John Crestani is a well-renowned internet entrepreneur and while you probably may not know him so well, his story is a very intriguing one. Some years ago, John was nothing like the man he is now. He had just lost his job and he was certainly lost.

From this state of despair, John Crestani managed to turn his situation around dramatically. He got so successful as an internet entrepreneur that he made over $500 thousand in passive income from his business.

John Crestani now has a mature affiliate marketing network that makes so much money without restricting him to a regular 9 to 5 working time.

After his massive success, John Crestani decided to write a book to share his experience with other people. The book is called “Work at Home Secrets” and it is written to help more people attain financial freedom.

In light of this, we decided to conduct an interview with John Crestani to ascertain the impact of this book on financial freedom.

What was the rationale behind your decision to write a book on online marketing?

I was once in the corporate world and working a regular 9 to 5 job. However, after I left the corporate world, I wanted to break free of its shackles. So, I decided to try out affiliate marketing since it allowed for a flexible lifestyle without compromising my income. Thankfully, it all worked out and I was able to find my feet.

After discovering and personally benefiting from the hidden potentials of online marketing, I decided to make it my mission to share my knowledge with people as effectively as possible. This book is simply my way of doing that.

Tell us about your book “Work at Home Secrets”

“Work at Home Secrets” is a book written for regular people with normal jobs who want to attain financial freedom outside of the corporate world. It is written in a plain and simple style so that anybody can understand and make use of it.

You do not need to have any sort of prior experience in online marketing to make good use of this book, all you need is the drive to implement the lessons contained in it.

What can people expect to find in the book?

”Work at Home Secrets” essentially contains a path to financial freedom. It is a book meant to change people’s lives.

It draws from my experience as an affiliate marketer to guide people on the best and fastest ways to make money online. It also draws their attention to some of the mistakes they should avoid.

Your book borders majorly on affiliate marketing, can you describe how affiliate marketing can lead to financial freedom?

Yes indeed, the book is really about helping people achieve financial freedom through affiliate marketing. From my experience, I can tell you categorically that affiliate marketing is a viable way of making money.

Just within my first few years of engaging in affiliate marketing, I already started making over $100,000.

Over the years, that figure has increased to about a million dollars. In addition to this, I get to travel around the world without being restricted to an office or strict working hours.

Therefore, there is no doubt that most people can attain financial freedom through affiliate marketing. The purpose of this book is simply to guide people on the most effective strategies to use.

How has the book been received so far?

The book has actually been well received so far. I have received positive feedback from several people from different backgrounds who picked up this book, applied the lessons and achieved results in a really short time.

 

Financial advisors help manage money by creating innovative strategies and helping us meet our individual financial goals. They provide an array of services, investment management, budget guidance, and estate planning. Whenever you choose a financial advisor, you’ll have to clearly mention your financial goals and the current financial situation.

On the other side, when you pick up the right advisor, you don’t have to end up paying for the service that you don’t actually require. Likewise, working with a financial expert who is not up to the mark for your financial goals won’t steer the result that you expect.

Different Types of Financial Advisors

Financial advisor San Francisco offers a range of service providers, including bot-advisors to local and traditional financial advisors. However, all these advisors have a single aim, i.e., to help manage your money.

Bot Advisors

Bot advisors are also known as Robot advisors. These actually offer digital services with simplified and cost-efficient investment management services. These are computer algorithms meant to counter goals and risk tolerance of your wealth.

They are low-cost and allow you to start investing in a very small amount. They are good when investing in goals like retirement plans.

Online Financial Advisors

Online financial advisors offer virtual access to human advisors. When going with the basic service, you may avail of plans similar to Bot Advisors. However, you get the ability to consult and coordinate with a team of financial experts on the other side of the screen.

While you need comprehensive advisory on financial management, you can avail yourself of dedicated financial advisors San Francisco who can excellently manage your overall investment and develop a holistic approach to your financial plans.

• These financial services are typically low cost
• Some may require high investment while others can be done with no minimum requirement
• If you need an expert advisor at a minimal cost, an online financial advisor is the best thing.

Traditional Financial Advisor

Traditional financial advisors San Francisco includes certified financial planners, registered investment advisors, financial consultants, and wealth managers. In most cases, a single person may have more than one of the titles mentioned earlier. You can meet your advisor and seek detailed reports when availing of their service.

Choosing the Service

Above were lists of financial advisors that you can avail of. Depending on the specification, you can choose the one that you think is reliable. Meanwhile, for those who are just starting, you can always go with the Bot advisors, who often have low or no account minimums.

