News
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27/09/2010Economic Worries for UK Property Market
Concerns surrounding the economy and the health of property market around London mean that a substantial increase in real estate values is "unlikely" in the near future. This is the belief of the London Central Portfolio which predicts that growth will not return until banks introduce more flexible lending criteria. Hugh Best, head of investment management at the company, said the prices in the buoyant London market, which have been enjoying a rapid recovery in response to the credit crunch, are also likely to level out until long-term growth trends return. "With the government revising down their economic growth forecasts and banks resolutely holding lower loan-to-value ratios and multiples of salaries, it seems unlikely that the UK will see substantial and...
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11/09/2010Remodeling your home? Get online
Author:Josh GarskofWebsite:money.cnn.com (Money Magazine) -- Home improvement is one of the fastest-growing segments of e-commerce. But the consequences of a bad decision when it comes to finding a contractor or remodeling products online are far worse than buying the wrong paperback. What if those rave reviews you read about a contractor are ringers posted by his daughter -- or if your supposedly in-stock sink order doesn\'t ship for two weeks, throwing off your entire work schedule? Follow these tips to avoid glitches and get the most for your money. To find a contractor: Sites that are driven by consumer ratings are your best bet. That\'s because you get to see what as many as hundreds of prior customers say about all the pros in your area. Renovation wizard: Will yo...
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06/09/2010
Obama vacation home The Hawaii estate where President Obama and his family enjoyed heavily-secured dips in the Pacific Ocean was sold last week for $6.9 million. Located in the exclusive Oahu neighborhood of Kailua, the 4,900-square-foot, five-bedroom "plantation style" estate was used for the Obama\'s winter vacations in 2008 and 2009. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser identified the buyer as developer Glenn Weinberg, vice president of the Cordish Company, and nephew of famed Hawaii "real estate baron" Harry Weinberg. The house was originally offered for $7.95 million, listing agent Joel Cavasso of Century 21 Kailua Beach Realty told the Star-Advertiser. Similar homes in the neighborhood recently sold for between $6.83 million and $7.5 million, he sa...
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02/09/2010Smart Phone\'s Now Impacting Consumer Travel Habits
(ORLANDO, FL) -- Three out ten cell phones in use in the United States are now "smart phones" with Internet connectivity. And one of the most intriguing questions facing travel service marketers is how travelers are using these devices to plan, purchase and share information about both destinations and travel service suppliers. The results of our new 2010 Portrait of American Travelers provide some insightful answers. As reflected in the table below, nearly two in ten travelers have downloaded a travel-related application (app) to their smart phone. Among them, nearly one-half have navigated a destination using the built in GPS functionality or searched for the latest information on flight schedules and delays. Nearly three in ten have compared airfares or hotel rates or share...
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30/08/2010His Place is All Tuned Up
Nicky Panicci Renovated Home For Sale Guitarist Nicky Panicci has listed his renovated Hollywood Hills house for $899,000. The 1962 home has walls of glass and decks with canyon, city and ocean views. The three-story house includes a spiral staircase, three bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and 2,076 square feet of living space. The master bedroom suite has a separate entrance. Recently, Panicci played with Grammy-winning folk and blues rocker Ben Harper and is credited on his "Diamonds on the Inside" album (2003). Panicci is a collector of vintage Nudie suits, known for their flash and rhinestones. His clothing collection includes items from Paul McCartney, David Cassidy and Elton John. by Lauren Beale (www....
