Posted on 12/06/08, filed under World of Work | 1 Comment
We love Lee McQueen - ‘Apprentice’
Our family knew instantly what the name of the men’s perfume should have been in last night’s final on BBC1 - ‘Apprentice’. Instead ‘Roulette‘ was the chosen name and we responded with a loud ‘Eau - Dr No’, having watched the advertisements produced by the finalists on the James Bond theme.
Lee McQueen embodies everything about what Sir Alan was looking for - someone ready to learn - about life and love, the world of business and connecting with all kinds of people, a playful puppy ready to learn the ways of the world.
The true sense of apprentice means an individual whose primary reward for labour is the opportunity to learn a trade. Taken from the Latin verb ‘apprendo’, meaning ‘I seize or apprehend’, it is used to describe someone whose primary reward for labour is the opportunity to learn a trade, bound to an established ‘craftsman’ for a specified period of time and paid a modest salary but with a six figure sum on the table, we think this is a more than generous apprenticeship …
Apprenticeships are still being offered and we’d like to hear whether you’ve been through this process, what benefits it provided and your experiences.
Posted on 11/06/08, filed under Finance | 1 Comment
Risk for 30,000 homeowners
With more than 30,000 homeowners having taken out 100% mortgage since January 2007, falling house prices mean that these borrowers owe more than their property is now worth.
What should these homeowners do?
Firstly - do not bury your head in the sand - ACT fast
- Action - what other possibilities are open to you
- Control - your costs - is your household budget realistic and can you save in other areas?
- Test - the alternatives
Top Tips
We want to compile a list of the top tips for dealing with negative equity. Have you been in this situation yourself? Share your advice with others - that doesn’t cost a thing.
Our no. 1 tip is -
Seek help from your Mortgage Lender - If you have previously had a good payment record, some mortgage lenders offer aid packages if you’ve now fallen into negative equity.
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Posted on 10/06/08, filed under Sales & Marketing | No Comments
‘Flips’ were all the rage - now they’re decidedly ‘flops’
Not so long ago, many would be landlords were tempted by the apparent gains they could achieve by being persuaded to dip their toes into the investment market and buy flats ‘off-plan’ for a discount and then re-sell for a good profit. The alternative was to rent out - thereby getting a monthly income, plus a capital increase once they came to sell on.
The borrowers who wished to ‘flip’ the property (that is, to sell at a profit before completion) are now facing grave consequences from the market downturn and an oversupply of brand new apartments in areas such as Birmingham and Leeds, plus a lack of expertise in property matters. Was there also too much trust in believing what the property experts have been selling them - a dream of wealth beyond compare, ignoring the hidden dangers.
The outcome for our novice borrowers/would-be landlords is that they are now experiencing difficulties meeting the mortgage, and not finding tenants.
Were you tempted to join in the landlord bandwagon, with promises of riches beyond compare? Tell us your story.
