Debt collection is something that nobody enjoys but that is nevertheless an important fact of business. If you are owed money that that will mean that you invested in an individual or a business in the hope that you would be able to make more back. Just like them you are a business trying to make ends meet and it is important that you get the profits you deserve from your various investments and expenditures in order to ensure that you can continue to do business.
Thus if you are not getting your repayments then this undermines your original purpose for lending the money and it means that they are trying to protect their affairs at the expense of your own. This of course means that you are within your rights to try and collect that money using debt collection letters and other methods if necessary. Here we will look at how to go about writing debt collection letters and what some of the best tips are for making sure that they are fair and effective.
Firstly you need to make sure that you remain professional and business-like at all times. This is a professional letter of course and that means that you should act in a professional capacity. Try to maintain standardized formatting and be at all times courteous and polite. You should always keep a copy of any communications between you and the party that owes you money as you will be able to use this subsequently as evidence that you wrote your letters when you claim to have and that you gave the correct warning and instruction.
There are many reasons that it is important to be fair and polite in your debt collection letters. The first reason is that you will otherwise damage the credibility of your own stance. Currently you have the law on your side and there are many facilities in place to help ensure that you get the money you are owed. However if you resort to unpleasantness then this will no longer be the case and you will struggle to get support in your plight. At the same time if you come across as heavy handed then you will provoke an unhelpful reaction in the recipient - your aim to to try and get them to cooperate and that means that you should at all times come across as sympathetic and professional. Finally there are rules and regulations that forbid debt collectors from using aggressive or threatening means to collect money, and doing so could put you at odds with the law.
There are other laws regarding debt collection. For instance it is not permitted for collectors to try and get money from other parties - they may only get into contact with other parties as a means to locate and contact the debtor. Likewise they are required to send written letters informing the debtor of their situation, and they are not to use abusive or impolite language nor to misrepresent the debtor or publicize the debt.
Coming across as professional and legally legitimate will help you to create debt collection letters that get noticed and that achieve the desired ends. There are many templates online which can help you to begin your letter but remember to alter this to suit your specific situation.
I found a free debt collection letter that I have used a few times to scare people into action. It is offered by this debt collection Melbourne based business.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
New York City Rent Stabilization Laws
" Being both a real estate attorney and a real estate broker in New York City I have had the privilege of working in a vibrant field in one of the best real estate market in the world. Having been born and raised in New York I sometimes forget just how confusing New York City's rental rules and regulations can be to an outsider, and even to those New Yorkers renting for the first time.
New York, and specifically Manhattan, is and will always be a renter's city. Because of Manhattan's geography and population it is extremely expensive to buy and own property, which has given rise to a rental market and vocal rental advocacy groups. Renters in New York can expect politicians and community organizations to speak on their behalf. Not to be outdone, Landlords in the City have also banded together and have formed powerful lobbying groups. Every year these groups meet to debate and decide annual rental increases for apartments and thus help decide the financial fate of millions.
The current New York system of rent control came about in 1943 under the watch of the federal government and switched over to state control in 1950. There are different types of rent control classifications, with each investing certain rights to the tenant.
The term Rent Control specifically refers to the situation where a tenant has lived in the same apartment since July 1, 1971. Typically this only applies to building built before the mid 1940's and it is not uncommon to find tenants who have lived in the same apartment for decades. When an apartment is rent controlled, the landlord is extremely limited in not only what they can charge for rent but also in how much they can increase the rent. It is not uncommon to find rent control tenants paying hundreds of dollars for an apartment that, in an open market, could be worth thousands.
Another common type of rental situation is Rent Stabilization, which occurs when the legal rent of an apartment is below $2,000.00 per month. Once the legal rent of an apartment rises above $2,000.00, and is vacated, the apartment is considered decontrolled. The NYC Rent Guidelines Board meets every year to set the legal annual rent increase for rent stabilized apartments.
