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	<title>nationwide</title>
	<link>http://www.artwoo.com</link>
	<description>Returned search results for nationwide</description>
	<copyright>Copyright 2008</copyright>
	<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
	<generator>http://www.artwoo.com/rss/nationwide</generator>

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				<title>Nationwide Home Mortgage Loan Company-Where to Find the Best Nationwide Mortgage Company</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/nationwide-home-mortgage-loan-company-where-to-find-the-best-nationwide-mortgage-company</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/nationwide-home-mortgage-loan-company-where-to-find-the-best-nationwide-mortgage-company#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 23:01:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>mortgage loan company</category><category>nationwide home mortgage</category><category>home mortgage loan</category><category>nationwide company</category><category>first mortgage</category><category>mortgage company</category><category>mortgage application</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/nationwide-home-mortgage-loan-company-where-to-find-the-best-nationwide-mortgage-company</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you are considering a second home in a state different from where you are living now, processing your mortgage loan would be easier if you let a nationwide home mortgage loan company finance your home.It makes sense also if you put your first mortgage with the same nationwide company-otherwise,]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[If you are considering a second home in a state different from where you are living now, processing your mortgage loan would be easier if you let a nationwide home <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mortgage+loan+company" rel="tag">mortgage loan company</a> finance your home.<br><br>It makes sense also if you put your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/first+mortgage" rel="tag">first mortgage</a> with the same <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/nationwide+company" rel="tag">nationwide company</a>-otherwise, tracking your payments can get pretty confusing. When at all possible, make sure you make all your payments at the same time, as if you have to do this at different intervals throughout the month, it can become hard to keep up with.<br><br>Your second home <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mortgage+application" rel="tag">mortgage application</a> would be approved more speedily if your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/mortgage+company" rel="tag">mortgage company</a> has immediate access to your credit score and financial information. Many borrowers tend to use in-state or local mortgage company.<br><br>If you are purchasing a primary residential house, there's really nothing big to worry about. But if you're planning to purchase a second home in a different state, you can't expect your local mortgage company to help you.<br><br>This is how using a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/nationwide+home+mortgage" rel="tag">nationwide home mortgage</a> loan company can be extremely beneficial. The more states your lender covers, the less it would be a hassle for you to get a second home loan in a different state.<br><br>When shopping for your mortgage loan, send a select number of companies a copy of your financial and credit. Gather and compare quotes based on the information you've sent them.<br><br>When considering another mortgage in another state, check the number of states the nationwide <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/home+mortgage+loan" rel="tag">home mortgage loan</a> company have offices in. Do they have an office in the state you consider for your second mortgage?<br><br>To get quotes the fastest, you can either go to each individual companies site and find their quotes, or you can take the fastest (and smartest route)-going to a site that has different quotes from a bunch of different companies.<br><br>There are many companies that will immediately give you quotes from ten or fifteen different companies when you give them your information, and basically work as an online mortgage broker-the only difference is, unlike a physical broker, you don't have to pay them for this service.<br><br>This is a quick and relatively easy way to quickly narrow down which companies have the cheapest quotes, and while the exact price you pay might be a tad different, at least it will show you who to start with. This is a much quicker method than going to each individual site and filling out the same information over and over, as these sites are basically a one stop source for all your mortgage quote needs.<br><br>Find out also if you can roll the two home loans into one, and if that would mean lower payments for you. You can call their toll-free number and talk to their representative if you have questions.<br><br>With the same mortgage company providing a potential second home loan, you expect that your application would be approved in a shorter time than if you apply at another mortgage company. Apart from selecting a nationwide home mortgage loan company over a local one, it should also be your priority to get the best rate from them.<bio>For more info on finding the best <a href="http://www.internetmortgagetips.com/">nationwide home mortgage loan company</a>, check out <a href="http://www.internetmortgagetips.com/">http://www.internetmortgagetips.com</a>. This is a popular site that shows you how to save money and avoid breaking the bank on your next mortgage.</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Understanding Calling Plans and Long Distance</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-calling-plans-long-distance</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-calling-plans-long-distance#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 24 May 2006 18:32:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>overage charges</category><category>calling plans</category><category>roaming</category><category>local</category><category>carrier</category><category>nationwide</category><category>metropolitan area</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/understanding-calling-plans-long-distance</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the many misunderstood aspects of a wireless calling plan is understanding how calling plans affect your long distance and roaming charges. Not being aware when you are making a roaming or long distance call, and are will incur heavy overage charges can result in a shockingly high bill at]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[One of the many misunderstood aspects of a wireless calling plan is understanding how <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/calling+plans" rel="tag">calling plans</a> affect your long distance and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/roaming" rel="tag">roaming</a> charges. Not being aware when you are making a roaming or long distance call, and are will incur heavy <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/overage+charges" rel="tag">overage charges</a> can result in a shockingly high bill at the end of each month. To get an idea of how they work let's take a brief look at the different types of plans that are offered. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/local" rel="tag">Local</a> Calling Plans  Local calling plans cover the smallest geographic region. This is usually a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/metropolitan+area" rel="tag">metropolitan area</a> like New York City of Los Angeles. If you have a local calling plan and you are inside the region and make calls to anyone outside of the region you will incur long distance charges. If you are outside of the calling area and call someone inside of the calling area roaming charges will apply. If you are outside of the calling area and call someone across the country roaming and long distance charges will apply. <br /><br /> Regional Calling Plans  Regional calling plans cover a larger area than local calling plans. It usually covers a few neighboring states. If you are inside of the region and place calls to anyone inside of the region standard calling rates will apply. If you call someone outside of the region long distance rates will apply. If you are outside of your region and place a call into your region roaming charges will apply. If you are outside of your region and place a call to someone in a different region than you are in roaming charges and long distance rates will apply. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/nationwide" rel="tag">Nationwide</a> Calling Plans  In a nationwide calling plan the entire country is considered inside of your region and there will be no long distance charges for any calls that you make. If your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/carrier" rel="tag">carrier</a> has spotty coverage and you travel to an area that isn't covered by your network but is covered by another carrier you will incur roaming charges if you make any calls. <br /><br /> Local calling plans have the lowest call per minute rate, but have the highest long distance and roaming charge rates. Nationwide calling plans have the highest per minute rate with regional calling plans in the middle. Many larger networks are dropping local calling areas in favor of regional and nationwide calling plans. When choosing a calling plan it's important to consider how much traveling you will be doing and how much time you will spend outside of what is considered your regional calling area. If you are only making one or two trips per year, you may be able to save money on your monthly bill with a regional calling plan as opposed to a nationwide calling plan. <br /><br /><br /><br /> © Copyright Cellular-Advisor.com, All Rights Reserved.   <bio>Josephine Mills writes for <a href="http://www.cellular-advisor.com">http://www.cellular-advisor.com</a> about wireless communication subjects like cell phones and <a href="http://www.cellular-advisor.com">http://www.cellular-advisor.com</a>/cell-phones/calling-plans/ </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Private Investors Can Buy Land</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-investors-can-buy-land</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-investors-can-buy-land#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>build your own home</category><category>private investors</category><category>hopefully</category><category>land investment</category><category>parcel of land</category><category>private investor</category><category>investment vehicle</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/private-investors-can-buy-land</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are many places for private investors to put their money, but to date, land purchase has been out of the reach of most.  Land is expensive, and the closer to transport links, amenities, schools and shops it is, the more you have to pay. In addition, land often only comes up for sale in large]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[There are many places for <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/private+investors" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/private+investor" rel="tag">private investor</a>s</a> to put their money, but to date, land purchase has been out of the reach of most. <br /><br /> Land is expensive, and the closer to transport links, amenities, schools and shops it is, the more you have to pay. In addition, land often only comes up for sale in large parcels, which are both too large and too expensive for the average investor. <br /><br /> This doesn't mean that buying land in order to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/build+your+own+home" rel="tag">build your own home</a>, or just to sell on for a profit at a later date is completely out of the question. Depending on what you're looking for, you can take a step on the land-holding ladder. <br /><br /> Building plots <br /><br /> If you've decided to build your own home or business premises, you first need to secure a plot of land. Whether your aim is to live or work in the property, or to sell it on once it is completed, you will need to find a suitable plot in the right location. You can do this by visiting estate agents or specialist land agents. Just like buying a property, you can talk to them about your requirements and they can match those with the land currently available. You will need to check whether planning permission exists for the site, and if not, the likelihood of approval to build being granted. Your plot is unlikely to increase in value if you can't build on it. