Thursday, March 28, 2013

7 Good Eating Habits That Can Increase Brain Function

A well-balanced diet can work wonders on various emotional and physical aspects of your life. However, many people are unaware that developing certain eating habits can increase brain function.

Here are 7 habits that can help you accomplish this.

1. Eat Enough
The body requires a certain daily caloric intake to allow even basic functions like maintaining a regular heartbeat and breathing. If not eating enough can have significant adverse effects on even your survival mechanisms, it is easy to postulate that the effects on your mental capacities will be significant.

The average human requires a minimum of 1200 calories per day. Less than this will be detrimental to your thought processes. As an added benefit, eating the right amount each day will help ensure you maintain a healthy weight.

2. Eat Foods High in Phenylalanine
The exchange of information between neurotransmitters has significant effects on your mood - and your productivity. When dopamine is released, it sends a message to the rest of your brain and body that all is well. Known as the "feel good" chemical, dopamine is released when foods high in phenylalanine like beets, eggs, and almonds are consumed.

3. Reduce your Caffeine Intake
When you're feeling sluggish, the first reaction most people have is to reach for a cup of coffee or strong tea. Unfortunately, drinking too much coffee will have the opposite intended effect on your alertness - not only do you risk becoming dependent on it to function on an average day, but once it wears off, you'll feel more tired than before you drank it. By limiting your coffee drinking to when you absolutely need it, you stave off the dependent properties of the drug and help yourself feel more alert.

4. Eat Foods High in Choline
Since new connections between neurons in your brain help improve memory, it is important to keep the process of connecting the neurons active. Foods high in choline such as cabbage and eggs will help you improve your memory. In fact, recent studies have shown that choline can even help reduce the advancement of Alzheimer's.

5. Antioxidants are Key
Free-radical damage caused by pollution in the environment can be prevented by eating foods like blueberries, edamame and garlic. Damage to brain cells can result in a limited number of new connections between neurons, resulting in a lower mental capacity overall.

6. Avoid Bad Sugars
Foods like chocolate and other candies high in sugar are known to cause a short burst of dopamine release in your brain. The negative effects of too much sugar on your weight are well-known, but the mental affects garner less attention. Once the dopamine levels have receded, you will be left feeling more sluggish and less alert, and you will likely find yourself in a foul mood as well.

7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish has been known as a brain food for decades, and it is not just myth - the presence of omega-3 fatty acids helps to improve firing processes between neurons. This results in more neurological connections being forged, and, in turn, an increase in your brain function.

To help improve important areas of your life such as work functionality and your creative processes. It is best to paired mental exercises, with these 7 good eating habits that can increase brain function and stabilize your moods. A diet full of the right nutrients can enrich your mind as well as improve your overall health.

www.HomesInTransition.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7574681

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

5 Factors to Consider Before Investing in Rental Homes

Investing in rental homes is one of the best financial decisions one can make. Being such a major investment, you should not rely entirely on your judgment alone. However, seeking the help of an agent can put you under pressure to buy a property that does not really suit you when you want to search some more. You will need to have an unbiased approach towards any property and neighborhood that is within the range of your budget. This will be determined by whether you intend to personally manage the property yourself (to be a landlord) or you intend to hire a management company because of the factor of proximity.

Here are some of the factors you will need to consider in your search for a rental property:

Neighborhoods
The location of the property determines the quality of the neighborhood, which determines the types of tenants to expect as well as how often you should expect vacancies. For instance, a property located near a university will attract tenants who are students and there will be regular vacancies during vacations.

Schools
Some of your tenants may be families with school-going children. If these are the type of tenants you want, you need to look for a place that is near a decent school. This means you will have to check the quality of the nearby school, because it will have a bearing on the value of the investment, as well as the length of time tenants live in the property. Families with school-going children are generally long-term tenants and are the great for your rental homes.

Property Taxes
You need to find out from the town's assessment office all the tax information, and also speak to other homeowners within that community to learn more. High taxes should go hand in hand with an excellent neighborhood and long-term tenants, but this does not always happen. This may affect the value of your investment.

Crime
Do your research on accurate crime statistics of the neighborhoods that you target. You can get all the information you need from the police or the public library. Vandalism rates, petty crimes, serious crimes, as well as recent activity (in terms of growth) are items to look for.

Jobs
Growing employment opportunities in locations are an attractive feature of any town. The local library can provide that information. The arrival of a major company would also mean an influx of workers in the area.

These are just a few of the factors that you need to consider if you want to invest in rental homes.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7556732

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Travel Tips with Kids

Every experience in this world teaches us something or the other, so is the case with traveling with kids. Traveling with kids can be the most wonderful moments for both kids and parents. These are the times which are going to be in their memories for their lifetime. Holidays are important for both the kids and the parents. Because this is the time when parents can teach their children how to behave in different places and adapt to various situations.


