bridging the gap http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for bridging the gap Copyright 2008 Sat, 22 Nov 2008 10:57:04 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/bridging+the+gap The Benefits And Pitfalls Of Using A Bridging Loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-and-pitfalls-of-using-a-bridging-loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-and-pitfalls-of-using-a-bridging-loan#comments Fri, 22 Dec 2006 00:27:07 +0000 bridging loansbridging loanfinancial gapmortgagefinancial burdencircumstancesloan terms http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-benefits-and-pitfalls-of-using-a-bridging-loan bridging loan. A bridging loan can help you to secure your new property before you have sold your old one. However, can also be problematic if your change. If you want to know whether a bridging loan is right for you, then here is some advice on the benefits and pitfalls of using a bridging loan.

What is a bridging loan?

As you might have guessed, a bridging loan is a type of loan that 'bridges' the between selling your house and buying a new one. If you have found the house you want but are unable to get a for it because you are yet to sell your old property, then a bridging loan might be the answer. These loans are short-term and are used to buy a new house or raise capital prior to a house sale. You can usually get bridging loans for £25,000 up to a few million, depending on your circumstances and needs. usually range from one week to six months, depending on how long it will take you to get the money from your sold property.

Getting your new house quickly

The reason why bridging loans can be advantageous is that they allow you to remove the problem of housing sales chains, and buy the house you want straight away. This stops you from missing out on your dream home, and will then allow you to concentrate on selling your old property.

Costs of a bridging loan

Although bridging loans are secured in the same way as a mortgage, the interest rates are much higher. You are paying for the convenience of the loan, and so the shorter the term you can take the better. Also, you need to remember that you will have to pay both the bridging loan and your old mortgage at the same time. This can be a serious , and you need to think carefully before taking out one of these loans.

House won't sell

Although bridging loans are good if your property is going to be imminently sold, they can become serious problems if you cannot sell your home. You will be left with the bridging loan at a high interest rate, as well as your mortgage. This could leave you unable to make repayments, and you could lose both your old and new homes. Make sure that you have plans in case your property does not sell for a while. Only try and take bridging loans out when you have firm buyers.

Who should get a bridging loan?

Virtually anyone who has a property and is looking for a new one can apply for a bridging loan. The loan is secured against property, so even people with poor credit can get hold of such a loan. These loans are extremely flexible and can help you secure a new home quickly, but you need to take into consideration the high interest rates and the possibility that you current house will not sell. Peter Kenny is a writer for The Thrifty Scot, please visit us at http://www.loanwize.co.uk and http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/Loans/ ]]> What Are Bridging Loans? http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-bridging-loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-bridging-loans#comments Sat, 29 Jul 2006 12:27:08 +0000 bridging loansbridging loanspecialist lendersmortgage providersobviouslymoving housepoor credit history http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-bridging-loans moving house, and you have found the perfect new home but you cannot sell your current home, then you should think about getting a to pay for the shortfall.

A bridging loan is a loan that you take out when there is a temporary shortfall in cash when you are moving property or business. You may also need a bridging loan when buying property at auction in order to pay for the property within the 28-day time frame. These loans are more risky for lenders, and so are more expensive. Therefore you should only get out a bridging loan if you know that you can repay the loan within 6 months.

Who can get a bridging loan?

A bridging loan is often easier to obtain that a normal loan or mortgage, with the self employed and people with being eligible for such loans. this depends on the lender, but generally speaking you should be able to secure a bridging loan as long as you can make the repayments.

How do work?

Bridging loans in the case of property work by allowing you to take a mortgage out on the new property, and then take a second mortgage out on the property that you are selling. You can usually borrow up to 65% of the value of the properties, minus any existing mortgages that you have. Depending on the property valuation this means you can borrow between £25,000 and £500,000 as a standard figure.

How to get a bridging loan

Getting a bridging loan is much like getting any other loan, and involves shopping around various online lenders and . However, the main difference is that for the bridging loan a valuation will be carried out by the lenders to ensure property value. The process usually takes around 7-10 days, in which time you can sort out the rest of the legal processes involved when buying a house.

Costs

Bridging loans vary in cost, with who specialise in giving loans for auctions having the lowest rates, as it is assumed you can afford the property as you have already legally bought it at auction. If you have bad credit then you will obviously pay more. Interest rates on bridging loans are usually worked out on a monthly basis, with an average rate being about 1.5% a month. Often, the interest rates for bridging loans is less important because you are going to pay back the loan quickly and the most important factor is getting the loan on time for you to purchase the new property.

Any alternatives?

If you cannot sell your house in time to finance the new property, then there are not many options open to you apart from bridging loans. Of course you could get a traditional loan, but this can take longer and the loan terms might be too long or the amount offered too low. If you know that you will have the money back from a property sale soon, then a bridging loan might be the right choice for you. Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk and http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/Mortgages/ ]]> Bridging Loans Explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-loans-explained http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-loans-explained#comments Mon, 10 Dec 2007 06:30:00 +0000 open bridgebridge the gapbridge loanbridging loanmortgage termsnew dreamrepayments http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-loans-explained bridging loan could be the answer to your problem. The bridging loan is taken to do just as its name suggest, .

While this might sound like the answer to your prayers and can indeed save you from losing your home, they should only be considered as a last resort as they are generally the most expensive way of taking a loan. However when taken in the short term they can be the only solution to your problem.

There are two main types of bridging loan; these are termed the and the closed bridge. The closed is available to those who have already made an exchange on the property they already have, this is because very few offers fall through after the exchange has been started.

The open is given to those who have found their ideal property but have yet to put the home they have currently up on the market. A lot of backing will be needed for this type of loan and you will have to prove that you have a lot of equity in your property before you are given the go ahead.

Those offering a bridging loan can expect the lender to want to see the for the new property along with the details for the property and of course you will have to show that you doing whatever you can to make sure that you sell your existing property.

The lender of the bridge loan will also want to make sure that you can make the on the loan and you will be asked to show how you intend to do this and also how you would cope if the worst come to the worst and the deal fell through some months later down the road.

The majority of lenders who offer a bridging loan of this type will give you a limit of 12 months on the bridging loan. However most will allow you to negotiate after this period of time providing of course that the interest has been paid on the loan and no changes have occurred in the circumstances.

The best way to get information regarding bridging loans is to look online, here you can not only find information regarding the different types and what is available but you can also make comparisons and find the cheapest deal for your circumstances. Jason Hulott is Business Development Director at Secured Loans service, PolarLoans (http://www.polarloans.co.uk). Visit Polar Loans now for more information about Homeowner and Secured Loans. ]]> Commercial Bridging Loans Maybe the Answer http://www.artwoo.com/article/commercial-bridging-loans-maybe-the-answer http://www.artwoo.com/article/commercial-bridging-loans-maybe-the-answer#comments Tue, 09 Sep 2008 13:57:20 +0000 commercial mortgage brokerpoor credit historyshort term loancurrent market valuesuitable dealbusiness acquisitionsbridging loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/commercial-bridging-loans-maybe-the-answer bridging loans could be the best answer. Whether it is funds to bridge a deal or money for a property purchase or some urgent , securing a short-term loan may resolve the problem, especially when time is very pressing and you may not wish to use your own capital to fund the exercise.

Commercial bridging loans are short-term mortgages and are used when time is of the prime essence and the conventional means of raising a mortgage could take too long. The loan is secured against a property although occasionally non-property assets may be used as security or collateral. There are two types of commercial bridging loans available; a closed bridging loan, which is normally granted when an exchange has taken place on a property but not the completion, and an open bridging loan, which has no contractual exit in place.

