If you've been thinking of selling your investment house or your home, you should make sure that you take full advantage of home staging trends. There are several advantages to home staging trends, which we will take a look at below.
One of the best things about staged homes is that they sell in less time. This is great news for sellers, as these types of homes will sell really fast. In most cases, you won't have to worry about your home staying on the market for a long period of time. Research has shown that staged homes sell nearly 40% faster than other homes on the market.
Staged homes also sell for more money. Homes that have sat on the market for a long period of time will normally get lower offers due to the fact that home buyers will begin to think there is something wrong with the home. Staged homes on the other hand, don't sit on the market for long at all. Once they are listed, they pretty much draw attention to themselves - resulting in a fast sale. dallas homes for sale
A staged exterior will also draw viewers. When home buyers first arrive at a home that is up for sale, they instantly make up their mind whether they should get out and look around, or drive off. If the yard is staged with flowers and the yard is manicured and properly taken care of, chances are that buyers will want to see more. If you entice your buyers by showing them how nice the home is outside, they will surely want to know what the home is like on the inside as well.
Once a buyer has stepped inside of the home, he will know within a matter of seconds whether or not he likes the home. To get the buyer's attention, you"ll need to stage your home to the buyer's liking. You don't want the buyer to feel rushed or get the wrong impression, which is why you should always set the stage and entice the buyer to take his time and get a good look at the home.
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Staging the living rooms and kitchens will also help to sell the home. Buyers love living rooms, which is why you should always make sure that the living room is the center piece of your home, and decorate it accordingly. Kitchens on the other hand, is where you should really go all out, decorating with fruit and such. You should always make sure that everything is in place as well. Buyers love to see homes that are ready to move into - and not ready to be worked on.
Staged homes will also attract more real estate agents and get more advertising as well. If a real estate agent loves your home, he will want to show it off. If you stage your home, chances are that real estate agents will eat it up. When they do, they will advertise your home more than others, just to get you some deserved attention. This way, you can benefit from a lot of exposure at absolutely no extra cost.
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There's no other way to look at it, other than staged homes sell. They attract more buyers, more real estate agents, and they give people the feeling of home. When you go out of your way to make the buyer feel that your home is his dream home, he will know it. Homes that aren't staged may sell, although staged homes sell much faster and for more money. If you've been looking to sell your home, you should look into staging it and get the ball rolling in the right direction.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
5 Must Know Tips For Smooth Moving
Moving to a new house is often stressful. Sometimes tempers flare up and nerves get wrecked. This is quite unfortunate because moving to a new place implies a new chapter in one's life. But then again, some people undergo exhilarating and enlivening experiences when moving to a new house or apartment. People like them do certain activities that makes moving easier psychologically, physically, and mentally. So if you are planning to move anytime soon, here are some moving tips that you may find useful. dallas homes for sale
1.Prepare a Check List of Things to Do
Probably the most vital of the things you need in order to facilitate smooth moving is to have a list of things to do. It enables you to have an overall idea of things to do and accomplish, especially given the fact that there are plenty of things to do during moving. In that list of things to do, you have to include the establishments like your bank and people such as doctors, dentists, and of course close friends whom you need to inform regarding your move. There are plenty of other things that you need to do during the entire moving. This is why a list is very important in organising things, which is hard to do by just committing to one's faulty memory. For smooth moving, a checklist of things to do is crucial.
2.Discarding of unwanted Materials
In order to facilitate smooth moving, it is important that you throw away all the stuff that you think you will no longer need in the new house of apartment. There is plenty of stuff we have accumulated all throughout the years in our old homes or apartments. Examples of unwanted materials are furniture, house décor, and old appliances. These are a hassle to pack, load, and unload. So throw them away or better yet, put up a garage sale before you leave and make money out these unwanted stuff. dallas homes for sale
3.Pack your Items Properly
One of the more difficult things in moving to a new house or apartment is the packing phase. It can really get chaotic if you have no idea on what you are doing. Here is one of moving tips you need to know about packing. The trick in packing is for you to pack similar objects together. So in one box, you pack all the clothes. In another box, you pack all the leisure and entertainment materials like DVDs and books. When you packed them all in a box, remember to put a label on the exterior of the box so there is no confusion during the unpacking.
