Amy Margolis - Commercial Real Estate Blog

Perfect Upper Valley Outings

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 12:32:55 -0500

The Upper Valley has so much to offer because it embraces two states, one large river, and an abundance of great food, culture, adventure, history, and the beauty of our region. The following are some of my family's favorites outings:

ARTS & CULTURE:

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, VT - A hands-ON science museum for all ages! Nature trails with native plants grace the expansive property & fun exhibits that change all the time are sure to please - and teach. Open year-round! http://www.montshire.org/

Hood Museum of Art, Hanover NH - Once the kids are all tuckered out you can head on over to the Hood and also enjoy the beautiful Dartmouth College campus - or even better the Hood offers a great "date night" for you and your spouse or loved one! Sundays are family days at the Hood and admission is always FREE! Closed Mondays http://www.hoodmuseum.dartmouth.edu/

Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover NH - Take in a wonderful live show or movie at The Hop, also located on Dartmouth Campus and right next door to the Hood. Ballet, African Drummers, Opera - if you want culture, here it is! Visit http://www.hop.dartmouth.edu/

AVA Gallery & Art Center, Lebanon NH - Summer (Beginning June 22^nd) classes & workshops for all ages keeps busy hands - well, busy! Showcases local artists and offers year-round classes for all ability ranges. www.avagallery.org

BEST OF VERMONT

Quechee Gorge, Quechee Vermont - A full day of fun & activities for every age group is available within very short driving distance from the Gorge itself.

Toy & Train Museum, Cabot Cheese & Farmer's Diner are all located in the Quechee Gorge Village, located just before the Gorge. Breakfast at the Diner is always delish or enjoy lunch here and partake in some handmade incredible ice cream! The Toy & Train Museum showcases how toys have evolved over the decades from the 40's on so every generation is sure to exclaim "I used to have one of those!"...and when you do, you'll get a sticker to prove it! Also there is a fantastic replica of the actual train tracks that run through Vermont. http://www.quecheegorge.com/

Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) - Live birds, summer nature camps & wildlife conservation. Visit the nature center for varying exhibits. Open until October 31^st http://www.vinsweb.org/

Simon Pearce, Quechee VT - Watch a glass blowing demonstration & enjoy some of the best food & wine in the Upper Valley. $$$ but worth every bite! http://www.simonpearce.com/

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock VT - I am pleased to add this destination, one that I just visited (Oct 2009) and thoroughly enjoyed. A full tour of the working farm, fully restored 1890 Farm House, and museum make a perfect 1/2 day exploration or for a full days enjoyment also visit the March-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park right across the street! The ice cream alone is worth the trip!

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Valley Quest - Hike, treasure hunt & learn about the unique Upper Valley region for all ability ranges and ages. Visit www.vitalcommunities.org/ValleyQuest for quests and more information

Cardigan Mountain, Canaan NH - A local favorite hike, easy enough for grade school children and provides an incredible panoramic view of the Valley. Take Route 4 to Route 118, follow signs

Appalachian Trail - The Upper Valley is also blessed with the Appalachian Trail meandering right through our area with many trail heads and outlets. http://www.appalachiantrail.org/

ON & AROUND THE WATER

Mascoma Lake, Route 4A Enfield NH - Public boat launch (and beach) available for motor boats, water skiing, jet skiing, etc. While here, visit the Shaker Village, LaSallette Shrine & if you are a gemstone lover, go to Gemstar Gemstone at the head of the lake for some incredible jewelry making and gemstone buys. LaSallette is a favorite winter location when they dress the shrine up with wonderous Christmas decorations but is viewable year-round.

Lake Sunapee & Mount Sunapee, Sunapee NH - Cruises available (with dinner served) on the lake or in the winter enjoy some great skiing. http://www.newlondonareanh.org/ While visiting the Sunapee area, I also recommend The Fells, Newbury NH - Historic estate & gardens is beautiful and fun to tour. Open seasonally http://www.thefells.org/ and Philbrick-Cricenti Bog, New London NH - Completely flat, easy walk made up of a few loops that display some of the most unique native plants in the Valley such as Pitcher plants (carnivorous) http://hikenh.netfirms.com/TDPCBog

ROUTE 12A DRIVE

Follow Route 12A from West Lebanon to see these amazing attractions:

Saint-Gaudens, Cornish NH offers art, incredibly kept historic estate and gardens as well as walking trails following a beautiful brook, definitely worth a stop! http://www.sgnhs.org/ Across the Road, you will notice the Cornish Arts Colony, part of the earliest art colonies in the US and was home to painter Maxfield Parrish, writer Winston Churchill and scores of others

Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge - The longest wooden bridge in the US and the longest two-lane bridge in the world! It connects Vermont and New Hampshire by spanning nearly 450' across the Connecticut River.

