I Am Home from the Ski Trip

Of course I could not really turn this trip down. Jack was paying for nearly all of it. He used his father’s company plane to take us to this little airfield there, it was a short trip to the lodge where we were staying. His family owned this place as well. It was not what I would call a lodge, there were around a dozen bedrooms in the place. When I went to the room I was assigned there was a beautiful girl in it, she was apparently from an escort service near Provo, UT. I would have been a lot happier if she had been there for me, but Jack was not that generous. Later on he told me that he had figured out a way for the company to pay for her, and that she was on the payroll for the entire week. I suppose it is a good thing to be a clever young man with an incredibly rich father, so long as you do not get caught.

At any rate I actually met a bunch of college girls while we were at the actual ski lodge. Not one of them could actually ski well enough for the beginner slopes, but I was more than willing to offer them free lessons. I am sure that they were aware of my motives, but I had actually worked as a ski instructor when I was a teenager. Back then I just taught kids how to start skiing, but I was good at it. In no time I had all of these girls skiing just fine for beginners. It worked almost as well as I hoped that it would, except that I had more and more clients which prevented me from closing the deal as quickly as I might have liked.

How to Bet with Confidence

There are many places (or casino siteleri) to make wagers on the internet. In fact, you could say that there are too many. The average bettor can look at the casino siteleri and freeze up in indecision. Don’t you wish that there was a professional, impartial and comprehensive place where you can go to begin to make sense of it all?

Well, there is indeed such a place. You owe it to yourself to pat a visit to realtimebetting.com, where you can see a trustworthy and comprehensive compilation of the casino siteleri available in Turkish for the betting professional. On one gorgeously formatted page, you can see the site name and logo, language, and the amount of a bonus bettors who use the site for the first time can expect.

Even if that were all the information that real time betting would give, that would probably be more than bettors could ever hope to find on their own.

But wait, there’s more!

Real Time Betting not only gives you all the above, but adds a column with a patented value score for every site, and a corresponding quality rating ranging from 0 to 5 stars, giving you an unparalleled way to judge relative quality at a glance. Need more information? There is also a link to in-depth reviews of each site, where you can learn everything you need to know before wagering your hard-earned money.

The review page features a full text summary of the site, the year it was founded, the deposit and withdrawal options which are available, and much more!

Have you decided on a site for your betting fun? Then Real Time Betting also gives a handy link to all the sites its features so that you can visit and start betting with just a click of your mouse,

This May Take Some Time to Finish

This may take some time to finish, especially since the Turkish government seems to be involved in the project. I have been hanging out in hotel lobby waiting around for something to happen and it looks a lot like that is not ever going to happen. In truth I have been doing my paperwork and working on a side project for an old friend of mine. At any rate I actually killed some time making bets on something that was called a casino siteleri. This guy I met there showed me how to do that, he was a lot more intensely involved in it than I was. At first I made a mistake and it turned out that I had bet five euros on Afghanistan in a cricket match.

Read More

Three Ways to Increase Property Values

Real estate investors live and die by their ability to add value. With no added value, there are no profits. This is true with any business, but what makes real estate such a great business and a great investment, is the number of ways you can add value and cash in on big profits. Here are three ways you can add value to your properties.

Upgrades and Repairs: OK, this is the obvious one and is the reason fix and flippers can make money. Some repairs add a lot more value than it costs to do. The more creative you are with the improvements, the more value you can add. For example, I have a client that adds square footage to every house he buys. He really likes the inner city properties because they are the hardest to add square footage. You either need to finish an unfinished basement, or add a second story. There is not typically enough land on the lot to add an addition by increasing the foot print of the property. This client does a lot of basement finishes and “pop tops,” but where he has made the most money is the basement that is only 5 or 6 feet deep. He will go in and dig out the basement to a full 8 or 9 foot height and then finish it. Something most investors would not think of, so he is able to get the deal most other investors pass on. I have also seen some investors find houses that don’t really fit into a neighborhood and they make them fit. This could be limited bedrooms or bathrooms or funky floor plans. All of that can be changed. Obviously many cosmetic fixes like kitchens and bathrooms add a lot of value too. There is a lot more to it than this, but the idea is to buy a property at its true ‘as is’ value, (don’t over pay), and then add value with the repairs and upgrades.