4.You must safeguard valuables
This means that all the important documents like property titles must be kept properly. It also means you have to secure your jewelry. For you to experience smooth moving, you must have peace of mind concerning your valuables. dallas homes for sale
5.Have the New House or Apartment Ready for Occupancy
Since you are moving to a new place, make sure that the house or apartment you are moving to is habitable. The electricity and phone lines must be all available for your use once you get there. dallas homes for sale
1.Prepare a Check List of Things to Do
Probably the most vital of the things you need in order to facilitate smooth moving is to have a list of things to do. It enables you to have an overall idea of things to do and accomplish, especially given the fact that there are plenty of things to do during moving. In that list of things to do, you have to include the establishments like your bank and people such as doctors, dentists, and of course close friends whom you need to inform regarding your move. There are plenty of other things that you need to do during the entire moving. This is why a list is very important in organising things, which is hard to do by just committing to one's faulty memory. For smooth moving, a checklist of things to do is crucial.
2.Discarding of unwanted Materials
In order to facilitate smooth moving, it is important that you throw away all the stuff that you think you will no longer need in the new house of apartment. There is plenty of stuff we have accumulated all throughout the years in our old homes or apartments. Examples of unwanted materials are furniture, house décor, and old appliances. These are a hassle to pack, load, and unload. So throw them away or better yet, put up a garage sale before you leave and make money out these unwanted stuff. dallas homes for sale
3.Pack your Items Properly
One of the more difficult things in moving to a new house or apartment is the packing phase. It can really get chaotic if you have no idea on what you are doing. Here is one of moving tips you need to know about packing. The trick in packing is for you to pack similar objects together. So in one box, you pack all the clothes. In another box, you pack all the leisure and entertainment materials like DVDs and books. When you packed them all in a box, remember to put a label on the exterior of the box so there is no confusion during the unpacking.
4.You must safeguard valuables
This means that all the important documents like property titles must be kept properly. It also means you have to secure your jewelry. For you to experience smooth moving, you must have peace of mind concerning your valuables. dallas homes for sale
5.Have the New House or Apartment Ready for Occupancy
Since you are moving to a new place, make sure that the house or apartment you are moving to is habitable. The electricity and phone lines must be all available for your use once you get there. dallas homes for sale
Stockton Foreclosures for Sale
To be successful today, investors have to be smart and cautious. Let us face it. Foreclosure investing is a business that comes with a lot of risks. In order to avoid committing costly mistakes when buying Stockton foreclosures for sale, you should make sure that you have all the facts needed in order to make an informed decision.
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Weigh Benefits Over Risks
Part of every buyer's strategy should include weighing the potential dangers against the benefits. In this case, there are a lot of things to check before you are sure that you can handle any unexpected surprises.
For instance, the foreclosure home should be inspected by a professional inspector from roof to the foundation. Most of these homes are abandoned and require rehabilitation. The cost for doing the renovation should be anticipated and calculated in order to see if they could fit your budget. Always make room for emergency repair work since not all damage can be seen initially. dallas homes for sale
In relation, you must prepare your finances accordingly. If you are planning on paying cash for one of these Stockton foreclosures for sale, keep in mind that most sellers might give you additional incentive or discount. Take advantage of such offers. On the other hand, if you are getting financing, be sure to be pre-approved for a mortgage loan and submit a copy of the pre-approval letter when you make an offer. For certain, the seller will appreciate this.
Another risk to be addressed involves the title or deed. There are instances when a secondary lien is attached to the Stockton foreclosures for sale and the new home owner has to deal with the inconvenience that it brings.
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The Benefits
Of course, any investor would tell you that investing in repossessed properties can be considered to be lucrative. Among the benefits include instant equity, great potential and savings. And since it is a buyer's market out there, you can further enjoy the other perks that sellers offer to attract buyers. Considering these, it is not surprising that a lot of investors take a chance with these Stockton foreclosures for sale.
dallas homes for sale
dallas homes for sale
Weigh Benefits Over Risks
Part of every buyer's strategy should include weighing the potential dangers against the benefits. In this case, there are a lot of things to check before you are sure that you can handle any unexpected surprises.
