Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Selling Your Home In The Winter

In many parts of the country, selling a home during the winter months can be a challenge. Dreary, cold weather and the end-of-the-year holidays can keep buyers away and heighten fears of your home staying on the market longer than expected.However, there are a few things you can do to enhance “curb appeal.” And when that happens, buyers will take notice.For example, if your home has been on t. . .

Top Ten Suggestions for Selecting a Real Estate Agent

In order to find a real estate broker or agent who meets your needs and makes your buying or selling experience a positive one, Century 21 Real Estate Corporation recommends you: DO NOT blindly walk into or call a neighborhood firm and ask for an agent at random. Ask friends and family for recommendations. Interview several real estate agents: Find out their history with the brokerage, their. . .

Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Buying Homes

The old adage that “timing is everything” especially applies to buying a new home. And trying to be at the right house at the right time and get it for the right price can be tricky. Here are some guidelines to assist you: Turn to the real estate section of your Sunday newspaper. Monitor the market and tract home prices. Expect to spend 90 days watching the real estate market through advertis. . .

Hassle-Free Homebuying

Perhaps you’d like to take advantage of today’s great buyer’s market in housing but feel a little intimidated by everything that’s involved.You know the routine: finding the right locale and the right house; negotiating an agreement; putting together a down payment; and selecting the best mortgage available.There are two things you can do to make every step run smoothly. The first is to select. . .

A Few Easy Ways To Take The Headache Out Of Moving

Moving from one house to another is always a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Here are some simple tips on how to get it done with minimal stress and strain. Look at all the alternatives: hiring a moving company, for example, versus renting a truck and doing it yourself. Whichever alternative makes most sense for you, get bids from more than one vendor. A few days before the . . .

Moving On: Powerful Tips For Selling Your Home

Maybe you're moving to a larger home to accommodate a growing family, relocating for a new career opportunity, or purchasing a townhouse for retirement. Whatever the reason for the move, you'll need to take the necessary steps to sell your home for the best possible price, within a reasonable amount of time. Where do you begin?If you're like most people, you'll start by seeking assistance fro. . .

Easing Your Way Into Homeownership: A Guide To Low Down P...

There’s no question about it: Buying a first home is a big financial commitment. In most cases, a home is the largest single purchase an individual or family will make in a lifetime. However, because of the tax advantages afforded to homeowners, buying a home also can be one of the best financial decisions you’ll ever make.Problem is, many would-be homeowners remain renters simply because th. . .

How To Spot A Good Buy

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, particularly when it comes to buying a home. Features that attract one home-buyer may repel another.However, the one feature of interest to every home-buyer is price. Getting the most home for your money is paramount. The real problem is figuring out whether that fixer-upper on one street is a better buy than the home in next-to-new condition two blocks . . .

Adjustable Rate Mortgages Offer Alternatives For Home Buyers

When looking for a mortgage to meet your needs, consider these key questions: Is your income expected to increase in the coming years? How long do you plan to live in your new home? And, which mortgage will provide the lowest interest rate?While 15 or 30 year fixed-rate mortgages are the most popular, and Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) offers some interesting alternatives for home shoppers w. . .

Real Estate Remains A Strong Investment

Opportunities to make big, quick profits in residential real estate tend to come and go in cycles. When a local market is hot, families may find it possible to buy a house at an attractive price, fix it up, and watch its value rise in just a few years.When the same local market is at the low end of the appreciation cycle, reaping a profit on the family home can take a good deal more time but t. . .

Comparing The True Cost Of Obtaining A Home Loan

Home buyers are often confused about where to begin in their search for a home loan. The process is usually narrowed down to finding which institutions provide the lowest settlement costs, but the different types of lending institutions and the variety of lending programs available can make the search a slow, difficult experience. Real estate settlement costs are fees buyers normally pay when . . .

How To Determine The Price Of Your Home

Why is it that some homes sit on the market for a year while others sell like hot cakes? Frustrated sellers will blame a bad market, while a good real estate professional will tell you that many times, a slow sale is often attributed to the listing price.If a home is overpriced, buyers will stay away. But, if the price is competitive with similar homes in the area and “shows” better than the . . .

Conditions Are Right For Buying The Higher Priced Home Yo...

Higher interest rates and home prices in the past have kept home owners from purchasing larger homes. The current real estate market conditions, however, are encouraging for many home owners who want to “buy up” to higher priced homes with more to offer.If you are considering trading up for a larger and more expensive home, conditions for doing so couldn’t get much better. Interest rates are . . .

