Many have set sail into the wild blue yonder in search of Paradise. This Paradise is defined as the “I am my own boss” world of home based business ownership. The landscape is dotted with the left-over carcasses of men and women who have tried and failed in this endeavor.Studies and statistics show that nearly 97% of all home based business fail. These 3 simple must haves will help you to avoid the traps and navigate your ship through the often stormy waters of home based business ownership.1) A Game Plan! This is probably something that falls into the “no brainer” category, but far too often we see and hear of people who are starting their home business but haven’t got a clue as to where or how to start. Not only do we need to know where we want to go but it would be wise for us to examine the details of how to get there. We should also carefully consider the costs associated with our new venture as well.2) The second thing every successful home based business owner must have is a DMO or Daily Method of Operation. Without this vital daily action plan we, will find ourselves wasting time and effort doing things that are non productive. Even small home business owners would do well to examine what some large production and or manufacturing companies do on a daily basis. Many have processes in place that help to drive results and eliminate unnecessary wasted effort. Remember, you’re in business to make money and not waste time and energy.3) The third thing that every home business owner must have is a good computer and at least a general working knowledge of how to use it. The days of paper applications and processes are long gone. Many files and old paper processes have been replaced with computers and various computer programs. No longer is the standard letter typed on a typewriter and mailed. Much of our communication is handled through email. The person who does not have a computer and have it in use is far behind the competition. This may seem basic to many, but there are still some people with an entrepreneurial spirit burning within that are not using the tools that can help them to be successful. A good computer in today’s business environment is as much a necessary tool as a good set of wrenches to a mechanic. Not only does the good mechanic have a functional set of wrenches but even the mechanic is using the computer to find valuable information for his trade on the internet.a) In addition to a good computer it would be good advice to get an internet connection and have the world at your fingertips through the world wide web.While there are an infinite number of things that the successful home based business owner should have, just paying attention to some of the basics will give you a foundation with which to build upon.

You have finally started your home based business. Your success will depend on several factors no doubt but unfortunately one aspect that is often overlooked or neglected is to give a professional look to your home based business. Some entrepreneurs neglect this aspect knowingly thinking that it is a waste of time and money. There are others who neglect this aspect because of cash flow problems. Whatever your problems, it is extremely important that your business projects a professional image to your customers, competitors and to your well-wishers. More so if you have to meet your customers and clients regularly in your home office.1. Professional looking Home Office.The first step to make your home based business look professional is to have a good home office. You have to designate a room, a section of the house or even the garage for this purpose. Create a good working environment, choosing the proper colors for the walls. Equip your home office with essential furniture, equipment and fixtures to start with. You will require items such as, a table, two chairs, telephone, filing cabinet, computer, printer, trays and a table lamp.2. Project a Bigger Image of Your Business.Though all these equipments are necessary for your day to day work it is also important to impress your visitors. The first impression is the best impression. Your clients should get the impression that they are dealing with someone who is organized, knows his or her business and doing well. Your conversations with your clients should also convince them that your home based business is much larger and prosperous than what it appears to be.3. Business Website.Today with the development of the Internet and the availability of the computer in most homes, the website has become a necessity. A website can make your business appear big, professional and organized. With an attractive and informative website you can make your home business appear as big as or bigger than your million dollar competitors. You can give detailed information about your home business, your products, any specials and discounts available from time to time.4. Business Cards.Quite often most of us have made use of other peoples’ business cards to look for addresses or phone numbers but we do not have one of our own. Entrepreneurs new to business do not realize how effective a business card can be. A business card projects professionalism, your business image and credibility. They become very handy to promote your home business in seminars, conferences, trade fairs, and other functions.5. Stationary.Make your envelope and letterhead look professional with your logo and address printed attractively. Print the URL of your website, address and phone number on all printed material that goes out of your business. All this add up to give your business a professional look while at the same time promoting your business.6. Avoid Interference by Family members.One of the major problems faced by home based business entrepreneurs is family members popping in and out of their home office thus distracting them from their work. This must be discouraged right from the beginning. Customers and other businessmen who come to discuss business matters dislike this interference. This makes your business appear cheap and ordinary.Conclusion.The above mentioned ideas will help you to project a professional image for your home based business. The more professional you appear, the more confident your customers and clients will be in doing business with you.

While dealing with property, you are often in a dilemma, deciding whether or not hiring a property manager would benefit you. Your need for a property manager could depend on a lot of factors; the distance from your property, if you’re a first time property investor, or your inability to deal with tenants. The reason could be anything. If you are caught up in a similar situation and are wondering if you should hire a manager or not, here are 5 factors that will help you with your decision.

