When examining the different asset classes, real estate is generally far less volatile than shares and real estate tends to be the haven that investors flock to when other asset classes are suffering.

It is true to say that investment properties can have many benefits in terms of building long-term wealth, but we must never forget that this wealth is not guaranteed!

Following the global real estate boom of the late 1980’s many investors learnt this hard lesson when they found their properties were worth far less than they had actually paid for them and the bottom seemingly fell out of the over-inflated market. The bottom did not truly fall out of the market however as all real estate retained value; the real estate market simply experienced an overdue rebalance and has gone on to build from this point of stability.

Since the booming 80’s ‘sensible’ investments in real estate have still offered major attractions and advantages, and it is back to real estate that investors have turned in recent years.

With real estate prices in some countries soaring, and first time buyers struggling to get onto the first rung of the real estate ladder, many people are looking further a field for investment property opportunities.

A recent report in the UK highlighted a 130% rise in the value of farmland since the 1990’s for example – fuelled entirely by a new breed of non-farming buyers. With bricks and mortar real estate prices in the UK now so exorbitant, these non-farming buyers are looking for alternatives for their money.

They may be unable to afford real-estate investments and unwilling to risk their cash on the ever volatile stock market and so they are buying up fields and pastures to get in on the real estate investment game!

Others interested in property investment have been examining the real estate markets around the globe for value for money, return on investment, potential for growth and development, rental market opportunities and basic stability. With current research showing that up to one in eight Britons intend to purchase an overseas real estate within the next five years you can see that overseas real estate investment is very big business.

Relatively newly discovered property markets are opening up or expanding in countries such as North Cyprus, South Africa and Bulgaria for example – where potential buyers are afforded incredible value for money when it comes to real estate. The real estate market in countries such as these has been artificially restricted through the threat of war or political instability, and now with their recent history showing that they are stable countries with strong economies and populated and governed by those with a first world perspective, property investors are finding markets rich in diversity and potential.

Dubai is another country offering interesting real estate investment opportunities. Since May 2002 when the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom issued a decree allowing foreigners the right to buy freehold real estate there, the real estate market has exploded!

Properties available in Dubai range from modest one bedroom flats to freehold exclusive islands! And property there still offers very good value for money – furthermore the tax and business advantages in Dubai are very appealing and so real estate investment in Dubai is enjoying a buoyant upward trend.

And then there are the ‘old’ favourites – France, Florida and Spain for example are all countries with a long history of investment real estate appeal - especially for Britons and Northern European residents looking to escape the weather and invest in a home in the sun. Whether you are looking to secure a home for holidays, your retirement or you are looking for a long term investment opportunity these countries still offer the investor potential for real estate growth.

When it comes to considering real estate as an investment vehicle it is a tried and tested method used for attempting to secure long term gains – but as with any investment, gains, returns and security of investment are not guaranteed. Whether real estate investment is right for you and matches your circumstances and attitude to risk is something that you need to consider.

Food is an important part of many holiday celebrations. You can help reduce the risk of foodborne illness for your family and friends during the holiday season by following some basic food safety tips.

Background

Foodborne illness (”food poisoning”) is caused by eating food contaminated with certain bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Among the types of disease-causing organisms are Salmonella , E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes . These bacteria are sometimes found in or on the following:

• raw and undercooked meat, poultry, fish and their juices
• the surfaces of and/or in the juices of raw fruits and vegetables
• unpasteurized (raw) milk and (raw) milk products, such as raw-milk soft and semi-soft cheeses
• raw and lightly cooked eggs

Since these foods are often part of the menu at many holiday meals and parties (e.g., cheese, fruit and vegetable platters, seafood, turkey, tourtière, baked goods, eggnog and cider), it is a good idea to take extra care when preparing, cooking, serving and storing food during the holiday season.

Health Effects

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

Most people recover completely from foodborne illness, but some groups are at greater risk of serious health effects, including kidney problems and even death. The groups at greater risk are young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, including those undergoing chemotherapy, transplant patients, diabetics, people with HIV, as well as alcoholics and other substance abusers.

Minimizing Your Risks

General Food Safety Tips

There are four basic steps you should always follow to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness:

Clean: Wash hands, contact surfaces (e.g., kitchen counters) and utensils often to avoid the spread of bacteria.

• Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers or touching pets.
• Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables with clean, running water that is safe to drink.

Separate: Keep raw foods separate from cooked and ready-to-eat foods to avoid cross-contamination.

