Time Management Tips for Commercial Real Estate Brokers

Today in commercial real estate brokerage, the pressures that you experience every day with time and tasks will be many. Clients will want to talk to you, marketing and inspections will take up some of your day, and beyond all of that you will still have some prospecting to do.

All of this says that you really must master your time and your tasks as a broker or agent. It is a simple thing to say, but a hard thing to do. Efficiency will get you further into your market than anything else. Every day as a broker you must do the ‘right things’ and not the ‘reactive’ things.

If you take an average brokerage of say 10 agents all working their territory, a full 80% are likely to be reasonably disorganised and random in processes. This then has a direct reflection on the volume and type of business that they create. Top agents are in the top 20% of the market; that is their choice and they do it well.

The message here is clear. If you want to build a better business as an agent or broker, now would be a good time to look at your actions and tasks. Consider the following strategies to help you do that:

  1. Set some business goals that you can stick to and believe in. They become the ‘glue’ to hold your momentum together.
  2. Control the telephone and choose the best time of day to take calls. It is far more important that you are making outbound calls in prospecting than accepting inbound calls (negotiation calls at the exception to the rule).
  3. Create some uninterrupted time in your day where you can do the ‘proactive’ things that will help you build market share.
  4. Use a written diary for a day planner. Write things down that need to be done and ‘chunk’ your time.
  5. Set priorities on the things that matter. Remember the differences between being ‘proactive’ versus ‘reactive’. The latter will hold you back from building your real estate business.
  6. Avoid email diversions unless you have an important deal underway. Most emails can wait to the end of the day.
  7. Create prospecting time in your diary that will be a regular habit. If you don’t prospect every day you will lose business and market share. That then creates a downward slide in listings and commissions.
  8. Be prepared to say ‘no’ to some people when they want to take up your time. Their priorities are unlikely to be of any value to you as you build your client base and listing stock.
  9. Avoid unnecessary meetings called by other people with their own agendas.

Given all of these things, remember that ‘top agents’ do not waste time. They focus on using it correctly and directly. You can do that too.

Learn More About Computer Internet Cable

Internet connection has been a way of life nowadays, and not to have one will leave you behind the times. So what do you need to enjoy an internet connection? A computer internet cable will best help you get internet connected to your home.

Also known as a cable-modem, it is a cable used to connect your computer to a high speed internet connection. Through the computer internet cable, internet data passes through it and is converted into internet connection. Data is then converted and is interpreted by your computer.

How does a computer internet cable work? It has a coaxial cable that transports data such as internet data into your computer. It is vital that you get a good cable-modem that can distinguish between television signals from internet data since computers can only interpret digital data.

Where can you purchase a computer internet cable? You can buy this at any computer store, online store and even from any cable provider. You can also find them posted in print media and classified ads. To get the best yet affordable cable modem around, you can resort to online reviews regarding the product or you can browse the pages of a magazine. Usually, reviews written in magazines are more reliable than those posted in the internet since the source can be identified. Referrals and online forums should help you in your choice as well.

How much do these cost? Not that much but if you want to buy quality cable then go to an online store and scrutinize product quality reviews and price comparisons. A cable-modem is not hard to find and is very much available in the market. These are offered by websites and their selection gives you various choices.

When it comes to maintenance, it is recommended that cable modems be handled with care. It is also not advised to buy used cables even if these have lower rates as these may diminish the performance of your internet connection.

How does an internet cable work? It is transmitted through a bandwidth through a cable line. This is usually installed by your internet service provider. There are two types of internet cable system which is by the use of coaxial or fiber optic. Coaxial cables are older versions of internet cables while fiber optics is the newer one. The latter works more efficiently since it can transmit digital date both upstream and downstream.

Bear in mind that no matter how expensive or the best quality your cable modem is, it will never work without an internet connection. This can only be provided by an internet service provider for a monthly fee. This can cost around $35-$45 with one-time installation fees.

