Supplementing Your Income with a Part Time Real Estate Business

This is a guest post by Jeffry Evans, licensed real estate agent.

If you are approaching or are in retirement, or simply want to have a little extra money come in here or there, then pursuing real estate as a side career part time might be just the thing to do. Out of all the things I can think of, it's hard to think of one job where you can make a few thousand dollars, with just a few hours of work and all from your home (or office, if you prefer).

                                

The typical real estate contract pays some 5-6%, and the paperwork to complete it is just several pages long, and often promulgated by a state body, such as a real estate commission or association of Realtors. This makes the technical part of being a real estate agent easy. So it really just comes down to getting your license, and working with buyers and sellers.

Getting Your Real Estate License

To become legally able to act as a real estate agent, you'll have to get licensed. Each state varies slightly on the steps to becoming an agent, but they all following the same basic steps. First, you'll have to have some education. There are many companies, both online and offline, that can deliver a custom package of real estate education to you.

Once you have completed the courses, you'll have to pass a state exam. Once that's passed, you need to deliver the paperwork, and any background checks the state requires. Then you'll need to partner with a local broker, until you become a broker yourself (and you don't have to, you can stay under another broker indefinitely). Once the state acknowledges you partnership, you are ready to begin helping buyers and sellers.

Becoming Successful and Making Some Money

Now that you have your license, your focus needs to shift to finding and helping interested parties. Starting a website is the best approach, because over 80 percent of home buyers begin their search online. Be sure to get a website that you can list properties on, and then begin promoting your site out through social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Start searching online for other websites that have something to do with real estate and/or finance. Partner with them to deliver helpful content that their visitors can use. In return, you'll get creditability and visitors to your site. This is the vital part of the process called real estate internet marketing.

If you consistently publish quality work that is helpful to online home searchers, you'll soon find that you have prospects that want you to help them find their next home. When they do, all you have to do is use the MLS and any other means you have of finding properties to locate and show your new prospect homes that fit their desires.

Be as helpful as you can, and you'll end up with more business than your competitors, and a nice supplemental income, that doesn't cost you all of your time.

Finding Cheap House Insurance For The 50 Plus Person Is A Necessity In Retirement

Image by Laineys Repertoire via FlickrWhen getting ready for retirement you need to reaccess many of the financial parts of your life. From where your going to live to how you will support yourself. Reducing expenses is a priority for making your income go further. Utilities, food, transportation, and insurance are all necessities that we must try to budget for and find ways to save money.

House insurance for the 50 plus crowd is one of those large expenses that has to be looked at to find ways to save money on. Luckily, insurance companies look highly to the 50 plus crowd when giving a quote for a house insurance policy.

Getting old does have it's disadvantages but when it comes to insurance there are benefits. Many insurance companies recognise that people over 50 make fewer and smaller claims. What’s more, if they do make a claim, they tend to be more honest about the true amount lost. So make the most of your glowing reputation as a mature and responsible citizen when seeking house insurance quotes by going to an insurance company that favors the 50 plus crowd with generous insurance discounts.

Why should insurance companies favor the over 50s?

In the eyes of the insurance companies you are a lower risk when it comes to house insurance. Insurance companies see you as a stable and good partner in taking care of your home. People in their 50s, 60s, and 70s care for their homes better through maintenance and repairs. The house of the 50 plus person is in better condition resulting in less risk for the insurer. They are not running around chasing children or going to a job. They have more time for there homes.

What should I look for in a House Insurance Company?

• By switching insurance companies most people save at least 10% to 20%. Look for an insurance company that specializes in people over 50 years old.
• Make sure you save at least 10% when you switch. Mention it to the new insurance company you need to save money, let them work for your business.
• Tailor the policy to not only cover your home but also it's contents so you not only guarantee coverage but replacement coverage.
• Check out heir claims process for ease of use. Do they have a helpful claim center with communication through Internet, phone and fax.