The amount of LTV (Loan to Value) available is normally 80%. However, in some such cases could be possible to obtain a higher LTV (Loan to Value) with a closed bridging loan, as the associated risk connected with this is considered to be reduced. If the purchase price of a property has been negotiated so that it is well below the market value, then potentially, 100% of the LTV (Loan to Value) could be granted. This is because the is used for the calculation rather than the purchasing price.

There is finance out there but how to locate it and secure the best terms could be quite a daunting task, especially if there is a tight time deadline in place. This is when using a to acquire commercial bridging loans on your behalf could be the best solution. They have the knowledge and are normally best placed to source the most for your circumstances. Even having no proof of income, a or being a relatively new business may not be a problem when obtaining funding.

Having a bridging loan could effectively make you almost a cash buyer, as you are able to complete quicker than someone using a traditional loan is. This may be a very handy tool when negotiating deals. Should the most desirable business premises become available or an excellent business prospect appear? Commercial bridging loans could give you the option of being able to act quickly and secure the ideal commerce opportunity.

The amount of money loaned is generally governed by the value of the asset upon which it is secured. However, the duration of the loan has no such restraints. It could run from as little as a few days to perhaps 12 months or more. As commercial bridging loans are seen as short-term solutions, they are generally more expensive than traditional loans. It could therefore be considered prudent to repay or refinance the deal as quickly as possible. A commercial mortgage broker could insure that there is no redemption penalty associated with this and could help find alternative longer-term business finance.Sean Horton is a Director of Best Commercial Finance, commercial mortgage brokers and IFA specialising in commercial bridging loans and the associated areas of income protection, mortgage protection, mortgage life cover.]]> Would Bridging Finance Suit Your Purpose? http://www.artwoo.com/article/would-bridging-finance-suit-your-purpose http://www.artwoo.com/article/would-bridging-finance-suit-your-purpose#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:29:24 +0000 county court judgementscommercial mortgage brokerstreet lendersbridging financefinancial commitmentstraditional loansproperty assets http://www.artwoo.com/article/would-bridging-finance-suit-your-purpose bridging finance, they normally think of a bridging loan sometimes used during home buying. In reality, it is not just for the purchase of homes. It could be used for a variety of purposes whenever funds are required quickly. For example, coping with an unexpected bill, paying for a once in a lifetime holiday or special event like a dream wedding, home improvements and renovations, or just to improve cash flow. As the name suggests, bridging finance allows you to span monetarily yourself between .

Bridging finance is essentially a short-term mortgage (referred to as a bridging loan) and invariably has a higher interest rate than obtained from high . Bridging finance can be secured against a property as long as it has sufficient equity (the value once all debts secured on it are cleared). Occasionally non- are used as security or collateral.

There are a number of advantages in opting for bridging finance, primarily, the speed in which the deal can be delivered. From enquiry to completion, it normally takes just a matter of days. As there a number of lenders offering bridging finance in the market place and speed could be of the essence, it could be deemed prudent to use the services of a to secure the most appropriate deal for your circumstances. They will have the experience and knowledge required to make locating the best loan easier. This may be an especially important consideration for those without a credit history and those with arrears and CCJs (). Being self-employed and unable to supply accounts or proof of income is not always a problem as there are lenders who do not require such proof. A commercial mortgage broker with access to the majority of the marketplace could source bridging finance more efficiently.

The amount of LTV (Loan to Value) attainable is normally 80% however, a higher percentage could be offered if you are granted a 'closed bridging loan'. This means that the loan has a contractual exit in place such as the exchange on the sale of a property, which it is secured against, has taken place but not the completion. An 'open bridging loan' does not have such an exit in place. These are normally offered to people who have not sold their home but wish to secure the purchase of another property.

In some cases it is possible to have 100% LTV of the purchase price of a property if you are able to buy at below market value. Then the calculation is made using the current market value rather than the purchasing price. This if often the case when people buy property at auction. Bridging finance could allow you to be considered a 'cash buyer' to a certain extent and being able to offer an early completion date on the sale of a property can also be a helpful tool when negotiating on a purchase price.

Once completed, you may wish to re-finance to a loan with longer terms. If that is the case, then the inclusion of a clause allowing this to take place and without incurring a redemption penalty ought to be negotiated and placed within the deal. Using the services of a commercial mortgage broker could ensure that the best terms are secured when obtaining bridging finance.Sean Horton is a Director of Best Commercial Finance, commercial mortgage brokers and IFA specialising in bridging loans and the associated areas of income protection, mortgage protection, mortgage life cover.]]> Could Bridging Loans Be The Answer To Your Cash Flow Problems? http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-bridging-loans-be-the-answer-to-your-cash-flow-problems http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-bridging-loans-be-the-answer-to-your-cash-flow-problems#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:36:22 +0000 commercial mortgage brokercurrent market valueopen bridgebridging loansterm mortgagesproperty assetsbridge loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/could-bridging-loans-be-the-answer-to-your-cash-flow-problems bridging loans is normally the result of needing to raise finance quickly and over a short period. Most people associate bridging loans with house buying. When either a homebuyer has found their ideal home but have not sold their existing property and rather than lose their dream home, take out an ' loan' to secure its purchase. Alternatively, should a homebuyer already have exchanged on the sale of their current property but have not completed, then a 'closed ' is offered.

However, bridging loans are not just used during the purchasing of homes but also for a variety of other reasons. It could be employed to pay for a once in a lifetime type holiday or a dream wedding. Maybe a large and unexpected bill has arrived and cash is needed urgently. Businesses occasionally take out bridging loans when a short-term injection of cash is required to level out funding differences. In addition, these loans are sometimes utilized as an element of development finance.

Basically, bridging loans are short with the loan secured against your present property, regardless if it is residential or commercial. To successfully attain a bridging loan, you normally require plenty of equity in your property, (the value once all debts secured on it are cleared), to use as security or collateral. Even non- may be employed for this purpose.

It can be possible to be granted a high percentage of LTV (Loan to Value) from a bridging loan. This is a factor drawn upon by some property investors. If the rather than the purchasing price is applied when calculating, then it is possible to receive 100% of the purchase price if the property is bought at below market value.

Sourcing the marketplace to find bridging loans with the lowest interest rates and best terms, could be problematic especially as time is normally of the essence when seeking this type of finance. Drawing on the knowledge and expertise of a could be the answer. They are often able to locate the most appropriate deal for your circumstances quickly and could negotiate better rates than if you approached the lenders yourself.

Even someone with a poor credit history, including County Court Judgements (CCJs) and mortgage arrears or a self-employed person with no accounts or any proof of income, could be helped to find a bridging loan.

Your request might be for a second or third charge on your property and you feel that your choice of lenders could be limited.

You might feel that the inclusion of a special clause is necessary, perhaps having the option to convert the bridging loan into a loan with longer terms. Perhaps being allowed to exercise early settlement on the loan and any charges associated with this action, to be kept to a minimum is important. Payment protection insurance might be appropriate but with inexpensive premiums. All these queries and requirements could be easily resolved and answered by using a commercial mortgage broker when seeking bridging loans.Sean Horton is a Director of Enhanced Wealth, a whole of market mortgage broker and IFA specialising in mortgage advice and the associated areas of income protection, mortgage protection, mortgage life cover and bridging loans .]]> What Are Bridging Loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-bridging-loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-bridging-loans#comments Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:29:56 +0000 bridging loansprofessional investorsrisk factorcommercial propertybad creditshrewdfinance http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-are-bridging-loans Bridging loans have come into their own as a form of for the enterprising and borrower. The bridging market has grown exponentially over the last few years and is now estimated to be worth over =A32.5 billion and growing at 25% per year. Although it still has a role to assist borrowers release cash quickly it is increasingly being used to help property developers and investors.

