It all started when Ted (Ted is Ted Thomas) heard a neighbor friend talking about driving to Arizona to attend a Tax Lien Certificate Auction.
According to his friend, the county government was going to auction thousands of tax lien certificates that paid high interest rates to anyone who wanted to put up the money.
Now, like a lot of people, the LAST thing Ted ever wanted in his life was more government or more taxes so he dismissed his friend's talk as just a little bit crazy!
But his friend persisted and was more than passionate about convincing him that this tax lien certificate auction was a good deal.
Skeptical and disbelieving as Ted was, his friend practically dragged him into his home and showed him copies of checks; money his friend had received from the Government!
Ted was astonished to see that the tax lien certificates had amazing returns of 16%, some for 18%. In Iowa 24% and in Texas 25%. He was fascinated and pleasantly shocked.
This was documented proofthat this government sponsored program was real.
Since then, Ted has dedicated his life to sharing this little-known investment strategy with thousands of people across the world.
He's visited over thirty states and thousand of counties and interviewed dozens of government officers and venture capitalists to create the most comprehensive program for low-risk and high-yield returns available in the USA.
Until now, Ted has shared his top-secret strategies for taking advantage of these hidden government programs with only a select few clients..
... but now he is ready to share these secrets with you!
Tax lien certificates can have amazing returns. There are others who will sell you the training, (search the Taxlienlady.) This is a business not a deposit. Happy investing!
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
Some states have specific legislation that requires homeowner associations to have and follow a 30 year repair and replacement plan known as a "reserve study". It is the kind of plan that all HOA boards should follow even if no law exists since that's what good businesses do: plan ahead. Failure to plan for these expensive events inevitably leads to inadequate maintenance, declining property values and dreaded special assessments.
But there are now several new twists that make the idea of a reserve study even more compelling. In most states, HOA boards are allowed to set the level of reserve funding (how much money is set aside each year to address future costs). The fairest approach is the 100% funding model which requires all members along the 30 year time line to contribute a fair share of future costs. However, some boards have for political reasons put less in reserves (sometimes much less) to placate current owners that want to the obligation paid by future owners who have no say in the matter (sound familiar).
Now enters several new 600 pound influences into the reserve funding debate. In December 2007, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the entities that have in past years underwritten most condominium mortgage loans) enacted the following requirements for condominiums where their loans were made being proposed:
The condominium is required to have a reserve study.
At least 10% of the annual budget must be put into reserves.
FHA (the government agency that insures low down payment loans which have become a huge part of the current mortgage market) is proposing to establish even stricter requirements for condominiums including:
Developer controlled condominium reserve funds are required to 100% funded.
After developer turnover condominiums are required to be at least 60% funded.
Since Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA are the 600 pound gorillas in the current condo mortgage market, this means is that if your condominium does not 1.) have a reserve study and 2.) maintain the indicated level of reserve funds, these entities will not underwrite your buyer's or your refinance loan. Folks, this is HUGE.
Condominiums that have an underfunded reserve study need to take decisive action to comply or risk losing vital lending sources. Condominiums that have no reserve study need one as soon as possible and to fund it to indicated levels.
For more innovative homeowner association management strategies, subscribe to Regenesis.net.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
"Ignorance is bliss" was never said about real estate purchases for 7 good reasons:
1. "Knowledge is bliss" may not make it as a buyer's slogan either, because you don't have to know it all-just what's relevant to success as you define it. Different sets of knowledge are important in different buying situations, so the "bliss" generalization may not be specific enough to be useful. "If it is to be, it's up to me" could be an excellent mantra since determination will drive buyers, both to discover what they don't know and then, to fill that knowledge gap. This combined effort will assure a buyer is well equipped to make confident buying decisions.
2. Generalizations are self-defeating when evaluating properties since it is how each is unique that addresses specific value to a specific buyer-if you'll excuse the generalization. All first-time buyers should not seek the same type of real estate solution just because they have never owned real estate before. Each of these buyers, whether they purchase alone, as a couple or with several friends or family members, has a different set of needs, weaknesses and advantages. When generalities are stressed, real estate solutions often concentrate on weaknesses like low down payments. Customized solutions, based on real estate knowledge, should focus on strengths which would counterbalance apparent weaknesses. For instance, first-time buyers may have more creative determination, which can allow them to tolerate living with boarders or tenants. These contributors to mortgage payments create a number of financial benefits and can turn an otherwise financially-out-of-reach property into a great investment solution. (See Pur-Plexing for more on this topic.)
