Buxton Bags are extremely useful if you need help staying organized. These leather bags are able to hold dozens of items, with an interior pocket that is expandable, as well as a section that unzips to be carried separately. They are readily available, and although the Buxton Bag is a bit pricey, you will find that they are well worth the money - they are even worth purchasing two or three! With Buxton Bags, you can take your organization to the next level. Here are some tips for making the most of your Buxton Bag:
Tip #1: Have "extras" just for your purse.
The Buxton Bag has pockets for just about anything you might want to carry. However, that does not help you if you forget to put the items in there in the first places. Instead of transferring things you want to carry from purse to purse, keep an extra set of items in the Buxton Bag all the time. You might want to consider purchasing items like Chapstick, a nail clipper, a small mirror, and other small items just for your Buxton Bag. Take stock of the items you traditionally place in your purse and buy extra. This will allow you to always have the needed items available without the need switch between the Buxton Bag and your purse.
Tip #2: Organize your Buxton Bag once a month.
Even though the many pockets of the Buxton Bag make it easy to stay organized, it is still easy to collect trash, stick things in the wrong pockets, and otherwise become disorganized. Once a month (or more often) dump out every pocket of your Buxton Bag and reorganize it all, making sure to throw away any garbage you may have accumulated. As you are organizing, you might also want to reevaluate the things you are carrying. Although your Buxton Bag is big enough to carry just about anything you may need, there is no reason to make your life more complicated than it needs to be. Instead, if you do not use certain items, try to stop carrying them altogether.
Tip #3: Use your free digital message reminder to stay organized.
With every Buxton Bag, you get a free bonus digital message reminder. This tiny voice recorder is great for leaving yourself a reminder. That way, you will be able to stay organized, even if you are very busy. The digital message reminder is small enough to take with you almost anywhere, so you should make sure that it is always in your Buxton Bag. At the end of each day, listen to the messages you have left yourself and write them down. This may take some getting used to, but at the end of the day, you can save time and avoid forgetting your most important tasks. This little item can really be a life saver and help you to avoid stress!
Tip #4: Purchase more than one Buxton Bag.
The Buxton Bag comes in four different colors - black, red, blue, and tan. In order to stay organized all of the time, consider ordering more than one color. That way, you can have a bag for every outfit. If you do not want to purchase all four colors, at least consider purchasing both black and tan - one of those two colors should match with every outfit you own. If it is too pricey to purchase all of them at once, consider purchasing one basic bag today and saving up money to purchase another in a few months.
Tip #5: Have a place for everything.
The most important aspect of staying organized with the Buxton Bag is not getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of pockets and pouches. Instead of placing things into your bag randomly, keep everything in its place. For example, have a specific pocket for your coupons and a specific pouch for your cell phone. This serves two purposes. First, having a pocket for everything means that you can take less time to pack up your bag when you leave the house. However, more importantly, if you have a specific pocket for everything, it will take you less time to find items when you are out and about.
Remember, the Buxton Bag is a great addition to your accessories and a great way to keep items where you can find them easily. There is enough room in the bag to carry almost anything you might need in your daily life, including a water bottle or an umbrella. This is really the best bag for staying organized while constantly on the go.
Give Your Dog A Good Pampering
For some, having a pet is not enough. Pampering their pets is what makes it really interesting because they consider their pets as their best friend. The pooch, the puppy or the dog, considered as man's best friend is perhaps the most common pet. Having a pet is enormously rewarding, it enriches your physical, emotional and mental health. There are various studies to prove and account for those benefits. A few of these are discussed below:
Pets have been proven to encourage social interaction, physical exercise and good tides. Social interaction enhances your interpersonal skills. It creates a social contact for common interests, new ideas and opinions. Meeting other people with common interests such as pets is one of the many rewarding consequences.
Because most pets like dogs who love to walk around, pet owners have this demand and can also benefit from the daily walking. Exercise offers tremendous amount of health benefits that can take care of the person's over-all well-being.
Good tides..everyone needs a good laughter. Pets are so good at this. They can learn easily, they communicate creatively and demonstrate tricks playfully.
While they give us so much laughter so we can enjoy a good one, pampering your dog is a small thing that you could give back that won't cost too much on your part. Find how cute they can look with fancy clothes and accessories and discover the new artist in you.
Did you know that your dog's costumes can be very flexible. You can dress them up as a dinosaur, horse, cat or as wacky as they could get. They can look refreshed, scooped up or spooky.
You can dress them up with raincoats, capes, hats, jackets, shirts and sweaters. They can also look funny but cuddly in a pirate, pumpkin, scare crow's costumes. They can appear as sophisticated, simple or classy.
You can also lay them on coil spring beds, bed buddies, carpeted beds or the typical pet beds. They too deserve a good rest after a hard day's work. Certainly, you're smiling with this idea.
To take care of their grooming, try a shampoo that will suit them, otherwise, bath wipes may be applicable for the feverish one. Conditioners will also be best for the extra freshening they need. While doing so, you may need dog's hair brushes that are soft as well.