As well as traditional uses for bridging loans, such as residential property, there are lenders who will fund semi-commercial and full commercial properties. This is despite being perceived as having an increased . Although the risk has not diminished , the demand for this type of borrowing has forced lenders to respond. This demand is fueled by the growth in interest in commercial property by , and the rising incidence of businesses getting into financial difficulties, thus needing to raise capital quickly.

Because bridging lenders take a flexible approach to clients with they will not usually require a credit check, however they will always need to be satisfied that the property being offered as security is suitable.

There have been a multitude of new entrants to the bridging market which has forced some of the more established lenders to re-shape their lending policies. The old, tarnished image has been eroded with new dynamic lenders who are willing to utilize the latest IT advances and employ the highest levels of customer care taking their place.

At the core of all bridging loans is the ratio of the loan amount compared to the value of the asset, usually referred to as the Loan to Value(LTV) and this is the single most important criteria when a lender considers a proposal for finance. This is partly why brokers are used for the majority of bridging loans. A broker will know which bridging lenders will require a credit check and which will consider applications from clients with bad credit histories, this means that a broker should be able to help find the right type of funding.

Some of the more common uses of bridging finance include:

Auctions:

If a person buys a property at auction they have to complete the purchase within 28 days. Using a mainstream lender it would be almost impossible to organize drawdown of funds in time, however bridging loans can easily be arranged in this time frame.

Buying Property at Undervalue:

Approaching a mainstream lender with a proposal to purchase a property at under value is pointless as they will only consider the purchase price. However bridging loans can be raised against the value of the property and not the purchase price. This means that theoretically it is possible to purchase a property at discount without putting any money into the deal.

Debt Relief:

Business people often get into financial difficulties due to cash-flow problems. These can be a result of trading problems or even unexpected tax demands, where there is equity in a freehold property bridging loans are an ideal solution.

Currently there is no Code of Practice, or indeed any self-regulating body to govern the activities of bridging lenders, although there have been several attempts to form one. The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) will accept bridging finance lenders as members, as will the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB) but neither organisation is geared to examine the specifics of bridging loans. Where the loan is required to assist with the purchase of a family home the Financial Services Authority (FSA) have very strict controls over who can lend money and under what terms.

Just like a conventional mortgage, bridging loans carry some serious legal consequences should a borrower not make payments, or fail to clear the loan at the agreed time. One clause to be on the look out for is one which entitles the lender to charge excessive penalty interest if any payments are late, although most will make a charge, it should be reasonable. It is also important to make sure you fully understand the implications of redeeming the loan early.

Most bridging lenders are now well organized, customer focused organizations, the on-going threat of increased regulation has seen the death of some of the unsavory business practices which means that bridging loans should continue to be a valuable tool. Find out my about http://www.s-b-f.co.uk/Bridging.htm bridging loans by talking to a commercial finance broker. Spectrum Business Finance have been arranging bridging finance for over 5 years and have the experience to accommodate most circumstances. ]]> Choosing From the World of Commercial Loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-from-the-world-of-commercial-loans http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-from-the-world-of-commercial-loans#comments Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:43:17 +0000 commercial mortgage brokerpoor credit historyoverdraft facilityterm mortgagesfinance dealcommercial loansfinancial providers http://www.artwoo.com/article/choosing-from-the-world-of-commercial-loans commercial loans. It could be a mortgage, a bridging loan, part of a for property development, or even an . Invariably, the type of loan has the prefix 'commercial' in its name.

There are a number of who lend to either or both the business and private sector. Generally, the lenders all have differing criteria for an application to be successful. It is also common for them to offer differing terms and interest rates. It could therefore be deemed advisable to research the market place extensively before committing to any commercial loans. If this task seems daunting, then making use of the services of a could be the answer.

The choice of the commercial loans to apply for is dependent on the reason for its request and circumstance. A business with a or a self-employed person with no accounts could still be granted commercial loans. However, the increased risk for the lender could mean that deal might have higher rates and less favourable terms. Conversely, those who are experienced and have a profitable status generally are offered better deals.

Should funding be required quickly, then this could be achieved by obtaining a commercial bridging loan. These are short- and are generally expensive but can be raised relatively quickly. The loan amount is secured against the property about to be purchased and normally 80% LTV (loan to value) if offered. It can be possible to gain 100% LTV if a lower purchasing price is negotiated. This is because the current market price is used for its calculation and not the purchasing price.

Another member of the commercial loans family is the commercial mortgage. These are granted so that a business can buy property or land, or can be used to purchase an on-going concern. These are long-term financial deals of varying duration and payment schedules. They are calculated on the ability of the business to make the repayments and generally require a minimum deposit of 20%. If premises are to have a mixed use of both domestic and commercial, then a semi commercial mortgage is applicable. Again, the lender requires proof that the repayments could be met but in this instance, the income could come from a variety of sources. Both these types of commercial mortgages could also be used as a re-mortgaging facility to cover expansion and refurbishments.

Commercial loans are also present in property development finance. These deals could consist of an assortment of short and long-term elements, including equity and mezzanine finance, plus bank debt. High street banks normally only grant 50/50 funding (50% for the acquisition and 50% for the building). This can be increased to 70/70 if the developer is experienced and with a good record. If a greater amount of finance is required, including 100% property development finance, then that is when using a commercial mortgage broker can prove invaluable. They are usually in a better position to source the marketplace and construct the best deal from the complex selection of commercial loans available.Sean Horton is a Director of Best Commercial Finance, commercial mortgage brokers and IFA specialising in commercial bridging loans and the associated areas of income protection, mortgage protection, mortgage life cover.]]> Property Development Finance For Regeneration Schemes http://www.artwoo.com/article/property-development-finance-for-regeneration-schemes http://www.artwoo.com/article/property-development-finance-for-regeneration-schemes#comments Tue, 11 Sep 2007 04:35:01 +0000 regeneration areasregeneration projectbrownfield sitesproperty developmentbrownfield sitedevelopment financeinner city areas http://www.artwoo.com/article/property-development-finance-for-regeneration-schemes Property development finance for projects in is getting easier as more lenders are waking up to the idea that excellent profits can be made by helping property developers in .

Areas of cities that are run down but in good central location often present good investment opportunities, especially if they are surrounded by more upmarket areas which are already popular places to live. In these regeneration areas property can be found at very reasonable prices, often up to 10% to 20% lower than in the fully developed area of the city.

However investors still need to do some careful research and check there is a well-funded regeneration plan in place. Areas such as Stratford East in London, parts of Manchester and inner city areas of Bristol all have regeneration schemes in place and are proving irresistible to investors and buyers. A good example of the perfect would be an area like Stratford in London with the 2012 Olympics being hosted in the area.

Demand for property in regeneration areas is exceeding all records with property developers eagerly snapping up s. It is far easier to develop a brownfield site than to try and get planning permission on greenfield sites. The location of brownfield site makes property development funding more attractive as they are already in prime locations for amenities such as shops, cinemas, bars and employment.

Planing restrictions on greenfield sites means that regeneration is the way forward. Finance for property development in these areas is very often geared to the expected increase in value once the whole site has been finished. Although far more care is taken by the lender when researching the risk involved in this type of property development. Thorough investigation of the local regeneration plan will be carried out by the lender to ensure the project falls within the local planners requirements.

Mortgage lenders have improved their product offerings to accommodate the inner city type of property, this includes helping property developers arrange mortgages for residential dwelling situated above commercial premises. In particular the buy-to-let mortgage has really come into its own in this environment. It is not unusual to see an entire development of apartment being snapped up by investors before the project is even ready for viewing.

When researching the property development finance options available it is vital that the builder tries to use a specialist broker. The mainstream residential mortgage broker is sometimes tempted to dabble in commercial finance, usually attracted by the idea of large commissions. In reality arranging finance for property development is a highly skilled job, and relies on experience and personal contacts. Property developers trying to arrange finance for regeneration projects are also well advised to try to use local brokers wherever possible, this is because a local broker is more likely to know of any regional issues which may adversely affect the project.

