Grandma taped paper on the bottom of stuff

My grandmother was a very focused, no-nonsense person. She always 'took care of business' as they say. One thing she did to keep family from fighting over her stuff when she died was to put little pieces of paper with a name on them and tape them to the bottom of items she owned.

There's an easier, more secure way to see that this happens. Have a conversation. For the benefit of your family, talk to your siblings, your parents and your children about who gets what from your estate. By "estate" I am not talking about a multi-million-dollar mansion. While looking through my house, I would have guessed that there are only about a dozen items that our sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren would want - let alone fight over. But I couldn't make that call if I didn't know.

And you'd be surprised at what is "important". Our customers have been surprised. Something totally insignificant, like a bowl, vase, grandpa's coffee mug or bed linen can create the mother of all arguments! Our inventory service includes documenting estates and we've see it happen over and over.

A large family was spread across the country and the list we created for the executor of the estate was sent electronically so the brothers and sisters could choose what they wanted. Not surprisingly, more than one chose many of the same objects. Another customer/executor faced similar issues with a piece of furniture. To see they turmoil and frustration is sad - especially when the grief is still a major emotion everyone is dealing with. Of course, these issues must be settled by the executor, which creates one more burden, emotion and issue to deal with.

So this doesn't happen to your loved ones, I encourage you to create an inventory. This list will provide the perfect vehicle for this dreaded discussion to happen before your death. A column to list the names of the friends and family members next to the specific item is an easy task once the inventory is completed. Then, if you can't talk about it, you can just hand each person the list and ask them to put their name next to the item(s) they'd like.

This process sure beats a piece of paper taped to the bottom of the rocking chair!

Nothing is more valuable

A Gary, Indiana man died today due to smoke inhalation from a house fire. As inventory service providers, we strongly recommend that everyone have a record of the contents of their home or business. Then, when you do have a fire, you won't have the urge to run back in to retrieve some belongings.

Unfortunately, this was the case. The family of 6 were out of the house, uninjured, when Nathanial Irby re-entered. I'm sure most everyone would state they wouldn't run back into a burning house for this reason, but when overwhelmed with grief, you just never know what you'd do. Having this information documented and stored off site would cancel the thought of going back in. Nothing is more valuable than a person's life.

My heart goes out to the Irby family, as they now deal with the loss of their home and a loved one.

He made a difference and I want to say Thanks

We often hear people say "If it wasn't for him or her ....". Well, I have one of those stories. A few people have come into my life that have made a huge difference. I reconnected with one of them recently on LinkedIn. And if wasn't for Don Sullivan ...

Years ago I was an administrative assistant for a large HVAC manufacturer, and Don Sullivan was one of the Project Managers who I reported to. He always treated me with appreciation and respect (maybe because I was almost old enough to be his mother?). When he was given the opportunity to build a Team - that was back when "Teams" were created to accomplish special-focused assignments - he asked if I would join him. Of course, I figured I'd be the secretary, coffee-maker and scribe at all the meetings. He must have read my mind, because he immediately told me that it would be an environment where we'd each have our expertise, but would all share responsibilities.

We all worked, side-by-side, deciding the project, tearing down equipment, assessing cost-cutting ideas, determining how to add value, testing prototypes, working on marketing materials, holding focus groups (and so much more - even sharing taking the meeting notes!). Then, 18 months later, we were all there as the first units traveled down the assembly line.

So what's all this have to do with anything? Don Sullivan gave me the opportunity to make my move out of the secretarial box! He believed I had more to give than my then-current position. He invited me to go along, confident I would add value and bring a unique perspective to the team. I trust I didn't let him down.

I truly believe that this was one of "those times" in my life. The feeling of self-worth and the confidence that I could be more than I was. The 'guts' to seek more for myself ... that ability to think and grow came as a result of Don Sullivan. That was the first step that led me down the path of being a business owner today!

Thanks, Don!

Tips for rental-property owners

Do you own furnished rental property - a vacation home or condo, an apartment (off site or part of your residence) or student housing? Are you already thinking about renting your house when Indianapolis hosts the Super Bowl? And if you aren't an Indiana resident, are there annual events that draw a large crowd which could encourage you to think about renting out your home for the duration? There are steps to take to ensure you're protected.

