Finding the right property management services for landlords. A good letting agency should….

Finding the right property management services for landlords. A good letting agency should….

For the private landlord, managing a property can be a busy and demanding job. Advertising the property, arranging viewings, organising the necessary agreements, carrying out inspections, and maintenance all takes time and that’s not even including finding the right tenant that you can trust to treat the your property with respect. And with many landlords also working another part or full time job, managing a property can become a full time job in itself. It is for this reason that many landlords with a flat to let choose to use a letting agency to manage their property. They take the weight off the landlord and take responsibility for the management and letting of the property.

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In any area of Britain you will find several letting agents of varying sizes offering what appears to be similar services. The reality of this is that like most service providers there are some who agents simply stand above the rest in terms of quality service, cost, value for money and how efficiently they manage your property. Using a letting agency can be truly rewarding for a landlord if you choose the right one. Here are some good pointers and services to look for in choosing the correct letting agency for the management of your property:

Letting Services

When you have a property to let, the level of customer service offered, patience and understanding by the letting agent should be exceptional. They should be willing to help with any enquiry you have and should not put pressure or time limits on you. They must understand the importance of finding the correct tenant for your property that will respect it. They should not seem overly keen to simply fill the space.

Property Management Costs

In property management there are sometimes hidden costs which is why you should get a breakdown of exactly what you the costs are. Good letting agents should be upfront and honest about their costs. Generally there is a one off fee for the property management service then the company will take a percentage of the monthly rent of the property. These can vary but you should assess the fee against the level of service you will receive.

Website and Properties

A good letting company who are serious and professional about property management should really have their own website. This allows your property to be seen by a much larger audience. It should be used to explain fully the landlord and tenant services the agent offers, information on prices and a full list of their current properties, featuring a full description, details and professional photos to compliment it. The usability, efficiency and design of a letting agent site will tell you a lot about the company itself.

Full property management service or advertising only

With a full property management service landlords should look for some or all of the following: online advertising of your property on major websites such as Lettingweb, Rightmove or the major lettings portals that service your area; arrange property signboards and viewings; carry out credit checks and references; manage tenancy agreements, collection of rent and inspections; and provide contact for maintenance and repairs.

A good letting agent will also offer an advertising only service which for a one of fee allows the landlord to manage their own property but have it advertised on major websites. The landlord could not do this on their own as advertising on these sites is reserved for agencies.

I am a landlord in Glasgow who owns a flat in the West End. I have used various letting agencies in the past with mixed success, but recently I came across a Glasgow letting agency online called You Let. You Let are based in Hope Street, Glasgow but I believe they have other branches in Cambridge, Ely and possibly elsewhere. I would recommend them to any landlord who wish to let out their property as the professionalism and honesty of their service has been great from the start. Their full property management service rate is 9.75% of the monthly rent and a one of fee of £79.95. They placed my property on LettingwebArticle Submission, Rightmove and their own site and I had my flat let out in under two weeks. I think they also have an advertising only service.

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Do You Know What Certified Financial Planners Give You?

Are you looking for some solid investment advise from certified financial planners. Are you just starting out in your career? This is the best time to get some financial direction. Maybe you want retirement investments. Read on to get information on investment advice.

Certified financial planners are professionals who practice expertise in the field of finances. They can help you solve personal and business financial issues and assistance through proper planning. The areas in which a certified financial planner cover includes cash flow management, education planning, retirement planning, investment planning, and risk management.

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In risk management and insurance planning, you will be given help in managing risks in cash flow through sound risk management and insurance techniques. In retirement planning, you can expect to have financial independence at retirement including the IRAs and 401Ks.

Tax planning involves the plan for reducing tax liabilities and to free up the cash flows for other purposes. You will also enjoy assistance in relationship management and understand the core needs of certain clients. If you have kids or planning to have kids, you can plan ahead for their education.

Certified financial planners can also help you with your insurance planning, tax planning, estate planning and business succession planning. In carrying out the function of planning, these financial professionals are guided by the financial planning process to create a financial plan.

A financial plan is a strategy with complete details styled after your specific circumstance, condition and business requirements. Having a financial plan helps you have a direction and meaning to your financial decisions.

If you are looking for financial investments, an investment financial advisor can help you a lot. He can help you make personal budgets, control expenditures, implement strategies for accumulation of wealth and set goals for savings.

Also, certified financial planners help you understand how each financial decision can affect the other areas in finance. In order to have security, a financial planner can help you adapt to life changes with more ease.