Meanwhile, if you have a complicated financial structure and require a comprehensive approach such as insurance planning, estate planning, investment management, it’s best to seek an experienced human, financial advisor.

Scrutinizing the Background

The market is filled with financial management companies that offer exceptional service. Moreover, you can always check the portfolio of the professional that you hire so that you’re satisfied with the service. Meanwhile, any recruitment company will clarify in detail the track-record when hiring a financial expert.

Factoring is a financial concept where a company buys another company’s invoice or debt at interest. Factoring has taken center stage in many businesses in Ontario, Canada. Numerous companies have taken up the idea in order to finance and sustain their businesses. Company discounts their invoices or account receivables for the buyers to purchase and make profits once they settle the debt or pay off the invoice. Factoring in Ontario has managed to relieve debts and finance companies to continue selling their services and goods as the factor chases the invoice payment. When engaging in invoice factoring, it is vital to understand the costs and challenges associated with the process. These are discussed below.

Factoring Invoices Costs

The factoring of invoices comes with costs, which are depended on various factors. First, the costs of factoring invoices depend on the rate of factoring. The rate of factoring often lies between 0.5% and 5% of the total invoice every month. It is usually determined by the number of clients one has, the quality of the clients, the type and nature of the business, the business’s financial condition, and the creditworthiness of the invoice payers, among many others—also, the more invoices the company factors, the lesser the rates of factoring. The costs of factoring also depend on the length of service. A shorter-term of service will attract cheaper rates and fees because these rates are charged per month. Companies seeking to factor their invoices need to ensure their debtors pay up the invoices in the agreed deadline, or else they will end up paying more charges to the factor. Finally, factoring invoices may also attract additional fees that are outlined in the agreement. Most times, companies fail to pay attention to the contract or agreement and overlook the additional charges, which may come as a huge surprise to them.

Challenges Involving Invoice Factoring

While invoice factoring can be beneficial to many companies, there are distinct challenges bound to arise before, during, and after the process. First, when a company engages in invoice factoring, it gives up a portion of its profits. Yes, they receive cash in a harry to run the business, but it comes at the expense of their profits. Secondly, when one partakes in invoice factoring, their clients will know about it because of introducing a third party. This may send a picture that the company is struggling, leading to the loss of vital clients. Finally, clients that pay a company that has factored its invoice slowly may cost the company additional fees. Invoice factoring is, therefore, not a cozy ride as it may seem.

Therefore, before a company settles for invoice factoring in Ontario, they must investigate and understand the challenges and costs that come with it. Assessing these factors will help many companies make the right decision on whether to take or reject offers made from these factors. Invoice factoring is as challenging as it is essential.

 

Whether you’re an established firm or a startup a sales tax audit will be done at some point in the company’s lifeline. The question is when and not if the auditor will come knocking at your door. Being audited can be scary even for the most prolific organizations. Therefore, it is crucial to have these tips to help you successfully manage the process regardless of the Sales Tax Audit Firm that will come to you.

1. Understand your business

Whether yours is a small-sized or medium-sized business, it’s imperative to know the sales tax rules vis-a-vis your products and services. Without this information, you might think a particular product does not attract a tax only to realize it does. Or what you think is an exemption, may be taxable depending on the jurisdiction applied.

On the other hand, you may provide a taxable service along with a tax-exemption product but the regulations demand otherwise when the two are offered independently.

The crucial information here is, understand what you’re selling and the tax obligation requirement that applies to your state.

1. Get the required documents in place

You can take control of auditing by getting all the requested documents in order. It is also important to anticipate other supplementary documents that may initially not have been requested. In case books of account are stored off-site warehouse, arrangements should be made to have all the records accessible.

The auditor is likely to ask for the following in their notification sales tax audit letter: journal entries, bank statements, sales, and purchase invoices, detailed general ledger, sales, and purchase journals, depreciation schedules, financial statements, resale and exemption certificates, state tax returns, and shipping documentation.

3. Check for potential Issues with the records

Once these documents are made accessible, you need to study them to ensure they’re incomplete. Any gap needs to be patched with the required information. Tracking and accessing these documents can take some time, so it’s imperative to begin the process immediately after you’re notified of the impending audit.