• Ideally, use two cutting boards, one for raw meat, poultry and seafood, and one for washed fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods.
• Never place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that previously held raw food, unless it has been washed with soap and warm water.

Cook: Make sure you kill harmful bacteria by cooking foods to the proper internal temperature.

• Use an instant-read digital thermometer and cook to these temperatures:
  • 85ºC (185ºF) for whole poultry
  • 74ºC (165ºF) for stuffing, casseroles, leftovers, egg dishes, ground turkey and ground chicken, including sausages containing poultry meat
  • 71ºC (160ºF) for pork chops, ribs and roasts, and for ground beef, ground pork and ground veal, including sausages
  • at least 63ºC (145ºF) for all whole muscle beef and veal cuts, such as steaks and roasts
• When you think the food is almost ready, remove it from the heat source and insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the food, away from bone, fat or gristle. Resume cooking if the proper temperature has not been reached.
• Be sure to wash the thermometer in between temperature checks.
• Eat hot foods while they are still hot.

Chill: Keep cold foods cold. Bacteria can grow rapidly when food is allowed to sit in the so-called danger zone between 4ºC (40ºF) and 60ºC (140ºF).

• Eat cold foods while they are still cold.
• Remove bones from large pieces of meat or poultry and divide them into smaller portions before storing.
• Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours in covered shallow containers.
• Discard perishable food that has been allowed to sit at room temperature for more than two hours. You cannot tell whether food is contaminated with surface bacteria by the way it looks, smells or tastes. When in doubt, throw it out!

Additional Food Safety Tips for Holiday Situations

Baked goods:
Raw eggs can contain Salmonella bacteria, so you should not eat uncooked cookie dough, batters or frostings made with raw fresh eggs. Remember, young children are at greater risk for foodborne illness, so they should not be allowed to “lick the spoon” if the dough, batter or frosting contains any raw egg ingredients.

Eggnog:
Store-bought eggnog is pasteurized and does not require heating to kill harmful bacteria. If you are making eggnog at home, you should:

• use pasteurized egg and milk ingredients, which are available at many grocery stores; or,
• heat the egg-milk mixture to at least 71ºC (160ºF) and then refrigerate in small amounts using shallow containers so it will cool quickly.

Fruit juices and ciders:
If you are making drinks with fresh fruit juices or cider, check the label to see if the product has been pasteurized. If the juice or cider is not pasteurized or if you are uncertain, you can minimize risks by boiling the product to make sure it is safe for everyone.

Oysters and seafood:
Some people enjoy certain raw seafood items, such as oysters and sushi. However, raw seafood may carry bacteria, parasites or viruses that can cause food poisoning.

Foods stored in oil:
Home-prepared products in oil, such as herbs, garlic or peppers, are popular as gift items during the holiday season. However, for foods like this to be safe and healthy, they must be prepared and stored properly.

• If home-prepared products in oil are made using fresh ingredients (e.g., fresh herbs, peppers, garlic, etc.), the products should be:
  • refrigerated immediately after being made; and,
  • discarded if stored for more than one week.
• However, if all ingredients added to the oil are dehydrated (e.g., dried herbs and spices), then the product can be stored safely at room temperature.
• If you receive a home-prepared gift like this and are not able to find out when and how it was made and stored, it is safer to discard the product.

For commercially- prepared foods stored in oil, check the label. If the list of ingredients includes salt and/or acids, these products have been preserved and do not pose a risk of food poisoning, as long as you follow directions for storage (e.g., refrigerate after opening and between each use).

Holiday buffets:
If you are serving food buffet-style, use warming trays, chafing dishes or crock pots to keep hot foods hot. Keep cold foods cold by putting serving trays on crushed ice. Do not let food remain at room temperature for more than two hours.

Also, do not add new food to serving dishes that are already in use. Instead, use a clean platter or serving dish each time you re-stock the buffet.

1724 Street Name ~ City, ST 90210 ~ 555-555-5555 (home) ~ 555-555-5555(cell) ~ your email@email.com

Date

Attention Line (example: Mr. John Smith)

Organization Name

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

Dear (insert name):

I am writing to express my appreciation to you for taking the time to meet with me on (date). I enjoyed our discussion about your organization and how I might contribute to the achievement of your company’s vision and goals.

I remain interested and enthusiastic about the (job title) position that is available. I believe my experience would be an asset to you and your company.

