How To Purchase House

Purchasing a new home comes with a lot of responsibilities. For most people, it will be their biggest and most important life investment, so you need to be aware of what is involved with such a large purchase in order to ensure that you have made the right decision.
The following is a list of factors to consider when buying a new home:
Determine Your Home Requirements: Before you purchase a new home, you should consider what type of home will be needed for your present and future needs. Do you have a family or will you be expanding your family in the future? How many bedrooms and bathrooms will you need? As well, what type of environment do you want to live in? Do you prefer a rural community or more urban. You also have to look at such areas as proximity to schools, retail stores, and work. As well, do you want a condo, duplex, or a home with a large property? You have to make sure you have considered all housing options. This will help narrow your search.
Financing Options: Financing is a major factor to take into consideration when buying a new home. The majority of new home buyers will have to get a mortgage. You must determine how much of a mortgage you can actually afford. Consider visiting a mortgage site and using their mortgage calculator. This tool will give you an estimate of how much you can actually afford. Remember you have to consider added expenses such as legal fees, closing costs, building inspector fees, title transfer fees, taxes…etc.
Mortgage Pre-approval: Before you find a new home, you should get a mortgage pre-approval from a trustworthy lender. This will help you narrow your home search. First, make sure you have a clean credit history. Check for any errors on your credit report and have them corrected. Pay off any outstanding bills. Comparison shop for a mortgage lender as mortgage products will vary. Consider whether you should get a fixed rate or variable rate. As well, look at the pros and cons of a 15 year and 30 year mortgage.
Hire A Real Estate Agent: Real estate agents have a great deal of knowledge about the housing market. They have knowledge of the community and their resources and amenities, the value of the other homes in the neighborhood, whether the price of a home for sale is fair, and how to properly make an offer and counter offer. They can also show you homes that meet your needs. As well, a real estate agent will know of any important issues about the home, property, and community.
Home Inspector: It is important to get a home inspector to inspect the home you are considering buying. An inspector will be able to note any problems with the structural integrity of the home, foundation, roof, septic, plumbing, electrical…etc. You do not want to buy a home and find out you have an enormous repair bill.
Buying a new home is not only an exciting time in your life, but is also a time that requires much thought and planning. Considering the above factors when purchasing a new home will help ensure that you purchase a home that is not only right for you and your family, but also a home that you can afford.

Moving house is one of those things all of us have to do from time to time and it can be an exciting but sometimes incredibly stressful process. If you live in a Council or Housing Authority house, you may apply for a transfer but this can be limiting and you may not like the houses or flats that become available to you. It may also take a long time to move depending on your priority. This can be particularly frustrating if you’re a young expanding family and feel cramped in your current situation.

This is where the Council House Exchange scheme can change your life! Council house and housing authority tenants have a legal right to exchange homes with other tenants. It’s called mutual exchange and it’s not based on a priority basis but is purely an agreement between you and another social housing tenant which gives you much more chance of finding the home that you have always wanted. You will obviously have to apply to your respective landlords for a mutual exchange but they are only allowed to disapprove your application on certain grounds. In general, the house exchange process is very simple and straightforward and you could be in your new house in less than two months!

Home swaps have now become very popular and there are several online Council House Swap Schemes whereby you can buy membership for a very small fee and immediately start house hunting. There are tens of thousands of council houses available throughout the UK to choose from and most of these properties are online for you to browse in the comfort of your own home.

Starting a new life somewhere else can seem an unrealistic dream for many but as a social housing tenant this is an opportunity that is open to you. You can move anywhere throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. It will obviously take a bit more work to find a house swap from one end of the country to the other but there will always be someone who wants to do the same and if you’re determined enough, you’ll find that person.

The dream that many people have of moving from the city to the country or vice versa can really come true if you’re prepared to look hard enough. I speak from experience having moved from Worcestershire to London. From deciding to move to actually moving it took just 10 weeks which proves that it can be done!

Whether you want to move closer to family, live in a better area, have a bigger garden or even downsize now that your children have left home, you will be able to find a swap that suits your purpose.

For more information about the whole process including a list of online schemes that you can join, visit www.houseexchanges.org.uk.

