Share |

Corporate Travel Agents - Save Money and Time

I fly a lot and am considered a master beyond my years by industry experts corporate travel. I have flown so much that I have known the birthdays of pilots on some regular flights. One time when I was getting away from the office for an extended period of time and trying to stay home more I actually received calls from the airlines asking where I was and if everything was alright. That is too much. That is too much because of the exhaustion that inevitably comes from the daily travel struggles and family life but also because of the dent it places in your wallet. I have found a way to fix all of that, at least the expense part anyway.

I received a phone call from a man asking if he could have the honor of booking my next set of travel arrangements for me. During a short interview he asked me where I typically went, how frequently I left home, where my seat preferences are on types of airlines, which airlines I preferred, how much I was typically spending per flight to different locations, what hotel accommodations I liked to have I stayed in needed to have for me to be happy, what size and type of rental cars I preferred, all about my frequent traveler programs and away he went. I tucked it in the back of my mind and forgot about it.

Within a few days I had a need to book a trip. I sent a quick communication outlining the details about the trip and gave him a few hours to go to work. In the meantime I also began to look to see what I would be able to book on my own. After spending about 45 minutes of my time I had a held itinerary for a flight, rental car and hotel room. The reservations were made all with my regular frequent flier and member numbers and all discounts were applied. The total trip was going to cost $1,620.00 over 3 days for air fare, rental car and a hotel stay. 

I received an e-mail a few shor t minutes later I received word that I could save $200 off of my flight if I would be willing to make one-stop (I wasn't), $30 a day off my rental car if I would use a different company (I would gladly for a $90 savings) and that a better grade of hotel would cost me $69 per night and not $199 per night (a savings of $130 per night and $420 for the trip). I fell in love with this guy who had called me out of the blue a week ago. He had saved me and my company exactly $510.

Our company has a great departmental profit sharing plan that rewards our team of sales people for the margin that we bring in. Travel has been a sore spot for the corporation and the department as the expenses have gone up for travel and we have struggled with ways to cut back. We sell a product that is almost impossible to sell over the phone, typically requiring a couple of multiple day visits on-site to get a new project started. My next call was to our corporate team to let them know about how we can all save money on our corporate travel. Many thanks to the man who made the cold call.
Stumble Upon Toolbar

Real estate investing for long term gain.

The real estate market has hit bottom. Prices are being dropped on everything. However this is the best time to be a real estate investor. When you are investing in real estatethe market doesn?t matter as much as the price you can buy property at. If you are holding long term then you have to accept the market fluctuations. But if you can buy at the lower end of the cycle that is the best time to buy. The trick is knowing when that is.

When the real estate market is experiencing a downturn it is the best time to buy. Just check the foreclosure lists and auctions. You can pick and choose and buy normally below market value. However, keep an eye on your monthly bottom line. In other words make sure your rental income (from your new investment) equals or exceeds your outgoing including mortgage repayments. If you have other income you may be able to stand an extra $100 or more per month to top up the mortgage but try to avoid it. You will sleep far better at night knowing that the mortgage payments are taken care of.

If the property market is rising you can be confident that the value of your investment is increasing. That is where your profit is and you should be able to sell if necessary. However, that was a few years ago when the market was more positive but now the reality is that the market has dropped and you need to be able to hold long term without any worries. It may take a few years before we hit healthy real estate selling conditions again, let alone a property boom.

Several investors that started during the "boom" now have to change how they are thinking about investing. This is the time when we separate "those who can from those who got lucky and made a few bucks". Now is when the long term hold plans must start becoming the focus. This is a business. You need to do the math. Will your income from your investment cover the expenses/new mortgage?

Taking the current market woes in to consideration, the fact that now is a great time to buy and hold for the long term, goes without saying. Due diligence is the key for the next few years. Now is the time to look at buying for long term gains.
Stumble Upon Toolbar

Agents are Discovering Benefits of RegisterMyClient.com

Real Estate Agents are looking for anything and everything that will help them make up the difference between their income two years ago and their income now. Agents who have stumbled upon early mention of the new RegisterMyClient.com services are salivating because their new home commissions are one of the major sources of lost income that can now be salvaged 100% of the time through this timely and easily accessed free service. 