I've researched a variety of websites and found these are the top things to consider:

• Research local laws to determine if you need a permit.
• Check with your local government to learn about additional taxes you might incur.
• Check with a local realtor to determine your rental rate - he or she will be able to guide you since they are familiar with the local market.
• Require a deposit. This ensures the renters are serious about renting from you, and also gives them the security that you will hold it for them.
• Hire an attorney to create a rental agreement. Make sure it includes rules regarding the number of people permitted,pets, smoking, cancellation deadlines, etc.
• Inventory your personal property before they arrive (or preferably right now).
• While taking the pictures, be sure to also include walls, floors, etc., to prove current condition of the furnishings as well as the structure.
• Remove valuables. Place them in a safety deposit box or leave them with a trusted friend or family member.

So, whether you own a vacation home that you rent to vacationers, or are planning on renting your home when the hotels will be over capacity - or the other instances mentioned at the beginning of this blog - be sure to document all of your personal property. Then keep it updated. Don't want to do it? Don't know where to begin? Know you won't keep it current? An inventory service provider will be happy to do it for you.

Death and taxes

We've all heard that the only 2 things we can't avoid are death and taxes. Now that tax season is over for another year, we can say "whew" and move on. We also know that some people DO avoid paying taxes. But there is no set date we can put on our calendar to prepare for our death. Unlike taxes, death is certain!

To make your death easier on your family, it's essential to prepare your estate. Hartman Inventory provides a vital service as part of this planning. From Estate Planning Basics, here are some things to think about:

Estate planning is foremost judicious step in securing your family's future and also to fulfill your desires after you depart from the world. Generally people think that they do not need to allocate their estate now, this should be done in old age. But the fact is that it is never too early to plan your estate. Doing so will be a great assistance to your successors. They will not have to tax their brains in dividing and managing your share. This will save their time and effort. You will also snatch your estate from being the victim of many expected quarrels that may arise amongst your heirs. The best part is that it is your wish that will be obeyed even in your absence.

In addition to planning your estate, an inventory will also serve the purpose of disaster recovery. If you have a fire, theft or natural disaster, without an inventory you'll likely only recover about 1/2 of what you lose. Withdrawing money from investments or savings to help you recover could affect the value of your estate. An inventory will serve you now, and your family later.

Proof of how important it is to understand your insurance coverage

I've read this before, but once again laughed when I saw it on Swap Meet Dave. True or not, it's funny/sad. And a very good example of how complex a homeowners insurance policy is - and how important it is to understand yours!

A lawyer in Charlotte, NC purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against fire among other things. Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars and without yet having made even his first premium payment on the policy, the lawyer filed a claim with the insurance company.

In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost "in a series of small fires." The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason: that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion. The lawyer sued....and won! In delivering the ruling the judge agreed with the insurance company that the claim was frivolous. The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from the company in which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be "unacceptable fire," and was obligated to pay the claim. Rather than endure lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000.00 to the lawyer for his loss of the rare cigars lost in the "fires."

But... After the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him arrested on 24 counts of ARSON! With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000.00 fine.

(Yes, we at Hartman Inventory even count cigars if you want us to!)

What does Twitter and weather have in common?

Businesses are using social media as part of their marketing efforts. It seems every day another industry is realizing its value. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the state of Mississippi is using Twitter to reach their customers and communities. Since we here at Hartman Inventory are associated with disasters, insurance and recovery, I think Mississippi has created an extremely useful, beneficial tool in Twitter.

This hurricane season, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be posting tweets to give traffic information for evacuation routes. According to III, MDOT has created six separate Twitter feeds that will provide route-specific traffic information to evacuees traveling Interstates 10, 20, 55, 59 and U.S. Highways 49 and 98. Evacuees will receive information on traffic delays, contraflow information, fuel availability and roadway openings on a real-time basis.

We know how quickly people are informed, just think back to the plane crash and how Twitter beat the news media in alerting others of what was happening. Utilizing Twitter to inform people of impending disaster - and how to protect themselves - is smart, responsible and very 'now'. Congratulations to the MDOT!

What other states are using Twitter for this purpose?

What a mess!

Yesterday I mentioned estate planning and that you need a list of your belongings because wills usually don't cover the distribution of personal items. An recent article in the Wall Street Journal, written by Suzanne Barlyn, really brings the point home.

