Is Buying Real Estate A Risk ?

Posted on December 30, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

Real estate buying is always a risk. Like any other type of investment, there is the chance that you could end up making a bad decision. However, if you think about the property (land and house included) as an investment for the long term, you’ll find that buying now does make a lot of sense. Even in areas where property values are low, this does not mean there’s too much risk for you to get involved. All you need to know is what your options really are. You also need to know a few reasons why buying now makes the most sense.

But Values Are So Low

Many people have put off buying real estate because property values are low. This is very true in many cities and areas throughout the country. The foreclosures, short sales, and the simple lack of buyers is making the value of various homes fall. But this could be a good thing for those who want to buy and hold onto the property long term. Buying when prices are low and holding onto it at least until they rise is a key factor in making a profit. In other words, if you are buying property to live in or to rent for the long term, it makes sense to buy.

Financing Is Harder to Get

This is not always true, though many people believe it to be. As long as you have steady income and a good credit score, lenders are available. There are also FHA and other types of government loan programs available that can provide you with a tool to buy. Mortgage lenders are still interested in lending to those who are a good risk. That is why some offer very low interest rates, low down payment requirements, and excellent terms.

When it comes to interest rates, the current rates in many areas are outstanding. There may not be a better way for you to save money, in fact. If you plan to buy and want to save money, these lower rates will help you to do just that. Look for a lender offering highly affordable interest rates and good terms. Then you will know, without a doubt, that there is a reason to move ahead with your buying decision.

Buying real estate now is still as safe as it was. Even if property values dip in the months or even a year or two out from your purchase, in the long term, prices have always increased in most areas. For those who are buying a first home, moving to a dream home, or even considering entering the rental market, now may be the ideal opportunity to do just that. Of course, individuals must consider their circumstances and needs when making these decisions.

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20 Things the Rich Do Every Day

Posted on December 29, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

So what do the rich do every day that the poor don’t do?

Tom Corley, on his website RichHabitsInstitute.com, outlines a few of the differences between the habits of the rich and the poor.

1. 70% of wealthy eat less than 300 junk food calories per day. 97% of poor people eat more than 300 junk food calories per day. 23% of wealthy gamble. 52% of poor people gamble.

2. 80% of wealthy are focused on accomplishing some single goal. Only 12% of the poor do this.

3. 76% of wealthy exercise aerobically four days a week. 23% of poor do this.

4. 63% of wealthy listen to audio books during commute to work vs. 5% of poor people.

5. 81% of wealthy maintain a to-do list vs. 19% of poor.

6. 63% of wealthy parents make their children read two or more non-fiction books a month vs. 3% of poor.

7. 70% of wealthy parents make their children volunteer 10 hours or more a month vs. 3% of poor.

8. 80% of wealthy make Happy Birthday calls vs. 11% of poor.

9. 67% of wealthy write down their goals vs. 17% of poor.

10. 88% of wealthy read 30 minutes or more each day for education or career reasons vs. 2% of poor.

11. 6% of wealthy say what’s on their mind vs. 69% of poor.

12. 79% of wealthy network five hours or more each month vs. 16% of poor.

13. 67% of wealthy watch one hour or less of TV every day vs. 23% of poor.

14. 6% of wealthy watch reality TV vs. 78% of poor.

15. 44% of wealthy wake up three hours before work starts vs. 3% of poor.

16. 74% of wealthy teach good daily success habits to their children vs. 1% of poor.

17. 84% of wealthy believe good habits create opportunity luck vs. 4% of poor.

18. 76% of wealthy believe bad habits create detrimental luck vs. 9% of poor.

19. 86% of wealthy believe in lifelong educational self-improvement vs. 5% of poor.

20. 86% of wealthy love to read vs. 26% of poor.