What is RegisterMyClient.com?

RegisterMyClient.com is a new, innovative website that allows real estate agents to register their clients online. RegisterMyClient.com allows real estate agents to register their clients with not just one builder, but with all builders that are affiliated with Registermyclient.com saving Real Estate agents valuable time, energy and resources. 

What Do Agents Pay to Access the RegisterMyClient.com Service?

No. Licensed real estate agents access the RegisterMyClient.com service for free. 

What Sort of Registration Process is Required? 

For an agent to register to use RegisterMyClient.com they simply click on the "Get Started" tab on the home page and follow the instructions. Agents are immediately issued a username and password used to log in to the site to view account activity as well as to register additional clients. 

Do Agents have to be Registered to Access RegisterMyClient.com Services?

Only licensed real estate agents are given access to the RegisterMyClient.com. The site is not open to the general public. 

How do agents register their clients on Registermyclient.com?

Once agents have registered themselves with Registermyclient.com and have successfully received their username and password they will simply click on the "Log In" tab that is located on the home page. Once they have logged in to their personal account they will be able to register their clients. 

How do Real Estate Agents Know They will Receive their Commission?

Every participating builder signs a legal agreement requiring them to fulfill their compensation obligations to all agents registered with RegisterMyClient.com. 

What is the Length of the Registration? 

Every client registration will be active for 30 days. 5 days prior to expiration, agents will receive an email reminding them of the expiration date with the option to renew their client's registration included in the email. The re-registration will be active for another 30 days. 

What about the "Accompany Your Client on their First Visit to a New Home Community" Rule? 

Agents are no longer required to accompany your clients on the first visit to a new home builder community as long as they have previously registered the client on RegisterMyClient.com 

How Many Builders Can Agents Register Their Clients With?

One single registration acts as a blanket registration for all participating home builders simultaneously. 

Does RMC Notify the Builder of New Registrations? 

Agents receive a confirmation by email when they register a client. The confirmation will specify each participating builder the client is registered with through the system. While the registration is active and valid at this point it's still a good idea to fax or email the registration to the builder at the time of the contract signing. Each new home builder will also have access to the database and confirm registrations on an individual basis as needed. 

Will Clients be Notified that they have been Registered?

When an agent registers a client, RegisterMyClient.com sends an email to the client requesting confirmation of the registration. The registration does not become active until it has been confirmed. Agents should always advise their clients clearly of their intentions to proceed with the registration and make it clear that they will need to access their email and confirm the registration quickly.
Stumble Upon Toolbar

Declining Markets and Originating Mortgage Loans

The changes to the mortgage industry during the last couple of years have created turmoil at all points of the value chain, from the borrower to the secondary investors to the global economy. These changes have included credit tightening and the disappearance of loan programs. Part of that credit tightening has focused on collateral located in real estate markets that have been identified as "Declining Markets". This article provides some suggestions for originating in such markets.

First, focus on stable pockets or neighborhoods within the larger MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area). Even though the overall area may be considered "declining", your lender may determine that these smaller areas do not fall under "declining market" guidelines and will underwrite the loan accordingly. Data from an appraisal stating that the property is not in a declining area can help you make your case to the lender.

Once you have found stable pockets, target the borrowers located in those mini-markets and create and execute marketing campaigns for them. Possibilities include telemarketing, direct mail, and guerilla marketing. Examples of the latter include operating a lemonade stand at softball or soccer games or in crowded parks. You could provide free lemonade in big cups for people who do a 60-second mortgage analysis with you. 

Third, make sure you can provide government loans. FHA loans have been popular, and with the temporarily expanded loan limits and high-balance limits, more homes than ever are eligible for FHA loans. Become approved takes time, so it's best to get started immediately. 

Another good choice for more expensive homes is agency jumbo loans. These loans do not charge the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) found with FHA loans, can go up to 125% of the median housing value and allow a higher debt-to-income ratio than FHA loans. 