Central government funds, the EU and local authorities all often try to encourage regeneration schemes with subsidies and grants. Very often a scheme will be enhanced by the provision of improvements to local schools, hospitals and transport links. In order to capitalize on positive publicity there will often be some media interest in these announcements, it is worth following these stories carefully.

Bridging finance is another tool for the developer to use, particularly useful if property development finance can not be raised because of planning problems. Bridging lenders can help fund the purchase of a site prior to planning permission being granted. The developer can then take advantage of the increased value when arranging the property development mortgage. Find out more about http://www.s-b-f.co.uk/Property.htm property development finance by talking to a commercial finance broker. Spectrum Business Finance have been arranging bridging finance property renovation for over 5 years and have the experience to accommodate most circumstances. ]]> About Conference Call Basics http://www.artwoo.com/article/about-conference-call-basics http://www.artwoo.com/article/about-conference-call-basics#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2006 06:27:07 +0000 hosting companycall serviceservice conferencebridgingtelecommuteprogress reportsconference call services http://www.artwoo.com/article/about-conference-call-basics telecommute or work form home. Many companies also have staff at different locations and scheduling a regular meeting where everyone can be present is almost impossible. Holding a conferencing call is the perfect solution to this issue.

There are many different methods used for holding a conference call. Of course, you could just have all of the people involved dial the number of the person chairing the meeting, but this can prove extremely expensive -- especially if attendees are in different areas of the country or even the world. The answer is to use a conferencing .

are extremely simple to use. You do not need a special phone to participate, although one with a speaker facility is far more comfortable for the arm! The organizer of the meeting contacts one of the conferencing call service providers and schedules the date and time of the meeting. All participants are then sent an invitation with a unique number that they can use to dial in to the meeting. It really is as simple as that. The is responsible for all of the technical work involved in all of the attendees into one conference call flawlessly.

The cost of this type of basic conferencing call has been reduced significantly and you may expect to pay $100 for a 5-person conference that lasts 30 minutes. If your company is going to hold a regular conference call, for weekly for example, then there are monthly flat rate services available. These can be as low as $30 per month. The added benefit of this service is that you are often allocated a toll-free number for your regular conferencing call -- reducing the cost further.

The cheapest type of conferencing call is one that has been booked in advance. This gives the hosting company more time to set up the bridging service. However, the fluid nature of business today means that a conference call may be required at the last minute. There are a number of services that provide this immediate conferencing call service. The prices vary greatly, depending on the timing and number of attendees required.

Most conferencing call requests are simply to have a number of participants able to connect into a meeting. There is usually no need for any operator assistance as the attendees dial in to the conference call and the rest is left to them. This works very well for the majority of audio conferencing, but there are certain occasions where additional services are required. This type of operator assisted conferencing call requires much higher fees. If a company is holding an important conference call with potential clients, for example, it may be in their best interests to have this additional help to ensure that the call goes smoothly, leaving the participants free to negotiate rather than worry about the phone call itself. John Furnem is a dot com veteran, specializing in human resources and work psychology he has written articles about stress management and business themes. John writes Conference calls articles at http://conferencecall.advice-tips.com ]]> Bridging the Gap Through Strategic Alignment: A Strategy For Business Transformation http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-the-gap-through-strategic-alignment-a-strategy-for-business-transformation http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-the-gap-through-strategic-alignment-a-strategy-for-business-transformation#comments Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:08:33 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/bridging-the-gap-through-strategic-alignment-a-strategy-for-business-transformation "Where do we start?" It's a good question. And it's one that many organizations struggle with when they are trying to decide where and how to deploy a Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement initiative.

Up until now, the traditional answer has been to start in the area with the least resistance. Go where you have some support from both executives and employees, and where you can make tangible gains that will jumpstart the program's momentum and put you on the path to sustainable change.

It's still good advice: go for the low-hanging fruit in a friendly orchard. But in today's world of competitive excellence, it's just not enough. These days, companies that want to stay ahead of the competition must go beyond process improvement and transform the way they do business. This means achieving not just incremental improvements, but breakthrough results by understanding and leveraging the relationship between processes, systems, people and strategy.

Business transformation requires the organization to focus on strategic goals, not just problems, and on disseminating those goals throughout the organization. In other words, it enables you to connect the dots between the big picture and tactical assignments --- between forward-thinking strategy and project execution. Making this link is called strategic alignment. And, today, it's the answer to the question, "Where do we start?"

Bridging the Gap between Strategy and Execution

In many organizations, there is a gap between strategy and execution. Strategy is determined at the executive level, but it's hard to translate it into quantifiable, executable and repeatable projects. As such, the projects that do get done may or may not support the strategic objectives. And the gap between management and employees grows as they continue to exist on opposite sides of the gulf of possibilities.

Bridging this gap takes a commitment to defining breakthrough strategic goals that are attainable and sustainable, and then translating these strategies down the chain of command to the project level. How do you do this? By developing objectives, measures and targets that link strategic and tactical levels.

For example, say that one of your Strategic Themes is "Service Excellence." From a customer perspective, what's one way to achieve service excellence? Well, you could "provide accurate and timely service." This becomes your Objective, or goal, in support of this strategic theme. (Note that you may have more than one objective, and you would also want to support the strategic theme from other perspectives -- financial, internal process and infrastructure -- as well as from the customer perspective.)

Now, there are many ways you could accomplish this broad objective of providing accurate and timely service. One specific approach would be to increase the "first call resolution percentage," or the number of customer support requests that are completely resolved on the first attempt. This becomes your Measurement for achieving the objective.

You should also specify a Target, or the amount by which you will improve the measurement, and the timeframe --- say, a 30 percent increase in one year. How will you achieve the target? There may be several initiatives you could employ, including your process improvement program, your innovation initiative, your training and development program, or even your call center software.

Once you select the most suitable initiative, you designate the mode of Execution -- in this case, a particular Lean Six Sigma project, training path or software enhancement. Voila! You have just established a link between strategy and execution --- strategic alignment!

What does strategic alignment accomplish?

To begin with, it mobilizes executive leadership behind overarching strategies that will enable you to satisfy the demands of shareholders, customers and employees, if you have an understanding of your internal process capabilities and a robust infrastructure to support the vision.

When these strategies are translated into quantifiable, executable and repeatable projects, it ensures that everyone's efforts are aligned behind a common goal. Not only does this increase your chances of attaining that goal, it also motivates people and reduces resistance. When people can see the link between the work they do and the executive vision, they feel that what they do matters and they'll move mountains to do it well. Finally, it puts a management framework in place for making strategy a continual process that can be realized year after year.

Strategic alignment builds a bridge between vision and strategy, execution and results. This, in turn, enables true business transformation and a strategy for sustainable growth and success.Breakthrough Management Group International (BMGI) helps organizations around the world systematically improve processes and increase innovation. For more about BMGI's corporate onsite services, visit www.bmgi.com. For open enrollment training, visit www.bmguniversity.com.]]> Do You Know Which Loan You Want? http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-know-which-loan-you-want http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-know-which-loan-you-want#comments Thu, 27 Jul 2006 12:27:10 +0000 bridging loansshort term loansbad credit personal loanbridging loandevelopment loansfinancial gapsmall medium http://www.artwoo.com/article/do-you-know-which-loan-you-want


A Bad Credit Personal Loan is a loan made for people with a bad credit rating. However created, your past record of County Court Judgments, mortgage or other loan arrears can live on to deny you access to finance that other people regard as normal.

If you are a homeowner with equity in your property, a Bad Credit Personal Loan can bring that normality back to your life. Secured on your home, a Bad Credit Personal Loan can give you the freedom, for example, to do the home improvements or buy the new car you want.