He or she may have working relationships with other Financial Advisors, Investment Managers and Mutual Fund companies, which can help you make the right decisions. In tax planning, financial professionals help you maximize tax deductions to reduce year-end tax liabilities, which may include estate planning.

To become such a professional requires extensive training and education from a college or university. A Bachelor’s degree from the field of accounting, accounting management, financial management, economics, banking and finance, and marketing is expected.

In addition, to become a certified financial planner and function as one, you may have to pass a licensure exam, even when it is not mandated by law in a State. Having a certification in financial planning enhances your credibility and marketability to your prospects, whether employers or clients.

The best results to expect from certified financial planners are many. One of them is to achieve the greatest probability of attaining financial goals within the target date. You can also expect to have a regular update on financial plans. Making intelligent financial decisions along the way is also crucial but possible with a good financial advisor.

To find good professional planner, go to the internet. You will find many experiences one that can guide through your own financial plans. Make sure to check the planner’s credentials.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

What to Expect with Laser Skin Resurfacing

In the world of skin correcting cosmetic procedures, laser skin resurfacing is relatively young, but it is one of the most effective treatments available for improving irregular skin.

It works using direct beams of light, targeting specific areas of the skin and removing irregularities layer by layer. It is a very precise procedure, and knowing how to prepare, what to expect during the procedure and how to recover will ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible.

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How to prepare for laser skin resurfacing:

First and foremost, have a thorough consultation with your cosmetic surgeon. There are several types of laser skin resurfacing – CO2 laser resurfacing, Erbium laser resurfacing and others – and depending on which kind your doctor uses, your pre-procedure instructions may vary.

If you are a smoker, expect to quit at least two weeks before your laser procedure. Smoking constricts blood vessels and decreases blood flow, offsetting some of the lasers intended effects and making it difficult to heal. Not smoking for two weeks to one month following your procedure is also recommended.

If you drink alcohol, expect to quit a few days before your laser skin resurfacing.

Many doctors will prescribe a special cream to apply daily – such as Retin-A or Solaquin) – for a few weeks prior to your laser skin treatment. These help ensure the skin is smooth, moisturized and in its healthiest condition before the procedure.

Avoid any medications containing aspirin or other forms of blood thinning agents for at least a week to ten days prior to your cosmetic treatment.

If you have cold sores, it is possible that laser resurfacing can cause flare ups. Beginning an anti-fever blister medication before the procedure – such as Zovirax or Valtrex – will help minimize your chances of an outbreak.

Also, do your prep work before going in for your laser skin resurfacing. Purchase the prescription and over the counter medications your doctor recommended. Arrange for someone to drive you home following the treatment, and make necessary arrangements with work and school. After your treatment, your main goal needs to be fast, safe recovery.

What to expect during laser skin resurfacing:

Lasabrasion is performed in an outpatient environment, but some sort of anesthesia, either general or sedation, is required. A laser is then placed over the trouble areas, and the irregular layers of skin are removed.

Most people receive laser skin resurfacing to minimize wrinkles around the eyes, nose and mouth; to reduce acne scarring; or to lessen the appearance of other irregularities, such as sun spots, age spots, scars or freckles.

Directly following the procedure, expect some discomfort, localized pain and swelling. The treated area will be dressed and bandaged for a few days, but expect a good deal of redness when the dressing is removed. The redness will go away, but this can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the patient.

Recovering from laser skin resurfacing:

When bandaging is removed, you will be required to care for your skin very delicately, washing it two to three times per day with doctor-recommended soaps. Pat dry, lightly; do not rub the tender skin.

You will also be required to apply a moisturizing ointment, possibly Vaseline or Crisco. It’s imperative to keep the newly exposed layers of skin well moistened during recovery.

Refrain from wearing contacts for approximately one week following laser skin resurfacing. Swelling is common, and it can make inserting and removing contact lenses difficult.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol during the initial period of recovery.

A few days following the procedure, the skin will begin to form a crust. Do not pick at or pull away the scabs. They will come off gently when the moisturizing agent is applied.

Speak with your doctor about appropriate types of makeup that can be used to camouflage the redness during the first few weeks following your lasabrasion treatment.

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Learn more about laser skin resurfacing from the Riverside Oral and Facial Surgery center. You’ll find details about pre-procedure care; and details about healing after laser skin resurfacing.

Are You Using the Right Bakeware?

Silicone

Silicone bakeware is made of a flexible material that can be used in the oven, microwave, and freezer.

