Own a Business Save Commute Time, Save Money

Are you thinking of starting your own business, but concerned about the cost? A smart move that can save entrepreneurs money using the latest technology is working virtually-from the comfort of your home. When you think of starting your own home based business, the first thing that come to your mind will be saving time and money while spending lots of free time with your family and the flexibility of making your own schedule.

The rising cost of gas and environmental affect of commuting encouraged most people to start their own business. Along with it, modern amenities such as Internet, email, fax and phone also allows you to work from anywhere you want. With these improved technologies, working from home and telecommuting is becoming a reality in many peoples lives.

Though commuting is often a necessity, it takes many hours that could be used effectively. Therefore, many workers are attracted towards telecommuting as it saves both time and money. Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular as workers try to reduce commuting time. With telecommuting, you can save car and fuel expenses as well as have a few extra hours per week that would have been spent driving on the road.

With gas price being so expensive, it is no surprise that you will save big bucks in this area starting your own business. It is a great way to stay green while improving efficiency and productivity in your work field.

According to a data released by U.S. Census Bureau, “Americans spend more than 100 hours commuting to work each year.” Working from home will not only save your time and money, but also help in increasing productivity. As a business owner, you will have more flexibility staying with your family; you have more hours in a day to get the work done.

Telecommuting saves time, money and fuel. It is an arrangement in which you can work from home or from anywhere or wherever you can use your mobile telecommunication technology. All you need to start your own business is a computer, a phone and some network connection. You can also give your business a wider perspective by creating a web presence.

Working from home means no need to purchase office space, no need to maintain the office building, no utilities cost, no commuting expenses. This means saving money, which you can spend in increasing productivity in your business.

With ever increasing household expenses and everyday bills, many families are struggling to make their dream into reality. If you are not commuting to your work everyday, you could save several hundred dollars each month just by having a home business.

Again, a home based business allows one or both parents to be at home to care their children while still earning income. This not only saves you financially, but also gives you a peace of mind to be with your children.

Starting your business from home in this era of cost cutting can save you a great amount of money with minimizing commuting expenses.

Rental Shortages in VA Real Estate Markets Invest in Rental Properties NOW

With listing prices down across the United States and many foreclosures and bank owned properties on the market — the time is certainly right for buying property. It is also the perfect time for real estate investors to enter or re-enter the market. There are rental shortages in various markets in the U.S. The low inventory and high demand for rentals is driving the cost of rental properties higher. Now is the time to purchase single family homes, duplexes, four plexes, and commercial apartment complexes. A lower vacancy rate coupled with a predictably higher return on investment makes it an attractive time to invest in real estate.

According to an article published by the Daily Real Estate News in April 2011, “The cost of renting continues to rise as vacancies remain low. The number of renters increased 8 percent nationally between 2007 and 2009, according to Census Bureau figures, and rents climbed 3 percent nationwide.” Online sources concur. In 2010, rental prices soared even more. HotPads.com, a highly trafficked and well-respected real estate website, reports that “rent prices nationwide rose 11.6 percent in 2010, from an average of $1,181 in January to $1,319 in December.” Multiple sources report a trend in rental property price increases nationwide.

As a property manager in the Williamsburg, VA real estate market, I have seen rental property prices increase over the past three years. A single family home that used to rent for $900-1000 per month now costs $1,100-1,250 per month. As more and more people feel the strains of the present economy, renting is their only option. Its more challenging to purchase a home now than before. The homebuyer must have a down payment, be willing to pay closing costs and have a high enough credit score to qualify for a mortgage.

For property investors looking to purchase a single family home or duplex, a traditional mortgage will apply. However, if the investor wants to purchase a multi-family dwelling, fourplex or an apartment complex, a commercial property loan is needed. When investors choose the latter, I encourage them to review the rent rolls. This will include the rental history of the property. Rent rolls are an indispensable financial tool for making the decision to buy. Currently, rehab loans are only available on primary residences not on rental property. This means investors should also have the cash available to repair, update or rehab a property, in addition to the down payment and monthly mortgage.

Real estate can also be an excellent tax shelter. Rental properties can be depreciated on taxes. Repairs, maintenance, property management fees, travel to and from a property and other expenses related to the property are all tax deductible. If a real estate investor wants to defer taxes, he or she has the option now to place the real estate property into an IRA or charitable remainder trust.

Compared to other types of investments real estate is less risky. The owner has more oversight and control over residential and commercial property investments. Its true that real estate investments may lose value over the short term, but historically, property investment has been established as a reliable way to create and keep wealth over the long term.

As investors enter the real estate market after several years of sitting back, they will want to secure a reliable and experienced property manager to maintain a good, even cash flow. With rentals absorbing up to 50% of most household incomes these days, it could conceivably become more difficult to collect the monthly rent. A savvy and aggressive property manager will ensure rents are collected in a timely manner and that repairs are made on the property when tenants request them.

Real estate investment is not for everyone. So, think carefully about whether acquiring property is the way to go before making a purchase.

For more information on residential and commercial investment properties or property management services, visit http://www.voncannonrealestate.com.