Archive for the ‘Economics’ Category

Inflation In China Hikes Up February of 2010

March 11th, 2010 by aclazaro

chinaThe inflation rate of China hikes higher which pressures Beijing the most to be able to maintain their position in third of the world’s largest economies. Their consumer prices have also increased by 2.7 percent in the month of February, according to a report given by the National Bureau of Statistics.

This figure went beyond the forecasted figures of renowned analysts and was greatly triggered by a 6 percent increase when it comes to food costs. This is a primary worry since deprived families spend up to around 40% of their income when it comes to food.

This inflation rise leads Beijing to center their attention on either boosting their growth or steer away from overheating. The communist leaders are trying to do this but could surely slow down the growth and affect the relationship of China to its trading partners by putting a dent on the demand for foreign goods and other industrial materials.

Photo via beta.thehindu.com

A Few Essential Tips To Remember For 2010 Real Estate Move

February 11th, 2010 by aclazaro

real estate

As 2010 begins, many home sellers should stop feeling that they are stuck in the economic rut. This is because the market for real estate is showing signs of mending. Sales activities are going up with home builders moving some inventory and values increasing in a number of US cities.

Here are a few tips for real estate homebuyers and sellers this year:

- Start searching for some down payment assistance programs. This is especially true for first time homebuyers at the legal and local levels.

- This is the best time for you to focus on home improvements. This would be perfect for a potential sale you are eyeing to offer or maybe just to ameliorate your everyday living.

- Be wiser in hiring real estate agents and inspectors. If you have a friend or a relative who is a real estate agent, then he/she is certainly a good choice in this still shaky market. You need to have someone who has a vast area of connections.

Investment Properties – What To Look For

January 22nd, 2010 by daphne reyes

Investment Properties – What To Look For

It is crucial that you make sure that you do your research before investing your money. Make sure that you will be able to earn back what you spent, and more.
1. Location – Look for rental investments in areas convenient to major employers, schools, shopping and public facilities, and transportation.
2. Price – If you hope to charge more than the cost of the monthly mortgage, insurance and taxes on the home, you should be careful to invest no more per month than the local rental market can bear. If your goal for rental income to “break even” or perhaps less as the property increases in resell value, price becomes somewhat less important.
3. Future Resale Value – Properties in growth areas can rapidly increase in value, turning your rental property into a prime resale opportunity. Investing in low growth areas can provide a steady stream of renters, without a major growth in equity.
4. Neighboring homes – One home on the block that is poorly cared for can drive down potential rental income.
5. Solid Construction – Even the best tenant will be more likely to put wear and tear on a home than a home owner. Try to find low-maintenance properties that will stand up to the wear and tear of renting.

Realty Market as of January 2010

January 20th, 2010 by daphne reyes

Realty Market as of January 2010

During the first two weeks of January, Greater Toronto REALTORS reported 1,749 existing home sales on the Multiple Listing Service. It’s almost double the 888 sales reported for the same period in 2009, when sales had dipped to a recessionary low.
“Double-digit average annual price growth will continue through the first quarter of 2010 as sales remain high relative to listings and we continue to make comparisons to last year’s winter downturn,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s Senior Manager of Market Analysis.
“We have had a strong start to 2010,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Tom Lebour. “Widespread sales growth in terms of geography and housing type indicates that many households remain confident in their ability to purchase and pay for a home over the long-term.”
The average price for transactions in the first two weeks of January was $395,307. It’s higher compared to an average of $332,495 for the same time in 2009.

Brands with a Social Purpose

January 18th, 2010 by daphne reyes

Brands with a Social Purpose

It should be about building better communities and not just building homes. It should not just be about selling a good product but about selling a product that helps the environment. According to the third annual Edelman goodpurpose Consumer Study, the survey says that despite the recession, people are spending more on products that have a social purpose. 57 % globally say that companies are earning more on products that supports a good cause. The study also shows that 83% of people switch habits just to help make the world a better place. Considerably more people (70 percent) would prefer to live in an eco-friendly house than merely a big house (30 percent), and 68 percent also now feel that it’s becoming more unacceptable not to make noticeable efforts to show concern for the environment and live a healthy lifestyle.
People are becoming more and more aware of their responsibilities socially and this cause gains for companies who are true to their intentions on helping our world a better place to live in. Money loses its value as it is more important to save the earth than save money on brands that hurts our environment.

Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman in the World

January 4th, 2010 by msj484

og mandinoThere are gazillions of books on selling and marketing strategies and how to become a highly successful sales person, but nothing beats the classics. Og Mandino, the famed author of the book “The Greatest Salesman in the World”, is a name that you’ll often hear in sales strategy seminars and conferences. His books sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and was translated to 25 languages. To say that it is selling like pancakes is an ultimate understatement.

In the pages of this highly coveted book, lies not only the things you need to do, but more importantly, the book aims to empower you, the reader, thereby, ushering you into becoming a highly successful salesman.

og mandino