Are Commercial Properties the Most Viable Option in the Property Market?

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every major city in every country of this world has been very acutely aware of the trade mark rise of the real estate business. From multinational IT sectors to top fashion houses the real estate has transformed the entire scenario. There is no looking back now. There is simply a tremendously uprising future for the estate world and for the whole business sector that forms its various branches. 

Somehow the whole global economic market has come to applaud the deep mark that the real estate business has carved on for itself on the global economy. Every pair of investor eyes are hooked up to the gleaming and overflowing progress rates of the estate biz which has commanded the attention of major developers and businessmen all around the world. 

From the very points of globalization and urbanization has stemmed a completely new working culture and a whole new work ethic associated with it. Every little ounce of the age old methods has been refurnished to posses the glaze of the modern era. From the workplace the roots of every business are spread through the networks of local and national economy. 

Somehow the work place has become the defining feature for the boom of an upcoming business or the glory of a well established one. There have been sites of work zones which reflect the varied aspects of the ever changing work culture. These sites are the representations of the growing state of the real estate biz. These properties mark the difference between the old and the new and a part of the present day work ethic zone.

The property market has been a boon not only to the economy but also to the infrastructure for industries. Be it economic mammoths like the United States or the world’s best city, London, they have gauged the fact that the work place is more than marble space with wooden furniture. It has become the space where ideas are born and business minded geniuses come together to lead new and exciting propositions and ventures of finance and business. 

It is a place that demands the exploration of business potential and the expansion of its limits to accomplish and include newer boundaries within its regions. The work space has come to be seen as the standpoint of any economic growth for any kind of business, be a newly started venture or an already accomplished one. They are also the manifestation of the power of the real estate’s current position. These work spaces somehow manage to combine the best of the world of industrialization that is chirped with technological utility. (For example, the upcoming arrays of commercial offices in Mumbai, in the growing business nation of India, depict just the very ideas aforementioned).

Investing in the property business of the world today somehow then, comes as one of the wisest choices available on the testing platter. While every leading business or brand wants worldwide success, its start point is always its workplace. Therefore, it doesn't come as a surprise when some of the leading businesses in the world decide to have work zones that match their current work ethics. 

These are instrumental in defining and shaping the future work culture globally. Commercial properties as major investments sites seem to be the most viable option in the property market. With industrialization and urbanization growing with each passing year, the real estate business is only on its way to perpetual expansion. What makes the business world stop in its tracks is the need for the most up to date infrastructural facilities which is the provisional advantage of having an ever growing estate business.

Bio: Dick is a free lancer writer of http://onebkc.com/

Things to Look for in an Investment Property

Residential area in Meerssen (Photo credit: Peter Köves)

When it comes to investment in the real estate sector, you have two choices in front of you. You can either buy residential properties or commercial real estate. This is the first decision you need to make, as many aspects of the two types of investments vary from each other. While commercial real estate may earn better rentals and better profit margins, the real estate ventures are a lot more expensive as compared to residential properties in Mumbai or any other city around the world. Location and industry of the target market are imperative factors to get handsome returns for commercial spaces. 

On the other hand, residential properties have shown steady increase in value over the past few decades in most cities in our country and outside. While location is an important factor for housing spaces as well, it does not completely control the appreciation or demand of the property. Other factors such as neighborhood, infrastructure, amenities, structure and design of the complex, connectivity of the area, proximity to local commercial hubs, and so on, also matter a lot. 

While both sectors of the real estate industry are different, there are common threads running through them. Here are some of the things you must keep in mind before investing in any type of property. 

Regardless of whether you are looking at residential properties in Mumbai or commercial real estate options in the business hubs of the city, you must look at your venture as a long-term investment. You cannot buy a flat in the city and immediately put it for resale and expect a handsome profit. There are some investors who do this, but they add value to the home by furnishing it and styling it to appeal to a particular class of society. Ideally the real estate investments you make should double in value over the next seven to ten years. In cities like Nashik, Pune and Mumbai this is fairly common if the choice of location and developer is good. 