3. Assumptions cost money and waste time. Assume nothing, including that you know what you don't know. Experienced real estate professionals have a wealth of practical knowledge available to fill your knowledge gaps, but you have to be receptive to gain the full benefit. For instance, do you ask questions and listen to the answers? Find out what you're assuming when you view properties, evaluate value and prepare an offer to purchase. The conscious effort and deliberate intent of this clarification means money in your pocket. Determination will enable you to put your advantages into action and use the real estate professional's knowledge to overcome weaknesses. Remember the parsing of "assume" ( make an "ass-[out of]-u-[and]-me" ) if you find yourself thinking or saying, "But I assumed..." and get back in control.
4. Fear has driven too many buyers to act in haste and repent in "if only I'd..." whining that can go on for years. Fear of missing out in a down market or in an up market, or in a variety of other "losing out" scenarios, can cause buyers to dive into a buying or not buying decision which may not be in their best interest. That's why working with a buyer agent, who places your interests first, can be a great strategy for ensuring you have all the knowledge necessary to protect yourself and gain financial advantage at the same time.
5. The impossible may just take a little longer in real estate, but the impossible can happen. Your dream property can be within reach wherever you start financially, but you'll need a solid set of strategies to get you there, not just dreams. Serious about owning your own horse ranch or waterfront castle? Talk to an experienced real estate professional who works in your ideal location to chart a reverse-engineered, long-term course toward that goal. With each property you buy along this clear path, you'll move closer to your high-value goal. It may take two or more real estate purchases and some clever investing, but if will be an interesting progression. If you're determined and build the right team-real estate professional, lawyer, mortgage broker, home inspector...-what's impossible?
6. The unexpected must be expected when buying a home, cottage or investment property. Worst case scenarios, contingency strategies and "Plan B" alternatives are creative tools in preparing to achieve financial gains and desired priorities. These approaches help you react favourably to the unexpected, but hopefully not unanticipated, and take advantage of the opportunities that lie there. Experienced professionals can predict the types of expected and unexpected happenings relevant to your situation. It could be taking advantage of the timing for new listings or the types of lenders beyond banks that hold financing choices for you. Negotiations are all about the unexpected. Most buyers are so focused on purchase price they forget that closing date, number of conditions, what's included in the purchase and other factors can weigh in to reduce the final sale price-that's where professional negotiators come in.
7. Cashflow is king. Beyond the purchase price, cash is necessary to pay for lawyer fees, title insurance or a survey, reimbursing sellers who paid the whole year's property taxes, and on the list of closing costs goes. The professionals involved will provide you with details on possible expenses. While you may have enough cash to close, do you have enough cashflow for owning? Over the first year, unexpected expenses can crop up, so create a projected ownership budget at the same time you go over purchasing costs. This foresight should keep you out of the "house rich-cash poor" category.
With real estate, the best goal is not "buying," but "owning and enjoying" for a lot of great reasons.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
COLUMBUS, Ohio-A new business for Columbus is already under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration because of a recent fire.
Heartland Refinery is a company near Port Columbus International Airport and recycles used motor oil, stripping it of impurities and reselling the base oil to other companies.
The refinery, described as a green business, had a fire in a truck loading area on October 13.
The fire was caused by static electricity which is generated when oil runs through the pipes.
"They even had that problem on the Alaskan pipeline," said Bill Snedegar, CEO of Heartland Refinery.
When asked if the plant is safe, Snedegar replied, "Absolutely safe. What created that fire and it wasn't like a fire, it was like a spark, a flash and they caught it quickly with the fire extinguishers."
"The product that we handle has what's called low conductivity and we learned a tough lesson," said Michael Kopf, the safety compliance officer at Heartland. "Even a well-designed system like we had wasn't enough to deal with that."
In the time since the accident, Heartland officials said they have improved the system of dealing with static electricity through better grounding, and by extending a flow tube so the oil is pumped into a truck below a fluid line which should prevent arcing.
"It has been the bane of our industry from what I've learned," said Kopf.
OSHA confirmed it is investigating the fire at Heartland Refinery Group and investigators were at the plant Thursday.
The plant is continuing operations during the investigation and OSHA says it could be six months before any citations are issued, if they are issued at all.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
I feel like I'm pretty up on the push for green jobs (creating jobs in the building and installation of wind turbines, construction of energy-efficient buildings, etc.) but this morning at the APHA meeting, I learned something about the occupational health angle of this movement. At a session from the Blue-Green Alliance, Walter Jones of the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America and TJ Lentz of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health spoke about making green jobs safe jobs.
So far, it seems that the shift toward greener buildings hasn't done much to make the construction or maintenance of these places safe for workers. (One positive point is that the use of safer paints and solvents can reduce workers' as well as residents' exposure to fumes.) Designers of buildings don't generally pay much attention to the ways that their plans will affect the way workers interact with them, and design schools don't tend to include occupational health and safety in their curricula. Jones noted that between 1990 and 2003, 42% of all US construction-related fatalities were linked to design.
