If you’re a single parent, you face a variety of difficult challenges in everyday life. Not the least of which is making sure that you are able to provide a good home for you and your child. Unfortunately, in times of economic uncertainty such as that which we currently experience, steady jobs are in short supply, which can make things difficult. Home based business offers single parents an alternative option; they are able to work part time from home and build a financially secure future for themselves far superior to that which they could achieve otherwise. Here are some of the major advantages of owning home based businesses, which finding a way to work part time from home can help you achieve:• Flexible Scheduling – When you work part time from home, or own a home based business, you have the most flexible scheduling available on Earth, which can really help when it comes time to accommodate the kids. When you add in commute times as well as all the other time you will save as well, you end up having dozens of extra hours a week to spend with your family.• Save More Spend Less – Having a home business really enables you to spend less money and save more at the same time. When you work part time from home, you don’t need to pay for as much child care, transportation, sitting, or any of the other major expenses associated with working outside the home.• More Freedom – Perhaps the most important benefit of owning a home based business is the increased freedom that it brings you. Instead of wasting away a third of your life on mundane tasks at some dead end job, you can work part time from home instead on something you really love, and earn a better income in the process.So if you are a single parent and have been considering some alternative work arrangements, you should definitely consider looking into the benefits that doing work part time from home can bring to your life. If you are able to build a successful home based business, you will be in a great situation financially, and likely enjoy your own day to day life more as well. Between the financial incentives, the extra time, and the benefits of being truly free, it is hard to understand why everyone isn’t looking into their own home based business.
Real Estate Auctions – The New Land Rush
On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, “Fair warning, last chance” the auctioneer pauses, “SOLD!” And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.
Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller’s lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.
Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.
Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.
The auction method removes the “wait and see” attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.
When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.
Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction
Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.
Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, “What makes my property different from most others?” Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else’s, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.
Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.
Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer
Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.
Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.
You’re probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.
Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.
Types of Real Estate Auctions
Auctions are effective because they create a seller’s market. Professionally conducted real estate auctions create urgency, a reason to buy today and competition for the property. Terms and conditions of sale are established ahead of the auction. Real estate auctions will follow one of these three approaches:
Absolute Auction
The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price- using this process often returns the highest sale price.
Minimum Bid Auction
Seller agrees to sell at or above a published minimum bid price – this method is useful for internet auctions.
Seller Confirmation or Reserve Auction
With a reserve auction, the seller “reserves” the right to accept or decline any bids usually within 48 hours of the auction. Reserve auctions are used when there is a lien on the property from a lender or a court ordered sale with a minimum selling price.
Be Your Own Boss by Setting Up a Home-Based Business Right at Your Home
Rid yourself of that nagging boss by setting up a home based business right away. What form this business will take is up to you and you alone. But first, a little bit of information is required to give you an idea of how easy – or hard – establishing a home-based business is.Working from home is everyone’s dream, but making that dream a reality is not a task for everyone. Above all else, you have to think if you could work in an environment where your kids or pets are running around. You have to be focused in order to do this work. The next thing to consider is the amount of space you wish to devote for a workspace. The bigger it is, the higher the cost of renovating will be.After finishing these preparations for setting up a home-based business, it is time to stock up on pens, papers, filing cabinets, or whatever else needed to enable a smooth operation. Other modern necessities like Internet access or phone lines are most likely already installed, so there shouldn’t be a problem in this department. One thing is recommended when it comes to phone lines: a separate phone dedicated strictly to business should be considered. The only thing you need to buy is a fax machine. If that fax also incorporates scanning, printing, or copying features, that would be great.Another important base that needs to be covered is to look, and work, like a professional. The aforementioned separate phone line is one step in that direction, but you will need a website and/or business cards. Spare no expense when it comes to making a positive first impression. You might be small, but no one will hold it against you if you try to look big.That about wraps up the “hardware” part of setting up a home-based business. Now comes the money part. Check with the authorities to see what the best solution would be for you and your business when talking about taxes. It is always worth it to pay fewer taxes, if you can. Also, when it comes to buying materials, or renovating, look for inexpensive places to get them. A supermarket is one good place to start the search. Save as much money as you can, as this commodity is beginning to get increasingly hard to come by.Setting up a home-based business also requires a solid grasp of whatever it is you want to do. If your mind is still blank about what to do, here are a few suggestions: blogging, Internet marketing, or web-site building. Or maybe you would prefer more traditional activities like setting up a delivery service, home cleaning, or scrapbooking. These are only some ideas, but the list of home-based businesses is virtually endless. It all depends on your skills, willingness to learn new things, and fighting spirit. Being your own boss is not an easy thing, but is extremely rewarding in the long run.If the idea of setting up a home-based business was already brewing in your mind, then it is time to put it to practice ASAP.