While location of the property is the defining factor for its profit potential, one needs to know what people mean by the ideal location. The property should be in close proximity to lifestyle amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and activity centers. In addition, they property needs to have ample connectivity options to commute to different parts of the city. The neighborhood and amenities matter, but they are not all that location is about. Imagine having a flat that has a beautiful balcony opening out to the slums. 

Also, the building itself should be worth the money. Land and location are not the only factors responsible for capital growth in real estate. If you invest in a building that is architecturally superior and has style and good design inside and out, you can bet that it will be in demand years from now. This is why smart investors don’t mind spending a bit more to buy flats constructed by the city’s leading developers. The investors know that the best and latest amenities will be provided, increasing the overall value of the apartment. 

When investing in homes there are always things we look for, and you need to do just that even when you are looking at properties to invest and gain profits through resale or rent. For example, would you live in a house that had a floor design where you had the master bedroom next to the kitchen, or the bedroom without an attached bath? Then why would you buy one even as investment, even if it is being sold at a great price. Buy properties that you feel people would want to buy or rent. 

Stacy T. Morgan is a freelance writer for the http://theaddress.co.in/ . She has been working for a real estate agency for some years now and enjoys writing about residential properties in Mumbai, upcoming commercial complexes, why should one invest in real estate, etc. In her free time, she likes to hang out with friends and try different restaurants around the city.

Keeping up with Technology for Over 50's

Image via CrunchBase

You could be a tech savvy over 50, a newcomer to all these social networking sites, or just plain confused about which sites are safe and how they might benefit your life. Social networking sites are suitable for all ages and interests and can make keeping in touch with far flung relatives and friends so much easier. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to use them and many over 50's are already feeling the benefits of joining up to sites like Instagram. 

Despite the recent controversy Instagram remains safe, stable and the ideal place to start or extend your foray into social networking. You will find a large range of people in your age group with varying interests and internet abilities. Keeping up with the latest technology is a bit of a mine field at times but worth it if you persevere. Specifically for iPad and iPhone users Instagram is easy to use, free and has many features that will enable you to alter or print digital images, share with others and make a permanent record of any special moments you'd like to treasure. 

As we get older it seems that more and more of our friends and family end up scattered across the globe. People move away for better work prospects or a warmer climate to spend their retirement in. Sites such as Instagram can actually save you money on expensive out of state phone calls, allow you to share your precious memories and photographs with family, friends and followers and stay up to date with the latest happenings in your close ones lives. 

If you've managed to work out how to use your iPad or iPhone, then you'll find Instagram even easier. Tutorials are available if you need extra help but really once you've tried Instagram out you will see there was no need to panic. Being over 50 doesn't mean your brain does not work, it means you have more life experiences and memories to draw on and share with other people. Saving money with social network sites is a big bonus in this economic climate. Make your money go further and discover why over 100 million users are already using Instagram regularly to share photo's files and more. 

Instagram - 8 (Photo credit: BrentOzar)

With regular updates, security measures and rules in place to help guard against unwanted or undesirable images, with apps such as Instagram you can be safe in the knowledge that all users best interests are catered for. Instagram offers the pick of all the social networking sites in one easy to use package, that takes the hassle and hard work away, leaving plenty of time for you to enjoy your life. Why not sign up today and see for yourself why 1 new Instagram account is created every second?

 

Save money, valuable time and stay in touch with the people you want to with Instagram. Photograph special moments and events or even the latest coupons at the local store and share with your friends and family so they can save money too. You can print your digital images easily, add filters and effects, then save with a #hashtag so you can easily find them again. It really is that simple. Instagram has so much to offer over 50's no matter where you are located or what you are doing. Take a look and judge for yourself, you won't be disappointed. 

This article was provided by Steve of Buy Instagram Likes – the premier website to purchase Instagram services.

