judithsinger: জুন 2012

শনিবার, ৩০ জুন, ২০১২

Kings Select Thomas Robinson 5th Overall in NBA Draft

NEWARK, N.J. ? In the 2012 NBA Draft, Kansas Jayhawks junior forward Thomas Robinson was selected 5th overall by the Sacramento Kings.

Robinson was a First Team All-American his junior season, averaging 17.7 points and 11.9 rebounds a game. The 6-9 power forward led the Jayhawks to the National Championship Game, and was a finalist for National Player of the Year.

Kentucky Wildcats freshman center and National Player of the Year Anthony Davis was selected 1st overall by the New Orleans Hornets. His teammate, forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, went 2nd overall to the Charlotte Bobcats.

The two fab freshman helped defeat Robinson?s Jayhawks in the National Championship Game.

Source: http://northjohnsoncounty.fox4kc.com/news/news/90130-kings-select-thomas-robinson-5th-overall-nba-draft

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Video: Was Ben Watson a fan of LeBron's title?

Sorry, Readability was unable to parse this page for content.

Source: http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/21134540/vp/48007172#48007172

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adacoda.com ? Avoid the dangers of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs ...

(NaturalNews) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as acid reflux or ?heartburn,? is a digestive disorder that affects millions of Americans, many of whom have been hoodwinked into taking dangerous proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and other gastric acid inhibiting drugs that only make the problem worse, and cause other deadly side effects down the road. But little do most people with GERD know that the condition is fully curable through simple dietary changes, as it is directly linked to poor diet and chronic nutrient deficiencies.

A recent report by the New York Times (NYT) explains how PPIs, which include popular heartburn medications like Prilosec or Zegerid (omeprazole), Prevacid (lansoprazole), Aciphex (rabeprazole), Protonix (pantoprazole), Nexium (exomeprazole), and Kapidex (dexlansoprazole), essentially block nutrient absorption, which as we all know leads to disease. It also highlights how artificially inhibiting stomach acid, which is naturally responsible for maintaining bacterial balance and processing food, eventually cascades into a death sentence for patients taking PPIs.

?Studies have shown long-term PPI use may reduce the absorption of important nutrients, vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, calcium and vitamin B12,? says the report. ?Other research has found that people taking PPIs are at increased risk of developing pneumonia; one study even linked use of the drug to weight gain.?

Many people who take PPIs not only suffer from more chronic health problems than the average person, but they never actually cure their acid reflux in the process. Without making the proper dietary changes necessary to balance stomach acid and restore a healthful digestive rhythm, those who take PPIs consistently, and for long periods of time, will progressively become more and more unhealthy.

Since PPIs are the third largest category of drug sales in the U.S., representing nearly $14 billion in annual revenues for Big Pharma, efforts to bury these inconvenient facts about PPIs have been repeated and persistent from the mainstream media machine. Pharma-backed doctors also continue to defend the use of PPIs, claiming that their supposed benefits somehow outweigh their risks.

This is obviously not the sentiment of the many people who have been injured by PPIs, though, some of who have joined together to petition the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to put a black box warning on PPIs. (http://www.pharmalot.com)

PPIs are not only addictive, but they also have the unintended effect of actually causing the stomach to produce more acid-producing cells to compensate for the decreased acid levels. This means that when people stop taking PPIs, their acid reflux symptoms can intensify to unprecedented levels because of too much acid, which can cause serious harm and potential death.

Some simple solutions for curing GERD naturally, however, include adding foods like organic apple cider vinegar, simple baking soda, and cayenne pepper into one?s diet. Avoiding refined carbohydrates and sugars, which promote bacterial overgrowth and digestive upset, and eating plenty of whole, raw, and fermented or cultured foods will also help to naturally settle the stomach and prevent leakage of acid back into the esophagus, without the need for drugs. (http://www.naturalnews.com)

Chris Kresser, a licensed acupuncturist and practitioner of integrative medicine, has created a helpful, and amazingly thorough, series on how to cure GERD without drugs that includes reducing the factors that promote bacterial overgrowth and improper levels of stomach acid; replacing them with factors that promote balanced levels of stomach acid, enzymes, and other nutrients vital for proper digestive health; and restoring beneficial bacteria and a healthy mucosal lining through diet.

You can read his amazing report here: http://chriskresser.com

Also, be sure to read Kresser?s entire GERD series, Part I of which can be found here:
http://chriskresser.com

Sources for this article include:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com

http://chriskresser.com/heartburn

http://ppi-lawsuits.blogspot.com/

?people have commented on this article.

Tags: chronic health problems, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease gerd, nutrient deficiencies, prevacid lansoprazole, proton pump inhibitors

This entry was posted by on Friday, June 29th, 2012 at 9:58 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Source: http://adacoda.com/avoid-the-dangers-of-proton-pump-inhibitors-ppis-and-treat-your-acid-reflux-naturally/

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শুক্রবার, ২৯ জুন, ২০১২

Throughout the years, the latest models of with hard windows xp are ...

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Source: http://www.mindbrave.com/throughout-the-years-the-latest-models-of-with-hard-windows-xp-are-already-released-over-to-suit-costumers-wants.html

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Google unveils Nexus Seven -- its own tablet

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - Google will sell a small tablet computer bearing its brand in a challenge to Amazon's Kindle Fire.

The Nexus 7 is designed specifically for Google Play, the online store that sells movies, music, books, apps and other content - the things Amazon.com Inc. also sells for its tablet computer.

Both tablets have screens that measure 7 inches diagonally, smaller than the nearly 10 inches on Apple Inc.'s popular iPad. The Nexus 7 will also be light - at about 0.75 pound, compared with the Kindle Fire's 0.9 pound. The iPad weighs 1.44 pounds.