The Life and Times of the Working Real Estate Mom - vol. 3

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:34:55 -0500

Sometimes it's hard to see the forest through the trees. I find that's what happened to me with this article as I was eager to publish something that would highlight some of the favorite tools that I am using with my little one to help me accomplish more & stress less while working from home or bringing the baby to work. So, I've examined this piece under a different light and have completely over-hauled this article to help you keep that scale balanced between work, life, and baby!

The following will not only go over some of the basics of working with baby from 0-6 months, but will also go over some of the solutions I've found to my every-day struggles, so be sure to look for the TIP*s as well.

Twice as Nice- If you plan to work from an office at least 40% of the time, I would highly recommend considering a double-down on at least a rocking chair/glider and some kind of hands-free standing apparatus (we use and would recommend the Exersaucer and Jump-n-go). Also, it won't be long before baby-proofing will be required at work as well as at home and a baby gate, portable crib, and other safety devices will have to be purchased for your office as well as at home! TIP* Start looking WELL in advance and collect coupons so that you can aim to buy the equipment when you can take advantage of those 15%+ off deals in stores. Otherwise if you are willing to accept gently used equipment (and have checked for any recall information) you can try yard sales and classified ads for what you need. Think Boy Scouts and "Be Prepared"!

Infants 0-3 months - Don't be fooled into thinking that this is the hardest time because your little one needs you so often (say every other hour), but in reality this is the easiest part - there is no guesswork, the baby either needs food, sleep, a change, a burp, or a snuggle!

•· Routines Welcome - children need and crave boundaries and routines and you should help them by creating one that works for your schedule and theirs. Most of the time you will have to work around their time clock but you can gently urge them to stay awake a little longer or ease them to sleep a little earlier based on both of your needs. By setting good routines now you will not have to work so hard later to break bad habits and set good ones. PLUS, as you get more settled into a routine you can take relief in knowing that naptime IS coming and you WILL be able to get to the work in your inbox rather than hoping & stressing.

•· Hands-free Heaven - Invest in the equipment that will help you get more done but don't exceed recommended time or safety limits - it will save your sanity to have as many devices that you can afford that will keep baby happy. The short list I would recommend are:

Baby's Toys:

•1. Swing - with forward and back and side to side motion as well as at least 4 music selections with at least one being nature/heartbeat sounds.

•2. Portable crib - buy one with a bassinet insert as well as music and keep it near you for quick soothing so long as using the crib part won't interfere with your sleep training.

•3. Stationary seat - this gives the baby a safe place and a different perspective for awake time that you can sit near you to provide more hands-free time

•4. Front Carrier - I personally did not use the slings but the result should be the same. Use something you are comfortable with and can get baby in and out of easily - again think hands-free time

•5. Rocking Chair/Glider - probably the single most important parent-aid you can buy!

•6. Boppy - I never even used this as a nursing pillow but instead as a seating positioner for baby - on tummy they can use both hands to play and on back with an infant gym dangling above them, and later as a seating positioner while learning to sit up, it's the best $30 you could spend. TIP* Buy two pillow cases so one is always clean.

Parent's Toys:

•1. Earpiece - As soon as you start talking to that all-important client, you can bet that baby will cry! But if you aren't tied down with wires you can either hold baby and walk around (the motion may help to soothe) or you can act like your talking to baby while they are laying and playing in front of you.

•2. Currier Service - Try using a document currier to deliver offers (and then conference call with your client to discuss) or any other time-sensitive documents, especially in winter months when taking baby anywhere is more like an expedition than a trip!

•3. Hands-free Typing Software - I haven't used this myself but have wanted to try the Dragon Naturally Speaking and if you can walk/play AND type I think the investment is worth it, so long as it actually works.

Infants 3-6 Months - This is the time when life really starts heating up, perhaps trying solids for the first time, early teething, possibly their first cold bug - not to mention the fact that babies this age are discovering something new every day, it's hard not to be distracted!