You can help your files receive an "Accept" status with your lender by submitting appropriate appraisals. Appraisals that are older than 90 days or have outdated comparables represent a significant risk. Brokers should update appraisals prior to submitting the loan to underwriting. It is best to submit two (2) Comparables dated within 90 days AND two (2) Active listings (pending sales).

Brokers and loan officers who are willing to learn and change are likely to be more successful than those who don't. Hopefully these ideas will contribute to your success.
Stumble Upon Toolbar

Buyer Beware: Converting A Variable Rate May Cost More At A Bank

Home buyers, especially first time home buyers, often purchase a variable rate mortgage because of the significant savings over fixed rate mortgages. Depending upon the market, the difference between an initial rate on avariable rate mortgage and a fixed rate can range from 1 to 1.25 percent. That's a significant savings, whether you are a first time homebuyeror purchasing your third or fourth home.

The trick to making a variable rate mortgage work for you is to purchase a variable rate mortgage with an option to convert to fixed rate at some point in the future. When the interest rates cycle down, switching to a fixed rate mortgage ensures you keep your payments low, even after rates begin to rise again. Do you have the expertise to time your decision correctly? Are you confident you'll receive the most competitive fixed rates available and that you are being offered sound financial advice? 

Buyers often assume that the big 5 banks will treat them fairly by giving them a better discount because of their long-term relationship with the bank. What they don't know is that the big institutions and credit unions don't have any incentive or obligation to do so. 

Contrary to what buyers believe, many banks have no obligation to give you their prime market rate. Many bank agreements do not state in the contract that you will receive their best rate. Instead, at conversion from variable rate mortgage to fixed rate mortgage, banks often offer a posted rate or a rate that is slightly discounted off the posted rate. Because of this, buyers can end up paying more interest than they need to, ultimately losing money over the life of the loan.

Let's examine a situation where a buyer has a $250,000 mortgage with a 25-year amortization. They have a five year variable rate mortgage and decide to lock in after one year. Converting to a fixed rate mortgage after one year at .25 percent higher than the best market rate equals $625 per year in additional interest costs. Over four years the buyer will pay an extra $2500 in interest. Over 25 years that amounts to $15,625. If you could save even a portion of that amount, isn't it worth at least a phone call to Averbach Mortgages?

Mike Averbach says, 'Buyers assume incorrectly that their big bank will treat them fairly or give them a good discount because they are long-term customers.' What buyers don't understand is that the big institutions and credit unions have NO incentive or obligation to give you, their customer, their best rate. In fact, because they need new business, they have more incentive to treat new clients better than existing ones. You are at their mercy if you refinance through them and they know it!

As an existing client, once you sign the agreement, the mortgage is already a done deal; you are essentially locked in. If you want to convert, the bank can offer you their posted rate - NOT necessarily their best rate. If you, the client, decide to seek financing elsewhere you will probably be charged a penalty. It's a win-win situation for the bank. You, however, are left paying more in the end.

How do you prevent paying too much? Make sure that your mortgage agreement has that crucial clause that states the 'Client will get the best available rate upon conversion to a fixed-rate mortgage.' 

Many mortgage brokers work with lenders (like ING, First National, MCAP and Merix) who are willing to make a commitment in writing they will offer their clients their best rate whenever they choose to lock into a fixed rate mortgage. Even knowing this, some brokers still offer variable mortgages from the big banks purely because of brand recognition. 

Don't take a chance regarding one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. Call Mike Averbach at 604-710-2550 or email him: mike@averbachmortgages.com. Justin Blacklock can be reached at 604-736-1855 and by email: justin@averbachmortgages.com. Mike, Justin and the entire Averbach Mortgages team are available at your convenience. Call them today.
Stumble Upon Toolbar

Getting The Best Out Of Your Life Insurance Quotes

You make sure you get the best price and right benefits if you are getting a life insurance.

What you require depends on age, family situation, job status, occupation, and medical history.

This usually involves a long discuss with the insurance agent as there are too many factors to consider.

You need to consider the coverage or you can just add on to what you already have.

When you are searching for life insurance quotes, you can find also information online, but you may not be able to give you an accurate quote via a website.

You should make plans to go see someone in person so that you know the quote is accurate, and that you understand what you are getting for the life insurance quotes that you are hearing.