The Nexus 7 will ship in mid-July starting at $199 - the same price as the Kindle Fire. By contrast, iPads start at $499. Customers can start ordering it through Google on Wednesday, initially in the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Andrew Rassweiler, an analyst with IHS iSuppli, said he suspects Google will be subsidizing the tablet to sell it starting at $199.

The Nexus 7 has more features than the Kindle, including a front-facing camera. The Kindle is believed to be roughly break even at that price. Samsung Electronics Co. sells a tablet similar to Google's for $250.

The Nexus 7 will run the next version of Google Inc.'s Android operating system, called Jelly Bean.

Google also announced a home entertainment device called Nexus Q. It sends content from your personal collection or YouTube to your existing TV and speaker systems. You control it through a separate Android phone or tablet.

The Nexus Q, which Google is calling the world's first "social streaming device," will available in July in the U.S. initially and sell for $299.

Google made the announcements during a keynote to open its annual conference in San Francisco for computer programmers.

Google also demonstrated its futuristic, Internet-connected glasses by having parachutists jump out of a blimp hovering about 7,000 feet above San Francisco. The audience got live video feeds from their glasses as they descended to land on the roof of the Moscone Center, the location of the conference.

Google is making prototypes of the device, known as Project Glass, available to test. They can only be purchased - for $1,500 - at the conference this week, for delivery early next year. Google is also giving all 6,000 attendees a Nexus 7, Nexus Q and Google Nexus phone for free.

At the event, Google provided an update on its Google Plus social network, which the company considers crucial to challenging Facebook Inc. for users and advertising. Google said the year-old social network now has 250 million, far smaller than Facebook's more than 900 million but larger than what Facebook had at the one-year mark.

Google said more people use Google Plus from mobile devices than traditional computers. On Wednesday, it introduced a Google Plus app for Android tablets and said one for the iPad is coming "very soon."

Google's expansion into the tablet market with the Nexus 7 brings another imposing entrant into what is already a battle of tech heavyweights. Last week, Microsoft Corp. announced its own tablet, Surface. Expected to go on sale this fall, Surface will run on a revamped version of Windows and compete directly with the iPad.

Although the tablet carries the Google brand, the machine will be made by AsusTek Computer Inc. Google also recently expanded into the device-making business with its $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility, but the company has stressed that it intends to continue to rely on Asus and other manufacturers that have embraced Android.

There are already other Android-powered tablets on the market, but none have proven nearly as popular as the iPad or Kindle Fire. That has raised worries at Google as more people rely on tablets to surf the Internet.

If Apple and Amazon establish themselves as the dominant tablet makers, they could set up their operating systems in ways that de-emphasize Google's Internet search engine and other services. Apple develops its own system, while Amazon modifies Android for use in Kindles.

Apple already has announced that the next version of the iPad operating system will abandon Google's digital maps as the built-in navigation system. That shift could cause neighborhood merchants to spend less money advertising on Google.

Earlier Wednesday, Google unveiled a new search tool to help you get the right information at the right time on your mobile device. Called Google Now, the tool will be part of Jelly Bean, which will be available in mid-July. Some devices, including the Galaxy Nexus, will get the upgrade automatically over the air.

With Google Now, if you say "traffic," for example, it will look at your usual commute to work and show you alternative routes if there's a lot of traffic. It will tell you the scores of your favorite sports teams automatically, and it will keep you up to date on flight statuses if you are flying somewhere. You'll have to activate Google Now to start using it.

Google Inc. said the Google Now feature will get smarter as you use it more.

The feature bears resemblance to the Siri virtual assistant on Apple's iPhone.

Jelly Bean will also come with the ability to share photos by tapping two phones together, using an emerging wireless technology called near-field communications.

Google said there are a million new Android devices activated daily, up from 400,000 a year ago. Google says there's particularly fast growth in emerging markets such as Brazil and India. Android is now the chief rival to the mobile software running Apple's iPhone and iPad.

Source: http://www.katu.com/news/tech/Google-unveils-Nexus-Seven----its-own-tablet-160551345.html

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Stingy Spain worried about Italy, Balotelli

[ [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 2]], 'http://yhoo.it/KeQd0p', '[Slideshow: See photos taken on the way down]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['Connery is an experienced stuntman', 7]], ' http://yhoo.it/KpUoHO', '[Slideshow: Death-defying daredevils]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['know that we have confidence in', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/LqYjAX ', '[Related: The Secret Service guide to Cartagena]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['We picked up this other dog and', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JUSxvi', '[Related: 8 common dog fears, how to calm them]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 5]], 'http://bit.ly/JnoJYN', '[Related: Did WH share raid details with filmmakers?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['accused of running a fake hepatitis B', 3]], 'http://bit.ly/KoKiqJ', '[Factbox: AQAP, al-Qaeda in Yemen]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have my contacts on or glasses', 3]], 'http://abcn.ws/KTE5AZ', '[Related: Should the murder charge be dropped?]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 5]], 'http://yhoo.it/JD7nlD', '[Related: Bristol Palin reality show debuts June 19]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['have made this nation great as Sarah Palin', 1]], 'http://bit.ly/JRPFRO', '[Related: McCain adviser who vetted Palin weighs in on VP race]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['A JetBlue flight from New York to Las Vegas', 3]], 'http://yhoo.it/GV9zpj', '[Related: View photos of the JetBlue plane in Amarillo]', ' ', '630', ' ', ' ', ], [ [['the 28-year-old neighborhood watchman who shot and killed', 15]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/white-house-stays-out-of-teen-s-killing-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120411/martinzimmermen.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['He was in shock and still strapped to his seat', 6]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/navy-jet-crashes-in-virginia-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/cv/ip/ap/default/120406/jet_ap.jpg', '630', ' ', 'AP', ], [ [['xxxxxxxxxxxx', 11]], 'http://news.yahoo.com/photos/russian-grannies-win-bid-to-sing-at-eurovision-1331223625-slideshow/', 'Click image to see more photos', 'http://l.yimg.com/a/p/us/news/editorial/1/56/156d92f2760dcd3e75bcd649a8b85fcf.jpeg', '500', ' ', 'AP', ] ]