What To Expect In Closing Costs On A Home Purchase

Many are taking advantage of this year’s low mortgage rates to purchase a home. Pent up with excitement, many families, who have scrimped and saved for a down-payment, jump for joy when the mortgage lender finally approves their application. But, they should realize that there’s a whole new set of expenses that must be covered before actually closing on the sale.New homeowners are often taken . . .

The Death of the Loyal Customer

One of my classes in management focused on the repeat customer. The course stressed the importance of the repeat customer to the financial welfare of the business. We spent hours discussing ways to turn “first time” buyers into repeat customers. This is not a new concept. We’ve all heard the term “the customer is always right”. And then there is the movie we watch . . .

Finding A Capable Agent To Meet Your Real Estate Needs

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, selling your current home or relocating to a different part of the country, the support of a qualified, knowledgeable real estate agent can alleviate many of your concerns and ensure a smooth transaction. A professional agent can market your present residence, help you locate the home of your dreams and assist in making your transfer to an unfamiliar area ea. . .

How to Prepare Yourself for Owning a Dual Purpose Second ...

If you are thinking about buying a second home, you are not alone. A 1995 survey by the American Resort Development Association found that 60 percent of households surveyed feel they have a likely chance of purchasing a recreational property in the next ten years, a figure that rose 30% from the survey in 1990. The average age for the majority of vacation home buyers ranges from 40-50 years o. . .

Attention To Details Helps Homeowners Sell Fast In A Buye...

Your boss has just given you the career opportunity of a lifetime, but the job is in another state.Soon you discover that moving your family to another city may be one of life’s hardest tasks. The thought of leaving behind old friends and schools for a strange town can be frightening. The biggest challenge of all, however, it to preserve the equity in your housing investment so you will be ab. . .

Vacation Homes Are Becoming A Reality For More Homeowners

Whether it’s a lakefront cottage or a log cabin in the woods, a vacation home often seems to be a dream that only the wealthy can afford. But these days, you don’t have to be a millionaire to own one.A nationwide survey shows the median household income of second-home owners is $46,500. With today’s continued low interest rates, the tax advantages a second home can bring, and a wide selection. . .

Understanding Real Estate Terminology

Purchasing a home can be a complicated and confusing process, especially for first-time buyers. Throughout the process, first-time home buyers will encounter a variety of unfamiliar real state terms. There are several key terms associates with purchasing real estate that are helpful to learn.For example, many buyers confuse the terms broker and salesperson. A broker is a properly licensed ind. . .

Avoiding A Bad Investment Is Easier Than You Might Think

Human nature being what it is, none of us can get serious about the idea of buying a house without experiencing at least a few small twinges of worry. What we fear, of course, is making a mistake. And the mistake we tend to fear most is buying a “lemon” – a house that doesn’t simply fail to satisfy our hopes but turns out to have so many flaws that it’s a disastrously bad investment.The good . . .

Working With Your Real Estate Attorney

Purchasing or selling a home will probably be one of your largest and most important financial transactions. Before signing a contract to purchase or sell a home, both buyer and seller should consult an attorney to assure that the real estate transaction will be handled legally and professionally.Although an attorney is not a required part of the process, particularly in many states where escr. . .

What’s Your Style? A Guide to America’s Most Common Home...

Styles of houses vary across the country. From the New England Cape Cod to the Victorians of San Francisco, the choices are almost endless. Knowing which style you prefer is one of the basic elements in your hunt for the perfect home.Following is a quick guide to help you recognize and use the professional terms for many of the most prevalent house styles: Ranch: these long, low houses rank . . .

7 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners

Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do you find it difficult to take time out for you? Are you constantly working in a mess?Unfortunately there are far too many business owners working too long and too hard. They tend to be involved in every aspect of their business from being the bookkeeper, marketer, human resources manager, mediator, customer liaison officer and cleaner.The sm. . .

Email Etiquette 1

I thought it might be worth visiting some email etiquette for all as the majority of the readers of this newsletter are now on email. It is important to consider that when emailing people you are on show, whether you like it or not, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is one of my ‘pet’ subjects on which I speak when giving a public presentation about the Internet. I am constantly amazed at . . .

