More things change the more they stay the same!
As I sit in my apartment surrounded by boxes containing all I own, yes on the move once again. This cliché is truer than ever this day - in the markets, my professional and personal life. I am switching the service I use to send out newsletters, emails, and other information management systems. If you wish to continue receiving information and newsletters from me, please use this link to update your contact information: https://goo.gl/HCNPKp The past newsletter service has been easy to use but really failed to send relevant content and fundamentally did not provide the information and message I wanted to share with you! Read the rest of the newsletter and let me know what you think! We are focusing on is providing you with the resources you need to build your wealth with real estate. Be it economic information & analysis, hard money funds to purchase and renovate investment properties, and mentorship to get you started on the path of success. Check out other services we offer at: https://www.mfresourcegroup.com/services-provided-1 The improving economy has really had an increasing effect on the prices of houses, also note that Federal Reverse starting to increase interest rates. This comes at a time when wages have remained stagnant in real dollars for over the last 25 years, and New Home Prices increase once again for the past 10 years. This creates a great opportunity for investors who are creating affordable housing from defunct properties. Now is the perfect time find, fix, and bring to market what is needed... Affordable housing! In the real estate markets, I am watching I see an accelerated increase in used house pricing, as high as 10% in the last 6 months in some areas. There is a flock of new investors in several markets making things more challenging to find good deals and driving up prices. I do not think it is too late, just a need to be patient and modify your acquisition plan. If you do not have a plan to target off-market houses, now it is time to get one in action. If you lack the funds to purchase and renovate the property, now is the time to get started! If you need help getting started, contact me and let work together! https://goo.gl/HCNPKp
Follow these tips for freelance success
More and more people these days are working as freelancers instead of holding down full-time, 9-to-5 jobs.
If you’re considering going that route, remember this advice from the Digital Freelancer website:
• Have a contract for every project. Put down in writing what the project is, along with the deadlines, confidentiality agreements, payment, and other important details. This protects both you and your client.
• Get a down payment. Before starting work, ask for a down payment. This helps with your expenses as you work on the job, and it tells you that the client is serious about your relationship.
• Don’t take every job. Be able to say no to a project if it’s something you’re not qualified to handle if you’re too busy, if you’re not sure you’ll work well with the client—or for any other reasons that might result in your disappointing your client.
• Highlight the work you want. Chances are you have a portfolio of completed projects. Don’t throw everything in there. Include the types of projects you want to work on—those you enjoy and those you can do an exceptional job with. Doing so helps clients decide whether you’re the right person for them.
• Be transparent. Tell clients exactly how your process works, step by step. This avoids surprises and disagreements up front. Stay in close communication as you work so you’re both on the same page about progress and results.
The little things matter
Aside from being the senior vice president of the Orlando Magic basketball team and a sought-after motivational speaker, Pat Williams has written more than 100 books.
Many years ago, when he was working on a book about John Wooden, Williams interviewed scores of the coach’s former players.
A story shared by many of these players was about a longstanding tradition of the coach. At the start of each season, Wooden spent an hour instructing his players on the proper way to wear their socks and shoes.
From the snug fit of the heel of the sock to the lacing of their shoes, the coach covered every detail with great importance.
When Williams asked the coach why he devoted this kind of time and attention to such a seemingly insignificant subject, Wooden replied, “The little things matter.”
He went on to explain how one wrinkle in a sock could contribute to a blister on a toe or foot.
One blister could have a huge impact on the outcome of a game—or a season. “I started teaching about shoes and socks early in my career,” Wooden said.
“I saw that it really did cut down on blisters during the season. That little detail gave us an edge.”
Health in the News
These foods keep your brain healthy Some foods help keep your heart in shape. Others help your bones. What keeps your brain and memory healthy? The CNN website offers this list of what to eat to maintain a healthy brain as you grow older: • Berries. Studies suggest that eating at least a half-cup of blueberries, or one cup of strawberries, on a weekly basis may help stave off cognitive decline. Berries have anthocyanidins, whose antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may keep the brain in shape. • Green leafy vegetables. One study of almost 1,000 adults found that a daily serving of spinach, kale, collard greens, or arugula appeared to maintain cognitive health to the extent that participants were considered to be 11 years younger than people who rarely or never consume such veggies. • Eggs. Eggs contain choline, which is an important brain nutrient. In a study of 1,400 people, participants with high intakes of choline scored better of visual and verbal memory tests than those who ate less foods with choline. In addition, people with a high intake of choline over the long term seem to have better MRI brain scans, suggesting that choline may protect people against dementia. Exercise boosts immunity in older adults Exercise is good at any age, but scientists now think that regular exercise as you get older may help boost your immune system and prevent infections. An article on the BBC website reports that scientists in the United Kingdom tracked 125 long-distance cyclists, some in their 80s, and discovered they had immune systems comparable to those of 20-year-olds. The researchers examined the cyclists’ blood for T-cells, which aid the immune system in fighting off infections.
The long-distance riders had the same level of T-cells as adults in their 20s, but a similar group of older adults who were less active produced fewer T-cells. The research suggests that increased physical activity can also help older people respond better to vaccines for such infections as the flu.
Accentuate the positive
The things we read, view, and listen to can influence our behavior. Make sure your children are exposed to material that offers positive life lessons that will help them develop a sense of responsibility, integrity, and honor.
Here are a few tips to try:
• Share uplifting stories. Spend quality time with your children reading stories that are age appropriate and have a moral. Apply this same logic to movies and shows the entire family can watch and discuss afterward.
• Create a forum for dialogue. You want your children to ask you questions and come to you with their concerns, so be prepared to listen and respond without judgment or bias. Give them the opportunity to find solutions to their challenges, but let your wisdom be their guide.
• Be their best role model. Your children see and hear more than you realize. Don’t ask anything of your children that you aren’t committed to doing yourself. Your behavior should be the benchmark of what is expected of family members.
