5 Things NOT to do in a job search

Posted on September 23, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

1) “Employers will be impressed if you take the initiative to show up in person instead of just applying online.” In most fields these days, showing up to apply in person will mark you as unprofessional and out of touch.

2) “Call to follow up on your application, or you won’t look interested in the job.” Maybe this strategy worked at some point, but these days employers frown on follow-up calls that show you don’t understand how the hiring process works. 3) “Say in your cover letter that you’ll call in a week to schedule an interview.” In reality, job seekers don’t get to decide to schedule an interview. The ball is in the employer’s court to decide which of the strongest candidates they’d like to speak with.

4) “Go ahead and inflate your current salary. Everyone does it, and employers don’t really check.” Everyone does NOT do it, and most employers do check. A lie can torpedo a job offer that had been a sure thing.

5) “You need to find a way to stand out from the pack. Send the hiring manager chocolate, turn your resume into an infographic, send a hard copy by overnight mail etc.” Gimmicks like these usually don’t work. The best way job seekers stand out is by being qualified for the job, and have a solid cover letter and resume that highlights your achievements.

For more information – CLICK HERE

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Ready Your Home for Fall with These Late Summer Tips

Posted on September 11, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

fall is pretty

As we march swiftly toward fall in many parts of the country, homeowners should prepare for the eventual chills and precipitation that winter will bring. According to diynetwork.com, the most beneficial – and in most cases – easiest maintenance can go a long way toward ensuring your home is fully buttoned up, safe, dry and warm come fall. Here are just a few of the suggestions offered by the site:

  • Regularly clean gutters and downspouts. Make sure all drainage areas are unblocked by leaves and debris. Consider installing gutter guards to make the job a lot easier.

  • Lower humidity and cooler (not yet cold) temperatures make fall a good time to paint the exterior of your home.

  • Inspect your roof, or hire a licensed professional to examine your roof for wear and tear. If the shingles are curling, buckling or crackling, replace them.

  • Check the flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys. If you have any leaks or gaps, heavy snow and ice will find its way in.

  • To prevent exterior water pipes from bursting when the weather gets below freezing, turn off the valves to the exterior hose bibs. Run the water until the pipes are empty. Make sure all the water is drained from the pipes, if not; the water can freeze up and damage the pipes.

  • Have your wood-burning fireplace inspected, cleaned and repaired to prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Wrap water pipes that run along exterior walls with heating tape. It will save energy and prevent them from freezing.

  • Clean and replace filters in your furnace or heating system. Contact a licensed heating contractor to inspect and service your gas heater or furnace to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • If you use a hot water system for heating, drain the expansion tank, check the water pressure, and bleed your radiators.

  • Check the attic to make sure the insulation is installed properly. The vapor barrier on insulation should face down toward the living space. If it is installed incorrectly (with the vapor barrier facing up) then the insulation will trap moisture causing possible water problems. Cut slits in the vapor barrier to allow moisture to escape.
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Can Grocery Store Proximity Boost Your Property Value?

Posted on September 10, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

Is it parks, schools, city services or affordability that you should look for when searching for a home with higher than average resale value? All of these factors matter, in fact, and homeowners lucky enough to be near one popular grocery chain enjoyed a boost in their home’s value.

Jennifer Von Pohlmann recently headed into the aisles at RealtyTrac.com to get the lowdown on this story, and to determine whether living near a Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods would provide a better boost if you had to sell.

Von Pohlmann examined home values, as well as appreciation and property taxes in U.S. zip codes with a Whole Foods or a Trader Joe’s. Her analysis revealed that homeowners near a Trader Joe’s have experienced better home value appreciation since their purchase, but also pay higher property taxes on average.

Here are some other details in Von Pohlmann ‘s findings:

  • Homeowners near a Trader Joe’s have seen an average 40 percent increase in home value since they purchased. That’s compared to 34 percent appreciation for homeowners near a Whole Foods, the identical average appreciation for all zip codes nationwide.

