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South Dakota

The Cost of Franchising-The "Dreaded" Royalty

Michael Volkin: Real Estate Agent in Fairfield, CA

An innovative real estate franchise shouldn't implement the typical precentage of royalty charges to their franchisees (in the real estate industry the standard is 6%). Of the dozens of real estate franchises available, I would estimate about 90% of them offer this type of royalty structure. Perhaps by a lack of imagination or a desire to blend in, these companies all follow suit of each other. Area Pro Realty has instituted a unique royalty system. Instead of charging a large percentage of a franchisees royalty, we have instituted a system where franchisees only pay an amount per agent per month. Therefore, the most productive a franchisees office is, the more money the broker keeps, not gives away.

To be the best real estate franchise, you have to think outside the box. Before researching one of the many real estate franchises for sale, I would suggest analyzing your needs and evaluating where you think the real estate market is headed the next 5 years. Then, pair up with a company that will fulfill your goals and economic outlook.

Michael Volkin is the president of Area Pro Realty, a new national real estate franchise.

Money Saving Tips

07-01-09
Doug Groves
Doug  Groves: Real Estate Brokerage in Hill City, SD

Money Savings Tips.
Try these at home!

For most Americans, saving money is a necessity of everyday life. We clip coupons, watch for sales, and hope there's not too much month left at the end of our paycheck. Today, the challenge is how to reduce spending on a longer-term basis. Here are some money-saving tips for everything from vacationing to laundering!

Airline Fares Make sure your trip includes a Saturday evening stay over and purchase your tickets in advance. Consider using alternative airports and keep an eye out for fare wars.

Auto Leasing Don't decide to lease a car just because the payments are lower than on a traditional auto loan. The leasing payments may be lower because you don't own the car at the end of the lease.

Auto Insurance Raise your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage to at least $500 or, if you have an old car, dropping this coverage altogether.

Life Insurance If you want insurance protection only, and not a savings and investment product, buy a term life insurance policy.

Checking Select a checking account with a low (or no) minimum balance requirement that you can, and do, meet.

Credit Cards Pay off your entire bill each month or use a check, cash or debit card for purchases.

Mortgage Refinancing Consider refinancing your mortgage if you can get a rate that is at least one percentage point lower than your existing mortgage rate.

Telephone Service Check your phone bill to see if you have optional calling services you don't use. Dial your long distance calls directly.

Food Purchases Shop at the lower-priced food stores. Convenience stores often charge the highest prices. You will spend less on food if you shop with a list.

Prescription Drugs Use generic drugs whenever appropriate. When taking a drug for a long time, consider using a mail-order pharmacy.

Around the House Savings:

Use compact fluorescent bulbs. They last 10 times longer than regular lights.

Set your water heater to 120 degrees F.

Set your thermostat to 68 degrees, or lower if you're away from home or asleep.

Keep your showers to five minutes or less and switch to lower-flow showerheads.

If nobody's in a room, turn off the lights and any computers, stereos, TVs or other appliances.

Use toaster-broilers or the microwave whenever possible instead of the range.

The refrigerator should be kept at 38 degrees F., and the freezer at 10 degrees.

Try using the cold-water wash cycle, and use the coolest dryer setting you can. Only run the washing machine, and the dishwasher, when they're full.

Make sure your home is insulated, and that all doors and windows are sealed properly.

If you have a fireplace, keep the damper closed when you're not using it and use a glass screen to minimize heat loss.

Don't Be Fuel-ish...
Save at the Gas Station, too!

  • Choose the right octane gas for your car. The higher the octane, the higher the price.

  • Avoid topping off your gas tank.

  • Keep your tires inflated to the proper level.

  • Keep up with engine maintenance.

  • Avoid packing items on top of the car. It's better to place items inside the car or trunk.

  • Stay within posted speed limits. Driving at high speeds uses more gasoline.

  • Use cruise control; it helps maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, helps reduce fuel use.

  • Avoid "jack-rabbit" starts and stops.

  • Use air vents to circulate the air instead of air conditioning.
  • The Trivia Block

    The world's first gas station was opened by the Gulf Refining Company on December 1, 1913, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    Credit Repair in South Dakota

    Matt Listro Your Credit Repair Expert: Mortgage Company in East Hartford, CT

    South Dakota Credit Repair

    National Credit Fixers: 330 Roberts Street 4th Floor East Hartford CT 06108 phone: 860-282-6181. National Credit Fixers boasts of 13 years experience repairing low FICO scores. Whether your credit has been damaged by a foreclosure, bankruptcy, slow credit, collections, judgments, repossessions, etc. we can help. We are the experts in credit restoration and credit repair. We have helped numerous residents of South Dakota and are experts in South Dakota credit repair.

    Everyone deserves a fresh start. Isn't it time for yours? There are ways to improve those negative credit scores. We have the tips and tricks to help you improve your credit and get yourself back on your feet. Don't spend another day living with a bad credit score, let us help you get a clean slate. Contact us for more information.

    :)
    Matt

    Toll Free: 888-NCFIXER (623-4937)
    Toll Free Fax: 888-FAX-4020 (329-4020)
    Local: 860-282-6181
    330 Roberts Street 4th Floor
    East Hartford, CT 06108

    credit repair company

    Fantastic Floor Plan...

    06-22-09
    Richard Ives
    Richard Ives: Real Estate Brokerage in Rapid City, SD

    *Buying this home you may qualify for the above aforementioned tax credit. For more information visit the following link or contact your tax professional or the IRS directly for specific rules and terms. http://activerain.com/blogsview/965858/Tax-Credit-For-Home-Buyers

    For Sale

    $247,900

    Hurry, Hurry, Hurry

    This great home will not last long!

    Rapid City South Dakota

    RICHARD IVES REALTORS, INC.

    605-391-1503

    Large two-story home located just above the heart of Rapid City in a quiet cul-de-sac. Built in 2001, with a one of a kind view from the large covered front porch. A peaceful backyard setting in the pines with a perfect spot for your hot tub, barbecue grill or both. The master suite with a large on-suite bath and a HUGE walk-in closet. This home has a nearly 3000 finished square feet, a home office, a three car garage, and a covered back deck perfect for entertaing on those summer nights. There is no need to bring your paint brush as the exterior of this home is mantenance free. LOTS OF STORAGE! Huge Storage area above the 3 car oversized garage so bring all of your toys. LARGE LOT! Almost a half acre, WOW! CITY VIEWS! Stunning City Light Views, easy access to everything. This home has it all.

    Located just minutes from medical faciliteis and Rapid City's Regional Hospital, numerous restaurants, grocery stores, shopping and much more. A swimming pool, club house, lighted walking path, are all part of the association features you will enjoy while living in this great home.

    Do not delay make this great home yours today. (C) 2009 Richard Ives Realtors

    Rapid City Real Estate Market - May 2009

    Tristan Emond, Rapid City Home Specialist: Real Estate Agent in Rapid City, SD

    Activity has been rebounding here in Rapid City. We see the average price of homes are catching up to last years' numbers. Days on market remain a bit longer, but homes are selling and buyers are out looking. The first time homebuyers are definitely influencing the market - as 308 out of 506 homes sold this year (as of June 15) were under the $200,000 mark.

    Here are the stats from as of June 1, 2009:

    Total Residential

    Single Family Average Single Family

    New Construction New Construction Average

    This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Black Hills Association of REALTORS or its Multiple Listing Service. Neither the Association not its MLS guarantee or is any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Association or its MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.

    Not a bad time to buy or sell!

    Have a great day!

    -Tristan
    Prudential Kahler REALTORS
    www.rapidhomesonline.com