It is an undisputed fact that internet access has become vital in our daily lives. Most people use it for their work, shopping and even for leisure. Buying the best and the most compatible computer internet cable will contribute to a high speed internet connection so make sure you get the best one. Go a computer store and ask them for the best cable modem that will suit your needs.

Online Information Technology Learning Programs

The technology behind computers has evolved to the point that almost every business and organization utilizes it. Students that complete information technology training are able to step into a wide range of careers. Online colleges offer students several programs and concentrations that will prepare them for the industry.

Education is available at every level including the option to complete a certificate program. Students are taught to work with a businesses technological component to ensure accessibility and security. With the high level of information stored within a businesses computer system professionals are used to manage the entire network on multiple levels. Online education provides students with a variety of opportunities to enter careers in information technology. Possible areas of study may include:

  • Computer Information Science
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Information Security

To understand what these educational opportunities teach students should research the field of information technology. Concentrated programs are usually available at the undergraduate degree level. Many students that seek graduate training complete information technology degree programs. Exploring the field will give students an idea of what professionals do within different careers.

Certificate and associate’s degree programs in information technology give students the basic skill set to enter careers as technician specialists. A broad understanding is gained inside certificate programs. Computer operation, programming, and system manipulation are some areas of study that may be included inside a program. Some colleges offer students the chance to use certificate and associates degree programs to gain a wide knowledge base that can be used inside a specialization. Website design, technical writing, and information architecture are some areas available to students.

The ability to help computer users solve problems and examine technological needs can be gained inside a bachelor’s degree program. The availability and security of data within a framework of IT services is the goal of understanding the different components that make up the industry. Networking, application development, and digital media publishing are some subjects integrated into a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Students should be ready to complete around 130 credit hours that involve general business, English, and math courses. Specific topics prepare students to work as hardware analysts, programmers, database managers, and more. Students learn how the structure of data is created and how to efficiently manage an entire information system.

Pursuing education at the graduate degree level has students studying advanced technological components and allows them enter careers as managers. Distance learning master’s degree programs have students developing projects where they learn how to set up networks that are usable and controlled. Systems development, risk assessment, technology management, and multimedia configuration are some program topics that help student’s transition into careers. Empirical research and leadership skills are highly stressed within a PhD program. Complicated technology systems are studied such as supply chains, information processing systems, and manufacturing systems. Students explore the deep connection between technologies and the businesses economic endurance. Upper-level positions exist for students that complete graduate training.

Students have many accredited educational choices to choose from to begin careers in information technology. Full accreditation provides proof of a quality training program. Agencies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology ( http://www.accsc.org/ ) are approved to accredit qualifying programs. Once an area is selected students can study the necessary skills to become working professionals.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

Copyright 2010 – All rights reserved by PETAP.org.

Deferment And Forbearance – When You’re Having Trouble Making Your Student Loan Payments

Whether you’ve only been out of college a few months and are still looking for a job, or you’ve just lost a job you had for the past five years, you may not always be fully financially equipped to handle your student loan debt. When unexpected expenses or hardships hit, even the most responsible borrowers can find themselves struggling to make their student loan payments.

But the good news is that your federal student loans come with repayment plans and deferment and forbearance benefits that could help you when you’re having trouble making your monthly payments.

To help you avoid getting caught in financial trouble with missed payments and defaulted student loans, NextStudent, a leading Phoenix-based education funding company, offers this quick guide to your deferment and forbearance benefits.

Postponing or Reducing Your Monthly Student Loan Payments

If you’re having trouble affording your monthly payments, don’t just ignore your monthly bills; always communicate with your lender about your financial situation and ask about your deferment and forbearance options. Deferments and forbearances allow you to temporarily postpone or reduce your monthly student loan payments while keeping your credit score intact.

Deferments and discretionary forbearances (granted in cases of financial hardship) aren’t automatic. You need to contact your lender to request a deferment or forbearance. You may be required to complete a deferment or forbearance request form and to submit supporting documentation.