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/land+investment" rel="tag">Land investment</a> <br /><br /> If you're just looking for an alternative <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/investment+vehicle" rel="tag">investment vehicle</a>, then you should consider land investment. Many UK land agents are now offering the opportunity for smaller investors to buy a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/parcel+of+land" rel="tag">parcel of land</a> within a larger area owned by a single company or developer. This land may be targeted for development at a later stage and is usually in a key location, where its value is forecast to increase. This type of land is usually either too large or too expensive for small investors, but they can afford a small parcel of the land which they can then sell on again at a later date, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/hopefully" rel="tag">hopefully</a> making some profit along the way. <br /><br /> If you are a private investor and you are considering adding land to your portfolio, speak to a land agent for more advice.   <bio>Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on <a href="http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk" >http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>A Guide To Land Banking</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-land-banking</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-land-banking#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>private investors</category><category>land parcels</category><category>land investment</category><category>freehold</category><category>profits</category><category>investment concept</category><category>investment company</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-land-banking</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Land banking is a relatively new investment concept that allows smaller investors to own a piece of valuable land.  How does land banking work?  When large parcels of land are put up for sale, they are usually far too expensive for a single small investor. Land that's in a good place for]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Land banking is a relatively new <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/investment+concept" rel="tag">investment concept</a> that allows smaller investors to own a piece of valuable land. <br /><br /> How does land banking work? <br /><br /> When large parcels of land are put up for sale, they are usually far too expensive for a single small investor. Land that's in a good place for residential or business development is usually either bought by a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/land+investment" rel="tag">land investment</a> company or by a property developer. The owner then "banks" or holds onto the land until they are ready to sell it or develop it. During this time, they can parcel the land up into smaller, much more affordable section and sell these sections to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/private+investors" rel="tag">private investors</a>. Each investor holds the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/freehold" rel="tag">freehold</a> to their land, and can sell at any time, although the best <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/profits" rel="tag">profits</a> are usually realised when planning permission is granted for the site. <br /><br /> How much does it cost? <br /><br /> The cost of the land to small investors will depend upon the type of land, the potential for development and the size of the land. For as little as £5,000, investors can buy a good-sized piece of land in a prestigious location. You can, of course, choose to spend much more, and the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/land+parcels" rel="tag">land parcels</a> are often graduated in size to accommodate a range of investors. <br /><br /> Is it complicated to buy? <br /><br /> Land is easier to buy than property. It is still a legal contract, though, so it's worth getting it checked by your solicitor. The straightforward nature of the purchase means that it can often be completed within 28 days. <br /><br /> Can I sell it? <br /><br /> In most, if not all cases, when you buy the land, you also acquire the freehold. This means that you can sell the land on at any time. Most people hold on to their property for between 2-8 years, to realise profits from the development of the site, but you can sell whenever you want or need to. <br /><br /> Where do I start? <br /><br /> If you're interested in land investment, then talk to a land agent. They will have a variety of sites on their books and have the experience and expertise to guide and advise you throughout the process.   <bio>Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on <a href="http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk" >http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>How To Find The Ideal Building Plot</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>planning permission</category><category>building plot</category><category>access</category><category>building plots</category><category>water electricity</category><category>paddock</category><category>wiser</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-find-the-ideal-building-plot</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[If you're thinking of building your own home, your first priority after setting a budget is to find a suitable piece of land. There is always land available for purchase, but much of it is in remote areas, or is unlikely to be approved by the planning office, so there are many things to consider]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[If you're thinking of building your own home, your first priority after setting a budget is to find a suitable piece of land. There is always land available for purchase, but much of it is in remote areas, or is unlikely to be approved by the planning office, so there are many things to consider before you get out your chequebook. <br /><br /> Building land or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/building+plot" rel="tag">building plot</a>? <br /><br /> It is becoming increasingly difficult to find building land exactly where you want it. The growth in property prices over the last ten years has resulted in a rise in the number of people choosing to build their own homes and that, together with ongoing residential developments, means that land is becoming more scarce. It may be <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/wiser" rel="tag">wiser</a> to look for a building plot. This is often a smaller, subdivided area of land, such as a large garden or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/paddock" rel="tag">paddock</a>, where <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/planning+permission" rel="tag">planning permission</a> has been granted for a certain number of properties. These plots may be sold individually and whilst they may be smaller than building land, they are usually more centrally located and cheaper. <br /><br /> Planning permission <br /><br /> It's vital that the land you buy either has planning permission already in place, or a very good chance of getting approval. There's no point spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on a plot if you're never going to be able to build there. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/building+plots" rel="tag">Building plots</a> often come with outline planning permission, particularly if there is a house or building already there. Speak to your agent and to the planning office to ensure that you are going to be able to build when you want to. <br /><br /> Location and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/access" rel="tag">access</a> <br /><br /> You need to check that the building land or plot is in the right location for you and that you can have access both in terms of getting on and off the site, but also for connection to utilities such as water, electricity and gas. Not taking the time to check these issues could cause you great difficulty during your project and it's much easier to back out of a land purchase than it is to sell on a bad piece of land. <br /><br /> For the best advice and to find a range of suitable building plots or building land in your area, speak to a land agent.   <bio>Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on <a href="http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk" >http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Try This Untapped Investment</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/try-this-untapped-investment</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/try-this-untapped-investment#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>stock market investments</category><category>maintenance investment</category><category>traditional investment</category><category>straightforward</category><category>profits</category><category>popular</category><category>parcel of land</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/try-this-untapped-investment</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[More are more people are looking for alternatives to traditional investment, as pension funds face shortfalls and interest rates remain low.  For many, it is the lure of property, both domestic and foreign that attracts the attention and the investment. Properties as second homes, rental vehicles]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[More are more people are looking for alternatives to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/traditional+investment" rel="tag">traditional investment</a>, as pension funds face shortfalls and interest rates remain low. <br /><br /> For many, it is the lure of property, both domestic and foreign that attracts the attention and the investment. Properties as second homes, rental vehicles or <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/straightforward" rel="tag">straightforward</a> investments are very <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/popular" rel="tag">popular</a>, but purchase can be complicated and maintenance costs are high. Land, on the other hand, is an untapped investment that could make some fantastic <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/profits" rel="tag">profits</a>. <br /><br /> Why land? <br /><br /> Land is becoming an increasingly popular investment, particularly in places like the UK, where housing shortages are a growing problem and land consequently rises in value. The benefits of buying land include: <br /><br /> Return -- the rates of return on land, whilst not guaranteed, are often better than returns on any other type of investment, including <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/stock+market+investments" rel="tag">stock market investments</a> and property. <br /><br /> Simplicity -- the purchase of a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/parcel+of+land" rel="tag">parcel of land</a> is a straightforward legal transaction that can be completed within 28 days. Selling your land on is equally as easy. <br /><br /> Management -- you don't have to be checking share prices every day or spending your profits on maintaining a property, or dealing with tenants. Instead, you buy your land and then leave it until development plans are agreed, or you simply want to sell it on. It is a simple, low <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/maintenance+investment" rel="tag">maintenance investment</a>. <br /><br /> Locality -- no matter where you live, there is probably some land available for purchase. You can visit the site, talk to the company that owns the land currently and look into the likelihood of planning permission being granted. You can have a direct involvement with your investment. <br /><br /> If you have money that you want to invest, but you're not convinced by the level of return on traditional investment vehicles, then think seriously about buying land. Even a small investor can access this market now, through land banking, where a single company buys an expensive piece of land and then sells smaller parcels on to private investors. Talk to a land agent to see how you can get started.   <bio>Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on <a href="http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk" >http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Your Access To Free Credit Reports</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 16 Jan 2007 04:27:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>free credit report</category><category>annual credit report</category><category>credit reporting companies</category><category>free credit reports</category><category>credit report request</category><category>transunion</category><category>experian</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/your-access-to-free-credit-reports</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies -- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion -- to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.  That's right; you are entitled to receive one free credit report]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies -- Equifax, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/experian" rel="tag">Experian</a>, and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/transunion" rel="tag">TransUnion</a> -- to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. <br /><br /> That's right; you are entitled to receive one <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/free+credit+report" rel="tag">free credit report</a> every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/credit+reporting+companies" rel="tag">credit reporting companies</a>. In addition to consumers who are eligible for a free credit report through the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/annual+credit+report" rel="tag">Annual Credit Report</a> Request Service; consumers in some states are eligible for a free credit report under state law. The following states have laws that make <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/free+credit+reports" rel="tag">free credit reports</a> available to consumers: Colorado, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Vermont. <br /><br /> Commonly called a credit report, what a credit report is really is a credit file disclosure. A credit file disclosure includes a record of anyone who has received a consumer report about you within a certain period of time. These are often referred to as "Inquiries". The credit file disclosure includes certain information that is not included in a consumer report about you to a third party, such as the inquiries of companies for pre-approved offers of credit card companies, or medical account information. <br /><br /> A credit report includes information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued, arrested, or filed for bankruptcy. Nationwide consumer reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses that use it to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or renting a home. <br /><br /> You are also entitled to a free report if a company takes adverse action against you, like denying your application for credit, employment or Insurance. You have up to 60 days to request your report after a decline. You're also entitled to one free report a year if you're unemployed and plan to look for a job within 60 days; if you're on welfare; or if your report is inaccurate because of identity theft. <br /><br /> For more information, see Your Access to Free Credit Reports at <a href="http://ftc.gov/credit" >http://ftc.gov/credit</a>   <bio>Ben Cortese is a developer and business analyst for the financial industry and enjoys developing and supporting independent websites <a href="http://www.best-rate-cards.com" >http://www.best-rate-cards.com</a> Apply for credit at best-rate-cards.com Copyright 2007. Article can be reprinted only if unchanged. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Make Profit From Land Investment</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-profit-from-land-investment</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-profit-from-land-investment#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sat, 15 Jul 2006 02:27:06 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>make money</category><category>housing shortage</category><category>new homes</category><category>lifestyle</category><category>shopping</category><category>land investment</category><category>suburban land</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/make-profit-from-land-investment</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As a private investor, you'll know that it's almost impossible to guarantee a return, no matter how alluring the investment looks. It's always important to assess the risk you may be taking with your money before you commit to investing it.  Land investment is no different from any other savings]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[As a private investor, you'll know that it's almost impossible to guarantee a return, no matter how alluring the investment looks. It's always important to assess the risk you may be taking with your money before you commit to investing it. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/land+investment" rel="tag">Land investment</a> is no different from any other savings vehicle. Many people have seen excellent returns on their investment, and land prices in key areas continue to increase; particularly where the need for housing is greatest and land for development is at a premium. <br /><br /> So, can you <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/make+money" rel="tag">make money</a> from land? Here's why land could be a good investment for you: <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/housing+shortage" rel="tag">Housing shortage</a> -- in the UK, there is still a housing shortage with, on average, only half the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/new+homes" rel="tag">new homes</a> needed being built each year. As demand continues to exceed supply in this area, developers will seek new sites and the planning authorities may grant permission on a wider range of sites in order to re-balance the housing scales. This creates a great opportunity for those who wish to invest in land. <br /><br /> Property prices -- of the new homes being built, fewer of them are falling into the "affordable" price bracket. This means that developers are realising higher profits for their projects and can afford to make higher bids for land for future development. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/lifestyle" rel="tag">Lifestyle</a> -- although rural and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/suburban+land" rel="tag">suburban land</a> will also rise in value, there is still money to be made in central land locations. Where urban land can be regenerated, it is often turned into multi-function developments; apartments with <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/shopping" rel="tag">shopping</a>, eating and recreational activities all within the same site. There is a huge appeal to this type of lifestyle and these developments are still profitable. <br /><br /> Economy -- land doesn't have to be earmarked for residential development in order to make a profit. Out-of-town shopping centres, business parks and leisure complexes are still big business and whilst spending is high and these developments increase job opportunities in the area, they are also likely to make money for the landowners. <br /><br /> As always, profits can't be guaranteed. If you buy land that's denied planning permission, you're unlikely to make the returns that are possible when planning is approved, and that's a risk you must assess before you commit your money.   <bio>Nationwide specialises in land acquisition and sale across the UK. For more information or to download a brochure, click on <a href="http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk" >http://www.nationwide-land-estates.co.uk</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Babywearing Groups Are Popping Up Nationwide</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/babywearing-groups-are-popping-up-nationwide</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/babywearing-groups-are-popping-up-nationwide#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 26 Aug 2007 15:30:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>babywearing</category><category>contact</category><category>yahoo groups</category><category>google</category><category>babywearer</category><category>msn</category><category>good weather</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/babywearing-groups-are-popping-up-nationwide</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Babywearing groups and clubs are popping up nationwide. This babywearing trend that has been the norm in other countries for centuries is just now starting to take the US by storm.  Celebrities being spotted using baby carreirs of all kinds has skyrocketed the practice, sending everyone in search]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/babywearing" rel="tag">Babywearing</a> groups and clubs are popping up nationwide. This babywearing trend that has been the norm in other countries for centuries is just now starting to take the US by storm. <br /><br /> Celebrities being spotted using baby carreirs of all kinds has skyrocketed the practice, sending everyone in search of the perfect carrier. The problem is that once you find that fabulous carrier, how do you use it? Following directions are one thing, but having someone there to show you how to use it, and answer all your questions is another thing entirely. <br /><br /> Luckily we've have tracked down several groups and organizations that are dying to help make wearing baby carriers a positive experience for you. The benefits for both you and your child are so great that these groups want to make it possible. <br /><br /><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/babywearer" rel="tag">Babywearer</a>.com posted and article by Joanna Sutcliffe giving several tips on how to form, manage, and maintain a babywearing group. <br /><br /> Finding members: Use the internet. It's free and a great way to reach large numbers of people in your area. <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/yahoo+groups" rel="tag">Yahoo groups</a> have several babywearing chats and forums in your local areas. There are other sites that provide similar services - <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/google" rel="tag">Google</a> and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/msn" rel="tag">MSN</a> are just a couple. <br /><br /> Where to meet? Meet up at a member's house. The group getting too large? Try meeting spaces like churches or conference rooms. A great space to reserve is a room in the public library. In <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/good+weather" rel="tag">good weather</a> try a mall with a play area or a local park. <br /><br /> Keeping it going... Try posting your group on the Libraries bulletin board, or place an ad in the local paper. <br /><br /> NINO is an online babywearing community that posts local group <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/contact" rel="tag">contact</a> information. NINO believes the baby is in your womb for nine months, so you should give them nine more in baby carriers to acclimate to the change. There are several groups available nationwide through their website. If you can't find a group in your area, you can form your own and post it on their website! <br /><br /><br /><br />The internet is a fabulous resource, so use it to get informed of this fabulous new trend. A few more links to get you connected to babywearing groups and learn how to use your baby carriers of any kind are; Mamatoto.org, Rebozoway.org and groups.yahoo/groups/babywearing. Happy Babywearing!   <bio>Jenna is a proud mother, and the owner of Tweetie Pie Baby. She promotes using baby carriers, attachment parenting techniques and babywearing practices. Visit <a href="http://www.tweetiepiebaby.com" >http://www.tweetiepiebaby.com</a> for a closer look.  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>U.S. Real Estate Foreclosures Increase Nationwide</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/us-real-estate-foreclosures-increase-nationwide</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/us-real-estate-foreclosures-increase-nationwide#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 28 Jan 2007 02:27:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>foreclosure rates</category><category>foreclosures</category><category>midwest region</category><category>southwest region</category><category>percentage increase</category><category>layoffs</category><category>bleak</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/us-real-estate-foreclosures-increase-nationwide</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Foreclosures continue to rise across America. According to the latest annual report of http://Foreclosures.com, the number of foreclosures filed nationwide in 2006 had increased by 51 percent from the previous year, with foreclosure filings nearly topping one million. When compared to 641,000]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/foreclosures" rel="tag">Foreclosures</a> continue to rise across America. According to the latest annual report of <a href="http://Foreclosures.com" >http://Foreclosures.com</a>, the number of foreclosures filed nationwide in 2006 had increased by 51 percent from the previous year, with foreclosure filings nearly topping one million. When compared to 641,000 foreclosure filings made in 2005 nationwide, almost 971,000 foreclosure filings were reported last year. <br /><br /> Among the States, California reported the highest number of foreclosure filings in 2006 with 157,417 foreclosures filed, which is an increase by 94 percent from the year before. California is followed by Florida with 120,989 foreclosure filings. Nevada struggled with the largest <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/percentage+increase" rel="tag">percentage increase</a> in foreclosures in 2006 of 175 percent. <br /><br /> The Northeast region reported 96,101 foreclosures in 2006, an increase of 64.6 percent from 58,394 foreclosures filed in 2005. Still, a few states in the region, such as Maryland and Delaware, saw a decrease in foreclosure filings. <br /><br /> Foreclosure filings in the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/midwest+region" rel="tag">Midwest region</a> of the nation went up beyond 70 percent with many states including Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Nebraska facing increases of 80 to 96 percent. Industrial <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/layoffs" rel="tag">layoffs</a> and a tough economy have spurted the number of foreclosure filings in this region, with foreclosure figures in states such as Iowa and Kansas increasing beyond 100 percent.  The <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/southwest+region" rel="tag">Southwest region</a> was the most affected with one out of every 2.2 foreclosures in the country taking place there. The region closed the books for 2006 with an increase of 37 percent from 162,259 foreclosures in 2005 to 220,189 foreclosures. Foreclosure filings in Colorado increased by 55.4 percent, while foreclosures in Texas increased by 35.2 percent. Although the region struggled with the high <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/foreclosure+rates" rel="tag">foreclosure rates</a>, the figures are not all <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bleak" rel="tag">bleak</a> for the region with a few states showing a decrease in foreclosure filings. Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Oregon reported fewer foreclosure filings in 2006 when compared to 2005. These states have particularly reported a drop in foreclosure filings in the last quarter of 2006. <br /><br /> Although the foreclosure reports are not very cheerful, Alexis McGee, president of <a href="http://Foreclosures.com" >http://Foreclosures.com</a> anticipates the housing market to improve soon. Overextended homeowners, who have been struggling to keep up with heavy debt loads, rising interest rates and property taxes, can soon look forward to some relief as home inventories come down and the market start looking up again. McGee also adds that the current housing market may be the best opportunity for home buyers in the next six years.  <bio><a href="http://www.sandiegocondos.name" >http://www.sandiegocondos.name</a> <a href="http://www.point-loma-homes.com" >http://www.point-loma-homes.com</a> <a href="http://www.poway-home.com" >http://www.poway-home.com</a> </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Jurisdictional Power Of The Racketeer Influenced And Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) Part 1</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/jurisdictional-power-of-the-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations-act-rico-part-1</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/jurisdictional-power-of-the-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations-act-rico-part-1#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:20:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>corrupt organizations act</category><category>racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act</category><category>racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations</category><category>due process clause</category><category>personal jurisdiction</category><category>state defendants</category><category>nationwide service</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/jurisdictional-power-of-the-racketeer-influenced-and-corrupt-organizations-act-rico-part-1</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ * This article discusses the extent of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act's (RICO) jurisdictional power over out-of-state defendants. Courts have split on which subsection of 18 U.S.C. Section 1965 to invoke. Depending on which subsection a court chooses, certain restrictions]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ * This article discusses the extent of the Racketeer Influenced and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/corrupt+organizations+act" rel="tag">Corrupt Organizations Act</a>'s (RICO) jurisdictional power over out-of-<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/state+defendants" rel="tag">state defendants</a>. Courts have split on which subsection of 18 U.S.C. Section 1965 to invoke. Depending on which subsection a court chooses, certain restrictions and liberties arise that may run afoul to the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/due+process+clause" rel="tag">Due Process Clause</a>. This is Part I of a two part series. <br /><br /> With the venue provision of the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/racketeer+influenced+and+corrupt+organizations+act" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/racketeer+influenced+and+corrupt+organizations" rel="tag">Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations</a> Act</a> (RICO), 18 U.S.C. Section 1965, Congress intended to provide an avenue for trying all alleged participants of a conspiracy in one forum - <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/nationwide+service" rel="tag">nationwide service</a> of process. Whether and how the statute accomplishes this goal is, of course, the subject of much litigation and confusion. The Supreme Court has never definitively interpreted this section of the statute, leaving the lower courts in a state of disarray. <br /><br /> The key question is which clause of Section 1965 allows for nationwide service of process. Though it might seem academic - what difference does it make which section spells out the rule so long as the statute allows nationwide service of process? - the question is vitally important to determining <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/personal+jurisdiction" rel="tag">personal jurisdiction</a> over RICO defendants: read one way, the grant of nationwide service of process also confers nationwide personal jurisdiction, while the other reading places limits on the court's exercise of personal jurisdiction over non-resident RICO defendants. The competing readings also create a split as to whether a defendant served via nationwide process must still have minimum contacts with the forum or if only contacts with the United States as a whole are required. <br /><br /> In an attempt to sort through the issue, this article addresses the following questions: (1) does Section 1965 provide for nationwide service of process, and, if so, which section of the statute authorizes it? (2) If nationwide service of process is permitted, are there any limits placed on it? (3) Assuming nationwide service of process is allowed, does the statute automatically confer personal jurisdiction through minimum contacts with the United States, or must defendants still have minimum contacts with the forum? <br /><br /> Which Part of the Statute Governs? <br /><br /> Courts generally agree that the RICO statute authorizes nationwide service of process in some fashion. Some courts rely on Section 1965 (d) to support that decision, while the others have ruled that subsection (b) authorizes nationwide service. The statute reads as follows: <br /><br /> (a) Any civil action or proceeding under this chapter against any person may be instituted in the district court of the United States for any district in which such person resides, is found, has an agent, or transacts his affairs. <br /><br /> (b) In any action under section 1964 of this chapter in any district court of the United States in which it is shown that the ends of justice require that other parties residing in any other district be brought before the court, the court may cause such parties to be summoned, and process for that purpose may be served in any judicial district of the United States by the marshal thereof. <br /><br /> (c) In any civil or criminal action or proceeding instituted by the United States under this chapter in the district court of the United States for any judicial district, subpoenas issued by such court to compel the attendance of witnesses may be served in any other judicial district, except that in any civil action or proceeding no such subpoena shall be issued for service upon any individual who resides in another district at a place more than one hundred miles from the place at which such court is held without approval given by a judge of such court upon a showing of good cause. <br /><br /> (d) All other process in any action or proceeding under this chapter may be served on any person in any judicial district in which such person resides, is found, has an agent, or transacts his affairs. <br /><br /> The majority of courts have ruled that subsection (b) is the basis for nationwide service of process, while subsection (d) is a venue provision. The Second Circuit, in PT United Can Co., was the first court to do a close reading of the statute and to interpret each of the four subsections in relation to the others. When read "sequentially," the court held, the statute "gives coherent effect to all sections of Section 1965, and effectively provides for all eventualities without rendering any of the sections duplicative, without impeding RICO actions and without unnecessarily burdening parties." The Second Circuit interpreted - and the majority of courts have since agreed - the meaning of the sections as follows: <br /><br /> (a) Section1965(a) sets venue so that "a civil RICO action can only be brought where personal jurisdiction based on minimum contacts is established as to at least one defendant." <br /><br /> (b) for other parties not residing in the district, Section 1965(b) provides for nationwide service and jurisdiction, subject to a showing that "the ends of justice" so require. <br /><br /> (c) subsection (c) governs service of subpoenas on witnesses. <br /><br /> (d) Since (a) and (b) relate to serving a summons on a defendant and (c) concerns subpoena of a witness, the reference in subsection (d) to all "other process" means everything that is neither a summons of a defendant nor a subpoena of a witness. <br /><br /> A recent Tenth Circuit decision, Cory v. Aztec Steel Building, Inc., noted that not only did this reading make sense, but it also was consistent with congressional intent: <br /><br /> In its report on the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, which gave birth to RICO, the House Judiciary Committee declared that "[s]ubsection (b) provides nationwide service of process ... in actions under section 1964" ... and that "[s]ubsection (d) provides ... all other process in actions under the [entire RICO] chapter." <br /><br /> This "sequential" reading shows that subsection (d) means something other than that already stated in the previous sections. <br /><br /> The subsection (d) theory, on the other hand, is the minority position, supported only by the Fourth and Eleventh Circuits. Neither court offered much analysis to explain this position, but a number of district courts have since clarified: they reason that subsection (b) "is implicated only when venue is proper as to at least one defendant but challenged as improper by another." For all others - any defendants who do not challenge venue - subsection (d) would provide the basis for personal jurisdiction through nationwide service of process. <br /><br /> One of the few commentators to have addressed the issue, and who supports the (d) reading, explains it like this: <br /><br /> (a) the first subsection does not authorize process, but expands venue from rule 4's provisions; <br /><br /> (b) subsection (b) grants national service of process if at least one defendant is within the court's jurisdiction and "ends of justice" allow it; <br /><br /> (c) subsection (c) authorizes subpoenas over witnesses; and <br /><br /> (d) finally, subsection (d) authorizes service of process on defendants generally; "all other process" means service of process on defendants where no other defendant is properly within the court's jurisdiction, but process can only be served in a judicial district where venue could have been appropriate under subsection (a). <br /><br /> Subsection (d) in this reading can only authorize nationwide service of process because proponents believe a RICO action may be brought in a district where no defendant has minimum contacts with the forum. This leaves virtually no limits on service of process. <br /><br /> Limitations on Nationwide Service of Process Under Section 1965(b) <br /><br /> Where subsection (b) is the statutory basis for the exercise of personal jurisdiction, as opposed to subsection (d), there are limitations on the exercise of personal jurisdiction. First, personal jurisdiction over at least one RICO defendant must be established via a typical minimum contacts analysis. Unlike the subsection (d) school, this branch reads subsection (a) and (b) together to limit filing a RICO action to a jurisdiction where at least one defendant is subject to personal jurisdiction. Even once the court has jurisdiction over that initial defendant, nationwide service of process and personal jurisdiction over the others may only be exercised where the ends of justice require. "[M]erely naming person in a RICO complaint does not, in itself, make them subject to section 1965(b)'s nationwide service provisions." <br /><br /> Congress did not define "ends of justice," leaving the courts to determine the contours of this limitation on nationwide service of process. The prevailing test for "ends of justice" has been whether all the defendants are amenable to suit in another forum; if so, the "ends of justice" do not require exercising personal jurisdiction over all the defendants. There is general agreement that it is the plaintiff's burden to show the ends of justice require the exercise of personal jurisdiction.   <bio>Mr. Taillieu is a partner in the litigation department of Zuber and Taillieu LLP (<a href="http://www.zuberlaw.com" >http://www.zuberlaw.com</a>). He earned his J.D. with highest honors from George Washington University School of Law, where he graduated #1 in the day class and was Managing Editor of the Law Review.  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>House Prices Set For Greater Regional Variation</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-prices-set-for-greater-regional-variation</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-prices-set-for-greater-regional-variation#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 08 Aug 2006 12:27:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>house price</category><category>price inflation</category><category>northern ireland</category><category>northern irish</category><category>price growth</category><category>mortgages house</category><category>tml</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/house-prices-set-for-greater-regional-variation</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The growth of English house prices is slowing. In contrast, both Scottish and Northern Irish house prices are heading for boom periods, according to new figures.  Nationwide predicts that house prices in Scotland and Northern Ireland are set to become increasingly dislocated from trends in England]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[The growth of English <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/house+price" rel="tag">house price</a>s is slowing. In contrast, both Scottish and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/northern+irish" rel="tag">Northern Irish</a> house prices are heading for boom periods, according to new figures. <br /><br /> Nationwide predicts that house prices in Scotland and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/northern+ireland" rel="tag">Northern Ireland</a> are set to become increasingly dislocated from trends in England and Wales, as the countries have witnessed far faster house <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/price+growth" rel="tag">price growth</a> over the year, increasing the need for larger mortgages. <br /><br /> House prices in Northern Ireland rose five times faster than the UK average for the past 12 months, while the last quarter saw house <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/price+inflation" rel="tag">price inflation</a> in Northern Ireland outpace the UK average ten fold. Scotland has also seen house price growth above the UK average. <br /><br /> The Northern Irish and Scottish housing markets are booming and, like their governments, have become increasingly devolved from the UK, concluded Fionnuala Earley, Nationwide's group economist. <br /><br /> Meanwhile, within England, the south has resumed its position as the focus of house price growth. <br /><br /> House price inflation in the south of England has now outpaced the north for the third successive quarter. This follows an extended period when the south lagged behind as buyers appeared to reach the limits of affordability. <br /><br /> London is also once again the city with the fastest house price growth, with inflation dampening in northern cities. Nationwide reports that this is also having a knock-on effect on the areas surrounding the capital. <br /><br /> There is a clear pattern of acceleration in house price growth in the south in the regions closest to London, compared with last year. At the same time there is clear deceleration in all of the regions in the north, concluded Ms Earley. <br /><br /> According to Nationwide's quarterly house price index, prices across the UK fell back sharply in the second quarter of the year from 2.2 per cent to 0.9 per cent. However, annual growth has remained stable. <br /><br /> © Adfero Ltd   <bio><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/tml" rel="tag">TML</a> offer <a href="http://www.tml-mortgages.co.uk/mortgages/" >http://www.tml-mortgages.co.uk/mortgages/</a> and <a href="http://www.tml-mortgages.co.uk/remortgages" >http://www.tml-mortgages.co.uk/remortgages</a> to people with bad credit, debts or CCJs. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Bank One Locations - Finding a Location Close to You is Not Difficult</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/bank-one-locations-finding-a-location-close-to-you-is-not-difficult</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/bank-one-locations-finding-a-location-close-to-you-is-not-difficult#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2008 19:43:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>popular bank</category><category>jp morgan</category><category>better customer service</category><category>bank one</category><category>personal banking</category><category>easiest thing</category><category>driving distance</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/bank-one-locations-finding-a-location-close-to-you-is-not-difficult</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Finding bank one locations might be the easiest thing you do today. Since this is one of the more widely used banks nationwide, there almost certainly will be a bank one branch within easy driving distance of our house, and all you have to do to find the closest is check the yellow pages or the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Finding <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bank+one" rel="tag">bank one</a> locations might be the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/easiest+thing" rel="tag">easiest thing</a> you do today. Since this is one of the more widely used banks nationwide, there almost certainly will be a bank one branch within easy <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/driving+distance" rel="tag">driving distance</a> of our house, and all you have to do to find the closest is check the yellow pages or the internet. It won't take more than a minute or two.<br><br>Why is bank one such a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/popular+bank" rel="tag">popular bank</a> nowadays? Quite simply, it actually is the 6th biggest bank in America today, and is a publicly traded bank listed as ONE. It was bought by <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/jp+morgan" rel="tag">JP Morgan</a> four years ago, and therefore is no longer called bank one, which is why you might have trouble finding any info on it by doing a search with this name.<br><br>The bank first began in Ohio about 65 years ago, and while I won't bore you wit the history and the mergers that led to what it is today, keep in mind that this is one of the bigger and more experienced banks in the country today, obviously something you want to look for when finding a bank to deal with.<br><br>Many people opt to go with the smaller, more region specific banks, but you usually are better off going with a nationwide chain, for the simple fact that they are more known, and you can know what to expect much better. It's not a crap shoot, as it often times is with the smaller companies.<br><br>Yes, you can get <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/better+customer+service" rel="tag">better customer service</a> with smaller banks sometimes, but often times the opposite is true as well. also, you never know how financially stable these smaller banks are, and if you aren't careful, you could be putting your money with a bank that's about to go out of business, as unfortunately many are nowadays.<br><br>Finding a solid, financially stable bank is always important, and you can be confident you are getting this with Bank One.