Why Public Relations Doesn't Just Happen

Public relations is a very important part of the marketing mix. A successful PR campaign provides third-party endorsement of products or services which is something no other marketing element can deliver. Many people think that once a company starts advertising, editors beat a path to your door. In some cases, that actually does happen, but it's not the norm. Public relations is very differen. . .

Public Relations Productivity

Should it be measured in “publicity by the pound,” or by how well external audience behaviors help achieve the organization’s key objectives?I opt for holding public relations responsible, first, for recognizing that people act on their perception of the facts leading to behaviors about which something can be done. And second, for how well its practitioners create, change or reinforce that opin. . .

Business Opportunity Seeker Excommutercated

Are you tired of commuting to work, racing the clock to get there on time, dressing in work clothes everyday, and feel like your whole life is just stuck in traffic. If you do, use these proven 12 free tools, to start your business opportunity at home, and gain your freedom with no money and no-risk.By Bruce ScherJo Rowling, was a 32-year old mom on welfare, who wrote an hour a day when her dau. . .

Rat Race Blues E-book Review

RAT RACE BLUES: How To Break The StrangleholdDarlene ArechederraDAR N-Centives25 Della, Fenton, MO 63026, 636-343-5495 October 2002, ISBN: None, Format: E-book92 pages, $16.95http://www.RatRaceRemedies.comRat Race Blues is a beautifully designed and easy to navigate e-book with valuable strategies for living the life you want and deserve. This e-book begins with an analogy that most of us . . .

How Do I Define My Market?

Your market is who you want to reach. Your customer. Who is your average customer? What is your estimate of total market size? What territory do you intend to serve? Will you offer a variety of products or services? The more specific you are, the better definition of your customer (what their characteristics are), the easier it will be to more clearly define your market. Many times you can obta. . .

Time to Spruce Up Your Public Relations?

Please feel free to publish this article and resource box in your ezine, newsletter, offline publication or website. A copy would be appreciated at bobkelly@TNI.net. Net word count is 615 including guidelines and resource box. Robert A. Kelly © 2003. Time to Spruce Up Your Public Relations? Better check out the public relations fundamental premise, then take action in your own best interest. Th. . .

How to Choose the Proper Entity for Your Business

First, let me state that I'm not an attorney and the rest of this article is just based on my experiences so I'd advise you to contact John Hyre at www.realestatetaxlaw.com to get some solid, specific advice on your particular situation.Also, this article is not going to discuss land trusts, which some of you may have just stumbled upon. A land trust is not an entity. Although it is frequentl. . .

Media Star Power Book Review

Media Star Power: ABCs to Successful TV, Radio, Print & Net InterviewsJudy JernuddMindShelf Publishing270 North Canon Drive, #1175, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 310-306-6999June 2003, ISBN: 0-9722398-3-9194 pages, $14.95http://www.MediaStarPower.comJudy Jernudd is a former newscaster and television talk show host turned professional speaker and media coach. Her unique background has given Ms. Je. . .

Does Your Business Need An Attitude Adjustment

First you need to: Change your attitude. I know you feel you have a good reason for feeling bad. However, instead of moaning and groaning about why me, ask yourself how you can turn the situation around. It’s better than feeling sorry for yourself, and a lot more productive. You may not have all the answers you need immediately. It is important, though, that you are asking questions. Eventua. . .

Do You Have A Press Package?

How do you make a friend of the media? A press package can go a long way in helping you deal with the media. It allows you to have everything you need handy. Many individuals in the media will ask you to send yourpress package to them, so it is very important to be sure to make one up and to keep it up to date.What does a press package contain? Your biography Your picture Information on Your Co. . .

Easing Your Way Into Homeownership: How Your Real Estate ...

For many renters, the first step in buying a home is becoming educated about the process. If you’re like many people considering a home purchase, you’ve spent nights and weekends poring over your local real estate section. You’ve talked to friends and relatives about their experiences. Maybe you’ve even purchased a book or tow to help you become more familiar with real estate terminology and. . .

How To Have An Effortless Life

Isn't that an appealing title? How to Have an Effortless Life! Well guess what? The only time your life will be effortless is when you're buried six feet under.It takes effort to get results, and not just any effort, it takes smart effort. You cannot expect to achieve anything without doing something. Unfortunately in our society today, people are making an enormous effort to keep themselves bu. . .