Most federal student loans (including Perkins loans, Stafford loans, PLUS loans, Grad PLUS loans, and consolidation loans) come with deferment and forbearance benefits. Some private student loans may also offer deferment or forbearance periods-you’ll need to contact your private student loan lender.

Deferment

Deferment allows you to temporarily stop making payments on your student loans.

You may be able to request a deferment on your federal student loans if you are:

§ Enrolled in school at least half time

§ Unemployed

§ Experiencing economic hardship

§ In the military and have been deployed

When you’re in deferment, you’ll only be charged interest on your unsubsidized student loans. The interest on your deferred subsidized student loans will be paid by the government.

You can choose to make interest payments on your unsubsidized student loans during deferment in order to avoid having any accrued unpaid interest added to your principal student loan balance.

For your private student loans, contact your lender to see if they offer deferment periods under certain enrollment, military service, or financial circumstances.

Forbearance

Forbearance allows you to temporarily reduce or postpone payments on your student loans. You may request a discretionary forbearance in cases of unemployment or financial hardship. Generally, your lender can grant a forbearance for up to a year at a time.

When you’re in forbearance, you’re responsible for all interest that accrues, whether the student loans in forbearance are subsidized or unsubsidized. You can choose to make interest payments during forbearance in order to avoid having any accrued unpaid interest added to your principal loan balance.

Avoiding Default

Just like making on-time car or credit card payments, timely student loan repayment can be a way for you to build credit or improve your credit score. At the same time, every student loan payment you miss can bring down your credit score. Miss enough payments, and your student loans could go into default, which can cause damage to your credit that takes years to repair.

The key to avoiding default is communicating with your lenders about your financial situation and requesting a deferment or forbearance if you need one. More likely than not, your lenders are going to be willing to work with you to help keep you from defaulting by keeping your student loan repayment affordable, even when you’re facing tough financial circumstances.

NextStudent believes that getting an education is the best investment you can make, and we’re dedicated to helping you pursue your education dreams by making college funding simple. Learn more about Student Loans, Private Student Loans and Student Loan Consolidation at NextStudent.com.

Home Schooling and Socialization – Is it Really an Issue?

I remember when our family first made the decision to home school. It had taken several months of praying about the decision and talking to other home school families getting their advice and we also talked to family members and friends. Most were excited for us and the journey we were about to take if there was a concern they expressed it was when are the kids going to see their friends? For some reason, people with no experience with home schooling seem to have this view that home schoolers stay locked up in the house peeking their heads out only in the dark of night. If you are thinking of schooling at home or if you know a family close to you thinking of it let me help you out with a little knowledge about the average home schooled child and their socialization.

While the socialization for a home schooled child might be different then a public school child the need is met. This is a fear that is legitimate that friends and family might have for a child that they feel might be leaving a conventional form of education study with the social factor built in. Depending on the age of the child the opportunities that are available for the child to learn and socialize are great. Following are a few places were socializing can happen for the home schooled child.

If there is a YMCA in your community there is probably a weekly home school gym day. The kids come in and play a variety of sports with other home school children in the community, friendships and gym class can be taken care of in one car ride to the Y. An art museum or pottery shop might offer classes for home schoolers where children of different ages and even mom and dad can become involved in projects exposing the family to the arts and at the same time introduce them to other families who enjoy the same activities. 4-H is a great activity to involve your children in. There are so many different activities available in 4-H that you can probably find something that each of the kids in a family enjoys and can become involved in. Specialized clubs, such as computer, art, chess, even specialized sports teams such as soccer and hockey are available in larger communities. Music is also an important element for most home schooled families, young children starting out in kinder music offered through the Y to private lessons as the child grows older and then joining a home school band or community orchestra.

Older kids can socialize with others in different age brackets as they work perhaps with the elderly in their church, or help out in junior church. Jobs also offer socialization to teenagers as they gain experience dealing with the public, with their peer group and with the boss. A lot of the time things come full circle for teenagers as they step into roles of teaching younger children at the same classes they use to attend when they were younger children.