<br><br>Since the company is affiliated with JP Morgan, one of the largest investing companies around the country, as you might expect, bank one now offers the ability to invest through them, in addition to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/personal+banking" rel="tag">personal banking</a>, which they've always had.<br><br>This is an option you probably should consider if you don't know a lot about investing, as these money managers can often times do it better than you can. One word of caution before investing through bank one, however-while many people make a lot of money letting other companies manage their money for them, these accounts tend to reflect how the market is doing as a whole, particularly if you go with mutual funds, as so many people do, in order to avoid risk.<br><br>Therefore, by putting your money with them and forgetting about it, you will probably capitalize if the market is doing well, but if it goes down, you will be in trouble.<br><br>However, I'd definitely still recommend their personal banking and other financial offers such as loans and credit cards; just find the bank one locations nearest you, head down there, and get started today.<bio>For more info on <a href="http://www.onlinebankratings.com/bankonelocations.htm">Bank One Locations</a>, check out http://www.onlinebankratings.com, a popular banking site that reviews many of the larger, small, and online banks to help you find the best.</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Housing Market Forecast Unchanged</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/housing-market-forecast-unchanged</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/housing-market-forecast-unchanged#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jul 2007 10:30:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>sub prime loans</category><category>foreclosure listings</category><category>unbiased forecasts</category><category>real estate companies</category><category>depreciation rate</category><category>300</category><category>appreciation</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/housing-market-forecast-unchanged</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[ Housing markets will depreciate an average of 4.2% nationwide in 2007, according to the annual Housing Predictor forecast. The forecast for the decline was first issued in January and after a reassessment at mid-year remains unchanged.  An average depreciation rate of 4.2% would be the largest]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[ Housing markets will depreciate an average of 4.2% nationwide in 2007, according to the annual Housing Predictor forecast. The forecast for the decline was first issued in January and after a reassessment at mid-year remains unchanged. <br /><br /> An average <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/depreciation+rate" rel="tag">depreciation rate</a> of 4.2% would be the largest depreciation the U.S. housing markets have seen since 1991. Housing markets in the majority of the nation have an over supply of inventory of homes, condos and other properties on the market. Many areas have their highest inventory in years with declining prices. But 18 states markets are experiencing <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/appreciation" rel="tag">appreciation</a>, despite the nationwide slump in housing sales. Another ten states are stabilizing. <br /><br /> The Housing Predictor forecast model took the expected foreclosure crisis into account in its forecasts and the web site has been credited for its correct forecast of more than 2-million homes that will be foreclosed through 2009, mainly due to fall out from the sub-prime loan crisis. <br /><br /> However, many markets have been insulated from the sub-prime crisis. Second home and vacation markets and many markets above the $<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/300" rel="tag">300</a>,000 price mark are not experiencing many foreclosures due to the sub-prime crisis since buyers in those price ranges usually do not obtain sub-prime loans, which are made to shaky borrowers with damaged credit histories. <br /><br /> Housing Predictor forecasts more than 250 local housing markets in all 50 U.S. states and also provides new real estate listings and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/foreclosure+listings" rel="tag">foreclosure listings</a> with its new partner, Realty Store.com.  The web site, which provides <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/unbiased+forecasts" rel="tag">unbiased forecasts</a>, is regularly consulted by major financial institutions and Wall Street brokerage firms, banks, mortgage companies, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/real+estate+companies" rel="tag">real estate companies</a> and consumers for its up to date forecasts. <br /><br /> The nation's housing markets are under going otherwise normal transitions to more steady sales in many parts of the nation unaffected by the sub-prime crisis after five years of record appreciation in many markets. <br /><br /> Housing Predictor expects 2008 home sales to also be soft in many areas of the country, but to show gradual improvement in growth towards the end of the year in heavily populated western states and the northeast.   <bio>Mike Colpitts is the Editor of Housing Predictor. For more news on housing markets and to check your markets forecast, search real estate listings and foreclosures visit <a href="http://www.housingpredictor.com" >http://www.housingpredictor.com</a>  </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Car Rental Services Add Convenience To Your Travels</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/car-rental-services-add-convenience-to-your-travels</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/car-rental-services-add-convenience-to-your-travels#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:27:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>car rental service</category><category>car rental agencies</category><category>car rental services</category><category>car rental agency</category><category>rental car agencies</category><category>rental car services</category><category>rental car rates</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/car-rental-services-add-convenience-to-your-travels</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While on vacation, you and your family are eager to explore and to get to know the people and the culture at your own pace and leisure, but you may find the organized tours too boring and hectic, and the public transport system too confusing and challenging. To get the most out of your vacation the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[While on vacation, you and your family are eager to explore and to get to know the people and the culture at your own pace and leisure, but you may find the organized tours too boring and hectic, and the public transport system too confusing and challenging. To get the most out of your vacation the best solution for you may be to rent a car. <br /><br /> The quickest way for you to find a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/car+rental+service" rel="tag">car rental service</a> is to search on the internet or just to leaf through the yellow pages of your local directory or to look at the classified pages of the local newspapers. You should easily be able to find plenty of advertisements for the local rent-a-cars. <br /><br /> If you are unfamiliar with what <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/car+rental+services" rel="tag">car rental services</a> are, they are services that engage in the business of renting out cars for short periods of time, most often to visitors or travelers. And the length of this rental period may vary from just a few hours to even a few weeks. Obviously this kind of car rental service does require a fee, but the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/rental+car+rates" rel="tag">rental car rates</a> are usually quite reasonable depending on the type of rental car you want to drive, ranging from small compact cars to family-sized minivans or SUVs. <br /><br /> If you need to locate a car rental service, networks and branches of numerous <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/rental+car+agencies" rel="tag">rental car agencies</a> can be found spread out across the entire country and sometimes abroad as well. These <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/car+rental+agencies" rel="tag">car rental agencies</a> are generally located near airports or in central locations of cities. So even if you are unfamiliar with a new city, it is not at all hard to locate a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/car+rental+agency" rel="tag">car rental agency</a>. <br /><br /> Not only do <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/rental+car+services" rel="tag">rental car services</a> cater to travelers; they also cater to those people whose cars are temporarily out of service, damaged or destroyed, and also to those who may be waiting for an insurance renewal. Other than renting out passenger cars, car rental agencies also rent out heavy duty vehicles such as vans or trucks for industrial transportation purposes. <br /><br /> If you decide to use a car rental service you have to keep the following points in mind: <br /><br /> * You have to return the car exactly in the same condition as it was at the time of renting. <br /><br /> * You have to pay extra charges if you exceed the distance that was stipulated in the contract. <br /><br /> * You must be over a specific age in order to be able to rent a car. In some state this age can be as high as 25. <br /><br /> * Many of the agencies take advantage of GPS technology to ensure that the car is not driven above a certain speed limit or does not go beyond a specified territorial limit.  <bio>Rent a car and sightsee! For more on Car Rentals visit <a href="http://www.carrentaldepot.info" >http://www.carrentaldepot.info</a> and <a href="http://www.carrentaldepot.info/nationwide-car-rental.htm" >http://www.carrentaldepot.info/nationwide-car-rental.htm</a>. For more information on Rental Cars visit <a href="http://www.mynicheblog.info" >http://www.mynicheblog.info</a>. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Consolidate Debt - Avoiding Illegal Debt Consolidation Practices</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/consolidate-debt-avoiding-illegal-debt-consolidation-practices</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/consolidate-debt-avoiding-illegal-debt-consolidation-practices#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Thu, 14 Dec 2006 08:27:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>better business bureau</category><category>better business bureaus</category><category>debt consolidation companies</category><category>consumer protection agency</category><category>declaring bankruptcy</category><category>irs</category><category>ftc</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/consolidate-debt-avoiding-illegal-debt-consolidation-practices</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Debt consolidation does have its unsavory side. It is not hard to see that the numbers of debt consolidation firms has increased over the past three years. On the Internet alone they were amongst the major advertisers and now they out rank the household names with television commercials.]