  • Homes near a Trader Joe’s also have a higher value on average: $592,339, 5 percent more than the $561,840 average value for homes near a Whole Foods. Von Pohlmann found the average value of homes was $262,068 across all zip codes nationwide.

  • She also learned that homeowners near a Trader Joe’s pay an average of $8,536 in property taxes each year, 59 percent more than the $5,382 average for homeowners near a Whole Foods.

  • The average property tax across all zip codes nationwide was $3,239, according to Von Pohlmann.

  • For this analysis she broke down home value and property tax data for 1.7 million homes, condos and co-ops in 188 zip codes with at least one Whole Foods store (and no Trader Joe’s stores) and 2.3 million homes, condos and co-ops in 242 zip codes with at least one Trader Joe’s store (and no Whole Foods stores).

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Do you have all the FACTS about Annuities?

Posted on September 9, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

June marked the second annual commencement of National Annuity Awareness Month-a month dedicated to educating consumers about annuities, their benefits and features.

Last June was my first opportunity to be involved in the festivities. In fact, I was able to obtain the governor’s Proclamation, identifying the indexed annuity capital of the world as the first state for formally recognize “Annuity Awareness Month” just a couple of months ago.

Over the course of June’s 30 days, my annuity research firm received dozens of calls and emails with questions about annuities from prospective annuity purchasers. It was easy to see that annuities are still the black box of the insurance industry…what a shame.

Did you know that that the #1 fear of Americans is outliving their retirement income? (Death comes-in as the second top fear.) What an awesome opportunity for our industry to educate, right?

I know that most of my colleagues would agree that more Americans need to know about annuities. As a result of the many questions fielded by Wink, I was inspired to draft a quick 100 pertinent annuity facts. Here we go!