She offers this insight:

A tangible personal-property memorandum -- an addendum to the will that designates who receives certain personal items -- can prevent family disputes. But many people never draft the document. And that often makes disposing of possessions time-consuming and emotional. Mundane objects, such as a dilapidated recliner, can evoke memories -- and provoke fights.

Executors call us to compile this information, and often we see families being torn apart because more than one person wanted a specific item. We can provide a home inventory for you now, which will help you recover financially if you have to file an insurance claim. Plus, it will serve as the addendum Ms. Barlyn mentioned. Wouldn't it be best to have the inventory now, rather than hope the family will 'play nice' later?

Mom said I could have that!

When planning your estate, it is also wise to have an inventory of the contents of your home. In an article in the Wall Street Journal, Michaela Cavallaro states that "... estate planning can be a special kind of hell." Focusing on blended families, this article contains great advice regarding the need for wills, pre-nuptial agreements, life insurance and beneficiary information.

Though this article speaks mainly to parents of adult children who will be concerned about who gets what among the step-brothers and step-sisters, we see this same issue with 'traditional' families. When providing our inventory service for executors of estates, we have seen and heard horrible stories of siblings arguing over items that were not listed in a will such as furniture, jewelry, collectibles and even linens! Can you imagine? Of course you can - you've probably been a part of this uncomfortable situation or know of people who have.

It's not how we as parents want our family to act when we die. Hartman Inventory can provide a simple solution so that won't happen with your sons, daughters and grandchildren. Will you let us help you?

The story of our business

Social Media/Marketing/Branding professional Kyle Lacy, owner of Brandswag, posted an interesting blog Friday called Tell THE Story of Your Business. This link takes you to the blog, and I highly recommend you take a few minutes to read it. In essence, he says we should tell people about our business. He says that none of us do this often enough.

It made me stop to think that I haven't done that, not to the depth that he's talking about. Yes, I've covered why people need an inventory of the contents of their home or business, and why it's wise to hire an inventory service to do it. But I haven't - at least not often enough - talked about why we do this.

Mike's and my passion for providing inventories goes way beyond the financial benefits it brings our customers. It goes to the core of our beings - that we love to help people. We network, connect and share. We educate people of the many reasons you need an inventory and how it helps others as well as yourself. In fact, when we started the business in 2004, we had three criteria, #1 being "to end each day knowing we have done something to help others."

Having experienced 2 burglaries, we know the stressful, emotional, time-consuming process of recovering from a loss. THAT is where we help people. The financial benefit of our service is huge, but the emotional issue is just as disabling.

What is our business really about? It's about lessening the stress, the tears, the turmoil in the aftermath of a loss. It's about peace of mind. And it's about knowing our customers are better off having hired us than they were before. THAT'S what Hartman Inventory is deep down, honestly, and passionately about.

Lessons from a 5-year-old

Our grandson, Josh, played his 1st soccer game of the season this morning. Proud grandparents that we are, I wanted to share that he scored the 1st goal, too. And 2 more in their 5-4 win. Of course, they're told that they don't keep score, and playing soccer - at this age - is just for fun. So it was interesting to listen to his remarks ... "We're winning!" ... "Oh, man, they're beating us." ... "We won! We won!" Even though he was told it doesn't matter, he knows better.

He knows, even at this young age, that it's important to measure achievements. I was just told last week on his birthday that he can now reach the light switch "because I'm 5 now." He can pour his own juice "because I'm 5 now." He does a lot of things today that he couldn't do just a couple weeks ago. Why? Because he's 5 now.

A business owner must continually learn, stretch, keep score and discover new things we can do, too. This economy has taught us that. And it sometimes takes a 5 year old to remind us that competition is tough, and it does matter if we win or lose. More importantly, it matters that you can do things now that you couldn't do yesterday.

How are you distinct?

Do you know how you are distinct - how you are different than your competition? As a small business owner, I am always looking for an opportunity for new customers. When asked what makes our inventory service stand out from other service providers, we are pleased that we have an answer to that question.

We are distinct by:
1 - You'll work with Mike and me, the owners, and only us - from scheduling your appointment to processing the information, through delivery of your portfolio.
2 - A confidentiality agreement prior to starting the inventory is signed. We promise not to sell, give or share your contact information.
3 - We hand-deliver your completed portfolio, which provides an opportunity to discuss any questions you have.
4 - We believe in helping others, and promote our customers at networking events, on line, in our newsletters and on our blog.