Motorists are looking to buy second-hand cars which are kinder to the environment, a new study shows.
In research carried out by Experian, it was revealed that sales of used diesel vehicles went up by four per cent over the course of 2007. Purchase levels of such automobiles have witnessed a 50 per cent rise in the last five years. In addition, environmentally-friendly vehicles were shown to be becoming more popular among the nation’s drivers. During the year, sales of used electric cars surged by some 473.5 per cent, with hybrid-fuel automobiles posting a growth of 71.8 per cent. On the other hand, sales of second-hand cars which run on petrol plummeted by 4.4 per cent. On an overall basis however, used car sales have fallen by 2.4 per cent – the largest fall recorded since 2005.
Research from the firm also revealed that sales of used-hybrid cars in the north-west went up by 99.1 per cent – the largest growth. In 2006, 155 such vehicles were sold in the region, with this rising to 309 last year. Meanwhile, second-hand electric automobiles saw the fastest increase in East Anglia. Overall, the majority of sales for both these types of vehicles were revealed to take place in the south-east and Greater London areas.
For those looking for an effective way to fund purchasing a car, taking out a personal loan may be of assistance.
The study also showed that sports cars, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-purpose vehicles all increased in popularity over the course of last year. In particular, SUV sales were strongest in the West Midlands. Meanwhile, the north-east of England was the only region in the country to witness a drop in the purchasing of such automobiles, with this part of Britain also recording the highest fall in all used car sales. Experian also indicated used multi-purpose vehicle sales were the strongest in the Greater London region.
Commenting on the figures, Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian’s automotive division, said: “There has been a lot of media attention, not only around the environment and the effect of the most polluting cars, but also on the forthcoming car tax increases and the rise in fuel duty. These latter factors appear to have played a more significant role in consumer buying habits over the last few years. A slow housing market and the squeeze on spending have left consumer confidence low and this, in turn, hit the used car sector hard last year.”
Mr Fletcher also pointed out that the increased costs of running a car “have not helped matters”. Despite this, he stated that people are still willing to splash money on an automobile, although second-hand car dealers must now do more to attract customers. The Experian director added that motorists are becoming “more aware and want more information upfront before making a decision”.
As wider financial difficulties continue to grip Britain, those looking for an effective way to fund purchasing a car might wish to consider getting a personal loan. By doing so, consumers may be able to purchase whatever type of vehicle they have their eye on quickly and be left with affordable monthly repayments to make. A loan might also be of help to those looking to purchase a comprehensive car insurance policy. Recent research by moneysupermarket showed that by automatically choosing the insurance policy offered by their existing supplier, drivers may see the cost of their premium rise by hundreds of pounds.

Insulated dog houses keep pets warm during cold weather. But insulation is not the only factor that affects a dog’s warmth. Choosing a house of the right size for your dog is also important. Before you purchase a new dog house, measure your dog. Use the measurements to select a house that will keep your pet comfortable. Even if you aren’t shopping for insulated dog houses, you should still measure. Your dog’s size is an important factor, no matter what type of dog house you want.
Measure your pet’s length and width in a variety of positions. Have the dog sit, stand, lie down, and stretch out. Since he probably won’t stay in one position while inside the house, you want to make sure that the house will fit, no matter the dog’s posture. After you obtain the measurements, compare them with the specifications of the houses you see. If you cannot find any specifications, measure the house yourself or request measurements from a customer service member. Don’t eyeball it.
Add a few inches to the dog’s body measurements. The inside of the house should be large enough that your dog can stand up, turn around, lie down, and stretch out. If the house is too small, your dog will feel cramped and uncomfortable. However, you do not want to purchase the biggest house you can find. Although you might think a doggie mansion expresses your fondness, pets will be more comfortable in insulated dog houses that are the right size for them.
Especially during colder weather, your dog may not be comfortable if the house is too big. Dogs can warm up small spaces with their body heat. When you select a house that is slightly larger than your dog’s measurements, the dog can heat up the space more quickly and stay warm through a cool night. But if you purchase a house that is too large for your pet, she won’t be able to keep warm. Insulated dog houses of the right size should help to conserve your dog’s body heat even more efficiently.
Another measurement you will want to consider for your dog’s comfort is the width and height of the door. Obviously, the door must be wide enough for your pet to enter the house without squeezing through. The height of the opening is important, too. Use the measurement of your dog in a standing position to choose a dog house with a proper door. Your dog should not have to crouch or duck his head to enter; he should be able to walk right into the house pretty easily.
Measure your dog. Compare the measurements with the specifications of the dog houses you consider. You want to choose one slightly larger than the dog’s measurements. Rule out those that are too small or too large. Consider insulated dog houses for extra help in regulating the temperature. Check the height and width of the door so that your dog can come and go easily from the house. Your dog is much more likely to enjoy and actually use the house if you select one that is the perfect size for him.