Though Landlords decry the government oversight, Tenants, who number, and vote, in the millions, continue to hold sway with New York City and state politicians. There is currently an attempt by the pro-tenant lobby to return thousands of decontrolled apartments back to rent stabilized status and to limit the rate of rent increases. Obviously Landlords disagree and have their own resources to combat such a move. One thing is certain, Rent Control and Rent Stabilization will be a part of New York City real estate for the foreseeable future.
Morales S is a managing partner at Morales Soukeras PLLC. Morales Soukeras PLLCis a New York-based law firm whose primary areas of practice are real estate transactions, landlord tenant law, business law, general litigation, entertainment law, and immigration law. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in New York. Our goal is to provide our clients with knowledgeable and comprehensive representation in a professional, courteous and caring manner.
New York, and specifically Manhattan, is and will always be a renter's city. Because of Manhattan's geography and population it is extremely expensive to buy and own property, which has given rise to a rental market and vocal rental advocacy groups. Renters in New York can expect politicians and community organizations to speak on their behalf. Not to be outdone, Landlords in the City have also banded together and have formed powerful lobbying groups. Every year these groups meet to debate and decide annual rental increases for apartments and thus help decide the financial fate of millions.
The current New York system of rent control came about in 1943 under the watch of the federal government and switched over to state control in 1950. There are different types of rent control classifications, with each investing certain rights to the tenant.
The term Rent Control specifically refers to the situation where a tenant has lived in the same apartment since July 1, 1971. Typically this only applies to building built before the mid 1940's and it is not uncommon to find tenants who have lived in the same apartment for decades. When an apartment is rent controlled, the landlord is extremely limited in not only what they can charge for rent but also in how much they can increase the rent. It is not uncommon to find rent control tenants paying hundreds of dollars for an apartment that, in an open market, could be worth thousands.
Another common type of rental situation is Rent Stabilization, which occurs when the legal rent of an apartment is below $2,000.00 per month. Once the legal rent of an apartment rises above $2,000.00, and is vacated, the apartment is considered decontrolled. The NYC Rent Guidelines Board meets every year to set the legal annual rent increase for rent stabilized apartments.
Though Landlords decry the government oversight, Tenants, who number, and vote, in the millions, continue to hold sway with New York City and state politicians. There is currently an attempt by the pro-tenant lobby to return thousands of decontrolled apartments back to rent stabilized status and to limit the rate of rent increases. Obviously Landlords disagree and have their own resources to combat such a move. One thing is certain, Rent Control and Rent Stabilization will be a part of New York City real estate for the foreseeable future.
Morales S is a managing partner at Morales Soukeras PLLC. Morales Soukeras PLLCis a New York-based law firm whose primary areas of practice are real estate transactions, landlord tenant law, business law, general litigation, entertainment law, and immigration law. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in New York. Our goal is to provide our clients with knowledgeable and comprehensive representation in a professional, courteous and caring manner.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Citizenship by Investment Program - St Kitts and Nevis
St. Kitts and Nevis is one of the few places in the world to offer a government run Citizenship by Investment Program. This program ultimately grants citizenship to those who have made a significant investment in the country, namely in real estate. The Citizenship and Passport Program in St. Kitts and Nevis was established in 1984.
How does Citizenship by Investment Work?
In St. Kitts and Nevis, a significant financial investment must be made in real estate. Once this and other requirements are met, the government will grant the investor a Government Certificate of Registration as a Citizen as well as a passport. Once this process is completed, all paperwork is exactly as that of all other citizens. Investors can then choose to acquire a driver's license if they would like to drive.
The Requirements
There is first a registration fee of $35,000 for the applicant. Additional family (dependants) must be registered as well for an additional fee of $15,000 per person. A minimal real estate investment of $250,000 is required in order to gain the status of citizen. You are not required to pay the fees until your application for citizenship has been approved by the government. The real estate purchase is required to be completed once you have obtained the appropriate documents.