A House insurance company that specializes in the 50 plus person and wants to provide you with cheap House Insurance is Castle Covers. Go here for Castle Covers Cheap House Insurance for over 50s'.

Should I Hire A Handyman or A Contractor For Home Repair.

Image via WikipediaKeeping a residence or commercial business in good condition is a tough job. Water pipes may leak, toilets can overflow and the electricity can go out in the blink of an eye. Property owners must also pay close attention to how the outside looks, as to not violate any city code violations. A handyman or professional contractor may be consulted for these issues – but there are major differences in the qualifications and duties of each profession.

Do you hire a contractor or a handyman?

A handyman service can be a great choice for home repairs, especially for homeowners who need help with smaller jobs, or those who have a variety of projects.

Handymen are skilled professionals who can handle a variety of home repair and maintenance tasks, from fixing plumbing issues to painting walls. When looking for a handyman near me in Lowes Island, VA,” it’s crucial to choose someone dependable and experienced to ensure quality work. They offer services for both indoor and outdoor projects, making them a convenient option for homeowners. Whether you need small repairs or larger projects completed, a good handyman can save you both time and hassle.

Some of these tradesmen and women can even tackle complicated jobs that include electrical and plumbing work but be sure they are licensed for those trades if it is required in your area. No matter who you hire for which job, it is always important you know exactly what you want in a project and communicate that. These days, contractors and handymen are very similar, especially with more contractors developing an all-around approach - making the decision on who you should hire that much more confusing.

Before you hire, make a list of what you need done. Include as much detail as you can so the company can determine if your requests are within their abilities. Have this list on hand when you call to make an appointment. Talk through your list with the handyman or contractor. Most professionals are going to tell you up front if it's a job outside their area of expertise. And, in the case of some of the larger handyman shops, knowing what jobs you need done, often determines which employee they send to your house

Who to hire? Contractor or Handyman?

• A handyman service can be a great choice for home repairs, especially for homeowners who need help with smaller jobs, or those who have a variety of projects. Some of these tradesmen and women can even tackle complicated jobs that include electrical and plumbing work - but be sure they are licensed for those trades if it's required in your area.
• A contractor tends to concentrate on larger jobs or a more specialized field that could require a license or special certification. If you are planning a room addition or a kitchen remodel, for example, a contractor would be better suited for your project. These jobs may last several weeks or months, whereas a handyman's work may be done in just a few hours.

Are You Really Frugal Or Just An Old Cheapskate?

Image by epSos.de via FlickrI have been called cheap and I have been called frugal, what's the difference, is there a difference? Maybe people are just being nice when they call me frugal. Cheap has such a negative connotation, maybe they just don't want to hurt my feelings.

What is frugal? 

Frugal is that you are making definite choices to save money. You are spending money in the most wisest way with a dignity and respect. Also no one is getting harmed or losing in the process.

What is cheap? 

Cheap is more akin to being a hoarder of money and things. You have something and just don't want to part with it on principle. Also when you are being cheap, someone or something is being hurt or losing in the process.

So what separates "frugal" from "cheap"? Here's a list, culled from several blogs: "Frugal for Life," The New York Times' "Your Money," Queercents.com and Bankrate.com.

Frugal: Taking home those tiny hotel shampoo bottles.

Cheap: Taking home the hotel-room light bulbs.

Frugal: Sneaking a snack into a movie theater.

Cheap: Sneaking into the theater itself.

Frugal: Accepting "free samples" at a grocery store.

Cheap: Accepting a free continental breakfast at a hotel where you are not staying.

Frugal: Buying artificial sweeteners in bulk from a discount store.

Cheap: Pocketing sweetener packets from a restaurant.

Frugal: Ordering only free water with your meal at a restaurant.

Cheap: Bringing your own drinks to a restaurant.

Frugal: Eating at less-expensive restaurants.

Cheap: Being a poor tipper at less-expensive restaurants.

Frugal: Finding stray golf balls in the rough at courses and using them.

Cheap: Selling those golf balls.

Frugal: Having dinner at 4:30 p.m. to get the "early bird" special.