For instance, the foreclosure home should be inspected by a professional inspector from roof to the foundation. Most of these homes are abandoned and require rehabilitation. The cost for doing the renovation should be anticipated and calculated in order to see if they could fit your budget. Always make room for emergency repair work since not all damage can be seen initially. dallas homes for sale
In relation, you must prepare your finances accordingly. If you are planning on paying cash for one of these Stockton foreclosures for sale, keep in mind that most sellers might give you additional incentive or discount. Take advantage of such offers. On the other hand, if you are getting financing, be sure to be pre-approved for a mortgage loan and submit a copy of the pre-approval letter when you make an offer. For certain, the seller will appreciate this.
Another risk to be addressed involves the title or deed. There are instances when a secondary lien is attached to the Stockton foreclosures for sale and the new home owner has to deal with the inconvenience that it brings.
dallas homes for sale
The Benefits
Of course, any investor would tell you that investing in repossessed properties can be considered to be lucrative. Among the benefits include instant equity, great potential and savings. And since it is a buyer's market out there, you can further enjoy the other perks that sellers offer to attract buyers. Considering these, it is not surprising that a lot of investors take a chance with these Stockton foreclosures for sale.
dallas homes for sale
Will the Real Estate bubble come for Vancouver?
The strength of the Vancouver Real Estate market has remained a strong point even though our southern neighbors have gone through quite a meltdown. Canada has ensured a safe passage through the mess that has been surrounding them by incorporating a banking system that is very closely guarded. The only question remaining is this: Since the Olympics have come to a close in Vancouver, is it now time for a financial hangover to start as many have expected?
Many people believe that we could not be on the verge of a meltdown since Vancouver has a very strong Real Estate market and this combined with the historically low rates in mortgages should surly be enough to sustain us. Because of the low volume of properties for sale, buyers are finding themselves paying much over the listing prices. Some properties are sold for ten, twenty and even up to two hundred thousand dollars over the listing price. While the largest increase in sale price occurs in the much desired neighborhoods and for a select number of properties, it really does happen. It is possible to have a bubble in the market but it will surely not be a large one. It appears like the micro-markets that are found in Vancouver Real Estate have gotten ahead of themselves and are in the most danger of a bubble effect.
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Townhouse and condo markets have been on a steady increase in the last year so this market should remain stable. The 1st time buyers are typically the people that are investing in these homes because of the lower rates in loans that are available. The Canadian Government has made some changes in the mortgage lending practices so that there is more protection in the chance that a bubble does occur. One of the changes that have been made includes requiring anyone that is not able to put twenty percent down on their property purchase (CMHC insured) will have to meet the same requirements that are necessary for someone to obtain a five year loan for the property, no matter how long the term will actually be. A change was also made to the amount that someone can pull from their equity to refinance. It was lowered from 95% to 90% of the value of the property. If a retraction was to occur in the market, there would be a larger margin of safety available to protect those that have spent nearly the entire amount that their property is worth. dallas homes for sale
Vancouver taxpayers have been left with over $700,000 in debt after the construction of the Olympic Village and it is expected to be paid off over the next decade. There is one local developer, according to reports, that has made $31.8 million from the high end units that were rented to people during the two weeks of the Olympics. There are about 1100 units in the village of which are for various different income levels and include amenities common to a typical community like parks, shopping, and services.
While the Vancouver Real Estate market is definitely in line for some challenges, it does look like the future is promising and bright. The mess that the United States has gotten themselves into has proven to serve valuable lessons to the Country and City about avoiding such a situation. It should be expected that small pockets of bubbles will arise as people continue to buy in a frenzy which will push prices to a range that is out of reach for many. If you look at the real estate for the city on a more broad scale you will see that there will be a slow paced growth as we go through 2010 and will begin a more moderate increase during 2011.