  • Most people do not know what an annuities are;
  • Those that believe they know what an annuity is, usually do not;
  • The greatest reason annuities are misunderstood by the public is the media’s perpetual distribution of inaccurate information about annuities;
  • Annuities have existed since 1100 – 1700 B.C.;
  • Annuities are a type of life insurance product;
  • Life insurance guards against the risk of dying too soon, while annuities guard against the risk of living too long;
  • Annuities are vehicles that are used to accumulate retirement money and ensure that you receive an income you cannot outlive, once in retirement;
  • An annuity is the only financial instrument that can guarantee you a paycheck for the rest of your life, no matter how long you may life;
  • Another benefit of annuities is that they accumulate earnings on a tax-deferred basis–you don’t pay taxes on the annuity funds until you withdraw them;
  • Most annuities are funded with qualified money, meaning the money has yet to be taxed;
  • The guarantees on an annuity are only as good as the claims-paying ability of the insurance company;
  • An annuity purchaser should feel confident of the financials and ratings of the insurance company that they do business with, to ensure due diligence in regards to the insurer’s claims-paying ability;
  • The most recognized firms that provide ratings of insurance companies are Standard and Poor’s and A.M. Best;
  • One must ensure that an annuity is not only attractive and suitable, but meets their goals, objectives, and risk profile;
  • The salesperson that sells you mutual funds most likely does not sell fixed or indexed annuities;
  • The salesperson that sells you homeowners insurance most likely does not sell annuities either;
  • You can purchase annuities directly from life insurance companies, in some banks, through some Broker Dealers, or through certain career insurance agents and independent insurance agents;
  • There are two main types of annuities: deferred annuities and immediate annuities;
  • Deferred annuities allow you to defer taking an income until you have accumulated additional earnings;
  • Immediate annuities allow you to commence income payments within the first year of the annuity purchase;
  • Every deferred annuity offers the purchaser the choice of annuitization;
  • Annuitization allows an annuity purchaser to change all or a portion of the annuity contract from a cash accumulation period to a periodic distribution of funds;
  • Most deferred annuities will allow the purchaser to annuitize the contract, without paying surrender charges, after year one;
  • Annuitization functions similar to an immediate annuity;
  • Most companies offer several types of income options for annuitization and immediate annuities;
  • Although a life only income option results in the greatest payment for annuitization/immediate annuities, it also means that if the purchaser dies the day after the annuity purchase, the insurer gets to keep the annuity’s value;
  • In addition to life only income options, there are period certain income options, which guarantee income will be distributed for a minimum specified period (such as 10, 15 or 20 years);
  • Many income options allow for a spouse to continue receiving income payments, should the annuity purchaser die;
  • There are two subtypes of annuities: fixed and variable;
  • There are also two subtypes of fixed annuities: traditional fixed and indexed;
  • Fixed and indexed annuities are insurance products, where variable annuities are investments;
  • There is a direct inverse relationship between possible risk and possible reward, which holds for annuities: to realize greater reward, one must generally accept a greater risk, and vice versa;
  • Generally, financially conservative individuals are better-suited to fixed annuities;
  • Generally, financially aggressive individuals are better-suited to variable annuities;
  • Generally, financially moderate individuals are better-suited to indexed annuities;
  • You cannot lose money as a result of market performance with fixed and indexed annuities;
  • Fixed annuities earn interest at a stated rate, which is declared by the insurance company;
  • Fixed annuities may offer an interest rate that is guaranteed for more than one year: These are referred to as ‘multi-year guaranteed’ annuities;
  • Indexed annuities earn limited interest, based on the performance of a stock market index;
  • The most common stock market index to be used as a benchmark of indexed interest on indexed annuities is the Standard and Poor’s 500 Index;
  • Indexed annuities generally limit the amount of indexed interest earned via the use of a participation rate, cap rate or spread rate;
  • Indexed annuities do not allow the purchaser to invest directly in the index;
  • Indexed annuities are not a “hybrid” of fixed and indexed annuities;
  • The index-linked interest on indexed annuities is provided through an instrument the insurance company purchases, called an “option”;
  • Dividends on the S and P 500 (and other indices) are not included in indexed annuities’ crediting calculations because the purchaser isn’t actually invested in the index;
  • Fixed annuities are currently averaging credited rates of 2.78 percent;
  • Interest on indexed annuities is ALWAYS limited in one form or another, even if the product is “uncapped”;
  • Indexed annuities’ caps are currently averaging 3.73 percent;
  • Variable annuities allow purchasers to invest directly in stock market indices, mutual funds and more;
  • Variable annuities have unlimited potential for interest earnings, but also unlimited potential for losses;
  • Fixed and indexed annuities are issued via an “annuity contract” while variable annuities are offered via a “prospectus”;
  • Although fixed annuities have existed for eons, variable annuities were not developed until 1952;