•· Getting Ready - typically loosing the morning nap can trigger difficulties getting ready in the morning for the parents. TIP* I have come to use a Johnny Jump-up (see below) device in the bathroom with me while I shower. I can stick my head out and talk-or just check in- every couple of minutes. If baby is fussy, tired, or otherwise not interested there are only a couple other options - shower the night before when you have help watching baby; place baby in crib safely with a toy (awake), mobile, and other distractions with monitor on, or wash your hair in the sink with baby in his Exersaucer (see below) next to you. If you are especially brave you could shower or bathe with your child however this could be very unsafe without extra help (and hands) and is NOT recommended. If you do it, follow ALL safety guidelines recommended by a trusted pediatrician, parent coach, or other professional. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER leave baby unattended- even for just a second- in the bath, bath seat, or anywhere near water!!!!

•· Getting Out - Again travel with a little one in tote is difficult, with a schedule it can be easier but sometimes you have to be somewhere regardless of your baby's schedule. Sometimes this will mean listening to your baby cry but there are a couple things you can try TIP* By now your baby should have a (loose) schedule so you can try to plan to drive around naptime and you can encourage your baby to sleep either by feeding, rocking, patting, walking or your method of choice before going into the carseat. If there's nothin' doin' you can try bringing along a toy that had been out of rotation for a little while (they discover new things all the time so rotating toys is best, cleanest, and you'll get the most bang for your buck) or a new toy that is easily held. Parent will ALWAYS want to keep a loud rattle or something up front as well that can catch a melting down baby's attention or can just be passed back if baby's toy falls. Another option is to ask someone to ride along and keep baby company. If all else fails, you can try soothing music or earplugs (lol!)

•· Stimulation and Supervision - At this age they need more than to eat and sleep, they need interaction, socialization, and free play! If you know what to expect you won't be disappointed when they take you away from your work. Don't get discouraged, get help. TIP* In the summertime enlist a school-aged neighbor or older children that can stay and entertain the baby while you are working. If you are needed, you are there but they can for the most part hold, play with, and entertain the baby. In the wintertime or during school months, try to recruit a family member (grandparents are ideal as they want time with baby too) when possible or hire a sitter from a service so that you can get work done & save your sanity.

•· More Toys - Bigger and better equipment is needed starting around 4 months IF your baby is ready and eager for it - check all manufacturing guidelines and make sure to watch your child for tired signs or loss of interest, if your baby tells you they've had enough, make sure to relieve them right away!

•1. Exersaucer or other stationary walker (as mentioned) - use only for 1/2 hour at a time 2-3 times per day with plenty of rest periods in between. These devices can hinder walking if they are overused or if the child is understimulated in other ways.

•2. Jump-n-go or other Johnny Jump Up device (as mentioned) - this is only good for use in doorways so although they like to stretch their legs, this view can get old quick, especially if they can't see you while playing in it so use only under supervision

•3. Portable Crib - your baby has probably exceeded the weight limit on a regular bassinet so you will likely want to invest in a portable crib, even if only used as a playpen where you can safely set the baby to play once mobility strikes!

And those are some tips that I've picked up these last six months, I hope you find them helpful if you are expecting, or have just had a young one yourself. We also invite you to share any tips or advice that you've gleaned from your experiences working & parenting!

Here is a more recent photo of my little love bug on his Boppy for all you out there!

NNN RATES ON THE RISE IN THE UPPER VALLEY

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:47:00 -0600

FIRST THING'S FIRST:

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the acronym "NNN" it refers to the term Triple Net which is a Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charge for commercial properties. This is an additional cost to Base Rent and includes pro-rata shares for expenses of the property such as real estate taxes, insurance, grounds maintenance, rubbish removal, common electricity, etc.

NNN RATES ON THE RISE IN THE UPPER VALLEY:

As having now completed our CAM reconciliations for 2008, it is clear that the cost of living is on the rise in the Upper Valley. I will provide an overview of the actual increases as well as explain what we are doing as owners and managers to keep these costs down.

Lebanon and Hanover have both seen dramatic increases in the cost of living, primarily in real estate taxes and heating fuel however, with gasoline having climbed as high as it did, this drove every other service-related cost up as well, especially grounds maintenance (the added stress of having a big snow year also contributed to this expense). Moreover, the cost of electricity unexpectedly doubled in July last year and there was a huge increase of the cost of water and sewer services.