It was not to many decades ago when the naïve mindset of our country, and most countries, was that the President was “the good daddy who taught us right from wrong; fiscally, morally, and behaviorally.

Here’s some news. The President is not our Daddy; and, if anything we are his. At least we are his employer. Many who have not worked within the confines of the Washington D.C. Beltway (I did for over a decade in media covering Capital Hill, The White House, the first Gulf War, etc), I came to realize a few things.

The most important one is that the Office Of The Presidency is not a very glamorous job. In fact there are only two main descriptions within it. a. Keep our citizenry safe and b. balance the budget. Though of course it is more ideal if our president keeps his zipper up while performing his duties, or not be intoxicated and choking on pretzels while his two dogs look on, as long as he gets the job done, he has done what we elected him to do.

You see, he/she works for us, not vice versa. If we find ourselves in a “photo-op” with the president, it is he who should be excited, not us, as he gets to take a picture with his boss (one of us).

So why wait for the President to tell us the economy is okay. We know it is not okay as long as we are throwing billions of dollars into a war in which we do not belong. So be it. One day, we pray, he may come to his senses and start bringing them home.

Meantime, we the small businesspersons of America must continue doing commerce. Our clients and customers can still buy. Yes, they may be merchandise that costs less than they normally would, but that is fine. Just the very act of making a purchase, clicking a mouse, charging it on your debit or credit card (or Paypal), shows the rest of the country that it is okay to still buy goods. We do not have to wait for the president to tell us “things are going to be okay”. He is not our daddy. We love shopping for our friends and family, and no economy is going to change that, even if it is merely a card or a mouse pad or a hoodie, we’ve made a purchase, created jobs, and made someone else very happy.

Please don’t wait for one of your employees (the President) to tell you “everything is okay, lets start spending”; do it on your own, maybe he’ll get the picture, and know we are not waiting for him to tell us. After all, we are the boss.

Auction Houses It won’t be long  before digital fine art is traded in high end auction houses. Keep an eye  on online auction houses such as eBay as well as foreclosure notes in  your local newspaper. Today you know where they are, you can begin making  easy gold on WoW, all you do is search the auction houses for a good selling item, buy it at a low price and then sell it for profit. These are  low prices compared to others selling of late on eBay or at offline  auction houses. Since 1999, eBay has purchased and invested in several  online auction websites and auction houses in order to get a greater  share of the market outside of the US. auction houses will hold on to  your item while you arrange for moving it…,Sotheby’s, Christie’s and  all the other major auction houses have started to hold regular specialist sales.You can find auction houses in the Undercity, Ogrimmar  and Thunder Bluff if you are playing as a horde character if you are  playing as an alliance character you can find auction houses at Stormwind  City, Iroforge and Darnassus. A glance of the luxurious interiors of the  better auction houses or trip to one of central London’s sometimes intimidating galleries can give the casual visitor second thoughts about  purchasing a piece of art. All their clocks have their proper movements  and original bases, unlike numerous for sale in auction houses, known as  marriages, in which the movements do not belong to the case. Bear in mind likewise that auction houses use presale estimates, reserves, and  opening bid amounts which should give you a rough idea of the total the part might go for, though when it comes to auction time, pretty much anything goes, so you should have your wits about you as you offer against experts in the field. Sell anything you don”t want, or don”t need -  auction sale houses are great place to do just that, too, because things will sell well at an auctioneer house then a vender (A lot better if you”re on  a good server). Not only are there repo cycles but also boats, cars, motortrucks, campers and more that can be got at auction houses around the country. because of this, the finance companies take back the vehicles and then use auction off houses to sell them to the highest bidder. Many auction off houses have safeguards built in to sniff out shill bidders, but they are still a possibility. numerous on-line auction houses grant users to list whatever they want to deal, without checking if the seller actually has these items in his possession. for example, people who purchase computers may also buy laser printing machines or cartridges; use arbitrage opportunities  – eBay is one of various leading online auction off houses or markets. Produce a profit out of second hand goods, a trick of the trade that some individuals have applied to grow their business is to visit local auction off houses and pick up bargains then photograph them and sell them on ebay. Natural pearls, these pearls are extraordinary to well, and you can mostly find them selling only in prime auction sale houses for huge amounts of money. Pre foreclosures are houses in the default stage of foreclosure; where the bank has filed first foreclosure papers but the sheriff sale or   trustee sale where the banking company auctions off the property, or repossesses it  if no-one buys at the auction, hasn’t happened yet.

