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Archive for October, 2011

If you’re ready to buy a new house, you’re going to need a Home Purchase lender. And finding one online is convenient and simple! However, there are a few things you should look out for to ensure that your lender has your interests–and not his–as his top priority.

Make sure your lender offers options

There are a lot of options other than the traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage. Depending on your needs and personal situation, an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) or Interest-Only mortgage might be a better fit for you. Or, possibly, you may prefer a loan with a longer or shorter term. A good lender should be able to offer you a variety of options so you can find the one that best suits your needs. Be wary of any lender that tries to push one particular type of loan.

Get your “pre-approval” in writing

Some Home Purchase lenders will “pre-qualify” you–but that doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed to get the loan! In fact, in most cases, “pre-qualification” means almost nothing at all. Choose a lender who will “pre-approve” your application instead, which is a more involved process. When you’ve been “pre-approved,” the loan officer has contacted your employer, bank, credit card companies, etc. Once you’re “pre-approved,” you’re a lot more likely to get the final approval on your loan.

“Lock in” the rate you’re quoted

Interest rates change almost daily–they can be down on Monday, and sky-high by Friday! And some lenders will quote you a super low rate to get your business, even though they know the rate may change by the time your loan is finalized. If a lender quotes you an interest rate, ask him/her to “lock it in” for 30, 60 or 90 days. Reputable online Home Purchase lenders will guarantee you your promised rate even if it takes another month or two until you close the loan.

Once you know your online Home Purchase lender is willing to offer you options, pre-approve your loan, and lock-in your rate, it’s time to compare rates, fees and other charges to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Understanding What a Virtual Assistant Can Do

I hear the term “Virtual Assistant” more and more in business. Did you know that you could possibly hire someone from another continent that works while you sleep and maybe for $8 – $12 Dollars. Mos t of the VA’s I work with have degrees and one an MBA in Business Admin. I pay her a pautry $15.00 per hour and what a bargain that is.

With the growth of virtual assistants has also been a change in what it means to be a virtual assistant.  The leaders and founders of this particular entrepreneurial job have made distinctions between what it means to be a virtual assistant, and what it doesn’t mean.  When you are explaining your business to others, you want to make sure to keep this standard.

Being a virtual assistant is becoming a distinct definition of a specific home owned business.  It is expected that the standards will be upheld of a virtual assistant for all others who are working in this profession.  This means that a virtual assistant is someone who provides a variety of services to businesses and individuals following the standard that has become formalized in the past decade.

The first angle that is taken towards approaching what a virtual assistant is includes the idea of being virtual. If you are not working out of your home, or remotely, then you are not considered a virtual assistant.  Instead, it is considered to be a temporary job or a telecommuting job.  One of the standards for being a virtual assistant is having the freedom to work where you want.

The second part to being a virtual assistant is the distinction that is made in the job description.  Most virtual assistants will cringe at the idea of being called a secretary or freelance worker.  Technically, a freelance worker is one who only does the job for extra income.  At the same time, a secretary is one who doesn’t do the work continuously with only one client.  A virtual assistant is provided in order to create a substantial and long term relationship with a business.

Here are 5 things you should consider in a Virtual Assistant?

1. Professionalism. Does the VA answer her or his emails, voicemails and other correspondence in a timely and professional manner? It is important if this person is to work for you has the right skills to not keep you or a deadline waitng. Make sure you give a covert task to her or him to pass that shows comittment to deadlines.

2. Project Management. Juggling tasks nowadays is vital. We now tap out feet in front of the microwave so things need to get done. If a person cannot work with a few projects on the go you might want to move on. I guarantee you will only find out that they have a project management problem when you lose “the big deal”.

3. Availability. Many of these people work for several people at the same time. It is not uncommon for you as an employer to be in a funnel system for the VA. You slowly move down the funnel as they take on better contracts from new virtual employers. Be aware that you and your project will get dropped at the most time you least need it. You also need to be lining up new VA’s. Try to split your work between 2 or more VA’s to combat this problem.