With a Bad Credit Personal Loan you can borrow up to 125% of your property value in some cases.

A bridging loan is a kind of loan used to andquot;bridgeandquot; the between monies required for your new property completion prior to your existing property having been sold.

are short-term loans arranged when you need to purchase a house but are can't arrange the mortgage for some reason, such as there is a delay in selling your current home.

The beauty of bridging loans is that a bridging loan can be used to cover the financial gap when buying one property before the existing one is sold

A bridging loan can also be used to raise capital pending the sale of a property.

Bridging loans can be arranged for any sum and can be borrowed for periods from a week to up to six months. A bridging loan is similar to a mortgage where the amount borrowed is secured on your home, but the advantage of a mortgage is that it attracts a lower interest rate.

While bridging loans are convenient, the truth is that the interest rates can be very high. Business Loan

A business loan is designed for a wide range of small, medium and startup business needs including the purchase, refinance, expansion of a business, or any type of commercial investment.

Business loans are generally available at really competitive interest rates from leading commercial loan lenders.

A business loan can be secured by all types of business property, commercial and residential properties.

Business Loans can offer up to 79% LTV (Loan to Valuation) with variable rates, depending on status and how long the term is.

Business loans are normally offered on Freehold and long Leasehold properties with Bricks and Mortar valuations required. Legal and valuation fees are payable by the client.

Car Loan

The basic types of car loans available are Hire Purchase and Manufacturer's schemes. Hire purchase car finance is arranged by a car dealership, and in essence means that you are hiring the car from the dealer until the final payment on the loan has been paid, when ownership of the vehicle is transferred to you.

A Manufacturers' scheme is a type of loan that is put together and advertised by the car manufacturer and can be arranged directly with them or through a local car dealership. You will not own the car until you pay back the loan in full. The car would be repossessed if you default on repayments.

Cash Loan

Cash Loans are also known as Payday Loans, and these loans are arranged for people in employment who find themselves in a situation where they are short of immediate funds.

A Cash Loan can assist you in this situation with .

Loans are repayable on your next payday, although it is possible to renew your loan until further paydays down the road.

To apply for a Cash Loan you must be in employment and have a bank account with a checkbook. A poor credit rating or debt history is initially not a problem.

Debt Consolidation Loan

Debt consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one simple loan, which will give you just one easy-to-manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest.

Secured on your home, these debt consolidation loans can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, HP, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment that is calculated to be well within your means.

With a Debt Consolidation Loan, you can borrow up to 125% of your property value in some cases.

It can reduce BOTH your interest costs AND your monthly repayments, putting you back in control of the life you want to lead.

Home Loan

A Home Loan is a loan secured on your home. You can unlock the value tied up in your property with a secured Home loan, and many people choose to do so with this kind of loan.

The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home loans can be used for any purpose such as, home improvements, buying a new car, taking a vacation, paying of credit cards and debt consolidation.

Home Improvement Loan

A Home Improvement Loan is a low interest loan secured on your property.

With a Home Improvement Loan you can borrow money with low monthly repayments.

The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. You need to talk to your lender about that.

A Home Improvement Loan can help you with installing a new kitchen, bathroom, extension, loft conversion, conservatory, landscaping your garden or purchasing new furniture. You can even use it on non-house expenditure like a new car or repaying credit card or other debts, which makes it convenient and useful for multi purposes.

Home Owner Loan

A Home Owner Loan is a loan secured on your home that you own. You can unlock the value tied up in your property with a secured Home Owner loan. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home owner loans can be used for any purpose such as, home improvements, new car, luxury holiday, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation.

Payday Loan

Payday Loans also known as Cash Loans are arranged for people in employment who find themselves in a situation where they are short of immediate funds.

A Payday Loan can assist you in this situation with short term loans to help you get through tough financial times.

Loans are repayable on your next payday, although it is possible to renew your loan until subsequent paydays. To apply for a loan you must be in employment and have a bank account with a checkbook. A poor credit rating or debt history is initially not a problem.

Personal Loan

There are two categories of personal loans: secured personal loans and unsecured personal loans - See individual titles below. Homeowners can apply for a Secured personal loan (using their property as security), whereas tenants only have the option of an unsecured personal loan.

Remortgage Loan

A remortgage is changing your mortgage without moving your home. Remortgaging is the process of switching your mortgage to another lender that is offering a better deal than your current lender. This process is done to help you save money. A remortgage can also be used to raise additional finances by releasing equity in your property.

You can borrow money and rates are variable, depending on status. Secured Loan

A secured loan is a loan that uses your home as security against the loan. Secured loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured loan; or, have a poor credit history. Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to secured loans, making a secured loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured loan. Secured loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime. You can borrow any amount of money and repay it over any period from 5 to 25 years. You simply select a monthly payment that fits in your current circumstances.

Secured Personal Loan

A Secured Personal Loan is a loan that is secured against property. Secured personal loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured personal loan; or, have a poor credit history. Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to Secured personal loans, making a Secured personal loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured personal loan. Secured personal loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime.

You can borrow any amount you need and repay it over any period from 5 to 25 years.

Student Loan

A student loan is way of borrowing money to help with the cost of your education. Applications are made through your Local Education Authority or the government. A student loan is a way of receiving money to help with your living costs when you're attending college. You start paying back the loan once you have finished studying, provided your income has reached a certain level.

Tenant Loan

A tenant loan is an unsecured loan granted to those that do not own their own property. A tenant loan is always unsecured because in most cases, if you are renting your accommodation, you do not have an asset against which you can secure your loan. Tenants sometimes find that some loan companies will only lend money to homeowners. If you are a tenant you need to look for a company, bank or building society willing to give you an unsecured loan.

Unsecured Loan

An unsecured loan is a personal loan where the lender has no claim on a homeowner's property should they fail to repay. Instead, the lender is relying solely on the ability of a borrower to meet their loan borrowing repayments. Because you not securing the money you are borrowing, lenders tend to limit the value of unsecured loans.

The repayment period will range from anywhere between six months and ten years. Unsecured loans are offered by traditional financial institutions like building societies and banks but also recently by the larger supermarkets chains.

An unsecured loan can be used for almost anything - a luxury holiday, a new car, a wedding, or home improvements.

An unsecured loan is good for people who are not homeowners and cannot obtain a secured loan for example; a tenant living in rented accommodation.

Unsecured Personal Loan

An Unsecured personal loan is a personal loan where the lender has no claim on a homeowner's property should they fail to repay. Instead, the lender is relying solely on the ability of a borrower to meet their loan borrowing repayments.

The amount you are able to borrow varies. The repayment period will range from anywhere between six months and ten years. An Unsecured personal loan can be used for almost anything - a luxury holiday, a new car, a wedding, or home improvements.

An Unsecured personal loan is good for people who are not homeowners and cannot get a secured loan. For example, this is a good program for renters. Robert Michael is a writer for Fore Loans which is an excellent place to find loans links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.foreloans.com ]]> Loans: Various Kinds, But Which One Can Help You http://www.artwoo.com/article/loans-various-kinds-but-which-one-can-help-you http://www.artwoo.com/article/loans-various-kinds-but-which-one-can-help-you#comments Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:27:07 +0000 bridging loansbridging loanbad credit personal loanshort term loansdevelopment loansfinancial gapmortgage http://www.artwoo.com/article/loans-various-kinds-but-which-one-can-help-you Bad Credit Personal Loan

A Bad Credit Personal Loan is a loan ideal for people bad credit ratings. Your past record of County Court Judgments, or other loan arrears can live on to deny you access to finance that other people regard as normal.

If you own a home and have equity in your property, a Bad Credit Personal Loan can bring control back to your life. Secured on your home, a Bad Credit Personal Loan can give you financial freedom.