Keep their nails trim with the use of a nail clipper set and put on a freshening spray on them. Ultimately, when they are ready for the outside world, a generous spray of cologne will help them feel and smell good.
You may have the best intentions for your dog. Cleaning and freshening them up are good ways you can improve their physical condition. It is understandable you just want to pamper them but the use of the mentioned chemicals may require a word of advice from a licensed veterinarian. Do not hesitate to ask your pet's vet before you apply anything that you may just regret. Be well informed!
Taking Care of Your Pet With the Help of Online Pet Pharmacies
Pets get sick just like humans and are expected to take medicines to heal and get better. Online pet pharmacies offer pet owners the option of ordering any type of medicine recommended by a veterinarian and the pet owner will know that it will arrive at the residence within 24-hours. This type of pet service allows pet owners to care for their pets year-round, and receive discounted prices on the medications that they purchase for their favorite dog or cat.
Non-prescription medications can be purchased at online pet pharmacies too. Pets will often suffer from fleas and ticks, and some flea powders are sold through online pharmacies that will make these irritating pests less noticeable and some medications will create barriers to keep parasites away. Pet flea problems can affect the welfare and happiness of every family because they make their homes in bedding and carpeting and reproduce rapidly throughout many parts of the house.
These pet pharmacies keep non-prescription medications in stock that will alleviate ear mites in dogs and cats. Pet owners can save money when they shop at online pharmacies for these pet products because the mark-up taken by an online retailer is less than the prices placed on pet products found in a land-based pet store. Online pharmacies provide personal care products for pets because pets need to be groomed on a daily basis, just as human counterparts will. Pet brush sets will often include nail clippers because pets nails grow rapidly too.
Pet owners can receive deep discounts on pet products that protect a pet's health year round. The most common non-prescription drug ordered through pet pharmacies are those that treat heartworms. Heartworm medications are available in capsules that are dispensed on a monthly basis to pets. Pet owners can order these vital medications online from these pharmacies and ensure that the pet has protection against heartworms in their bodies year round.
Some pet pharmacies keep other grooming products in stock that will keep a pets coat sleek and shiny. Non-prescription vitamins can be purchased online at pharmacies for prices that are far lower than those sold by veterinarians or in a pet store in town. These vitamins are available in pill or liquid forms and are simple to administer to pets when they are fed each day. Some water-soluble vitamins can be added to the pets water dish and consumed throughout the day. This is a convenient way to ensure that the pet has a full and satisfying diet plan.
Some dogs will benefit from pet pharmacies if they suffer from chronic musculosketal disorders. This ailment is common in large breeds of dogs and affects the soft tissues around joints. Medications to treat this animal disorder will help give a dog pain relief while reducing the amount of inflammation that occurs around the joints throughout the skeletal system. These pharmacies keep medications on hand to reduce swelling, and some are steroid based and a prescription is needed before it can be dispensed by the online pet pharmacies.
Top 10 Mistakes in Purchasing a New Roof
Top 10 Mistakes in Purchasing a New Roof
1. Shopping price only.
The price of a roofing repair or install will vary depending on the size and location of your home. If you shop around for prices and notice that a company is well below the average, there may be a reason why. Cost alone will not determine quality. Professionalism and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily on your decision.
What is the total price of the job? Does this include sales tax? When are the payments due? Does the price include removal of the old roof? Any hidden costs?
Some smaller roofing companies may require a small deposit at the start of work. Most of the contracted amount should only be due after all of the work is completed in a satisfactory manor. Do not issue full payment for the job until all work has been completed. Lengthy projects may require progress payments, be sure the amount does not exceed the value of the work performed.
* Check the insurance of every company doing work at your home. A company should carry both workers' compensation and liability insurance. Because of the dangers inherent in working on the roof, workers' compensation and liability insurance are a significant cost to a roofing company. Since the cost of the insurance is high, some companies do not carry it. This practice is a shortcut some companies take to underbid the competition.
2. Basing your buying decision on the quickest to respond or because a company can "start right away".
A company that is too quick to respond may not have enough business. (Why?)
Things to consider:
- How long has this company been in business? You want to make sure that this company will still be around in case you have problems with your roof.
- Number of years of roofing experience for installers?
- Safety record?
- Make sure the company is licensed, bonded and insured in your area. (get license number)
- Insurance? Don't hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability coverage and worker's compensation certificates. Be sure the coverage runs through the duration of the job.
- Does the company offer references of past work? Obtain customer references and check them. Ask about the company's stability, reputation, record on completing jobs on time and quality of work performed.
- Check out all companies with your local Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
- Do they offer a maintenance program?
- Make sure you get a contract. Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including tasks the roofer will perform, types of materials, financial arrangements, and guarantees.
