And The Answer Is ~

Ask AC Associates and you will receive an answer...

I received a question concerning Capital Gains from a gentlemen selling a home in Florida. See below for the Q&A:

Hi ! I hope all is good with you. If you don't mind a question regarding the sale of a house.It belongs to my parents,they live in Florida,2 family,I live on 1st floor have power of attorney and selling by owner.Is it true they do not have to pay capital gains if sold under 500k ?

Thanks,
Orlando


Hi Orlando,
Although I am not an expert in this field, I believe when you sell your primary residence, you can make up to $250,000 in profit if you're a single owner, twice that if you're married.This is not determined by what the house is sold for, but rather what the profit is. How much profit would they gain? Do they own the house outright?

I would advise seeking a real estate attorney to confirm.

I hope I have helped in understanding capital gain tax.

On My Travel Wish List

My recent visit with a known celebrity is always a pleasure. Such a warm and giving soul with great stories to share.

He has three homes: One in London, Beverly Hills and Hawaii. I have never visited these places, but I am able to visualize each as he describes them.

We have talked about when I would visit London and I have no answer for him yet, but I did look into resources for the most competitive rates for London accomadations. The offer to stay with his family is there, but I would be more comfortable staying in my own hotel.

I found one site at Cheaper than hotels, which guarantees the lowest rates on the Internet. They offer these outrageous last minute deals, which includes free extras and these rates apply to 5 star hotels. You also have the option of paying a deposit, but paying the balance owed on arrival. That's the first time I saw this option and I liked it.

If the day does come when I can visit London,I will be looking forward to seeing The Tower of London, St Paul's Cathedral and the many other major attractions he has mentioned.

Newest Health Hazard ?

The printer in your office may be the newest health hazard. The International Laboratory for Air Quality and Health at Australia's Queensland University of Technology did a study that finds the air quality may be affected by your choice of office printers.

The study looked at particulates and emissions and found that only 60% of the 62 printers assessed were 'nonemitting'

Researchers were looking for what is known as PM 2.5 or fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. These are so tiny and said to pose the greatest health risk as they can lodge deeply into the lungs.

Those considered 'high emitting' include several Hewlett Packard printers and one made by Tshiba.

To reduce the risk, researchers suggest ensuring that offices are well ventilated to allow airborne particles to disperse.

Source: Osha Compliance advisor

Definitions of Mortgage Terms and Mortgage Loans

Purchasing your first home can be an overwhelming experience. This is the biggest investment you will make and a huge financial commitment.

Once you find the perfect home for you, you will then need to find a mortgage loan. With so many options out there, do you know which loan is right for you?

Is there such a thing as cheap mortgages? It would certainly be in your best interest to take some time and compare mortgages. There are many ways you can search for the mortgage that best suits your needs. Check with your realtor, your attorney, use the Internet, ask your friends or relatives. I have included a mortgage rate widget on the sidebar of this blog,so you can see the latest interest rates for various types of loans.

Understanding mortgage terms and loan types can make this process easier for you:

Fixed Rate Mortgage: (10,15, 20, 40 or 50 yrs)
The interest rate and monthly payment remain the same over the entire life of the loan

10/1 year Adjustable:
The interest rate and monthly payment will remain the same for 10 years. At the beginning of the 11th year, the interest rate will adjust and the payment may change every year for the remainder of the loan

7/1 Adjustable:
Same as the 10/1 year Adjustable, but this mortgage will adjust beginning in the 8th year

Having an adjustable mortgage allows you to enjoy the initial lowest interest possible and the lower payment, but if you want the stability of a 'fixed' payment, this will force you to refinance (also described as remortgages the loan)

5 or 7 Year Balloon:
The interest and monthly payment will remain the same for 7 years, but at the end of that 5th or 7th year, the borrower must refinance into a new loan at the current interest rate.


Amortization Schedule- A month-by-month breakdown of principle and
interest to be paid on a note, as well as the balance after payment is made.