Consider the following:

§ Superior decision-making and problem solving skills

§ Ability to quickly assess situations and respond without delay or confusion

§ Absolute dependability and dedication to providing excellent client satisfaction

§ Successfully coordinate multiple projects simultaneously

Should you require additional information about my qualifications or to set up a subsequent interview, I am available to meet with you at your convenience.

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future and thank you once again for your time and kind consideration.

Sincerely,

Client Name

Rounding up money is one of the most difficult parts of preparing for college or to further your professional education. This is especially true for students who do not qualify for federal financial aid due to their parent’s income. What the government doesn’t take into consideration is that everyone has bills and even if you don’t qualify for federal aid, you still need financial assistance. Most of these students are forced to take out student loans through private sources. Private student loans are for students who don’t qualify for federal aid, but the student must have good credit to receive these loans.

Many lenders off private loans to students or their parents. The application process is free and the loan requirements usually have more repayment options available. These are not need-based loans but rather like any other loan you would take out to make a major purchase. These loans can be used for anything college related including fees, lab fees, dues for associations, housing and books. The student can also receive an education loan even if their college tuition is already covered by grants or scholarships. Students whom are eighteen years or older can apply for a student loan but may require a cosigner.

Credit also plays a large part in being able to receive a private loan. Your bank will run a credit report before deciding whether or not to lend you the money. If you have poor credit you will be forced to pay a higher interest rate. Lenders also have the option of refusing to lend you money if you have a bad credit history. For example, too much credit card debt or too many credit cards can work against you. Banks will assume that automatically have a balance of $3,000 on your credit card regardless of whether you do or not. They may also look at what your current financial obligations are before deciding whether or not to give you a loan. Students with a poor credit history may be required to attend credit counseling prior to receiving the loan.

Most student loans offer deferred repayment until the student has completed college or leaves school. At this time the student may make arrangements for repayment. The student may also choose to pay the interest part of the loan while they are attending school. Most lenders are flexible and offer many repayment options to students and graduates. Students will find that paying on the interest while attending college will greatly reduce the amount due after graduation. Most student loans are required to be paid back in ten years. Longer repayment periods may be negotiated if the student has required a large amount of student loans.

There are numerous lenders available to students that offer student loans. Many times your local bank will allow you to take out a private student loan. Take time to investigate the options you have and the different types of loans that are offered. You will also want to consider interest rates and repayment options. Researching will ensure that you receive the best offer available. Interest rates tend to be higher than what as student would receive through a federal Stafford loan or Perkins loan.

When applying for a loan it is important that the student realizes that a loan is a loan. Credit unions may even require that a vehicle or boat be used as collateral for the loan. The loan agreement is a valid contract in which the payment terms and schedule are outlined. This is a legal obligation that cannot be breached. This is very important for students to realize and is another reason that students should not borrow more money than they need. Students and parents should scrutinize the loan agreement and be sure that everything is correct before they sign the agreement.

Borrowing money for college does not have to be a headache and even if you do not qualify for federal aid, private student loans can help fill the gap. Students should educate themselves on what is a good interest rate and what their credit history looks like before accepting a student loan from a lender. This is a very important aspect and should be considered before accepting a loan.

For everything there is a time and a season — and late fall isn’t the season to be selling a home.

When thoughts turn to turkey, mistletoe and cozy evenings by the fire, the last thing people want to do is get out boxes and start throwing things in them — except, of course, when they’re wrapping last-minute holiday gifts. Moving seems like too much of a hassle during the holidays. If ever there was a time to take your house off the market and let your listing “refresh,” this is it.

Why should this matter when think you’re going to sell to a builder? Because you probably won’t — at least not directly. Unless your house sits on a large, subdividable parcel of land, you will likely sell to a buyer who’ll hire a contractor later.

With the housing market cooling very rapidly, finding a builder who’s willing to take on a speculative project is going to become more and more difficult. The rate of single-family starts fell 41.2% to 1.53 million this month, and permits have nose-dived, according to the National Association of Home Builders. New single-family home sales hit an annual rate of 1.075 million in September, down 14.2% from the same month a year before, according to government statistics. Until the housing market recovers from its current slump — which some housing economists don’t think will happen until 2009 — even small builders will be fixated on getting rid of their existing backlog of properties, not starting new ventures.

