If you are considering starting a home-based business, there are several points to consider to help the business run more smoothly, save money and make it successful. Planning is very important.The first thing to consider is what kind of home-based business to start. Will you be selling products or services? Will you be promoting online, offline or both? Finding the right niche and something you are passionate about is very important. If you are passionate about what you’re doing, others will sense your enthusiasm and will be attracted to you and more interested in what you have to offer. You also need to find a niche where there is demand for your products or services.The next thing to consider is where your business will be located in your home. It is important to have a space for this purpose and only this purpose. You will need enough room for a desk and any other furniture you desire. As well, if you need to keep products in your office, make sure you have room to store them. Being organized is important so that you don’t waste time. Remember, time is money.Budget is another important consideration when starting a home-based business. A monthly budget should be prepared so that over spending can be avoided. You will need to consider costs to make/purchase products, advertising costs, monthly fees for any programs you are involved with, your internet connection, office supplies, etc. Take care to remain within your budget.You also need to decide how you will advertise your home-based business. You may choose to run ads in newspapers or solo ads in online ezines. Perhaps, you will choose to run a Google AdWords campaign or distribute flyers. Whatever you decide, make a plan and stay within your budget.Time is the last point to consider. If you are already working outside the home, you will need to schedule time to work on your home-based business. Set a schedule that is realistic and follow it. Ensure that you build in time for your family, friends and relaxation. It is important to create a balanced life, otherwise you may burn out.So, consider these points, create a plan, and start building your own successful home-based business today.
Points to Consider When Starting a Home-Based Business
10 Home Based Business Ideas That You Can Start Even If You Have No Capital
I have always wanted to start my own home based business. I have thought of the ways to do it and I have read all there is to know about starting it but that has always been as far as I went into business planning. Well, what can I do? I just couldn’t simply afford it. So I went and looked for home based business ideas that I can start even if I have no capital. You might want to check them out for yourselves too.1. Private TutorialYou still probably have your old books from school, or perhaps books of your kids when they were young and you have been wondering how you can actually make use of all of them. Well, it’s high time to start piling them up and have a little review for yourself.You can run a private tutorial at home for your friends’ kids or even for neighbors. With this, you won’t have to actually take up courses in the university again. Just review a little and become update regarding the latest updates on the things that kids learn at school.2. Computer Specialist or Repair ServicesYes, with this home based business, you don’t have to have capital. You only need your skills and knowledge with computers. You can start by contacting friends and their friends if they would want computer repair services. You can offer home service if they prefer.3. Making WebsitesIf you have your own computer at home and you have a reliable internet connection already, well you might want to make use of it to earn money. There is plenty of software nowadays that will help you. This is best for those that already have the knowledge and creativity.4. Music LessonsLove music? Well I’m sure you’d love it more if you get to share it and earn in return. You can start your own music lesson business by using the musical instruments that you have at home. With all the demand for training young talents nowadays, I am certain that you could get quite a number of students in no time.5. Baby SittingTaking care of little kids for busy parents is also one easy home based business that you could start. Besides being able to play with a cute little kid all day, you also get to earn by the hour. This is ideal for those who are patient enough to look after small children.6. Bookkeeping ServicesTyping jobs and other secretarial services are ideal for those that know their way in using computers. You don’t need to invest a lot of money because you don’t need a lot of supplies. A good quality computer, which most of us already have, and a set of typing paper could already be your ticket to starting your own bookkeeping business.7. Elderly CareThis is like babysitting, only that you have to take care of an elderly person. Well this is actually quite easier because you don’t get to run around much unlike with babysitting kids. You also need your patience as your capital for this and you also get to earn by the hour.8. Yard Care ServicesIf you are the Industrious type and you know how to tend a garden, then you might want to release those creative skills into running a home based yard care service. You can charge some household owners for your services like trimming their lawns or even do some minor landscaping. You get to enjoy while you earn. Isn’t that the best?9. Online TutorialYou can use a lot of things with your computer and a reliable internet connection. There also a lot of websites and online companies that are looking for online tutors. Well, this is easier for those that are more confident in speaking or having a conversation online. You get to earn per lesson that you conduct.10. Art LessonsFinally, if you see yourself as the artsy one, you might also want to share your skills and knowledge to those that are willing to learn. You can charge per lesson. And you don’t need much capital since you only a need a little art set that you already have if you have always been into creative stuff.So far, I have only these ideas that I can probably try. Coupled with will and determination, these could be your tips too in running your own home based business.