For children, these are the times when they will go to new places, meet new people and enjoy their time with their family. However, parents need to be very cautious during this time. That's because, some kids tend to become aggressive or polite because of the change in environment. Also, it is important to take care of them as it is a new place.

However there are some tips which need to be followed while traveling with kids. They are:

1. Don't give your children too much of freedom.

2. Don't bind them to restrictions either.

3. Don't advice them like "be with this child only or don't be with this kid." (No, this should never be done because these are times when they should be exposed to different kids with diverse mind sets).

4. Be careful that when you are traveling with kids, make sure they won't flaunt their costly items like video games. (Because there is a possibility that the other kid's may not be able to afford them. So there are chances of insecurity between them).

5. Do leave them with other kids too.

6. Main thing never plan the vacation after the completion of which, your child has exams or tests.

7. Always take along with you different medicines if you think it's the place very risky for your kids especially in terms of weather.

8. While traveling with kids don't just be talking to your partner. Be talking to them as well.

9. If by chance your kid makes a mistake don't scold him/her very badly in front of everybody. (The kid might take it as an insult.)

10. Be careful about the snacks which you buy during the travel. (Because the oil/ ingredients of other area may not be suitable for your kid to take in. So it's always better to take homemade food or purchase from place which suits your kid the best.) After all, health is wealth.

11. Always be careful about the deadlines while traveling with kids. (If the situation demands your kid to be in the school on 24th. Be back to your place on 21st or 22nd).

12. While travelling do keep taking rests from the regular driving and allow your kids some rest too.

13. Educate your child about the place that you are going to and even about the route which you are taking for the travel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7540719

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Testimonial from Carolyn Ward (Chocolate Properties Realty)

Goodness, Tom, I intended to write you a long time ago!
 

First of all, I want to put into writing how very pleased we are with your services! The caregivers at our property are incredible. Their furniture shows off the property perfectly and it has NEVER been so clean. It is a pleasure to show and now it shows to its very best advantage. Before every flaw was very apparent.
 


Now, the crucial first impression is overwhelmingly positive and when the flaws do get noticed, they are minimized by the beautiful staging. And it is so easy to make appointments, they are always able to accommodate!

Carolyn (Owner, Chocolate Properties Realty)
www.chocolateproperties.com

Friday, March 15, 2013

2 Vista de Santa Fe (Sandia Park, New Mexico)

This sophisticated FRENCH  CONTEMPORARY w/ a bit of whimsy is NOT a typical home. Its architecture gives it great character & style w/ a European influence beautifully integrated. It features thick wall ICF const, a delightful chef's kitchen, lots of high-lacquer cabinets, top appliances, French doors to patios, & a 3-car garage w/ storage. Outdoor living incl amazing VIEWS, Italian fountains, gazebo, concrete benches, + a greenhouse & garden beds. REC w/ large down considered. Unique & gorgeous!

Square feet: 3,386 
(UNFURNISHED)



This is a Caretaker Property. To learn more about becoming a Caretaker, please visit our website caretaker page at:
http://www.homesintransition.com/WEB3.0/pages/caretakers.html

The house is currently on the market, but its seller is looking for Caretakers to stage this home while it is for sale..

Join the Homes In Transition Caretaker Program and live in this beautiful home for only $680/monthly plus utilities & HOA!

If you are over the age of 25 then we have a great opportunity for you! We are happy to speak with you but please take the time to visit our website where you will learn all of the details about our program. Then feel free to give us a call and we will go over your particular situation. Thanks in advance!

http://www.homesintransition.com

To learn more about this opportunity to live in a home for $680/monthly plus utilities & HOA, call the HIT HOTLINE at 505-750-9500!

Many homes are listed for an extended length of time and need someone to live in and care for them. This is a exceptional opportunity to live in and care for this home for a fraction of the cost!

There will be some conditions you will need to follow as this home is listed for sale, hence the drastic discount. There is a $45 per person application fee for all residents over 18.

This is a week to week arrangement (average 6-7 months). If you have clean living habits, are somewhat flexible, and have nice furniture please visit our website today: http://www.homesintransition.com/

... Our homes go quickly so visit us today!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Things To Consider Before Renting Out Your Home

There are a number of circumstances in which you may find yourself owning a house which you no longer wish to dwell in. Perhaps you've moved in with a partner. Perhaps you've inherited a property. Perhaps your work has taken you to a new part of the country and you're not ready to sell or the market is slow and you don't want your house to sit empty. However, it is not as simple as putting an ad in the newspaper and watching the rent roll in every week.