With a Bad Credit Personal Loan you can borrow up to 125% of your property value in some cases, which can help you.

When you need a loan to andquot;brideandquot; the between monies required for your new property completion prior to your existing property having been sold, a bridging loan can help.

are short-term loans arranged when you need to purchase a house but can't arrange the mortgage for some reason, such as there is a delay in selling your current home.

A useful factor about bridging loans is that a bridging loan can be used to cover the financial gap when buying one property before the existing one is sold.

A bridging loan can also be used to raise capital pending the sale of a property.

Bridging loans can be arranged for any sum and can be borrowed for periods from a week to up to six months.

Similar to a mortgage where the amount borrowed is secured on your home, the bridging loan advantage of a mortgage is that it attracts a lower interest rate.

While bridging loans are convenient, the truth is that the interest rates can be very high. Business Loan

Designed for an array of startup business needs including the purchase, refinance, expansion of a business, or any type of commercial investment, a business loan helps startup businesses.

These loans are generally available at really competitive interest rates from leading commercial loan lenders.

A business loan can be secured by all types of business property, commercial and residential properties.

These loans can offer up to 79% LTV (Loan to Valuation) with variable rates, depending on status and how long the term is.

Business loans are usually offered on Freehold and long Leasehold properties with Bricks and Mortar valuations required. Legal and valuation fees are payable by the client.

Car Loan

There are basic types of car loans available are Hire Purchase and Manufacturer's schemes. Hire purchase car finance is arranged by a car dealership, and in essence means that you are hiring the car from the dealer until the final payment on the loan has been paid, when you receive ownership of the car, usually through a deed.

A Manufacturers' scheme is a type of loan that is combined and advertised by the car manufacturer and can be arranged directly with them or through a local car dealership. You will not own the car until you pay back the loan in full, and the car could be repossessed if you didn't pay your bills.

Cash Loan

Cash Loans are also known as Payday Loans, and these loans are ideal for people who hold down jobs who find themselves in a situation where they are short of immediate funds.

A Cash Loan can assist you in this situation with short-term loans, which is useful.

Loans are repayable on your next payday, although it is possible to renew your loan until further paydays down the road.

To apply for a Cash Loan you have to have a job and a bank account with a checkbook. A poor credit rating or debt history is initially not a problem.

Debt Consolidation Loan

Debt consolidation loans can give you a fresh start, allowing you to consolidate all of your loans into one simple loan, which will give you just one easy-to-manage payment, and in most cases, at a lower rate of interest.

These debt consolidation loans are secured on your home and can sweep away the pile of repayments to your credit and store cards, HP, loans and replace them with one, low cost, monthly payment that is calculated to be well within your means.

With a Debt Consolidation Loan, you can borrow up to 125% of your property value in some cases, which depends on the lender. This type of loan can reduce your interest costs and monthly payments. Finally, you can get your life back in control.

Home Loan

A Home Loan is a loan secured on your home. You can unlock the value tied up in your property with a secured Home loan, and many people choose to do so with this kind of loan.

The loan can be used for any purpose you wish, and is available to anyone who owns a home. Home loans can be used for home improvements, buying a new car, taking a vacation, paying of credit cards and debt consolidation.

Home Improvement Loan

A Home Improvement Loan is a low-interest loan secured on the property you own, and is only for homeowners.

With a Home Improvement Loan, you can borrow money with low monthly repayments.

The loan can be repaid over any term between 5 and 25 years, depending on your available income and the amount of equity in the property that is to provide the security for the loan. You need to talk to your lender about that aspect.

A Home Improvement Loan can help you with installing a new kitchen, bathroom, extension, loft conversion, conservatory, landscaping your garden or purchasing new furniture. You can even use it on non-house expenditure like a new car or repaying credit card or other debts, which makes it convenient and useful for multi purposes.

Home Owner Loan

A Home Owner Loan is a loan secured on your home that you own. You can unlock the value tied up in your property with a secured Home Owner loan. The loan can be used for any purpose, and is available to anyone who owns their home. Home owner loans can be used for any purpose such as, home improvements, new car, luxury holiday, pay of store card or credit card debt and debt consolidation.

Payday Loan

Payday Loans also known as Cash Loans are arranged for people in employment who find themselves in a situation where they are short of immediate funds.

A Payday Loan can assist you in this situation with short-term loans to help you get through tough financial times.

Payday Loans are repayable on your next payday, although it is possible to renew your loan until subsequent paydays. To apply for a loan you have to be employed and have a bank account with a checkbook. A poor credit rating or debt history is initially not a problem.

Personal Loan

There are two categories of personal loans: secured personal loans and unsecured personal loans - See individual titles below. Homeowners can apply for a Secured personal loan (using their property as security), whereas tenants only have the option of an unsecured personal loan.

Remortgage Loan

To help you change your mortgage rate without moving, you may want to look into getting a remortgage loan. Remortgaging is the process of switching your mortgage to another lender that is offering a better deal than your current lender. This process is done to help you save money. A remortgage can also be used to raise additional finances by releasing equity in your property.

You can borrow money and rates are variable, depending on status.

Secured Loan

A secured loan is a loan that uses your home as security against the loan. Secured loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured loan; or, have a poor credit history. Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to secured loans, making a secured loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured loan. Secured loans are another option if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that vacation. You can borrow any amount of money and repay it over any period from 5 to 25 years. You can choose a monthly payment that fits in your current circumstances and makes life easier on you.

Secured Personal Loan

A Secured Personal Loan is another useful type of loan that is secured against property. Secured personal loans are suitable for when you are trying to raise a large amount; are having difficulty getting an unsecured personal loan; or, have a poor credit history. Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to Secured personal loans, making a Secured personal loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured personal loan. Secured personal loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime. You can borrow any amount you need with a secured personal loan and repay it over any period from 5 to 25 years. Student Loan

For students in college, a student loan is used to help students fund the cost of their education. Applications are made through a private institution or the government. A student loan is a way of receiving money to help with your living costs when you're attending college. You start paying back the loan once you have graduated, provided your income has reached a certain level.

Tenant Loan

A tenant loan is an unsecured loan that is given to people that do not own their own property. A tenant loan is always unsecured because in most cases, if you are renting an apartment, you do not have an asset against which you can secure your loan. Tenants sometimes find that some loan companies will only lend money to homeowners, which can be frustrating. If you are a tenant you need to look for a company, bank or building society willing to give you an unsecured loan. Unsecured Loan

An unsecured loan is a useful personal loan where the lender has no claim on a homeowner's property should they fail to repay. Instead, the lender is relying solely on the ability of a borrower to meet their loan borrowing repayments. Because you not securing the money you are borrowing, lenders tend to limit the value of unsecured loans to protect themselves.

The repayment period will range from anywhere between six months and ten years, depending on the lender. Unsecured loans are offered by traditional financial institutions like building societies and banks but also recently by the larger supermarkets chains.

An unsecured loan can be used for almost anything you may want, from a vacation to buying a new car, funding a wedding or adding on home improvements.

An unsecured loan is ideal for those who do not own homes and cannot obtain a secured loan for example; a tenant living in rented accommodation.

Unsecured Personal Loan

An Unsecured personal loan is a useful personal loan that happens when the lender has no claim on a homeowner's property should they fail to repay. Instead, the lender is relying solely on the ability of a borrower to meet their loan borrowing repayments.

The amount you are able to borrow with this type of loan can vary. The repayment period will range from anywhere between six months and ten years. An Unsecured personal loan can be used for almost anything - a luxury holiday, a new car, a wedding, or home improvements.