Balloon Payment- A lump sum payment that pays off a note in full.

Debt Ratio- An individual's total debt to relation to their income.

Equity--The difference between what a property is worth and how much is owed on it.

Loan to Value- Referred to as LTV. This is the ratio of the loan amount to
the value of the property.

Mortgagee- The person or investor who receives the payments from a
mortgage.

Mortgagor- The person who owes money (makes payment) on a mortgage.

Title Insurance- Insures that a piece of property is free and clear of any
liens

Inspirational Messages

Growing Each Day

The potential that lies within each tiny acorn is huge, just as it is in each of us. Nature rewards the persistence and patience of the acorn by giving it the strength to grow into a powerful, mighty oak.

By realizing your natural potential, you can achieve great results and continue to grow each day

When you believe in yourself, the sky's the limit

Believe and Achieve

Each fall, monarch butterflies in Maine begin an unbelievable journey to a hilltop in Mexico.

How do they do it? They focus on the goal, not the difficulties. Each day they take their bearings and set off, allowing their instincts and desire to steer them.

They accept what comes; some winds blow them off course, others speed them along.

They keep flying until, one day, they arrive.

Your Determination makes the difference

Having Your Own Personal Recruiter

A Review of Trovix:

Whether you are a professional looking for the perfect job opportunity or an employer wanting to find candidates with the best background for the positions at your company, Trovix offers a complete service for both.

Trovix has received “HR Product of the Year” award by Human Resource Executive Magazine and was selected as “Software Newcomer of the Year” finalist by the Software Information Industry Association, so you know you are in capable hands.

For someone seeking a career opportunity, Trovix uses your resume and sifts through literally millions of jobs posted on the Internet. From there, they will find the best career matches. Your information is kept in strict confidence, so you can sort through the jobs presented and apply to the one that interests you.

On the other hand, the company spending a lot of time and money on recruiting efforts, can reduce both by allowing Trovix to present the best candidates matched by experience level, skills and work history.

Trovix has come up with a win-win situation.

Building Green

On October 15th - Blog Action Day, bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone's mind: Our Environment

I have already included several posts on this blog concerning our environment. From tips to save in your daily life to curb your carbon footprint to green news around the world.

Today's post is regarding tips for Building Green.

To determine how to incorporate green building you need to look at your goals. Is a family member sick or do you want to reduce your utility bills or are you just concerned with the state of our environment?

Don't overbuild~ Build to meet the needs of your family and this will reduce the cost of building and reduce the cost to operate and maintain your home. This will have an impact on your finances and the environment.

Design with minimal waste~ Building a house with 2 foot modules will help reduce waste. Most building materials are manufactured in two foot increments, so using value engineering will reduce the amount of material waste. Producing less waste on your building site, will reduce disposal costs. The National Association of Home Builders Research Center recommends framing 24 inches on center rather than 16 inches on center.This alone will save about 30% of the framing studs.

Placing the water heater and HVAC unit centrally in the home will reduce the amount of material needed to carry the best heat and water to its destination and will increase the efficiency of the units by reducing the amount of energy to get there.

Make homes efficient~ Designing to conserve resources during the life of the building is considered green. Use the maximum amount of insulation recommended for your geographic area. Use water saving features.

Use recycled or recyclable materials~

Build recycling centers in homes~

Find a green builder who use equipment software to test and simulate a building's performance. You can use the following resources to learn about green building programs, professional and incentives available:
www.eere.energy.gov/consumer
www.energystar.gov

Source: Business Education Guide

Preparing Your Home for the Winter Months

This morning waking up to the fall chill told me that summer is actually gone. Considering just last week I had the AC running for a few days as the temperature reached into the 80's.

Now that the cold weather is approaching, there are ways you should prepare your home for the winter months. This will aid in saving money on your energy bills.

Here's some tips:
1. Proper insulation could reduce your heating costs. Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, basement walls and crawl spaces.

2. Install the winter storm windows and doors, replacing any screens

3. Inspect your windows, doors and the exterior of your home for any cracks or leaks. These need to be filled with caulk, patch repair or weather stripping. Any areas that might leak cold air should fixed.

4. Have your heating equipment checked before you begin to use it for the season. Does yours need a professional tune-up? This tune up will include an inspection for leaks, soot, rust, rot or any corroded electrical contract or frayed wires.

5. REMINDER: Replace your furnace filter in your heating unit. Clean filters help improve the quality of air flow and help lower your bills. It is recommended that disposal filters be replaced every month and a reusable filter be cleaned every other month.
How many of you forget to do this? DO this today! before you need to turn on your heat. I actually replaced mine yesterday. One job done...

Source: Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning

Do You Follow Up?

I believe many people forget to follow up. Whether it be with a potential customer, client or friend.
Could one reason be that you feel you may come across as being annoying or perhaps you feel there really isn't a need to follow up with someone.

Have you ever made plans in advance with a friend or family member and on the date you were to meet, your plans did not go exactly the way you remembered? Was that due to not following up to confirm or to make sure you both had the same things in mind? A simple, casual follow up call after the initial conversation, would had eliminated any confusion.

If you own a business, do you follow up with all current and potential customers? Following up is the most important thing to do. After initial contact, it is important to follow up within a short period of time. With current customers, a follow up call or email to just thank them for choosing your company. Maybe consider asking them if they were satisfied with your company or ask if they have any suggestions. This will show your interest and repeat business will probably come your way.

With potential customers, a follow up to prior contact will keep your business in the back of their mind. Perhaps this potential customer has truly been too busy to give thought about your service or product. Life has a way of keeping us all busy. When receiving contact again through a follow up call, letter or email, you again have another chance to sell your services or product without sounding desperate. Maybe the first time they received contact from you, they weren't ready for your services or product, but after receiving a follow up, they realize they now need what you have to offer them.

What if you are in the market for a new job? Some job-seekers don't follow up after an interview for fear of sounding desperate or annoying. If you do it right, you will come across as interested, not desperate. Following up job leads shows prospective employers your interest in the company and position -- and gives you another chance to sell your qualifications.

When receiving a comment on blogs and/or social networks, it is just as important to follow up and respond. I was lacking in this area myself, but I believe I am doing much better with following up to comments. I never realized that not replying to a comment might be taken as a lack of interest on my part. I am very thankful when receiving a comment and now I make it a point to reply and show my thanks.

I personally have a pet peeve when friends do not follow up after I leave a message on their voicemail. I left a message, so I would receive a follow up call, right? Keeping this in mind, I make a conscious effort to follow up whenever necessary with both my personal and business dealings.

What's Your Dream Vacation?

At the office today, a few of us were talking about "dream" vacations.

The question was... If we had a choice, where would we most want to visit. Well, my dream vacation would be to the 'down under'...meaning Australia. As long as I can remember, I always wanted to visit there.

Could it be the accent of the people or the animals; like the koala that attracts me?

I understand Australia is a beautiful place, with much to see and do. The Blue Mountains National Park or staying in a hotel in Sydney at the harbour would be just perfect for relaxation.


But then there's Melbourne with opulent bars, abundance of art, the motorcycle grand prix and historic towns.



I can then jet over to Brisbane, which is about 2 hours away. I know I'd enjoy south bank's beaches, but be thrilled to go to the Lone Pine Sanctuary where I could hold a koala and see the other wildlife.

As I write this, I see I have my trip to Australia all planned out....one day...one day...

Have you taken your 'dream' vacation? If so, where did you go?

Stargazing at Sky

Google is attempting to interest Internet users in stargazing with the launch of Sky. This is a new feature of Google Earth. Sky lets people view the night sky through a virtual telescope. You can zoom in to see images of 100 million stars and 200 million galaxies.

