Appointments – Manage Your Time Better At Home to Be Effective

What would happen to you if your home life was more organized than it is right now? Can work-life balance be achieved? What are the tools at our disposal? Could scheduling appointments and keeping them at home help us save time and prioritize?

What is the challenge we face? I sometimes find that time spent at home can be the busiest time, especially in the times we live in. Imagine someone working from home, home-schooling children, and sometimes even doing a side hustle. Imagine also the full-time home-based entrepreneur. How do they manage to do all they need to do in a day?. We are living in a time when many entrepreneurs and even company employees have adopted work- at – home culture. This comes with its challenges as the lines become blurred between home and work. These blurred lines and constraints on the limited resource called time result in over-worked, under-rested, burnt-out individuals. Whilst good time management has been encouraged and indeed, embraced in the workplace, I believe more needs to be done in changing the mindset for the elusive work-life balance to be achieved.

What are the tools at our disposal? To manage time effectively at home, there are many interventions one can employ including setting goals for the day, prioritizing wisely, setting a time limit for every task, organizing oneself, and instituting the discipline of appointments. Yes, an appointment at home! We can spend time pontificating on the pros and cons of each intervention, however, I believe we need to focus on appointments and see how this can powerfully change the course of one’s day regardless of whether it’s a workday or weekend. Life is busy as it is without any intrusions. The question is how do you handle the one who announces that they are at the gate. These can be friends, neighbors, a salesman of some product you do not even need. I am not promoting regimentation here but rather a culture of filling your day with what’s important. Everything that we succeed at is because we carefully plan and execute it. I am a firm believer that you cannot manage time if you do not manage yourself thus I implore you to incorporate planning and appointments into your repertoire. I am not talking about something I do not do. I have to achieve many things in a day therefore I set appointments with my work, others, and myself.

Could scheduling appointments and keeping them on the home front help us save time and prioritize? Whereas we have established that it is a normal business practice to set appointments and keep them, we need to abandon the liberal open-door policy of allowing all and sundry to have access to us as and when they please on the home front. Please understand where I am coming from. We each have greatness within us but for us to achieve it we need to culture great habits. Employing the use of appointments at home and seeing only those people you had agreed to see removes non-essential encounters especially during the most productive hours. I know this will vary with culture, geographical region, or even level of affluence, whether you live in a low density or high-density residential area, but doesn’t negate the need to be organized and effective. Controlling access determines how organized you are and how well you will work and rest when the time for scheduled rest comes.

What do we need to do differently? We need to be disciplined and diligent, learn to say no, now is not a good time, let’s make an appointment for next week. What are the benefits of this approach? You are not always fire-fighting to meet deadlines, You are not always tired because you have not taken time out to rest. You have set aside enough time to spend with your loved ones or a loved one. If you are a busy person, I am sure you appreciate what I am saying. Whether it’s time to work uninterrupted, family time, or “me-time”, it takes some kind of order to enjoy it.

I am not saying that those that come unannounced are bad people. No, not at all, they probably are people you enjoy spending time with. Nevertheless, there must be prior communication so that you can attend to your visitor(s) when it is convenient for both you and them. It can be quite disrupting and a whole day can just pass by without achieving anything that you had planned to do.

As we grow older we begin to appreciate that rest and recovery need to be scheduled. The fact that I am relaxing doesn’t mean that I don’t have anything to do. One therefore cannot assume that just because you are at home you are available. Maybe you have scheduled that time to rest. That is important. You need to make an appointment with yourself, spouses need to also set aside time for each other. Parents need to schedule a time to spend with their children. When you have some sort of order in your life you determine who sees you and who you see. It also means that your relationships will be healthy and that makes you a happier person.

In conclusion, I believe that the work-life balance can be achieved. There are many tools at our disposal just like it is in the workplace.I believe we could do more and be happier if we are disciplined enough to make only the commitments we can keep.I am certain that setting appointments and keeping them at home help us save time and prioritize.

Real Estate Investment Companies

Real estate investment companies acts as brokers and represents both buyers and sellers and create ideal opportunities for real estate investors. They represent clients in the sale, purchase, exchange and the finance of the real estate investment. Real estate investment companies are ideal for individual investors who want to take advantage of the real estate market but are unable to spend time on it. Most companies give personal attention and due importance to individual investors as they are their primary and most crucial segment of business.