Money Saving Car Maintenance Tips

English: A red 1989 Saab 900 Turbo convertible getting new rear tyres at Sam's Club in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As a car owner, you should invest on the maintenance costs if you want the vehicle to always be in good shape. It is hard to travel without your own car, so if you’ve successfully invested in a quality vehicle, you should take good care of it.

There are many questions that you can ask your auto repair shop. For instance, you can ask about automatic transmission, problems with the engine, or if you need replacement parts. Car maintenance can be costly and it is for this reason that many people are looking for money saving tips. A couple dollars off is a good deal for most car owners.

Tips to Save Money

Here are the top 10 tips to save money:

1. Know when to take your car to the repair shop.
2. Never diagnose the problem of your car.
3. Always choose a reputable repair shop with experienced employees. 
4. Keep car maintenance records.
5. If you experience problems, check your owner’s manual.
6. Make it a habit to take good care of your vehicle.
7. Be sure to visit the repair shop on a regular basis for tune ups and monitoring.
8. Take your car to the same auto repair shop to enjoy discounts as a regular customer.
9. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse.
10. Drive and use your car properly.

Follow the tips above and you can save a lot of money annually.

More Tips on Saving Money from Required Maintenance

A lot of car owners make the mistake of diagnosing the problem themselves. If you notice some issues with your car’s performance, make a  list and write it down on a piece of paper. By doing so, you won’t forget anything when you take the car to the repair shop. Just take note of the ‘symptoms’ and have the facility determine the best solution.

Keeping records of everything that has something to do with car maintenance is very important. Replacement parts usually carry warranties, and you can save a lot of money if you take advantage of these guarantees. You also need to keep track of the preventive services performed on your vehicle to avoid duplication. There are times when you change mechanics or technicians, and when you keep records, you won’t have a problem with the new repair shop or facility.

It was stated earlier that you should not attempt to diagnose the problem. However, it will help if you read the owner’s manual carefully before you take the car on the road. The manual contains valuable information like what oil to use, the meaning of warning lights, where the jack and spare are located, and the required air pressure for the tires, and the intervals for various maintenance procedures. Many owners overlook the manual, and toss it in the corner without going through the pages. Don’t do this because it can save you money.

As the car owner, you are in charge of taking care of your vehicle. It is a good idea to have a service schedule with the local repair shop. Drive safely and you can prolong the lifespan of your vehicle.

Author Bio:
Blue Reach Automation design and manufacture test equipment for automatic transmissions. The e-zee shift product controls the Dyno and valve body machine by changing gear and reading back information from the transmission. These existing systems are commonly upgraded to the state of the art E-Zee shift system to improve accuracy of the data acquisition & control. Upgrade your existing Dyno controller today and gain access to the industry’s leading Dyno test and control system.

Use It or Lose It: Spending Suggestions for Your FSA

 (Photo credit: Amarand Agasi)

Unlike funds from Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, which can be rolled over into the following year, funds from Flexible Savings Accounts or FSAs are forfeited if they’re not spent by the end of the calendar year. The Internal Revenue Service has also imposed new limits on FSA funds beginning in 2013. At present, there are no limits on how much money each person can put aside in an FSA. However, as of 2013, the maximum amount of funds allowed in an individual FSA will be limited to only $2,500 

If you’ve collected funds in an FSA, now is the time to begin considering how you will spend those funds to avoid losing them. Whether you have a few hundred dollars or thousands set aside, you don’t want to forfeit what is, after all, your own money.

Extra Eyewear and Supplies

If you wear contacts, glasses, or both, consider stocking up on extra eyewear and eyewear care equipment as a means of exhausting leftover FSA funds. Purchase contact lens solution in bulk or look ahead and purchase a year’s worth of disposable lenses, like Acuvue Moist. Splurge on an extra pair of eyeglasses so that you won’t be left fumbling around if you lose or break your main pair of eyeglasses. Splash out on a great pair of prescription sunglasses and your eyes will thank you on every summer day. 

