TENANT SCREENING TIPS
1. Always use a preprinted rental application whether it is our generic form or a special company printed form.
2. Full Name: Should include first, middle and last names and any generation, such as Jr, Sr, etc. Include all nicknames and aliases previously used. Do this for all persons to occupy the property. Check to make sure that the drivers license, pay-stub, social security information match up.
3. Date of Birth: Obtain a birth date for each person and likewise verify the with IDCheck or Credit Report.
4. Driver license Number and State: Know what a valid license looks like and examine the driver license for genuineness. Be sure to check the full name, the address, the date of birth, the driver license number, the signature and most of all, the picture. Compare all these items with the data on the rental application form and with the physicality of the applicant. Also IDCheck will verify the applicants drivers license number and state of issuance.
5. Employment History: Get the business's name, supervisor's name, phone number and business address. Ask for copies of applicants pay stubs. Confirm and cross-reference all information with original application. If the prospective tenant is self-employed, ask for copies of tax returns. IDCheck may provide the name & date of Employement.
6.Reference Verification:Have at least three references of persons who know the applicant for a minimum of three years. Make sure the references are checked and confirmed. Although most references will not say something bad about applicant, references can be used as good sources for skip tracing should it be needed later.
7. Landlord History & Movement Patterns: Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of last three Landlords. It is important to check present and prior landlords, however our professional screeners our careful as present landlord may not provide negative information in order to get rid of problem applicant. IDCheck also reports all addresses on file for applicant for the last 10 years.
To see the rest of the article you can go to http://www.verifytenant.com/Documents/TenantTIPS.pdf
Good Luck
Ivan Warman
www.verifytenant.com
www.rightabouthomes.com
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
How is the price of gas affecting real estate?
The price of gas is affecting almost every industry and it is impacting the lives of Americans in more ways that one. From the price of groceries, to the price of a checked bag on an airline all items of our day to day lives seem to be going up. The real estate industry is no exception. The $4 +/gallon of gas price has altered the behavior of the real estate market in unforeseen ways.
It is changing the way in which brokers market properties, how brokerages charge clients, how real estate agents show properties, how managers budget improvements, how tenants decide where to locate, how local governments are approaching development and transportation issues, how consumers decide where to spend money, how landlords calculate their expense pass-throughs, and how lenders fund construction projects and acquisitions.
It is also impacting the new construction market. Construction costs are skyrocketing and builders are using energy efficient and “green” features more and more.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The ultimate motto of real estate has buyers deciding on location from a different point of view. Buyers are now looking for homes nearby or next to bus stops or other public transportation and closer to work. As the price of gas continues to rise, the affordability differential of living in the suburbs vs living in the city is diminished, causing a higher demand –and therefore increase in price- for homes near city centers.
THE CHANGE IN BROKER-CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
The face to face meeting between a broker and his client is often being postponed until the day of property showings, having the initial interview to discuss the kind of home a buyer would like and the must-haves and would-likes of a home, over the phone.
Buyers are using the internet and other resources, such as brokers, attorneys, accountants, etc. to gather more information about a property before making a site visit.
Agents are now being much more judicious about showing property in certain areas, they are doing a better job of prequalification before getting in the car with clients. Some residential agents will not tour a buyer without an exclusive representation agreement.
It is changing the way in which brokers market properties, how brokerages charge clients, how real estate agents show properties, how managers budget improvements, how tenants decide where to locate, how local governments are approaching development and transportation issues, how consumers decide where to spend money, how landlords calculate their expense pass-throughs, and how lenders fund construction projects and acquisitions.
It is also impacting the new construction market. Construction costs are skyrocketing and builders are using energy efficient and “green” features more and more.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
The ultimate motto of real estate has buyers deciding on location from a different point of view. Buyers are now looking for homes nearby or next to bus stops or other public transportation and closer to work. As the price of gas continues to rise, the affordability differential of living in the suburbs vs living in the city is diminished, causing a higher demand –and therefore increase in price- for homes near city centers.
THE CHANGE IN BROKER-CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
The face to face meeting between a broker and his client is often being postponed until the day of property showings, having the initial interview to discuss the kind of home a buyer would like and the must-haves and would-likes of a home, over the phone.
Buyers are using the internet and other resources, such as brokers, attorneys, accountants, etc. to gather more information about a property before making a site visit.
Agents are now being much more judicious about showing property in certain areas, they are doing a better job of prequalification before getting in the car with clients. Some residential agents will not tour a buyer without an exclusive representation agreement.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Nearing Retirement? Avoid These Common Mistakes
As Baby Boomers see retirement in their horizon, financial planners counsel against these common mistakes.
No current will. Even if you created a will when you were younger, it may be badly out of date as you approach retirement...and...not in synch with your wishes or circumstances. Update it.
Out-of-date beneficiary designations. Beneficiaries named in life insurance policies and retirement accounts must be up-to-date to avoid misunderstandings and possibly adverse tax consequences for your heirs.
Concentrated stock holdings. Whether through long association with a single employer or as owner of your own business, you may have a significant portion of your wealth tied up in a single stock. Nearing retirement, it's too risky to keep so many eggs in one basket. Diversify.