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/stingy-spain-worried-italy-balotelli-131829674--sow.html

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বৃহস্পতিবার, ২৮ জুন, ২০১২

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French pres: Talks on further euro union postponed

From right, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and Denmark's Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt participate in a media conference at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, June 28, 2012. European leaders gathering Thursday in Brussels are set to sign off on a series of measures to boost economic growth but expectations of a breakthrough on the pooling of debt have fallen by the wayside. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel reacts during the debate after her speech for the upcoming EU summit at the German parliament Bundestag in Berlin, Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Germany faces increasing pressure to relent on its resistance to jointly issued eurobonds and other forms of debt-pooling ahead of a European Union summit Thursday. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

European Council President Herman Van Rompuy speaks during a media conference at an EU Summit in Brussels on Thursday, June 28, 2012. European leaders gathering Thursday in Brussels are set to sign off on a series of measures to boost economic growth but expectations of a breakthrough on the pooling of debt have fallen by the wayside. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

BRUSSELS (AP) ? The French president says discussions on the future deepening of the Europe's economic and monetary union, as proposed by four senior EU officials, have been put off until October.

The item had been on the agenda of a summit of European Union leaders in Brussels on Thursday. Talks were tense, however. Spain and Italy declined to sign off on a proposed stimulus package unless they received assurances that action would be taken to reduce their borrowing costs.

French President Francois Hollande said early Friday, "If you were expecting a decision tonight on a federal Europe, you were misinformed." However an EU official had said the item would be discussed, with an interim report on progress due in October.

Hollande said he was disappointed with the summit's results.

Associated Press

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Thursday Mojaba Showcase: Business Innovation Zone | Torsion ...

Client: Business Innovation Zone, Des Moines, IA

Mobile Site: m.bizci.org

Agency: McLellan Marketing Group, Des Moines, IA www.mclellanmarketing.com

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বুধবার, ২৭ জুন, ২০১২

Selecting Suitable Hotels for Your Business or Resort Holidays

Everyone loves to travel, and these days it?s cheaper and easier than ever to explore the world. Some people are road warriors, spending their time moving between hotels and airports as part of their jobs, while others are lucky enough to do a lot of travel for leisure. For both groups, finding a good hotel is essential to the enjoyment factor of their trip.
Hotels can vary massively, even within the same company. Even chains often have sister brands with subtly different names, ranging from high end to budget hotel offerings. These hotels offer just the most basic of services, but they can still be a part of a pleasant trip. If you are merely looking for somewhere to sleep after a long flight, or plan on spending most of your time outside anyway, then the cost savings from a budget hotel can be tempting.
Mid range hotels offer more benefits; including complimentary breakfast, gym access, shuttles to nearby facilities, and other ?nice to have? bonuses. A mid range hotel offers more facilities than a budget hotel. For people that plan on staying in one place for more than a few days, or for people that want to relax in the hotel as well as outside, a mid range hotel offers a good compromise between cost and amenities.
The most desirable kind of hotel is, naturally, the five star variety. What differentiates a high end hotel from a mid-range one is the quality and number of additional services available to guests. Some people save up credit card points or air miles, and redeem these to treat themselves with a stay in a high end hotel.
Before booking a stay at any hotel, it is a good idea to read their terms and conditions carefully. Some hotels charge a resort fee, even if you do not plan to use any of the ?resort? facilities. If you spot a charge that you?re not sure about, ask what it?s for immediately. Do not wait until you are ready to check out to start asking questions about the bill, as you are unlikely to get any charges changed at that point.

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Jenelle Evans and Gary Head: Arrested For Drug Possession, Domestic Violence?

Jenelle Evans and fiance Gary Head are both in jail, according to reports.

Us Weekly and Teen Mom Talk sources say Gary was arrested for domestic violence, and Jenelle for drug possession, following a heated argument.

During their spat, Gary "hit Jenelle numerous times."

If charged with assault, Gary Head, a Marine, faces serious jail time, and will most likely be dishonorably discharged from military service as well.

If Jenelle Evans is in fact charged with possession of an illegal substance ... no one would be surprised at this point. It's still unconfirmed if she will be.

In April, she accused Gary Head of abusing her, though she didn't press charges, Tweeting later that she didn't want to "jeopardize his career."

By early May, the pair had reconciled. On May 16, they got engaged after Head popped the question to Evans with a diamond sparkler.

They have since called off the engagement, gotten back together at least once, shot down pregnancy rumors and adopted a puppy.

More details to follow on the alleged arrest as the story develops.

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মঙ্গলবার, ২৬ জুন, ২০১২

FRANCHISES: 75 Hottest To Start Now | Small Business Opportunities

How you can open a franchise business & be in biz?for yourself, but not by yourself.

Franchising is a way to be in business for yourself without working all on your own. In buying a franchise, you are purchasing a proven system of doing business and your territory will be protected?meaning the franchisor will not open another franchise in your immediate area. You?ll have to determine if you are the type of entrepreneur that will like being a franchisee. You won?t be able to name your business, wear what you like, etc. You will be taking on a uniform system and must adhere to the various processes and methods of the organization.

Franchising is helping to drive the economy. Consider these statistics:

? the number of jobs filled within and because of franchised businesses (17,430,700)

? the number of franchise establishments (over 828,138)

? direct and indirect economic output of franchised businesses; ($2.1 trillion)

? Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of franchised businesses ($1.2 trillion)

There are two types of franchises.

Product Distribution franchises simply sell the franchisor?s products and are supplier-dealer relationships. In product distribution franchising, the franchisor licenses its trademark and logo to the franchisees but typically does not provide them with an entire system for running their business. The industries where you most often find this type of franchising are soft drinks, automobiles and gasoline.