Buying and selling for a profit used to be ‘easy’. Through the millennium you could buy a property and be guaranteed it would make money in a few years and in some cases, a few months. Some people (and mortgage lenders!) seemed to think house prices would continue to rise, others warned of a housing bubble, but didn’t seem to be able to accurately predict when it would burst.However, burst it did, starting in the States and hitting the UK very hard. The recession appeared to start in the property sector and within months we saw sales drop by 50% prices fall by 20% from a 2007 peak. Rental income which normally rises when house prices fall, has suffered with year on year falls of 5% or more, voids have increased as have tenant rent arrears.At the moment we seem to be in a strange state of flux. No-one seems to know what’s going to happen next. No-one can quite believe that such a sharp recession, within less than 12 months, can appear to be ‘over’. Yet, reports of green shoots in the property market and the wider economy seem to be talked about daily. The private sector is claiming their order books are growing again and recent figures even suggest unemployment is slowing.But are things really starting to turn around? What about the huge debt we owe as a country, estimated at £13,000 per head of our population*? It is true that business has taken the brunt of the credit crunch and the public sector has yet to be heavily squeezed? If this is true, what effect would public sector job cuts and pay being frozen (or cut) have on our economy – and the property market – next year?More importantly, as property investors, what does this mean for you? What’s the good news? What’s the bad news? And most importantly, if you have money to invest, are there any properties that are ‘safe’ to invest in? Are are short term profits from property possible, or is it only possible to make money out of property in the long term?The good newsMany investors who had pulled out of the market back in 2006 (or before) have been buying heavily since October 2008. Those that bought within the first six months of the crash benefited by snapping up bargains from the huge over supply of property for sale and a massive rise in repossessions. Buying ‘below market value’ became the ‘favourite phrase’ of the property investment industry and canny investors were buying properties up to 50% below their true value.  The bad newsThe credit crunch however meant that investing in these bargains was only for cash rich buyers as buy to let, commercial and development finance became difficult and in some cases impossible to secure. The return of 25% deposit requirements, higher finance costs and recently a dramatic fall in the supply of property in many areas has made even ‘below market value’ deals have, in the last few months been difficult to fund and find.Added to the financing difficulties is the six month re-mortgage rule which stops an investor buying a property ‘below market value’ and then re-mortgaging it immediately to take cash out to invest in the next property. Although some still claim this can be done, most investment experts believe it’s only possible if during the process, someone commits mortgage fraud. So, if you can access cash, is this a good time to invest? Currently there are two schools of thought. The first believes that we are in an ‘artificial’ state of recovery. Interest rates are artificially low, help from the government is currently stopping repossessions and we have yet to see the effect of reducing public sector costs. As a result one school of thought continues to predict property prices falling further and staying low for some years as the impact of unemployment and a return to normal interest rates continue to depress the economy.The second school of thought is that although low demand and supply is causing the current signs of ‘green shoots’, the likelihood of lots of properties coming back onto the market is small. Some predict that interest rates will stay low for many years (CEBR estimate interest rates will only increase to 2% by 2014). As a result, their predictions are that property prices will remain stable, and in areas where there is a shortage of supply such as the South East and London prices may even show small rises.Whichever of these scenarios you believe will happen, one thing is for sure, that spotting the ‘bottom of the market’ is impossible. You will only know it’s been reached AFTER it’s been recorded! For example, for those hoping to pick up repossession bargains, latest statistics from David Sandeman at www.eigroup.co.uk show that the ‘bottom’ of the repossessions market (ie when repossessions sold through auction houses were at their highest) was Quarter 4 2008 – nearly a year ago!However, good investors will always be able to make money – in good and bad markets. And, although you may have missed some of the bargains that have been around in the 12 months, there are still plenty of areas and properties that are worth considering investing in, as long as you’ve:-1. Carried out extensive research2. Considered different ways of making money from property 3. Accurately valued the property you are buying4. Identified potential future capital growthResearch, Research, ResearchIn my view few people carry out enough research when buying an investment property, especially in unfamiliar areas. Those that don’t visit a property before they buy shouldn’t be investing at all, unless they have previously tried, tested and trusted independent people who carry out valuations independent of any property clubs or sourcing businesses.When researching an area or property it is essential to:-1. Visit the street and surrounding areas, research current supply and demand from a buyers/tenants perspective.2. If the property requires updating, make sure you have accurate quotes, and refurbishing the property will deliver a 20% return.3. If you are planning to rent the property out, check the rental value from an agent that specialises in rentals, rather than an estate agent/letting agent that may have a conflict of interest or have only just started a lettings business to help survive the recession.4. Check what properties are in short supply now for buying or renting. Areas that seem to be recovering from property price and rental falls already are likely to be the ones that will deliver good capital growth in the future.5. Secure feedback on potential sales value from estate agents and an independent RICS surveyor who is acting on YOUR behalf.6. Check out the future supply of other properties that might affect demand for your property. If you are buying a two bedroomed flat, what if another 1,000 are planned to be built? What planning permission has the local authority already given?  