My Two Boys

Check's in the mail

There are countless reasons why business owners should use brokers when entering into a lease. From market knowledge to pricing to relationships, the transaction experience and intangibles brokers bring to the table can often times save tenants valuable time and money. One day, on this blog, I'll more than likely list all those reasons. But for today, I want to talk about lease language. In particular, due to recent proposed postal changes, timely rental payments.

In most leases, there is a grace period for rent to make its way to a landlord. Typically, a tenant will have 3, 5, 7 and sometimes even 10 days after the due date (usually the first of the month) before their rent is considered late. If rent reaches the landlord after this grace period then penalties begin to acrrue. Sometimes the penalties are a flat fee (usually 10% of rent) and sometimes landlords get away with charging interest at 18% on top of the late fee as well. In addition, in most cases, once a grace period has expired, tenants are technically in default of the lease agreement which could lead to even more severe penalties if not cured in a timley manner.

Anytime I represent a tenant I try to push for a 10 day grace period, try to lessen the fees and omit any interest on top. Reasoning for this can range from corporate red tape while processing checks to glitches in the US Mail system. Which brings me to the point of this post.

With the announcement that the US Postal Service plans to close up to 252 of its 487 processing centers nation wide, the US Mail Service which serves as the primary system of delivery for rental payments will undoubtedly run slower in the coming years. So, as business owners make decisions on new leases, it will be important to remember that, with potentially 52% of the processing centers for our mail system in jeopardy, those rent checks will most certainly take a couple to several days longer to reach their destination. I will be pushing even harder for that 10 day grace period until I feel more comfortable where our delivery system is. The check's in the mail has been used as a funny excuse; now it may be the truth for a lot of us.

Hello Little Friend

I would have never thought he would actually pick this thing up. He chased i around the yard, all the time gaining the courage to pick him up. Then he did it! He was so proud. He did chase me around the yard with him and the frog did potty on him. All in all a good nature day.

Summer at the Lake

Picking up where we left off.

We spent a fun weekend at the lake. This was Cooper's first real trip and he loved the golf cart and the boat. Will still loved everything, especially the boat, golf cart and Seadoo. He made a daily list of things to do. He would live at the lake if I let him.

Cooper and Papa

Heading to put the Seadoo in. Check out Cyrus, he must be first.

We set up the sprinkler in the yard along with Cooper's pool from Boy Howdy, love that place. Apparently holding your nose is necessary when running through the sprinkler.

Cooper loved the pool especially the detachable fish.

Love the Lake

Will loves the lake, really love is an understatement. He would live there if I let him. I guess for a 4 year old boy it is pretty close to paradise. Boats, the Seadoo, lawn mowers, staying up late; our guy loves it. I love how he is so eager to help, I know most is fun but even with the cleaning he is willing to help. Love that!

Days in the Sun

Most of these were taken the last few days we were there, you will see Cooper enjoying himself more.

Don't ask me, I was there and can't tell you what was going through his mind.

I had to put this on here. Is this not the cutest bottom you have even seen??

Will's First Ferris Wheel

We took a day trip to Panama City to visit the pier and see what we could find. Well we found tons, fun shops, a great restaurant (Guy Harvey's) and a pier amusement area. Will has never been on any rides before but we was insistent on riding the big wheel. He requested Dad as his adult rider and off they went. Will loved it, he was excited the entire ride. I tried to snap some pictures while Cooper and I waited, obviously I need some more experience. :) Will I am so glad you had fun.

Seaside

Seaside. What else is there to say? It is beautiful and so unique. Wonderful shops, buildings and just the landscape is fantastic.

Cooper is watching the big boys play frisbee in the center of town. He so wanted to join in.

Playing with Dad

Family Picture - Thanks Pascha

My sweet Will

See what I am talking about? You find this at the top of the entrance to the beach

Little Love at the Beach, after his first seafood experience.

My other little love, how can you not smile?

Hyde Family 4

The 3 Boys

A view as we were walking the shops, the colors are so beautiful there

Beach Pictures

Obviously we spent a majority of our time on the beach. Will loved it and would have stayed all day, and some days he did. Cooper on the other hand wasn't loving it. He didn't really like the waves and he wasn't a fan of the sand. By the end of our trip he was enjoying it a little more but not like Big Brother. He was happy to watch from a distance or take a nap on Dad.