Expensive Medical Procedures 

Are you overdue for an overall physical examination, oral examination or immunizations? Are you thinking of getting braces or having other dental work done? Has your doctor advised you to obtain physical therapy for acute or chronic pain? If you have accumulated several thousand dollars in your FSA account, you should seriously consider going ahead with those procedures this year. Many medical professionals will allow you to set up payment plans that will allow you to pay for ongoing treatment from your present FSA even after the beginning of 2013, Smart Money reports. 

Prescription Refills

FSA funds can be used to purchase prescription medications for which you must pay out of pocket. If you are running low on prescription medications, now is the time to restock them. If you have the funds available, ask your physician to supply you with a prescription that would allow you to purchase several months worth of prescriptions at a time, which may also allow you to save money. Having extra medication on hand can be helpful when you travel or if you’re facing a budget shortfall. 

Replenish Your First Aid Kit

As of January 1, 2011, funds from an FSA could no longer be used to buy over the counter medications, except for insulin. However, over the counter first aid supplies are still a valid FSA expenditure. Non-drug items such as bandages, sterile gauze, tweezers, gloves, scissors and blankets are useful items to have on hand in your home, your car and in your office, and all are allowable. Accidents can happen anywhere, and having a well stocked first aid kit can mean the difference between saving a life and life tragically lost.

Richard Harrelson is a personal finance researcher. He is constantly looking at ways people can adapt to a changing economy and end up in front. His articles mainly appear on personal finance blogs.

For Further Reading

Benefits Pro: 2013 HSA and FSA Cheat Sheet
benefitspro.com/2012/05/08/2013-hsa-and-fsa-cheat-sheet
Investopedia: Seven Last-Minute Ways to Spend Your FSA Dollars
investopedia.com/financial-edge/1211/7-last-minute-ways-to-spend-your-fsa-dollars.aspx#axzz2Co3NQMsM
Kids Health from Nemours: First Aid Kit
kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/home/firstaid_kit.html
Smart Money: Last-Minute FSA Moves
smartmoney.com/spend/deal-of-the-day/lastminute-fsa-spending-moves-1330645620564/

Health Scares to Watch For When Your Over 50

A medical student checking blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As you get older there are more and more health concerns that you need to be aware of. It seems that the magic age averages out around the fifty year mark somehow. One minute you do not have a care in the world and the next thing you know you are getting warnings on just about every possible catastrophic event that you can think of. 

I remember when the doctor started telling me I had to get a flu shot. In prior years it was offered to me and a suggestion was made but then one day it was not an offer but a very strong insistence. When you are younger and visit the doctor they get your height, weight, and check your blood pressure. But when you get to be fifty and over they demand much more at your early checkup as well. I get chest x-rays, bone density tests, a full blood work screening, and an EKG. I am instructed to get my eyes examined, my mammogram, well woman check up, and if I actually have an ailment at this time I am sent to whatever specialist is called for. 

I am very thankful that my doctor is so thorough, do not get me wrong. I would rather be safe than sorry. It sure changes the way you look at life and suddenly you become your Great-Aunt Tilly who discusses every possible complication of every possible ailment. I have decided I do not want to be my Great-Aunt Tilly but I also do not want to be in the dark about possible symptoms and what they mean either. 

 (Photo credit: USP Hospitales)

All of us over fifty should be aware of the signs of more serious conditions without living in fear and having it be the predominant topic at the dinner table as well. Some of the things that I am acutely aware of just because they run in my family are diabetes, heart disease, strokes, and high blood pressure. There are other risks such as cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and Alzheimer’s. All these things I have just listed are at the top of the charts for those over fifty and all of them are things we should all be taking precautions about in our lives. 

Diabetes is a real concern for those of us who are older since even if it does not run in your family you are still at risk. If your diet is poor and you are over weight then you are at risk. Staying slim, not eating too many sweets, and exercising are excellent ways to prevent getting diabetes 2. Two close family members have diabetes 2, one of them has taken steps to lose weight and eat right and is being treated predominantly by pills. The other family member is over weight and does not eat like they should and have to use insulin. My understanding about this disease is that it is no respecter of persons. It deteriorates everything in your body much quicker than before and it cuts your life expectancy down quite a bit. 