7. Find out about the future population changes. If you are buying a large property to rent out to students, will there be enough families who can afford to buy a big property when you want to sell?  8. If you are buying a three bedroomed property and are planning to turn it into a five bed, make sure the cost of the additional space will be covered by a real rise in the value of the property.  Consider different ways of making money from property Many people just look to buy to let or renovation to make money from property. However, you can also invest in:-1. Buying land and build to let or sell.2. Commercial as opposed to residential property. 3. Develop mixed use property, for example buying a shop and a flat above and renovating to then sell or rent at a profit.  4. Property funds and syndicates.5. Working with developers to buy properties below market value via a ‘part exchange’ scheme.Accurately Valuing PropertyWhen we used to value properties at a professional part exchange business, we used to spend approximately three full days and use five professionals to help value the property accurately. And we had to. To make money from part exchange you have to buy a property at a discount of between 10-20% and then sell the property (typically via agents) within a three month period, or you’re likely to start losing money.To value a property you need to:-Understand what is happening in the local marketUse www.hometrack.co.uk and then visit local estate agents that have been selling similar properties. Hometrack will show you how many weeks and how many viewings properties require to sell, as well as what the average offer price is versus asking price. Use this information to check with local agents how accurate it is and what their experience of the market is currently.  Identify previously ‘sold property prices’:-1. Go to a property portal for example www.rightmove.co.uk and click on ‘sold prices’. 2. Put in the property’s postcode. 3. Select a distance first time of 1 mile, then if few or no results select up to 3 miles. 4. Put in your type of property.5. Put in 10% below the minimum price of the property valuations you currently have.6. Put in 10% above for the maximum price of the property you have.7. Then tick the box that says ‘include sold, under offer, subject to contract’8. Find properties that have just gone under offer/sold and then follow up with the agent who sold the property.Find comparables of similar properties which have recently been soldA recent comparable is vital in understanding a property’s likely value, and is defined as a property that has sold recently in a similar location, ideally in the same road or a very similar property in a nearby street eg 1930’s semi, detached or Victorian terrace.Other Valuation MethodsYou can use the ‘on-line’ automated systems, such as www.zoopla.com but be warned, these are never as accurate as carrying out your own research and their figures are typically based on ‘past’ not future prices. Finally if you are sure you have a property that is worth investing in, and especially if it’s in a terrible state and difficult to value, call in a local RICS surveyor to give a professional valuation which includes the likely costs of works and check these costs with local tradesmen.  Identify potential future capital growth Up until the credit crunch, terraced houses have outperformed other types of residential investments from a capital perspective for the last ten years. Both investors and first time buyers competed to buy this property type and it led to an increase in the value of these typically two bed properties.Over the next five years, with a large public debt and recovering from a recession may mean people’s income doesn’t increase much and with a fall in the number of people able to invest, property prices are unlikely to increase much. In fact some reports (such as Knight Frank) suggest it will take until 2014 for prices to recover to their 2007 levels. So, if you want to buy property now and sell it at a profit in the future, you’ll need to start predicting which property types in your area are likely to sell in the future and appeal to as many buyers as possible. It’s unlikely that there will be a ‘magic’ answer to this. It’ll depend on local property supply, demand (which will vary according to the population and availability of finance) as well as how well the local economy recovers. To help you do this you’ll need to search for information on:-1. Likely population changes.2. Planned increased supply of new builds and social housing.3. Transport changes that shorten or ease the time it takes to get to towns and cities. 4. Areas and property types that will remain in short supply now and in the future.  For example if the area you are investing in has an ageing population, then maybe there is a shortage of bungalows with manageable gardens. If another area has a shortage of two bedroom apartments within easy reach of a train station, shops and work and a relatively young population, then this type of property may be the best to invest in. In summary there are ‘no short cuts’ to make money out of property in the future. You’ll need to have cash for deposits and financial fees and carry out extensive research about the viability of an investment property now and in the future. Finally, with the government wanting to find lots of ways of paying of their debt, you will also need to ensure you secure good legal and tax advice so you buy the properties in the right way and minimise any tax bills that may be due now and in the future!