Some familiar product distribution franchises include:
? Coca-Cola
? Goodyear Tires
? Ford Motor Company

Although product distribution franchising represents the largest percentage of total retail sales, most franchises available today are business format opportunities.

Business Format Franchises, on the other hand, not only use a franchisor?s product, service and trademark, but also the complete method to conduct the business itself, such as the marketing plan and operations manuals. Business format franchises are the most common type of franchise.

USA Today reported that the 10 most popular franchising opportunities are in these industries:

? Automotive ? Fast Food

? Restaurants ? Service

? Business Services ? Lodging

? Building and Construction ? Retail

? Retail-Food ? Maintenance

Some popular business format franchises include:

Auto

AAMCO, Midas, Budget Rent-A-Car

Lodging

Comfort Inn, Embassy Suites, Quality Inn

Retail

Athlete?s Foot, Blockbuster Video,

Play It Again Sports

Education

Sylvan Learning, Huntington, New Horizons

Business Services

H & R Block, Signs By Tomorrow, UPS Store

Maintenance

Roto-Rooter, Stanley Steemer, ServiceMaster

Health & Beauty

Jenny Craig Weight Loss.

Great Clips, Pearle Vision, Inc.

Restaurants

Blimpie, Dairy Queen, Outback Steakhouse

Fast Food

Wendy?s, McDonald?s, Hardee?s

You can learn a lot about franchising and get answers to all of your questions at
franchise.org ? the website for the International Franchise Association. We suggest you visit the site and learn about the franchise concept. The IFA provides a number of tools to help you investigate the options. Here are some of the questions they suggest you ask potential franchisors before you invest:

About The Franchisor:

? Does the franchisor staff attend seminars on franchising and management?

? Do field consultants offer help and guidance or merely act in a regulatory role?

? How many franchises are expected to be added each year?

? Where will they be located?

? What is the success rate of existing franchises?

? What method is used to protect franchisees from poorly performing franchises?

? Is there a franchise owners association?

? Is there a franchise advisory council?

? Who owns the trademarks, service marks, etc., and are they federally registered?

? Are there any disputes pending or threatened against the trademark?

? Has the franchisor complied with the FTC and state disclosure laws?

? Are any senior management or key personnel leaving the system?

? Does this company compete with the franchisees in the marketplace?

? Will the franchisor finance the costs?

? Is the franchisor willing to negotiate the terms of the franchise?

About Consumer Research and Marketing:

? What type of consumer research has the company conducted?

? What were the results?

? Has the franchisor conducted any market studies on the territory to ensure that it can support a franchise?

? What are the demographics required to support a franchise?

? What are the traffic counts required to support a franchise?

About Training:

? What are the location, duration and additional costs of initial training?

? Who must attend the training?

? What is the cost of additional staff attending training?

? What is the training curriculum?

? Who conducts the training and what are their backgrounds?

? Who pays for transportation, room and living expenses?

? Does the franchisor provide training materials for training new staff in addition to the operations manuals?

? Does the franchisor provide hands-on assistance during the pre-opening, grand opening and initial period? Of what type, duration and cost?

About Costs:

What is the total investment required to own a franchise?

? franchise fee

? furniture, fixtures, and equipment

? leasehold improvements

? lease deposits

? other deposits

? franchise training

? travel expense

? supplies

? advertising and brochures

? grand-opening advertising

? inventory

? pre-opening staff costs

? working capital until breakeven

? working capital ? living expenses

? other

Must the franchisee purchase products or services from the franchisor:

? Does the franchisor earn income on purchases?

? How much does the franchisor earn?

? How are the products distributed?

? How long does it take for the orders to be filled?

? What other initial or continuing services does the franchisor provide? What do these cost?

What are the continued financial costs, the basis used for calculation, method of payment and frequency of payment:

? royalties? ? ? ? ? ? advertising

ABOUT ADVERTISING AND MARKETING:

? What type of consumer advertising does the company recommend?

? What types of cooperative advertising programs are being used?

? What percentage of sales is recommended or required for advertising or marketing?

? How do the franchisees obtain their sales leads or customers?

? What is the franchisor?s national/regional advertising program and budget?

? What portion of the national/regional advertising contribution is used for administrative/corporate/agency expenses and fees?

? What are the primary advertising/marketing vehicles?

? What is the grand opening advertising program and cost?

About Operations:

? What are the roles and responsibilities of the field staff?

? How many locations does each franchise consultant work?

? What is the background of the franchise consultant I will be working with? Can I meet that person before purchasing the franchise?

? How often does the field staff visit a
franchisee?s location?

? What is the additional cost of field
services if the franchisee requires it?

? Exactly what kind of assistance is given?

? What kind of supervision or quality control is there?

? What, if any, is the charge for assistance?

? What kind of business management systems are provided to boost sales and profits?

About Products and Services:

? Are there any new products or services under consideration for addition to the franchise?

? When are they going to be introduced?

? What is the estimated additional cost for adding the new products or services?

? Are there any restrictions on the
distribution or sale of the product?

? Is there a guarantee or warranty program?

? How is it administered and what is the cost?

? Is there a minimum purchase?

