Monday, May 30, 2011

Comparable Market Analysis

A comparable market analysis is conducted by real estate agents, buyers and sellers. They use the analysis to evaluate the worth of a property in comparison to similar properties. The real estate agent uses this evaluation to set a price for the property and list it at that price. The price of the property is decided upon by looking at the prices at which similar properties sold within the past year. This property is likely to be sold for a comparable price.

How to Sell Your Property With Owner Financing

A tough real estate market sometimes means homeowners need to go to extraordinary lengths in order to sell their homes. Foreclosures, falling home values, and picky buyers are making it difficult for some people to sell unless they choose to provide what some home shoppers really want, namely, owner financing, which is also called seller financing.

Home Buying Vs. Apartment Living


The decision to buy a home or continue renting is a tough one for many people. There are clear benefits to both options. Before considering a purchase, it's wise to weigh the pros and cons of both choices to make an informed decision.

The Types of Home Mortgage Insurance

Lenders talk about home mortgage insurance with potential home buyers. First-time home buyers may have never heard of home mortgage insurance. Seasoned home buyers may have never asked about home mortgage insurance or why they need it. Understanding the purpose of home mortgage insurance and the types of insurance available can help borrowers make informed decisions before closing on their homes.

How to Send Secure Money Online


In the boom of the electronic age, Internet users can send money securely online. Online banking and transfer businesses allow users to send and withdraw money online. These secure services pull money from your bank account or credit cards for deposit into your online accounts, allowing you to send and transfer money as needed. Some sites charge for purchases and business transactions.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Difference Between an Invoice & a Statement


In everyday language, the words "invoice" and "statement" are often used interchangeably. Many times this is correct. An invoice is a type of statement, but a statement is not always an invoice. There are dozens of examples where a business document can serve as a combined invoice and a statement of account.

The Most Important Job Interviewing Skills


Interviewing for that job you really want can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, there are some tricks to keep your nerves from getting the best of you during an interview and make that first impression a memorable one. A job interview can result in the elusive job offer so it is crucial to head into every interview feeling confident and well prepared.

Careers That Require Travel Around the World


A wide variety of careers-beyond airline pilots, flight attendants and diplomats--are available for people who want travel to be an integral part of their job.

How to Get Your Credit Back After Identity Theft


In 2007, a Javelin ID theft survey projected more 8 million people would be the victims of identity theft nationwide -- that's more than 32 times the number reported complaints reported to the FTC annually, according to U.S. PIRG, a consumer protection agency. Victims of identity theft must complete a significant amount of legwork to get your credit back, the law is on your side, and creditors should help you freeze your accounts and open new ones. But following up and making sure credit bureaus remove charges that occurred as a result of the theft.

How to Compare & Choose a Credit Card


Competition among credit card companies is fierce, and that is good news for savvy consumers. If you have a good credit rating and a solid credit history, you can pick and choose from many different cards, including credit cards that give you cash back, frequent flier miles, gift cards and merchandise. No one card is right for every consumer, and the best way to get a good card is to assess your own needs and pick the card that best matches your spending style and your needs.

What Is a Good Money Market or Online Account to Save Money?


A money market or savings account can be an excellent place to stash money for short-term use. Whether you need to build an emergency fund or save up for a major purchase, you want to make the most of the money you put aside. Getting a good interest rate can increase the value of your savings and help you accumulate the nest egg you need that much faster.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

How to Adopt a Competitive Strategy in an Organization


Creating a competitive strategy as part of a marketing and business plan can aide you in competing in the marketplace and focus your efforts. When developing a competitive strategy, it is imperative that your organization determine if the advantage is sustainable over time. As you plan, it is crucial to adopt a competitive strategy in an organization to bring value to your consumers and the community.

The Best Ways to Sell Your Home Yourself


Selling your home yourself can be a satisfying and profitable experience. Nobody knows the quirks of your home or the great points of your house and the neighborhood as well as you do. Since you will be saving yourself a 6 percent (or more) commission on your selling price, you can price your house more aggressively. With an excellent marketing strategy you will find that selling your home is not that difficult. In fact, because you have all of your time available to devote to the task, you might do better than a broker would.

How to Work With a Realtor


Realtors assist buyers with finding and purchasing properties. Realtors are typically experienced and skilled in their fields, and they combine their knowledge and business savvy to make their clients' searches relatively painless. As with any financial endeavor, do your homework before working with a realtor in order to maximize the benefits of the experience.

Steps for Opening a Bank Account

You can open a bank account at a local bank or online. First, research different accounts at traditional banks, credit unions, community banks and online sources. Assess account features and costs. Determine whether you want a checking or a savings account, what the differences are between free accounts and accounts with monthly fees, whether you have to have direct deposit to receive a free account, the type of overdraft protection that is available.