3. Getting a discount for signing the contract "tonight" or other high-pressure sales tactics.
This forces the homeowner to make a quick decision, so as not to miss the "unbeatable price." No matter how good the price may seem, do not buy a roof from a company that asks you to make a decision before you are ready. Granted, recent hurricanes have caused uncertainty in building materials availability and pricing, however a reputable company will have relationships and access to quality products for 2 or more weeks from the time they provide you with a quote. There is an outside chance that a contractor may have a "sudden" opening in their work schedule and offer an incentive to keep their crews working, however the more reputable companies do not have a significant amount of discount or wiggle room in their cost. If they offer more than a 10% discount, one might question their margins in the first place. Additionally, some companies will more heavily incent their salespeople to get a contract signed the same day. The quicker the sale, the higher the commission. The bottom line is, take your time when making any large purchase, such as a new roof. Do your homework, talk to references, and sign when you are comfortable that you've made the right choice.
4. Signing the deal because you like the sales person (or not signing it because you don't).
Although you may feel a certain comfort level with a sales person, it should not be your sole reason for making a purchase. A truly good sales person will know their products and the overall installation process very well, which should give you a level of confidence. However, the sales person is not the one who will be doing the roof repair or installation. Find out who will, and their experience. Ask for references and ask to see examples of similar installations. Be weary of a sales person who cannot provide real references from CURRENT customers.
5. A deal too good to be true probably is – check:
- Quality of the materials? Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Most materials require special application expertise in order to achieve a quality roof system that will last. Quality materials will be backed by a manufacturers warranty as well.
- What is the warranty? Both quality materials AND quality workmanship/installation should come with their own warranties. Ask what warranties are available for both.
- Hidden costs? In addition to the cost of labor and materials, ask if there are any hidden additional costs, such as old roof removal, dumpster rental, heavy equipment rental (e.g. a crane to lift heavy materials such as slate onto a high rooftop), and plywood replacement (for unknown/hidden rotten wood beneath old shingles).
- References? A reputable company will be able to provide recent references in the general vicinity of your home, or for an installation similar to yours. Get the reference and actually make the call!
6. Purchasing the roof based on warranty alone.
The length of a roofing warranty should not be the primary criterion in the selection of a roofing product or system. The warranty does not necessarily provide assurance of satisfactory roofing performance. (source: nrca.net)
Make sure that the warranty covers all materials and workmanship. Some roof warranties require you to have at least semi-annual maintenance inspections. Look for manufacturers' warranties that provide full coverage for labor and materials.
According to a consumer advisory bulletin by the NRCA, consumers are wise to look for manufacturers who clearly and specifically state in accompanying literature and warranty verbiage what maintenance is not only recommended but also required during the projected service life of the roof and its warranty term.
There is a common misconception by roofing consumers that long-term warranties are all-inclusive insurance policies designed to cover virtually any roofing problem, regardless of the cause or circumstance. Roof warranties typically do not warrant that the roof system will not leak or is suitable for the project where it is installed. Even the most comprehensive manufacturer warranties that cover material and workmanship generally provide only that the manufacturer will repair leaks that result from specific causes enumerated in the warranty. A material-only warranty typically provides only that the manufacturer will provide replacement material. (source: nrca.net)
You can compare manufacturers' warranties with the roofing materials guides published annually by the NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association).
7. Using contractors with no office staff.
There is no shortage of contractors running one or two-man shops in any town. While they may be fine for smaller jobs, when you are making a large home improvement investment, beware of any contractor who you cannot get in touch with during normal business hours. A reputable company will have an office staff available to answer any scheduling, materials or billing questions you may have. If you call a contractor and consistently get an answering machine, know what you may be getting yourself into. If you have difficulty reaching them when you are going through the estimating process, where will they be if you have a problem?
8. Mistaking advertising for quality.
Look in any value-pack mailer, coupon clipper magazine or even radio and television and you'll see and hear many companies in your area vying for your business. While it may be impressive that they have the means to advertise in high-priced media, do not mistake advertising for quality. There is nothing wrong with finding a company through the media, but do as you would with any major purchase – do your homework. Compare pricing, check references, and check workmanship. A reputable contractor will provide you with access to all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
9. Having a friend do the work.
Having a friend -- one that is not a licensed roofing contractor working for a reputable roofing company –is wrought with uncertainty. Even if this person is "handy", have they ever installed a roofing system? Do they know what areas of a roof are most vulnerable and why? Do they know how to properly ventilate the roof? No to mention, any work done by an unlicensed contractor will not include a warranty. The cost of roofing repairs may be high and you don't want to commit to such a major investment without a warranty.
10. Doing the work yourself.
Big box retailers will tell you that you can do it (and they can help!), but beware! Roofing in particular is tricky business. There are obvious safety issues, as well as structural installation issues that should only be performed by a licensed professional. Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques and severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof in need of repair of replacement. Homeowner maintenance should be confined to roof inspections in both the fall and spring to check for cracked or curling shingles, and to cleaning rain gutters filled with dead leaves and other debris. If you must see the roof for yourself, use a firmly braced or tied-off ladder equipped with rubber safety feet. Wear rubber-soled shoes and stay on the ladder (and off the roof) if possible.
Investment, Banking & Real Estate Editors
Eurodollars Flow into the U.S. Through Triple Net Lease Investments
Germans becoming "landlords" for U.S. firms through passive real estate investments.