Time for a Clean Out

Time has flown. It's been six months since you came back from your relaxing holiday over Xmas and New Year. Remember when you charged into the office that first day, all primed to make the new year the best ever. You made a New Year's Resolution that you would definitely get organised to start the coming year with a bang! So what did you do? You cleaned out all the clutter that had accumulated . . .

How To Simplify Your Real Estate Buying/Selling Experience

Today’s real estate consumer has a lot to consider during the sale or purchase of a home. Be it waiting for the right buyer/seller, mortgage rates, or the moving truck, the experience can take a bit of patience on the part of the consumer. With this in mind, it is incumbent upon real estate brokers/agents/firms to institute services that will the buying/selling process hassle-free.Realizing t. . .

How To Give Your Home A Face-Lift: The Sellers' Guide To ...

One of the great challenges to selling a home can be showing all of its space, decor and natural light potential. For example, every home has crowded closets and dead space. Sellers should be aware that areas such as these are easy to spruce-up with a little elbow grease and old-fashioned innovation. Begin by evaluating your closet/storage space, determine which areas can cut-down in clutter. . .

How Long Your Mortgage Runs Determines How Much You Pay

The first thing most of us think about when the time comes to take out a mortgage on a new home is the interest rate.That’s both perfectly natural and very sensible. The rate of interest we pay can make an immense difference – a difference amounting to tens of thousands of dollars – in what the actual cost of our house ultimately turns out to be.Still, interest rates are far from the only thin. . .

Data Delivers Credibility

Over the past couple of days I've been setting up visitor counters, so people in another organization can accurately count the number of people who visit their event.They got the idea (and the counters) from an association I belong to, and they, too, are learning how data delivers credibility.I'm always impressed by how much respect I get when speaking or writing with specific, solid numbers. F. . .

Preparing For Your Media Interview

Media interviews are an important part of an overall public relations campaign. Any size company from entrepreneur to Fortune 500 can benefit from media interviews. Always arrive for a media interview prepared and early. We've seen competent CEOs drown in uncharted media waters. Being unprepared guarantees you won't get asked back. When you are contacted for any kind of media interview ask. . .

How to Generate Extra Cash in an Instant

With so many out of work, laid off or staying in dead end jobs to make the ends meet, we need creative ways of generating extra income. Here are a few simple, innovative ideas to get the cash you need quickly.1) Your personal gold mine, can be staring you right in the face. Many of us save momentos for years for nostalgia or for that one time that we might need them. That time never seems to co. . .

Credit Repair Scams

“Erase Bad Debt !”“Remove Negative Items From Your Report”You’ve probably seen these headlines and others just like it promising to clean up or “fix” bad credit. For someone who suffers from a bad or poor credit rating, these headlines are certainly an appealing offer.Imagine finally being able to buy that new car, get debt collectors off your back, and enjoy a new found freedom from your past. . .

Bankruptcy Basics

According to the American Bankruptcy Institute “household debt is at a record high relative to disposable income.” The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts reported that the number of filings for the year ended March 31, 2003 “exceeded 1.6 million for the first time in any 12 month period,” a 15.1 percent increase from the previous year.There are two basic types of personal bankruptcy: Cha. . .

4 Steps to Establishing Good Credit

As a consumer you’ve learned the importance of establishing a good credit rating with your lenders. Whether you are shopping for a new home or auto, or searching for the best deals on insurance, your credit worthiness will be judged by your credit rating or credit score.A bad credit history or bad credit habits will place “black marks” on your credit profile. These include things such as late. . .

Why Bosses Don't Get All the News

Not long ago, a friend who works in television complained that the industry has no interest in real business stories. And, I had to agree with him, since we don't see much coverage that doesn't involve stock prices or some sort of scandal.But, there has been one important exception. A few years ago, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) began airing a business show that became as popular a. . .

Product Review of Carelton Sheets' No Money Down Course

Real estate continues to be a very important part of any financial wealth building strategy. Most wealthy individuals have real estate investments as a portion of their overall net worth. Carleton Sheets has been in real estate since the 1970s and has taken his experience to build a complete real estate course. After purchasing the CD version of the No Down Payment course by Carleton Sheets,. . .

Leveraging Open Source Technology

Open Source applications can bring unique value to business owners. Since the base application development costs of open source applications is free, small and medium business owners are able to leverage previously unobtainable technolgies against their sales objectives, operational costs and customer satisfaction levels. Most small and medium businesses cannot afford the typical IT infrastruct. . .