What got me started on this thought was the newly released and highly acclaimed book, Collapse of Distinction, by Scott McKain. I met Scott on Twitter and have enjoyed reading his blog posts over the past couple months. Always thoughtful, thought-provoking, tell-it-like-it-is, his view of the business world stands out. He offers value!

I have read the first chapter of Collapse of Distinction, and you can, too. It's an easy read, and so full of questions, so full of examples of what each of us need - or not need - to do. Of course, I'm planning on buying the book, but honestly I'm holding out hoping to receive an autographed copy from him (Scott, are you reading this?).

We would not put each other through that experience

Matt and Sarah Wenger are the owners of New Market Group, a unique marketing company that specializes in "done for you" follow-up marketing. They help businesses stay top of mind in their customer’s minds through a number of creative techniques. You can contact them at (317) 219-3262 or email Sarah or email Matt.

The Wengers are customers of ours, and when asked why they chose to purchase an inventory service, their answers were business-smart and also very 'moving' when talking about taking care of each other...

We wanted an inventory, and hired Hartman Inventory, for a couple of different reasons.

One, having both experienced the loss of a parent, we have seen our mothers sort through all of the “stuff” and have no idea the worth of it. Many items were given away or sold for pennies on the dollar because they just didn’t have the energy to figure out exactly what the item was worth. We have made a promise to each other that we would not put each other through that experience. With an inventory, we could feel free to delegate the job to someone else by merely handing over our inventory binder for them to sort through everything.

Two, we do business out of our home. If something were to happen to our house, we wouldn’t just be out of a place to live…we would be out of a way to make a living. All of our computers, printers, resources, etc. would be gone. The inventory gives us a much better chance of getting it all back… without going bankrupt in the mean time.

Is now the time to buy?

Christine Coleman is the owner/broker of Progressive Real Estate Services. While the latest national trend is moving toward an advisory capacity in order to secure new clients, it's important for you to know that she started in 1999 as a Real Estate Consultant, offering clients an experienced partner, providing a wide range of results-oriented services. With nearly 20 years of hands-on experience, she started with the intention of educating her clients that there were more innovative options available than the industry "standard".

Progressive's service menu and rate schedule is customized to meet each client's specific real estate needs and circumstances, rather than being dictated by "the way it's always been done". They're proud to have been ahead of the curve in providing individual needs assessments rather than pre-packaged solutions. She can be reached at (317) 450-5091 or email at christine@progressiveres.net

WHAT IS FAIR MARKET VALUE and is now the time to buy? Fair market value is subjective at best. Especially in today’s market of excessive inventory of all types, sizes and locations of homes, it is determined by how badly someone wants a specific property, more so than by comparable recent sales. Skewed by the number of foreclosures and short-sales across all price points, even though the Buyer is King, there is still a wide range of factors which determine the actual “value” of a give property to a given Buyer. True “Fair Market” values will not be determined until we have fully stabilized and have a “fair” (more even) ratio of demand to inventory.

Yes, housing markets nationally are beginning to stabilize and both sales and prices are inching up in several locations, even though overall values are still soft. A rebound may still be months to a couple of years away. However, Buyers (largely first-time home buyers and investors) are aggressively testing the waters and looking to see what deals are available. So, how do you know if it’s the right time to make a move?

Start by forgetting everything you’ve ever learned on TV and Infomercials about home buying, and get back to the basics; What/When/How. Your first step should be to determine your specific goals/needs with an experienced REALTOR to assess how the following criteria will affect actual value to you (not necessarily the seller, or other buyers). There certainly are opportunities to get more home for each dollar invested than at any other time this decade, as long as you know what creates value!

WHAT type of real estate are you interested in? Primary residence, second/vacation homes, investment property (forget “flipping” right now unless you’re a masochist), all have different criteria which will determine the fair market value to you. Timing, inventory, incentives, current neighborhood stability, proposed use, and how long you plan to own the property are all important factors in determining what constitutes a good deal at any given time. A good investment property may not be the same property that you would purchase for a primary residence, or upsizing/downsizing for that matter.

WHEN you plan to purchase will also factor into what will make a ‘good deal’ to you. If you need a place to live quickly, foreclosures and short sales may not be an option as the process itself can be lengthy and problematic. However, if you are looking for a 2nd home or investment property where ‘the deal’ is your number one focus, then time becomes leverage that you can use to your benefit.