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Interview Questions For Real Estate Agents

Posted on December 28, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

You don’t just hire a real estate agent off the street. It is important that you know that the agent you will hire would be helping you in a lot of ways. Interviewing them is therefore a good idea and a recommended step for home buyers. When conducting an interview, here are some questions that you should ask:

How long have you been in the business? The answer to this question would give you a good idea whether someone would be good to work with. Do not scoff at agents with no experience though. If you are interviewing a greenhorn, make sure that you ask if they are being mentored by someone. If they have a good mentor, then it could be a sign that they can be a good agent to deal with.

What is your average list price to sales price ratio? What this would tell you is if the agent would be willing to negotiate down the price of a property in favor of the buyer. You surely want someone who would be able to get you the dream house you want for the least possible amount.

Ask them for what strategy they will be using in helping you find the place you are going to buy. Since every buyer has different needs, it is important that the agent they are working with understands these needs and use it to create a suitable strategy.

Always ask for a reference. Then do not hesitate to ask these references questions about how the real estate agent has helped them in the past and if they would indeed recommend the services of the agent in question.

A good indication that a real estate agent is a good one is if they are willing to provide you with papers that you would be required to sign at a later time. This would give you a good amount of time to go through the documents to ensure that you are getting what your money is worth.

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The fed speaks — holiday cheer?

Posted on December 24, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

Well after months and months of speculation, the Federal Reserve Board finally announced the start of their \”tapering\” program in which they will reduce the amount of their purchases of government and mortgage-back securities by ten billion dollars per month. Starting in January, the Fed will purchase $75 billion dollars monthly instead of $85 billion dollars. This program was instituted during the financial crisis both to keep long-term rates lower and provide some stability in a mortgage market which was devastated by the crisis. By lowering the amount of purchases, the Fed is officially proclaiming that America is well on the road to recovery.

This does not mean that the Fed is about to raise interest rates. What it means is that the Fed will be exerting less influence over long-term rates which are of utmost importance to consumers because fixed-rate home loans are influenced significantly by the direction of long-term interest rates. The Fed has been going out of its way to say this does not mean that they are ready to raise short-term rates. The Fed has emphasized its commitment to keep short-term interest rates \”exceptionally low\” until either the unemployment rate falls to around 6.5% or the inflation rate exceeds 2.5% a year.

Why is this good news for the Holiday? Well, the stock markets rallied decisively on the news. The economy is recovering and this is a good thing. Long-term rates rise when the economy is stronger. This is especially the case when rates are bouncing back from the lowest point in history. But rates are still very, very historically low. And this is good news for homeowners because a stronger economy will translate into more buyers and this will cause the positive cycle to continue. All in a low rate environment. So, we have something to celebrate.

 

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5 simple gifts

Posted on December 23, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

The Nutcracker ballet is as much an annual holiday tradition to many families as is cookie baking and Christmas light display viewing.

No matter how many times we’ve watched the Nutcracker lead his gingerbread soldiers against the Mouse King, the careful choreography between the dancers never ceases to amaze.

For years, I’ve noticed a similar synergy of talent in the best FA offices around the country whether big or small. Clients choose to stay with these top-producers year after year just as they take in The Nutcracker each season.

Though each possesses unique attributes, these advisors all cultivate an atmosphere of community within their offices that earns their clients’ trust and long-term business much like the unison of dancers on stage who keep us coming back for more.

Your staff is your dance troop and your front line that pulls it all together for you day in and day out. They interact with clients, troubleshoot and work under frequent time constraints and pressure. Keep this crucial support system happy and healthy this holiday season and into the New Year by thanking them in these simple ways.

Hold offsite meetings: Fresh ideas are often sparked in neutral, offsite settings without the distractions of the office. This is particularly true for staffers who are generally onsite day in and day out.

Brainstorming, developing team work and bonding over a simple cup of coffee can make all the difference. Invite them to offer their ideas on how to better serve clients; as they do a lot of interacting with them, they tend to know them pretty well!

Take a look at your staff’s calendar and block off a mid-morning slot for catching up one-on-one or with the entire crew this December. Then keep it going into 2014!

Start staff appreciation days: Ring the New Year in with a bang and a new tradition… staff appreciation days!