An Unsecured personal loan is ideal for people who are not homeowners and cannot get a secured loan. For example, this is a good program for renters. Robert Michael is a writer for Fore Loans which is an excellent place to find loans links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.foreloans.com ]]> How To Insulate Your Loft Without Losing Your Loft Storage Space http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-insulate-your-loft-without-losing-your-loft-storage-space http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-insulate-your-loft-without-losing-your-loft-storage-space#comments Thu, 06 Dec 2007 03:20:02 +0000 loft spacethis article focusesthis article discussesspray on insulationinsulation blanketinsulation productwool insulation http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-insulate-your-loft-without-losing-your-loft-storage-space
There are ways to improve the insulation in your loft and keep your storage space and some of the options.

One of the most commonly faced difficulties is how to add insulating material to a when the floor has already been boarded and the loft is used for storage.

When you are standing in the loft, the depth of the void formed between the plasterboard of the ceiling below and the top of the ceiling joists is usually about 100mm (4"). Given that current building regulations in the UK require 270mm of insulating glass wool, if a home owner wishes to retain a boarded loft and does not want to use a "spray-on" up between the roof rafters then there is a choice to be made about which direction to take. The main choices are between:

1. Building the joists up with additional "packing joists" to create a 270mm void which can then be filled with insulating material and then re-boarded over.

2. Using a solid insulating board cut to fit in the void that exists between the joists without raising the level of the loft floor.

3. Insulating between the roof rafters with either insulating board, products or products.

on the first two potential methods.

Pros and cons of the first two potential methods:

Building the floor level up: Pros

1. If you run the additional "packing joists" across the existing joists at 90 degrees, you are able to run over the top of the original ceiling joists) which reduces potential "thermal bridging".

2. The materials are, in total, probably less expensive that using insulating board

3. You retain most of your loft storage area.

Building the floor level up: Cons

1. It's a big DIY challenge

2. The wood required for the "packing joists" may be heavy and difficult to manoeuvre into position

3. You lose some height in the loft because of the floor being raised

4. Insulating with insulation board between the existing joists: Pros

5. Your floor stays the same height and therefore no loft height is lost.

6. You retain your loft storage space

7. There are no heavy timbers to work with

Insulating with insulation board between the existing joists: Cons

1. Its time consuming and fiddly to cut insulation board to fit between existing joists (which are invariably, even within one loft, are different widths apart). The cutting to size of the thermal boards usually needs to be done before they are taken into the loft space as access is usually restricted but it is also important that any dust resulting from the cutting does not contaminate the property's living space

2. Insulation board can be costly (up to =A350 -=A360 a sheet depending on the gauge) and care is needed to cut them safely as the resulting dust acts as an irritant

3. Because you are insulating between the ceiling joists you are (by definition) not insulating over the ceiling joists. This means that where the joists run, your insulation is limited to the thermal properties of the joist timber only and your insulation will be "bridged" by the timber i.e. cold will be able to be transferred through the timber joists.

4. Where a home has been built with traditional 4" x 2" timber ceiling joists you are unlikely to get much more than 90mm of insulation board in between the joists (this will vary from property to property). It might be that if there is any old fashioned electrical conduit that needs to be worked around, you get even less than 90mm in.

Issues to worry about include thermal "bridging" when building up the joists to get the required height or when filling between the joists and re-boarding straight over the original joists.

From a pure insulation, building regulations and "required effort" point of view the best solution is getting a professional contractor in to carry out the required work.

In conclusion:

If retaining storage space in your loft is important then you can improve your level of insulation but you may have to compromise on the level of insulation you ultimately have and you have to be realistic about the difficulty and complexity of the DIY task involved.

Disclaimer:

There are a number of dangers associated with carrying out work in your loft and great care must be exercised. Follow all safety instructions available from the suppliers of the materials you decide to use and if you have any doubts about your capability to carry out insulation work in your loft safely please consult a qualified builder or insulation contractor. Alex Perry is a founder of http://www.downwithco2.co.uk a site dedicated to making it easy for people to save energy and cut their personal contribution to Climate Change by giving them information and putting them in touch with companies that can help. ]]> Finding Affordable Health Insurance For The Self Employed http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-affordable-health-insurance-for-the-self-employed http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-affordable-health-insurance-for-the-self-employed#comments Tue, 29 Aug 2006 00:27:10 +0000 health insurance planhealth insurance costsaffordable health insurancegroup health insurancebridging the gaphealth coverageconsolidated omnibus budget reconciliation act http://www.artwoo.com/article/finding-affordable-health-insurance-for-the-self-employed affordable health insurance -- research indicates that many people don't go self employed for this very reason. Generally speaking, if you are employed by a large company, you have more options for affordable health insurance through your company's group plan.

If you are self employed and married, one easy option is to take out health insurance through your spouse. You may pay a little bit more to add yourself on to their insurance and you may also have to wait to do this until benefits enrollment is offered, usually in the fall for the following year. This is usually the cheapest option for insuring not only yourself, but your children as well.

One thing you should consider if it's relevant to your situation is taking advantage of what is commonly known as COBRA () . By law, if you leave your job, you are entitled to continuing health coverage provided by your employer for a certain amount of time.

COBRA coverage can be invaluable in between the health insurance provided by your old company and the insurance you take out for yourself when starting up a new business.

The type of insurance you need will vary as to your situation. If you employ between 2 and 50 people you would probably save money by enrolling in a group . If your business is just literally yourself, you may want to take out a temporary policy. These can be changed easily if your situation changes and are relatively inexpensive.

Finally, if you self employed and are in a financial position to do it -- pay your premiums annually, rather than spreading the payments out over a year and paying every month. This may save you a significant amount of money.

And one piece of good news is that for the self employed have been tax-deductible for the last few years - a trend only likely to improve. http://www.myquoteguide.com/Car-Tips.shtml http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health ]]> Publicizing Your Real Estate Business http://www.artwoo.com/article/publicizing-your-real-estate-business http://www.artwoo.com/article/publicizing-your-real-estate-business#comments Wed, 26 Mar 2008 22:29:55 +0000 snail mailstarget marketinternet practicetime agentestate businessreal estate agentbusinessman http://www.artwoo.com/article/publicizing-your-real-estate-business real estate agent can think of are all valid forms in bridging the gap of what people knows and does not know about the real . As a real estate agent, it may take time for you to be able to pull your act together in leading people to realize that your real estate business exists, but once you have established your purpose, your name and business's' reputation is there with them as long as you are.

Now, working as a full- for your own real estate business is a daily grind towards what you can maximize by just using low expenditure. It isn't easy, no; especially when you are on the process of getting the word out to your . If there is anything going on with your real estate business; especially when you want to get the ball rolling for a public event, advertising while spending the lowest possible cost is your main target. What with all the other big competitors out there working really hard to stay on top of everyone else, you wouldn't want to add burden to the rest of the responsibilities you are attending to, right?

So, the question is, what is the cost-affective approach you can take for making your business known? Creating a press release is the best answer to this. A press release is something any real estate agent (or ) can ultimately afford. Presenting your business and what it is good at in text and designating it through emails, fax letters, and are almost close to inviting everyone you know (their friends and your friends' friends) gather in one venue. And this idea is expensive!

With press releases, though, you can reach more than just the people you know in your area. It reaches more audience and possibly potential clients. The help of internet and computers is going to save you a lot of work and money. If you need help in creating press releases for your real estate business, search for a reliable source in the internet. Practice your creativity before sending out the final copy. Good luck! Shareen Aguilar is a writer for Real Estate Leads Generation http://www.realestateleadsgeneration.com which has information on generating Real Estate Leads. ]]> The Wrong Reasons To Get A Loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-wrong-reasons-to-get-a-loan http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-wrong-reasons-to-get-a-loan#comments Sun, 25 Jun 2006 15:32:08 +0000 mortgage lendersideacredit cardsworth mortgagemortgage lenderloansmoney http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-wrong-reasons-to-get-a-loan idea as well. If you are not careful, then getting a loan could be the worst thing for you. Here are some reasons why getting a loan can be a bad idea:

as a last resort

It is a bad idea to get a loan if it is the only source of funding that you have available to you. If you are already in debt from your and overdraft and have nowhere else to turn to for , then getting a loan is not for you. If you get a loan as a last resort you will put yourself in more financial difficulty and you may not be able to keep up with the repayments.