  • Although variable annuities have existed for over 60 years, indexed annuities have only existed for 20 years;
  • Indexed annuities are not intended to provide market-like performance;
  • Indexed annuities do not compete against variable annuities;
  • Indexed annuities most closely compete with fixed annuities;
  • Indexed annuities are intended to outpace fixed annuity earnings by 1% – 2%;
  • Surrender charges on deferred annuities protect the insurance company from unanticipated claims;
  • Although deferred annuities have surrender charges, most contracts allow the purchaser to take as much as 10% of the annuity’s value out annually, without application of these charges;
  • Most deferred annuities waive the annuity’s surrender charges in the event of either disability, nursing home confinement and/or terminal illness;
  • You can purchase an annuity with a single lump-sum premium or a series of premium payments;
  • Single premium deferred annuities only allow for a single annuity payment;
  • Flexible premium deferred annuities allow more than one annuity payment;
  • Fixed annuities generally guarantee at least 1.00 percent interest annually;
  • Indexed annuities guarantee at least 0.00 percent interest annually;
  • The fixed allocation option of indexed annuities generally guarantee at least 1.00 percent interest annually;
  • Only the fixed allocation options of variable annuities guarantee interest each year;
  • The fixed allocation option of variable annuities generally guarantee at least 1.00 percent interest annually;
  • Indexed annuities feature a secondary guarantee that promises interest on a portion of the premiums paid, in the event of surrender, death, or non-performance of the index;
  • Annuities must benefit three parties- the purchaser, the salesperson and the manufacturer;
  • Annuity purchasers benefit from annuities’ credited interest rates;
  • Annuity salespeople benefit from annuities via a commission that they are paid by the manufacturer;
  • Annuity manufacturers benefit from annuities via a spread, aka profit;
  • It is because the guarantees on fixed annuities are relatively rich that credited rates on fixed annuities are low;
  • The primary determinant of indexed annuity rates is the price of options that are sold to the insurance company;
  • Bond rates and market volatility also have an impact on indexed annuity rates;
  • Indexed annuities offer 12 different methods of calculating the indexed interest that is credited to the contract;
  • The many different options for indexed interest crediting on indexed annuities is a result of the independent agent distribution model the products are typically distributed through;
  • All things being equal, an indexed annuity with averaging in the indexed interest calculation (crediting method) will offer a more attractive rate than a similar option without averaging;
  • All things being equal, an annuity with a Market Value Adjustment (MVA) will offer more attractive rates than an annuity without one;
  • All things being equal, an annuity with a premium bonus will have less attractive rates than an annuity without a premium bonus;
  • Although variable annuity sales outnumber their non-variable brethren by 4:1, indexed annuity sales are equivalent to fixed annuity’s sales levels;
  • While just a couple dozen insurance companies sell variable annuities, 56 different insurance companies offer indexed annuities;
  • Although more companies offer indexed annuities than variable annuities, nearly 100 insurance companies sell fixed annuities;
  • Annuities frequently offer the purchaser the opportunity to take advantage of extra features via a rider, or endorsement that offer additional benefits such as a return-of-premiums paid upon surrender;
  • Variable annuities offer the most diverse offering of riders of any type of annuities;
  • A Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) rider guarantees annual withdrawals of the annuity’s value, at a specified level, regardless if the contract’s Account Value falls to zero;
  • A Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit (GMAB) rider guarantees that the Account Value of the annuity will grow by a minimum specified percentage over a period of time;
  • A Guaranteed Minimum Death Benefit (GMDB) rider guarantees that the annuity Death Benefit payable will be no less than a specified amount;
  • A Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit (GMIB) rider guarantees that the annuity’s income payments will be at least a specified amount, when taken over a specified time period;
  • An annuity owners can typically exchange one annuity for another, via a 1035 exchange, without causing a taxable event;
  • One can purchase an annuity for an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), particularly if they are concerned about guaranteeing an income in retirement;
  • The maturity date on an annuity is the latest point at which the purchaser MUST take income from the contract, and can no longer accumulate earnings;
  • Annuities offer their purchasers a type of insurance, similar to that provided via the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s coverage on bank products, through their state’s ‘guarantee fund association’;
  • The insurance companies that sell insurance in any given state are responsible for funding claims though the guarantee fund association for failed insurance companies within that state;
  • The amount of coverage provided through guarantee fund associations varies in each state, but is generally $250,000 as of the date of this article’s publication;
  • Just because a company sells a lot of annuities does not mean that they offer the best annuities;
  • The best-selling annuities are not necessarily the BEST annuities;
  • Although I am a licensed insurance agent, and frequently cited as an annuity expert, I have never sold an annuity;
  • Neither myself, nor my companies, endorse any insurance company or annuity product.

