Columnists

Today’s unsettled investment environment demands that you look beyond the stock market to secure your financial future. Many smart investors are turning to rental properties. But it isn’t as easy as buying that cute house down the street and waiting for the cash to start rolling in. You’ll need due diligence, lots of research and, last but not least, a substantial financial commitment and sweat equity in maintaining the property. Are you hoping for immediate income from your rental or are you … [Read more...] about Buying Rental Properties

We all have a working knowledge of what design is as it relates to renovating your home. It is to make a plan of, and fashion the form and structure of some space in or added to your home. Generally this is to meet a current need or evolving use of your home. OK… so how does design happen and what role do you, and should you, play. For any of us that have given thought to how your kitchen could work better, or how best to use that extra room, you know the effort that goes into this … [Read more...] about Understanding the Design of Design

You know that social media is important to increasing community awareness and vital to the growth of your business – but you’re not sure how to proceed. We’ve composed a list of the top four trending social media networks and how they’re applicable to promoting small businesses: Facebook is more than just a way to share status updates, pictures and extend invitations to events – it’s a well-oiled, multi-faceted marketing machine now. The development of varied applications that can integrate … [Read more...] about Social Media and Business

While computer security has been important for a number of decades, recent developments in technology and a significant increase in people using technology have made proper information security a critical need for every business. Twenty years ago, the prevalent viruses were spread through passing around diskettes and primarily caused damage to files and folders on the infected systems. Now, with the widespread adoption of the Internet and the increased use of technology in our daily lives, … [Read more...] about Information Security – Staying Safe

Time to shed some light on a new flooring product called Luxury Vinyl Plank, or LVP/LVT for short. There is a stigma with vinyl that I hope we can overcome but I want to say this: Mother Nature is still the best designer, and if you are comfortable with the maintenance and variations in natural wood and stone products, go ahead and purchase real hardwood and stone. For those who are after more function and consistency, but still want a wood or tile look, LVT/LVP can be the answer. LVT/LVP is … [Read more...] about Seeing the Beauty of Luxury Vinyl

Many people don’t know it, but Realty Executives, an international company, has local roots. It was founded in 1965 by a Scottsdale Realtor named Dale Rector who would recruit top performers with the best reputations, values and service. From the very beginning, the bar was set very high. People had to meet the highest ethical standards because the company’s reputation would be built on every transaction. Today, Realty Executives has offices in every corner of the globe. But none are more … [Read more...] about Realty Executives Roots

Wireless devices are clearly changing our day-to-day functions. With ease, we connect through networks at home, work and play through our smartphones and tablets. With this growth in mobile technology, it seems worthwhile to ask: How soon will it be before these mobile devices transform our activities in our place of work? An article in Forbes reported that 87 percent of sales for connected devices will be tablets and smartphones in the next four years. It was predicted in 2011 by Microsoft … [Read more...] about Mobile Devices Changing Business