When I was purchasing my home, it quickly became apparent that I had to put down a deposit, otherwise known as earnest money.  The deposit is to show that you are serious about buying the home. The amount of deposit required varies from market to market and across the country.  In some places it’s as little as $500.00 or as much as 3% of the purchase price.  As a buyer, I learned that your goal is to put down as little as possible for a variety of reasons, but as a seller you should try to get the largest deposit … Continue Reading

Several times a year I inevitably get invitations in the mail to various events. They range from weddings to Tupperware parties. There are certainly standard protocols and etiquette on how to properly respond to these invitations and yet I have the most difficult time following them.

In general, you have two options for responding to an invitation, by mail or phone. First, I am the most unorganized person when it comes to mail. I will undoubtedly misplace or set aside the invitation after I read it. This often leads to me missing the deadline for sending in the RSVP. Secondly, am … Continue Reading

More and more I hear people talking about the appropriate places to use your cellphone with either A) distracting someone else B) distracting yourself or C) because it is viewed as being rude. When and where it is deemed acceptable to use your cell phone is a recurring issue for me it seems. It is an ongoing debate inside my mind. And to further clarify, are there situations where talking is a no-no but texting is ok?

Give a few people some scenarios and ask them their opinion and undoubtedly you would get several different answers and opinions. So here are … Continue Reading

It is a simple question. If you could pass on one valuable lesson to the world before you die, what would it be?

Everyone has their own unique lesson they would want to pass on. So I posed this question to my followers on Twitter to see what kind of responses people would give me. Here is what they came up with.

• Treat people as you want to be treated. @ihospitality
• Always strive to find the value in any situation you’re in. Its there. @JeepNaked
• Good things come to those who wait, but only … Continue Reading
  

It is the beginning of a new year when everyone is taking some time to reflect on life. In my short time here, I have come to learn a few lessons in my life. So here is a list, one lesson for each year of my life. I hope that some ring true for you too.

1. When it comes to friends, go for quality over quantity.
2. Save money when you can, especially when you are younger.
3. Don’t take your family for granted - they are you biggest fans and supporters.
4. Venture out of your comfort zone in work and in relationships.
5. Failure isn’t really failure … Continue Reading