You make sure you get down to the detail when you read your policy.

You may need help if you cannot understand the technicality.

If you have medical issues, or you are near or past retirement age, you may find that your lifeinsurance quotes are much higher.

You are a bigger risk, and that will be reflected in the price of your policy.

You also have to decide if you prefer full term insurance, or if you want to have a term life policy.

It is good that you can get many different life insurance quotes and compare them.

You may find that all of the life insurance quotes you get are very similar in content, or perhaps you will find that one sticks out above the rest as being the best deal of all.

Remember to find one that makes sense for your life, and one that will give your family what they need in the event that they have to cash in the policy.
Stumble Upon Toolbar

Web 2.0 Real Estate Marketing Tricks - Dominate Your Competition

Plenty of real estate professionals are unwittingly wasting their precious time and money on dated marketing techniques by listening to their consultants. That means no results, no wealth, and no prosperity. This isn't a pretty picture. We all know that the economy isn't looking so good, so these professionals need to be using more innovative tactics to get the job done or else they're doomed to failure. Consumers are paying attention from a different angle, and you need to adapt. Eric Hoffer once stated, "In times of change, the learners will inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists!" You either evolve, or you become extinct and turn into dust. Your real estate business is no exception to this rule of nature.

Allow me to update you on the Web 2.0 social media juggernaut that is sweeping the globe at an accelerated pace. When you hear the word Web 2.0, it's just referring to social media and sharing websites like Myspace, YouTube, Facebook, Squidoo, Digg, and the masses of others. Web 2.0 has been credited with reshaping the way individuals and business owners think and communicate online the past few years. There is a worldwide shift that's been observed when it comes to attracting large amounts of fresh, highly targeted real estate clients for business(buyers and sellers).

It has been my pleasure for over 2 years to instruct realtors, real estate investors, and mortgage brokers on the best methods to get 5-10 calls from prospective clients each and every day without spending a cent on advertising. And this inevitably leads to 10-20 new clients for my students each month. I can teach you and your business to do the same, earning multiple sources of income by successfully utilizing the social networks of Web 2.0. And you'll be accomplishing all of this ahead of the rest.

After I achieved amazing success following my innovative tactics, it became my mission to teach other realtors, agents, and investors to create the same abundance in their businesses. My students have achieved amazing results by tapping the power of web 2.0 and seeing immediate expansion overnight. And I'll even show you how to leverage on the web to amass unexpected streams of income.

People are now trying to copy my video series, and come up with their own programs by calling themselves gurus and charging ridiculous amounts of money to sell you their useless ideas. This is the fast track to no results, and I'm tired of seeing it. Too many professionals have been pulled into this trap, and it's only made me work harder to teach me students the truth that I discovered. Social media is the wave of the future, and the only avenue to success.

I don't mind sounding conceited by saying that I have completely changed the way small businesses take care of their marketing. After my breakthrough, old consultants have taken note and see that their ship is sinking rapidly, and many are without life boats. Don't wait to see your ship sink too! Get caught up with the times, and ride on the wave of the future by following my expert tactics and secrets.

Before I go I'm going to share with you a great strategy to use today when taking the necessary steps to brand yourself and your business on these social media sites. Don't skimp; tell your story in about 6 paragraphs. Talk about your life and obstacles, the paths you've taken, and where your journey has led you today. Think of it as a heartwarming story. How about a title like:"Who is (Your Name)?" When people see and know that you're a real person, they are 10 times more likely to give you their business. What's your motivation, and why are you in thebusiness of helping people? People don't like ads thrown in their face, so make it personal; human.

Furthermore, before you start to invite others to view your profile, be sure you've created a few blogs. Information and videos will keep people fixed to your page as you strategically build your name and credibility in your local community. I go much deeper into the tested and proven dynamics in my 30 step-by-step video training tutorials at the site below. Take heed to these concepts and start to immerse yourself in the quickly growing Web 2.0 phenomenon. If done in the certain way I discovered, you'll have all the real estate business you want and be able to create residual income with little effort.
Stumble Upon Toolbar
Share |
Name:
Email:
Comment: