Construction

Manage people carefully during rough times
Times are tough. The media is constantly blasting bad news, recession is the word of the day, your company is trying to do more with less, and that increases the stress level for all concerned – including you. You didn’t cause the problem, yet the problem is yours to manage, and the problem affects your people. How do you manage people in these tough economic times? (3/1/2010)

Bigger tax breaks for energy efficiency
Homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their home in 2010 can take a 30 percent credit as a result of tax changes made in the economic stimulus package. The law increased the credit from 10 percent to 30 percent and extended it to include 2010 improvements. The maximum cap was also extended to $1,500 from $500 for all property placed in service in 2009 and 2010. (2/15/2010)

Look for warning signs in buyer's market
There are three often overlooked areas for real estate bargains: short sales, foreclosures and REOs (real estate owned by lenders). But -- as always -- let the buyer beware. (2/2/2010)