Buying something you want

Loans are for necessity only, or for situations where they can benefit you financially. Getting a loan out for a purchase that you really want but cannot afford is a bad idea. Loans should be used for essential items only, and not for the clothes or electrical equipment that you have set your heart on having but cannot buy right now.

You want to buy property

If you want to buy a property but your will not lend you any more money, you might be tempted to get a loan to cover the deposit. This is a bad idea, because you will be borrowing more money than the house is worth. are often accused of being too generous anyway, so borrowing more than they can offer is an unwise move.

You have seen an unbeatable deal

If you are thinking of getting a loan because the advert that came through your door today offers an amazing rate that seems unbeatable, then take a step back to think about what you are doing. If a loan deal seems too good to be true, then it usually is. The rates advertised very rarely reflect the typical rate you can receive, and there may be hidden charges that are not mentioned. If you are only getting the loan because of the deal, then perhaps getting a loan is not right for you.

Why should you get a loan?

Of course, there are lots of good reasons for getting a loan as well, including:

You need to buy something but cannot afford the amount in one payment You know you can afford to make the repayments on the loan You want to consolidate your debts and have budgeted for the loan You need a bridging loan for property You want to buy a car but do not want to use hire purchase

If you think that you are getting a loan for the right reasons, then things should work out for you. However, you should think carefully before you take out the loan, and if your reasons are poor then you should look at reducing your spending rather than increasing your debt. Peter Kenny is a writer for creditcards-gb For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about credit cards, please visit us at http://www.creditcards-gb.co.uk and http://www.thriftyscot.co.uk/Loans/ ]]> Time Management -- A Way Of Life http://www.artwoo.com/article/time-management-a-way-of-life http://www.artwoo.com/article/time-management-a-way-of-life#comments Sun, 23 Jul 2006 12:27:08 +0000 bridging the gappeople findtargetactual timenecessityaimssetting priorities http://www.artwoo.com/article/time-management-a-way-of-life necessity in today's fast-paced life, as a person ends up performing many roles. One has to be committed to fulfill all the responsibilities with 100% perfection. While doing so, themselves perplexed as to how to approach and manage all the things and still enjoy ample leisure hours.

Time management has become the gravest necessity. It basically as how the available hours are made use of in such away that all is done correctly as per the need of the hour.

Adopting the Skills in Our Lives

Time management involves a lot of planning and organizing. One has to sit down and chalk out the plan. The most vital factor is between expected and achieved. There are certain steps that help us to manage time perfectly:

: The first and the foremost step is to fix a target in terms of what has to be achieved and in how much time. This could provide an outline, on the basis of which further planning would be undertaken.

Planning: After ascertaining the needs and the hours, it is the time to attain a perfect balance between the two. Time is allocated to each task to be performed so that the goal is achieved. However, flexibility has to be exercised, as the taken could be different from planned.

: Another important aspect is arranging the tasks to be performed in the descending order of priority. When one understands the significance of each event, managing the time becomes easy.

Time Schedule: Preparing a timetable helps to complete the work on time and meet the goal effectively.

Time management as a whole aims at avoiding wastage of time and proper utilization. The business community also adheres to techniques like resource planning for managing resource. A number of software are used for time management.

In a nutshell, the time normally wasted can be can be put to effective use by making most of time management. Ryan Bombard writes about various time management topics. For more info: http://thrifty-time-management.info/sitemap.php and http://www.time-management-now.info/sitemap.html ]]> How To Raise Money For A Residential Development http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-raise-money-for-a-residential-development http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-raise-money-for-a-residential-development#comments Sat, 29 Jul 2006 00:27:06 +0000 specialist financefinance companydevelopment financefinance agenciesbridging loansmoneylend http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-raise-money-for-a-residential-development From building one or two homes on a small plot, to a fully-fledged residential development, it's important that you have the right finance in place, or your project can ground to a halt. Acquiring land and derelict buildings for residential development is a key trend in the UK housing market.]]> From building one or two homes on a small plot, to a fully-fledged residential development, it's important that you have the right finance in place, or your project can ground to a halt.

Acquiring land and derelict buildings for residential development is a key trend in the UK housing market. Demand for housing coupled with a lack of available land means that developers need to be creative with their plans in order to provide well-built housing that fits in with the local community.

If you are new to this type of development, or you are planning an unusual or large project, one of your first considerations is how to finance it. You could get a regular loan or mortgage, but these are often not available for development purposes and ers may not be happy to loan as much as you require. If you have been developing property previously, you may have money in the bank, but this is not usually enough to buy the land or property and then to develop it.

There are agencies who are experts in providing finance for developments. These companies have experience in assessing the development potential of a site and in forecasting returns from it, which means they are happy to lend development capital. Some of the benefits of using this type of finance include:

• Flexibility -- a specialist will be able to lend you the money for a term that suits you; from as little as a month to help with , to the whole period of your development.

• Expertise -- a good development will understand your plans and ask about your expected returns and your timescale. Their attention to detail can help you to refine your plans.

• Bespoke finance -- Talk to one of these specialist companies about your plans for the development. Your loan and any repayments can often be tailored to the scale and length of your project, rather than imposing harsh conditions and time periods.

It makes sense to use a specialist finance company if you're planning any sort of development. Not only can you easily raise the money you need, but the loan can be tailored to your particular project and you can benefit from the company's expertise and advice. Abbots Finance specialises in for residential and commercial projects. Visit our website by clicking on http://www.abbotsfinance.co.uk ]]> Paying For Your New Development http://www.artwoo.com/article/paying-for-your-new-development http://www.artwoo.com/article/paying-for-your-new-development#comments Fri, 28 Jul 2006 20:27:10 +0000 development financefinance specialistfinance companiesfinance productsnew financefinance providerfinance specialists http://www.artwoo.com/article/paying-for-your-new-development
There are several ways you could choose to pay for your development, but using a specialist is the most obvious. These companies are designed to loan money to development projects, realising their returns when the project is completed. So how do you find a development specialist?

Experience

If this isn't your first development, then you will probably have borrowed money from a development before. If you are happy with their service, then experience would suggest that there's no reason to change. On the other hand, if you were let down, or you need more flexibility, then it's time to shop around. Bad service lets you know what to look for in your provider, and what questions to ask.

Recommendation and referral

Good businesses get many of their clients through recommendation and referral, and are no different. By providing a high standard of service to clients and consistently finding the best for their needs, companies attract new companies. Ask around for recommendations on .

Internet searches

Most people turn to the internet when they want to find products or services. Whilst this is a great way to come up with a list of names, you should also make sure that you check each company out before you commit to anything. Call them, or get in touch via email and have some key questions ready so that you can get a feel for the type of business they are. Questions could include:

• Can you give examples of your previous successful projects? • What percentage of my total costs can you lend me? • What are your repayment terms? • Can I tailor my loan to the length of my project? • Do you provide finance for bridging loans?

By asking questions related to your specific circumstances, you can get a feel for whether the company is likely to be able to offer you the deals you are looking for.

In the end, both you and your finance company must be comfortable with the agreed arrangement and you must trust the lender to keep their side of the agreement as they trust you to keep yours. Build a good relationship with your finance company and they could be an ongoing partner in future developments. Abbots Finance specialises in development finance for residential and commercial projects. Visit our website by clicking on http://www.abbotsfinance.co.uk ]]>