No excess liability insurance. Auto and homeowner's insurance policies offer liability protection if someone comes to harm on your property or in an accident involving your car. If claims exceed your policy limits, though, plaintiffs could come after your personal assets. Carry an excess liability, or "umbrella, policy, for added protection.
Emotional investing. Volatile financial markets can be unnerving, especially when you're close to retirement. Be patient, and hew to your well-grounded investment strategy...but...recognize that your stockbroker will never tell you, "When in doubt, get out" of the stock market.
No estate or tax planning. Many retirees craft an investment plan but overlook estate and tax planning. Start the process now if you haven't already, both to minimize tax bills for you and your heirs and ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, March 8, 2008
No current will. Even if you created a will when you were younger, it may be badly out of date as you approach retirement...and...not in synch with your wishes or circumstances. Update it.
Out-of-date beneficiary designations. Beneficiaries named in life insurance policies and retirement accounts must be up-to-date to avoid misunderstandings and possibly adverse tax consequences for your heirs.
Concentrated stock holdings. Whether through long association with a single employer or as owner of your own business, you may have a significant portion of your wealth tied up in a single stock. Nearing retirement, it's too risky to keep so many eggs in one basket. Diversify.
No excess liability insurance. Auto and homeowner's insurance policies offer liability protection if someone comes to harm on your property or in an accident involving your car. If claims exceed your policy limits, though, plaintiffs could come after your personal assets. Carry an excess liability, or "umbrella, policy, for added protection.
Emotional investing. Volatile financial markets can be unnerving, especially when you're close to retirement. Be patient, and hew to your well-grounded investment strategy...but...recognize that your stockbroker will never tell you, "When in doubt, get out" of the stock market.
No estate or tax planning. Many retirees craft an investment plan but overlook estate and tax planning. Start the process now if you haven't already, both to minimize tax bills for you and your heirs and ensure that your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, March 8, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Baggage Policies
The following carriers have made changes to their checked baggage policies. Click on the airline below for further details.
To stay updated with the current baggage policy as it is today, please visit the airlines website provided.
- Air Canada
- AirTran Airways
- American Airlines
- Continental Airlines
- Delta
- Frontier
- JetBlue
- Northwest Airlines
- United
- US Airways
Air
- Under the new policy, customers who purchase tickets on Air
- This policy applies for travel within
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on carrier's Web site.
AirTran Airways has announced a new checked baggage policy effective May 15, 2008.
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $10 USD fee if paid through AirTran Airways' Online Check-in or $20 if paid at the airport, then $50 USD per bag thereafter. The fees are assessed each way and may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on carrier's Web site.
Note: Military personnel may check one duffel/sea bag in place of a 61-inch bag.
American Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy effective for tickets purchased on or after June 15.
- This policy applies for travel within the
- Customers may check one bag for a $15 USD fee ($30 USD round-trip) and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy, including exceptions, posted on the carrier's Web site.
Continental Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for certain Economy fare tickets that were purchased on or after April 5 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
- This policy applies to travel within the
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on the carrier's Web site.
Note: OnePass Elite members, SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus members, Tickets issued on Y class of service, Continental Airlines Presidential Plus credit card holders, active military traveling on orders are not impacted by this policy change.
Delta has announced a new checked baggage policy for domestic tickets traveling on or after May 1, 2008.
- This policy applies to domestic travel.
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- The fee will be charged to passengers if their itinerary includes segments after May 1 regardless of when the tickets were purchased.
Note: SkyMiles Elite, and First/Business Class passengers are not impacted by this policy change.
Please be advised of the following baggage fee changes that Frontier has implemented effective Jun 10.
- Customers who purchase tickets for travel on or after June 10th will be charged a $25 fee for a second checked bag.
- Customers who have already purchased tickets before that date will not be affected. Our EarlyReturns®
- The policy for pets traveling in the aircraft cabin will be discontinued effective June 10, but all existing reservations will be honored.
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on the carrier's Web site.
JetBlue has announced a new checked baggage policy that will take effect June 1, 2008.
- This new policy applies to customers traveling on/after June 1, 2008.
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $20 USD fee ($40 USD round-trip). Subsequent bags will be assessed at $50 USD per bag. The fees may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of each baggage.
Northwest Airlines has announced a new checked baggage policy for those traveling within
- This policy applies to tickets issued on/after March 29 for travel within
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). For customers checking in three or more bags, the carrier will assess a fee of $100 per bag each-way. The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on Northwest Airlines' Web site.
Note: Silver, Gold and Platinum WorldPerks® Elite customers, SkyTeam Elite customers, and those booked in first or full fare classes (Y or B) will not be impacted by this policy change.
United
United has announced a new checked baggage policy for nonrefundable domestic economy tickets that were purchased on or after February 4 for travel on or after May 5, 2008.
- This policy applies to travel within the
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- Click here for complete details regarding the new baggage policy posted on United's Web site.
Note: Customers with Mileage Plus Premier status or greater, Star Alliance Silver status or greater, government fares, military fares, standard Award Tickets, first and business class award tickets, or first and business class upgrades granted prior to check-in are not impacted by this policy change.
- The new policy applies to all flights within the
- Customers may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 USD fee ($50 USD round-trip). The fee may be higher depending on weight and dimensions of the baggage.