HOW you plan to finance (especially in the current market situation) can make all the difference in the world in getting the best value. Preapproved, creditworthy buyers (especially first-time home buyers) have financial incentives on their side, as well as the ability to move quickly through the process – which can be outstanding leverage when seeking short-sale and/or foreclosed property. On the other hand, while loans are still available to less than perfect credit buyers, they sometimes will incur higher rates and down payment requirements which reduce the amount of money available for the actual purchase.

We are without a doubt in a Buyer’s market. As activity continues to pick up and sales continue to climb (albeit slowly), interest rates and other incentives will start to decline in direct response to the improving market. The best way to determine if now is the time for you to buy, is to review your personal objectives with a professional REALTOR who is familiar with both the history and future plans within your local market.

Just like pro-actively having an home inventory provides you with a foundation on which to rebuild after a catastrophic loss-- so does getting back to the basics of your real estate objectives provide you with a foundation for a successful investment in tomorrow’s real estate market.

Who is your competition?

Often people state that we don't have any competition because they haven't heard of others who provide inventory services. This thought process is far from accurate. And if you have a niche, I'm suggesting that you DO have competition. Don't be fooled into thinking that a unique service or product gives you the freedom of not having to vie for people's hard-earned money.

Most services are choices. Our competition is made up of other service providers: lawn maintenance, painter, interior decorator, massage therapist, carpet cleaner, landscaper, business coach, life coach, maid service ... the list goes on and on. These companies all have something in common - we are all competing for the disposable income and how our customers choose to spend it.

I believe an inventory is a must! The same can be said for coaches and therapists. Cleaning your own carpet can be back-breaking, as can painting and lawn maintenance. But these are still choices. They are not requirements like utilities, gasoline, food and clothing. You might not be competing against another company that provides the same service, but you are competing nonetheless.

Who is your competition - really?

Invest in yourself

The economy has people talking about staying ahead of the competition, keeping our heads above water, finding new business, replacing lost business, keeping a good attitude ... and how we all can do that.

iLearningGlobal is helping me stay on track. The education, information and motivation I receive are exceptional. I know whatever ebook I read, audio I listen to or video I watch will be a high quality product. People like Brian Tracy, Bill Bartmann, Chet Holmes, Tony Alessandra, Bob Proctor, Jim Cathcart ... the list goes on. To have access to them 24/7 at my desktop has helped me through some tough times. When I've had self doubt, needed pumped up or a kick in the behind, I get it here! Even when I needed some tax advice, Sandy Botkin was there for me (he is an attorney and previously worked for the IRS)!

The cost is only $80/month. What? That's a lot, you say? What do you spend each month on cable or satellite TV? Eating out? Going to a movie or a sports event? Investing $80/month on myself is helping me through this down time, and will continue to help me stay on track, grow my business, get new sales and marketing advice, be motivated and energized for a long time - even when this recession is just a memory!

Learn more here.

Couldn't say it better myself

When disasters strike, many of our friends and business associates suggest we use these occurrences to 'our advantage' so to speak. We aren't comfortable doing that, as it may appear as though we are ambulance chasers. We prefer to find customers through education rather than by fear. But are we wrong? Should we use the raw nerves, the fear, the uncertainty of the times to help grow our business - to remind people of the need for an inventory?

My friend A. J. Farley owns an inventory service business in Tennessee and he and I had this very discussion via Twitter this morning because his town is recovering today from Friday's tornado. His blog is very moving, very heart-felt. I couldn't convey the feelings any better myself, so I ask you to read his blog. Then say a prayer, be grateful for what you have, share this with a friend, pause and internalize your feelings - or whatever it is you do in situations like this.

What do you think? Help A. J. and I out. Is it best to sell the fear, capitalize on a horrible disaster, or trust people will realize the need and respond to the soft, education-type of 'sales' that we currently use? Let me know.

Manmade catastrophes increased in 2008

When talking about the need for an inventory of the contents of your home or business, we usually use the phrase "fire, theft or natural disaster." Some natural disasters are hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. So, what about man-made disasters? Of course, arson would be one of those. But what other situations might occur that we don't normally think of? Guy Carpenter discusses these types of disasters in a recent report, reminding us of their impact. Two man-made catastrophes in the US caused losses that topped $400 million ... each! One was an explosion at an Alon oil refinery and the other a fire at Universal Studios. Check out I.I.I. facts and stats on global catastrophes.