At one time perhaps socialization might have been an issue when home schooled families were more afraid of how society would react to the lifestyle they chose. But today, it would be very hard to find home schoolers shut up behind their doors with no social contact with the outside world.

What to Consider Before Building a Shipping Container Home

The newest craze in eco-friendly building is shipping container homes. These unique houses use new or used cargo containers as their primary construction material. And since these shipping containers are cheap and plentiful, you can build your very own shipping container house for a surprisingly low cost.

But before you make the choice to construct your very own container home, there are a few things you should consider. Just because container homes are becoming very popular with the green building set doesn’t necessarily mean that you should make the plunge yourself. You need to think about your personal needs, your financial situation, and local building codes before you make the investment of building your own container home.

First, you need to realize that a shipping container home is definitely not a traditional house. This may seem obvious, but it’s an important factor to consider. Even though homes built out of cargo containers seem really cool now, you may find that the novelty wears off after a few years. Any home is a long-term investment, so you need to be absolutely sure that you are happy with your potential living situation before you invest thousands of dollars into it. Even though container homes are a smart, eco-friendly choice, you may find yourself yearning for the comforts of a traditional home after a while. Also, consider your space needs before you start construction. If you have a big family, or just want a lot of bedrooms, you may need multiple shipping containers to have the house of your dreams. This requires a lot more work and customization than homes that only use one cargo container.

Next, think about the total costs associated with building a cargo container home. Shipping containers by themselves are relatively cheap, but it takes a lot of time and labor to transform it into a cozy home. You will also need to ship the container to your building site, which might be more expensive than you think. Foundation work also needs to be done, which tacks on extra cost. Before you purchase a shipping container for your new home, consult with a knowledgeable building contractor who can accurately calculate your total cost. An even better option is to work with a company that specializes in cargo container architecture. They will have an expert opinion on everything you will need to do, and they might even be able to sell you a container for your home and make all of the modifications you need ahead of time. By dealing with one company, you can be sure of what all of your costs will be, since you will not need to reconcile quotes from different vendors and contractors.

And most importantly, you will need to consult with local authorities to make sure your new container home meets all local building codes. Some communities simply won’t allow homes constructed out of shipping containers. If this is the case, you may be out of luck, but it’s much better to find out before you invest money or begin construction. Check all applicable state and local building codes before you buy materials or hire contractors. Pay special attention to building codes related to building homes using steel, since this is the most likely restriction you will find on shipping container homes. Also, when you consult your local building office, make sure that you have a specific house plan in mind before you ask for approval. If you just say that you want to build a cargo container home, you might get a quick rejection. However, if you prove that you have a specific, well thought out plan for a home, you are more likely to convince local authorities that your proposed project is up to code.

These considerations should not dissuade you from building a shipping container home. They are cheap, efficient, and environmentally friendly structures that can make a unique home. But, as in all major projects, it’s very important to take into account all of the snags that could come your way. By planning ahead, you can make sure that your cargo container home project gets done right.

Business Management at the Coin Op Car Wash – Employees, Risks, Procedures, Safety

Business management isn’t just about shuffling paper work in the office, and a good business manager must motivate the team, see that the procedures are followed, worry about safety, and about risk. You see, a business manager must run a tight ship, and cannot allow for expensive mistakes to cause accidents, claims, or cut into the profit margins. This is serious stuff, and yet so many managers fail, they cut corners, and it could lead to catastrophe.

For a case study let’s look at an example of poor management and smart front-line employee thinking shall we? You see, not long ago, I received a question about something that had occurred at a car wash, the coin-op type from an employee who was chastised by his manager even though he did the right thing. Here is the story;

“I just started working at a gas station self serve car wash and a hose broke the other day, it was rated at 3000 psi. My manager wanted me to replace it, however the only hoses they had on hand were hoses for the scrub brushes which are rated at 180 psi. So I refused, thinking that if my math was anywhere close to correct, it would be a ridiculous to put a hose underrated by 2800 psi on the pressure wash system.”