Lebanon at a glance: 2007 Rate/ft² = $8.60 2008 Rate/ft² = $8.91

Expense	2007	2008
Electricity	$9,700	$10,200
Grounds	$12,700	$19,700
Heat	$22,600	$32,800
Taxes	$59,900	$64,500
Water/Sewer	$1,050	$2,200

Hanover at a glance: 2008 Rate/ft² = $6.51 2008 Rate/ft² = $8.32

Expense	2007	2008
Electricity	$31,800	$35,100
Grounds	$20,700	$41,000
Heat	$23,500	$27,700
Taxes	$98,700	$105,200
Water/Sewer	$7,300	$10,200

So what's a commercial property owner/manager to do? The global economy has put enough stress on every business, even those in the "sheltered" Upper Valley, so increasing NNN rates doubles the pressure. With NNN rates so high and market value not high enough, that means owners have to lower their base rent prices, driving the market value even lower. High NNN costs hurt Landlords and Tenants, it lowers marketability and stresses already stressed tenants to the brink of move-out.

Our company, Lebanon Property Management has taken the following actions to help ease some of this NNN tension, and we would recommend any other Owner/Landlord to discuss their options with their Property Managers to see if any of these options are viable for you if you are in a similar situation. (The following does not appear in any special order but are all options that we have tried)

•· NNN cap for one year (or more)- This provides for a ceiling on cost of living increases. Often this option is exercised on Base Rent increases but can certainly be used for NNN as well. You can exercise this option in two ways: The first is to say that NNN will not be increased more than X% over the prior year. The second option is to say that NNN will not go above $X per square foot.

•· Renegotiate the lease (early) - This may be a less desirable alternative as you would likely be reducing your Base Rent (or NNN) rates. Be aware that by reducing Base Rent, you will be affecting the value of the building (both for tax purposes and marketability) so you will want to consider this option carefully before exercising. You could also consider extending the term in turn for reducing the base rate, in this case at least you will have a tenant for a longer period during this time of uncertainty.

•· Reducing specific expenses - In this case you would outline specific expenses that you are willing to take a hit on, most often management fees, legal & professional fees, wages, taxes, or other fees are the expenses that you would be willing to consider reduction on, if at all.

•· Proactively reduce expenses - For us, grounds maintenance had doubled in one year, so we took it upon ourselves to find a new service provider that would perform the same services for less AND we signed a contract stating such. This is an area you have to be very careful about as you do not want to compromise the quality of services being provided but in certain instances you can find a situation where you won't have to compromise anything AND still save money just by changing providers. This won't change the past year but it will show your tenants that you care and give you a lower projection for next year.

In closing, we as owners/managers understand the pain that tenants are feeling right now. High NNN costs not only hurt existing businesses (which of course we don't want to loose) but it prevents new business from entering certain market areas. When new businesses choose a lesser visible area due to the fact that they cannot afford the area of choice, they are unable to draw the traffic they need to grow their business and they grow stagnant as well. NNN rates are on the rise and we as professionals should know how to advise our clients to negotiate so that everyone can wade through this tough time so that we can all make it to calmer waters!

Holiday Survival Tips for the Working Mom

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 11:53:34 -0600

December, 2008 Edition

Since there is enough stress and sleepless nights due to the holidays sans children, this year being my first as a Mother, I knew I was in for a real learning experience. All new experiences require a learning curve of course, and through this blog, The Life & Times of the Working Real Estate Mom, I hope to help you reduce yours or simply hone your skills from the many lessons I have taken away from this holiday season. This article specifically addresses some of these great holiday lessons that I have now learned & lived to tell you about!

Tips for working through the holidays:

• Prioritize deadlines! For me, my most important agenda item (besides normal-course operations) is year-end reports to our clients and CAM reconciliations. Knowing what I need to do and when it needs to be done is a huge step in the right direction. Secondly, I organize a strategy plan for how to get these done, specifically identify dates & specific project portions for that date - literally a step one, two, three system. This is similar to any marketing or business plan that you already use - and by writing/typing it, you are significantly more likely to succeed.

• Hire some help! Consider hiring an online assistant service or adding hours to your existing office or personal assistant to help you through this busy time, chances are they would love the extra hours right before the holidays too.

• Take a day off! I know this is tough for you fellow workaholics BUT you may find that you are more productive after you've gotten everything off your mind rather than spending work time surfing the net for gifts. Want to take this a step further? Get a sitter (or family member) to either take the baby OR come to your home/office to watch the baby there while you get some work done to make up for the day you took off.