Silicone bakeware does not absorb heat like other bakeware but allows heat to transfer evenly to the food. The cooking process stops immediately when food is removed from the oven, preventing additional browning of the food. Most importantly, it can withstand temperatures ranging from –40°F to 580°F.

Care: Just chuck it in the dishwasher!

Stainless Steel

Though widely available, stainless steel bakeware is not recommended because it is a poor conductor of heat, thus distributing heat unevenly.

Care: To care for stainless steel bakeware, wash with hot soapy water. You may also use a nylon scouring pad or nylon scraper for especially stubborn food.

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Stone

This kind of bakeware is made from stone fired at very high temperatures. Though stone bakeware takes a little longer than other material to heat up initially, it distributes heat evenly, retains heat and keeps food warm long after it is cooked. Most stone bakeware surfaces must be sprayed or rubbed with oil before using for the first time.

Care: Do not use soap to clean. Scrape off excess food and wash with warm water.

Tinned Steel

Tinned steel bakeware is made from sheets of steel covered with a thin coat of tin, allowing the bakeware to heat slowly and evenly. Tinned steel bakeware will darken after extended use, which may affect baking times.

Care: Take special care to prevent tinned steel bakeware from rusting. After washing in hot soapy water and drying thoroughly, place in a warm oven and dry completely. Do not use metal scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean.

SOME COMMON BAKEWARE TYPES

Baking Dish: A flat pan with straight sides. There are many sizes and depths available, but the most common size is 9 x 13 x 2 inches. Typical foods prepared in baking dishes include cakes, brownies, lasagna, potato dishes, meats, poultry, and fish.

Baking Sheet: A flat pan or sheet of metal used to bake products that are thick or stiff enough to stand on their own, such as cookies, freestanding breads, biscuits, pastries, and meringues.

Bread Pan: Rectangular and deep-walled, it is used to bake a single loaf of bread. Bread pans are typically made from aluminum, steel, glass, pottery, or stoneware. Larger loaf pans are also often used to bake meat loaf.

Brioche Pan: A type of pan or mold with fluted sides that form the base of the traditional French bread known as brioche.

Bundt Pan: A heavy-walled baking pan formed with an indented curvature and a hollow tube in the center. The heavier walls and hollow center tube allow batters to rise and bake uniformly. This pan is generally used for baking coffee cakes and sweet cakes, referred to as bundt cakes.

Cake Pan: Cake pans can be round, square, or rectangular and are available in several sizes.

Tania Penwell provides information on bakeware and other kinds of cookware for A1 Market – the site for the savvy shopper.

Article Source:

http://www.articlebiz.com/article/118678-1-are-you-using-the-right-bakeware/

Australia/2006

Contents

  • 1 January
  • 2 February
  • 3 March
  • 4 April
  • 5 May
  • 6 June
  • 7 July
  • 8 August
  • 9 September
  • 10 October
  • 11 November
  • 12 December

[edit]

San Francisco mother of 12-year-old boy who was mauled to death charged with child endangerment

Sunday, June 26, 2005

Maureen Faibish of 711 Lincoln Way San Francisco, CA was arrested on June 24, 2005 on the charge of child endangerment in the actions leading up to the death of her son, 12-year-old Nicholas Faibish, who was mauled by one or both of her two pit bull dogs, Rex 2 and Ella.

Nicholas was discovered dead in the front bedroom of her home at approximately 15:15 PDT on June 3, 2005, by his mother, who had left the house to run some errands. She had locked her son in the basement to keep him away from the dogs. “I put him down there, with a shovel on the door.”, Faibish said in a telephone interview to the San Francisco Chronicle. “He had a bunch of food. And I told him, ‘Stay down there until I come back.’ Typical Nicky, he wouldn’t listen to me.”

Faibish stated that she believes that her son had walked in when Rex 2, a male pit bull, was attempting to mate with Ella, a female pit bull who was in heat at the time. She stated that Rex 2 had been acting possessively prior to the incident. A police officer shot and killed Ella in order to gain entry to the apartment. Rex 2 was captured and removed to an animal shelter. “The police killed the wrong dog if you ask me.”, Faibish said.

An account of the Esperanza Fire from an animal rescuer

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.
This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

Saturday, December 2, 2006

As families fled their homes in the early morning hours on Thursday October 26, there was no warning. The Esperanza Fire southeast of Los Angeles and West of Palm Springs, California, had ballooned under the influence of Santa Ana winds to more than 19,000 acres as of the morning of October 27. No time to get the animals, no time for crates or even a leash. Sadly, owners left behind not only their horses, lamas, donkeys, chickens, rabbits, but also their dogs and cats.