Owner Finance: I love this one because it is so easy to add value with very little to no work. You will need to wait to cash in on your profits, but it is a way to increase a sell price significantly. You can also use this strategy to defer tax gains over a few years, instead of taking a big hit all in one year. When you have a property for sale there are a limited number of buyers for the house, although right now that pool of buyers seems pretty big. If you can increase the pool of buyers, the demand for that one house increases, which forces the price to go up. Someone that cannot qualify for an ordinary loan, limiting the supply of houses to choose from for that buyer, will likely buy your property. That also increases the price. You are adding value by giving them the chance to own a home that they normally would not be able to own. For this value, you should be compensated with a higher price and a decent interest rate on the profits, while you wait for the buyer to refinance and pay you off in full.

Shared Units: This is one area of real estate that I have not dabbled in, but it is extremely inviting. The idea here is to sell your property to multiple buyers. You are seeing this a lot in resort towns. It is always a vacation or second home. Have you ever been to a time share presentation? They are pretty enticing aren’t they? About 13 years ago my ex wife and I were in Florida and got sucked into a time share sales pitch. We decided to go because they offered us free tickets to Disney. We sat there for about an hour and a half and then the hard sale came. They were very good at selling the “idea” of the time share and had my ex wife sold. She asked me to move forward with the deal, but I could not bring myself to do it. I told her that I was not comfortable with an emotional purchase and that we needed time to think it through. “Can I please have our Disney tickets?” was my response. As we rode back to the hotel that afternoon, I started thinking about the math. Each unit can be sold to 52 different people because your purchase only gets you 1 week a year. Add that to the annual maintenance fees and the numbers are staggering. I know people who have flipped time shares successfully, because you can get them for free or near free on Craigslist, but it is not an investment I was interested in. With that said, I have considered doing a half or quarter share on a house in a ski town in Colorado. In this scenario, you are sharing a house with 1 to 3 other people so there is a ton more flexibility. You can use or rent out your weeks and you can be guaranteed valuable high demand weeks every year. It is a way to get a second home without the full expense. From the seller’s point of view, it is a way to get more for the house. ½ a share of a house is going to cost the buyer more than ½ of the fair market value. I have seen business plans from investors that would buy a house and quarter share it out. The idea was that after they improved the property and sold ¾ of the house to 3 different buyers, they would own the last ¼ free and clear. Obviously this strategy will work best in areas where people want second homes. The downside is if there are any improvements or major issues. I can see there being disagreements, so this is something you would want, as a buyer, to work out with all the other owners in writing before you buy.

Benefits of Investing in Prime Commercial Property

If you want to invest in the commercial real estate, you will have to do careful research and planning, and put in some forethought. Finding the right commercial property for sale will require you to take into consideration numerous factors, like the location, performance of the local job market, infrastructure initiatives in the pipeline, and migration patterns of the city.

While you can follow conventional commercial property investment guidelines if you want to invest, a prime commercial property is a different ball game altogether. You will have to do thorough research and study the local market before you invest in the property.

There are many benefits of investing in premium commercial properties. Some of them are as follows:

  • It is easier to find and attract tenants if the property is located in a superior neighborhood. Finding tenants is the key to success, as your property yields will depend on it. When a commercial property is vacant for long periods of time, you will lose income, as there will be no yield in the form of rent.
  • Banks are more flexible in providing loans for commercial properties located in prime locations as the chances of capital loss are minimal.
  • Today, many businesses are focusing on employee retention and this gets an impetus when employees can travel to and from work with ease. Prime properties are often easily accessible by public and private transportation.

Benefits for an organization

If you want to find prime commercial property for sale for your own business, you will be making a sound investment. Not only will your employees, clients, and suppliers find it easy to reach the office, but it will also boost the visibility of your business.

Setting up business in a prime neighborhood helps improve your business’ reputation. Clients, partners, and other business stakeholders will view your business more favorably, as the location also demonstrates your business’s commercial worth. Also, premium office locations usually appreciate with time and this capital appreciation looks good on your organization’s balance sheet.

If you take into consideration the return on your investment and business potential, there will be no doubt remaining that prime office spaces offer you the best of both worlds. However, the value of such a property comes from its location. Hence, it is important to identify what constitutes a prime location.

What is a Prime Location?