75 Franchises To Consider Now

Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas
Alamo provides a unique combination of theater and restaurant, showing both first-run and independent films.
www.alamodrafthouse.com
512-219-7800
$$$: $1,250,000 ? $2,785,000

All Tune And Lube
Total car care.
www.alltuneandlube.com
800-935-8863/410-987-1011
$$$: $11k startup cash is required.
Total investment: is $150k

Alta Mere Toys For Your Car!
Complete auto aftermarket line of accessories including security, video, GPS, and paint protection.
www.altamere.com
800-581-8468/708-389-5922
$$$: $50k-$60k.
Total investment: ranges from? $131,482-$164,382

American Ramp Systems
Low priced ramps for disability access to enable the aging and disabled population to remain in their homes.
www.americanrampfranchise.com
800-649-5215/617-269-5666
$$$: $75k startup cash;
Total investment: $200k

Aussie Pet Mobile
Mobile pet grooming service.
www.aussiepetmobile.com
888-677-7387/949-234-0680
$$$: $35k-$75k startup cash;
Total investment: $63,437-$124,687

Bevinco
An independent profit control and revenue enhancement service for bars and restaurants.
www.bevinco.com
888-238-4626
$$$: $46,900 ? $50,900

BounceU
Indoor private events facility.
www.bounceu.com
866-632-6370/480-632-6370
$$$: $75k-$125k startup cash
Total investment: $126,647-$624,896

Budget Blinds
Window coverings.
www.budgetblinds.com
800-420-5374/714-637-2100
$$$: $55k-$150k startup;
Total investment: $79,240-$153,070

Carvel
Retail frozen dessert store.
www.carvel.com
800-CARVEL-F/404-255-3250
$$$: Total investment range is $230,624-$390,124

CertaPro Painters
The largest commercial and residential painting company in North America.
www.certapro.com 800-462-3782
$$$: $129,000 ? $154,000

Chem Dry
Carpet cleaning with patented Hot Carbonating Extraction system.
www.chemdry.com
877-307-8233/435-755-0099
$$$: $11,950-$40,750 startup;
Total investment: ranges from $27,950-$250k

Christmas D?cor, Inc.
Professional holiday, landscaping service.
www.ChristmasDecor.net
800-687-9551/806-722-1225
$$$: The total investment ranges from $11k-$50k

Coffee News
Weekly publication run from home.
www.coffeenewsusa.com 207-941-0860
$$$: Contact the franchisor for details.

ComForcare Senior Services
A premier franchised provider of private-duty, non-medical home care.
www.ComForcare.com
800-886-4044
$$$: $67,500 ? $87,500

Comfort Keepers
An international franchise concept that provides in-home care for seniors, new mothers or other adults needing assistance.
jimbooth@comfortkeepers.com 800-387-2415
$$$: $56,000 ? $79,700

Computer Explorers
Turnkey, biz-to-biz computer tech education programs to public and private schools, daycare centers & more covering all phases.
www.computerexplorers.com
888-638-8722/281-256-4221
$$$: $35k-$49,500 startup.
Total investment: $62,925-$73,250

Contours Express
Fitness Center designed for women that uses medically-recommended weight-bearing equipment.
www.contoursexpress.com
877-227-2282/859-885-6441
Total investment required ranges from $34k to $49k

Cost Cutters
Family Hair Care Value priced, quality hair services and products for the family.
www.costcutters.com
888-888-7008
$$$: $76k-$184,800 startup cash required.

Coverall Cleaning Concepts
Commercial cleaning service.
www.coverall.com
800-537-3371/561-922-2500
$$$: $3950 to $27,200 startup.

Total investment: $10,750-$32,200

Crack Team (The)
Foundation repair specializing in the use of epoxy-injection.
www.thecrackteam.com
866-CRACK TEAM
$$$: The total investment is $38,600 to $69,100

Creative Colors International
Repair and reconditioning of leather, vinyl, fabric, plastics and carpeting in the automotive and
commercial markets.
www.creativecolorsintl.com
800-933-2656/708-478-1437
$$$: Startup ranges from $19,500 to $27,500;
Total investment: $37,500-$71,400

Cruise One, Inc.
Cruise-only travel enterprise.
www.cruiseone.franchise.com
800-892-3928/954-958-3700
$$$: $9,800 startup.

Curves
Thirty-minute fitness and weight loss centers for women.
www.curvesinternational.com
800-848-1096/254-399-9285
$$$: Total investment required ranges from $36,425 to $42,850

DirectBuild Franchising LLC
Consulting programs to clients that enable them to build or remodel a home without using a contractor.
www.directbuildusa.com 877-805-9294
$$$: $72,900-$167,750

Dollar Discount
Dollar stores.
www.dollardiscount.com
888-DOLLAR1/610-497-1991
$$$: Startup is $20k-$30k
Total investment required ranges from $99k to $195k

Dr. Vinyl & Associates, Ltd.
Vinyl repair and conditioning, plus leather, plastic and windshield repair.
www.drvinyl.com
800-836-2840/816-836-0408
$$$: Startup ranges from $15k-$20k;
Total investment: $44k to $69,500

DreaMmaker Bath & Kitchen
Bath and kitchen remodeling.
www.dreamaker-remodel.com
800-583-9099/254-745-2461
$$$: $87,500-$314,500 startup;
Total investment: is $112k-$339k

Driveway Impressions
Decorative and architectural features.
www.drivewayimpressions.com
888-291-6719/604-574-7510
$$$: $50k-$65k startup;
Total investment: $150k-$205k

Dunkin Donuts
Coffee and baked goods.
www.dunkinfranchising.com
877-9-DUNKIN
$$$: $240,100-$1.667 million total investment.