1. Distance Between Your Residence and Your Property

If your property is miles away from the place where you reside, hiring a property manager might be a good idea. Handling tenant complaints, quickly responding to emergencies, taking care of maintenance issues, and even making sure you collect rent on time, would be a rather tedious task if you lived far away. In such situations, it is best to take the help of someone who is equipped to handle this for you.

2. Your Experience Before Hiring a Project Manager

As a first-time property investor, chances are that you might commit a few blunders that may lead to the demise of your investment. If property management is a new concept to you, then, hiring an experienced manager will definitely benefit you. They will act as guides and mentors, and will help you get a better understanding of your property.

3. Ask Yourself If You Have Time to Manage Your Property

Handling a property can be stressful if you have a full-time job at hand. Managing your property and giving it the attention it requires is a very crucial part of property management. If you cannot give your undivided attention to the property, hiring a property manager would be a good option for you.

4. Your Ability to Deal With Tenants

How good are you at handling complaints and maintenance issues? If the very thought of it stresses you out, then you should probably hire a manager. They know the knack of handling such issues in a professional manner, thus making your work easier.

5. How Many Units Do You Own?

If you happen to invest in too many properties at once, then handling them by yourself will take up a lot of your time. You will be burdened with a lot of responsibilities. The more number of tenants you have, the more complaints and maintenance issues you will have to address. In such circumstances, hiring a property manager will prove beneficial as they will be able to handle your properties more efficiently.

If husband and wife own real estate in Rhode Island and are getting divorced and have no minor children then there are many possible dispositions concerning the marital domicile.

The parties agree to sell the property

There may be negotiations during the Rhode Island (RI) Divorce concerning one spouse buying out their husband or wife’s share in the property. The parties can agree to a single appraisal or hire their own appraisors. Some parties simply agree to the fair market value and do not need an appraisal. If husband and wife’s appraisals are different then they can negotiate the fair market value of the property. After determining the fair market value of the property, the parties should look at all mortgages owed and determine the equity of the property. The equity in the property is the difference between the fair market value and all liens and mortgages. This article only pertains to divorce and family law in Rhode Island (RI).

The equity in the property will determine what amount the person who is refinancing should pay the other party to buy out their equitable share. At the refinance closing, husband or wife may deed the property by quitclaim deed. Upon transfer of the deed, the spouse will receive their agreed upon share of the marital equity.

If the parties cannot reach an agreement and there are no children, the property will probably be ordered to be sold at the Rhode Island divorce trial.

In some cases, one spouse may agree to take less then half of the equity in the property. This could be done for numerous reasons including: disparity in earning capacity, admissions of an affair or infidelity, offsets from other assets etc.

Parties may also agree to a multitude of different scenarios which might include one party living in the marital domicile and refinancing in the future to buy out the other party’s share. This usually involves the party who remains in the house granting a mortgage to the other spouse.

There is really no limit to the types of agreements that parties can reach and it is possible that the parties could trade off assets in which one spouse receives a different asset such as a retirement account in exchange for the other party obtaining title to the real estate. Be careful because there may be federal tax implications to such tradeoffs!

This can get tricky because a transfer of the property without a current refinance will not take the person who deeded the property name off of the mortgage and promissory note.The person who deeded the property without refinance must make sure that the other party actually pays the mortgage, taxes and insurance on a timely basis otherwise their credit could be effected.

You should seek legal counsel from a Rhode Island (RI) divorce and family law Lawyer / Attorney concerning all of the possible scenarios.

Division of the marital domicile when parties have minor children.

If both parties agree that one spouse should reside in the marital domicile with the minor child / children they can agree to a deferred sale of the property. The person who is not living in the house with the children often receives a mortgage to secure the rights to receive money in the future.

If the parties cannot resolve this issue the court will determine whether or not it is in the best interest of the minor children to defer the sale of the marital domicile. The court must look at whether or not the parent who is residing in the marital domicile can afford the mortgage, taxes, insurance and upkeep taking into account any child support, alimony or income that the person receives. The RI family Court must also determine how long the sale of the house should be deferred in the best interest of the children.

If the parties cannot determine issues of child custody, visitation and physical placement then the issues become a lot more confusing.

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility:

The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer/ attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice.

David Slepkow is a Rhode Island lawyer/ attorney concentrating in divorce, family law, restraining orders, child support, custody and visitation. David Slepkow has been practicing for over 12 years and is licensed in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Federal Court. Free initial consultations. Credit Cards Accepted.