Some of the factors that categorize a location as prime is as follows:

  • Accessibility from different corners of the city
  • A number of high-profile business in the neighborhood
  • Quality of the buildings in the area
  • Type of infrastructure the building offers
  • Infrastructure of the neighborhood

To figure out whether a location is prime, here are a few parameters that you should use to examine the neighborhood:

  • Can the commercial property be accessed by all available modes of transportation?
  • Is the property located in proximity to important commercial hubs?
  • What is the profile of the tenants in the area?
  • Which types of businesses have a presence in the area?
  • What is the potential of growth of the businesses operating in the area?
  • Is the social infrastructure, like malls, cafes, shopping centers, and restaurants, good?
  • Is the location planned well?
  • Does the building that you want to purchase the commercial space in having a modern and aesthetically pleasing exterior?
  • How well maintained are the other buildings in the area?

A Wise and a Happy Investment

Nature has always rewarded man with all goodness and gifts. A life without greenery is a life that is fast asleep. Waking up to the chirping birds and the morning sunshine rejuvenates a lively mood and enthusiasm in every individual’s life. But the routine hustle bustle pulls man away from enjoying the natural beauties of nature.

The olden days witnessed children spending their maximum free time on farms or in the green open land. Laying on the grass feeling the cool noon breeze were part and parcel of their daily lives. They spent a life that had no connection with any kind of pollution or hazardous chemicals. It was a life that was spent living and enjoying the natural resources and environment. But as years passed by things gradually changed children who once enjoyed the natural living wanted to taste urban life. They started to build dreams to live and get settled in a city and enter a new phase of life with the city folks.

Farms and lands were left behind in order to get mingled with city culture. People started migrating from one city to another for education as well as job purposes. But land will never lose its value.

Life that is spent in urban areas cannot be compared to the peace and happiness that serene farm houses reward. People after working hard and spending maximum time of their lives in cities long for serenity and tranquillity. They search for houses that are away from noise and pollution. After entering into the corporate field, life gets even more busier. People are declined from their precious family time and social life. The stress and pressure invades their mental peace and at such times the idea of investing in farmhouse plots comes as a rescue.

To own a farm house is a latest trend in the society. It is a luxury reward that one gifts oneself for all the hard work that’s been carried out in the city. A farmhouse is a second home and a home is complete when its rooms are filled with love, laughter and happiness that is shared among the family.

what do you know about technology

There is no denial in the fact that there is a mad rush in adopting cloud technology and many organizations are eager to implement these solutions. This reflects that there is a necessity to add the new “it” in IT. It has been rightly said that instead of depicting cloud technology with the help of white fluffy cloud, organizations should use the image of a tornado as this is how fast cloud computing is growing today. It has been estimated that the expenditure on global cloud computing equipment is predicted to reach $80 billion dollars in 2018.

The benefits of cloud computing for an organization are very clear and it is easy to understand how they can transform any business. It is clear that cloud computing can increase scalability, storage capacity, productivity, efficiency and better use of analytics. But keeping these advantages in mind there seems to be urgency in the market to introduce more swiftness in their day to day operations and prove themselves to be first and fast in designing and deploying cloud solutions for their organization.

When an organization adopts a tailored approach in selecting those solutions that are best for their organization, instead of diving into the next available technology that might not fit with the business objectives and create difficulties and hamper their progress it will help you to move a little faster and help you to gain competitive advantage in the business environment.

You don’t always need to look out for newer technologies

Since there is a huge hype around the adoption of cloud technologies, organizations often expect quick and over the top results when they decide to adopt them into their business operations. But, before fully committing to cloud solutions top management should carefully plan out the course that they would adopt and themselves certain fundamental questions before making any further commitments. They need to define the goals that they are expecting to achieve and what are their relation to the cloud and how these solutions are going to help the business achieve its objectives and goals.

Also, the decision makers need to have a clear approach to what goals are achievable and how they are beneficial for the organization. Cloud should not be considered as a savior for the organization’s IT obstacles. Measurement plays a vital role in any new process for an enterprise, and the cloud is not any different. Before rushing into implementation, CIOs should determine how they are going to track effectiveness and success at the outset. They need to drive toward a strategy that engages the cloud in a multi-phased approach that helps to demonstrate early, quick wins from which the organization can gain confidence to tackle increasingly complex cloud capabilities.