Bay Harbor Islands, FLORIDA (October 18,2007) –Triple-Net (NNN) investment opportunities in U.S. markets are attracting the attention -- and funds -- of German banks, REITs and investors, reports Horn Capital Realty, Inc. of Bay Harbor Islands, Florida.
"These conservative types of passive real estate investment can be more rewarding than typical real estate ownership because they require virtually no management," says Jonathan S. Horn, President, who has personally handled over $500 million in triple netlease sales, sale-leaseback financing, build-to-suit development and debt and equity placements throughout the United States.
"The rate of return and benefits from investing in a triple net (NNN) investment can be greater than your typical real estate investment, without taking into consideration any tax issues," said Horn. His firm has dealt with such large national tenants as Blockbuster Entertainment, Eckerd Drug, Kmart, Home Depot, Wild Oats markets, Taco Bell, Wal-Mart and Walgreen Drug Stores.
A triple net lease (NNN) transactions is typically described as a free-standing facility occupied by a single-tenant on a long-term triple-net lease. A NNN can be described as a bond-like investment encompassed by real estate. A NNN can be structured in three ways:
1. Sale-leaseback financing is structured through the sale of a property owned by a tenant who sells it to an investment group and leases it back on a long-term lease.
2. The sale of an existing NNN property leased to a tenant owned by a third party investor.
3. Build-to-Suit. A developer enters into a long-term agreement with a corporate tenant and then sells the transaction upon completion of the development or before.
A triple-net lease is typically between 10 to 25 years. The tenant pays a negotiated annual rent equal to 6% to 10% of the contracted sale price. Most often that rate is credit-driven. In other words, tenants with investment grade ratings pay a lower rate because they are perceived as less risky, while non-investment grade tenants typically pay a considerably higher rate. This is similar to corporate bonds.
A triple-net lease property frees the investor/landlord from any property responsibility. The tenant agrees to pay all costs associated with the property use and occupancy, including real estate taxes, insurance, improvements, on-site property management and maintenance.
Page 2 – NNN Investments
As an example, Horn is currently negotiating a sale-leaseback transaction between a group of German investors and a U.S. retailer, offering 6 single-tenant properties valued at $5 million US each, or $30 million US total. Since the company has earned a high credit rating, the investors have agreed to a flat rental payment of 6.4% for the entire lease term, which equates to a predictable return of $1,920,000 US annually to the investors. With a NNN lease, the U.S. retailer will be responsible for all expenses, including taxes, insurance, management, general and structural repairs, maintenance and improvements.
National Real Estate Investor, a leading U.S. trade press magazine has reported, "The sale-leaseback industry has restructured the ownership of trillions of dollars worth of the nation's (U.S.) corporate real estate assets, and the trend seems to be continuing." Another respected publication, Institutional Investor, stated: "The triple-net lease offers a long-term lease with the guarantee of steady cash flow and practically no risk."
Primary Investor Benefits
"The investor, whether it be a bank, a trust, a real estate investment trust (REIT) or an individual, earns an 6% to 10% yield on the annual lease and usually benefits from a conservative 2% to 5% annual (compounded) appreciation on the property's value. Due to the annual depreciation allowance on the building, an equal portion of the annual yield also is sheltered from Federal income taxes," Horn explained.
"For overseas investors, there is the security of both the tenant and the real estate, and there is minimal risk with investment grade tenants, as well as an opportunity for even higher annual cash returns from below investment grade tenants." he added. "The investor owns the
property with zero on-site management responsibilities while enjoying an annual high interest cash return on a passive investment. These are bond-type investments with excellent 'coupon clipper'-type of returns."
Triple Net Lease transactions generally require a long-term investment of $2 million US to $100 million US or more. Such investments are available for all types of existing or build-to-
Page 3 – Sale/Leaseback & NNN Investments
suit real estate, including service centers, fast food establishments, industrial and health care facilities, office and educational buildings, distribution warehouses and retail stores.
At any time, the investor/landlord can cash-out, often with a profit, by selling the property. When the lease term expires, the investor has numerous options: a) Hold the property,; b) allow it to further appreciate in market value; c) lease it again at a higher rate to the original tenant or a new tenant., or d) sell it to a developer to be renovated for a higher use.
Horn Capital Realty, known as one of the most experienced, efficient and cost-effective facilitators, specifically focuses on sale-leaseback financing and NNN transactions. The company is currently working with several very large American firms seeking financing for their properties.
For more information about triple net lease or for more related subjects about NNN please review this webpage http://www.triplenetleasefor1031.com
How Private Loan Consolidation Can Prevent the Stretching of Your Paycheck to Breaking Limit
Americans are in a heap of debt trouble today. According to the American Payroll Association:
"67% of Americans would find it difficult to meet their current financial obligations if their next paycheck was delayed for one week."
You heard it right. Americans are living from paycheck to paycheck, feeling faint whenever delays are inevitable. With this grim picture in the background, where is the space for savings? For good and profitable investments?
Inevitably, living from paycheck to paycheck means there are debts to be paid- and this is when private loan consolidation and other measures appear.
