bizTips

It’s a Hot Market

Author: Greg Beckham
Sep, 2008 Issue

If you’re a buyer, all you need is adequate provable income and decent credit and, with little or no money down, you can buy a new home at a great price—and with a historically great interest rate. It’s a fiercely competitive buyer’s market right now in the lower price ranges, and to get into a home at these deflated prices, you have to boost your odds by making strong offers on multiple properties at the same time.
A strong offer is one with loan preapproval, evidence of cash to close and terms that will help a seller want to accept your offer over that of another buyer who may be competing with you. It may seem like a contradiction to have to make stronger offers in a buyer’s market, but the number of buyers is increasing rapidly, which means, as a buyer, you really have to put your best foot forward.

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Supporting Generational Diversity in the Workplace

Author: Diana Hartley
Aug, 2008 Issue

Four generations working together today are creating change beyond anything the workplace has ever seen. More people working later into their lives, in a more complex technological society, has given rise to a new set of issues. We’re facing a time where people beyond 70 work side-by-side—not boss-to-beginner—with 20-somethings. How can stereotypical thinking be overcome from one generational member to the other? Let’s first identify each group to better understand their perspectives.

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Don’t Lose Control with a PEO

Author: Brenda Gilchrist
Aug, 2008 Issue

The lure of getting all of your employment needs met, under one umbrella and for a fee, may sound attractive—but may not be the best solution for your company. In today’s world, business owners face the challenge of maintaining compliance with complicated federal and state laws, as well as creating and managing their human resources and payroll programs. Is a professional employer organization (PEO) the right option?

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Profitable Succession Planning

Author: James A. Andersen, CPA
Jul, 2008 Issue

    A pressing need for all private business owners today is to develop a plan to exit their business in an effective and profitable manner. Whether the goal is to sell for maximum profit, transition the company to key employees, or minimize estate and wealth transfer costs by gifting the business to various family members, a business plan needs to be developed that addresses all of the possibilities.

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