Give Yourself Both an Exit and a Path to Expansion

Decision makers for any organization have a big decision to make as far as new technology is concerned i.e. to compare old vs. the new and then decide what might work for them according to the organization’s goals and objectives. Whatever technology that works for them today might be a threat for tomorrow and for enterprise-wide adoption of cloud technologies CIO’s need to understand the benefits as well as the setbacks that might come with it along with being prepared for them when the time comes. In short, you don’t need to abandon the reliable “old” technology that works for you before making sure whether the new one is the one for you.

Before going all in for the cloud adoption every organization needs to always have an option to go back from where they started if they see that cloud technologies are not beneficial for them and they can perform without them, which might be a rare scenario. Every CIO needs to ensure that they adopt a cloud solution that can be molded as the market conditions transform and where you can easily add and alter features to the cloud applications.

Be well qualifies for Data Security, and Prepare for the Unimaginable

Data privacy and Security are two of the most important things that organizations go for when they are adopting cloud technologies. It is vital for decision-makers to take their own time and examine all the aspects of security features of the cloud solutions before giving a green signal and moving forward to purchase and implement cloud technologies.. They also need to ensure that they have security policies and procedures in place when they are dealing with data security in the cloud.

Ready the Staff

When organizations have decided to introduce cloud solutions in its diverse departments, it can have an efficient effect on the company’s culture. There are certain times where employees are really not prepared for the change that is about to be implemented. Since the benefits of cloud are extreme for every organization, it is upon the top management how they are able to adopt the latest technology in their daily operations and drive the organization forward along with implementing the technology the right way avoiding all stagnation and setbacks. The right time to adopt the cloud is right now but it should be done with a lot of care and with proper planning. While implementing the cloud technology the management should take regular feedbacks from the personnel who are operating it directly so that they are aware whether the organization is moving in the right direction or not. Hence it is essential for every organization to understand whether the staff is ready for the new technology and will be able to adopt it effortlessly.

Tips To Build A Custom Home

Building a house from its foundation requires a fair amount of research and planning from the budget to the selection of materials and design features. Choosing a reliable, experienced and modern contractor can ease the process and produce quality results for all clients. Construction of small modest houses to larger grand condos can benefit with attention to detail and a professional guide.

Decorative features you wish to include in the newly constructed property should not be built on-site. Providing contractors with clear instruction and dimensions for rooms and garden can assist in manufacturing cupboards and features at the respective workshop that will cost less than having it created on the property. The number of hours worked on site will contribute to the total bill and must be assessed before providing the go ahead for the contract.

The new home should incorporate form and function to ensure that residents and potential future buyers are satisfied with the layout. Design must prove aesthetic and modern, but provide practicality for current living needs and future requirements. Unique structures and plans may meet with trends and prove appealing, but may not be suitable for others should the house be placed on the market for future resale.

Create a budget and plan for emergencies and unexpected fixtures along the way. Constructing a customized home is not a simple task, but a major and time consuming undertaking that requires additional planning for breakage, insufficient materials, and building delays. It is not advised to remain within a fixed cost that could prove detrimental to finances should a surprise circumstance occur.

Assess the value of modern features that are incorporated as part of the building plan and total expense. It is exciting to add modern appeal with building extras, but these features may not contribute to the investment over the long term. Include construction that will deliver the most appealing results and assist in improving the resale value of the property.

Install high quality flooring with functional design elements including underfloor heating and ease of maintenance. There are many different materials available for custom floors including tiles, hardwood and concrete each offering its own set of benefits and potential limitations. Flooring must contribute to resale value while providing affordable and aesthetic to best serve the practical function and theme of the house.

The success in tailored home design lies in the details of the floor plan created by competent builders offering sound advice and guidance. The transformation of an idea into real construction requires the knowledge and expertise of a certified contractor to support and streamline the development. Research into the plan and the cost for property size are important factors to ensure realistic outcomes.

Custom home design undertaken by licensed and reputable builders offers flexible solutions for the modern property owner. Quality contractors incorporate the latest 3D technology in the development of detailed floor plans including consultation, cost assessments and the submission of council documents. Trusting construction to an expert in the industry can produce modern yet functional results that meet within a specified budget.

The Best Way to Buy Property Without a Loan

The major edge for investing in 2 and 3 BHK flats in Greater Noida is the amazing Infrastructure. Both the locations possess the possibilities of transforming into one of the best deals in the real estate industry. With its contemporary and awe-inspiring infrastructure, one can expect to capitalize in 3 BHK apartments in Noida Extension, without worrying about amenities, space or security. Moreover, the land availability also adds to its convenience. The scope for new constructions has also made Noida’s real estate a burning option.