Problems include a lack of anchor points for workers to tie off to when they're working off the ground, and parapets that meet building code requirements (being at least 30 inches high) but not OSHA requirements (39 to 45 inches). When it comes to wind turbines, fall protection is also crucial, and the inside of the tower is a confined space - but designers rarely address anchor points or tower access and ventilation issues.
Occupational health and safety advocates are working to get safety issues on designers' radar. The American Association of Safety Engineers has begun working on a standard to protect workers involved in windpower facilities, and NIOSH runs a Prevention Through Design program. As we all throw our support behind green jobs, we should make sure that "green" includes worker health and safety.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
Take time and do your homework. If you are rushed you won't be able to properly assess the marketplace to ensure that the needs of your business are met when you're signing a lease. If you have a lease renewal coming up, give yourself lots of time to renegotiate. Then if you can't come to agreeable terms or decide it's time to move to a different space, you have plenty of time to get everything in order for the transition.
Business leases are not like dwelling rentals. Business leases are totally different from personal dwelling rentals. In a personal dwelling rental, costs are usually restricted to a set monthly price plus specified expenses such as heat and water. The landlord could take responsibility for repair expenses. With business leases, there may be many other costs above the base lease price that will be charged back to the tenants. Outside of your written lease agreement, there is nothing like the protection offered to people renting home space. Before negotiating a lease, take time to understand what costs - above the basic lease costs - the landlord will charge you over the year. Know what actions you can legally take under certain situations, such as the late payment of rent.
Negotiate. Landlords and Realtors will expect you to negotiate, but would love for you to take the first deal that they offer. Doing anything less than negotiating will likely mean that you pay more, or that critical clauses to protect your best interests are left out of the lease agreement. In the negotiation process it helps to be prepared and don't appear too eager. Put your pride aside and be ready to negotiate the best possible lease. Start low, ask for extras such as free rent, and ask for more than you hope to get. If your first offer is accepted, you didn't start low enough!
If this is your first time, practice. Talk to different landlords, ask lots of questions, inquire about different incentives, and try to get a feel for the process of negotiating a lease. This process will help you understand the market, and will help you get ready to enter into actual negotiations once you have an understanding of what's available, what you need, and what you can ask for during negotiations.
Get expert feedback. As you move through the negotiation process, consult someone with the expertise (like a lawyer or accountant) who can act in your best interests. An expert should be able to help you include clauses that will benefit your business, tell you what to ask for during negotiations, and protect you from signing a lease agreement that could cost you money and problems in the long run. They will help you answer questions such as: does the deal look like it could cause your business to incur any unexpected costs? Are operating costs shared based on the percentage of space you take up in the overall building, or are they based on the number of tenants in the building, even if there are expenses incurred for vacant units? Does the deal allow you to reduce the cost of your rental rate if you renegotiate after the lease expires? Do you have first right to lease your space on a long term basis if you currently have a month-to-month lease? There are many questions to ask; an expert can anticipate the questions and ensure that you are protected from making costly mistakes.
Understand rental rates. Square footage rental rates won't likely reflect the true price of leasing and rates are not always as they appear. Some may be artificially high with several free months of rent offered to drive down the actual price paid over the duration of the lease, a situation that benefits landlords who want to maintain the value of their properties. Others may increase at set times and in set increments over duration of the lease. In some cases, you may think you're paying a set amount per square foot, but when the effective square footage is examined you may find that you're paying for space that doesn't really exist, based on the square footage calculations used by the landlord. As well, the landlord will likely add additional charges on top of the base rent (often quoted as cost per square foot). This could include operating costs (beware of any costs that are inflated with capital improvements) and marketing costs.
Understand space. You'll need to know how the landlord has calculated the unit space. Is it based on the actual square footage? Does it include space that doesn't actually exist? Is it accurate? When you are looking for a certain unit size, start your search by looking at smaller spaces in the building. It's often more desirable to the lessor to lease smaller spaces; by starting with a smaller space, and then inquiring about a larger space, the landlord may offer incentives to entice you to take the bigger space.
Location, location, location. It's an old saying, but for many retail businesses this factor can make - or break, the business. Choose the best location you can, taking into account as many factors as possible. Who are the other tenants? If a brand-name tenant is a big draw, are you sure they're staying? What is the traffic to the space like - and what are the demographics of that traffic? Is there adequate parking? Easy access? Will you be butting heads with a competitor? Think of all the factors that are important to your business, and then look for the property that will offer the best "return on location".
