?
A home based business is your wish. To keep yourself focused on your business you need to plan and prepare in several areas. Always remember: Your home based business is set up with the primary intention to make money, like any other business. The nice perk that goes with having a home based business is being able to work within the comfort of your home, as well as the time you can spend with your family.
Successful small businesses are ones that are run by motivated owners who can create a structured work environment for themselves, and then get the maximum productivity out of themselves AND their business. It is highly recommended that if you are going to begin to work from home that you create an area of your home that is your office. Success, in anything requires focus, this means learning, studying and practicing proven ways in order to make the success of your business a predictable outcome. There are ways to ensure your success, but know that your success won’t just happen – You have to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
In the next couple of posts, we will explore some home based business opportunities in both the online and offline world. So – stay tuned!
Michael
Source: start a home based busi
May 23rd, 2008 -- Posted in Home Loan |
Are you in need of financial resources in order to start or even maintain your small business? Most of us are. The first step is to take a look at the vast number of commercial loan sources that offer help in this area such as Chase, Citibank, etc. Also, with the Small Business Administration (SBA), you should be able to arrange a connection with one of these banks. This is one of many organizations that specialize in loans to small businesses.
Contrary to the belief that bankers actually look for reasons to turn down prospective clients in need of a loan, they are in the business to lend money. This means that every time a banker is sitting in front of a potential client, they are hoping to make the deal work just as much, if not more than the client wants it to work.
A bank?s primary role in the small business lending area is funding growth. An example of this would be to finance the expansion of small business with a proven track record. Most banks can offer a wide variety of loan packages designed to finance expansion of an already existing small business.
Below are a few examples bank loan packages:
1. Asset Based Financing. Asset Based Financing is a general term describing a transaction whereby a lender accepts collateral and assets of a company in exchange for a loan. Most asset based loans are collateral against other accounts receivable, inventory, or equipment. Accounts receivable is the most favored of the three because it can be converted into cash quickly. Banks will only advance funds on a percentage of receivable or inventory, typically being around 75% of the receivable and 50% inventory.
2. Line of Credit. A line of credit involves the bank?s setting aside designated funds for the business to draw against for the cash it needs. As the line of credit is used, the credit line is reduced and when payments are made the line is replenished. One major advantage of a line of credit is that no interest is accrued unless the funds are actually used.
3. Floor Planning. Floor Planning is another form of asset based lending in which the borrower?s inventory is used as collateral for the loan. Car dealerships are a prime example of a business that often uses floor planning as their primary financial tool.For More Free Resources visit www.greatindustrialguide.com
Source: setting business goals