Tips for surviving through the holidays:

• Shop online! Schlepping a child through those packed stores for holiday deals is NOT recommended. People push, shove, and won't get out of the way for your stroller-lugging, infant-crying self so don't even bother trying! Either get a sitter (or partner) to take the baby while you shop or stay at home and shop (after business hours) from the comfort of your own home while in slippers and a bathrobe. I found it was nicest at night after the baby has gone to bed.

• Have a game plan! Decide in advance which holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, and gift-buying outings you are going to solo, with your partner, and with the whole family. Have an exit strategy planned so that when meltdowns begin (even parents have meltdowns) you can get out quickly and without feeling rude to the hostess.

• Try aiming for New Years! Rather than add Christmas cards to my to-do list, this year I have decided to send my Christmas cards in the days right AFTER Christmas for a New Year tiding. I took some cute photos of the baby at Christmas and have included one in the card. This is a tradition I plan to stick with in future years - for tradition and sanity sake.

• Homemade gifts are always appropriate! Most goodies can be prepared well in advance and frozen for up to three months. I began baking the weekend following Thanksgiving & haven't stopped yet. Another plus is that these gifts are the most versatile (yes, you can sometimes even go wrong with gift certificates). You can make any recipe - always check on nut allergies though - in any size, for any person. That way you don't forget the mail man, dog groomer, or babysitter & you can even ship goodies-in-a-jar to your out of town friends and family for a much appreciated taste of home.

• Get Help! By now your probably thinking of a psychiatrist, but that's not the kind I mean. Enlist friends to help with decorating & take down (offer wine & cheese or dinner in return). Assign your partner to help watch the baby while you wrap, bake, or shop. In general, delegate as much & for as often as possible!

SMILE & REJOICE

It is so easy to get caught up in the bah humbug of the holiday season but if there is anything that you take from these tips for holiday survival, have it be this - you already have the most cherished gift of all - your child, so take stock in that & everything will work out. Even if you're late, or forget someone all together, everyone will understand so take a deep breath & enjoy your first (or any number) holiday with your most beloved! So here's to a happy (sane) New Year to all you other parents out there in the 'Rain!

It's Y2K9 - Communicate Like It!

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:57:23 -0600

So, the market is slow, there is a lot of competition for every bit of new business out there - how do you keep ahead of the pack then? Here's a few tips that you can put to work for you to get in touch with Generation Y.

Techno-basics:

Texting:

Texting is great, picting is better. In real estate (and life) a picture is worth a thousand words. Send a picture text with new listings to your buyer-clients... this is a service that you can do that will make you STAND out from the crowd, don't be afraid to use this as a plus in your professional profile.
ONCE you get the appointment for a showing, follow up with a text of the directions AND a pict of the house so they know where to go and what to look for! Many will have a GPS locator already but they will appreciate that you are looking out for them and don't want to waste their time looking around the whole neighborhood for the right mailbox and GPS won't give them a photo of the house so you are actually a step above!
If you aren't familiar with all the abbrieviations that are common to use, check out this website to brush up http://www.swalk.com/sms.htm this is a lanuage unto its own and they will appreciate it if you can speak it as well.

Email:

Email is a must, if you don't have blackberry or other instant notification of when you get new emails, plan to check your email at a minimum of three times per day (even on Sunday) AND let others know when you check your messages, add this message right to your signature so it posts to every email you send.
Another addition to your email signature might be "while paper is still necessary in the real estate industry, I am committed to eliminate as much paper waste as possible, in an effort to do so I utilize electronic communications as often as possible and appreciate your efforts to do so as well"

Blog:

Blogging is a way to let your voice be heard. If you are like me, you will read a news article that could be somewhat controversial or inspiring and it will trigger an internal discussion or at least some comment that you wish the whole world could here - well, this is your medium! Consider which platforms would best reach your target crowd and start getting your message out there.
Keep it real. Keep your professional posts professional but also don't be afraid to get personal too. Generation Y'ers are into personality - they know theirs and want to express it in every way practical so let them get to know yours as well, if it's a match they will know right away and contact you. If it's not, that's ok too and you might be better off without that business

In Practice:

As I elluded to, Generation Y knows themselves and wants to express themselves. If you have a property that could really inspire the artist-type you can say so. You don't have to advertise that way ***NEVER DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PROTECTED CLASS*** but you can certainly mention to that person, "hey when the light slants in the windows at dawn it can almost move you to tears and could even inspire your next masterpiece".
Personalization, feng shue, even a free consultation from a home stager can go a long way with this generation. I teamed up with a home stager and actually paid for her services out of pocket as an added bonus for buying & selling with me.