To find out more about Annuities – visit: http://www.InsurancePricedRight.com

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Real Estate Trends – What history tells us about the future

Posted on September 7, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

Question: Where do you see the Real Estate Market in the next 2 yrs?

Answer: I love this question because when I tell other Realtors my theory, at first they laugh at me then when I give them the facts then they aren’t laughing too much at me anymore….I get this stare with no more comments at all. Here is my theory, if you go back and look at history, this is what you will find:

1985-1986: Housing is booming, inventory is low.
1987: Housing still booming, prices increasing, inventories low.
1988: People start to question the boom. Realtors assure us the boom will continue. Houses aren’t like stocks after all.
1989: Prices are very expensive; affordability an issue. Sales slow and prices drop. Mention of risky loan types.
1990: Prices take a serious plunge. One article claims that housing booms are a bad thing and we should hope prices stay low. Increasing mortgage rates are blamed for the bust. The word “recession” is mentioned. Gloom and doom.
1991: A “dead cat bounce”? Some folks wondering if the bust has bottomed out or not. Sales are abysmal (e.g., -42%). Other parts of the country showing some signs of recovery.
1992: No one is buying; housing is an investment that no one will touch. Desperate political efforts being made to encourage house buying. Rock bottom prices and lower mortgage rates encourage some purchasing. The year ends with some buying. Another “dead cat bounce”? It’s not clear.
1993: It’s definitely a buyer’s market. Some people are saddened by the fact that current prices are 50% of what they were in the 1980’s. The housing bust in Southern California is clearly negatively impacting the California economy and the national economy at large. Sellers are desperate to sell (and some people taking extreme measures like putting huge “for sale” signs on their lawns for passing planes to see). Folks who waited out the boom to buy at the bottom are being handsomely rewarded for their patience. Proof-positive of the contrarian investing style — be greedy when everyone is fearful and fearful when everyone is greedy. The “slump” may be ending.
1994: Housing begins its comeback. People who had the intelligence to wait for the bottom are buying now at great values. Even rising mortgage rates are not shaking the recovery.
1995: Some parts of the Southland are recovering others are not. People with “negative equity” are in despair.
1996: A tentative recovery is still in the making.
1997: Finally, housing has recovered.
2001: 9/11 attacks – real estate takes a dive
2007-2008 – Market takes another dive due to no income verification loans and greedy mortgage companies giving loans to any person who can breathe.

Do you see the trend ? Ever seven years we see a market where real estate will tank….so if you add 2007 or 2008 + 7 – what do you get?
2015 or 2016 at the latest..

If you want my opinion about whether you should buy, sell or both right now call me and I will give you more theory to consider before you make that decision.

visit: http://www.robertjrussell.com

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Grammatically Speaking…

Posted on August 30, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

If you’re confused over the proper use of apostrophes, you’re not alone. 

In a recent questionnaire, I asked my blog readers if there were some topics they’d like me to cover. One reader said “Grammar! And please start with the use of apostrophes.”

Since the explanation is a bit long for the newsletter, I added a simple answer with a link to this post…

How to use apostrophes

Apostrophes have two functions. One is to stand in for letters that are missing. In the most common use, they form a contraction – such as turning can and not into can’t or will and not into won’t.

Contractions are useful because they slightly alter the meaning or “feel” of a statement. They’re a bit more casual than the words written separately.

Think back to being a kid. If you asked for a second bottle of soda pop (or a pony, or violent video game, or ??) and Mom said “No you can’t have one,” you might think that if you ask again later she just might give in. If she said “No, you can not,” It sounded a bit more like the final answer.

In the context of standing in for missing letters, apostrophes are also used to write slang, or a local dialect. Here’s an example from Grammar Girl: “I saw ’em talkin’ yonder,” with apostrophes to indicate that the speaker said ’em instead of them (t-h-e-m), and talkin’ instead of talking (t-a-l-k-i-n-g).

The other is to create a possessive, and while we sometimes see an apostrophe stuck into the middle of a word where it doesn’t remotely belong, (as in ladie’s for ladies’) where we see it misused most often is when writers use an apostrophe to form a plural.

Plurals are formed by adding an “s” (dogs, cars, boats) or “es” (dresses, businesses, glasses).
Possessive’s are formed by adding ‘s (apostrophe s) or simply an apostrophe.

(As you see below, the plural of some words (lady) is formed by dropping a y and adding ies, but that’s a whole other topic. Our focus here is on the fact that plurals are NOT formed with apostrophes.)