4. Test. Give the VA a mini project before going ahead with a contract.  I also give a minimum of 2 tasks that cost no more than $30 -$40 to complete. I need them done correctly and to my total satisfaction before I even consider this person. It is simple to hire one of the first few people to come along but please shortlist at least 10 and give the tasks to 2 of the 10 you shortlisted. Obviously make sure these tasks are something you actually want doe, dont waste any money.

5. Get References. Can the VA give you a list of people whom you can contact who will tell you about working with her or him?

The main distinction that most virtual assistants will work towards creating is the idea of being in a relationship with a business, and making this their business.  This goes beyond the Expectations of any temporary work or telecommuting job.  It also means that the services a virtual assistant can provide will go outside of job descriptions that are made in the office.  By understanding the standards for being a virtual assistant, you can best approach this in your own relationships with businesses.

It’s a great time to be an entrepreneur—in the last decade, technology has leveled the playing field and propelled an entrepreneurial revolution. As an entrepreneur, you now have more access to information that enables you to make more intelligent choices more quickly. You have an advantage over big businesses in that you’re lighter, more flexible, and faster on your feet. You can target new markets more quickly, and you can turn on a dime.

But being a successful entrepreneur requires that you look at the big picture and follow a plan through from beginning to end. Rieva Lesonsky, editor-in-chief of Entrepreneur Magazine gives some practical guidelines that can help you when beginning your own enterprise:

1.Don’t Quit Your Day Job.
Consider starting your business part-time, especially if it’s online, while you’re working and have a steady income. It usually takes six months to a year to get a business going and you don’t want your ability to make your house payment to hinge upon your company being an overnight success. Start with what you can manage, financially and time-wise, and scale up as your business grows.

2.Find Your Niche.
The days of general stores are over. Particularly online, consumers are looking for stores that specialize. You have to find a need—something a specific group of people want, but can’t get at the big chain stores—and fill it. Advises Lesonsky, “You can’t compete with the big guys, so you have to find where the big guys aren’t and go into your niches.”

3.Have an Online Presence.
Even if you’re not planning to start an online retail business, consider that the internet can still play a valuable role in your company. Having an online presence eliminates the limitations of physical location and broadens your customer base by, literally, millions. It’s also a great tool for promoting yourself and letting people, even in your own area, know that you’re there, and what you’re doing.

4.Refuse to Quit.
Successful entrepreneurship requires creativity, energy, and a drive to keep going when you fail. Few people realize that before Bill Gates created the extremely successful Microsoft 3.0, he created a Microsoft 1.0 and 2.0, both of which flopped—but he kept at it. And that determination and refusal to give up is what will separate successful entrepreneurs from unsuccessful ones. Says Lesonsky, “Arm yourself with optimism to get beyond the ‘No’ or the trouble. There’s nothing wrong in failure—just don’t repeat the same mistake!”

In the beginning, I thought it was going to be a breeze when my husband, Terry, joined me working full-time in my business.  If anyone could do it, we could!  We already had a healthy relationship built on trust and respect.  We communicated well.  We both strongly believed in what we were doing.  We understood the need to help each other with the children, keeping the house, and with the business.  We planned to allow for fluctuations in income to keep stresses over money to a minimum.  Yet I still wasn’t prepared.

For anyone considering working with your spouse, here are 3 Essential Boundaries for Entrepreneurial Couples to help to ease your transition:

1. Clarify expectations for work/home.
Nothing can prepare you for the blurring of boundaries and turf that occur as you transition into working together.  When you join together with your spouse, most likely, both of you have experienced success throughout your careers, and have developed your own working style.  Suddenly you have a whole new dynamic in your relationship with your spouse you must learn to work through.  I always knew that we had different gifts and talents:  Terry is very techie and he loves to write, and I am a people person who is an administrative whiz.  Even though I should have probably seen it coming, I was still surprised at the difference in our work styles.  I multi-task all day long, and he prefers to work on one project at a time.  Just like being newlyweds all over again, we had to put some effort into getting to know each other on a whole new level to be able to work well together.

