All Forum Posts by: Jim S

I always offer $20,000 EMD and no inspection period. If the property is over $300,000 or if I really want it, I will offer $40,000 EMD.
I was always worried about listing a faster close date as I didn't want to be out of the running because the bank knew it couldn't make my quick close requirement.

I will try that. I always assumed from past history that the banks were just not prepared to settle any earlier than 30 days. I never do an inspection period and always pay cash. We will see if the end of the month dating works. Thanks.

Do you usually find that they can close in 10 days? I have been offering 30days lately as when I listed 20 days the bank always came back and said it was too tight.

Similar thing happened to me. We had a break in at one of our properties. They stole everything that wasn't bolted down including tools. I had an alarm system installed. We used it as a selling feature on the MLS listing. Female buyer liked it. Think the system cost about $450 installed.
On ebay, they sell a little box that emulates the look of a TV in the house. Put it on a auto timer and it will look like one of your workmen is living at the property.

Like this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DEFENDER-SECURITY-DX-H112-SIMULATOR-TV-/180866284879?pt=UK_CCTV&hash=item2a1c787d4f

You are correct that the FDA does make some questionable decisions. My wife is a physician with the FDA. She reviews adverse drug events. Drug side effect reports are created by Dr's, hospitals, individuals and lawyers etc. The FDA used to contract out the job of coding the adverse reactions to private companies who would build a database. This information was instrumental in deciding recalls. The FDA 2 years ago chose to virtually eliminate these subcontractors and now allow the pharmaceutical companies to code their own adverse reactions. A small amount are QC ed by my wife and her peers. Its a joke. A patient could die from their drug and the pharmaceutical company would not code death but some other minor issue.

There is a large difference in my profitability especially in the last 3 years in retail vs a multinational chain like Starbucks who has monster profit margins per sale on a private label product that they brand.
Not only is business down due to the economy but the federal & state govts refusal to impose a fair sales tax on internet purchases has hurt local brick and mortar stores. Why would anyone buy a product from their local store when can save up to 10% in sales tax depending on where they live?
As we watch all the Euro govt struggle in debt, we are walking down the same path. These social benefits are great as long as someone else foots the bill.

Really?? I own a family retail store and we have about 40 employees. The health care financial burden that will be dumped on me will be a serious issue for us. Plus its not too hard to have over 25 employees. You can own a business with two locations and easily exceed 25 employees. To pay the extra $$ for healthcare, we will have to lay off an existing employee. Ans that just ultimately increases my unemployment insurance rate. And BTW, we do offer a health care plan but most of my employees choose not to participate. If its not free of almost free then they don't want it.
And if its so great ...why did the President and Congress exempt themselves from it?

Interesting read
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2012/06/27/why-im-afraid-supreme-court-ruling-on-obamacare/

Also, this will throw a huge burden on small to mid size businesses to help fund this program. Wouldny be surprised if unemployment goes up as companies look to lessen the impact and a way to pay for it.

The saleman at the pro desk at my Lowes is always offering to ring up consumers. He told me it helps get his discount average down if he rings up consumers with no discount.