
Recently I’ve started using Google Calendar to help me track my day to day activities, as opposed to Outlook. I wanted a calendar that was accessable from anywhere, since I’m not always at the same computer. That was my primary concern, and it was also Google Calendar’s primary feature! After using Gmail for several months (before I bought my domain and moved all my mail here), I realized that Google puts together an incredibly solid suite of programs designed to help us be more efficient.
Google Calendar offers many features and benefits, such as the ability to add multiple calendars and color code them. I like this because it allows me to separate different activities. In addition, it is incredibly easy to share your calendar with someone else and control what they can and can’t see. For instance, I can share my main calendar with someone, and allow them to see and edit events, just see but not edit events, or only see that I’m busy.
Continue reading ‘Using Google Calendar’

(This post is part of our “Landlord Basics” series, which seeks to help the new landlord / investor understand some of the basics of tenant relations and property management. You can view the rest of the series here.)
Being a new landlord or investor can be overwhelming. Trying to get the most for your rental, while handling maintenance and tenant issues, all while trying to see a positive return on investment! It can all be very daunting!
Keep these three things in mind while you go about your business, as a way to stop yourself from falling into the red.
Continue reading ‘Landlord Basics: Avoid These Mistakes Early On!’
Fannie Mae, the large mortgage backing entity recently bailed out by the government, has made a smart financial move. They announced that they will be allowing the tenants living in foreclosed properties owned by fiscally irresponsible landlords to remain in place, as long as their rent remains current. Freddie Mac has not yet announced a similar move, but is expected to do so soon. A spokesman for Freddie Mac stated that they were working out the operational details of such a move. [CNN Money]
This move wasn’t just an attempt to be a good neighbor, however. The two giants are required to comply and allow tenants to stay in properties “where permissible” as part of the $700 billion bail out plan.
Continue reading ‘Fannie Mae To Allow Renters To Stay’
I’m deviating from my normal posts about real estate and technology to bring you a recipe that was shared with me by another agent in my office. Ashley, our office manager (and newest agent – congrats!) was raving about these truffles that she made this past weekend, and I finally broke down and made some last ngiht.
Needless to say, these are delicious – but beware – they are also very very rich.
What you need:
1 package of Oreo cookies (original regular stuff is fine, but feel free to choose other flavors if you want!)
1 8oz package of cream cheese (softened)
1 bag of chocolate chips – I used a chocolate and peanut butter chip mix for mine
Continue reading ‘Drew’s Chocolate Truffles’