- Click here for complete details regarding the baggage policy posted on US Airways' Web site. Note: Dividend Miles Preferred members (Silver, Gold, Platinum and Chairman’s Preferred), confirmed First Class and Envoy passengers (at time of check-in), Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, active military personnel in uniform with ID, unaccompanied minors, or passengers checking personal assistive devices are not impacted by this change.
HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS
| HURRICANE SAFETY TIPS | ||
|
| Make sure you have a full tank of gas before a storm arrives. | |
|
| Store a crate in your trunk with emergency supplies:
| |
|
| Make sure you have a good spare tire. | |
|
| If you're evacuating, bring your (fully charged) cell phone. | |
|
| If you're evacuating or returning home after a hurricane, avoid driving through water.
The average car can be swept off the road by as little as 12" of moving water. According to the National Hurricane Center, more than half of all hurricane deaths in the last 30 years have resulted from inland flooding. Of those deaths, one in four was someone who drowned in her car. Find an alternate route. | |
|
| If your vehicle stalls in deep water, you may need to restart the engine to make it to safety.
Please know, however, that restarting may cause severe damage to your engine. If you can't restart your vehicle and you become trapped in rising water, IMMEDIATELY ABANDON IT FOR HIGHER GROUND. If you're unable to get out of the vehicle safely, call 911 or get help from a passerby or someone standing on higher ground. | |
|
| After you and your vehicle are out of deep water and in a safe area, depress your brakes slowly several times to help dry them out. | |
Saturday, June 07, 2008
June Miami Events
7 - June
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Stevie Nicks (Hard Rock Live-Hollywood)
Miami Hurricanes Baseball (Mark Light Field)
Festival Yachad (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
8 - June
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Miami Hurricanes Baseball (Mark Light Field)
Steely Dan (Hard Rock Live-Hollywood)
9 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
60's Invasion (Dolphin Stadium)
Vampire Weekend (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
10 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
11 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Ladytron (Studio A)
12 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
13 - June
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
Eddie Izzard (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
The Cure (Bank Atlantic Center)
14 - June
Go, Diego, Go Live! (Ziff Ballet Opera House-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
Eddie Izzard (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
15 - June
Go, Diego, Go Live! (Ziff Ballet Opera House-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
17 - June
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
18 - June
Less Than Jake (Revolution)
Citizen Cope (Culture Room)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
19 - June
Cyndi Lauper (Sinatra Theatre-Bank Atlantic Center)
Rancid (Revolution)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
20 - June
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
21 - June
Arthur Abraham (Hard Rock Live-Hollywood)
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
22 - June
Raheem Devaughn (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
23 - June
Modest Mouse (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
24 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
25 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
26 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
27 - June
Rooney (Revolution Live)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Tantric (Culture Room)
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
Rooney (Revolution)
28 - June
Akon (Bank Atlantic Center)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Andrew Dice Clay (Parker Playhouse)
Wisin y Yandel (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Professional Rodeo (Davie Arena)
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
29 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
30 - June
Florida Marlins
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Stevie Nicks (Hard Rock Live-Hollywood)
Miami Hurricanes Baseball (Mark Light Field)
Festival Yachad (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
8 - June
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Sesame Street Live (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Miami Hurricanes Baseball (Mark Light Field)
Steely Dan (Hard Rock Live-Hollywood)
9 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
60's Invasion (Dolphin Stadium)
Vampire Weekend (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
10 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
11 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Ladytron (Studio A)
12 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
13 - June
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
Eddie Izzard (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
The Cure (Bank Atlantic Center)
14 - June
Go, Diego, Go Live! (Ziff Ballet Opera House-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
Eddie Izzard (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
15 - June
Go, Diego, Go Live! (Ziff Ballet Opera House-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
17 - June
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
18 - June
Less Than Jake (Revolution)
Citizen Cope (Culture Room)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
19 - June
Cyndi Lauper (Sinatra Theatre-Bank Atlantic Center)
Rancid (Revolution)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Broward Center Au Rene)
20 - June
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
21 - June
Arthur Abraham (Hard Rock Live-Hollywood)
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
22 - June
Raheem Devaughn (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
23 - June
Modest Mouse (Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie Gleason Theater)
24 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
25 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
26 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
27 - June
Rooney (Revolution Live)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Tantric (Culture Room)
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
Rooney (Revolution)
28 - June
Akon (Bank Atlantic Center)
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
Andrew Dice Clay (Parker Playhouse)
Wisin y Yandel (American Airlines Arena - FL)
Professional Rodeo (Davie Arena)
Celia Cruz (Knight Concert Hall-Adrienne Arsht PAC)
29 - June
Florida Marlins (Dolphin Stadium)
30 - June
Florida Marlins
Friday, June 06, 2008
The Housing Bust Is Over
By Dr. Steve Sjuggerud
Don't believe all the gloom and doom you read...
The U.S. housing bust may be just about over. We should be darn close to the bottom... possibly within one year of it.
You probably don't believe me. That's okay. I'm used to being the contrarian – it's a position I prefer to be in actually. But bear with me, and at least hear me out... Today, I'll share with you two simple facts that explain where we are now in housing and why we could be close to the bottom. Let's get right to it...