In case there are issues, you can engage the auditor after their arrival to determine the audit procedure. Some of the issues you’re likely to find in the books of account are:

• Missing records
• Changing in account systems
• Change in tax maintenance systems
• Other electronic records such as purchasing cards

You want to avoid any inconveniences on your part should the auditor need these documents in their random sampling procedure. For instance, the auditor may need to trace a taxable transaction and may need to see the accompanying paid tax documents

In case, there’s an issue of missing documentation records, you may need to engage with the auditor and come up with a suitable alternative. The auditor’s electronic records trail may fail, thus, raising the need to track the taxpayers’ procedure on payment and collection of the respective taxes on these types of documents.

Be informed that electronic transactions attract additional scrutiny because there are no paper documents to support them. It is imperative to have excellent internal controls in matters of electronic records. For the taxpayer’s acceptance by the taxing authority, the following functions should be examined;

• Security access codes
• Access authorization
• Regular log reviews
• System access logs
• Data access logs
• Preservation of data integrity

1. Review basic records before the audit begins

It is imperative to scrutinize all the records, identify potential loopholes and major exposure areas. Additionally, make necessary arrangements to obtain any incomplete or missing resale. Remember to attach documentation for tax-free sales such as direct pay or exemption certificates.

Ensure that the exemption certificate is legally accepted in your state. In case there are errors, reach out to the party involved, and get the appropriate record before auditing begins. Failure to do so may attract unwarranted penalties and interests for uncollected tax.

1. Review and respond to audit reviews timely

No business entity ever wants to be sampled for auditing, but when your organization is picked, you want to have the best outcome of the procedure. If you run an online tax account, always update your business details such as name, email, and phone address.

This allows you to receive audit notices and reviews promptly. Additionally, insist on having a hard copy to accompany the online accounts. Read, review, and respond to the auditor’s report accordingly.

1. Set an agreeable time to begin the audit

Immediately you receive audit notification, access your situation, and decide if there’s ample preparation time. You can request an extension to allow you time to finish preparations.  The best practice is to put your request in writing, even when requesting a time extension.

 

Construction defects can affect property taxes as they lower the market value of a building. Market value is one of the main factors considered when determining how to tax property. If construction defects have lowered the building’s value, the owners may pay less in property taxes.

What Are Construction Defects?

Construction defects are generally defined as defects in the design, workmanship, systems, or materials used to create a project that eventually result in damage to a person or property. Some common construction defects include a damaged roof, timber rot, or faulty electrical wiring.

Construction defects can be a massive headache for property owners because of the costly repairs they entail and the risk of physical harm. Fixing construction defects may also involve litigation against the construction workers, a process that comes with its own hurdles and headaches.

How Construction Defects Relate to Property Taxes

Property taxes have throughout history been applied to two areas of property: real property and personal property. Real property includes buildings and land, while personal property includes movable items like cars, boats, and bonds.

Real property tax is calculated by multiplying the value of the land and buildings by the tax rate. Where construction defects come into play is with the value of the building. Often the first step in determining property tax is to decide the market value of the building or the amount for which the building would sell. If construction defects have caused the building’s value to decrease, the property tax will generally decrease as well.

Appealing A Property Tax Assessment

Once the county tax assessor has determined the amount to tax a property, the assessor’s office will send the building owner an assessment letter that outlines how the property’s value was decided upon. The owner is responsible for reading the letter and then determining for himself or herself if the assessment reflects the actual value of the property.

If a homeowner believes his or her property is taxed too high based on an assessment that missed, ignored, or misunderstood the facts—for instance, if construction defects were not taken into account—he or she can immediately begin a property tax appeal.

A person has fewer than 30 days to file an appeal. The appeal process usually entails a lot of research on the part of the owner, who will need to evaluate how high his or her tax rates are compared to other, similar buildings in the area. In cases where the appeal is based on construction defects, the homeowner will need an estimate for the defect’s costs.

Once the building owner is satisfied with the research, he or she can contact the local assessor’s office to request a review. Some assessors will discuss assessments with informal conversations, while others require the owner to fill out forms.

If the property owner is not satisfied with the review, he or she can appeal the decision. Since there are strict deadlines to adhere to and procedures to follow, many people hire a property tax attorney to help them with the appeals process.

San Diego is known for its world-class beaches, popular attractions, and vibrant food scene. But you may not know that San Diego is also known in the investing world as a new hot spot for real estate investing, and savvy investors are starting to take note of the budding market.

Sawyer Winston, a San Diego based entrepreneur and real estate investor in his own right, is weighing in on the San Diego real estate game. I called up Winston to hear why he thinks San Diego is so popular among real estate investors, how the market is doing now, and where he thinks it’s going.

Sawyer, tell us a bit about how you got to where you are today.