dallas homes for sale
Many people believe that we could not be on the verge of a meltdown since Vancouver has a very strong Real Estate market and this combined with the historically low rates in mortgages should surly be enough to sustain us. Because of the low volume of properties for sale, buyers are finding themselves paying much over the listing prices. Some properties are sold for ten, twenty and even up to two hundred thousand dollars over the listing price. While the largest increase in sale price occurs in the much desired neighborhoods and for a select number of properties, it really does happen. It is possible to have a bubble in the market but it will surely not be a large one. It appears like the micro-markets that are found in Vancouver Real Estate have gotten ahead of themselves and are in the most danger of a bubble effect.
dallas homes for sale
Townhouse and condo markets have been on a steady increase in the last year so this market should remain stable. The 1st time buyers are typically the people that are investing in these homes because of the lower rates in loans that are available. The Canadian Government has made some changes in the mortgage lending practices so that there is more protection in the chance that a bubble does occur. One of the changes that have been made includes requiring anyone that is not able to put twenty percent down on their property purchase (CMHC insured) will have to meet the same requirements that are necessary for someone to obtain a five year loan for the property, no matter how long the term will actually be. A change was also made to the amount that someone can pull from their equity to refinance. It was lowered from 95% to 90% of the value of the property. If a retraction was to occur in the market, there would be a larger margin of safety available to protect those that have spent nearly the entire amount that their property is worth. dallas homes for sale
Vancouver taxpayers have been left with over $700,000 in debt after the construction of the Olympic Village and it is expected to be paid off over the next decade. There is one local developer, according to reports, that has made $31.8 million from the high end units that were rented to people during the two weeks of the Olympics. There are about 1100 units in the village of which are for various different income levels and include amenities common to a typical community like parks, shopping, and services.
While the Vancouver Real Estate market is definitely in line for some challenges, it does look like the future is promising and bright. The mess that the United States has gotten themselves into has proven to serve valuable lessons to the Country and City about avoiding such a situation. It should be expected that small pockets of bubbles will arise as people continue to buy in a frenzy which will push prices to a range that is out of reach for many. If you look at the real estate for the city on a more broad scale you will see that there will be a slow paced growth as we go through 2010 and will begin a more moderate increase during 2011.
dallas homes for sale
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
A Quick Guide to Buying Your First Home
If you are a first time buyer then there are a few things you should know before you enter the world of real estate.
A good place to begin is by learning what all those confusing terms mean. You probably know what a mortgage is, but there are plenty of different types of loan and lender which you should compare, and there are many different figures that will be thrown at you when you begin to investigate the possibilities. Before you start looking for your new home and thinking about how you are going to pay for it, it is a good idea to read up on some of these terms so that you will know what your mortgage lender and real estate agent are talking about. It will also help you to decide how you want to arrange your finances. Chances are you're going to be paying for your house over a long period of time, so you want to make sure that you will be doing it in the best possible way. dallas homes for sale
Get as much advice as you can about your finances. It is a good idea to look over your current financial situation before you try to get a home loan. You may want to improve your credit rating first, for example by getting rid of some of your old loans. It is also a good idea to buy at a time when you are in a stable job and have not recently made any major purchases. This will make you look like a much more reliable borrower. You can get a copy of your credit report to check that there are no mistakes, which could be bringing your score down.
Once you understand both your own finances and the world of mortgages and home loans, you are ready to work out how much you can afford to spend on your new home. You should consider how much you are likely to be able to borrow, what size deposit you are going to be able to make, and how much you will be able to repay each month. This means taking into consideration your earnings and other expenses. The last thing you want to do is buy a house you will not be able to pay for, even if the bank wants to lend you the money. dallas homes for sale
As a first time buyer you will probably be able to move into your new home quickly, unlike those potential buyers who need to wait to sell their old home before they can close the deal. You can use this to your advantage, as sellers who want a quick sale may be prefer to sell to you, or may be willing to take a slightly lower offer in return for a speedy sale. You can also improve your chances by getting pre-approved for a mortgage, even before you have picked out a house. This will show sellers that you are serious, and that you are a dependable choice.