Edible Arrangements
Fresh fruit bouquets.
www.ediblearrangements.com
888-727-4258/203-774-8000
$$$: $50k startup cash;
Total investment: $150,950-$291,200

EduFit Franchise, Inc.
A franchised fitness concept providing convenient, appointment-based personal training services at reasonable prices.
http://edufit.com
888-433-8348
$$$: $164,500 ? $281,000

EmbroidMe
One-stop shop for custom embroidery, screen printing, promotional products, personalized gifts and other items.
www.embroidme.com
800-727-6720/561-640-5570
$$$: Startup ranges from $43k-to $48k;
Total investment ranges from $179k-$185k

Express Employment Professionals
A sales business focused on the desire to help businesses and job seekers through temporary staffing, professional search and HR solutions.
www.expresspros.com 877-652-6400
$$$: $153,750 ? $241,500

Express Oil Change, LLC
A leader in the quick-lube and auto service industry.
www.expressoil.com
888-945-1771
$$$: $300,000 ? $350,000

Fantastic Sams Hair Salon
A full-service cutting edge hair salon for your family.
www.fantasticsams.com
977-383-3831/978-232-5600
$$$: $50k-$75k startup.
Total investment: $125k-$231k

Flip Flop Shops
The Sunglass Hut of Flip Flop Shops
www.flipflopshops.com
770-424-0027
$$$: $25k startup cash.
Total investment: $167,300-$245,500

Floor Coverings International
Floor Coverings International is a mobile, shop-at-home floor-covering retailer.
www.floorcoveringsinternational.com
800-955-4324/770-874-7600
$$$: $150k startup.

Future Stars Sports Photography
Providing high quality and innovative sports photography products and services.
www.future-stars-sp.com
800-461-6575/905-643-4299
$$$: $19,500-39k startup.
Total investment: $19,500-$45k

Geeks On Call
On-site computer solutions for businesses and residential clients.
www.geeksoncall.com
800-905-4335/757-466-3448
$$$: $60k-$121k startup.

Total investment: $60k-$180k

Glass Doctor
Glass replacement for homes, businesses and autos.
www.glassdoctorfranchise.com
800-280-9858/866-696-1504
$$$: $75k startup.
Total investment: $109,681-$261,681

Golftec
Lessons and instructions.
www.golftec.com
877-446-5383/303-779-9900
$$$: $35,000 startup cash.
Total investment. $111,475-$427,675

Grout Doctor
Maintenance and repair of grout.
www.groutdoctor.com
877-476-8800/480-924-2271
$$$: Total investment ranges from
$19,280-$34,075

Growth Coach (The)
Small business coaching, goal-setting franchise.
www.TheGrowthCoach.com
888-292-7992/513-563-0570
$$$: $7k-$33,900 startup.
Total investment: $38,200-$58,400

HobbyTown USA
World?s largest retail hobby franchise offering hobby, toy and entertainment products.
www.hobbytown.com
800-858-7370/402-434-5064
The total investment: $175,000 to $350,000

Home Helpers
Home-based non-medical personal care for the elderly.
www.HomeHelpers.CC
800-216-4196/513-563-8339
$$$: $7k to $31,900 startup.
Total investment: $41,700 to $73,300

Home Instead Senior Care
Companionship and home care services for the elderly.
www.homeinstead.com
888-484-5759/402-498-4466
$$$: $39,050 to $52,050 total investment.

HomeTeam Inspection Service
The leading residential home inspection service in North America.
www.hometeaminspection.com
513-831-1300
$$$: $58,000 ? $71,500

House Doctors
A nationally franchised, professional handyman
service and a leading property repair, remodeling and maintenance company in North America.
www.housedoctors.com
513-831-0100
$$$: $86,000 ? $112,500

Jan-Pro Cleaning Systems
Commercial cleaning.
www.jan-pro.com
866-355-1064/678-336-1780
$$$: $950-$36,500 startup required.
Total investment: $2800-$44k

Jani-King International, Inc.
World?s largest commercial cleaning franchise.
www.janiking.com
800-552-5264/972-991-0900
$$$: $2,000 to $70,300 startup.
Total investment: $8,170 to $74,000

Jet Black
Beautifies and maintains asphalt & concrete pavement.
www.jet-black.com
888-538-2525/952-890-8343
$$$: Total investment ranges from $35k -$100k

JumpBunch, Inc.
Preschool and school age sports and fitness programs held at day care centers and other venues.
www.jumpbunch.com 866-826-5645/410-703-2300
$$$: The total investment is $35,200 to $41,200

Just-A-Buck
Diverse selection of quality merchandise for just-a-buck.
www.just-a-buck.com
800-332-2229
$$$: Total investment ranges from $136,900 to $228,200.

Kennelwood Pet Resorts
Safe & healthy pet boarding.
www.kennelwood.com
877-447-4173/314-446-1013
$$$: $55k startup cash.
Total investment: $799,287-$1,059,499

Kinderdance
Dance, gymnastics, motor skills for kids.
www.kinderdance.com
$$$: $12,000-$40,000 startup.
Total investment: $14,950-$46,100

Kindergolf PTE LTD
Children?s golf.
www.kindergolf.com
6583226168/fax 6562421398
The company is based in Singapore.
$$$: visit the website for information.

Kitchen TuneUp
Residential and commercial remodeling business offering cabinet refacing, new cabinetry, tub lining systems, closet organizers and more.
www.kitchentuneup.com
800-333-6385/605-225-4049
$$$: The total investment ranges from $83k-$90k

Lawn Doctor
Tree, shrub, lawn care services.
www.lawndoctorfranchise.com
800-452-9637/732-946-0029
$$$: $60k-$74,900 startup.
Total investment: $89k-$99,900

Liberty Tax Service
Computerized tax preparation service that specializes in electronic filing and refund loans.
www.libertytaxfranchise.com
800-790-3863/757-493-8855
$$$: Total investment ranges from $35,350-$63,900

Liquid Capital Corp.
An international network of franchise owners or ?principals? who help small and medium-size businesses grow and succeed through factoring.
www.liquidcapitalcorp.com
877-228-0800
$$$: $50,000 ? $130,000

LTS LeaderBoard Tournament Systems Ltd.
Uses cutting-edge proprietary software technology to transform the way charity, corporate and pro-am golf tournaments are scored and managed, making them more entertaining and profitable. Utilizing a unique scannable scorecard that makes it possible to computes 100 percent accurate tournament results in just minutes, LTS
www.LTSLeaderBoard.com
800-411-4448/604-468-2211
$$$: Startup ranges from $18k -$71,100

MAACO Franchising, Inc.
?America?s body shop? with nearly 500 franchised locations across the continent boasting systemwide sales that approach $500 million.
www.maaco.com
800-275-5200
$$$: $385,000 ? $472,000

McAlister?s Deli
McAlister?s Corporation Quick/casual restaurant chain featuring efficient counter ordering, attentive table service, high-quality deli-style foods (sandwiches, spuds, salads) and great price value.
www.mcalistersdeli.com
888-855-DELI (3354)/601-952-1100
$$$: $400,000-$1,475,000 total investment.