I’ve always liked to take chances, and to create new things. From the time I was 17, I was working in some pretty big organizations in San Diego, and handling much more responsibility than some other peers my age.

I was flying around California for some of my jobs, and when I was in college, I created some of my biggest businesses. At this point, I’ve bought or managed around ten different businesses, spanning on several different countries.

What fields do you have experience in?

Some of my bigger projects have involved technical systems and coding, but I’m involved in a lot of entrepreneurial projects and different kinds of businesses. I also have experience in real estate.

I’m currently launching a pretty big project which I’m excited about, which is basically mixing my love for entrepreneurship with real estate. I’m focusing on one community, and my goal is to revitalize its economy using real estate investments.

Once this community reaches its goals, I plan to expand the project to more places.

What is the state of the San Diego real estate market?

San Diego has been popular for a while, of course, and we know that’s nothing new. But many people may not realize exactly how much of a hot spot San Diego is becoming, or exactly how competitive.

Since the pandemic began, San Diego home prices have been skyrocketing, and inventory has been very low. This definitely makes it more difficult if you’re looking to buy, especially on a budget.

What do investors need to know about San Diego?

Investing in San Diego can definitely be profitable, because there is such a demand for housing. The prices of homes have risen a lot, and all facts point to continued pricing increases. There is also something else to be aware of: the California rent control law.

This law went into effect just last year, limiting the amount you can increase rent, and includes a “just cause” for evictions.” So, it’s important to research the local laws and upcoming changes if you want to get into the San Diego market.

What are your predictions for San Diego as an investment location?

I think that the interest in San Diego isn’t going to slow down any time soon. And while housing stock is low and prices are rising, mortgages rates are also quite low at the moment.

This is definitely an appealing fact for investors looking to get some skin in the game with financing. But I think it’s important to note that San Diego is really a special place, with a thriving economy, and that it will definitely benefit most from investors who care about the community itself.

 

In most personal injury cases, a settlement won’t impact Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits. However, in some cases, SSDI may impact a settlement amount and lead the defense to argue that an injury was a pre-existing condition. To determine how a settlement may impact Social Security benefits and vice versa, it’s important to understand the dynamics of each.

How Personal Injury Cases Can Affect Different Types of Social Security Benefits

Individuals who sustained injuries because of another party’s negligence may be able to recover compensation in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. In any case, injury victims may pursue compensation for monetary damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Victims may also be able to recover compensation for non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering.

Personal injury cases can lead to a settlement that’s awarded to the claimant. However, matters can become complicated if the claimant is receiving Social Security benefits.

SSI vs. SSDI

If an individual is wondering how a personal injury case and settlement may affect his or her Social Security benefits, the answer ultimately depends on the types of benefits involved. Some people may receive Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits, while others receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Typically, personal injury awards won’t impact SSDI benefits, but there are certain exceptions. On the other hand, individuals on SSI may see a decrease or even cessation of benefits, depending on the case.

Why Is SSDI Normally Unaffected?

Regardless of the settlement amount in a personal injury case, individuals shouldn’t see any impact on benefits if they receive SSDI. The reason for this is that SSDI benefits are determined based on a recipient’s work history as opposed to present financial status, unlike SSI.

Individuals enrolled in the SSDI program become eligible based on the number of work credits collected while employed. Work credits have no role in a personal injury case.

When SSDI May Affect a Personal Injury Case

Although a personal injury settlement won’t affect SSDI benefits, there are some cases when SSDI may impact the settlement.

When the Defendant May Argue That an Injury Was a Pre-Existing Condition

Whenever an individual is injured and files a claim, the defendant may try to argue that an injury was related to a pre-existing condition as opposed to the accident that resulted in the case. If an injury is found to be the result of a pre-existing condition, it could lead to a lower settlement amount.

Compensation for Lost Wages May Not Be Awarded Due to a Disability

If people are receiving SSD benefits at the time of an injury, this is indicative of a person suffering from a condition that prevents him or her from working. As such, individuals who weren’t working when or after an accident took place wouldn’t receive compensation for any lost wages, which may otherwise result from time taken off from work to recover.

If an SSDI recipient wishes to file a personal injury claim following an accident, he or she can do so without worrying about any reduction or elimination of those benefits.

Estate planning becomes more complex when the estate’s owner has a personal injury settlement to add to the mix because this increases the individual’s wealth and the overall value of the estate. Whether the settlement is pending and the case is still open, or the settlement has been completed and the money is in the bank, these realities have a direct impact on an individual’s estate planning.