Don't be afraid to negotiate over the price. You are not obliged to pay what the seller is asking for, even if you can afford to. Take a look at what similar houses have been selling for in the neighborhood, consider any repairs that you will have to make if you get the house, and offer something a little bit low. This will leave you room to raise your offer, perhaps in return for the current owner getting some work done on the property, or to negotiate inclusion of some of the fixtures and fittings. dallas homes for sale
A good place to begin is by learning what all those confusing terms mean. You probably know what a mortgage is, but there are plenty of different types of loan and lender which you should compare, and there are many different figures that will be thrown at you when you begin to investigate the possibilities. Before you start looking for your new home and thinking about how you are going to pay for it, it is a good idea to read up on some of these terms so that you will know what your mortgage lender and real estate agent are talking about. It will also help you to decide how you want to arrange your finances. Chances are you're going to be paying for your house over a long period of time, so you want to make sure that you will be doing it in the best possible way. dallas homes for sale
Get as much advice as you can about your finances. It is a good idea to look over your current financial situation before you try to get a home loan. You may want to improve your credit rating first, for example by getting rid of some of your old loans. It is also a good idea to buy at a time when you are in a stable job and have not recently made any major purchases. This will make you look like a much more reliable borrower. You can get a copy of your credit report to check that there are no mistakes, which could be bringing your score down.
Once you understand both your own finances and the world of mortgages and home loans, you are ready to work out how much you can afford to spend on your new home. You should consider how much you are likely to be able to borrow, what size deposit you are going to be able to make, and how much you will be able to repay each month. This means taking into consideration your earnings and other expenses. The last thing you want to do is buy a house you will not be able to pay for, even if the bank wants to lend you the money. dallas homes for sale
As a first time buyer you will probably be able to move into your new home quickly, unlike those potential buyers who need to wait to sell their old home before they can close the deal. You can use this to your advantage, as sellers who want a quick sale may be prefer to sell to you, or may be willing to take a slightly lower offer in return for a speedy sale. You can also improve your chances by getting pre-approved for a mortgage, even before you have picked out a house. This will show sellers that you are serious, and that you are a dependable choice.
Don't be afraid to negotiate over the price. You are not obliged to pay what the seller is asking for, even if you can afford to. Take a look at what similar houses have been selling for in the neighborhood, consider any repairs that you will have to make if you get the house, and offer something a little bit low. This will leave you room to raise your offer, perhaps in return for the current owner getting some work done on the property, or to negotiate inclusion of some of the fixtures and fittings. dallas homes for sale
Homeowners Catch-22 -- To Sell and Buy or Vice Versa
Homeowners usually find themselves in a quandary when determining which must come first. Do they have to sell their current home before they can go for an upgrade? Or can they just go ahead with the purchase even if the old home has not yet been disposed?
For first time owners, the situation is simple. They can just purchase their dream home once they get their mortgage application pre-approved. If you are renting, the situation is not complicated. Once you have figured out how you can get your equity out of the rented home, you can proceed to purchase your home. Unfortunately, the situation is not as simple for homeowners, especially the first time sellers. dallas homes for sale
There are certain variables that you have to consider when making the decision. The first thing that you must consider is your personal circumstances. You must also determine how much of a risk you can afford to take. You have to look at the market conditions. Are you in a buyers market or a sellers market? Can you be able to get a bridge financing? What type of home are you planning to purchase? Is it a resale home or a brand new home? You must weigh a lot of things so that you don't end up holding an empty bag at the end of the day.
As a general rule, it is better for you to buy first when you are in a sellers market since it is easier to dispose of your current home than buy a new one. You definitely don't want to end up without a place to stay because you failed to buy a home before you vacated your old home. You must negotiate with your bank for a bridge financing for the home that you are planning to purchase. This is your safety net in case you are not able to dispose of your current home before you close the new purchase.
On the other hand, you must sell your current home first before you make the buy if you are in a buyers market since it is easier to buy a new home than to sell your old home. By then, you will be able to know your budget range and take advantage of the declining prices of real estate properties. In some cases, you may even elect to wait it out until home prices bottoms out. dallas homes for sale
The situation becomes simple if you are going to sell your current home and purchase a pre-sale. You only have to consider the delivery date of the developer and you will have to close the deal within 30 days from said date. This gives you more time to work on a good deal with your prospective buyer. In most cases, you have about three to five months to work out a deal with your buyer before you close the deal with the developer.