Google has complied data from Hubble space telescope, NASA and other scientific institutions. Google Earth users can select a location on the planet and then click "Switch to Sky" to see the view of the night sky as seen from that spot. They can navigate this like a road map.

Source: Government Technology

Computer Consulting Services

A couple years ago I didn't give much thought to the Internet being the way of the future. I have come to realize the Internet is the present(and future) means for not only communication, but for marketing, sales, and the potential for profits going from local to global.

If you are not familiar with all the business solutions available to you, having a good, reliable computer consulting service is key to success. There is so much to learn and implement. Custom programming, database development and search engine marketing to name a few.

When it comes to web site design,you also need a company that understands your needs, goals, is cost effective and makes your site stand out above the rest. With thousands of sites on the Internet, you want yours to be high end to attract visitors again and again.

If you hire a consulting service to help with your business development project, be sure they offer training and support, customer service solutions,search engine optimization and security for your site.

The IT company you choose, should offer products, solutions and strategies for today's fast pace technology world.

Reputation Vs. Character

Do you care more about your reputation or character?

I think reputation and character are sometimes confused.

Reputation refers to someone having an opinion of others. He has a reputation of being a ladies man...or she has the reputation of being a bad mother...that is an opinion. What others 'think' of another person. Gossiping can lead to the reputation of others in a positive or negative way.

Character is a combination of morals and other traits that one actually has. These traits make a person who he is. When having good character you may have more self esteem and self-respect. Knowing to be honorable, honest, compassionate and ethical.

Positive or Good Traits vs. Negative or Bad traits
Courageous ~ Cowardly
Conscientious ~ Careless
Determined ~ Easily discouraged
Confident ~ Unsure
Hard working ~ Lazy
Kind ~ Cruel
Reliable ~ Unreliable
Fair ~ Biased
Considerate ~ Inconsiderate
Your actions and how you interact with others will determine your reputation. Your reputation can be of course, good or bad. People may view what they know of your reputation before they actually know of your character.

Character has to do with how we actually live day after day or how we handle situations in life and treat people.

Personally, I do care what people think of me, but I care more about my character and developing into being a good person on a daily basis.

Some Quotes to Ponder:
Reputation is what man says about you but Character is what God knows about you.

Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. There are too many people who think that the only thing that's right is to get by, and the only thing that's wrong is to get caught.

Character is like a tree and reputation its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is; the tree is the real thing...Abraham Lincoln

Reputation is but a synonym of popularity: dependent on suffrage, to be increased or diminished at the will of the voters...Washington Allston

Associate with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company...George Washington

Reputation is what you need to get a job; character is what you need to keep it.

Reputation is seeming; character is being.

Character is made by what you stand for; reputation by what you fall for... Robert Quillen

Character is the foundation stone upon which one must build to win respect. Just as no worthy building can be erected on a weak foundation, so no lasting reputation worthy of respect can be built on a weak character. ..R.C. Samsel

Camaraderie Building Event

When you think about camaraderie building events, you may not think of this one or think this one event could be successful. But it is!

My friends firm promotes many camaraderie events during the year. One such event is a paintball tournament each fall. Now this is not a promotion of guns or violence in any way. And, Paintball is in fact a very safe sport.

Any employee can participate and invite friends along. Women are also eager to participate.
Teams are then decided.
There on the paintball field, everyone is equal. There are no bosses, no managers or supervisors. The key here is teamwork and communication. Skill is not necessarily top priority. Working as a team while playing paintball carries over to the office.

Whether you are a casual or serious player, it is important to have safe participation. Paintball equipment varies depending on the type of paintball game being played. A full set of paintball gear may cost anywhere from under $100 to well into the thousands. You need to have a protective paintball mask, paintball guns and paintballs.
A favorite of my friend are spyder paintball guns. He visits and suggests his fellow teammates go to Ultimate Paintball for the best prices on equipment. There are many different products, but he usually seeks out the equipment packages they offer or the top selling products. He also saves some money with their free shipping policy.