Which is why I wouldn’t spend the holidays baking sugar cookies if I were you. Use the time while your house is off the market to create a more aggressive marketing plan, one that throws your net as wide as possible. Yes, you or your real estate agent should be contacting local builders who have customers in the pipeline and just need a lot, but you should also be canvassing remodelers, antique-store owners, neighbors and others who might know someone who’d like a smaller, older home. After all, you can’t be sure your house will be torn down — new owners might decide to renovate it instead.

With that in mind, spend some time cleaning and decluttering your home and keeping the landscape trimmed, even if you don’t want to spend the money and effort to replace outdated items that buyers care about, like flooring, countertops, roofing and appliances. If the new owners only care about the land and don’t plan to keep the house, they’ll likely pay more for a property that you obviously have loved.

– June Fletcher is a staff reporter at The Wall Street Journal. Her “House Talk” column appears most Mondays on RealEstateJournal.com.

Writing an effective cover letter is an important step when applying for any job. Simply sending a resume is not enough. You should consider your cover letter as your personal representative. It reflects your character, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your interest, and your intelligence. An employer will decide whether or not you will be interviewed based on your resume AND cover letter.

When writing a new cover letter, it is important to understand the anatomy of the cover letter and how it should relate to the position you are applying for, the company you are applying to, and how your skills are a good match.

First Paragraph – Introduction

The first paragraph should clearly identify the job you are applying for and how you heard about it. Be sure to include any competition or job number. Indicate that you have attached your resume with the cover letter for their review. This paragraph should be brief; no more than two to three sentences.

Example paragraph:

In response to your recent advertisement in the New York Times for a Client Services Manager at your Manhattan location, please find enclosed my resume for your review.

Second Paragraph – Matching Your Skills to the Position Requirements

The second paragraph should state your qualifications for the position. Deconstruct the job description and list the required skills, duties and responsibilities. Then focus on relevant qualifications listed in your resume and discuss them in detail demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the position. Be as specific as possible and refer the reader to your resume for additional details.

Example paragraph:

For the past 5 years, as noted in my resume, I have worked as a front house supervisor in a 5-star resort hotel. On a daily basis, my job was to not only manage the front desk staff and process the daily audits, but to tend to clients in a personal and helpful manner. I have gained significant experience in all aspects of the business, including training and program development, staff supervision and direct client relationship management. I thrive in a challenging environment, and believe that my Masters degree in Hotel Management combined with my relevant industry experience will be a perfect fit for your offered position.

Third Paragraph – Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Company

Refer to research you have done about the organization and how it relates to your interests in the third paragraph. This is a good place to illustrate your knowledge about the employer.

Example paragraph:

I am aware that Cherry Tree Hotels operates hotels worldwide with an emphasis on providing the highest level of customer satisfaction. After staying in your Miami property in June, I was impressed with the level of service and attention to detail. This is most definitely the type of company I would like to build a long term career with.

Fourth Paragraph – Closing Statement

Close with a two or three sentence paragraph thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration. Also, be sure to mention your interest for an interview and include your best contact number.

Example paragraph:

I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about this exceptional opportunity within your organization. Thank you for your time and kind consideration. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.
——————————————————————————————————-

Cover Letter – Do and Don’t Tips

Do:

–Always address your cover letter to a specific organization or person. If possible, find out the name of the person in the organization who will be conducting the interviews. Be sure to spell their name correctly. Check the company website for information. It is also acceptable to call the company and politely enquire to whom the resume and cover letter should be addressed.

–Include all your contact information. You want to be sure they can contact you easily for an interview. This should include full mailing address, home phone number, cell phone/mobile number and email. Many employers find it poor etiquette to include a work phone number on a resume. Use your best judgment. If this is the only time that employers can reach you within normal business hours, then include it.

–Be clear on the position that you are applying for and where you heard about it. Employers may be hiring for multiple positions and must be able to immediately process your application.

–Make your qualifications for the position clear to the reader. If certain skills are mentioned in the job description, be sure to connect them to your experience.

–Mention your knowledge of the organization. Make the employer think that it was not random choice of yours to apply for the position. Be sure your information is accurate.

–Always include a cover letter with a resume, even if it is not requested.

–When applicable, sign the letter. Ensure that your name is typed below the signature. Email letters are acceptable without a signature.

Do Not

–Do not address the person by their first name and avoid using slang. Do not use contractions.

–Do not sell yourself short; do not be modest about your accomplishments. You only have a couple of paragraphs to convince the employer they should consider you for the position.