Cheap: Eating a meal at a soup kitchen if you can afford to buy food.


So what's the verdict? Are you cheap or frugal. If your frugal, feel good about yourself, you are saving money and helping yourself get ahead. If you are cheap, rethink your motives and move away from the dark side.

Are Prepaid Cards Finally A Good Idea?

Image via WikipediaLately the emergence of prepaid cards are making a dent in financial circles. When American Express starts to get into the business people take notice. You see these cards more and more at drug stores, supermarkets, and retailers. You usually find them next to the gift card card display racks.

What are prepaid cards?

Prepaid cards are re-loadable cards that can be used anywhere credit or debit cards are accepted. They're popular with people who can't afford a traditional bank account, or who have been turned off by overdraft fees and other costs. They also offer a way for consumers who don't have credit cards to shop online. They come with monthly fees and reloading fees. If you need plastic and don't have a credit card or a bank account, with a debit card, prepaid cards are your only option.

What's the downside?

According to Consumer Reports, there are many fees and charges. They did a study comparing 19 different prepaid cards.

1. Activation Fees

Twelve of the 19 prepaid cards come with activation fees. The worst offender: First Vineyard card and its $39.95 tariff.

2. Monthly Fee

Sixteen of the 19 carry this fee ranging from $2.95 to $9.95. Most of the cards will waive the monthly charge if a direct deposit — think allowance — is set up. But the Green Dot card actually requires you maintain a $1,000 balance or make 30 transactions per month.

3. Balance Inquiry Fee

All 19 prepaid cards charge a fee to withdraw cash. So you shouldn’t confuse this product with a debit card. But 18 of them are really pushing the envelope and taking an additional 45 cents to $1 if you dare to check your balance at an ATM machine.

4. Customer Service

Perhaps the most surprising fee — and the most offensive one — is a charge to speak with a customer service representative. At least two do this and they are BuyRight and Exact card. If they nickel and dime you just for calling, I can’t imagine the companies will be all that helpful if you have a problem.

5. Inactivity Fees

Like gift cards, some of the prepaid cards carry inactivity fees. The Exact card dares to yank nearly $10 off your account every month it sits idle in your wallet.

One thing is for sure, prepaid cards have many fees and gotchas. Make sure you check out all the fees first before you sign up for them. Bankrate.com has a nice comparison chart to help you in your selection.

Men: If You Want To Have A Longer, Healthier Life Have Your Wife Retire

Image by SCA Svenska Cellulosa Aktiebolaget via FlickrAARP has a Health Discovery article that claims men will have a longer and healthier life if their wife retires. Angela Curl, assistant professor of social work at the University of Missouri, did a survey analyzing working couples over many years at the university's Health and Retirement Study. The surprising results revealed men feel their health improves when their wives retire.

"Women tend to monitor their husbands' well-being, making sure they eat right, go to the doctor, get some exercise, socialize," Curl says. The reciprocal of the wives claim of a healthier life did not happen. It seems the wife has a much more natural care giving tendency than men do.

When the wives retire they generally rated their health as worse during the first few years after they left their jobs, but then said it improved as time went on.

I find that this husband/wife ecosystem extends to other facets of life. Women tend to socialize more outside their jobs while men have more friendships integrated to their workplace. Success in life and business tends to be increased when a wife is there to guide and nurture the situation, keeping things on track.

Lower risk from heart disease.

Men can thank their spouses again because the reason married men have a lower risk of death from heart disease may be because their wives encourage them (ok, nag them) to go to the E.R. when they’re having the symptoms of a heart attack.

But again the reciprocal doesn't hold true, married women having chest pain did not get to the hospital sooner than single women.

I see in my own life how the marriage dynamic keeps things on track for me. I am grateful to my wife for the consistent gentle persuasion or nagging that is good for my health and happiness. The odd thing is even if my wife isn't there at the moment, I hear that voice in my head telling me the right thing.

AARP article: Husbands Benefit From Wives' Retirement