You just never know when it's going to happen to you. Are you prepared? Do you have the documentation that will allow you to maximize your insurance claim? Do you NOT want to compile this information yourself? Call us - we love providing peace of mind!

Too close to home

A.J. Farley and I are developing a friendship and respect each others' passion for the industry. Our company, Hartman Inventory, provides personal property inventory services and so does he.

In his Home Inventory Matters blog, he posts a couple videos of the tornado that caused major destruction on Good Friday. Not unusual? No, it isn't - houses and entire neighborhoods are being destroyed - the storm season has begun. What inspired this post is that the damage is just down the road from his house.

When asked why they don't have their belongings documented and photographed, so often people tell me that they live with the attitude "it won't happen to me." I am guessing that some of the people in Murfreesboro, Tennessee (A.J.'s neighbors) are now wishing they had compiled this information themselves or had purchased an inventory service for their home or business. The cost for creating your own inventory is time. The cost for hiring a service provider is minimal, considering the tens of thousands of dollars you face to lose.

Please don't delay - your belongings could be gone in seconds.

Personal property taxes due soon

Business owners (and their accountants) will be completing personal property tax returns soon. Do you know if your returns include the correct amount? If you're just guessing, I'm confident you are either over-reporting or under-reporting the value of your assets.

You don't want to do either. One might incur penalties from the IRS; the other means you're giving the government more than you need to. How to solve the issue? Create an inventory of the contents of your business. This will help you file your taxes properly. The additional benefit is that this inventory will help you file an accurate insurance claim or police report if you experience a fire, theft or natural disaster because you'll be able to remember and prove what you own.

Are you thinking you don't have time - or the desire - to do it yourself or have an employee do it? No need! I know of some really great people who will do it for you.

What are you doing to help your customers?

In today's slow economy, some companies have experienced a decrease in new customers and fewer repeat customers. This is true for our inventory service as well as most others in the service industries. People still want their homes and businesses inventoried. Homeowners and business owners don't stop wanting to hire their lawn maintenance service. Busy professionals don't want to stop having their house cleaned. Many still won't want to paint the interior or exterior of their house themselves. Most will still want to visit the dentist for their 6-month check-up and cleaning. But these new or returning customers might need help being able to justify or afford the expense.

So what can you do?

We have implemented a few options that might work for you, too. First, of course, is a discount. Though we all know that price is not always the best distinguisher, a slow economy can justify this tactic as long as it's for a very limited time. Try a few alternatives. We offered an extremely generous discount, but limited it to a 3-week period. We also offered a discount (again with an expiration date) if we inventoried both a business and the owner's home.

Use a theme for a special offer. For example, garage sale season begins soon in the Midwest. Our special will be called a "garage sale" which means we won't charge for documenting the contents in garages. An eye-catching phrase that ties in with something currently going on. Themes can be centered around holidays, seasons and even activities that are local (we'll probably come up with an Indy 500 special in May).

Payment plans are very attractive to many. Most service businesses are cash-based. When a customer wants your service, but just can fit it into their budget, offer a payment plan instead of the full amount up front. Depending on the cost of your service, consider from 2 months to as many as you are comfortable with. You won't lose the business, you can receive full price for your service and your customers will appreciate your willingness to work with them.

Offer something free. Do you have an add-on that you normally charge for? During the slow times, offer one of these add-ons for free. We provide annual renewals and updates for our inventory customers. Some received a 2nd annual update at no charge; that encouraged them to 'buy now'. Others, who would normally be charged a trip fee due to the travel costs, had that $100 waived.

How can you help your customers continue to use your service? What can you do to continue to find new customers? The economy is picking up. People will start spending again. What will you do to make sure you're still around for them?

Oh, and by the way - are you waiting for the economy to improve before you hire your inventory service? Don't wait. Disasters don't wait. Financial and estate planning needs won't wait. Give us a call. Especially now, if you have a need to file a claim, it will be even more difficult to recover!

An insurance agent's point of view

I often write about Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance because it goes hand-in-hand with personal property inventories and the need to know what you own so you can maximize your insurance claim.