So, although this seems to be a unique camaraderie event, it does promote communication, teamwork, presence of mind, strategies and even humor, as stories about the event carry into the workplace.

The Scent of a Trash Can

Do you have a problem with raccoons, rats or even roaches visiting your trash can?

There are special garbage bags you can buy that actually 'repell' these critters. A Queens, NY based manufacturer has begun infusing their products with the scents of mint, wintergreen and eucalyptus.

The highly sensitive olfactory glands of these scavengers are perfect for sniffing out trash, but are irritated by the strong scent of mint that we humans seems to enjoy.

Some of the natural scents used by this manufacturer are actually marketed as over the counter sinus openers.

Changing the scent of your trash can, can keep these annoying critters away.

Source: Waste Age

Free, Easy to Enter Contests

For those that love entering contests and winning some great prizes, here's a site for you.
At whogets.com free sweepstakes you can win electronics, appliances, DVDs, clothing and much more.

The twist to this contest is instead of a computer randomly drawing the winner, the readers decide on who the winner should be. You need to register for a FREE membership. Find a prize you would like to win and then enter that contest. When you make it to the semi finals, you write a post as to why you should be the winner. The readers then vote who they think the winner should be.

You can enter as many contests as you like. No purchase necessary to win any contest. You also can view others' posts and if you like what you've read, you vote a "get". A get is a vote. The one with the most votes, move up on the page.

If you'd like some carefree fun, enter some contests and cast some votes. Who knows, you may also be a winner of a great prize.

You Are Who You Socialize With

Have you ever heard the saying….”you are who you socialize with”? Many life coaches and motivational speakers use this phrase.

I believe it makes sense. Did you ever notice how when someone is around another person a great deal, they start picking up each others mannerisms, start to like what they like or use the same phrases? Within your circle of friends, do they have a positive outlook? Do they Exercise? Do they have the same goals? What about their morals? Do they want to be successful in life?

How about a married couple who have been together for a long time. Did you ever use the phrase.. you've been together so long you're starting to act or look like each other? I remember I have said that to people on occasion.

I have heard that if you want to make money, look at someone who is successful and emulate what they are doing. If you do things exactly the way they are, you will be successful too. If you only allow yourself to be around successful or positive or happy people, you will gain those traits too. A mirroring affect...This will also create motivation within yourself. Your circle of friends may influence you to do better, feel more confident, push your limits.

On the other hand, if you surround yourself with people who are lazy, negative and have no particular goals, just getting by in life... do you think you may in some way pick up these same traits? What if a friend/family member or companion is not eating healthy. Will this have a subtle effect on you?

How about if a friend or companion who has no energy and just wants to stay home watching TV...don't you think you may put off what you could be doing and watch TV with this person? This might be fine on occasion, but what if this happens over and over again? What if a friend only wants to go out and drink? Will you be drinking with them?

"People's lives are a direct reflection of the expectations of their peer group," according to Anthony Robbins

Friends may influence health behaviors, effects on mood, self esteem, goals in life...the list can go on and on. This can be positive or negative...

What do you think?

If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you'll achieve the same results.
Tony Robbins

When people are like each other they tend to like each other.
Tony Robbins

Win a HTC Smart Phone

Zuujit Mobile Beta testers are needed for their mobile auction service and by participating, you have the chance to win a HTC Smart phone in the contest they are running.

If you own a smart phone or pocket PC, you can sign up to take part in this test and enter the contest as well. The contest starts today and ends on November 15th.

They are currently testing:

Windows Mobile 6 Professional Edition
Windows Mobile 5 PocketPC Edition
Windows Mobile 5 for Palm Treo
Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition
Windows Mobile 5 Smartphone Edition

Turning your mobile into a money maker by using Zuujit is simple. They have made the process of listing on ebay very fast. Whether you an experienced ebay user or not, the process is not complicated. You can create and post, include photos, get all your buyers' questions and even send your replies. If you have an inventory of items, you can manage them as well...all right from Zuujit.