Many of the families who did manage to evacuate their pets found themselves in the parking lot at the Fellowship in the Pass Church Red Cross Shelter where a MuttShack Animal Rescue team caught up with them.

Pam Anderson, Director of the emergency Red Cross shelter said that many people with animals had come and left.

The air was thick with smoke, and ash was raining down on the parking lot where dog owners, not able to take their dogs into the shelter were camping out in pup tents andin their cars.

Those who could afford it checked themselves into pet friendly hotels in nearby towns.

Some were prepared. Jane Garner, a small dog breeder was able to get all her animals out, and had set up her puppy runs alongside her RV in the parking lot. Others were not doing too well, having left home without as much as a leash.

The same scenario played out at the Red Cross shelter at Hemet High School. Animals were being boarded in vans, trailers and cars and small travel crates.

When MuttShack Animal Rescue arrived, a small fracas had sent several dogs off in different directions, running out of the school parking lot down busy streets necessitating an instant rescue response.

The Incident Command for the Esperanza Animals, Ramona Humane Society in San Jacinto welcomed MuttShack‘s offer to help at the shelters.

Ramona Humane Society had recently published a notice in their Newsletter about the newly passed “PETS Act”and warned owners not wait until a major disaster such as an earthquake or fireto prepare. “Be proactive to ensure that your pet will be taken care of.”

MuttShack and PetSmart Charities set up ad hoc facilities for the animals at both shelters.

The Red Cross shelter, run by Madison Burtchaell of the Orange County Red Cross was very accommodating about allowing a small emergency pet shelter adjacent to the School.

Barbara A. Fought of PetSmart Charities, an organization that works with animal welfare organizations and provide assistance in disasters, provided crates and emergency supplies.

MuttShack and Red Cross volunteers, Martin St. John, Tom Hamilton, and Steve Meissner helped assemble the crates to secure a safe environment for evacuated pets.

It was a great relief for evacuees who had camped out in the parking lot to finally leave their vehicles and relax at the shelter, setting up their cots to grab some sorely needed rest.

Firefighters and residents reported loss of wildlife and animals. The Esperanza fire burned 34 homes, consumed 40,000 acres and cost five Firefighters their lives before it was contained four days later on October 30. Firefighting operations cost nearly $10 million.

MuttShack Animal Rescue is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization active in disasters and dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and care of lost or discarded dogs, cats and other animals.

Norwegian government considers prosecuting Scientology

Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Norwegian Ministry of Health and Care Services is considering prosecuting and banning some Scientology practices, in particular the use of the Scientology personality test to sell courses. State Secretary Rigmor Aasrud said that the activities in question might be prosecuted as fraud or as violations of existing healthcare regulations. A Norwegian Member of Parliament (MP) whose daughter killed herself after taking such a test, supports the idea of prosecuting illegal practices rather than trying to ban the movement as a whole.

Also stupid or clearly false expressions must be allowed as free expressions in a democracy, as long as individuals are not harmed by the expressions. The questionable thing about the Scientology cult is, however, that their operation is harmful for individuals.

The statement was made after three journalists from the online edition of the newspaper Verdens Gang (VG) took the test. The journalists wore hidden recording devices, and did not disclose that they were journalists; VG put the recordings on its website. Scientology staff members told all three that they should buy a course to handle psychological issues. Two of the journalists filled out the 200 questions with honest answers, while the third gave answers consistent with being depressed. The “depressed” journalist was told that he should avoid traditional medicine, while one of the “normal” journalists was told that the course was her only hope for improvement unless she wanted to start taking “chemicals”.

Matthias Fosse, spokesperson for the Church of Scientology in Norway, said that the staff members in question were acting individually. He said that the Church of Scientology does not give medical advice, but that it encourages people to focus on the side effects of medications, and is critical of the “over-medication” of psychiatric patients.

Olav Gunnar Ballo, a Norwegian MP and medical doctor whose daughter Kaja suddenly killed herself after a negative experience with the Scientology test in France in March 2008, released a book about Kaja Ballo‘s life in April 2009. The book debuted on 2nd place in the Norwegian best seller list. Ballo listened to the recorded test result sessions from VG and said that he found the practice “horrible and harmful”. He told the newspaper Dagbladet that Norway could have something to learn from the current French prosecution of Scientology corporations and individuals, by prosecuting specific harmful practices rather than banning Scientology as a whole.