I have shared some thoughts about deciding if your insurance agent is the right agent for you. Kevin Hill, a good friend of ours, is a commercial insurance agent. His recent blog addresses this issue, so I figured I'd share his thoughts about what makes a good agent and how you decide. Kevin is a very smart man. I know this because he is a customer of ours. Now, if an insurance agent sees the need for an inventory, don't you think it might be a wise choice to get one, too? Just call Kevin and ask him! But first, read what he has to say.

A lot of bull

For those of you following the Bernard Madoff case, you'll remember that U.S. marshals recently took control of his $9.2 billion mansion in Palm Beach. (Now, that's a home we would have liked to provide our inventory services for!) Anyway, when an inventory of the contents of Madoff's home was recorded, the Palm Beach Post reported that a marshall stated, "Pictures of bulls, bull statues, even bulls on clothing. There's a lot of bull in the house."

You probably won't have your home seized. You might not think you'll experience a disaster. But you still need an inventory. A home inventory is essential for estate planning, when you're moving or placing items in storage and to make sure you are not over- or under-insured. There are other reasons for an inventory, too. And that's no bull.

Lightning & tornados

Lightning caused some fires from the storms that traveled through Indiana yesterday. Tornado watches were posted. Other areas of the country experienced tornado warnings and tornadoes. The severe spring weather is here.

Do you know what you own? Could you recover properly? Would you be able to remember and list everything that was destroyed or damaged? There is no better time than now to get your inventory service scheduled.

Call an inventory company today. I can't speak for others, but your invoice from us will most likely be less than the price tag on your family room television! Isn't it worth securing your financial future for such a small cost? And of course there is no price tag you can place on peace of mind!

Stolen laptops and an opportunity to win one

Patric Welch founded Noobie, Inc. in 2006 to help others effectively choose and use technologies to enhance their work and lives. He shares some great advice!

A couple of my friends had their cars broken into. This hit a little close to home for me for a couple of reasons. For one, one of the cars broken into was parked right next to me. I can't help but wonder if my car would have been next on the list if the thugs had just a little more time. Another reason is that one friend had his laptop stolen from the front seat of his car.

I'm writing to caution you about leaving gadgets in plain sight in your car. I can't tell you the number of times I walk past cars in parking lots and see a portable GPS mounted on the dashboard. Nobody deserves to have their car broken into but it doesn't help when you announce what you have in your car.

I also want to stress how important it is to have a backup of the data on your laptop. Stop and think whether or not you could replace the data if it was stolen. Along those same lines, think about how sensitive your data on your laptop is. Do you have customer account numbers on your laptop? Social security numbers? Credit card information? It might be time to look into encryption software to make sure your data is unreadable if your laptop is ever stolen.

And this brings me to the need for an inventory of your belongings. Did you know that a stolen laptop is covered by your homeowners insurance, not your auto insurance? Do you know the model and serial numbers of your laptops – and all of your other electronics? If you have a theft or other loss, you’ll need this information for your police report and insurance claim.

Whether you've had your laptop stolen, or just want a new one, here's an opportunity to win a brand-new ASUS Eee PC Netbook (valued at $399!). Link to giveaway from Noobie!

Don't get caught in the storm

Mark Kuchik, owner of The MAK Mortgage Team, is an expert in the residential lending field with 20 years of mortgage experience. Over the past 12 years, MAK Mortgage has set the bar for the local mortgage industry through innovative programs and exceptional customer service.

There is a growing problem in the mortgage industry that is unfortunately becoming acceptable by most real estate professionals. This problem is affecting thousands of homebuyers every day. THE TRUTH IS – it can be avoided. Don’t fall into the trap thinking that you have no other option. Learn the facts.

With the rapidly changing guidelines for mortgages, most banks and mortgage companies are not taking the time and making the effort to stay on top of the changes. As a result, the clients are finding out days, if not literally hours, before their closing that they are not approved and/or they cannot close on time. Think about what you would do if you were to find yourself and your family in that position. It is 36 hours before closing. You have all of your belongings – everything you own – boxed up and being loaded onto the moving truck. Your loan officer calls you. “Uh, there is something I need to talk with you about. Uh, your loan, well, uh, it got denied.”