1) Houses are affordable again.
You may be flabbergasted to hear this... But U.S. houses are affordable again. Since last summer, the change has been extraordinary. The typical mortgage payment on the typical home in America now is 20% cheaper than it was less than a year ago. Let me explain:
Last July, the median U.S. home would have cost you about $230,000. And you'd have paid about 7% in interest on your mortgage. So that's a $1,200 monthly mortgage payment on that house (assuming a 20% down payment).
Today, the median home price is $200,000 – a $30,000 difference from last summer. And mortgage rates are down to 6%.
Between the lower price and the lower mortgage rate, you'd be paying less than $1,000 a month on your mortgage now – for the same house that would have cost you $1,200 last summer!
Most people shop for homes based on their mortgage payment... They ask, "How much can I afford each month?" And then they look for homes that will give them a payment they can afford.
So the big question is: Can the typical household afford the typical mortgage payments on a typical home? Last summer, the answer was no. But now, the answer is yes. Take a look:
Already? Yes! Houses are affordable again...
You may be surprised to hear it, but thanks to lower mortgage rates and lower home prices, homes are affordable... They're just as affordable now as they were right before they boomed in the 2000s.
2) We've paid our dues, pricewise.
You may also be surprised to learn home prices in general don't go up that much... The median U.S. home price has only risen at about 1.5% per year since the 1970s, after you subtract inflation. That's not much of a gain. (Even that 1.5% price gain is overstated... Homes have gotten much larger since the 1970s.)
The annual increase in price has been consistent... Whenever prices run significantly above that trend, like in 1978 or 1987, they run significantly below that trend three to four years later.
Have we paid our dues yet?
Cycles happen. You can see it easily in this chart. You can also see in 2005, prices ran farther above trend than any time in history. And now, in 2008, prices have fallen farther below trend than any time in history.
Could we see another year or two below trend? Of course. But I expect that we're in the process of finishing "paying our dues." We'll return to the trend.
In sum... you may be surprised to hear it... but
1)U.S. homes are once again affordable.
2)We've just about "paid our dues" pricewise.
Don't get caught up in the gloom and doom. Stick with the simple facts.
These indicators are pretty simple. They show how the worst of the housing bust could be behind us already.
Good investing,
Steve
Don't believe all the gloom and doom you read...
The U.S. housing bust may be just about over. We should be darn close to the bottom... possibly within one year of it.
You probably don't believe me. That's okay. I'm used to being the contrarian – it's a position I prefer to be in actually. But bear with me, and at least hear me out... Today, I'll share with you two simple facts that explain where we are now in housing and why we could be close to the bottom. Let's get right to it...
1) Houses are affordable again.
You may be flabbergasted to hear this... But U.S. houses are affordable again. Since last summer, the change has been extraordinary. The typical mortgage payment on the typical home in America now is 20% cheaper than it was less than a year ago. Let me explain:
Last July, the median U.S. home would have cost you about $230,000. And you'd have paid about 7% in interest on your mortgage. So that's a $1,200 monthly mortgage payment on that house (assuming a 20% down payment).
Today, the median home price is $200,000 – a $30,000 difference from last summer. And mortgage rates are down to 6%.
Between the lower price and the lower mortgage rate, you'd be paying less than $1,000 a month on your mortgage now – for the same house that would have cost you $1,200 last summer!
Most people shop for homes based on their mortgage payment... They ask, "How much can I afford each month?" And then they look for homes that will give them a payment they can afford.
So the big question is: Can the typical household afford the typical mortgage payments on a typical home? Last summer, the answer was no. But now, the answer is yes. Take a look:
Already? Yes! Houses are affordable again...
You may be surprised to hear it, but thanks to lower mortgage rates and lower home prices, homes are affordable... They're just as affordable now as they were right before they boomed in the 2000s.
2) We've paid our dues, pricewise.
You may also be surprised to learn home prices in general don't go up that much... The median U.S. home price has only risen at about 1.5% per year since the 1970s, after you subtract inflation. That's not much of a gain. (Even that 1.5% price gain is overstated... Homes have gotten much larger since the 1970s.)
The annual increase in price has been consistent... Whenever prices run significantly above that trend, like in 1978 or 1987, they run significantly below that trend three to four years later.
Have we paid our dues yet?
Cycles happen. You can see it easily in this chart. You can also see in 2005, prices ran farther above trend than any time in history. And now, in 2008, prices have fallen farther below trend than any time in history.
Could we see another year or two below trend? Of course. But I expect that we're in the process of finishing "paying our dues." We'll return to the trend.
In sum... you may be surprised to hear it... but
1)U.S. homes are once again affordable.
2)We've just about "paid our dues" pricewise.
Don't get caught up in the gloom and doom. Stick with the simple facts.
These indicators are pretty simple. They show how the worst of the housing bust could be behind us already.
Good investing,
Steve
Monday, May 12, 2008
Busines Safe
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has launched BusinesSafe, a new anti-terror initiative designed to provide Florida businesses with domestic security information to protect assets and safeguard local communities.