During the application process, you will be asked for identification. This will include a birth certificate for the applicant, and birth certificates and/or marriage certificates for the spouse and children (or in some cases grandchildren). Applicants over the age of 12 must complete an HIV exam and everyone should submit 2 passport sized photos of themselves.
Why Invest in St. Kitts and Nevis?
The landscape alone is gorgeous enough to make anyone want to stay there for as long as possible. Aside from that, the relaxing atmosphere, rich culture, and friendly natives only make it more tempting. Economically, if you wanted to live there only part time, it is a great investment.
There are real estate management companies ready and able to maintain your property in addition to leasing or renting your space when you are not using it. You can enjoy the property for yourself at your own leisure, and earn a return on your investment while you live elsewhere. There aren't any restrictions if you decide to eventually sell your property, and chances are that you will find an eager buyer quickly, just because of the neighborhood and the eye-catching views.
With the Citizenship by Investment program, you will also be able to enjoy Visa free international access to the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and more than 65 other countries around the world. There is also no personal income tax, so that is a freedom in and of it.
Nevis Real Estate is certainly a worthy investment that has many benefits. Citizenship is a great option, and you do not have to denounce your existing citizenship in order to obtain it there. It is a beautiful island and a good opportunity.
How does Citizenship by Investment Work?
In St. Kitts and Nevis, a significant financial investment must be made in real estate. Once this and other requirements are met, the government will grant the investor a Government Certificate of Registration as a Citizen as well as a passport. Once this process is completed, all paperwork is exactly as that of all other citizens. Investors can then choose to acquire a driver's license if they would like to drive.
The Requirements
There is first a registration fee of $35,000 for the applicant. Additional family (dependants) must be registered as well for an additional fee of $15,000 per person. A minimal real estate investment of $250,000 is required in order to gain the status of citizen. You are not required to pay the fees until your application for citizenship has been approved by the government. The real estate purchase is required to be completed once you have obtained the appropriate documents.
During the application process, you will be asked for identification. This will include a birth certificate for the applicant, and birth certificates and/or marriage certificates for the spouse and children (or in some cases grandchildren). Applicants over the age of 12 must complete an HIV exam and everyone should submit 2 passport sized photos of themselves.
Why Invest in St. Kitts and Nevis?
The landscape alone is gorgeous enough to make anyone want to stay there for as long as possible. Aside from that, the relaxing atmosphere, rich culture, and friendly natives only make it more tempting. Economically, if you wanted to live there only part time, it is a great investment.
There are real estate management companies ready and able to maintain your property in addition to leasing or renting your space when you are not using it. You can enjoy the property for yourself at your own leisure, and earn a return on your investment while you live elsewhere. There aren't any restrictions if you decide to eventually sell your property, and chances are that you will find an eager buyer quickly, just because of the neighborhood and the eye-catching views.
With the Citizenship by Investment program, you will also be able to enjoy Visa free international access to the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and more than 65 other countries around the world. There is also no personal income tax, so that is a freedom in and of it.
Nevis Real Estate is certainly a worthy investment that has many benefits. Citizenship is a great option, and you do not have to denounce your existing citizenship in order to obtain it there. It is a beautiful island and a good opportunity.
Investing Is Not Betting
All investing is a bet on the future. The difference is how you arrive at your bet. A review of the decision making methods may help you decide which works best for you.
Options for making your investment decisions include:
• Hunches - sometimes our instincts can be rewarding, but just as often they can cost us money because a hunch is based on what we think we know and not on what is possible to know with research or analysis. Do I sound like I don't recommend this method? You bet I don't.
• Tips - a suggestion from a friend, co-worker, cousin or uncle can come from something they heard (another tip), something on TV, the internet or just about anywhere. The question again, is the tip validated with research or analysis?
• The Press - TV shows, internet articles & forums, magazines and newspapers along with newsletters with 'buy' suggestions. Usually these are backed by some type of research so the question then becomes, "What is the batting average of the source, the person making the recommendation?" Without knowing the batting average these recommendations may not have any more value than an ordinary tip.