Commercial Market Report - Upper Valley Region - 4th Quarter, 2008

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:05:06 -0600

VOLUME ONE - Upper Valley Region - Commercial Market - 4th Quarter, 2008

It's that time of year where we tend to look backward rather than forward. I intend to use this forum to keep others appraised of the commercial leasing activities in the New Hampshire side of the Upper Valley (defined as Lebanon, West Lebanon, and Hanover) on a quarterly basis. I focus on this area as it is my area of expertise as well as the commercial and economic center of our region. Please feel free to sign up for posts to this blog so that you can stay current on these market trends.

I focus on commercial leasing for office and retail uses, as these are my specialty. I am pleased however to report to anyone interested in learning more about any other type of property or matter related to commercial real estate if you are interested and would like to contact me for any specific question or interest.

Commercial - Office

Currently there are 14 properties (16 listings) available for lease
CLASS A office spaces are being listed from $15.00 - $18.00 per square foot
CLASS B office spaces are being listed from $12.00 - $14.00 per square foot
CLASS C office spaces are being listed from $8.00 - $10.00 per square foot
Many of the listings have been on the market for greater than 30 days

Commercial - Retail

Currently there are 6 properties available for lease
CLASS A retail spaces are being listed at $25.00 per square foot and ARE NOT leasing
CLASS B retail spaces are being listed at $10.00 - $14.00 per square foot
CLASS C retail spaces are being listed at $6.00 - $8.00 per square foot
Many of the listings have been on the market for greater than 60 days

In summary, the Upper Valley market has seen a slow down this past year - retail and office prices were soaring last year for CLASS A properties at over $20.00 per square foot NNN, as you have seen from the above, the office sector has already made the adjustment to a lower listing price however retail has held on to the higher asking prices - and is paying the penalty of vacancy - for it. It is my professional opinion that the retail sector needs to adjust their asking prices similarly to the office sector to see their inventory move off the shelves.

In addition, I have seen a greater demand for smaller, private and executive suites (up to 800 square feet) and have had a much harder time renting larger spaces that do not have the ability to be subdivided. Retail-use spaces have made marked movement into medical uses for private practices and in only those flexible use properties have I seen demand. The consumer has a broader variety of spaces - and terms - to choose from now, as in residential, and are taking their time to select carefully. The lending crunch hasn't completely crippled the commercial marketplace here as of yet anyway, but it has given way to a greater need for landlord-financed fit-up or other incentives to get the customer in the door. My company, Lebanon Property Management has really begun to make a name for itself in this way because we deal directly with the tenant, can offer these great incentives & flexibility, AND have a crew available to do the actual construction. This has streamlined our negotiation process & move-in timeline.

Tips for Working Real Estate Moms

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:37:08 -0600

My (first) child is now three months old and I am a working Mom. I bring my son to work with me and occassionally work from home. In addition, my office is a shared building in that there are two other businesses and a shared office manager in the same building. That being said, crying-it-out is not an option.

The story of Eban (my son): Eban was born six weeks early dispite my best efforts to eat right, not smoke or drink, exercise, and take my prenatal vitamins. He weighed 4 lbs 10 oz and was very healthy for a preemie. Even so, he had an 18 day NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) stay which is heartwrenching for any mom. We quickly learned that Eban loved being held, swaddled, and rocked to sleep. Although this kind of affection is perfect for the NICU, it did lead us to form some bad habits at home because we continued the trend. Even now my son will wake 30-45 minutes after being put down into his crib and cannot fall asleep on his own, we still have to hold him to sleep...and if I want to sleep for more than 1 hour at a time we have to co-sleep. Obviously these are not healthy sleep habits and we are working doublely hard to correct them now. (we had the best intentions).

I offer this to you from what I've learned through trial and error, exhaustion (on both our parts), and tears (on both our parts). I hope that this should find you before you should need it however, hopefully this could come when you need it most!