Understanding the Goal of Estate Planning

The primary goal of estate planning is determining how a person chooses to allocate financial assets after dying. A secondary goal, especially with larger estates, is protecting the money from estate taxes. For most people, the money in an estate comes from individual investments and work. When someone receives a personal injury settlement, that amount can increase quickly and change how the individual plans for the estate.

Taxes Change After a Settlement

The federal government charges taxes on estates, but only after the estate reaches $5.45 million in value. Before that, the estate is exempt from federal taxes. Many states have similar rules. When someone receives a personal injury settlement, the estate can quickly exceed that amount. The estate plan should get adjusted to provide protection against estate taxes. Often, using a trust can create this protection against state and federal estate taxes.

Calculating Medical Expenses

While personal injury settlements often leave some money in the bank, especially if the attorney pushes for punitive damages, the main purpose of the settlement is to take care of medical needs as the person heals. Sometimes, medical problems can pop up after an injury that were not anticipated early on. For example, if the person needs chiropractic care, he or she may have latent problems that develop years after the initial accident. Before placing the settlement into the overall estate, the individual needs to consider all potential medical expenses. Keeping money available to meet those needs ensures the injured party can heal and have financial support for medical needs in the future. Additionally, the individual needs to be careful not to over-report worth since some of the settlement money will get used for medical needs. This is where a personal injury lawyer or an estate planning lawyer can help.

The Need for Proper Documentation

Throughout the process, both when receiving the settlement and when planning for the estate, proper documentation is essential. Knowing what money is coming in, what it will be used for, and what the individual’s medical needs are, helps appropriately plan for the estate and the settlement.

A Sound Investment Plan Is Needed

Finally, after all of the medical expenses are considered, the family should work with someone to invest any remaining money from the personal injury settlement. Keeping the money accessible is important because of the risk of unanticipated medical needs. However, investing the money to allow it to grow is beneficial for the individual’s financial security and estate planning needs. By investing wisely, the award recipient can increase the value of the settlement over time, growing the estate and adding more money to bank accounts to cover potential medical expenses.

Lyft passengers who are involved in a car accident have many of the same rights as passengers in regular vehicle accidents, and understanding those rights is key to getting enough compensation after a crash. In most instances, the at-fault party is responsible for the injuries, and the injured party will seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance provider. However, in a Lyft accident, determining at-fault parties becomes more challenging because of the addition of the rideshare company in addition to the car’s driver.

Lyft Accident Injuries – Who Is Liable?

The ultimate question in these accidents is whether the rideshare driver or the company itself is liable for the accident and any serious injuries it caused. The answer often is based on whether or not the rideshare driver is considered an employee or an independent contractor based on state laws.

If the driver is an independent contractor, then the driver and the driver’s insurance is liable for the injuries, and Lyft is not. If the driver is an employee, then the company is also liable for any injuries in the accident. In most states, Lyft drivers work as independent contractors to add liability protection to Lyft.

Insurance Coverage and Lyft Drivers

Lyft drivers are required to carry personal liability insurance as drivers. Because personal liability often does not apply to commercial use of a personal vehicle, many insurance companies also offer special endorsements for rideshare vehicles. If the driver has this endorsement, it can help cover injuries to passengers in a crash.

Unfortunately, many Lyft drivers do not carry adequate insurance coverage to handle serious injuries to passengers, even with the rideshare endorsement. To help with this, Lyft now has a third-party liability coverage for up to $1 million for personal injuries in an accident. This additional insurance can help injured passengers get adequate compensation for their injuries. Even though the company may not be liable due to the classification of the driver, this insurance can help injured passengers get coverage.

Determining Fault in Lyft Accidents

Another factor to consider in seeking compensation after a Lyft accident is who is at fault. If the Lyft driver is fully at fault for the accident, then they and their insurance are liable for the injuries. However, if another driver, such as the other driver in the crash, is at fault, their insurance is the one that is liable. In a state where liability can be shared, both drivers can be partially at fault and share partial liability for the accident. This can make getting fair compensation even more challenging.

Getting Compensation for Lyft Accident Injuries

To get compensation for Lyft accident injuries, passengers usually must start with any insurance companies that carry liability in the case. If the Lyft driver was at-fault, this starts with the driver’s insurance company. If that coverage is not sufficient for the injuries, then filing with the Lyft company’s insurance provider is the next step. Passengers cannot file for Lyft insurance coverage until they have first filed with the at-fault driver.