So, what we have here is a manager telling an employee to do something unsafe, then when the employee refused, he was reprimanded. Hmm? That’s a leadership failure if I ever saw one. But was it insubordination on the employee side of things? Well, if the manager knew otherwise, he could have explained it to the employee, but apparently it was just a bad judgment call by the manager, why I don’t know?

Maybe there was an inspection that day from their corporate office, and the manager wanted to appear to have everything in working order? Who knows, but it’s a real problem you see. Let’s further dive into this issue, since I know a thing or two about car washes having founded the Car Wash Guys franchise company. My thinking on this is:

“I’d have done the same thing unless, he just used a 3000 psi hose last time because that’s all it had, but the mechanism or system only required 130 psi let us say, thus leaving plenty of safety factor.”

The employee stated that; “it was a the pressure wash system and the five other bays all have 3000 psi hoses, so I will assume I did the right thing.”

Question is did he, did the employee do the right thing and was the manager actually wrong in this case. Yes, I believe so, and I further stated; “yes, I agree – and most coin-ops operate at between 800 to 1500 psi, so a single steel braided 3,000 psi makes the most sense for safety issues, giving a 100% safety factor, I can live with that.”

Okay so, the idea of putting on a 180 psi pressure hose on a system that operates at let’s say 1200 psi (average in the industry) is utterly ridiculous in this case, and could have potentially caused injury to a customer and most likely immediate burst as soon as someone let off the trigger nozzle or got it kinked on a tire. The 180 psi hoses I know about in that venue are those used for extra-add-ons like tire dressings and soaps, but those types of hoses shouldn’t be used in high-pressure systems.

Therefore, I would like to show this as an example of piss-poor management, and it has no place in business, military, government, or engineering. It also shows how cutting corners causes more risk, and likelihood of future challenges to profit margins. So, please consider all this.

Latest Fashion News: Style Watch, Steal That Style!

Many celebrities launch one of kind fashion styles! We are here to introduce to you the latest fashion news and ideas, some amazing styles, and ways you can get them to look stylish and fashionably elegant, just like a celebrity!

The clothes you wear reflect the mood you are in and the one you want to project. They represent the person you want to be even if sometimes, you feel very different from that image!

Stop feeling that you are not fashionable! Stop feeling that your clothes are not into style! Instead enjoy every second of fashion because now you can be in style like any of the celebrities you want or you like!

  • Adopt an all-white look, and rock simplicity with straight hair! You can try styling an A line skirt with a white top, it can be a cute style.
  • Go all Stefani mode and adopt a red suit! Add some style to it by adopting a crop top under the suit’s blazer!
  • Go classy with shorts, and adopt high wasted shorts with a white classic shirt and a nice pair of high heels shoes.
  • Adopt skinny jeans with a white shirt, and guess what? A cute and colorful oversized blazer! It will give you a cute style and edgy look.
  • Be unique by adopting flare pants and reviving the sixties, adopt these pants with a nice crop top and maybe a nice retro hairstyle for long and short hair.
  • Adopt the 90s fashion style in any way you hear desires. The chokers are back and this time they are looking amazing! You can adopt any type of choker necklace you want, whether a plain piece of ribbon, or a tattoo like choker, with all the black details. And for the edgy style lovers, you can pick a rock studded choker, or what we also call, spiked choker necklace. Or you can go for plaids as they have never been more in style than they are now! It’s over every piece of clothing for women and men. This fashion trend or style is somewhat universal as anyone who adopts it falls in love with it! Adopt scrunchies in your hairstyle design, as they will add volume in the Tina Turner technique.

Whichever celebrity’s fashion style you decide to adopt, don’t forget to always add your special touch on it!

What will your fashion identity be from now on?