As the saying goes, “location, location, location.” The space where you do business can often make you or break you. Tenants need to be as informed as possible about what they’re getting into. Here are five things every business tenant should know before signing on the dotted line: Insist on a Written Lease A lease is a contract that makes clear what your obligations and rights are. Renting commercial property is very different from residential leasing. There are fewer protections … [Read more...] about Commercial Leases: Five Things Every Business Tenant Should Know
Columnists
Home Energy Audits: A Doctor’s Checkup for Your House
A home energy audit is a great way to figure out where your home is leaking energy and the best options to fix those leaks. However, many homeowners are worried about the associated costs of pursuing the recommended improvements, or don’t think they need an energy audit because they know where their home is losing energy. This makes them hesitant to schedule an energy audit. Houses are like people. Every house is different and has different problems. If a person is sick and can’t figure out … [Read more...] about Home Energy Audits: A Doctor’s Checkup for Your House
Countertops 101: A Perfect Pairing
Whether you're remodeling a kitchen, building one from scratch or just ready to give yours a face-lift, countertops are a central part of the look. And you may be daunted by the wealth of options on the market. Countertops make a huge difference in the look, function and wear of a kitchen. They can also be a great change artist to spruce up an existing home for resale. Below is sampling of some of the most common surfaces on the market today. Granite This … [Read more...] about Countertops 101: A Perfect Pairing
Is it a Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
The most common symptoms of a heart attack include discomfort, pressure or heaviness in the chest and/or arms that can radiate to the back and throat. Discomfort may be felt in the stomach that resembles heartburn, nausea or indigestion. Sweating, vomiting, dizziness, extreme weakness, shortness of breath and a rapid or irregular heartbeat also could be indicators of a heart attack. Fatty deposits, calcium, proteins and inflammatory cells build up within the arteries to form plaque. This … [Read more...] about Is it a Heart Attack or Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
Is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Right for You?
Most manufacturers and almost every dealership offer certified pre-owned vehicles (CPO). What is a certified pre-owned vehicle and are there some industry or federal standards? In reality, it is another option for buying a new or used vehicle, but the distinction and benefits can get very complicated from that point on. Why buy a CPO? Many buyers want the major part of the vehicle’s depreciation to be absorbed by the original owner. Some people only buy used vehicles and never consider new. … [Read more...] about Is a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle Right for You?
Luck = Preparation + Opportunity
A good friend and mentor reminds me regularly that luck is where preparation meets opportunity. Luck is one of those things that successful people all seem to have, or that disappointed people say the other guy has. The truth is that luck isn’t the important part. Luck is the outcome, not the cause. It is the result of doing hard work and looking out for opportunities. NACET has a create-your-own luck opportunity beginning this summer. In late July, we will kick off a startup academy in … [Read more...] about Luck = Preparation + Opportunity
How does Law’s Expiration Affect Tenants?
In 2009, following the wake of a collapsing real estate market, Congress enacted the “Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act” (PTFA). What many people may not know is that this act expired at the end of 2014. If we trust that our lawmakers did not unintentionally allow this law to lapse, then the inference or potential suggestion argued by some is that Congress’s failure to do anything signifies a shift in the real estate market and signifies that the act is no longer needed because the recession … [Read more...] about How does Law’s Expiration Affect Tenants?
Stroke: Preventable, Treatable and Beatable
Every 40 seconds, someone in America has a stroke. Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and the leading cause of adult long-term disability. It can happen to anyone at any time, regardless of race, sex or age. But, annually, more women suffer from strokes than men, and twice as many African-Americans suffer from strokes than Caucasians. Between the years of 2006-2010, 600 people died from stroke (fifth leading cause of death in the county). Other … [Read more...] about Stroke: Preventable, Treatable and Beatable
Are Your Estate Documents In Order?
As a financial professional, it’s part of my commitment to you to help you guide your financial affairs. One area that is particularly critical to get right is estate preparation and the protection of your loved ones from the unexpected. Proper estate preparation is an act of love and responsibility to those you care about. Estate Preparation Questions You Should Consider Have you discussed your wishes with your spouse and loved ones? Do you have an updated Will? Have you … [Read more...] about Are Your Estate Documents In Order?
Keeping Gums Healthy
Healthy gums are part of a healthy smile, and you can take these steps to keep your gums healthy: Cleaning between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner. Visiting your dentist regularly. These are all important in preventing gum disease. What is Gum Disease? Gum disease affects the tissues that support your teeth, causing them to pull away from the tooth. It can be limited to just the soft tissue – the gums – or it can progress to the bone that supports your … [Read more...] about Keeping Gums Healthy