Paralyzing Debts
Debt, like a silent tumor, begins slowly enough. Take the case of Lisa and Wade Norwood of Rochester, New York. Lisa shares that:
"Our problems started when we began living beyond our means on credit cards. We admit to not managing their money well in the past but we are making an effort to spend less, but the recovery process has been slow, and we still find ourselves strapped for cash each month."
Wade and Lisa have $43,000 in mortgage, and they have an annual expenditure of about $15,000 on household items and food. Their problem is not uncommon, and is fast becoming the staple tale of young families and even members of the more advanced generation.
The Expert Comes In
With the Norwoods as our particular case study, let's listen to a financial advisor see what he makes of the situation. According to Herb White, a certified financial planner and managing director of Colorado-based Life Certain Wealth Strategies:
"The Norwoods should consider joining a credit union and taking out a private loan consolidation to lower their monthly fees. Although private loan consolidation seems like a cure-all, there can be drawbacks. Borrowers with very high debt may not qualify for the lowest interest rates, which are usually given to those with excellent credit."
"However, this option will work for the Norwoods because they have paid their cards in full and on time for more than a year. And if they take out through a credit union, they can benefit from lower rates."
Getting to the Bottom of the Problem
Sometimes, even the best private loan consolidation cannot solve bad "money manners". If you are a spendthrift, your money will be obliterated. It's that simple. According to Daisy Reese, a director at California-based Insight Financial Group and co-author of True Self, True Wealth: A Pathway to Prosperity:
"We all carry messages about money we learn as children. Most people act out one of 10 money scripts: co-dependent, coupon clipper, craver, gambler, hoarder, masquerader, power player, prince or princess, procrastinator, or victim. The Norwoods were operating under the co-dependent and the masquerader scripts. Co-dependents tend to put others first, while masqueraders typically desire to win admiration."
As you can see, the ten money scripts above can be applied to anyone with money problems. To get to the root of the problem, you must be able to identify who is ruining your finances at home. That way, all your efforts at saving money and investing will not go to waste.
How to Make Generous Acts a Way of Life - 10 Thoughtful Practices
Have you ever experienced an unexpected kindness? To have a neighbor rake the leaves off of your driveway as they are doing theirs. Or the highway driver that slows down to let you pass lanes in front of them. These small random acts of kindness are wonderful to give and receive. They also make us feel more connected to each other as a society. It reawakens you to the fact that people are all the same deep down and are quite good at heart.
In this fast paced world it seems like people are misinterpreting the amount of time it actually takes to perform a random act of kindness. Most acts of kindness are spur of the moment. The kind act occurs to you and you do it: it is really that simple.
We can all make generous acts a way of life. Once you realize just how good it feels to perform random acts of kindness, you will want to do them as often as you can. We've taken some of the guesswork out of what is possible by offering 10 Thoughtful Practices to help get you on your way.
By the time you move through our list of thoughtful practices you will have come up with some of your own. So bon appetit!
Practice 1. Get a $5 or $10 gift card, add a little thank you note and leave it in your mailbox for your mail carrier. Boldly write for the mail carrier or for the postal worker on the envelope and don't forget to put the flag up on the side of the mailbox.
Practice 2. If you are a coupon clipper take all of your unwanted baby item coupons and deliver them to the nearest childcare facility or unwanted pet coupons and deliver them to the nearest animal shelter or vet office.
Practice 3. Gather up your, I just don't want to watch them again DVD's and donate them to a senior center or a nursing home.
Practice 4. Bake or buy cookies or muffins for your local fire or police department, to thank them for the hard work they do.
Practice 5. When you have just gotten great customer service, make sure you get the individuals name. Upon leaving ask to see the manager and tell him/her what a fantastic job their employee is doing.
Practice 6. Buy funny or sentimental cards; address, stamp, and mail them to each individual living at home with you, especially any children. It feels so good to get personal mail, don't wait for a special occasion.
Practice 7. If you are a pet owner, the next time you are at the grocery store buying pet food, pick up one extra bag and donate it to your local animal shelter.
Practice 8. Take your faithful barber or beautician a sandwich and a drink to your next appointment. They often have a hard time getting away for meals.
Practice 9. Do you know a young newlywed couple? Make a nice care package filled with gently used household items you no longer use or want. This also works great for any young college students you might know.
Practice 10. One afternoon call your local shelter, mission, hospice, senior center or nursing home ask them if it would be okay if you just come by and sit with someone who might need a friend to talk to for a little while.
We create magical moments for both the giver and receiver of these generous acts of kindness. A divine blending of energies takes place as people work together, supporting and encouraging each other in ways that are fulfilling and productive.
Gandhi once said, "Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is important that you do it." Remember this as you add your own thoughtful practices to your way of life.
Chicago Real Estate | Taking Advantage of the Market
Real Estate is in an insecure position. If you want to invest, it is important to have the appropriate income, credit and job security. If you have these in place, there are many deals to be had. If a potential investor is not yet ready on this front, now is not a bad time to sit and do research. Watch the market, see how others invest, and then, when the time is right, make the best move you can.