These can be simple gestures of kindness offered throughout the year like bringing in an office chair masseuse for an afternoon, catering a staff lunch or even offering fresh fruit and muffins every now and again to start the day right.

Tokens of periodic appreciation remind your staff why they love working alongside you and your clients. They can prove crucial for morale during hectic periods, but don’t forget to show your appreciation for jobs well done, too, all year long.

Give back to your community: The benefits of giving one’s time and expertise are numerous and well-documented. Though it may seem counterproductive, offering a local organization just one afternoon of your entire staff’s time is among the best ways to boost morale and health, encourage team work, and create a strong sense of loyalty.

It’s no wonder why many of the most respected organizations have long had volunteer programs in place. Food banks, community and convalescent centers are just some of the places to look right in your own neighborhood.

Can’t carve out a few hours this season? Consider a matching contribution to your staff’s favorite charities. By setting a limit (perhaps just $25 per person) you can encourage your staff to think of others while showing them you appreciate what matters to them. It’s a win/win for everyone.

Host a holiday office party: There’s a lot that goes into the decision of having an office holiday party. They do have numerable advantages from the inclusion of your employees’ families to reconnecting with offsite or part-time staffers.

There’s no need to get extravagant but you can get creative. Hosting the annual party at your home, a local restaurant or even an ice rink is a wonderful gesture.

I’ve seen successful holiday parties done in the office, complete with holiday lights and a Santa Claus who delivers small toys to the kiddos. Take those vendor gifts that are probably piling up as we speak and raffle them off to your staff along with movie tickets or Starbucks cards.

Remember, the point of the party is to come together — outside of work — and enjoy each other’s company wherever it may be. What better time of year to do that than now?

Last but not least… Give your staff the gift of time.

We all know how this time of year tends to be stressful with business wrapping up, families in town and presents to buy.

Reduce those headaches by giving staff a few hours off to take care of those crucial package mailings and shopping trips.

Happy staffs are eager to share their ideas, pitch in on new initiatives, take on more responsibilities and dance that delicate dance which keeps your clients coming back for more.

Until next time, wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year!

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How Doctors are affected by PPAC

Posted on December 18, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

Just as new patients are set to start looking for care under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, providers face a startling reality: Doctor and nurse vacancies are approaching nearly 20 percent.

AMN Healthcare said the vacancy rate for physicians at hospitals is now nearing18 percent. While the vacancy rate for nurses is 17 percent, more than three times what it was in 2009.

There hasn’t been a shortage of previous reports about the ongoing doctor shortage itself, but AMN’s is different because it identifies an exact number of vacancies — and a startling jump from just four years prior.

In 2009, vacancies for nurses were just 5.5 percent while doctor vacancies hovered at 10.7 percent.

Related story: Can nurse practitioners do more?

“Change in health care is a continuous evolution, but the one constant is people,” AMN president and chief executive officer Susan Salka said. “No matter what models of care are in place, it takes physicians, nurses and other clinicians to provide quality patient care, and the fact is we simply do not have enough of them.”

Nurse practitioners and physician assistants also are in short supply with AMN reporting a vacancy rate of 15 percent. The growth in vacancy rates is due to a number of factors, including the impact of PPACA, the improving economy, a growing demand for services and an aging clinical workforce, AMN executives said.

The health care staffing firm surveyed hospital executives and found that a whopping 78 percent said the nation is facing a physician shortage, while 66 percent said there’s a shortage of nurses, and 50 percent said there’s a shortage of advanced practitioners.

Worse yet, the survey found that more than 65 percent of hospital executives believe the influx of newly insured patients will increase the need for physicians at their facilities, while 63 percent said the law will increase the need for nurses and more than 52 percent said it will increase the need for nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

AMN Healthcare also found that more than 70 percent rated the staffing of physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants as a high priority in 2014. That’s a huge jump from the 24 percent who said it was a priority in 2009. It won’t be an easy road, though: Hospital executives said recruitment of physicians and nurses is especially difficult.

