Real Estate Information

4 small-business trends to watch out for

While research indicates consumers and small businesses are getting more optimistic, you should move forward cautiously, Cliff Rossi writes. "Don't make any business-altering decisions until the positive outlook remains positive for a while," he writes. Also, be aware of what's going on in the world economy and be ready for more political discussion about business. The Washington Post (1/22)

How to better your tax-preparation process in 2012

A number of strategies -- including switching to a computerized accounting system and regularly balancing your books -- can help to set your business up for success in 2012, writes Bonnie Lee of Taxpertise. "Review your company's financial statements on a regular basis to determine the progress of your business, pinpoint weak spots, and to plan for the future," she recommends. Fox Business Small Business Center (1/20)

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How to spot a mystery-shopper scam

There are legitimate opportunities to become a mystery shopper -- someone who does business with a company to provide feedback about the experience -- but there are some mystery-shopper scams as well. Don't pay for such a position, and don't agree to wire money for a mystery-shopper job. The Topeka Capital-Journal (Kan.) (1/22)

Creating a budget for your small business

It's wise to take a conservative approach when creating a budget for your small business, writes Jacqueline Taylor. "You want to see a steady cash flow, with enough coming monthly to cover what is going out, plus an allowance for the unexpected," she writes. Regularly review your budget and look for opportunities to cut costs if necessary, she writes. Houston Chronicle (1/20)

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Trust is the secret to standing out in the Internet Age

Technology is giving consumers greater insights into pricing, and companies have to leverage their strategic advantages to stay competitive, writes Don Peppers. One critical factor in building business in the current environment is trust, he notes. "Being proactively trustworthy ... requires you to watch out for your customer's interest even when your customer isn't paying attention," he writes. FastCompany.com/FC Expert Blog (1/19)

Your business' legal expenses may be tax-deductible

If you hired a lawyer to help you with your business operations, you may be able to deduct your legal fees from your tax bill, writes Andrew Chow. In general, legal fees that were used to help launch your business, handle an employee lawsuit or create a contract can be deducted, but you may want to discuss the matter with a tax attorney, he writes. FindLaw/Free Enterprise blog (1/19)

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BBB Accredited business since 03/01/1994

Your San Mateo Real Estate Advisor

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Converting a Home to a Rental

What's keeping you from taking advantage of the low prices and mortgage rates available today? Concerned that you may need to sell in a few years and won't be able to get your equity out of your home?

Suppose a buyer purchases a home and finds out that they need to move in two years. Instead of selling the home, they could convert it to a rental. It's possible that it could have a positive cash flow even with the small down payment. In most cases, the conversion would not accelerate the mortgage.
The price of homes and low interest rates combined with a very strong rental market in most areas has attracted a lot of investors. Non-owner occupied mortgages generally require 20-30% down payment compared to a 3.5% down payment for a FHA owner occupant.

The following example looks at a home that might have been purchased as a principal residence and then converted to a rental at the end of two years. There are certainly lots of variables to consider but the high indicated rate of return merits closer examination of the possibilities.

For the buyer who has good credit and ample funds for down payment and acquisition costs, there may never be as good a time to buy a home as now. For the buyer who is concerned that they might have to move in the near future, converting it to a rental might make a great investment opportunity.

Outsource your cybersecurity to protect your company without breaking the bank

As cybersecurity threats increase, you might want to outsource your security needs, Riva Richmond writes. This approach allows you to make use of security experts and only pay for the work you need done. "You'll probably want to select a company with technology that can meet your specific security needs and provide a responsive support team," she advises. Entrepreneur.com (1/17)

Does your business have the insurance it needs?

A few types of business insurance -- general liability, professional liability and business owner policy insurance -- are important for small companies to have, writes David Mielach. There are also a few types of insurance that some companies may be able to benefit from, including cyberinsurance. "If your website is hacked and someone defaces it and there is a cost to restore that website to how it was, cyber would give you that coverage," said Kevin Kerridge of Hiscox. BusinessNewsDaily.com (1/18)Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 

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How to stave off "lender fatigue" and find financing

A number of factors, including low revenue and a lack of communication, could cause your bank to decide it no longer wants to lend to you, writes James Cassel. If you're looking for fresh financing, consider more factors than the interest rates offered, and determine how involved potential lenders are in your industry. "It is not uncommon for lenders to reduce their concentration in an industry by asking borrowers to find a new lender," he notes. The Miami Herald (free registration) (1/16)

6 BBB tips for choosing a credit card processing service

There has been an uptick in complaints against credit card processing services, according to BBB, which recommends small businesses do their research before settling on a provider. BBB's tips for finding the right processor include to check references, use month-to-month agreements and carefully monitor the costs. Du Quoin Evening Call (Ill.) (1/18)

Early-season tax-prep tips

With January more than halfway gone, it's time to get your taxes in order. Companies should send W-2 forms to employees and 1099 forms to contractors, and they should also make sure their inventory records are correct, experts say. BusinessNewsDaily.com (1/17) 

9 ways to make your business more sustainable on a budget

Entrepreneurs say a number of simple, inexpensive tactics -- including conducting business over the Internet and switching from paper cups to reusable mugs -- have helped their companies to become more environmentally friendly. Fox Business Small Business Center/Young Entrepreneur Council (1/17)

If you are interested in the full article, click here.

Protect your identity when you file your taxes

Besides being tough on your wallet, tax season can also present a number of security risks, Dave Johnson writes. To protect your personal information, update your antivirus software, avoid using fax machines and don't trust e-mails claiming to be from the IRS, he writes. CBS MoneyWatch (1/13)

Wedding vendors: How to find the ones that will make your day magic

It's easy to get carried away at a bridal show, so it's important to ask vendors a few key questions to make sure you find what you're looking for, says BBB's Heather Clary. Ask if they are available on your wedding date and if any special deals they are offering will be valid after the show ends, she said. Research vendors with BBB and get commitments in writing, she said. ClipSyndicate/WTVQ-TV (Lexington, Ky.) (1/11)Samia Morgan is proud to be listed with the Better Business Bureau - 

Home Energy Audit

With the exception of a mortgage payment, the largest homeowner expense is utilities; and energy is the major component. There are lots of contributing factors such as air leaks, insulation, heating and cooling equipment, water heaters and lighting.

It's estimated that 75% of the electricity to power home electronics is consumed when the products are turned off. Computers, monitors, TVs, cable and satellite boxes, DVRs and power adaptors are spinning your electric meter even when they're not being used.
Unplugging devices can actually make a difference in the size of your electric bill. Plugging several of these offenders into a power strip with a single on/off switch may make the task easier. Most computers have options to put them into sleep mode or even turn off when not in use.

Take 3 1/2 minutes and watch Energy 101. Consider hiring a professional home energy auditor or do-it-yourself. The Department of Energy has a checklist with some valuable suggestions.