Indeed, the prospect of more than six-figure savings caught the eyes of coupon clippers nationwide and “picked up legs and started running� aided by a public relations firm he hired to spread the word, Ricciani said. He said he received calls about the house from as far away as Europe and the Middle East within the week.
And Ricciani’s coupon isn’t the first of its kind to offer such a deal.
In early May, Dorothy Engels Gulden, a 36-year veteran of the Palm Beach luxury market and broker with Gulden Real Estate in Palm Beach, had the same idea brewing for one of her oceanfront listings.
Gulden advertised her $1 million coupon in the Palm Beach Post three weeks before Ricciani’s ad appeared in the News-Press in Fort Myers.
The property Gulden advertised had been on the market for two years, she said. The owner, a Massachussets resident who was selling because he “just wasn’t using the property,� agreed to shave a $1 million off the asking price if the house could sell in May.
Gulden created a black and white ad offering a “free $1 million� to anyone buying the property. An ad designer at the Palm Beach Post bordered the ad with dashes and a small scissor.
Gulden said she saw more calls on the property and even received an offer from a New York buyer within the month.
So there you have it, real estate in Chicago is on the move. If you have the means, there is tremendous opportunity and property waiting to be purchased.
45 Creative Offline Business Advertising Ideas
Creative Offline Advertising Ideas
Are you looking for creative ways to market your home business offline? If so, I have some creative offline advertising ideas for you to try out. I recommend that you try 2 of these ideas every week and to be consistent with your offline advertising.
#1. Make up advertising filler packs and pass them out every where you go, every event that you attend and swap them with other women home business owners.
#2. When you travel and stay in hotels, leave your catalog, business card, business coupon behind in your room, lobbies and other places that people congregate. I like to leave my business card with my hotel housekeeping (maid) tip.
#3. Print out flyers with your business name and contact information along with any specials you are running. Leave these flyers in public places where others can see them. Public Places: Grocery store message boards, community center message boards, employee lounges, etc.
#4. Contact local area bridal stores, bridal supply stores, caterers, tux rental centers, dj's, photographers, etc. if your company/business offers a bridal registry. See if you can leave them your business cards!
#5. Daycare Centers: You can get a lot of business from the parents who use daycare centers so contact them about leaving your business cards or flyers.
#6. A lot of churches and religous groups hold spring and fall festivals, so make sure you contact them about getting a booth space at one of their events. Booth spaces are usually very economical with these types of groups.
#7. Join your local Chamber of Commerce! They always hold local business events in your area. This is a great way to network and to make new business contacts.
#8. College Campuses: College Students are always looking to spend money and they are usually on the hunt for a business opportunity to help pay for their school expenses so you can target them for sales and for recruting into your business opportunity. Most schools have a student center, so that is where you would want to leave your business cards and flyers.
#9. Contact your local area Welcome Wagon or Welcome to the Neighborhood group. See if you can add your business info to their Welcome to the Neighborhood bags.
#10. Contact your local area hospitals and see if you can add your business info to their New Mommy Diaper Bags. A lot of hospitals give out free bags filled with goodies to all the new moms who have babies at their facilities!
#11. Contact your local medical offices, particularly the Obstetrics & Gynecology Offices and the Pediatrician Offices. A lot of those offices also give freebies to expecting or new moms. See if you can add your information their freebie packages.
#12. Donate a prize or a gift certificate to your local radio station for their numerous prize giveaways and contests. This gets you free business exposure. Often times, they will also list you as a prize sponsor on their website too.
#13. Donate a prize to your local area Bingo Halls! They are always looking for prize donations.
#14. Call your local Chamber of Commerce to find out when there will be local job fairs in your area and get a booth at one or at the very least attend one so you can make some new contacts in your local area.
#15. Call your local area colleges and trade schools to find out when their next local area job/employment fair will be. A great way to market your home business opportunity to others who might be interested.
#16. Contact local area car dealerships. I make up small packets of business information, my business card, my coupon and a small freebie. Ask them if you can drop off 100 packs to them to hand out to others who come in for those FREE test drives.
#17. Contact your local area gyms and fitness centers. A lot of times you can get a table and market your business for an economical fee of $25.00.
#18. Network with others in your community who have home businesses. They are usually in the know on local business events that are upcoming in your community.
#19. Contact companies in your local area to see if you can come in and set up a display in their employee lounges or cafeterias for an employee shopping break. This works best if you offer an exclusive discount or deal to their employees.
#20. Does your local area TV Cable Company have a local information channel? If so, contact them to see if you can advertise on their information channel.
#21. Contact local small companies and shops to see if you can offer an exclusive discount to their employees. Companies like to offer perks to their employees such as shopping discounts from various local businesses.
#22. Small home town newspapers! I don't get a great response to the big city newspaper ads but I do get a great response if I place ads in small home town newspapers!
#23. Get a low cost outdoor banner ad printed up to market your business during outside community events such as: sporting events, music concerts and so forth.