More than one agent: agents
Belonging to an agent: agent’s
Belonging to a group of agents: agents’

More than one cat: cats
Belonging to a cat: cat’s
Belonging to more than one cat: cats’

More than one lady: ladies
Belonging to one lady: lady’s
Belonging to more than one lady: ladies’

Notice that if the noun already ends in s – as in ladies – the apostrophe just gets tacked on to the end. You don’t need to add another s.

Exceptions always cause complications:

The only exceptions to this rule about possession being formed by an apostrophe are hers and yours and theirs and its. The first three don’t usually give much trouble, but many confuse its and it’s. There is no apostrophe when you mean “belonging to it.” You simply write “its.” Try to link it up in your mind with hers and yours and theirs.

“It’s” is still the contraction – the joining of the words “it” and “is.”

One rule that you might keep in mind …

If you see an apostrophe s, or an apostrophe at the end of a noun ending in s, something has to follow that could belong to the noun.

The car’s bumper.

The cat’s scratching post.

The agent’s reputation.

Ladies’ night.

A statement such as “There were 6 car’s in the lot” is obviously incorrect. Six car’s what? It could perhaps be six car’s tracks in the snow, but it has to be something that belonged to those six cars.

If it’s firm in your mind that an apostrophe s means “belonging to,” you’ll start to see signs that make you laugh. These are especially common in grocery stores, small cafes, and neighborhood shops. They read something like:

Green Grape’s $2.49

Confused ? Think about it

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WHAT’S THE GOOD NEWS FOR AUGUST 2015 IN DFW?

Posted on August 25, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

What’s going on in DFW

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The Emotional Decision to Buy a Home

Posted on August 25, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

Visit our website: RobertJRussell.com

The Real Reasons Americans Buy A Home | Keeping Current Matters

We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But often, the emotional reasons are the more powerful, or compelling reasons. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel are most important in regards to homeownership.

The top 4 reasons to own a home cited by respondents were not financial.

1. It means having a good place to raise children & provide them with a good education

From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchasing their home, may have this in the back of their mind as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. You have a physical structure where you & your family feel safe

It is no surprise that having a place to call home with all that means in comfort and security is the #2 reason.

3. It allows you to have more space for your family

Whether your family is expanding, or an older family member is moving in, having a home that fits your needs is a close third on the list.

4. It gives you control over what you do with your living space, like renovations and updates

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments that you saw on Pinterest? Want to finally adopt that puppy or kitten you’ve seen online 100 times? Who’s to say that you can’t in your own home?

The 5th reason on the list, is the #1 financial reason to buy a home as seen by respondents:

5. Owning a home is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to my family

Either way you are paying a mortgage. Why not lock in your housing expense now with an investment that will build equity that you can borrow against in the future?

Bottom Line

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in their life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a home.

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Being Effective Working From Home

Posted on August 12, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

Working from home is both a luxury and a curse. Sure, you don’t have to fight with traffic or even get dressed in the morning, but the line between home and work can begin to blur to the point where you’re not sure if you’re working from home or living at work. Additionally, it is much easier to get distracted when your office is part of your house. Kids, pets, phone, doorbell — these distractions can add up to sensory overload and prevent you from working productively.

The key to overcoming this problem is to redesign and remodel your home workspace. With a few tips, you can have all the advantages of working at home and still achieve the level of productivity that comes with working in an office.

Create a (Reasonably) Comfortable Workspace

You want your home office to be comfortable, but not so comfortable that you are inclined to take a nap. You want it to be welcoming, but not so welcoming that your kids set up camp in there with you. The design of the space should be infused with elements of your personality, including paintings, furniture and decor, but these elements should not detract from the functionality of the space. These elements should take up as little floor and leg space as possible. Keep items like floating shelves, fold away desks and chairs, and wall-mounted cabinets in mind when considering how to best use your limited space.

You also want to make sure that your designated office or workspace is in an airy, well-lit domain in your home. An area with an existing heating and ventilation unit is ideal. However, if the only space available to you is in the basement, stock up on fans, an air purifier and a humidifier to counter the stagnant air.