The first of its kind in the nation, BusinesSafe allows members of the private sector to register for free electronic alerts from FDLE’s Office of Domestic Security. These notifications will provide breaking news, important safety tips and opportunities to learn about specific preparedness techniques. The alerts can be sent to email accounts, cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
BusinesSafe also provides access to industry-specific fact sheets that will help businesses identify suspicious activities or potential threats. Participants can register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to access information on protection from security breaches.
Security is a top priority for us and this new tool will help connect our company with important and relevant safety information.
I encourage you to access the program at www.fdle.state.fl.us and to sign up to receive the alerts.
Thank you,
The first of its kind in the nation, BusinesSafe allows members of the private sector to register for free electronic alerts from FDLE’s Office of Domestic Security. These notifications will provide breaking news, important safety tips and opportunities to learn about specific preparedness techniques. The alerts can be sent to email accounts, cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
BusinesSafe also provides access to industry-specific fact sheets that will help businesses identify suspicious activities or potential threats. Participants can register with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to access information on protection from security breaches.
Security is a top priority for us and this new tool will help connect our company with important and relevant safety information.
I encourage you to access the program at www.fdle.state.fl.us and to sign up to receive the alerts.
Thank you,
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Tips for Organizing Your Office
Tips for Organizing Your Office
Using these tips for organizing your office you will become:
• more organized
• more focused
• more productive.
The reasons are simple. When things are organized you can find what you need. When you can find what you need you waste less time. When you stop wasting time you become more productive.
Whether you work from home or not, you can benefit from these tips for organizing your office.
Tips for Organizing Your Office
At Home
Organizing your home office presents a unique set of challenges. Clutter from the rest of your house can sneak into your office and you can become distracted by other household activities.
If you work from home, you need to set some ground rules.
1. Establish your working hours. Choose a time frame during which you will work each day. Try to keep this consistent, the way it would be if you worked away from home. By creating a schedule, you will make it easier for the rest of your family to respect your working hours.
2. Encourage respect of your schedule. Once you have established your work schedule, discourage interruptions while you are working. Develop a code to help remind younger children when you are not to be disturbed. Choose something easy for them to recognize like shutting the office door or setting an alarm clock.
If you are the only parent home with young children and need to work while your children are awake, establish quiet time while you are working.
o Put some chairs and a bookshelf in your office and allow your kids to sit in there with you and read quietly while you work.
o Provide puzzles or board games for them to play.
o Make work time for you fun for them. Make your kids some popcorn and pop in one of their favorite movies as a special treat.
o Spend lots of time interacting with your children prior to quiet. Encourage them to respect quiet time and make sure they understand that you would love to give them lots of attention, but only when quiet time is over.
3. Nothing goes in the office that doesn't belong in the office. Your home office is not a catch-all. Everything in your house needs a home and, when not being used, should be in it's home not in your office.
Next, determine what you will use your home office for and follow these tips for organizing your office accordingly.
• Do you run a business out of your home?
• Do you need to be able to meet with clients?
• Do you use your home office to maintain the family's records and finances?
• Will other family members need to use your office?
Once you have answered these questions, decide what kind of furniture you will need in the room to accomplish each task. A desk and chair are obvious, but will you need bookshelves, filing cabinets, or extra seating? Once you have the required furniture, find the best placement for it in your office.
Now determine the equipment you will need, such as a computer, telephone, fax machine and copy machine. Determine the best home for each piece of equipment based upon frequency of use.
Be sure you have storage space for supplies and merchandise. These items should be stored neatly and clearly labeled for ease of recognition. Again, keep frequency of use in mind when you are finding a home for your supplies and merchandise.
Finally, get your files organized. Whether your files are limited to your family's important papers or include extensive work-related documentation, they should be maintained in an orderly manner. A file cabinet with labeled folders kept in alphabetically order is usually a safe bet to keep all of your paperwork organized. Following these tips for organizing your office will help to ensure that you are as efficient as possible in your home office.
Tips for Organizing Your Office
At Work
If you work away from home, chances are that you will have to make do with the furniture, file space and storage that is provided for you. With these tips for organizing your office you can make any situation work.
Your system will depend upon the type of work you do.
• Do you need an in box?
• Do you need an out box?
• Do you need storage space for reference materials?
• Do you need space to spread out large projects?
Based upon the answers to these kinds of questions, determine what supplies you will need to do your job efficiently.
Next, think about the tasks that you regularly perform at work. Routine tasks require a system.
To follow up on outstanding items, use an accordion file with slots numbered 1 through 31. Make a photocopy of anything requiring follow up. Put the copy in the slot for the date that you will follow up on it. Each day, simply pull all of your copies from the current date slot and follow up. Make any necessary notes on the follow up copy and, if the item requires additional follow-up, place the copy back into the accordion for the appropriate date.
If you are receive verbal instructions, keep a note pad on your desk. Any time a verbal request is made, write it down. When a task is accomplished, cross it off. Take ten minutes at the end of every day to re-write your to-do list. The next morning you will have a neat and orderly list to start with. This will also help to clear your head so that when you leave work for the day, you can leave all of your worries behind, knowing that nothing will be forgotten.