#24. Take your business on the road during the nice weather seasons. Contact your local area parks and recreation centers to see what kind of events are coming up and inquire about getting a table or booth at their outdoor events.
#25. Community coupon clipper packs and coupon packs. If your community has them, call them up and find out how you can advertise in them.
#26. Contact local area businesses such as: salons, banks, massage parlors etc. See if you can come in and set up a display. Offer a contest and prize with your display. Use the entry forms to gather contact information for possible new contact leads.
#27. Contact local area pizza shops, diners, deli's and coffee shops. Most of these types of businesses have paper placemats where you can buy ad space and have your business ad placed on them. People do READ these ads!
#28. Contact local area bars, restaurants and clubs to see if you can buy some advertising on their paper beverage coasters.
#29. Local Television Newstations are always holding on-air contests and website contests for their viewers. Contact them to see if you can donate a prize to get some free business exposure for your business.
#30. Attend local area Holiday Shopping Events. Customers who are ready spend some holiday money and looking to purchase holiday gifts attend these events. Get a booth or table space and market your business to them.
#31. Hold a local community block party at your home or at your local community center. Families are always looking for something to do on the weekends!
#32. Get your business listed in your local yellow pages phone book. Way too often home business people over look this valuable advertising tool. These days a lot of phone books have coupon sections too, so make sure you inquire about adding your coupon to that section.
#33. You can take this phone book idea one step further by finding out who prints up those vinyl phone book covers that are covered with local business advertising in your area and find out how much it would cost for you to add your business ad to that phone book cover.
#34. Get your business information printed up on pencils and hand them out for FREE to local colleges and adult technical schools.
#35. Get a vehicle banner made for your automobile. I recommend the vinyl clings so that you can easily remove them when it comes time to wash your vehicle.
#36. If your city has a travel guide that tourists request, make sure you place a business ad in that travel guide. This is a great way to get your business information into the hands of non-local customers.
#37. Local City Maps! These days you can find all kinds of small business advertising printed on the sides and backs of those city maps! You can get really good economically priced ads placed onto those maps.
#38. Contact local area hotels, motels and bed and breakfast inns in your local area. Ask them if you can leave your business information with them for their guests to peruse when they are in the lobby.
#39. Get your business information printed up onto balloons. Give these ballons to local sporting events, charity events etc. A great way to get more business exposure.
#40. Find a few home business owners in your local community and team up with them! You can all sponsor a local boys/girls sports team, a parade float or other things in your community! This makes it very economical for those who are in small business to get business exposure and to participate in your local community events.
#41. Get T-shirts printed up with your business information printed on them. Hand them out to your friends and family members and ask them to wear them when they are out in the community running their errands.
#42. Get some canvas tote bags printed up with your business information on them. Pass them out to a few lady friends and ask them to use them when they are out and about in the community attending events or running errands.
#43. Get a license plate made up for the front of your car with your business information on it.
#44. Wear a business name tag every time you go out in the community. People do read them and do notice them!
#45. Local Area Magazines! Does your city publish their own local area magazine? If so, contact them about placing some advertising in their magazine.
The Real Estate Investment With the Features of a Corporate Bond
Why are so many investors, foreign and domestic, placing their money in NNN properties?
Net-leased real estate provides a unique investment opportunity to individuals or institutions interested in owning real estate without the hassles of management and leasing typically found in conventional real estate investments. Net-leased projects are most commonly single-tenant, credit-driven investments on long-term leases which require minimal or no landlord responsibility.
As a result, investors are not bound to their geographic markets, whereas they would most likely be with a traditional real estate investment, not just closely watched "backyard" opportunities.
A net-leased (NNN) property is effectively a long-term bond of a corporation in the form of a lease document encompassed by real estate. The investment appears to be a bond-type investment due to the "coupon-clipper" type of returns, 6%-10%. However, they also provide the added benefits of tax reduction and property appreciation found in conventional real estate.
The net-leased investment can be categorized three ways:
1. Retail refers to big-box users (i.e. discount variety stores, department stores, or home improvement stores) as well as small-box users (i.e. restaurants or drug stores).
2. Industrial includes facilities used for either distribution, manufacturing, or research and development.
3. Office refers to any single user such as an oil company or pharmaceutical firm occupying a facility as the sole tenant.
Pricing on net-leased projects is based primarily on the tenant's credit, the terms of the lease, and the location. Although each of these variables has an important role in the pricing of net-leased projects, it is the combination of all three that will determine a true purchase price.
Tenant's Credit
* Many net-leased projects are based solely on a tenant's credit.
* Tenants considered investment grade by a recognized rating agency usually trade at a premium (i.e. Walmart, Walgreens, General Motors).
* Tenants with junk bond (non-investment grade) ratings or minimal net worth typically trade for a higher return (i.e. UA Theaters, Dairy Mart convenience stores, Taco Cabana restaurants).
Lease
* Length of a lease is a another primary factor in determining the sales price on a net-leased investment. Primary terms of 15 or more years are preferred; 10 years is sufficient in 1031 tax-deferred exchanges and similar cases
* "Absolute" triple-net leases, where the tenant is responsible for roof, structure, and parking, trade at a premium.