Use Lighting Appropriately

In an ideal home office, three kinds of light should be available: task lighting, ambient lighting and natural daylight. Task lighting is light you can shine directly on your work, so a desk lamp or flexible floor lamp is a good option. Use compact fluorescent, energy-efficient bulbs for your task lighting because they stay cool, last longer and are available in different watts and color variants to best suit your individual needs.

For natural lighting, try to set up your workspace near a window. Natural lighting is the most effective (and the cheapest) of the recommended lighting types. Plus, being able to gaze out the window every so often as you work is good for the soul. Be sure to invest in some quality window treatments, though, to block out the distractions that the window might bring and also to monitor the temperature in the office area. A sheer curtain can also be implemented to create ambient lighting for performing tasks that do not require direct or natural light.

Control the Stimulation Level

When considering colors for your workspace, remember that some colors stimulate the brain more than others. Colors that are too dark or too vibrant may prove distracting or can even elicit anxiety. For the walls, choose a neutral color that is soothing in the warm months of the year and also warming in the cooler months. Shades like cream, lemon and pastel blue are smart choices.

Too much noise can also be a stimulant and a distraction when trying to work from home. The kids yell, the dog barks, the television blares. Your workspace needs to block out these noises while still allowing you to hear what’s important. A good rug or carpet can absorb some of the noise; however, you can also install panels on the wall or add sound-proofing mats for added absorption. Simply upgrading the insulation in the room and the air sealing can cut back on noise pollution significantly.

So, if home is where the heart and the office is, a few remodeling and designing tips can help you boost your productivity and better enjoy your home office.

 

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Why Real Estate Is a Good Long Term Investment?

Posted on August 11, 2015 by robertjrussellcompanies

Real estate is a good long term investment because it is by far the safest investment out there, in my view. Of course, the money you have invested in it may grow very slowly and you it can’t multiply your money three of four times overnight like share market can, but, it can allow you to sleep peacefully in night knowing that your property will be there when you awake.

Best-Investment2

When you invest in real estate, you can rest assured of its safety and stability in the future and this is what makes it a good long term investment. But real estate is not something can everybody knows about. There are so many apparently sophisticated things that you must be aware of when investing in it. However, there are so advantages which make real estate a good long term investment.

If you invest in real estate for a long time, you are guaranteed to receive good return over investment in future. Suppose you have buy a house, then the money that you have invested will surely multiply along with the time. Another reason that makes it a good long term investment is that it doesn’t get affected at the time of inflation. The highs and lows of economic trends doesn’t affect is as much. When it comes to good long term investment, it is a good source of stability. One more reason for which you should invest in real estate is that it’s your basic requirement. Besides food, water and oxygen, you also need a shelter to live in. Buying your own house is also good option in comparison to renting. Of course, the renting looks more affordable, but in the long run, owing a property is more beneficial. When you invest in multiple properties, you can easily dictate the prices on which you want to sell or lease your property after a certain time. Investment in real estate can give you some tax benefits. Its long term benefit is another reason that makes it a good investment. You buy a flat or independent house and land in a good location you can get a handsome steady earning by renting them.

These days, pre-selling has become quite trendy. Now real estate developers are selling the flats quite lower than its value as compared to when the project is finished. If you buy a flat during pre-selling, you are sure to get good ROI in the long term. Since you are buying the flat at a lower price, in advance, you invest will become bigger. But before you buy any property in pre-selling, make sure you are aware of the reputation of the real estate developer. You should do a background check of the developer’s portfolio. Before you become enticed by the low price, make certain that the project will be finished in the promised time duration. You should also consider the location of property that you are willing to invest in. Also, you are advised to do an extensive research on the plans for that location in the coming years. Keep in mind, the good location of the property can give you higher returns over investment in the long term. If a property is in good location with good commercial potential, buyers are more likely to buy it on the price of your choice.

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