Finally, create an ideal daily schedule. For example:
DAILY WORK SCHEDULE
TIME TASK
9:00-
10:00 Daily follow-up
10:00-
11:00 Return telephone calls and answer emails
11:00-
12:00 Prepare daily reports
12:00-
1:00 Lunch
1:00-
2:00 Return telephone calls and answer emails received during lunch
2:00-
3:30 Miscellaneous daily tasks
3:30-
4:30 Filing
4:30-
5:00 Reorganize to-do list
Post this schedule where it will be visible to you. Don't expect to strictly adhere to it, but having it as a guideline will help keep you focused. Following these tips for organizing your office will help to ensure that you are as efficient as possible at work.
Using these tips for organizing your office you will become:
• more organized
• more focused
• more productive.
The reasons are simple. When things are organized you can find what you need. When you can find what you need you waste less time. When you stop wasting time you become more productive.
Whether you work from home or not, you can benefit from these tips for organizing your office.
Tips for Organizing Your Office
At Home
Organizing your home office presents a unique set of challenges. Clutter from the rest of your house can sneak into your office and you can become distracted by other household activities.
If you work from home, you need to set some ground rules.
1. Establish your working hours. Choose a time frame during which you will work each day. Try to keep this consistent, the way it would be if you worked away from home. By creating a schedule, you will make it easier for the rest of your family to respect your working hours.
2. Encourage respect of your schedule. Once you have established your work schedule, discourage interruptions while you are working. Develop a code to help remind younger children when you are not to be disturbed. Choose something easy for them to recognize like shutting the office door or setting an alarm clock.
If you are the only parent home with young children and need to work while your children are awake, establish quiet time while you are working.
o Put some chairs and a bookshelf in your office and allow your kids to sit in there with you and read quietly while you work.
o Provide puzzles or board games for them to play.
o Make work time for you fun for them. Make your kids some popcorn and pop in one of their favorite movies as a special treat.
o Spend lots of time interacting with your children prior to quiet. Encourage them to respect quiet time and make sure they understand that you would love to give them lots of attention, but only when quiet time is over.
3. Nothing goes in the office that doesn't belong in the office. Your home office is not a catch-all. Everything in your house needs a home and, when not being used, should be in it's home not in your office.
Next, determine what you will use your home office for and follow these tips for organizing your office accordingly.
• Do you run a business out of your home?
• Do you need to be able to meet with clients?
• Do you use your home office to maintain the family's records and finances?
• Will other family members need to use your office?
Once you have answered these questions, decide what kind of furniture you will need in the room to accomplish each task. A desk and chair are obvious, but will you need bookshelves, filing cabinets, or extra seating? Once you have the required furniture, find the best placement for it in your office.
Now determine the equipment you will need, such as a computer, telephone, fax machine and copy machine. Determine the best home for each piece of equipment based upon frequency of use.
Be sure you have storage space for supplies and merchandise. These items should be stored neatly and clearly labeled for ease of recognition. Again, keep frequency of use in mind when you are finding a home for your supplies and merchandise.
Finally, get your files organized. Whether your files are limited to your family's important papers or include extensive work-related documentation, they should be maintained in an orderly manner. A file cabinet with labeled folders kept in alphabetically order is usually a safe bet to keep all of your paperwork organized. Following these tips for organizing your office will help to ensure that you are as efficient as possible in your home office.
Tips for Organizing Your Office
At Work
If you work away from home, chances are that you will have to make do with the furniture, file space and storage that is provided for you. With these tips for organizing your office you can make any situation work.
Your system will depend upon the type of work you do.
• Do you need an in box?
• Do you need an out box?
• Do you need storage space for reference materials?
• Do you need space to spread out large projects?
Based upon the answers to these kinds of questions, determine what supplies you will need to do your job efficiently.
Next, think about the tasks that you regularly perform at work. Routine tasks require a system.
To follow up on outstanding items, use an accordion file with slots numbered 1 through 31. Make a photocopy of anything requiring follow up. Put the copy in the slot for the date that you will follow up on it. Each day, simply pull all of your copies from the current date slot and follow up. Make any necessary notes on the follow up copy and, if the item requires additional follow-up, place the copy back into the accordion for the appropriate date.
If you are receive verbal instructions, keep a note pad on your desk. Any time a verbal request is made, write it down. When a task is accomplished, cross it off. Take ten minutes at the end of every day to re-write your to-do list. The next morning you will have a neat and orderly list to start with. This will also help to clear your head so that when you leave work for the day, you can leave all of your worries behind, knowing that nothing will be forgotten.
Finally, create an ideal daily schedule. For example:
DAILY WORK SCHEDULE
TIME TASK
9:00-
10:00 Daily follow-up
10:00-
11:00 Return telephone calls and answer emails
11:00-
12:00 Prepare daily reports
12:00-
1:00 Lunch
1:00-
2:00 Return telephone calls and answer emails received during lunch
2:00-
3:30 Miscellaneous daily tasks
3:30-
4:30 Filing
4:30-
5:00 Reorganize to-do list
Post this schedule where it will be visible to you. Don't expect to strictly adhere to it, but having it as a guideline will help keep you focused. Following these tips for organizing your office will help to ensure that you are as efficient as possible at work.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Thursday, February 07, 2008
The top points to know about fragmentation
Keeping a computer running at top speed is usually a preventive maintenance instead of last minute
- Hard Disk- Is the slowest part of the system, for that reason when the slowest part of the system is making unnecessary reads, the entire system is dragged down
- Fragmentation- Fragmentation leads to crashes, data errors ETC
- Defragment- The purpose of defragmentation is to restore lost speed and performance
When systems are thorouglhy defragmented, they run faster and more reliable.