You can also add a clause in your agreement with the seller that will make the purchase dependent on the sale of your home. This special clause in the agreement will normally run for one to two months, depending on the prevailing conditions in the market. Under this arrangement, the seller can still offer the property to other interested buyers within the period covered by the time clause. If he receives an offer that is acceptable to him, you will then have to meet the subject clauses within 24 to 48 hours or give up your right to purchase the home. It is under this situation that bridge financing is very essential. dallas homes for sale
For first time owners, the situation is simple. They can just purchase their dream home once they get their mortgage application pre-approved. If you are renting, the situation is not complicated. Once you have figured out how you can get your equity out of the rented home, you can proceed to purchase your home. Unfortunately, the situation is not as simple for homeowners, especially the first time sellers. dallas homes for sale
There are certain variables that you have to consider when making the decision. The first thing that you must consider is your personal circumstances. You must also determine how much of a risk you can afford to take. You have to look at the market conditions. Are you in a buyers market or a sellers market? Can you be able to get a bridge financing? What type of home are you planning to purchase? Is it a resale home or a brand new home? You must weigh a lot of things so that you don't end up holding an empty bag at the end of the day.
As a general rule, it is better for you to buy first when you are in a sellers market since it is easier to dispose of your current home than buy a new one. You definitely don't want to end up without a place to stay because you failed to buy a home before you vacated your old home. You must negotiate with your bank for a bridge financing for the home that you are planning to purchase. This is your safety net in case you are not able to dispose of your current home before you close the new purchase.
On the other hand, you must sell your current home first before you make the buy if you are in a buyers market since it is easier to buy a new home than to sell your old home. By then, you will be able to know your budget range and take advantage of the declining prices of real estate properties. In some cases, you may even elect to wait it out until home prices bottoms out. dallas homes for sale
The situation becomes simple if you are going to sell your current home and purchase a pre-sale. You only have to consider the delivery date of the developer and you will have to close the deal within 30 days from said date. This gives you more time to work on a good deal with your prospective buyer. In most cases, you have about three to five months to work out a deal with your buyer before you close the deal with the developer.
You can also add a clause in your agreement with the seller that will make the purchase dependent on the sale of your home. This special clause in the agreement will normally run for one to two months, depending on the prevailing conditions in the market. Under this arrangement, the seller can still offer the property to other interested buyers within the period covered by the time clause. If he receives an offer that is acceptable to him, you will then have to meet the subject clauses within 24 to 48 hours or give up your right to purchase the home. It is under this situation that bridge financing is very essential. dallas homes for sale
Friday, October 30, 2009
Cost Cutting For Businesses - 13 Tips For Trimming Expenses
Our parents and grandparents were a part of the reuse it, non disposable generations. When resources get scarce, we find ourselves reanalyzing how to cut costs and save money. There is a frugal movement taking place in our country now and it has been a long time coming.
13 Tips To Save Money During Tough Times
1. Refit your home and business premises for energy savings. Stop those air leaks, turn off the lights when leaving the room. In Europe many hotels have motion detectors in the hallway that turn on the lights only when someone enters the hallway and elevators that start running only when someone approaches them rather than all the time.
2. If you have a business that has a fleet of cars, when the time comes, switch to hybrids. We cut our gas bill in half with a new hybrid Camry that gets 36 mpg. There was also an attractive tax credit we received that offset a good portion of the sale price.
3. Shop at the wholesale clubs and share costs of office supplies, cleaning supplies and paper products with your business neighbors. dallas real estate
4. Barter. If your business offers a product or service appropriate for barter, ask a supplier if there are any trade possibilities. Or join a barter association where you offer your products or services and gain points to trade for other products or services.
5. Turn off all computers and copiers when not is use and shut off the power at the source. Some electronics use 25% of their power when in standby mode. This can be easily done by plugging the computers and copiers into a surge protector.