McDonald?s Corporation
Quick service restaurant.
www.mcdonalds.com
630-623-6196
$$$: The total investment ranges
from $551,750-$1,791,000

Meineke Car Care Centers, Inc.

A full-service automotive maintenance and repair franchise specializing in brakes, maintenance
services and general repair.
www.meineke.com 800-275-5200
$$$: $182,000 ? $427,000

Merry Maids
Maid service.
www.merrymaids.com
800-798-8000/901-597-8100
$$$: $21k-$29k startup.
Total investment: $26,350-$57,450

Mountain Mudd Espresso
Specialty coffee kiosk.
www.mountainmudd.com
800-218-6833/406-294-6833
$$$: $66k-$203,500 total investment.

Nerd Force
Mobile computer and technology service.
www.nerdforce.com
800-979-NERD/718-370-6147
$$$: $30k-$54k total investment.

Nitelites Outdoor Lighting
Residential and commercial outdoor lighting.
www.nitelites.com
877-821-4148/513-424-5510
$$$: $84k-$164,050 total investment.

Nutrilawn, Inc.
Lawn care service offering minimal or no pesticide treatments to primarily residential homeowners.
www.nutrilawn.com
800-396-6096/416-620-7100
$$$: $75k to $125k total investment required.

Oreck Franchise Services, LLC
Oreck Clean Home Center featuring innovative and quality products for home care.
www.ownanoreckstore.com
888-7OWNORECK/615-316-5874
$$$: $30k startup.
Total investment: $171,800-$230,500

Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
Residential and commercial architectural and landscape lighting and lighting control automation.
www.olpfranchise.com
877-898-8808/704-841-2666
$$$: total investment $77,500-$215,000

OXXO Care Centers
Boutique-style more eco-friendly dry cleaners.
www.oxxousa.com
866-GO2OXXO/954-921-6111
$$$: Total investment range $100,000-$1 million

Panchero?s Mexican Grill
A quick-service, fresh-Mexican franchise concept featuring homemade tortillas.
www.pancheros.com
319-545-6565
$$$: $305,175 ? $629,000

Paws & Remember LLC
Pet memorialization and cremation.
email: rbinstock@pawsandremember.com
708-356-3200
$$$: Contact the franchisor for information;
in biz since 1997, franchising since 2007.

Perma-Glaze, Inc.
Multi-surface restoration, specializing in the renewal of worn or damaged kitchen fixtures and bathrooms.
www.permaglaze.com
800-332-7397/520-722-9718
$$$: Startup $3,500 to $5,000
Total investment: ranges from
$29,500 to $42,500

Pirtek USA
Pirtek is the world?s leading service provider of ETA 1 Hour On-Site Hose Replacement centers and a fleet of 1,500 mobile units
www.pirtekusa.com
888-774-7835/321-504-4422
$$$: $120k-$150k startup;
Total investment: $500k-$600k

Printwear Xpress Franchising Corp.
Personalized branded apparel.
www.printwearxpress.com
888-241-0337/303-771-7100
$$$: Startup $40k-$50k;
Total investment: $148k-$170k

Retrofitness, LLC
A chain of 1980s-themed fitness centers with exciting and affordable workout environments for all fitness enthusiasts.
www.retrofitness.net
800-738-7604
$$$: $638,900 ? $1,452,000

ShelfGenie
A franchise concept that designs, builds and installs Glide-Out shelving systems
www.shelfgenie.com
877-434-3643
$$$: investment range is $70,100 to $125,500

Sign-A-Rama
World?s largest sign franchise.
www.signarama.com
800-286-8671/561-640-5570
$$$: $44k-$46k startup.
Total investment: $148k-$155K

Signs By Tomorrow
Visual communications consultant that utilizes state-of-the-art sign-making technology to offer a wide variety of customized sign products and services that provide creative and affordable solutions to businesses.
www.signsbytomorrow.com
800-765-7446
$$$: $19,000-$263k total investment.

Smoothie King
Smoothies, nutritional snacks, vitamins under one roof.
www.smoothieking.com
800-577-4200/985-635-6973
$$$: The total investment ranges from
$148k -$229k

Spring-Green Lawn Care Corp.
Delivers lawn and tree care services nationwide, to both residential and commercial customers.
www.springgreenfranchise.com
800-777-8608
$$$: $ 87,650 ? $98,840

Steamatic, Inc.
Cleaning & disaster recovery services worldwide.
www.steamatic.com
800-544-1303/817-332-1575
$$$: Startup $25k-$80k
Total investment: required $55k-$150k.

Subway
Freshly made sub sandwiches and more.
www.subway.com
800-888-4848/203-877-4281
$$$: The total investment ranges from
$101,500-$195k.

Supercuts
Value hair salon owned by Regis Corporation.
www.regisfranchise.com
888-888-7008/952-947-7900 Fax
$$$: Net worth of $300k and liquid capital of $100k req.

Sweet & Sassy
Children?s retail, spa and party.
www.sweetandsassy.com
817-756-6523
$$$: In business since 2004, franchising since 2005.
Contact company for details.