• Fundamental Research and Analysis - you can do it yourself or read someone else's reports about the management of a stock or fund, the industry and product trends and viability along with their financial status. Decision making based on fundamentals is primarily for long term investing because a thorough analysis can take days, weeks and even months.
• Chart Analysis - Reading charts can provide you with indications or indicators of future performance based on past performance of a ticker symbol. There are more chart types than it is possible to list in a short article. There are also free internet chart services plus chart programs that cost. Some software programs offer just the most popular or most relevant charts so the choice because yours and this choice relates to time: time to learn a chart program can be many months; and time to review charts on a regular basis can involve minutes or a full day depending upon how they are used.
• Technical Analysis - evaluating the data of a particular ticker symbol or group of symbols can produce either or both charts, spreadsheet results or reports based on the analysis. Chart analysis is a type of technical analysis but a true technical analysis program can go further by allowing you to evaluate the symbol or group data in additional ways and provide reports "in plain English" that make decision making easier. Depending upon your objectives and time frame these software programs can involve as little as 30 minutes a week and provide reliable investing recommendations.
In other words, investing need not be a bet. You have choices based on your preference for doing things and how much time you want to spend at it to make sound investment decisions.
Personally I like to use technical analysis that gives me an easy to read report coupled with key charts that can confirm recommendations. Key charts like moving average and full stochastic can be especially helpful when the markets are volatile and jumping up and down from day to day or week to week.
Author Raymond Dominick is the designer of Dynamic Investor Pro investment software for stocks, ETFs and mutual funds. He has been investing in the markets since his teenage years. An experienced business manager and journalist, he has been a registered investment advisor representative, also a professional photographer who loves escaping to the wonders of Glacier National Park in Montana.Options for making your investment decisions include:
• Hunches - sometimes our instincts can be rewarding, but just as often they can cost us money because a hunch is based on what we think we know and not on what is possible to know with research or analysis. Do I sound like I don't recommend this method? You bet I don't.
• Tips - a suggestion from a friend, co-worker, cousin or uncle can come from something they heard (another tip), something on TV, the internet or just about anywhere. The question again, is the tip validated with research or analysis?
• The Press - TV shows, internet articles & forums, magazines and newspapers along with newsletters with 'buy' suggestions. Usually these are backed by some type of research so the question then becomes, "What is the batting average of the source, the person making the recommendation?" Without knowing the batting average these recommendations may not have any more value than an ordinary tip.
• Fundamental Research and Analysis - you can do it yourself or read someone else's reports about the management of a stock or fund, the industry and product trends and viability along with their financial status. Decision making based on fundamentals is primarily for long term investing because a thorough analysis can take days, weeks and even months.
• Chart Analysis - Reading charts can provide you with indications or indicators of future performance based on past performance of a ticker symbol. There are more chart types than it is possible to list in a short article. There are also free internet chart services plus chart programs that cost. Some software programs offer just the most popular or most relevant charts so the choice because yours and this choice relates to time: time to learn a chart program can be many months; and time to review charts on a regular basis can involve minutes or a full day depending upon how they are used.
• Technical Analysis - evaluating the data of a particular ticker symbol or group of symbols can produce either or both charts, spreadsheet results or reports based on the analysis. Chart analysis is a type of technical analysis but a true technical analysis program can go further by allowing you to evaluate the symbol or group data in additional ways and provide reports "in plain English" that make decision making easier. Depending upon your objectives and time frame these software programs can involve as little as 30 minutes a week and provide reliable investing recommendations.
In other words, investing need not be a bet. You have choices based on your preference for doing things and how much time you want to spend at it to make sound investment decisions.
Personally I like to use technical analysis that gives me an easy to read report coupled with key charts that can confirm recommendations. Key charts like moving average and full stochastic can be especially helpful when the markets are volatile and jumping up and down from day to day or week to week.
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