Firstly, you must determine if you are prepared for the reality of seeing renting out your home as a business. If you are nervous about strangers moving into your home or ill-prepared for the financial realities of being a landlord it can be an expensive and stressful exercise.

You need to consider the cost of any repairs or tasks that will need doing before the house is fit to rent. If a window takes a firm shove to open, you can guarantee one shove too many will leave you with a repair bill. No one is going to be as concerned about the maintenance of your home as you are, so it is in your best interests to ensure there are not any little problems which could grow into big ones. It is a good idea to work out a budget (best case and worst case) so you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.

You will also need to check out insurance, tenancy agreements, procedures for lodging bonds and establish a separate account for rent to be paid into. It is important to talk to your bank as the terms of mortgages are different for rental properties than for private dwellings.

A major decision will be whether you intend to manage the property yourself, or employ the services of a professional property manager. Although there are costs associated with hiring someone to manage your property for you, it goes a long way to ensuring all your legal obligations are met and that issues like urgent repairs and rent arrears are dealt with promptly. A major consideration is screening prospective tenants: gut feelings and likeable personalities are no substitute for credit checks and references. It does cost to have your tenants screened, but is generally worthwhile in the long run. If things do go wrong, a property manager is able to be a professional third party to deal with eviction procedures and bond disputes.

If your house has a good level of equity, is in good condition and is low maintenance and is also in an area where there is reasonable demand for rental properties, renting out your home can make great financial sense.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7524755

Friday, March 8, 2013

Homes In Transition for Property Owners (Part 4)

Homes In Transition really is the solution to help you sell your vacant house.
 

Still not convinced?
  • Did you know. . .The vast majority of homeowner insurance policies become void or greatly reduce coverage if your house is vacant for more than 14 days in most cases. in fact, the vast majority of Insurance Underwriting Guidelines DO NOT permit agents to submit applications for coverage on vacant, unoccupied property, or for property that is up for sale
  • Did you know. . . In 2011 HIT Caretaker Occupied Houses averaged a 49% faster sale with 23% more money at closing? These are not numbers we created on one or two houses. This was based on the sale of over 65 houses from our program year to date.
  • Did you know. . . Because the average property is losing 1% of its value per month in addition to the cost to maintain utilities, upkeep and provide the same level of security, marketability and insurability HIT can provide, there is no better time to sell your house than TODAY!
  • Did you know. . .That after the average maintenance and repair costs, the net return on a rental house in our current market, declining on average 1% per month, is nearly break even or worse while putting your biggest investment at risk.
  • Did you know . . . HIT has an A+ BBB rating which continues to exceed any property management company in the area.
  • Did you know. . . your broker is more interested in selling your house for which they earn a commission than managing the many issues your vacant property creates for which they earn NO COMMISION. You hired the best to sell your house, not manage it while it sits vacant. Placing your vacant house in the HIT program is the only way to be sure it will receive a breath of life while on the market for sale.
  • Did you know there is a big difference between renting, staging and having your vacant house HIT Caretaker Occupied. We'll be happy to show you the difference and let you be the judge. Simply call our office and ask for the HIT Caretaker Comparison.

Click the video below to see what we can do for you




www.HomesInTransition.com

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Homes In Transition for Property Owners (Part 3)

Brokers like to show Caretaker Occupied houses

It's no secret, Brokers appreciate showing houses that are safe, comfortable and those that create the least amount of issues for their buyers. Showing Caretaker Occupied houses is easy since they remain on lockbox and our Caretakers accommodate the marketing and selling processes. Brokers don't like showing rentals because tenants are there for the long haul and don't accommodate showings. 

Brokers would much rather show an occupied house or maybe even a staged house before they showed a vacant house because a buyer can see more clearly what they are buying and how it will fit their needs. Buyers appreciate knowing the heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical systems are fully functional - you can't tell in a vacant house! Think about it, there are many popular programs that demonstrate "How To Get Your House Sold". These programs are successful because they help. 

Unfortunately not everyone can do it themselves. That's what Homes In Transition is all about, we can do it for you at little or no cost! Homes In Transition breathes life into vacant houses and we can do the same for yours!

NOW is the best time to act! 

To place your house in the HIT program requires a completed Property enrollment package. While we work to make this requirement an easy online process, the fastest way to get your Property Enrollment Package is to come by your local office or Contact Us

You can request a Property Enrollment Package by sending us an email request to Info@HomesInTransition.com. Please include your phone number, and property address.

Homes In Transition really is the solution to help you sell your vacant house. 

www.HomesInTransition.com