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Debt consolidation does have its unsavory side. It is not hard to see that the numbers of debt consolidation firms has increased over the past three years. On the Internet alone they were amongst the major advertisers and now they out rank the household names with television commercials. Unfortunately a few of these so-called debt consolidation firms are being found guilty of illegal practices, especially in reference to the use of 'non-profit'. More and more are facing lawsuits from the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/ftc" rel="tag">FTC</a>, the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/irs" rel="tag">IRS</a> and countless attorney generals nationwide. <br /><br /> One such firm is not only subject to a federal suit, but action by the FTC and now five separate state lawsuits against it. The firm even went as far as <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/declaring+bankruptcy" rel="tag">declaring bankruptcy</a>, but they have not stopped operations. In fact they merely changed their names and resumed operations under as different companies. This was one of the worst so far. <br /><br /> Not surprising though is the fact that a lot of companies are no longer referring to themselves as '<a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/debt+consolidation+companies" rel="tag">debt consolidation companies</a>' because of the bad media attention this case has spawned. With that in mind you need to be cautious and avoid companies that hide under the guise of debt negotiators or debt settlement firms. Some of them are in fact the same type of companies who are still acting illegally. <br /><br /> You are best to do background checks on debt consolidation firms, or any company, through your <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/consumer+protection+agency" rel="tag">consumer protection agency</a> and/or your local <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/better+business+bureau" rel="tag">Better Business Bureau</a>. However, even the feedback from the latter is not reliable. A good rating with a business bureau means nothing. More than 75% of complaints against any company does not impede the ratings if a resolution has been found. Also note that the <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/better+business+bureaus" rel="tag">Better Business Bureaus</a> have no jurisdiction to investigate any complaints against debt type consolidation firms and definitely not authorized to make any resolutions. <br /><br /> The best advice that can be given is to simply avoid debt type consolidation firms that have registered addresses in either Florida or Maryland states. Sadly these states have no regulations to govern them. With so many varied firms available offer these services nationwide you may choose to air on the side of caution and look in other states, which could save you a fortune and the inevitable concern over any dealings with such companies of ill-repute. <br /><br /> There are some websites that deal with customer reviews, specifically geared towards debt consolidation firms. It is worth looking into as you can get useful feedback from those who are or did use the services of a company that you may be considering signing up with.   <bio>Clinton Maxwell frequently produces newsletters on ideas associated to debt management and credit counseling. His publications on consolidating debt are found on <a href="http://www.debtania.com/consolidating.html" >http://www.debtania.com/consolidating.html</a> and other online sites. </bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Who Has the Best Automobile Insurance Premiums?</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/who-has-the-best-automobile-insurance-premiums</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/who-has-the-best-automobile-insurance-premiums#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:43:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>auto insurance discounts</category><category>automobile owners</category><category>automobile insurance</category><category>safe bet</category><category>insurance carriers</category><category>types of insurance</category><category>excellent customer service</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/who-has-the-best-automobile-insurance-premiums</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When it comes to automobile insurance, there are so many insurance carriers out there; it is sometimes a bit overwhelming. Each company claims to offer the lowest priced premiums and excellent customer service, but in fact, who really does? If you were to search on Google, typing "Automobile]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[When it comes to <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/automobile+insurance" rel="tag">automobile insurance</a>, there are so many <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/insurance+carriers" rel="tag">insurance carriers</a> out there; it is sometimes a bit overwhelming. Each company claims to offer the lowest priced premiums and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/excellent+customer+service" rel="tag">excellent customer service</a>, but in fact, who really does? If you were to search on Google, typing "Automobile Insurance", you would find thousands of insurance companies. You will notice some of the names, and others you will have never heard of in your life. So where do you go when looking for the best deal on automobile insurance? This articles was designed to give you some perspective on some of the most trustworthy insurance companies out there that offer great deals.<br><br>Geico:<br><br>It is a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/safe+bet" rel="tag">safe bet</a> to say, everyone has heard of the insurer Geico. It is hard not to miss their humorous advertisements on the television, radio and internet. They are virtually everywhere! This is because Geico is a healthy company. Not only do they offer great rates, they have excellent customer service. Personally, I have insured both of my vehicles through Geico and have never had a problem. I decided to switch to Geico after talking to a few people. At the time I had Progressive ( an insurer I highly do not recommend). They informed me I was paying way to much for my car insurance, so I got a quote through Geico. And like the commercial said, I did save $102.00 a month on car insurance. Talk about a huge difference!<br><br>Nationwide:<br><br>This is an insurance company that carries different <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/types+of+insurance" rel="tag">types of insurance</a>. It has been around for a long time and knows how to take care of its customers. They offer a huge variety of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/auto+insurance+discounts" rel="tag">auto insurance discounts</a>. If you visit their website, you will see a very clear, clean layout that answers many <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/automobile+owners" rel="tag">automobile owners</a>' needs. Another great aspect of this company is they are very forgiving. They have an accident forgiveness program that is truly unique to their company. They are also understanding of teen drivers. If you have not yet considered Nationwide, you might want to get a quote.<br><br>Allstate:<br><br>If you are a driver that has had a clean record for a while, this is a good option. Allstate is definitely not for the newer drivers, but for the more well established. The difference between say Geico and Allstate is they take your credit score in to major consideration. Allstate offers great deals, discounts, especially if you insure multiple lines with them. Like stated above, if you are in good standing with your driving record and your crdit, Allstate is definitely a great option to choose.<br><br>It is important to find the best insurance company that fits your specific needs. The insurance company you pick will vary according to your specific such as a new driver, multiple cars, driving record, credit history and more. Remember, it is important to shop around for car insurance. It costs nothing to get a quote and most quotes are active for at least 15 days after acquiring on. In these times, it is a necessity to save where you can<bio>To check <a href="http://www.clicksmore.com">car insurance cost</a> go to clicksmore.com</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>No Fault Insurance: What You Need to Know</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-fault-insurance-what-you-need-to-know</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-fault-insurance-what-you-need-to-know#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 01:02:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>no fault states</category><category>fault insurance</category><category>insurance systems</category><category>predefined level</category><category>insurance system</category><category>fault system</category><category>insurance florida</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/no-fault-insurance-what-you-need-to-know</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Even if you live in a state that requires no fault insurance, you may not completely understand what no fault insurance is, and how it differs from traditional, standard liability (torte) car insurance systems. And if you are relocating to a state that requires no fault insurance, you may even have]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Even if you live in a state that requires no <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fault+insurance" rel="tag">fault insurance</a>, you may not completely understand what no fault insurance is, and how it differs from traditional, standard liability (torte) car <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/insurance+systems" rel="tag"><a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/insurance+system" rel="tag">insurance system</a>s</a>. And if you are relocating to a state that requires no fault insurance, you may even have more difficulty understanding the changes in liability.<br><br>Before you purchase a new no fault insurance policy, be sure you understand what no fault insurance is, and understand your state's specific requirements and your personal needs.<br><br>What Is No Fault Insurance?<br><br>Currently, 10 U.S. states require no fault insurance (Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota and Utah). Three other regions allow you to select no fault insurance as an option: Washington, D.C., Kentucky and Pennsylvania.<br><br>Under the standard liability insurance system, the ability to recover damages is based upon "provable negligence" -- the ability to prove who was at fault for your accident. However, under the no fault insurance system, your ability to recover damages from other drivers if an accident occurs is limited. To compensate for this limitation, you are required to purchase no fault insurance. In the event of an accident, your insurance company pays your damages (up to your policy limits), regardless of whom is at fault. Other drivers are covered by their insurance policies.<br><br>A pure no <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/fault+system" rel="tag">fault system</a> would completely cover you in the event of an accident, as well as prohibit you from ever suing another driver. In the U.S., no state uses a pure no fault insurance system. Instead, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/no+fault+states" rel="tag">no fault states</a> use a combination of a no fault insurance and standard liability insurance systems. This means that under certain conditions, lawsuits are permitted.<br><br>In most no fault states, drivers can still be held financially responsible for an accident damages if injuries reach a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/predefined+level" rel="tag">predefined level</a> of severity. For example, there may be a dollar amount threshold for medical bills that must be met before a lawsuit can be file. Or the law may verbally state a broad definition of what type of severe and serious injuries - like death, dismemberment and disfiguration - qualify for torte action.<br><br>That's why it's important to have liability coverage even if you live in a no fault insurance state.<br><br>About Your No Fault Insurance Policy: Personal Injury Protection<br><br>Personal injury protection (PIP) is the piece of your car insurance policy that pertains to no fault coverage. Due to state laws, the specifics of personal injury protection vary from state to state. PIP often covers expenses your medical insurance does not, such as co-pays and lost wages -- and sometimes even replacement costs (your expense to do something you would normally do yourself). Keep in mind that PIP insurance is not designed to replace your personal medical insurance.