If you dont know how to defragment your disk just flollow this simple steps
Use the Properties of Your Local Disk
1. Open My Computer.
2. Right-click the local disk volume that you want to defragment, and then click Properties.
3. On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now.
4. Click Defragment.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Update on New Government Rules On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.
Update on New Government Rules On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.
First: New regulations go into effect on January 31st that require all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. to show proof of citizenship. Prior to that date, persons can continue to prove citizenship verbally.
Proof of citizenship can be accomplished by presenting a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or an original copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization. We recommend a passport because it is the only document that proves both your citizenship and your identity.
Second: The Department of State, the agency of the Federal Government that issues passports, issued new rules regarding the new passport card on December 31, 2007. Here is a summary of everything covered in the new regulations. As you will see, there are more rules to be issued in the future telling citizens when and how the State Department will begin issuing passport cards. When and how the State Department will begin issuing the passport cards is not yet known.
1. The State Department will issue passport cards. The official name of the document will be "passport cards." State will continue to issue "passport books" which up until now we have known as a "passport."
2. A new DS 11 passport application form will be issued between now and February 1st. On the form, applicants will be given an option to apply either for a passport card or a passport book.
3. The passport card is valid only for passage through land and sea ports between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for flights into or out of the U.S.
4. The passport card will be issued to citizens in all 50 states but it is exclusively for use for land and sea entrance to the U.S. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
5. Passport cards can be used for identification for domestic flights. Remember: the passport card can be used as government-issued proof of identity and proof of citizenship. So, if you do not have a driver's license and need identification for passing through security for domestic travel, you can use your passport card for proof of identity instead of presenting your driver's license.
6. Passport cards have the same validity as passport books � 10 years for adults 16 and over and 5 years for children under 16.
7. Citizens will be able to apply for a passport card at any acceptance agent on the same basis as a regular passport.
8. Passport books must be signed on the signature page by the passport holder to be valid. Passport cards do not have to be signed to be valid.
9. The passport cards will be able to be scanned at U.S. borders when a person is in the vicinity of an electronic reader that will be operated by U.S. border control officials. The chip in the card contains only one item of information � a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure database of the State Department and Homeland Security Department. There is no personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, etc. stored electronically on the chip. So, if someone did pick up the signal, they would not be able to use the data to learn anything about the holder.
10. The execution fee for applying for a passport card is $25. The execution fee for applying for a passport book is $30.
11. The fees for obtaining a passport card for persons without a passport are as follows:
Adults: Total $45 ($20 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
Children under 16: Total $35($10 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
12. Persons who have a valid passport book (Remember: a "passport book" means a person who has a "passport") and who are applying for a passport card (in addition to holding a valid passport) are not required to pay the execution fee. Thus, persons with a valid passport who also want a passport card can apply for $20.
13. The government may permit alternative documentation for land crossings such as driver's licenses issued by states that have established methods for determining citizenship acceptable to the Federal government. Several states have already submitted proposals to the Federal government. This matter will be addressed in subsequent regulations issued by the Federal government.
First: New regulations go into effect on January 31st that require all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. to show proof of citizenship. Prior to that date, persons can continue to prove citizenship verbally.
Proof of citizenship can be accomplished by presenting a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or an original copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization. We recommend a passport because it is the only document that proves both your citizenship and your identity.
Second: The Department of State, the agency of the Federal Government that issues passports, issued new rules regarding the new passport card on December 31, 2007. Here is a summary of everything covered in the new regulations. As you will see, there are more rules to be issued in the future telling citizens when and how the State Department will begin issuing passport cards. When and how the State Department will begin issuing the passport cards is not yet known.
1. The State Department will issue passport cards. The official name of the document will be "passport cards." State will continue to issue "passport books" which up until now we have known as a "passport."
2. A new DS 11 passport application form will be issued between now and February 1st. On the form, applicants will be given an option to apply either for a passport card or a passport book.
3. The passport card is valid only for passage through land and sea ports between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for flights into or out of the U.S.
4. The passport card will be issued to citizens in all 50 states but it is exclusively for use for land and sea entrance to the U.S. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
5. Passport cards can be used for identification for domestic flights. Remember: the passport card can be used as government-issued proof of identity and proof of citizenship. So, if you do not have a driver's license and need identification for passing through security for domestic travel, you can use your passport card for proof of identity instead of presenting your driver's license.
6. Passport cards have the same validity as passport books � 10 years for adults 16 and over and 5 years for children under 16.
7. Citizens will be able to apply for a passport card at any acceptance agent on the same basis as a regular passport.
8. Passport books must be signed on the signature page by the passport holder to be valid. Passport cards do not have to be signed to be valid.
9. The passport cards will be able to be scanned at U.S. borders when a person is in the vicinity of an electronic reader that will be operated by U.S. border control officials. The chip in the card contains only one item of information � a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure database of the State Department and Homeland Security Department. There is no personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, etc. stored electronically on the chip. So, if someone did pick up the signal, they would not be able to use the data to learn anything about the holder.
