Year: 2015

Why Investing in Commercial Real Estate Just Makes Cents

    Finance Tips

Brian lewis katz

The Great Recession was a difficult time for America, causing the economy, job market, and real estate markets to suffer significant blows. In the immediate years following the recession, it seemed as though things may never improved, however, the resiliency of the American people proved otherwise. Not only have the economy, job, and real estate markets significantly improved in the eight years since the recession began, in some areas of the country, they’re thriving.

The real estate industry is on fire right now, especially the commercial real estate sector. In fact, commercial real estate is often thought to be the number one most secure investment in the United States. Examples of popular commercial real estate property include hotels, office space, restaurants and medical centers.

The commercial real estate boom can be attributed to several factors, including an expanding job market consisting of budding entrepreneurs. The internet has made it easy for several solo- and entrepreneurs to expand their reach and require a physical office space. Many of these businesses began in their homes, however, quickly began growing and requiring more space.

If you’re new to the commercial real estate industry and are curious about how to get started, real estate investments companies can provide you with guidance and can help you break into the industry. Becoming a commercial real estate developer is an excellent way to bring in income, however, getting started can be tricky especially if you’re not familiar with the industry.

There are many benefits to investing in commercial real estate, with the biggest being being the steady stream of income due to renting or leasing, making them a highly profitable investment. In addition, investing in commercial real estate can often provide the investor with several tax write offs. Also, investing in commercial real estate is secure because the property will continue to appreciate in value.

How to Find a Reputable Gold Dealer

    Finance Tips

Gold buyers edmond ok

The gold industry is booming, and with it there are a lot more people wondering how to buy and sell gold in the most effective way. In 2013, consumer demand for gold in America skyrocketed by 13%, which represents a huge change in the industry’s consumers because there are so many new people involved. Gold buying can be very profitable, but not everyone is suited for such a job because it is also difficult. Understanding how to buy gold requires a high level of technical skill and a true devotion to and passion for this precious metal. There are over 30,000 people currently employed by the gold industry, and many of them share a love for beautiful gold.

One of the reasons there has been such an influx of people interested in gold buying is because gold worth has surged 70% in the past two years. This represents a flourishing market that can be a great business venture for someone who really understands the delicate aspects of the trade. When buying gold, it takes a lot of care and attention to detail, and you shouldn’t buy or sell from anyone because unfortunately the potential for high profits tends to attract some shady people. Most people are reputable gold dealers though, and they are the best ones to work with when buying gold.

If you want to learn some insider tips and tricks on how to get the best deal on your gold sales, keep reading for what to do when you are trying to buy or sell gold. Here are the best ways to locate respectable, trustworthy gold dealers who are sure to provide a positive experience.

  • Find someone who is experienced
    You want to try to work with someone who has a lot of experience because this means they will fully understand the value of different pieces. This also means that they can spot fakes, which could be unfortunate if you find out your gold piece isn’t real, but overall it puts you in a better position to get the best and most honest deal. This also doesn’t mean that you can’t work with new gold salesmen, but make sure they really get the business.
  • Ask about their knowledge of gold sales
    You should ask them a few questions about gold, and if they are truly passionate about this beautiful metal, then they will be able to go on and on telling you all the details of the business. This is important because you really want someone who fully understands and really cares about their trade, and you will be able to tell if they display enthusiasm when discussing the subject.
  • Go to their office in-person to see how it feels
    If you go to an office location that is super shady and makes you feel unsafe, then this should be a red flag that the business might not be reputable. Look for someone who works in a well kept office that seems to be safe.
  • Ask about their verification process for buying gold
    When buying gold, it’s important that the person you are working with have a solid understanding of how to tell real gold from things like gold-plated items or simply faux gold. If they person seems like they don’t have a true knowledge of how to spot impostor pieces, then you should go to someone else who is more familiar with the ways to verify gold purity.

New Jersey Real Estate Partners Plan to Open Third Restaurant

    Finance Tips

American real estate partners’ buildings earn leed

When it comes to commercial real estate, the reasons for hiring real estate partners are often clear: these professionals not only know how to invest in a REIT and other useful information about this type of investment, but are experienced in every aspect of managing commercial property, from choosing an establishment to managing cash inflows and outflows. This experience is often so effective that real estate partners can have a significant impact on their local communities. In the case of one group in New Jersey, this effect has taken the shape of several restaurants that have become key to the area’s culinary scene.

The Restaurant Development Group (RDG), based in Jersey City, has used their trained eye for real estate to launch a number of diverse and unique eateries in their community. Comprised of real estate partners Andy Siegel, Michael Garcia and Geza Gulas, the group currently runs a Southern barbecue-style bar called Lucky 7 Tavern, as well as a Mediterranean restaurant called Satis Bistro. The group is also planning to open a third business, called Raval Tapas Bar and Cocktail Lounge, in early February.