You can prevent this danger from happening to you. There is one mortgage company in Carmel that guarantees purchase loans will close ON-TIME. MAK Mortgage pays attention to details and takes proactive steps to protect our clients. We meet with you face to face, learn all the facts and identifies from Day One any potential issues that need addressed. The MAK team knows and understands the guidelines so well that we can properly structure each loan. Fondly known among the local real estate community as the “Rescue Specialist”, I have saved four families already this year who were faced with the dilemma of being told days before their scheduled closing that their bank or mortgage company cannot get the loan closed as promised. Days and even hours before the closing, I met with the client, structured the loan properly and got the deal closed on time!!

Work with a team of caring, dedicated mortgage professionals to ensure you have the best options. A little proactiveness goes a long way in protecting your interests and your possessions. You want to work with a professional that is committed to protecting you. MAK Mortgage, like Hartman Inventory, takes care of the details so you don’t have to sweat the little stuff.

Despite what you may hear, there are very low down payment options available. Take advantage of the Perfect Storm – the unprecedented combination of low interest rates, tax credits and very affordable homes. And moving is a perfect time to inventory your belongings.

Insurance rates rise as yields fall

We provide inventory services, and one of the main reasons to have an inventory of the contents of your home or business is to maximize an insurance claim when you experience a theft, fire or natural disaster. Insurance and inventories are closely related, so I try to stay up to date on significant property and casualty (P&C) insurance issues. In a series of posts recently, I provided a list of quick and easy ways to save money on your homeowners policy.

It appears my timing was perfect, according to a Bloomberg article by Andrew Frye. Lloyd's of London predicts that insurance rates will rise in 2009, led by higher rates for protection against windstorms. The insurance industry experienced falling investment returns and higher claims in 2008. Lloyd's stated that profits declined by 51%.

So, if you didn't read the money-saving tips, this would be a good time to do so. And remember that one of the best money-saving things you can do is have an inventory. If you have to file a claim, you'll need a detailed list of each item that needs replaced. Would you be able to create a thorough list?

Inventories are not only for insurance purposes

Most people think of having an inventory for disaster preparedness and recover - the purpose of remembering and proving ownership of items to an insurance company or police department. Here at Hartman Inventory, our inventory service includes photographs and written reports. This information has been used by our customers who have filed insurance claims. They were grateful for the quick and easy process this information allowed.

Another reason to have an inventory is this: an heir to the estate of a woman in North Carolina reported to detectives that the power of attorney for the deceased had taken money and personal property. The sheriff's office arrested the power of attorney and charged her with felony exploitation of elder trust.

So, if you have your inventory service now, you'll have the peace of mind that you'll recover financially from a theft, fire or natural disaster by filing a thorough insurance claim. And after your death, that information will prove what you owned, which will help your executor and, as in the story above, ensure that everything is documented for the estate settlement.

How would you spend $25,000?

How would you spend $25,000 ... A trip around the world? A new car? Major remodeling project? Beautiful new landscaping? Jewelry? A new theater room? College tuition? New furniture? Or if you're a business owner, how about ... New computer equipment? Remodeled offices? New advertising campaign?


The list could go on and on. And by now you're probably wondering why an inventory services provider would be asking this question. Well, it's because one of our customers (before he was a customer) spent $25,000 on tools - a 2nd time! He thought he remembered what he owned, but when the insurance claim was settled after a theft, he added everything up and found that his $20,000 settlement was way short of his $45,000 loss.


I'm sure he would have preferred spending that $25,000 on something much more fun (or not have spent it at all). How about you - what would you have to not buy if you had to file a claim and couldn't recover financially?


By the way, his inventory service only cost him less than 10% of his $25,000 loss. Quite a nice ROI ... IF he had the inventory before the theft! But now that he has an inventory, and we'll update it annually, he's assured of not having that type of loss ever again.

Pictures are worth a thousand words

It is April Fools Day, but this is no joke - Dumb Criminals posted the following:

An elderly woman sat down in one of those instant photo booths at the airport to get her picture taken. Just as the camera flashed, a man stuck his head behind the curtain and grabbed the woman’s handbag. As soon as the picture developed, the woman took it to the police. The man was caught and arrested the next day.

Here at Hartman Inventory, we stress the need to have an inventory of the contents of your home and business. Our photos and written report will help maximize your settlement when you need to file an insurance claim. The woman at the airport is a great testimonial -photographic proof is extremely important!

Will you be lucky enough to have a camera in hand as you face a theft, fire or natural disaster? Get your proof now; you'll have peace of mind ... no foolin!