<br><br>In addition, no fault insurance has no effect on the damages for the automobiles involved in your accident. The insurance companies will still determine liability. If you are at fault and do not have car insurance, both the no fault insurance company and medical insurer can file a lawsuit against you to recover damages. And if you are at fault and don't have collision car insurance coverage, you'll still be responsible for repairing your own car.<br><br>No fault insurance was designed to protect drivers by providing everyone with medical coverage, as well as reduce legal and administrative costs associated with insurance claims. Under the standard liability insurance system, victims can be left unable to obtain appropriate medical coverage, and physicians may be unable to recover their fees, while parties sort out liability. Ideally, this would reduce car insurance premiums. However, remaining liability issues often cause no fault insurance premiums to be higher than standard liability car insurance premiums.<br><br>Shopping for No Fault Insurance<br><br>Before you purchase a no fault insurance policy:<br><br>• Understand your state's specific rule, requirements and regulations.<br><br>• Create a personal auto insurance profile -- a list of the vehicles you own and their safety features, the driving records of anyone using them, where they are driven, and where you live, what you can afford in a premium, and the assets you need to protect<br><br>• Compare rates. Talk to several agents to determine what policy offers you the best protection, as well as car insurance premium.<bio>If you live in a state operating on a no fault insurance system, you can visit <a href="http://www.nationwide.com">Nationwide.com</a> for more <a href="http://www.nationwide.com/insuring-your-car.jsp">car insurance tips</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>Helping To Safeguard Your Holiday Home</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/helping-to-safeguard-your-holiday-home</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/helping-to-safeguard-your-holiday-home#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 21 Oct 2008 15:50:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>holiday home owners</category><category>long periods of time</category><category>holiday getaway</category><category>letting company</category><category>family holidays</category><category>holidaymaker</category><category>added bonus</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/helping-to-safeguard-your-holiday-home</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Those people fortunate enough to own a holiday home will most certainly have a property that provides a regular income stream and hopefully an increasing capital value. The rent payable by a holidaymaker is much more than that paid by a tenant for a let property and as an added bonus the]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[Those people fortunate enough to own a holiday home will most certainly have a property that provides a regular income stream and hopefully an increasing capital value. The rent payable by a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/holidaymaker" rel="tag">holidaymaker</a> is much more than that paid by a tenant for a let property and as an <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/added+bonus" rel="tag">added bonus</a> the holidaymakers need to pay their holiday rent in advance. You also have the freedom to use the property yourself for <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/family+holidays" rel="tag">family holidays</a> and weekend trips plus the option let a few friends and family enjoy it.<br><br>However, unlike a standard let property, a holiday let property is often empty for short and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/long+periods+of+time" rel="tag">long periods of time</a> depending on the season and possibly the weather. As much as you might try it is inevitable that there will be some empty periods. During these void periods it maybe difficult to determine whether there are any problems with the property unless it is regularly visited and how would anyone contact you to let you know? If you live a good distance away it may not be practical for you to make regular visits.<br><br>A good number of <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/holiday+home+owners" rel="tag">holiday home owners</a> do not live near their property, it is used as a weekend and <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/holiday+getaway" rel="tag">holiday getaway</a> in another part of the country. It would therefore be prudent to use the services of a friend or family member who could visit the property to see that all is well. Alternatively, a holiday <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/letting+company" rel="tag">letting company</a> would undertake these visits for a charge.<br><br>A holiday let property is no different to a property that you or I would live in. It still needs to be maintained and repaired on a regular basis. So what would you do if your holiday home was flooded or burgled whilst you were not there? Hopefully one of the neighbours or the emergency services would be called to see if they could help. But how do they contact the owner of the property?<br><br>Unless you leave your contact details with a neighbour then this could be a problem waiting to happen.<br><br>There are a few tips that could help with this problem:<br><br>Leave your contact details with a neighbour in case of emergencies<br>Leave a note inside the property, in a prominent place, with your contact details<br>Leave details of the letting agent with a neighbour or inside the property<br><br>Now these options rely on the emergency services having access to the property so they can then find your contact details. Many problems can occur externally and so the Police would not have a reason to enter the home.<br><br>What you don't want to do is alert people to the fact that the property is empty. If possible arrange for the post to be collected and removed from the doormat and ask people to pop in regularly to check all is well. A few lights on timers would also give the impression that the property is being used.<br><br>Your holiday home is a precious asset so do all you can to make sure it stays safe.<bio>Sean Horton is a Director of <a href="http://www.rapidalert.co.uk">www.rapidalert.co.uk</a> who offer the innovative <a href="http://www.rapidalert.co.uk/nationwidepropertywatch/index.htm"> Nationwide Property Watch</a> service. Nationwide Property Watch provides 24 hour police contact in the event of an emergency for homes, holiday homes and business premises.</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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				<title>The New Landscape of Paid Sick Time</title>
		<link>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-new-landscape-of-paid-sick-time</link>
		<comments>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-new-landscape-of-paid-sick-time#comments</comments>
				<pubDate>Tue, 28 Oct 2008 15:22:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<category>bureau of labor statistics</category><category>maine employers</category><category>time legislation</category><category>employee wages</category><category>payroll deduction</category><category>advocacy groups</category><category>sick time</category>		<guid>http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-new-landscape-of-paid-sick-time</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This election year, the issue of paid sick leave is one of growing concern for employers, labor organizations, and legislators across the country. Since the beginning of the year, 12 states and the District of Columbia have seen the introduction of new legislation requiring employers to offer their]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[This election year, the issue of paid sick leave is one of growing concern for employers, labor organizations, and legislators across the country. Since the beginning of the year, 12 states and the District of Columbia have seen the introduction of new legislation requiring employers to offer their employees paid sick leave in various forms. San Francisco and Washington, D.C. recently enacted legislature requiring employers to allow their staff to begin accumulating paid <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/sick+time" rel="tag">sick time</a> based on hours worked. In May, New Jersey approved legislation requiring companies to offer six weeks of paid leave to workers wishing to care for a new child or sick relative. And in Ohio, <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/advocacy+groups" rel="tag">advocacy groups</a> are working to place a paid sick leave mandate on the November ballot requiring the accrual of paid sick time immediately upon beginning employment.<br><br><B>The Push for Paid Leave</B><br><br>The growing movement to make paid sick leave a basic labor standard in the United States stems from the fact that nearly half of all American workers are currently ineligible to receive pay for time missed due to illness (source: <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/bureau+of+labor+statistics" rel="tag">Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>). Workers argue that when they become ill, they are forced to choose between going to work sick or missing wages - or, in some cases, risking a reprimand or dismissal.<br><br><B>Challenges for Employers</B><br><br>Employers, on the other hand, claim that covering the cost of mandatory paid sick time may force them to cut jobs, reduce <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/employee+wages" rel="tag">employee wages</a> and benefits, or even to go out of business altogether.<br><br>Meanwhile, in states where mandatory sick <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/time+legislation" rel="tag">time legislation</a> has already been enacted, keeping track of the varying laws from state to state presents nationwide employers with another challenge altogether. In New Jersey, for example, employees are required to partially fund their own paid leave through a <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/payroll+deduction" rel="tag">payroll deduction</a>, and must use accrued vacation time before accessing their allotted paid sick leave. In San Francisco, accrual of paid leave is tied to hours actually worked, while in <a href="http://www.artwoo.com/tag/maine+employers" rel="tag">Maine employers</a> who voluntarily offer paid sick leave must follow state regulations regarding the flexibility of its use.<br><br>Employers operating in multiple states with varying laws regarding paid leave are charged with the time-consuming task of ensuring each employee is paid in compliance with his or her state's laws. Those who fail to comply leave themselves subject to potential litigation and heavy penalties.<br><br><B>How Outsourcing May Help</B><br><br>For companies who lack the time and capacity necessary to keep up with varying sick leave laws across state lines, outsourcing employment through a nationwide employer of record may provide some much-needed relief. As the legal employer of record, these organizations assume responsibility for paying employees in compliance with their individual state's laws. Employers operating out of one state but wishing to open additional offices in another can put their out-of-state staff on the employer of record's payroll and no longer have to deal with compliance issues regarding that state's labor laws: those responsibilities shift to the outsourcing company. Utilizing the expertise and nationwide capability of these types of organizations can help save businesses time and hassle, while dramatically reducing their risk of noncompliance.<bio>Elizabeth Rice, SPHR, is the President of <a href="http://www.innovativeemployeesolutions.com/">Innovative Employee Solutions</a>, a San Diego-based company specializing in payroll and HR administrative services for the contingent workforce. Ms. Rice has more than 20 years of experience in HR and executive management</bio>]]></content:encoded>
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