The term foreclosure refers to the circumstances, which arise due to the nonpayment of loan to the lender. When the borrower failed to pay back the money borrowed to the lender, then the lender will transfer the ownership of house property to him. The foreclosure arises when the owner of the property failed to make payment to the lender, the property will be seized. Losing the house property for not paying of foreclosure is a ridiculous task. Some steps can be followed to avoid foreclosure. There are so many alternatives available to avoid foreclosure.

Foreclosure Involves Many Stages

Stopping foreclosure is not the difficult process. There are several stages involves to pay off the current loan and avoid foreclosure. When the owner failed to pay money for a long period say 5 to 6 months then the lender ask to obtain a notice from the county record office. This notice will make the borrower to face the foreclosure and starts with replacement period.

If the borrower fails to correct the foreclosure within few months, say three months then foreclosure date for sale will be intimated. The notice of sale will be issued to the homeowner and this notice will be posted on the property. The notice of sale will recorded in the county record office and also published in the newspaper.

The foreclosure occurs where the property is located. In the notice of sale the time and location of the foreclosure will be properly designed. In the sale, the property is auctioned to the highest bidder.

Foreclosure Auction

In the auction the opening bid for the property is foreclosed by the foreclosing lender. The opening bid will be equivalent to the outstanding loan, interest accrued, additional fees and attorney fees related with the trustee sale. Compared to the opening bid, if no bid is higher than the property, the property will be purchased by the attorney who conducts the sale for the lender. The property will be deemed as REO if the opening bid is not met. It occurs because many of the properties listed for sale at the foreclosure auctions are worth less than the total amount payable to the lender. When a property has been purchased in the foreclosure auction sale, all small liens other than the property taxes will be swabbed out. The priority of lien will be determined by the date of recording.

Buying Homes On Foreclosure

Buying homes on foreclosure is said to be good purchase. If you are interested to buy a property on foreclosure, then you can search either on online or through professional realtor.

1. Search the foreclosed property either on online or through a professional realtor. The realtor will help you to find a successful foreclosed property. The realtor may always be updated with the real estate information.

2. If you are searching a foreclosure property through a selling agent you have to pay a commission to him at the time of purchase. But if you obtain a foreclosed property through a realtor you need not want to pay commission and find good foreclosed property.

3. Time is essential for purchase of foreclosure property. If you are paying for a foreclosure property through a loan or through cash, maintain proper records.

4. While purchasing a foreclosed property obtain some few bids from different contractor to estimate the cost.

5. If the property is going to be sold in the market, then ask the realtor to estimate the market value of the property going to be sold.

6. Additional cost or maintenance cost can be estimated to the tax department to get exemption or deduction.

7. After purchase of the foreclosed property, the purchaser receives the title under the special warranty deed. This title protects the buyer. Each lender obtains an insurance protection from the loan.

8. Foreclosure properties are highly profitable. But it requires more alertness while collecting details. The experienced realtor will handle the situation more carefully.

Dressing For Success

Men at work are dressing up to beat the credit crunch Bespoke tailors report increased sales and there is a feeling that being causal at work translates to casual in your job. The Hedge Fund Dress Down Friday look, has largely been replaced with a return to formal suits and shirts, this is an easy uniform to adopt.