If all of the insurance companies do not have sufficient coverage, or if the passenger is having trouble showing fault in the accident, a personal injury case may be needed. Personal injury attorneys are skilled at digging into the insurance policies to determine how much coverage is there, then pushing for adequate payments for injuries. They also protect accident victims from accepting insurance settlements that are not sufficient to cover the long-term effects of their injuries.

Most Lyft accident cases are settled without the need to go to court. adding a personal injury attorney to the case shows the insurance companies that the insured passenger is serious about getting adequate compensation, and they become more willing to deliver that compensation as promised.

 

Here in Australia, we are known to be laid-back and fun-loving people. Despite our history and the tragedies that have struck in recent years, we always find a way to move on. The rest of the world (meaning the internet) always jokes about the Land Down Under is full of deadly creatures. However, this probably goes to show that Aussies can live anywhere and just survive.

This does not mean that we can just live in the bush or the outback in tents while the sky’s our roof. All families around the world want to have a home, and Aus families are no different. Unfortunately, this is not something that you can do anymore without a sustainable livelihood as you can read on this page. Even then, you cannot buy one in full so you need to find someone that can help you out. This is the reason why you might need to take out a mortgage loan to help with the purchase.

The Importance Of Loans

When it comes to mortgage, people are still rather confused as to how it truly works. It is rather simple, as with this example: you are a newlywed couple with a baby on the way. Aside from preparing for childbirth, you are also planning to buy a home, but it is not easy. Most houses these days will always fall on the higher hundred thousand levels. Unless you come from a rich family, you may not be able to afford it.

Mortgage brokers are your home loan experts and they are the ones who can assist you in buying the perfect home for your family. It might seem that they are only out of your money, but this is not true at all. Some so many people do not trust any kind of broker, even those that are not in the mortgage business. Some might have a negative experience with them, like being pushed to a poor deal for them to get a bigger commission.

On the other hand, it can be quite difficult to secure a loan without them. They are the intermediary to the provider so that they can also sell the property. As long as you find a legitimate broker, then you do not need to worry about being fooled by anyone. However, they do differ in a lot of things and finding the best is not as easy as you might think. You just need to research more regarding the choices that you will make during this transaction.

This is why you go to loan providers like banks and other entities: to make a purchase that is not in your budget yet. Taking out a loan means that you can already buy a house and move in after you have paid the down payment. Depending on the provider, the down payment is usually at least 20% of the total price of the property. The rest of the debt will be paid overtime with the interest going to the bank. After years of payment, you would be the sole owners of the property once you have finished paying the debt.

You can approach a bank or other loaning institutions on your own, but you may not have any idea on how it works yet. Some of them might even turn you down depending on what you show them. The job of the broker would be to assist you in sealing the deal and helping you have your dream home. This can increase the chances of getting the loan approved and landing a better deal as well.

Steps For Investigation

• Look For A Good Resource

When it comes to mortgage, it is important to do your research and arm yourself with knowledge. Reading more about the laws surrounding property ownership can help. You can also look around and see the options for companies offering this kind of service. For example, www.fidget.com.au explains what their services are all about on their website. This makes it easy for potential customers to see what they can do for their clients.

• Ask About Their Payment Scheme

Once you have already seen a company that you might like, look around their website and see if they provide information about how their brokers are paid. There are generally two types: Upfront and Trail Commission. Upfront gives the broker a percentage of the total loan, so the bigger it is the higher their payout. On the other hand, trail commission depends on the payment of the loaner and it trickles down after the down payment has been paid.

• Check Their Credentials And/Or Educational Background & Licenses

Here in Australia, there are two ways to be a legal broker: you can take the official Australian Credit License or you can have it through a credit representative. This is something that you can directly ask your broker once you have already met. Meanwhile, their educational background can also help you decide as most mortgage brokers should at least have a Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking.

• See Their Options For Lending Institutions

Another thing that you should always ask them is their options for lending companies. Most of them should have more options depending on what you need. Most of the prestigious companies have more than 20 or even 50 banking institutions that they can recommend to you. This way, you can also start comparing their loan programs like interest rates and amortizations. It can also help make your decision on where to spend your money.

• Investigate About Their Affiliations

If they have given you limited options, then it is time to ask about their affiliations. Some brokers can push you to a certain lending company because their owners might be working with the brokerage. This means that they would probably have the better end of the deal, while you are the one who is going to face the issues in the long run. It can also reveal their intentions about the deal and can help you see if they have hidden agendas while they are pushing you to one company only.