Read a sleep book before you have the baby or as soon as practically possible, just like we ask our customers to do, it's a good idea to listen to the professionals.
Plan to stay at home for the first three months, if possible. This is especially important if you've had a preemie or if you choose to ease into sleep training. Both instances seem to be two steps forward-one step back circumstances. Also because babies really only begin to be able to hold enough food to sustain them for longer periods at this point, it's really hard to begin serious sleep training until this point anyway.
Have a written plan before you start working - AND discuss it with your spouse or partner. It's not just about the paycheck, if you are working from home you'll also need a clean workspace and the occasional uninterupted quiet so you can actually get something done. A schedule is good for parents and baby! Mine looks something like this:***Remember to keep your schedule flexible as the baby won't work on your time, only on his!***

6am Wakeup call (if baby doesn't beat the alarm

6-7 Get husband ready for work, get baby fed and changed - I make my lunch in the morning so I don't have to fuss later & can be more productive

7-8 Get baby and myself bathed, dressed and prepare milk for the next feeding

8-9 Baby's morning nap, when he goes down, I get to work!

***Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize!*** Highlight this part of your day with a green highlighter - for $$$ -- whatever needs to get done first that is most likely to procure a paycheck including returning phone calls and emails so you know if there is any new items to add to the agenda as well.

9-11 Second feeding, changing, playtime/walk - if baby is still awake by the end of this time, I use a front carrier to attach him to me & work on second priority items - returning phone calls, new leads, etc.

12 Naptime! Lunchtime! Since I've already prepared it, I eat at my computer & finish up any of the top two tier priority items.

1pm Third feeding, changing, snuggling - Since I've already finished the high priority items, I am more relaxed and can focus on my baby for a bit. Once he's comfortably playing or sleeping again I will work on maintenance items (recheck email, update website, blog, etc.)

***Having definite sections of your home/apartment for work, play, and sleep is sooooo important - for you and baby***

In the late afternoon and evening, focus on the household items that would otherwise distract you from working in the day.

Morgan Stanley Professional Center - Press Release July, 2008

Amy Margolis (Lebanon Property Management, Inc) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:07:25 -0600

Iskandar's newest project unveiled

Commercial Development Continues Despite Housing Slowdown

Lebanon, NH, June 20, 2008 - Amy Iskandar Margolis, Vice President and COO of Lebanon Property Management, Inc (LPM) proudly announces on behalf of Alex Iskandar, their newest development project, currently known as the Morgan Stanley Professional Center located at the intersection of Heater Road and Route 120, Lebanon - just off Exit 18 of Interstate-89.

The building's passive solar design was created to take full advantage of its natural southern exposure, while reducing the amount of fuel needed to heat and cool the building. Frank J. Barrett, the architect for the project reveals "Having grown up in a passive solar house constructed in 1951 by my architect-father, I immediately recognized the cost effective solar design potential that this very unique site offered the project, the owner, and ultimately the tenant. And, it was very gratifying to have an owner/client not only understand this potential, but to be willing to develop and stand behind a high quality building that I am sure some might think a bit out of the ordinary."

In addition, Iskandar is in the process of applying for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification and has selected high-efficiency equipment systems to keep operating costs and carbon emissions low. Currently, there are 6,880 registered new construction LEED projects in the United States, and by 2010 an estimated 10% of commercial construction is expected to be "green", according to McGraw Hill Green Building Smart Market Report 2006. There are currently 11 LEED certified buildings in New Hampshire, three of which belong to Dartmouth College and only one LEED registered project, the future Kilton Library in West Lebanon.

The entire project has been funded by Ledyard National Bank, and has been estimated to cost $1,500,000.00 excluding the cost of the land. Iskandar states "I am very pleased to provide additional Class A office space so close to DHMC and at a location with such positive existing infrastructure. I believe this truly is the highest and best use for this land."

This project has attracted Morgan Stanley to occupy the entire second floor, being approximately 4,000 square feet in the 6,000 square foot building. Ribbon cutting ceremony is expected to be held this summer. Lebanon Property Management is currently looking to fill the remaining two (2) 1,000 square foot suites on the first floor. Please contact Lebanon Property Management for additional information.

ABOUT LEBANON PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, INC

Lebanon Property Management, Inc was incorporated in July, 1995. Originally created to manage multifamily properties, the company has evolved to manage its commercial real estate holdings and development projects. Information about Lebanon Property Management, Inc can be found at www.lebanonpropertymanagement.com.

Contact Information:

Press Contact:

Amy Margolis Tel. (603) 448-3524 Email. amy@lebanonpropertymanagement.com