Real Estate Auctions – The New Land Rush
On a sunny afternoon in Florida, an energetic crowd gathers on the lawn of a high end luxury estate. A loud and eager banter between an auctioneer, a group of bidders and bidder assistants fills the air. For several minutes the auctioneer asks for the next highest bid and the bidders respond. Suddenly the bidders grow silent. The high bidder holds his breath in anticipation of winning the auction. The auctioneer calls for one more bid. In a loud clear voice which rolls over the audience he says, “Fair warning, last chance” the auctioneer pauses, “SOLD!” And in less than 10 minutes another multimillion dollar estate has changed owners.
Successful real estate auctions like the one above are happening all over North America and the Caribbean. Recently real estate auctions have been on the rise, the increase in popularity is partly driven by growing inventories and fading buyer confidence. Properties that were selling in weeks using traditional methods are now languishing on the market unable to attract buyers even as seller’s lower prices. Many say the real estate boom is over but savvy buyers and sellers are profiting from real estate auctions.
Real Estate Auctions Work in Up or Down Markets.
Regardless of trends or market cycles, real estate auctions provide an open and transparent process for buyers and sellers. Properly conducted real estate auctions attract ready and willing buyers and motivate them to act now.
The auction method removes the “wait and see” attitude which serves to further depress real estate values. Buyers are always concerned about overpaying. Buyers gain confidence with their purchases at real estate auctions because they can see what others are willing to pay.
When market demand is high and inventories low, real estate auctions can deliver selling prices well above what a willing seller would have accepted in a negotiated private treaty sale. In good selling climates many property owners using traditional real estate methods; negotiating with one buyer at a time, leave thousands of dollars of equity on the table. During up markets real estate auctions are the best way to establish top market price.
Evaluating Your Real Estate for Auction
Not every property or seller for that matter makes a good candidate for auction. First of all sellers must be ready to sell now and for the current market value. Also a real estate auction will not fix problems caused by a downturn in market value of your property, if you owe more than a willing buyer will pay, be prepared to come to closing with your check book.
Properties that do well in real estate auctions have a high uniqueness factor. Ask your self, “What makes my property different from most others?” Maybe you own a resort property or high end luxury home, commercial properties and land do very well at auction. Real estate auctions thrive on uniqueness. If your property is like everyone else’s, the best thing you can do is offer the most competitive price.
Most importantly sellers must be reasonable about setting a minimum bid. A seller must look at the lowest, most current comps and price below that to generate the interest and urgency necessary for a successful real estate auction. Once the auction begins and qualified bidders start competing against one another you can watch the selling price increase.
Locate a Qualified Real Estate Auctioneer
Start by checking with the National Auctioneers Association, the best real estate auctioneers belong to this organization. These real estate auctioneers are well trained and adhere to a standard of practice and a code of ethics. Many attend the annual International Auctioneers Conference where the latest techniques and innovations in the real estate auction industry are presented.
Find out if the company you are interviewing is a full time real estate auction firm. Many real estate agents are getting auction licenses yet have no experience with the auction method of marketing. Conducting a successful real estate auction is nothing like (private treaty) traditional real estate sales. Go with a real estate auction pro.
You’re probably better of with an auction house that specializes in real estate auctions. There are many qualified auctioneers who have generations of experience selling personal property; furniture, dishes, lawn equipment and the occasional rare painting. Selling real estate at auction is a complex matter that should only be attempted by full time experienced real estate auction professionals.
Commissions and fees may vary, sellers must pay all marketing expenses up front and buyers typically pay 10% of the sales price to the auctioneer of which a share goes to participating real estate agents.
Types of Real Estate Auctions
Auctions are effective because they create a seller’s market. Professionally conducted real estate auctions create urgency, a reason to buy today and competition for the property. Terms and conditions of sale are established ahead of the auction. Real estate auctions will follow one of these three approaches:
Absolute Auction
The property is sold to the highest bidder regardless of price- using this process often returns the highest sale price.
Minimum Bid Auction
Seller agrees to sell at or above a published minimum bid price – this method is useful for internet auctions.
Seller Confirmation or Reserve Auction
With a reserve auction, the seller “reserves” the right to accept or decline any bids usually within 48 hours of the auction. Reserve auctions are used when there is a lien on the property from a lender or a court ordered sale with a minimum selling price.