Archive for January, 2009
Why Buy Renter’s Insurance
Renter’s insurance should never be considered an option or a luxury, just a simple fact of life if you’re a renter. The following are good reasons to buy renter’s insurance, but you shouldn’t even need convincing, it’s such a simple choice.
It’s Cheap
Renter’s insurance is really very inexpensive, for just a couple hundred (way less than your car insurance) you’ve protected all of your property from potential damage or complete loss. Over the course of the year this is really a negligible cost for the peace of mind you’ll receive.
It’s Not Just You
In most situations, renters share property with other people, people who may not be as responsible or diligent as you are and they can cause damage to your property, it’s totally out of your control. But on the other side of that argument, you may be the one who causes damage to someone else’s property (imagine a fire that’s your fault) and you’re suddenly responsible for all of their damaged items. Renters insurance protects you from this expense.
It’s Your Money
You may falsely assume that any damage to property, be it yours or someone else’s, or injury to someone will be your landlord’s responsibility. This is simply wrong in most cases. If the damage or injury happens on your rental property or due to your negligence you’re the one who will be held responsible and have to pay.
Protect the majority of your assets by spending a little on renter’s insurance. It really is one of the most important investments you can make.
You too can be a Great Landscaper
Even if you don’t have any landscaping experience you can teach yourself in no time at all. Many people find this hard to believe, but it is the truth. Sure, there are some people who are better at landscaping than others. But in the long run you can do a lot of the work yourself which allows you to get the right look and feel while also saving money. How does that sound to you?
If you are interested in doing your own landscaping follow the three tips below to get started:
1. Buy the proper tools. You need the right tools if you are going to make your yard look good. For instance, instead of digging holes with a spade when planting a tree, buy yourself a new shovel. This is a basic purchase but one that will save you time while also making your yard look better.
2. Don?t go overboard. More is no better when it comes to landscaping. Chances are that you have seen homes with yards that are overflowing with plants, flowers, trees, garden gnomes, and much more. Take a minimalist approach to landscaping, and you will be surprised at just how good your yard looks when everything is said and done.
3. Take cues from others. If you are having a difficult time getting started take a walk around your neighborhood to get some ideas. Soon enough your head will be full of ideas, and you will be well on your way.
Anybody can landscape their own yard if they have the proper tools and ideas. Once you have these two things all you need is time to complete the job.
What The Madoff Scandal Can Teach Real Estate Investors And Managers
Check your numbers.
The recent fiasco stemming from Bernie Madoff’s elaborate Ponzi Scheme has cost many investors billions of dollars. From wealthy individuals to schools and non-profits, the truth is slowly being uncovered that thousands of wealthy people did not check their numbers.
The Guardian reports that, after much research, it would seem that Madoff never traded any shares and simply made up the figures he sent to investors in neat trustworthy-looking statements. They were so delighted with the unbelievable returns that they neglected to check the numbers.
Check your numbers.
- When you go over receipts, expense statements, and bills, are you in the habit of looking for irregularities? Make regular reviews a part of your work habit. Even the best bookkeeper has bad days and may start writing checks on a Friday afternoon that would never be written on a Monday morning.
- Do you know how long a building project or repair should take under normal conditions? Do not be afraid to request itemization on any bills that seem too high or even, too low. A remarkably-low bill may be an attempt at making money from your sloppiness. If you aren’t sure of a price, call around and get an estimate. A few minutes can save you a few dollars quickly and a large sum over the long term.
- When you consider a new property, do you take the time to check the numbers or are you liable to get caught up in the excitement of a high return? Taking the time to research typical occupation rates and costs can be time-consuming and boring, but the effort will reward you with a clear picture of the investment you’re looking at.