 

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Home Mortgage Refinancing Company – How to Choose Wisely

Posted on December 16, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

A very significant part of the refinance process is looking for a home mortgage refinancing company. Indeed, being enlightened with the various loan options as well as how such options work is important. However, everything else seem insignificant if the home owner does not acquire for himself the services of a good home mortgage refinancing lender, particularly one who can offer the terms and rates that he needs.

It is true that selecting a home mortgage refinancing company is a burdensome process. However, there are ways by which the home owner can use in order to make things much easier for him. One easy way is to solicit advice from friends or relatives, particularly the ones who already had the experience of refinancing. These people are one of the most valued sources of information when it comes to getting a lender if only because they are more than willing to provide the home owner with honest opinion about the lending company that they dealt with before. They are not hesitant in offering positive or negative words, which makes their opinion truthful and therefore helpful to the home owner.

Those home owners who desire to land a home mortgage refinancing company that is willing to provide the best rates and loan terms can also make the research himself. They must try getting quotes from as many lenders as possible, whether online or offline. From these quotes, a home owner may be able to discern which company is offering its clients favorable interest rates. The quotes contain all the figures and data that if studied carefully will help the consumer in making his decision of choosing the home mortgage refinancing lender.

Lastly any consumer in the market for refinance loans should trust his instincts when it comes to selecting a home mortgage refinancing company. Home owners should lean towards potential lenders that he feels he can trust in assisting him during the refinancing process. Great offered rates as well as excellent reputation of a lender are significant factors that will help consumers in choosing the loan company for his refinance requirements.

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Natural Ways to Kill Weeds

Posted on December 15, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

You want your landscape to look lush and beautiful, but you don’t want to use harsh chemicals that may harm the environment. The good news? You may already have the solution in your home.

Here are some natural weed-killers:

If you only have a few weeds, try pouring boiling water over them. A mixture of one cup salt and two cups boiling water can also do the trick on tougher weeds.

Vinegar is an effective weed-killer. Heat it slightly before spraying onto weeds to make it work even better.

Sprinkle baking soda on your sidewalks and driveway, and then sweep into the cracks to prevent weeds from growing.

The solution that does it all, WD-40 also kills weeds.

To make sure you don’t kill nearby plants when spraying weeds in a garden, try this tip. Cut off the bottom half of a plastic 2-liter bottle and place the top half over the weed. Then spray directly into the opening on the top of the bottle.

Finally, weeds often prefer acidic soil. To keep dandelions from taking root, improve the quality of your soil with compost and mulch.

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Some Interesting and Eye Opening Facts About Technology in the Classroom.

Posted on December 14, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

Technology in the Classroom

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Minorities ill-prepared for retirement

Posted on December 13, 2013 by robertjrussellcompanies

Minorities, especially Latinos, are not saving enough for retirement and are less likely to be covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan than white workers, according to a study by the National Institute on Retirement Security.The study also found that minority households have substantially lower retirement savings balances than white households, even after controlling for age and income.Nari Rhee, manager of research at NIRS and author of “Race and Retirement Insecurity in the United States,” said that younger people from all backgrounds tend to have less access to retirement plans in the workplace and that there are some geographic differences, but “even at the same age, we are seeing racial disparities.”A lot of that racial disparity can be chalked up to occupational characteristics, she said.In her report, Rhee points out that public-sector workers have greater access to retirement plans at work than private-sector workers. There is a high concentration of black workers in public-sector jobs, she said, which boosts their access, but “Latinos take a double hit: they are less represented in the public sector and work in lower wage jobs in the private sector,” she said.If the report looks at just native-born Latinos, the retirement gap shrinks, but it shines a spotlight on the fact that a lot of immigrant Latinos are left out, she said.Cultural influences can have a major impact on retirement savings, according to a report by The Principal Financial Group. Like the NIRS report, it found that there is a large subset of the Latino population that is “unacculturated,” and it is this group that has the lowest retirement plan participation rate across companies of all sizes. Read More

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