However, the group’s success isn’t only measured in the number of restaurants they have been able to open: in 2012, Satis Bistro won the Critic’s Choice award for “”Best New Restaurant in New Jersey” from the New Jersey Monthly. The restaurant also earned praise from both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. And while Raval’s has yet to open, the RDG has successfully drummed up interest in the new business after offering samples of the restaurant’s Spanish-style fare at a Jersey City event in early December.

Despite their success, RDG says they have no plans to halt their progress. Currently, the group is considering expanding their existing locations in Central New Jersey and Washington, D.C. If you are wondering “should I invest in property,” take their story as inspiration: contact real estate partners in your area today. More like this.

Three Modern Payment Processing Solutions Your Small Business Could Benefit From

    Finance Tips

Accept credit cards

For most small business owners, customer payments usually come in only three forms: they accept credit cards and debit cards, checks, and cash. In some instances, checks may not even be allowed if they cannot be examined for fraud, especially in the case of businesses that travel. Cash isn’t an option for businesses that sell their wares online. And above all, more and more customers are using their bank accounts and credit cards to pay for their goods and services, rather than going through the inconvenience of carrying cash or writing out checks.

The good news is that payment solutions are expanding as technology improves to give business owners and their customers more choices when they check out. If you think your business could use a bit of improve in the arena of customer payments — and could stand to make more by offering more flexible payment options — then here are three payment processing solutions you may want to try out:

Mobile Payment Processing

Mobile payment processing utilizes a tablet or smartphone equipped with a card tapping or swiping device attached to it. These mobile devices can be used anywhere with a WiFi, 3G, or 4G internet connection in order to take credit card payments. These devices are encrypted, secure, and 100% PCI compliant to ensure that customer data is not stolen. This option is perfect for businesses on the go and restaurants that want to allow customers to pay at their tables.

Mobile Phone Payments

Mobile phone payments are a growing segment of the payment processing industry, and they are offering more convenience than ever to customers. All they have to do is tap their mobile phones on a device that takes their payments, and they can make payments without their credit cards present. This method can even send receipts right to their phones in some cases without the need to print. This option is especially good for businesses that want to help customers make secure payments without the need to encrypt their credit card data.

Online Credit Card Payment Processing

Finally, so many businesses these days have embraced eCommerce that it’s become a multi-billion dollar industry in North America alone. Businesses that offer their products online have the ability, if they want to, to ship worldwide — so why not collect payments from all over the globe, as well? In addition to online credit card payment processing, many payment solutions companies can also help businesses accept a full list of international currencies, so they truly have global reach online.

Have more questions about your mobile or online credit card payment processing services? Be sure to contact a payment solutions provider to find out how you can provide these new options for your customers. You can also leave a comment below for more information.

How Can Businesses Let Their Customers Use Visa and MasterCard Mobile Payments?

    Finance Tips

Accept international currencies

If you own a small business, by now you’ve likely heard about mobile payment devices. There are two ways that anything mobile can help your business. The first method allows you to accept credit cards and debit cards on a mobile device in your store or outside of it — anywhere with a WiFi connection. The other lets customers pay using mobile payment apps on their smartphones.

Upgrading to these types of technology can be confusing, and many business owners may not know whether or not they need these devices. Here’s a brief rundown of how mobile payments technology is changing the world of retail:

Mobile Payments Using Your Tablet or Smartphone

Many merchants today use mobile payments as a way to increase the convenience for their customers when they check out. Retail establishments often use mobile payments solutions to open up additional check out lines during busy seasons or to take with them on the go if their business travels. Restaurants are also using this technology as a convenient payment option right at the table for their patrons.

By carrying a tablet with you, you eliminate the need for a bulky terminal, and you can accept your customers’ Visa, Discover, or MasterCard mobile payments from anywhere. These additional mobile payment terminals can also be useful during busy seasons, For businesses on the go, taking card payments from customers gives them options beyond however much cash they have in their wallets.

Mobile Payments on a Customer’s Smartphone

A growing sector of the mobile payments industry is the type of mobile payment customers make using their smartphones. For example, Visa and MasterCard mobile payments allow users to store their credit card information on their phones, but without actually leaving the credit card number vulnerable. This encrypted information is stored in an app, and the phone is “tapped” against a device that takes the payment information. Visa and MasterCard mobile payments and other types of mobile payment app are considered a secure option when compared with swiping a card with a magnetic stripe, as that information is not encrypted and is subject to theft from hackers.

Have more questions about how mobile payments can help your business or which type of mobile payment solution is right for you? Be sure to leave a comment below with general questions, and ask a payment solutions provider for more information.