Be prepared to walk. No matter how emotionally you may be tied to a potential deal, if you aren't ready to walk away from the table you won't be able to negotiate the best deal for your business. Being able to walk away from a deal is empowering. It gives you the ability to control the final outcome. And to ensure that you get the best possible deal for your business.
Put it in writing. When you're ready to sign, make sure that all verbal agreements and promises are included in the written agreement. No matter what promises are made, if they are not included in the body of the lease, they will likely be excluded by a clause in the lease that says something like: "this is the entire agreement". Whether you've negotiated for several months of free rent, you've made arrangements for future lease negotiations, or you've agreed on other terms, if it's not in the agreement you could face difficulties later on. By putting everything in the written agreement you may avoid unnecessary problems and time and money loss later on.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
Landfill gas is created when organic waste in a municipal solid waste landfill decomposes. This gas consists of about 50% methane (CH4), the primary component of natural gas, about 50% carbon dioxide (CO2), and a small amount of non-methane organic compounds. Instead of allowing LFG to escape into the air, it can be captured, converted, and used as an energy source. Using LFG helps to reduce odors and other hazards associated with LFG emissions, and helps prevent methane from migrating into the atmosphere and contributing to local smog and global climate change.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
The Washington state SenateThe Washington State Senate is the upper house of the Washington State Legislature. The body consists of 49 Senators, respresenting an equal number of districts across the state, each with a population of nearly 120,000.
..... Click the link for more information. has passed a bill that aims to boost recyclingrecycling, the process of recovering and reusing waste products-from household use, manufacturing, agriculture, and business-and thereby reducing their burden on the environment. ..... Click the link for more information. of electronics in the state.
Senate Bill 6428 passed the Washington state Senate by a vote of 38-11 and the House by a vote of 69-29.
The bill requires electronics manufacturers to develop and fund an electronics recycling program in the state that uses community drop-off centers run by retailers, nonprofits and government agencies.
In a press release, Rep. Brian SullivanBrian Sullivan is a women's basketball assistant coach at Bellarmine University. Bellarmine is an NCAA Division II program that competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. This is Sullivan's second stint with the program, following one season with the Lady Knights in 2003-04. ..... Click the link for more information. (D-Mukilteo), chair of the House Natural Resources, Ecology and Parks Committee and sponsor of the House version of the bill, says, "The beauty of this approach is that it makes recycling simple and free for consumers and links electronics recycling with electronics manufacturingThis article presents a typical manufacturing process of an electronic assembly.
Component manufacturing Components such as resistors, capacitors and integrated circuits are generally made by specialized contractors.
..... Click the link for more information., allowing companies to save money if they reduce their use of toxic materials."
The bill was supported by Hewlett Packard, Amazon.com, Wal-Mart and the Washington Retail Association as well as by local governments and environmentalists, according to according to prep.
1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.
2. In keeping with: according to instructions.
3. Sullivan.
The bill has been sent to Gov. Christine GregoireChristine O'Grady "Chris" Gregoire (born March 24, 1947) is the Democratic governor of the U.S. state of Washington. Gregoire's election to the office in 2004 was notable for her historically slim margin of victory over Republican Dino Rossi, who had appeared to defeat Gregoire on for her signature.
According to the bill, manufacturers must participate in an independent plan or the standard plan to implement and finance the program no later than Jan. 1, 2009, and must register with the state by Jan. 1,2007, and annually thereafter.
Manufacturers must submit their initial independent plans or the standard plan by Feb. 1, 2008, according to the bill. The state Department of Ecology will review each plan.
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
McLean, VA - Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.91 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending November 12, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 4.98 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.14 percent.
The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.36 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.40 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.81 percent.
The five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 4.29 percent this week, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.35 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 5.98 percent.
The one-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 4.46 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.47 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 5.33 percent.
"Mortgage rates eased further over the week, helping to promote an affordable home-purchase market and stimulate refinance," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "This comes at a time when house price declines are moderating and consumer demand for prime mortgages at commercial banks has picked up."
"The National Association of Realtors® reported that national median sales price of existing homes fell 11.2 percent in the third quarter relative to the same period last year. Moreover, almost 20 percent of the top metropolitan areas experienced positive annual growth, compared to only about 12 percent in the first quarter of this year."
Paul Stillwaggon, For All Your Real Estate Needs Contact New Jersey Estates Real Estate Group E-mail: njestates@gmail.com Web: http://www.newjerseyestates.net 908-561-5492 (Paul S) 908-310-1358 (Cell)
NJ Estates Real Estate Group Weichert Realtors 908-561-5492 55 Stirling Road, Watchung, N.J. 07069
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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