Online Savings Accounts That Don't Require Startup Funds

Online banking is a convenient way to establish savings accounts without the hassle visiting the bank. Many accounts are particularly attractive because they can be opened with little or no money and they often have a significantly higher APY than local banks. If you're looking for a high-yield online savings account but are short on cash, consider these accounts that can be opened for $1 or less.

One Dinky Blanket Could Save You $360 This Winter?


Want to save $360 this winter? Of course you do. As long as it doesn’t require too much work on your part, right? It’s simple, really, and it won’t inconvenience you, so long as kitty can stand a few degrees’ decrease while you’re at work.

Friday, May 27, 2011

How to Read a Profit and Loss Statement


Monitoring the financial situation of your business is important. Knowing how to read a profit and loss (P&L) statement gives you one more tool to use in watching and maintaining the financial health of your business. It measures the financial activity of your business for a specific time frame. A P&L can be run monthly, quarterly or yearly.

Tips on Interviewing a Potential Employee


When interviewing a potential employee for your business, you need to keep several things in mind. First, there are certain questions that you should not ask for legal reasons, usually having to do with areas like age, religion, marital status, sexual orientation and the like. Second, once you hire someone, you are obligated to her in many expensive ways -- like her pay, benefits and unemployment benefits should she be laid off -- so you want to make a good hire. A thorough interview is the best way to avoid potential future difficulties for both you and the employee; if it's a bad fit, it's better for both of you to realize that before the person is hired.

How to Optimize Your Business Plan


If you're starting a business, you'd better plan ahead. Depending on what kind of business you're starting, you may need an actual written business plan.

How Much to Set Aside for Taxes for Freelancing


IRS rules as of February 2011 state that if you net $400 or more from freelancing, you must file a tax return. This likely comes as no surprise. However, the amount to set aside for taxes varies based on a few considerations. Keep in mind that percentages, credits, exemptions and other factors that may affect tax amounts change from year to year. Keep yourself informed or consult a tax professional experienced in freelance income reporting to verify that your information is current.

How to Avoid Job-Search Scams


With so many people on the job hunt in the current recession, there are unfortunately others who want to take advantage of the situation. For example, the FDIC has issued a warning about a rise in scams involving unauthorized money transfers from hacked online bank accounts to what it calls "money mules," which are people hired through work-at-home scams to help cyber criminals overseas launder money. But it's not just people working at home--scams are rampant everywhere--and they are targeting those looking for jobs. Avoid getting tangled up in job-search scams.

How to Request a Pay Raise?

So after weeks, months or (God forbid) years of toiling, you've finally come to the realization that you deserve a raise. Maybe you need the money to move out of your parents'; basement before you turn 30. Or maybe you need to purchase a new kidney to compensate for your collegiate drinking. Or maybe you just want some recognition after saving the company's bacon time and time again. We don't care about your motivation; we just want to help you get a raise.

What House Upgrades Will Increase its Value?

Two types of renovations exist: the kind you do purely for your own family's comfort and satisfaction, and the kind you do because you want to increase the value of your property. Your home is a huge investment, and when you make the right kinds of improvements, you're likely to recoup the cost in the final selling price and see a shorter selling period.

Can I Afford a Mortgage?

When you go to the bank to find out if you can afford a mortgage, the loan officer is going to look at three things. He's going to look at how much money you earn, whether or not you've been a good credit risk and whether you have something valuable that can be traded, in case you don't pay the bank back.

How to Transfer Personal Loans Into Business Loans

If you took a personal loan for your business, you may be afraid that your own assets are at stake should the business fail. You may also be wondering how to transfer a personal loan into a business loan, so the business will be responsible and not you. There are ways to make this transfer, but it may involve somewhat complicated paperwork, and maybe even legal fees, before you can transfer the loan.

Tips on Settling Credit Card Debt

Credit card debt can cause serious financial strain. Consumers and businesses trying to pay off credit card balances have to deal with finance charges. This can make settling credit card debts more difficult. There are ways, however, in which cardholders can conclude their credit card debts. This involves a settlement process that includes preparing a budget, cutting expenses and contacting credit card issuers.

How Many Credit Cards Should You Have to Maintain Good Credit Scores?

If you can afford to have more than one credit card, it can benefit your credit. Bankrate says that contrary to popular belief, lenders do not assume that people with multiple lines of credit are more likely to have debt. Having older, established cards on your account that you pay off frequently will benefit your score.

Money Market Savings Account Benefits

A money market savings account is a type of interest-earning financial account that savers can set up with a lending institution such as a bank. A money market savings account is similar to a traditional savings account, but access to funds may be limited and accounts often require minimum deposits to open. Money market savings accounts offer several advantages to savers.