* "Double-net (NN)" leases, where the landlord is responsible for roof and structure, trade at a higher yield and usually include a reserve taken for any potential repairs.
* Leases with "bumps"- rental increases or upside trade at a premium, with the exception of flat leases with investment grade credit.
Location
* NNN leases are credit-driven, causing location to be the least important factor.
* Investors often pay an added premium for the residual benefit of specifying a certain geographic location.
The combination of credit, lease and location can lead to paying a higher premium (i.e. Walgreen: 20 year NNN, flat) or receiving a higher yield (i.e. CSK Auto: 15 year NN).
The market for net-leased real estate investments is strong. The availability of attractive financing combined with minimal landlord responsibilities create highly desirable opportunities, especially for investors desiring a property for an IRS Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange.
Whether a risk-averse individual or institution is in need of a smart depreciation vehicle or a relatively safe "coupon-clipper," net-leased properties provide great investments in both credit and real estate markets.
For more information about triple net lease or for more related subjects about 1031 Exchange please review this webpage http://www.triplenetleasefor1031.com
How To Receive Discounts At Your Favorite Retail Stores
At one time, most shoppers were embarrassed to use coupons at their favorite store. Those who weren't ashamed to use coupons in public were labeled as cheapskate-coupon-clippers. You could spot them in every aisle at a store. They were usually the shoppers who would back-up a line for miles while sorting through their hundreds of coupons neatly filed in a brightly colored coupon organizer. Those who didn't have time to clip coupons at home would whip out their scissors and clip coupons while standing on line.
Most shoppers wouldn't be caught dead (or alive) with a hand full of coupons. In today's bad economy, those who were at one time embarrassed about using coupons gladly welcome the idea of using coupons.
Everyone can join in and take advantage of the discounts and online coupons that can be found over the Internet. You can now shop over 3,500 stores with over 25,000 coupons and promotions on websites such as CouponRefund.com Unlike the traditional way of shopping, shopping online provides the following:
• The best coupons
• Clearance items
• Deals and bargains
• Free shipping
• Special merchant offers
• Coupon codes
• Special offers
• E-deals
• Gift cards & gift certificates
• Rebates
• Rewards for shopping online
Shopping for Discount Coupons on the Internet allows you to shop 24/7 - including holidays. Speaking of holidays, shopping online offers a great advantage over shopping off-line, especially during the busy holiday season because you don't have to leave the comfort of your home.
Best of all, you can receive a bundle of savings, often times more deals than shopping off-line at a mall or outlet store. When you sign up for membership to receive online coupons and e-deals, you can also sign up to have a free newsletter delivered directly to your inbox.
How To Save Thousands Of Dollars On Your Grocery Bills For Free!
Remember those little paper things your mother would use at the supermarket ? She would spend hours clipping them from the newspaper every Sunday? Remember how you would look around to seeing if anyone was watching as she gave the teller a hand full of coupons! I know what your thinking, in this hi tech age coupons are like dinosaurs, they're extinct. Well think again, believe it or not coupons are bigger than ever. Using then can and will save you as much as 75 percent on you monthly grocery bill.
It may well seem like a hassle to consistently dig through newspapers and clip what you want every month. For the most part people think it is a lot of effort for a small payoff. Coupon queens (as they are known) know that with an efficient system you can maximize the value of the coupons saving you thousands of dollars every year on your groceries. By the way it's been shown in countless studies that a lot more women use coupons, so the term coupon queen isn't just an assumption is a fact. Every year manufacturers produce more than $300 billion worth of coupons! The public only uses a measly 1 percent of that. Marketers do not really expect all the coupons to be used but they do hope that consumers would try something new because of the coupons. Within that one percent are some serious clippers and they are less likely to buy impulsively. For the hard core coupon clippers, saving money is like an extreme sport.
Coupon shopping has spawned it's own community with message boards, websites and lingo that explains the best tactics and systems for saving. The most commonly used terms are "stacking" and "doubling." Stacking means to combine coupons from multiple sources, and doubling is when a store automatically doubles the value of the coupon. Doubling has become a sensitive issue for coupon shoppers in southern California. One of the major stores - that shall remain nameless has recently stopped doubling, which leave only one store in southern California that doubles coupons now. The issues with doubling is that it costs the supermarket money. Doubling pulls money out of the stores pocket, stacking (or single coupons) on the other hand means that the manufacturers reimburse the store the full value of the coupon.
Using your store loyalty card with coupons when the store run those 10 for $10.00 is a super way to walk out of the store with 70 to 90 % savings. Even though coupons are available on line most if not all stores won't take them because of concerns with fraud. If you are really interested in saving money on your groceries you should start clipping coupons from the Sunday newspapers. You can also use web sites like iCanShop4Less, they offer a free service which allows you to receive $30 to $50 in grocery coupons every 2 weeks. The site also has a number of helpful tips that show newcomers to the coupon shopping family how to save big money on their monthly grocery bills.
Have an opinion or a question you would like me to answer, then write me! http://www.CarlHampton.com
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