Matthias Fosse said that France is a far more secular society than Norway, and that France were going too far in their prosecution. He said that France has a list of 165 organizations considered to be “sects”, which not just included Scientology but also covered Baptists such as former U.S. president Bill Clinton. The list which Fosse referred to is a list from the 1995 Parliamentary Commission on Cults in France. Fosse said that the OSCE, the U.S. State Department and the UN had criticised French “violations of human rights”.

Canadian Idol top four perform

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

Last night the top four of Canadian Idol performed. Tyler Lewis, Chad Doucette, Craig Sharpe, and Eva Avila sang songs that were picked by the judges. They each performed twice in one hour. They are now awaiting Canadas vote for who should be eliminated.

When the show started the host had a quick chat with the judges:

Ben Mulroney: “What did you keep in mind when you made these selections?”
Jake Gold: “We thought let’s make them look good and at the same time challenge them.”
Ben Mulroney: “How hard was it to pick the songs for tonight?”
Sass Jordan: “We were fighting, we were yelling, we were screaming, we were singing…at the end
Ben Mulroney: “What do you think of this Top Four?”
Farley Flex: “We’ve got four distinct talents, four distinct styles and four really cool names that everybody is going to hear about next year in the music industry.”
Ben Mulroney: “Is this the time where range and versatility come into play?”
Zack Werner: “It’s all fantastic material…tonight is the night where you either put up or you Ben Mulroney.”

“When we made the selections, we thought let’s make them look good and at the same time challenge them,” said Idol judge Jake Gold at the beginning of the show.

“I was all ready to go ‘he shoots, he scores,’ but you came out really flat in the third period,” said Idol judge Zack Werner when he was judging Tyler Lewis’ first performance of the night.

The results show will be featuring a special guest performance from last year’s Top 2 competitor, Rex Goudie of Burlington, Newfoundland.

In depth: Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal controversy

Friday, May 26, 2006

Buffalo, N.Y. Hotel Proposal Controversy
Recent Developments
  • “120 year-old documents threaten development on site of Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal” — Wikinews, November 21, 2006
  • “Proposal for Buffalo, N.Y. hotel reportedly dead: parcels for sale “by owner”” — Wikinews, November 16, 2006
  • “Contract to buy properties on site of Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal extended” — Wikinews, October 2, 2006
  • “Court date “as needed” for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal” — Wikinews, August 14, 2006
  • “Preliminary hearing for lawsuit against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal rescheduled” — Wikinews, July 26, 2006
  • “Elmwood Village Hotel proposal in Buffalo, N.Y. withdrawn” — Wikinews, July 13, 2006
  • “Preliminary hearing against Buffalo, N.Y. hotel proposal delayed” — Wikinews, June 2, 2006
Original Story
  • “Hotel development proposal could displace Buffalo, NY business owners” — Wikinews, February 17, 2006

In February of 2006, the Savarino Services Construction Corp. proposed the construction of a seven million dollar hotel on Elmwood and Forest Avenues in Buffalo, New York. In order for the hotel to be built, at least five properties containing businesses and residents would have to be destroyed. It was not certain whether the properties were owned by Savarino or by the landlord Hans Mobius. The hotel was designed by Karl Frizlen of the Frizlen Group, and is planned to be a franchise of the Wyndham Hotels group.

Elmwood Avenue is known by the community as a popular shopping center, and Nancy Pollina of Don Apparel (who is “utterly against” the construction) claims it’s the only reason why students from Buffalo State College leave campus. Additionally, Michael Faust of Mondo Video said he did not want to “get kicked out of here [his video store property].”

In 1995, a Walgreens was proposed to be built on the same land, but Walgreens later withdrew its request for a variance because of pressure from the community. More recently, Pano Georgiadis tried to get the rights to demolish the Atwater House next to his restaurant on Elmwood Avenue, but was denied a permit due to the property’s historical value. He has since been an opponent to the hotel construction.

In the process of debating the hotel, it was thought that a hotel had previously existed on the proposed site, however; research done at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society had shown that no hotel had previously existed on the site.

Contents

  • 1 In depth
    • 1.1 The initial meeting
    • 1.2 Hotel redesign
    • 1.3 The second meeting and the planning board’s decision
    • 1.4 Threats of lawsuit
    • 1.5 Approval by the Common Council and Planning Board
    • 1.6 Lawsuit filed
    • 1.7 Proposal withdrawn
    • 1.8 Properties for sale
    • 1.9 Documents threaten hotel proposal, businesses on site
  • 2 Chronology
  • 3 Gallery