Beth Butler, creator of the Boca Beth Program has some helpful tips for clarifying expectations with your spouse.  “I make us lunch each day and we try to talk about BOCA BETH items that are pressing.  It’s our time to reconnect – he works from home for the wine company he represents and I work from home sharing my passion for second language learning with young children.  A funny mix, but it works!  We talk about what each of us has planned the next day so there are no surprises – and I use that time to ask for his help.  I can’t expect him to guess what I need so I have learned to be very specific.”

2. Schedule time for love.
Most entrepreneurial couples complain they have less time together than before.  It is possible to work beside your spouse in the same office all day long and barely speak on a personal level.  How difficult is it to turn off your cell phone and talk a walk with your love?  It is imperative to make it a point to schedule time for your relationship so that the business does not overtake it.  Terry and I plan ahead to sneak away for lunch or to take a break at Starbucks.  We have found if we don’t take the time to schedule in these lunch or coffee dates, then they are less likely to happen as we work to meet deadlines or get a project done.  We haven’t yet been able to master scheduling “regular dates”, but its next on our list of priorities in order to help keep our close relationship.

3. Schedule time for yourself.
It can be a shock when you suddenly have so much time with your spouse.  In your previous life, they left at 7 AM and came home at 6 PM, and then you discussed your day during dinner.  Now you spend most (if not all) of the day with them, and during dinner, there is nothing new to discuss.  Where is the time for you?  Karyn Fagan, Founder of Team Women, tells “We both have hobbies that we love outside of the house so we have that important away time.”

Terry and I certainly have a long way to go as an Entrepreneurial Couple, but we have made it through our entrepreneurial “honeymoon” period.  Each day, we work together to reach our goals and dreams.  We understand when we help each other we will reach our dreams sooner, so we help each wherever its needed!

30 year fixed rate mortgages are the “classic” mortgage in America (though they are not quite the original mortgage, in fact the concept originated during FDR’s presidency over 60 years ago). Fixed rate mortgages have been exceptionally popular for three generations in America, and there is good reason:

- Fixed Rate Mortgages are predictable, reliable and widely available.
- What fixed rate mortgages are not is flexible, nor are they perceived as affordable.

That’s beginning to change, as rates rise in the broader mortgage markets, adjustable rate mortgages, or ARM loans, are providing fewer and fewer advantages over fixed rate mortgages, except for the fact that most of the popular Option ARM or Cash Flow Option loans available in the market are in fact adjustable rate ARM mortgages. But in the past several months, new programs have been introduced which provide the payment flexibility of the adjustable rate mortgage and the security of the fixed rate mortgage.

Now, it is possible to obtain 30 year fixed rate mortgages with a fully amortized, principal and interest payment as low as, and sometimes lower than, a competing ARM or adjustable rate mortgage. 30 Year Fixed Mortgages are also available with Interest Only options for the first 10, 15 and in some cases 20 years. And to round out the offerings, even minimum payments, once exclusively the province of Adjustable Rate Mortgages, are now available to borrowers who want to know that their rate is fixed for 30 years.

So why refinance into an ARM in today’s market? Depending on your credit score and other qualifying criteria such as the amount of equity in your home, a 30 year fixed rate mortgage may or may not be available to you personally at better terms than an Adjustable Rate Mortgage. In such circumstances, it may be advisable to select a Hybrid ARM mortgage, which allows for a fixed rate period of anywhere from 6 months to 10 years. Called hybrids because they combine the ARM mortgage with a fixed introductory rate (often called a “teaser” or “start” rate), the most popular loans in this category are fixed for 3 or 5 years. So is a Hybrid ARM a fixed rate mortgage? The answer is Yes and No. It is a fixed rate mortgage for the first few years, but it is important to realize that you will probably wish to refinance this loan at some point prior to the end of the fixed introductory period.