10. The execution fee for applying for a passport card is $25. The execution fee for applying for a passport book is $30.
11. The fees for obtaining a passport card for persons without a passport are as follows:
Adults: Total $45 ($20 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
Children under 16: Total $35($10 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
12. Persons who have a valid passport book (Remember: a "passport book" means a person who has a "passport") and who are applying for a passport card (in addition to holding a valid passport) are not required to pay the execution fee. Thus, persons with a valid passport who also want a passport card can apply for $20.
13. The government may permit alternative documentation for land crossings such as driver's licenses issued by states that have established methods for determining citizenship acceptable to the Federal government. Several states have already submitted proposals to the Federal government. This matter will be addressed in subsequent regulations issued by the Federal government.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Robert Kiyosaki Predictions 2008
Hi everyone:
What does the future of real estate hold? Is the real estate market bad? Is this a good time to buy? Should I sell? These are some of the questions we are asked most frequently.
We have been saying for months that there is no better time to buy than now. We have been telling you that while this may not be the time to buy and flip, it is definitely the time to buy and hold. It is encouraging then, to hear someone as succesful as Robert Kiyosaki predicating on the same principles. It is time to get more education and better understanding of what is really happening with the economy and the real estate market. Real estate is not only for sale, but it is ON SALE, so take advantage!
If you can buy or you currently own a property and can hold on to it for the next year or two you will be able to see great return on your investments.
If you are a Realtor and you get asked those questions at the top of this article and up until now you have been telling your customers that things are bad, watch this video and share it with them.
Sincerely,
Right About Real Estate
213 E. Sheridan St. suite#1
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954.362.0980
http://www.rightabouthomes.com/
info@rightabouthomes.com
What does the future of real estate hold? Is the real estate market bad? Is this a good time to buy? Should I sell? These are some of the questions we are asked most frequently.
We have been saying for months that there is no better time to buy than now. We have been telling you that while this may not be the time to buy and flip, it is definitely the time to buy and hold. It is encouraging then, to hear someone as succesful as Robert Kiyosaki predicating on the same principles. It is time to get more education and better understanding of what is really happening with the economy and the real estate market. Real estate is not only for sale, but it is ON SALE, so take advantage!
If you can buy or you currently own a property and can hold on to it for the next year or two you will be able to see great return on your investments.
If you are a Realtor and you get asked those questions at the top of this article and up until now you have been telling your customers that things are bad, watch this video and share it with them.
Sincerely,
Right About Real Estate
213 E. Sheridan St. suite#1
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954.362.0980
http://www.rightabouthomes.com/
info@rightabouthomes.com
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
January '08 News Letter
Happy New Year!
We want to take the opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a year filled with health, wealth and happiness. May you have the vision to set big goals, the courage to pursue them and the persistence to achieve them.
With the end of 2007, a year that left the real estate industry a bit bruised and the beginning of 2008, a year that promisses to bring movement to the real estate market, we hope to be a part of all of your real estate ventures.
We continue to share with you our monthly newsletter. Whether you are just beginning to receive our monthly newsletters, or you have been getting them for months, we guarantee you'll like what you read... Our company is committed to providing our clients with extraordinary service in order to help them achieve their real estate objectives. Part of that extraordinary service comes with the commitment to provide them with up- to-date, useful information. As a subscriber, you will have the opportunity to read the best articles in the real estate industry, compiled from the most reliable sources.
New Services for 2008:
Right About Real Estate is proud to announce three new services for 2008
Basic/Flat Fee Real Estate Service for For Sale by Owners, Property Management and Credit/Background check.
Our For Sale by Owner service provides a home owner the best of both worlds. It allows the owner of a home the opportunity to find a buyer on their own and save money on commissions, while at the same time getting the benefits of the MLS exposure.
Our Property Management serivce is provided to absentee owners who either keep their homes vacant and use them sporadicallly on vacation or those who keep a tenant in them to help cover the expenses of a 2nd home or investment property. Anything from receiving rents, hiring and paying vendors, paying monthly mortgage payments, maintenance payments and other recurring costs, to cleaning the home and buying groceries prior to the owner's arrival is available under our Property Management services.
Finally, owners of investment properties who rent them out to individuals, now have the oportunity to run background checks, credit checks and even find out if the tenant has ever been evicted before or has a good residency track record.
10 "Must Do" Steps to Sell Your Home this Year
It's a buyer's market in most areas of the country so if you're selling your home this year, be prepared for a marathon, not a sprint. Following these 10 tips will help you sell soon.
Read on...
North Miami Beach- House for Rent
Price: $1,900/month
MLS#: H838757
Bedrooms:5
Baths:2
sq.ft: 2,400
Visual Tour
A Career in Real Estate
There is finally a real estate brokerage created with the agent in mind.
If you are a Realtor looking for an opportunity to make your real estate career a success, don't hesitate to contact us.
What we offer...
Sincerely,
Right About Real Estate
213 E. Sheridan St. suite#1
Dania Beach, FL 33004
954.362.0980
http://www.rightabouthomes.com/
info@rightabouthomes.com
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