The real estate investment companies deal with active brokers, a wide variety of investors, vendors, consultants and governmental agencies. Individuals can avoid many dangers associated with real estate investment by investing through companies as most companies employ personals that are trained to handle the pressure situations that often crop up in real estate investment. The investors who see the market clearly and make decisions based on the best evidence would get much profit from the real estate investment company. The investors can achieve the financial security and freedom which enables them to pursue other involvements.

Acquisitions, property management, due diligence, redevelopment, leasing, debt analysis and procurement, tax documentation, disposition analysis and detailed monthly reporting are some of the important services provided by real estate investment companies. Real estate investment companies are also referred as Real estate investment trust (REIT). Real estate investment companies have special federal tax treatment and must comply with certain tax requirements. There is a slight difference between Real estate investment companies and real estate investment trusts. For a company to become a real estate investment trust, it should share out 90 percent or more of its taxable income to its shareholders once in a year.

Before selecting a particular company, look whether they are registered under proper acts. Get as much information on a company from as many sources you can.

Large Dogs in Small Apartments

As the mom of a 75 lb Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, I’m constantly hearing about how big my dog is. To me, he’s just “Cooper,” a part of my family, and will be moving with me regardless of where I land. Then we moved from a town requiring a 45-minute commute to get work done (hello carbon emissions) to a swanky new apartment in an exciting suburban city, Birmingham, MI.

This meant our big space became a small (albeit gorgeous) space. With this move, Cooper’s backyard was nixed for a bit of a new lifestyle. I’ve compiled six must-do’s for keeping our big dogs happy and healthy even in the smallest abodes!

  1. Make the small walks with your dog count. Getting the mail is an opportunity to stretch. In fact, take the long route. Think of it the same way you might a store-park in the back and get the extra steps in.
  2. Give your dog (or her) his own space. Even his small bed is a place to call his own. It’ll make him feel more at home.
  3. Chose an apartment complex with a courtyard. City life doesn’t often offer a backyard or park across the street. Even if it did, you wouldn’t be as inclined to visit as you would if it were literally outside of your door. I chose an apartment complex with an almost completely enclosed courtyard, which allows Cooper running space to fetch a ball. (Thankfully Cooper’s recall trained. Never let an unleashed dog run without this critical skill.)
  4. Chose a first floor apartment. Early mornings are early. Don’t fool yourself. Keep slippers by the door and eliminate falling down stairs before breakfast.
  5. Play tug. Tug games don’t require much space and can wear your big dog out without giving you frostbite (or sunburn if you’re not here in the North).
  6. Keep chewies around. Though there’s some controversy regarding rawhides, makes sure to keep the chewable toys around for restless moments. You’ll avoid losing your favorite shoes and keep your dog-human relationship happier.

Real Estate Schools

When a person is looking for the right living or office space, but does not know how to go about the buying process, then a real estate broker or agent is the person to approach. These professionals not only help a buyer find and select the right property, but also get some of the best deals for their customers. Today, careers in the real estate industry are highly rewarding. Hence, the importance of real estate schools arises.

Aspiring real estate agents are offered real estate pre-license, post-license and continuing education courses in the classroom. They are also provided with online courses. There are various schools that pass knowledge in this faculty. Conveniently located in various states, these schools have been training real estate professionals for more than 20 years. They help a majority of students obtain real estate licenses.

Online real estate courses offered are also second to none. Students are offered online sales associate pre-licensing and online post-licensing courses, with a wide variety of supplemental material to help students pass the real estate exam. Real estate schools offer thorough training to the candidates, making sure they will be prepared the day of their exams.

It is said that choosing the best real estate school can be a tough decision. There is an eligibility criterion that needs to be fulfilled in order to apply for the real estate license. To begin with, the student must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. In order to apply, a candidate needs to submit application to the Division of Real Estate with the appropriate fee. He must also complete and pass the state approved 63-hour sales associate pre-license course.

Real estate schools have grown in popularity over the years. Most of what is taught in real estate pre-license classes, courses, and training is designed to help the student know what is required to be a qualified licensed real estate professional. In addition to this, one needs good communication and persuasion skills to make a successful career in real estate.

Austin Luxury Apartments

Rich in natural beauty, Austin is a popular tourist destination and a great place to live. It offers a wide selection of economical to expensive luxury apartments for rent, lease, and sale in a variety of neighborhoods.

Set against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes with hill views, the condominiums, town homes, and duplex luxury apartments are designed to meet varying lifestyles and tastes. Austin luxury apartments engage twenty-first century concepts, spacious floor plans, and an ecologically compatible environment to foster physical, mental, and spiritual well being. Every apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, unique living space, and spacious dining area. Some have Berber carpet, a Roman soaking tub, Texas-size walk-in closets, built-in bookshelves and desks, washer/dryer connections, a utility room, and French patio doors leading to a private garden or balcony.