6. Need advertising? Craigslist.com is free. So is a Facebook Pay Per Click ad. You only pay when someone is interested enough to click on your ad and you can set a maximum daily budget.
7. Recycle, reuse. There is no longer any stigma attached to reusing printed paper and printing in house documents on the backside of the paper for cost savings.
8. Check Ebay for bulk items, office equipment and supplies.
9. Join an online forum in your industry to see what others in your niche are doing to cut costs.
10. Share advertising costs with a company in an associated industry. For example, a real estate company may share ad costs with a title company or appraiser. An accounting firm could line up with a law firm. A beauty shop could align an ad with a spa or clothing store. dallas real estate
11. Recycle used ink cartridges at your local office supply for credit on new cartridge purchases. We get $3.00 off on each new one.
12. Add more value to employee jobs. Can't give a raise? One company we know found a local gym that gave excellent discounts to employees. Some local restaurants or sandwich shops may give employee discounts.
13. If things really get tough, you may be forced to outsource some positions that used to be handled in house. Google Virtual Assistants in your town to find an independent contractor to provide administrative services as needed. A virtual assistant can type letters, do data entry, marketing campaigns, graphic design and some are capable with bookkeeping processes. Best of all, you only pay them for work performed and most will work off site. Contact the International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA) for someone local with proper credentials.
When times are tough, we need our neighbors more. By working together we have a better chance of survival as business owners.
The good news is all downturns are temporary.
With the above tips, you can save needed capital, educate your employees about cost savings and get through the tough times. Best of all, these saving ideas can survive even when the economy improves and your business recovers.
13 Tips To Save Money During Tough Times
1. Refit your home and business premises for energy savings. Stop those air leaks, turn off the lights when leaving the room. In Europe many hotels have motion detectors in the hallway that turn on the lights only when someone enters the hallway and elevators that start running only when someone approaches them rather than all the time.
2. If you have a business that has a fleet of cars, when the time comes, switch to hybrids. We cut our gas bill in half with a new hybrid Camry that gets 36 mpg. There was also an attractive tax credit we received that offset a good portion of the sale price.
3. Shop at the wholesale clubs and share costs of office supplies, cleaning supplies and paper products with your business neighbors. dallas real estate
4. Barter. If your business offers a product or service appropriate for barter, ask a supplier if there are any trade possibilities. Or join a barter association where you offer your products or services and gain points to trade for other products or services.
5. Turn off all computers and copiers when not is use and shut off the power at the source. Some electronics use 25% of their power when in standby mode. This can be easily done by plugging the computers and copiers into a surge protector.
6. Need advertising? Craigslist.com is free. So is a Facebook Pay Per Click ad. You only pay when someone is interested enough to click on your ad and you can set a maximum daily budget.
7. Recycle, reuse. There is no longer any stigma attached to reusing printed paper and printing in house documents on the backside of the paper for cost savings.
8. Check Ebay for bulk items, office equipment and supplies.
9. Join an online forum in your industry to see what others in your niche are doing to cut costs.
10. Share advertising costs with a company in an associated industry. For example, a real estate company may share ad costs with a title company or appraiser. An accounting firm could line up with a law firm. A beauty shop could align an ad with a spa or clothing store. dallas real estate
11. Recycle used ink cartridges at your local office supply for credit on new cartridge purchases. We get $3.00 off on each new one.
12. Add more value to employee jobs. Can't give a raise? One company we know found a local gym that gave excellent discounts to employees. Some local restaurants or sandwich shops may give employee discounts.
13. If things really get tough, you may be forced to outsource some positions that used to be handled in house. Google Virtual Assistants in your town to find an independent contractor to provide administrative services as needed. A virtual assistant can type letters, do data entry, marketing campaigns, graphic design and some are capable with bookkeeping processes. Best of all, you only pay them for work performed and most will work off site. Contact the International Virtual Assistant Association (IVAA) for someone local with proper credentials.
When times are tough, we need our neighbors more. By working together we have a better chance of survival as business owners.
The good news is all downturns are temporary.
With the above tips, you can save needed capital, educate your employees about cost savings and get through the tough times. Best of all, these saving ideas can survive even when the economy improves and your business recovers.
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