There are wide number of top-notch real estate developers and builders who have already started participating in launching projects, offering avant-garde lifestyle with all modern requirements.

Another reason that ignites the decision of planning on a 3 or 2 BHK flats in Noida Extension is the fact that all the legal documentations regarding real estate are under the jurisdiction of the Stamps Department. Furthermore, the connectivity has also improved tremendously. Someone planning to shift to the city would definitely not come across any connectivity trouble, as it is well connected to nearby cities. The metro lines have also acted as added boon.

Along with the growth and development of the city, there has also been an upsurge in the number of commercial hubs, educational institutes, corporate offices and more. This has facilitated in enticing individuals from all across to shift and settle down in either Noida or Greater Noida. The relatively affordable real estate market has also come as a relief as compared to the sky-high property rates in places like Delhi and Mumbai. An individual planning to purchase or rent 3 BHK flats in Noida would get better and inexpensive options to choose from, as equated to other metro cities.

Therefore, the connectivity with Faridabad and Ghaziabad, the increase in developments, the Yamuna Expressway and more have all contributed in making Noida the next big thing. With wide array of amenities and strong civic framework, Noida has also seen gradual increase in the number of newly constructed 3 and 2 BHK flats in Greater Noida and Noida.

So, Noida and Greater Noida are good options for property purchase if one is looking for properties at reasonable rates.

Being a planned township, Greater Noida has ample opportunities. With the 23km Express Highway between Noida and greater Noida, wide number of IT companies, accessibility, reputed educational institutes and retail outlets, there has been notable developments within the locality. These have acted as a boon to the real estate industry within the location. There has also been a tremendous pace in the thriving of both residential and commercial properties in Greater Noida. There are many areas within the township with pollution free environment. Therefore, someone wishing to buy 3 BHK flats in Greater Noida West can now have an option to pick from the best options within the hamlet.

Noida does not just provide for new buyers, but also accelerates many real estate companies.There are wide number of real estate companies who have their respective database of innumerable projects and aspiring investors. There are many companies who operate from the site itself and organize diverse make-shift kiosks from where the entire business is operated. Furthermore, these companies also offer stress-free terms such as re-selling properties, etc.

Build The Home of Your Dreams With a Construction Loan

With the current economy trend setting low real-estate prices, many assume that buying a used home is worth every dollar they fork out. Others engage in apartment loans, thinking of it as hitting two birds in one stone: having your own home while gaining some extra cash through rental income. While these are all very good strategies, some families opt to get a construction loan and build the home of their dreams.

Although it might sound difficult, building your dream home is possible, provided you understand how a construction loan works. Presently, the construction-to-permanent loan remains the most popular option. This loan encompasses full lot and construction coverage, and even converts to a mortgage the moment your dream house has been established. Once you’ve laid down the down payment, all you have to do is make interest-only payments at a fixed interest rate. And after the construction has finished, the loan will be transformed into either a 15-year or 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

Certain banks will dish out interest reserve accounts that allow you to make interest-free payments throughout the construction process. The bank will calculate the amount of interest-only payments and add the total amount to the overall loan. Funds will be deposited into a different account, which makes this ideal if you currently have pre-existing mortgage or rent payments on your plate. The licensed contractor you’ve hired will then mete out a ‘release schedule’ that details the monthly construction schedule with the necessary funding in tow.

Once you have determined that one of these new home construction loans suits your tastes, then there are five quick steps to set you off on the right track:

1. Know your Affordability Limits

You need to determine how much of the total loan you can afford by using an online loan calculator. Remember that you need at least 20% of down payment to avoid PMI payments.

2. Find Lenders

Compare the current loan rates from online lenders and local banks. Ask a reputable building contractor for past lenders they’ve worked with, and attain their contact information.

3. Attain Pre-Approval

Skim through the pre-approval process of each selected bank. Outline the closing costs and estimated tax rates. Ask for a copy of a pre-approval letter.

4. Find a Contractor

Settle on a reputable contractor that is licensed, insured and has experience in constructing new houses. Figure out a budget plan, building cost and architectural schematics to get your house project underway.

5. Select the Land Piece

Hire a reputable realtor to identify a suitable piece of land in line with your budget. Verify any attainable building permits from your local municipality, and make sure a septic and water system is readily available.