Common facilities include a sports park and clubhouse with lighted tennis and volleyball courts; professional, multi-level putting greens, big-screen TV and billiards room; computer and Internet access; fitness center with aerobics classes; indoor and outdoor games; parking spaces; a swimming pool and spa. Celebrations such as birthdays or anniversaries, business meetings, and conferences may also be held.

Many Austin luxury apartments have a serene atmosphere, ideal for senior citizens. Independent living and assisted-living luxury apartments are also available. Independent gated villages are interconnected with a series of greenbelts, parks, and lit pathways as well as hike and bike trails.

Information about Austin luxury apartments may be obtained from professional apartment locators, realtors, or real estate agents. Many online sites also assist in buying, leasing, and renting apartments.

Atlanta Apartment Buildings

A self contained housing unit that occupies only a part of a building is known as an apartment in the US. A similar housing unit in the UK would be referred to as a flat. Some apartment dwellers own their apartments while some people choose to rent the apartment. Apartments are of various types. The smallest ones are referred to as studios that mainly consist of one large room with an attached bathroom and a small kitchen that is incorporated into the large room. There are one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well, and even in rare cases, a four-bedroom apartment. Typical features common to all apartment buildings are buzzers for individual units, separate mailboxes, and appliances.

The availability of facilities like cable television, a telephone connection, air conditioners, storage space, parking space and the like will determine the rental rates.

If you are out apartment hunting in Atlanta, the main areas that you will be looking at can be classified as Central Atlanta, East Atlanta, Far East, Far Northwest, Far West, North Atlanta, Northwest Atlanta, South Atlanta, Southeast Atlanta, Southwest Atlanta and West Atlanta. Eleven zones in all.

A few of the well known apartment buildings in Atlanta are Alexan Leiox on East Paces Ferry Road, Gables Paces Northside Parkway Northwest, Oakwood Atlanta West Peachtree Street NW, Post Renaissance Central Park Place, Post Peachtree Hills Peachtree Hills Avenue to name a few.

While evaluating an apartment one should keep in mind one’s requirements and compare it with available facilities. If the apartment is to be shared it would be advisable to have an adequate number of rooms in addition to the common areas like the kitchen and living room. Other features to be evaluated would be air conditioning (if available, as well as how much it will cost to run it), appliances like a stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer units and the like. The community features offered in apartment buildings like a clubhouse, gym, fitness center, elevator, business center, garage, parking space, health facilities, laundry, pool, and other amenities will influence the price of the apartment.

Affordable Rental Apartment

One important consideration while shifting to a new apartment is to care about your security arrangements. Less attention to your safety can put you in a big trouble that can also cost your life and such risk is too big to take for your family. Even you desire to give your kids a secured atmosphere where they can spend a quality time before they move to their universities. Hence, it is in your hands to give a comfortable and luxurious life to your kids and family.

If you are planning to buy or rent an apartment, you can find out an affordable and burglary-proof apartment in New Port Richey. To find such apartment, all it takes is a little research on your part, to make your family and your possessions safe.

If you haven’t moved to an apartment, you can research different apartments within your preferred location. Your search shouldn’t be restricted to your apartment but it should cover the neighborhood areas to be sure that you are not moving to a high crime zone. This can be revealed by finding the local crime rates and incidents of break-ins.

It is essential to take precautions by those who have already moved in a rental apartment. You can start taking precautions to make sure that you are living in a secured apartment. You can protect yourself by having blinds and curtains to cover your large windows but do remember that you don’t leave them open while you move out of your apartment.

There are many other common sense precautions that you can take to protect your apartment. So, be alert and be cautious while signing a rental apartment for your family.

Downtown Atlanta Apartments

Downtown apartments in Atlanta are a recent addition to the downtown area’s lodging options. Downtown Atlanta, the central business district of the city of Atlanta, maintains furnished and unfurnished apartments that are convenient for business travelers, relocated employees, and those in a transit stage of building a house.

For many years, downtown Atlanta was only a business center. The Summer Olympics in 1996, and the major revitalization campaigns have imparted a modern look to this region. Downtown Atlanta has undergone many renovations and modifications to maintain its attractiveness. Many housing facilities were added in the consecutive years, and it has become the location for a number of skyscraper apartments.