By contrast, the newly introduced 30 Year Fixed Cash Flow is a true 30 year fixed rate mortgage, with a fixed principal and interest rate, a low interest only rate, and an even lower Cash Flow option which allows the borrower to defer interest in exchange for equity. Once available exclusively to high net worth private clients of banks, these new fixed rate mortgages are incredibly flexible when it comes to payments even while their rates are dependably fixed for the life of the loan. For many borrowers, the 30 year fixed rate mortgage has never been more affordable, more flexible, or more accessible.

Before making any decisions about refinancing your mortgage, it’s important to discuss your goals and your total financial situation with a seasoned expert who specializes in these programs. As always, our phones and our emails are open to your questions. Until next time, Live Smart.

Home insurance is a basic term for two different types of insurance policy. Buildings insurance to cover the construction of your property and home contents insurance to protect your valuables and other household objects.

The problem is that not all home insurance policies are created equal making it difficult to compare like with like. The areas and level of cover provided vary from policy to policy along with the premiums. So having a definite idea of what you need to insure and for how much will help minimise the overall time and money spent buying it.

TIP 1: Cut the risk, cut the cost

All insurance policies protect against the risk of financial loss. So to cut the cost, cut the risk to the insurer and you’ll get a lower premium. To give you an idea, here’s a quick summary of the most effective tactics…

• Contact your home insurance company or local neighbourhood watch scheme and they will send you a list of steps to make your house more secure and less likely to be targeted by thieves.

• Fit locks to all windows and level 5 (BS3621) mortise deadlocks locks to the doors. Most insurance companies will give you up to 10% off your home contents insurance if you have these kind of locks fitted around your house.

• Having a good alarm fitted by a recognised alarm fitter, which your insurance company can recommend, can give you up to 10% off your policy. Bear in mind that these are expensive alarms which require an annual check up.

• Higher policy excess. You will usually have to pay the first £50 of any insurance claim, but if you’re willing to pay more then, your premium will fall now.

• Neighbourhood watch schemes. Some home insurers offer discounts if you live in a neighbourhood watch area; however this is less common.

• No claims bonus. As with your car insurance; a record of no previous claims will reduce your premium. If you need to make a claim, consider whether it may be cheaper to pay for the loss yourself and avoid an increase in premiums.

• Your age. Statistically, the older you are, the less likely you are to make a house insurance claim. So if you’re a lower risk this will be reflected in your premiums. Some companies offer extra benefits to those over 50 such as Saga.

• Extra security. Declare any special safety precautions you’ve made for your valuables such as a home safe.

• Your lifestyle. If you have a dog, are teetotal and don’t smoke, be sure to declare this as such factors are used by some insurers to reduce premiums.

• Occasionally applying to your existing insurer as a new customer can reduce your premiums. Many insurers offer discounts to new customers which won’t be repeated when you come to renew.

• If you can apply online you will normally get a discount of around 5%.

Before you carry out any security improvements to your home, always check with your home insurance company first. They will confirm which improvements will have the biggest cost cutting impact.

TIP 2: Know what home insurance you need

Working out an accurate figure for the buildings and contents insurance value can be awkward, which is why a lot of homeowners are either under insured or paying for levels of cover they don’t really need.

Buildings insurance covers the re-build cost of your property not its market value. The re-build value of your home is the cost of re-building it in the event that it is destroyed by fire or subsidence for example. The re-build value of your home can usually be found on your mortgage agreement, or property deeds. The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) produces a range of detailed information on the cost of rebuilding houses and flats together with a re-building cost calculator.

Alternatively, you can opt for a policy that has an unlimited or high standard buildings sum insured so you don’t have to worry about insuring the right amount.

Then there is the home contents insurance which covers almost everything else you would take with you if you moved house. Make a list of the rooms in your house and write down all the items contained in each with there value. Then, total the individual amounts to see what contents insurance protection you need. Remember to value items such as music CD’s, videos and clothing as their total cost is often missed or under insured. Whether your wardrobe is full of jeans or designer labels, make sure you include the cost of replacing them.

TIP 3: Look at separate buildings & contents insurance

If you need both buildings and contents insurance, get quotes for separate policies for maximum potential savings. Most insurers do provide them as separate policies and just because one is cheap for buildings cover doesn’t mean they are equally competitive to insure the contents. Find the cheapest providers for each component and consider buying each from different insurers.