Blood Pressure  (Photo credit: loonyhiker)

Blood pressure is another one that I have had a lot of experience with as well. I myself have started to have high blood pressure in the past few years. They are not even sure what causes high blood pressure. Being over-weight, being under a great deal of stress, certain medications, and heredity are a few ideas but the main thing you can do is to stay in the best shape you can and keep your blood pressure under control. Monitoring your blood pressure is very important. Some of the signs are headaches, getting flushed and feeling extremely hot, a rapid or slower heart beat can also be a sign that something is wrong. The main thing is to monitor your blood pressure, not just when you go to the doctor once a year either. If it gets out of control it can kill you, this is where heart attacks and strokes come in to play. 

My family has a history of blocked arteries or “hardening of the arteries” as it used to be called. Thus the blood flow is cut off from going in or coming out of your heart and creating a heart attack scenario. Because I know the family history of this disease I started early having stress tests and going to my mother’s cardiologist. I have seen so much suffering and surgery related to this disease that I definitely wanted to stay ahead of this one. If you have a family history or have any unusual shortness of breath, chest pains, or neck pain then you need to go have it checked out. They have so many wonderful procedures today to get the arteries unblocked before it leads to a heart attack that it is not worth waiting. This is another disease that calls for right eating and exercise. I am pretty sure that is a big key in the prevention of most diseases! 

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Strokes are something that everyone over fifty should be very aware of, even when you live through one it is often so very difficult to ever get back to a completely normal life. Often you can be left without your speech, ability to walk, and the use of a whole side of your body. I read an article the other day that if someone starts talking crazy you should have them repeat a simple sentence, lift their arms over their head, or simply stick out their tongue. If you are alone and you are feeling strange then try sticking out your own tongue or lifting your arms, if you cannot do these simple things then you need to seek help right away. If you feel confused or disoriented then let someone know! A stroke is nothing to play around with. 

Cancer is not often diagnosed quickly enough but there are precautions you can take. For women the simplest step to take is having yearly mammograms and well women exams. For men it is prostrate exams. Those things we can all do with ease. I have a friend who is adamant about yearly exams now because she skipped one year in getting hers and now she has breast cancer. Just one year can make a big difference. It is not painful and it could save your life. Do what you can to ensure that you do not have to go through the chemo, radiation, medications, and even the possible event of death. Keeping on top of your yearly exams and taking care of yourself is the greatest gift you can give to your family. 

Doctor's Office (Photo credit: TimmyGUNZ)

Alzheimer’s is another big killer that seems to be on the rise in these past few years. This is another one that they are not certain about the cause. It was said to be hereditary but lately I have seen that this is not always the case. Many people are advocating keeping active physically and mentally, others talk about diet and packaged foods and preservatives. They are finding out new things in research as we speak but none to date that tell us how to fight this terrifying villain that is Alzheimer’s. I have seen those I knew seem to vanish right before my eyes. It is not just the memory loss but their bodies begin to deteriorate as well. The brain is not communicating with the body correctly and things begin to fail. This is a frightening disease not only because of what it can do but because we do not know much about it. We need to learn so much more about Alzheimer’s and I hope it is soon. 

The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to take preventative steps and be aggressive in that prevention. Go for your annual physicals, eat right, exercise, get into less stressful environments, and know your family history so that you can inform your doctor so that they can be looking for possible problems. Do not just sit in the dark and wait for something to happen but be alert and aware and on top of your health. 

Author Bio: 

Ken Myers is the founder of http://www.longhornleads.com/ & has learned over the years the importance of focusing on what the customer is looking for and literally serving it to them. He doesn't try to create a need, instead he tries to satisfy the existing demand for information on products and services.