Downtown apartments are specifically designed to support the city’s new retail businesses and cultural ventures, and they add style and elegance to the streets. Almost all apartments are located close to deluxe hotels and state-of-the-art conference centers. Luxury apartments are recent additions to this downtown area. Apartments catering to individual preferences such as price, location, nearby school districts, nearby shopping areas, restaurants, churches, pools, and exercise facilities can be selected.

Apartments are built in garden-style and town-home floor plans, with attractive facilities and amenities. Furnished and luxurious apartments are equipped with facilities such as air conditioning, balconies, fireplaces, and high-speed internet.

Rental apartments are accommodation options fit for any budget and lifestyle. Studies reveal that the market for downtown apartments has increased in recent months, with more people opting to stay in apartments rather than individual houses.

Downtown has both new and renovated apartments for rent and for sale. You can select from private or public-private partnership apartments, which are available with varying sizes and rental rates. Centennial Place, City Plaza, and Lofts at Muses are some of the downtown Atlanta apartments.

Downtown Austin Apartments

Austin, the state capital of the state of Texas, is located in central Texas. The city culture is a unique blend of small town values and metropolitan entertainment. Austin has a many neighborhoods, namely North Austin, Northeast Austin, Northwest Austin, North Central Austin, Downtown Austin, South Central Austin, South West, West Austin, and South Austin, and each of these localities is unique on its own.

Downtown Austin is one of the busiest parts of Austin. During the day, the downtown area witnesses a bout of business. In the evenings, the nightlife begins with music and fun. This area is famous for its live music, bars, and eateries; and its 6th street is synonymous with Bourbon Street in New Orleans. With bars like Fado, Logan’s and the Gingerman: and dance clubs like Element and Paradox; and music venues like Stubb’s, La Zona Rosa, Austin City Music Hall, and Antone’s, downtown Austin is a flurry of activity throughout.

Downtown Austin Apartments are most sought after because of the popularity of the area and the amount of business that takes place in the area. The rents of downtown Austin apartments ranges from $450 to $770 for an Efficiency/studio kind of an apartment, $550 to $1500 for a 1 bedroom apartment, $690 to $2000 for a 2 bedroom apartment and $1100 to $2200 for a 3 bedroom apartment. These apartments can have various apartment features like air conditioning, balconies or decks, a dishwasher, fireplace, hardwood floors, loft layout, internet access, a washer and dryer, and a yard. They may also have community features like a clubhouse, business center, doorman, elevator, garage parking, health facilities, laundry on-site, parking, pool, sauna, storage space, vintage building, and wheelchair access. Rents of downtown Austin apartments also vary according to the availability of these facilities.

Downtown Austin apartments can be found for rent or for sale through professional locators. There are also many sites on the Internet that provide information about downtown Austin apartments that are readily available for occupation. There are also Austin apartment associations that help to locate good apartments as per requirements.

West Austin Apartments

West Austin is a charming neighborhood in Austin, an economically developed business center in central Texas. Set in the backdrop of rivers and hills, it is the perfect place for customary and urban living.

West Austin offers the finest options for residence with a good choice of apartments suitable for all budgets. West Austin apartments are available both for rent and for sale, on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. A wide range of apartments including furnished, unfurnished, condos, town homes, and duplexes are available. Apartments with single and double rooms are suitable for students and small families. Larger units with three to four bedrooms are also available. There are contemporary and modern apartments designed to meet varied lifestyles. Corporate, senior, and student housing are also available.

All West Austin apartments have a fully equipped kitchen and a spacious living room. Luxury apartments come with fireplaces, built-in computer desks, and hardwood floors. Amenities include abundant closet space, Berber carpets/cut-pile Berber, built-in wine racks, detached garages, digital cable, state-of-the-art phone systems providing high-speed Internet access, linen and pantry storage, gourmet kitchens with designer custom cabinets, luxurious baths with oval garden tubs, private alarm systems, washer/dryer connections, study niches with phone, cable and electric outlets, and private fenced backyards.

Community amenities feature twenty-four-hour emergency maintenance, clubhouses, bar and entertainment centers, coffee, juice, and bagel bar, controlled access gates, drive-up mail kiosks, resort style pools with Jacuzzis, misters and cabanas, on-site lifestyle coordinators, business centers with free Internet access, copiers, faxes and color printers, large parking areas, fitness centers, and clubs. Many West Austin apartments also boast a picturesque view of lush woods and hilltops. West Austin also provides services in healthcare and education.

Numerous real estate agents and organizations specialize in the sale and rent of apartments in West Austin. Online agents also help you find an apartment in this locality. Some of them offer a service promise, relocation options, and a rent with equity program.