TIP 4: Shop around for home insurance

Shopping around will yield the biggest savings on home insurance.

Firstly, don’t simply opt for the home insurance supplied by your mortgage lender. They can be convenient when your busy sorting your mortgage but they’re often over priced and chances are they won’t have been compared against other policies on the market.

When shopping for insurance you basically have three options; go direct to the insurer, browse the web or use a broker. If you have the time and commitment you can do all three, but the fastest and most effective route is to log on and use the reach of the internet.

The best insurance websites compare dozens of brokers and home insurance companies in minutes. You only have to fill in one form to get a list of premiums displayed on your screen from major insurers and brokers. However, if you have unusual or very specific requirements the final premium may increase when confirmed direct with your chosen insurer.

TIP 5: Ask for a bargain

Home insurance has a margin of profit built into it which can be negotiated down if you’re armed with the right information. Not all insurers will buckle and concede an additional discount but if you don’t ask you won’t know.

• First, find the cheapest quote after using internet comparison sites and phoning a few brokers.

• Select the cheapest quote and contact your existing insurer first asking them to beat it. If they won’t budge contact the second cheapest insurer and do the same.

• If after your best efforts, the insurer won’t budge, ask them to throw in some extra cover to sweeten the deal or move on to the next home insurance company and repeat the same steps.

Reward cards are a way for credit card companies to give a little back to their customers. You can take advantage of this by selecting a rewards card that gives you rewards for doing what you do anyway, be it paying for your pet, shopping online, or going out for a night on the town. With that in mind, let’s take a look at four of the best Visa rewards cards available:

Pet Rewards Visa

This card can be personalized to display a photo of your pet, or the card holder can choose from three stock designs. It’s a good choice for pet owners with feed and veterinary bills. Card holders receive 500 bonus points after their first purchase, plus one point for every dollar spent on everyday purchases. Two points are earned for each dollar spent on purchases from participating vet clinics, feed stores, pet stores, and animal food retailers. Customers can start earning rewards with just 750 points accumulated, and those points can be put toward veterinary services, discount certificates for pet food, and donations to animal shelters.

Chase Amazon.Com Platinum Visa Card

If you do a lot of shopping online at the retail giant Amazon.Com, this is the card for you. When shopping with this card, you will earn 1,500 bonus points after your first Amazon purchase. After that, you will earn 3 points for every dollar spent on Amazon.Com, and 1 point for each dollar spent on purchases elsewhere. For every 2,500 rewards points you earn, you will get a $25 Amazon rewards gift certificate. If you add authorized users to your account, they will earn points for you with their purchases, too. Additionally, the card comes with a zero-interest introductory period of six months, and no annual fee. They even offer online management reports to help you track your spending. This sounds like a pretty sweet deal for frequent Amazon customers.

Chase Freedom Points Visa

This card was designed with everyday living in mind. Just about anyone could take advantage of the rewards it offers, because reward points are earned through common purchases – groceries, gas, and fast food. Eligible purchases, which include just about anything you can buy at a grocery store, gas and service station (including repairs and car washes), or quick service restaurant (including coffee houses), will earn you three points to the dollar. Card holders earn one point for each dollar spent everywhere else. Rewards can be claimed starting at 1,000 points. Also, there is no annual fee, and no interest for up to six months.

Bank of America Visa Signature with WorldPoints

If you like the finer things in life, and you frequently go out for entertainment, this card can help you get good seats, last-minute reservations, and hard-to-find gifts for someone special. How? The Visa Signature with WorldPoints features a personal concierge service. Card holders earn one point for every dollar they spend, and can redeem the points for preferred seating at sports, entertainment, and other events. Travel upgrades are also available, and at a discount. No annual fee, no interest on balance transfers or cash advance checks for one year, and absolute fraud protection make this card a tempting option.

By using a rewards card, you are earning points and discounts to put toward purchases you would frequently make anyway. This makes life a little easier, which is a reward in itself.