–Do not send a letter without performing a manual proofread! Read your cover letter thoroughly and don’t rely solely on spellchecker. Remember that your computer spellchecker will not catch errors such as writing ‘Manger’ instead of ‘Manager’ or ‘an’ instead of ‘and’. Have someone else proofread it for you as well. Errors in spelling and grammar are one of the most common reasons for not receiving an interview.

Mastering effective phone selling techniques can be a challenge, but if your business depends on your ability to be a dynamic phone salesperson, you can learn the skills required to succeed. There are a few rules to follow that will increase your telephone sales 10 fold, and present you to clients on the phone as professional, organized, friendly and informative.

Organization Skills: If you are organized, you will always have a better sales call. Have all your paperwork at the ready including sell sheets and product information. This will also allow you to answer questions quickly and accurately.

Grad Attention in Seconds: You only have 5 seconds to grab the attention of the person you are calling and establish an easy rapport. Since you cannot use your smile or body language to put the caller at ease, it must be conveyed through the tone and confidence of your voice. Know your product and do not sound scripted. This is the fastest way to end a sales call. Prepare your sales script carefully and ensure the first 5 seconds of the call are productive and allow you to continue.

Be Mindful of the Time: Remember that when you call a potential client, you have interrupted something else they were doing. Be respectful of the time. Let them know you are aware of this and appreciate the time they are spending talking with you.

Don’t Ask Yes or No Questions: Always ask open ended questions that help you move the sale along. Do not ask yes and no questions that will set you up for a short call. The client will also sense that you care about what they need through the use of open ended questions, and they will be more likely to listen to you and possibly buy what you are selling.

Calls with a Purpose: Always let the person know immediately the reason you are calling. This will set the stage form the beginning and the person will know what to expect. Remember that if the person is truly not interested, there is no point wasting your time or theirs. Always keep in mind that it is a business call. Although you may want to warm up the conversation with a little friendly banter, as soon as possible get right down to business. The longer you keep someone on the phone without a discussion about the product, the less likely you are to make a sale. Efficiency also builds credibility with the client, letting them know that you value their time and want to assist them as quickly as possible.

Leave the Door Open for Recall: Even if you have made a sale, you should always leave the door open to place a follow-up call to the client. You do not need to make another appointment to call unless you did not make the sale. However, having the person’s permission to call again, if necessary makes it that much easier the next time you have a product that you may want to present.

Always Follow Up: Always be true to your word. If you have told a client you will call back on Tuesday at 5pm, make sure you call back on Tuesday at 5pm. After spending a great deal of time and effort on this person, the last thing you want to do is loose credibility because you did not follow through on your commitments.

Newspapers need to fill real estate in the form of column inches, and you need media coverage. If handled correctly, “this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”
A top-notch media relations program is essential for every business and organization. Most, however, never even bother to try launching a successful medial relations program.
You would not believe how often reporters find themselves at a loss for content. In fact, many newspaper and other media outlets sometimes have to sink to cold calling police departments looking for stories, and that is an absolute fact.
Of course there are other times where they have more stories then they can handle, so timing will play a part as indicated later.
Before delving into things, a quick word of caution. In this piece we are strictly addressing the publicizing of positive accomplishments, achieving milestones and other such events designed to reflect well on your business or organization.
Handling controversy is a completely different matter and really should be farmed out to experts.
Let’s begin.

Establish a Policy
The first step is to create a well-constructed policy on media relations. The policy should dictate who may have contact with the media, what information may be released, when permission should be sought from persons or entities mentioned in the press release, and other such information.
Many organizations only allow one specific person to issue press releases. This is counterproductive and, often, too much work for just one person. Your policy should allow several specific employees who are familiar with the policy to issue press releases.

Use the Right Vehicle

Press Releases should generally be issued in writing. This is a good idea for several reasons.
First, it protects the issuing entity from any accusation of releasing inappropriate information. Second, if there are mistakes in the printed story, again, the organization is protected. Third, in the written press release you will strive to credit all deserving persons and organizations. If an article comes out and a deserving employee or entity is upset for not being mentioned, he or she can be given a copy of the press release showing that the organization did recognize his or her efforts and did credit them.
Also, issuing a written press release saves a lot of time. It can simply be dropped in a fax machine or email and sent to three or four local and regional media outlets instead of having to make the same phone call three or four times.
Finally, the actual press release can posted in the office to publicly recognize the company and employees for their accomplishments.