For Women the work arena presents a unique set of challenges, how to look professional whilst retaining feminity is hard.  Many City Women in Financial Institutions choose pin striped suits and tailored shirts from men’s tailors to fit in within a masculine environment. The right outfit could be the difference between climbing the career ladder and losing your job. Many women struggle to know what is acceptable at work.

The City Accountancy Firm Ernst and Young have just put 400 women on a course to develop their work look. The firm was concerned that many women are too casually dressed and did not look professional enough. First impressions count, people make decisions on us in the first 30 seconds. You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

A skirt suit works really well in any work environment providing the skirt is not too tight. In a more casual workplace separates, skirt and coloured jacket look great too. A dress and jacket also looks good providing the dress is smart enough and not too tight or too short. Think elegance here. Sweater dresses cut to knee length with a toning jacket is another great look for more casual workplaces.

Avoid cleavage displays, midriff tops, informal clothing such as T shirts, beach sandals, and loud “bling” jewellery. Grooming is important, hair should be well cut, clean and not extreme in colour or cuts. Make up should be discrete, wearing makeup has been shown to increase your chances of promotion just don’t overdo it.

 Colour is really important too, choose colours that flatter depending on your colouring. Traditional work colours are black (chic), navy (trustworthy), red (dynamic, aggressive), grey (conservative). To venture into hot pinks, oranges and wild prints is far riskier and after all it is your career on the line.  

Look at yourself in a long mirror before leaving the house, check clothes are ironed, that there are no ladders in your tights, check shoes are not very high, or are scuffed. Invest in good quality suits and coats and aim to keep them for several years. Beware of buying cheap clothing, cheaper fabrics and cheap jewellery or wearing old fashioned or worn out clothes. If you aspire to be promoted look as if you mean business and are a competent, confident professional. Clothing sends out very powerful messages about who we are, so dress to make a positive impression, dressing for success is a necessary precursor to obtaining it.    

Learn what your colour palette is and what styles suit you. If you don’t know use a personal stylist   and find out the best colours to bring out the best in your skin tone and hair colour.  Summer brings more challenges, women should ideally buy a smart summer work wardrobe of tailored dresses that will compete effectively with the men sweltering in suits. Invest in a few key outfits that will last a couple of years, linen shift dresses look great, as do linen mix suits providing they are crumple proof.

Dressing to impress in the current economic climate should be seen as an essential strategy to getting and keeping your dream job.

Are you familiar with the different types of housing that you can purchase?
Read this article to find out!
If you are on the market for a new home, it is important that you know the difference between a single family home, a townhouse, and a condominium.
Familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you make a wise decision about your home purchase.
Single Family Homes
The single family house is the most common type of housing in the United States. This type of housing dwelling designed for a single family and has its own land.
The house and the land are purchased and sold together. Unlike townhouses and condominiums, single family types of housing are not attached to other homes. Aside from regulations from your neighborhood or subdivision, you are free to do whatever you would like with your home.
With a single family home, you are responsible for the cost of maintaining and repairing the home, whether you do it yourself or pay someone else to do it.
In addition, landscaping and lawn maintenance are also your responsibility. If you want to have a pool or playground in your backyard, you will have to provide such amenities.
The good thing about single family homes is that you have the freedom to make whatever changes you with. Improvements to your home can greatly increase the resale value, which is already higher than that of other types of housing.
Townhouses
A townhouse is the middle-ground type of housing between a single family home and a condominium. They share characteristics with both types of housing.
In most cases, a townhouse is attached to at least one other house. When you own a townhouse you own the home as well as the property on which the home sits.
Since townhouses are a part of a larger community, you can usually find many of the amenities that you might find with an apartment.
This includes swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, etc.
While you are responsible for some of the maintenance and repairs, it will not be to the extent of that of a single family dwelling.
Townhouses are often part of a Home Owner’s Association, to which you are required to be a member.
Condominiums
A condominium, condo, for short, is a type of housing that is best described as an apartment that you are able to own. When you purchase a condo, you own everything inside your walls and share ownership of common areas with your neighbors.
Often condo ownership requires you to pay a monthly fee that covers repairs and maintenance to the common area. The condo association handles exterior maintenance and repairs, but in many cases, you contribute to the cost through dues or assessments.
Condo prices are often more affordable that those of single family homes and townhouses. There are often a number of amenities available for you to use. You have a minimal responsibility for exterior maintenance and repairs.
It can be hard to resell a condo. They are known to spend a longer time on the market than other types of housing.