Zuujit gives you free storage for your photos, increases security of your ebay account, calculates the shipping costs for you and if you ever loose your phone, the secure servers of Zuujit stores your information.

This is another way to make your life easier.

GOOGLE Is At It Again !

In case you haven't heard...Something new being brought to us from Google.

You don't need a computer or an Internet connection.
GOOG 411 is voice-activated, so you can access it from any phone (mobile or land line), in any location, at any time. For free.

Goog 411 is a free service that allows you to connect to businesses fast.
Dial (1-800) GOOG-411. Say where. Say what you're looking for. GOOG-411 will connect you with the business you choose.

An automated operator comes on the line and asks you questions, which you just verbally answer.

If you are calling from a mobile device, GOOG-411 can even send you a text message with more details and a map. Simply say "Text message" or "Map it."

This is still in the experimental stage, so it may not work in certain areas or during certain times. I tried it out myself and it was fast and easy.

Need Cash For an Emergency?

If you ever found yourself in an emergency situation and needed cash, do you know how you would obtain the money?

If you didn't have the cash available to say, replace your home heating system that broke down in the winter or hardwood floors damaged by a flood that is not covered by home owners insurance or a leaking roof that needed immediate replacement, you can consider a payday lender. This simply means utilizing a network of lenders that will offer you the best financial services to meet your immediate needs.

You have many options to choose from: A cash advance is a personal unsecured loan. You can even receive fast cash without having a credit check.

Of course dealing with a reputable and trusted lender is your goal.
Pay Day Cash Advance eloans is one such place. Their reputation is one that is efficient, secure and keeps all information confidential.

If a need ever arises where you need cash for an emergency situation, don't panic. Know your options.

Health Tidbits~ Did You Know?

Reduce Tanning Bed Use

There is a 75 % increase in melanoma risk among people who expose themselves to a tanning bed before the age of 35 .

Interrupted Sleep

If you have interrupted sleep or find yourself staring at the ceiling in the middle of the night, you should know this may harm your heart. Researchers at the University of California in San Diego monitored 135 healthy men overnight. They collected and analyzed their blood and found that interrupted sleep can increase clot promoting proteins.

To help sleep deeper and through the night, limit the amount of carbs you eat before bedtime. When you eat carbs late in the day, it causes your blood-sugar and insulin to drop significantly at night. When your body notices this change, it awakens and seeks more food.

Cloudy Apple Juice?

If your apple juice is cloudy, drink up. In a recent study, Polish scientists determined that unfiltered apple juice contains four times more disease fighting antioxidants than the clear, purified kind does. Look for for brands that say 100% apple juice that you can’t see through.

Red Wine Good For You?

There is a 68% reduction in colon cancer risk from drinking 3 glasses of red wine each week

Source: Men's Health Magazine

Time To Organize The Garage

With the colder months soon coming, I started to clean up around the yard. Putting the summer furniture away and the ornaments within the landscaping.

I also began cleaning out the garage. I'll soon want to put the car in the garage, but need to make room. My garage seems to end up as the catch all. Instead of putting an item away in it's proper place, I may get a tad lazy and everything just ends up in the garage.

I have decided once and for all to organize my garage so I have more space. My decision to install garage storage cabinets is probably the best idea. I can purchase an entire 10 piece unit and this will create a room within the garage. All my tools, rakes, shovels, the landscape ornaments, extra motor oil and even items like Christmas ornaments can be stored away. This unit comes with a large two door cabinet and I can even use this as an extension of my pantry. Instead of cluttering up the kitchen with extra paper towels, pot and pans I rarely use, I can store them in this large cabinet.

Actually I can't wait to begin this home project. As you know one project leads to another and I have a feeling not only is my garage going to be organized, so is my kitchen, and the closet that now holds my tools. I then won't be embarrassed when opening the garage door and have my neighbors think I'm so messy.