Tasti D-Lite
The world?s leading provider of great tasting,
good-for-you frozen desserts.
www.tastidlite.com
615-550-3109
$$$: $253,700 ? $431,410

TSS Photography, Inc.
Youth sports, school and event photography.
www.tssphotography.com
866-877-4746/678-740-0800
$$$: Startup range $15,500-$29,660.
Total investment: $38,750-$74,150

Value Place
An economy extended-stay lodging and short-term residential property brand.
www.valueplace.com
866-456-8737
$$$: $3,500,000 ? $7,000,000

We The People
We The People is a franchised high-quality, affordable legal document preparation service for consumers who choose to represent themselves in simple, uncontested legal matters.
www.wethepeopleusa.com
866-429-2785
$$$: $123,200-$169,500

Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc.
Largest retail franchise system specializing in backyard birdfeeding.
www.wbu.com
888-730-7108/317-571-7100
$$$: The total investment range is in the $98k-$154k range.

Young Chefs Academy
Cooking school for kids.
www.youngschefsacademy.com
254-751-1040
$$$: Total investment $89,350-$208k

DUE DILIGENCE IS KEY TO SUCCESS

Like starting any business, buying a franchise involves a risk. Studies show that successful franchisees:

? conduct their own marketing
research

? use their own financial and legal
advisors

? develop thorough marketing and
business plans

? have prior work experience in
the industry

Prospective franchisees must devote a vast amount of time researching the franchises available and evaluating the strength of the franchisors.

MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF FRANCHISING

A new economic index that provides a current reading of the economic health of the franchise sector, The Franchise Business Index (FBI), increased 0.3 percent in February to 107.7 (Jan 2000=100) ? the sixth consecutive monthly gain, the International Franchise Association announced recently. The index was up 1.4 percent compared with February 2011.

Designed to provide more consistent and timely tracking of the growing role of franchise businesses in the U.S. economy, the index was developed by IHS Global Insight on behalf of the IFA. The FBI combines indicators of growth in the industries where franchising is most prevalent and measures of the general economic environment for franchising.

?The franchise industry is a unique business sector and a vitally important contributor to the U.S. economy spanning some 300 lines of business, supporting nearly 18 million jobs, 825,000 establishments and providing for over $2.1 trillion in economic output,? said IFA President & CEO Steve Caldeira. ?Measuring the strength of the franchise industry through the Franchise Business Index provides another indicator of the health of the economy as a whole. While the index shows we are moving in the right direction, more certainty in the tax and regulatory environments would help franchise businesses grow faster, creating more jobs and economic output at the local, state and national levels.?

Following a period of flat to declining values in mid-2011, the FBI turned up in September and has shown increases of 0.3 percent in three of the last five months.

Increases among the components of the index tied to the labor market and small business optimism contributed most to the February gain in the FBI. An improvement in consumer demand, which had been flat at the end of last year, gave a small boost to the index. Credit conditions showed no change in February.

IFA also released an update to its 2012 economic outlook prepared by IHS Global Insight in December 2011. The updated forecast shows little change from the initial forecast.

?Since our December 2011 forecast report was prepared, there have been a number of positive economic releases,? said James Gillula, managing director at IHS Global Insight.

Tags: franchises, franchising, hottest franchises, how to buy a franchise, how to make money, start a business

Category: Magazine, Start Your Own Business, Start Your Own Business Fall 2012

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Five Best Real Estate Markets For 2012-2017

The U.S. continues to struggle out of a slumping housing market and foreclosures continue to loom, but some analysts who are looking on the brighter side forecast investment opportunities will grow in some areas. The top five cities expected to see substantial market growth in the next five years includes, from least to best, according to HousingPredictor.com: Medford, Oregon; Seattle; Lost Altos, California; San Francisco; and Miami. The researcher looked at factors like job prospects and future projected economic conditions to pinpoint expected property appreciation, which helps explains how foreclosure-ridden Miami tops the list. For more on this continue reading the following article from TheStreet.

Market watcher HousingPredictor.com thinks U.S. home prices could keep falling across much of America for years -- but believes a handful of markets offer great investment opportunities right now.

"When most people figure out that this really is a great time to buy in some areas of the country, it will be too late to make a really good profit," HousingPredictor.com's Mike Colpitts says. "In some areas, it is a great time to jump back into the market -- but you have to be very careful [given] all the concerns about the overall economy."

The firm recently analyzed 230 cities' housing and economic conditions and found about a dozen it expects will produce double-digit price gains over the next five years.

"These are places that have better job prospects and stronger economic conditions than most other areas," Colpitts says.

For instance, HousingPredictor.com expects upscale Los Altos, Calif., to see prices rise 15.5% over the next five years as staffers from nearby Facebook use gains from the company's recent initial public offering to buy homes.

Here's a look at the five U.S. markets HousingPredictor.com thinks will offer the best average price appreciation over the next five years.

Listing information comes from Realtor.com, the National Association of Realtors' official property-listing site, and excludes mobile homes, parcels under agreement and houses still under construction.?

Fifth-best market: Medford, Ore.
Expected five-year price gain:13.9%

This metro area of some 200,000 people just north of the California border in south-central Oregon has had high unemployment in recent years, but Colpitts sees an improvement coming.

"Medford has grown a lot over the past decade and has more employers these days," he says. "More jobs translate to more home purchasers."

Historically a farming area, Medford has become a regional hub for medical care, as well as a destination for more and more retirees.

The city also hosts the New York Stock Exchange-listed Lithia Motors chain of car dealerships, the famous Harry & David food company (parent of the Fruit-of-the-Month Club) and a few other important employers.

As for housing, Realtor.com lists some 350 Medford properties for sale, priced from $33,000 for a two-bedroom condo to $2.3 million for a four-bedroom home on 166 acres.?

Fourth-best market: Seattle
Expected five-year price gain:14.9%

"Seattle has weathered the housing downturn better than the majority of the nation, despite a sizable decline in home values," Colpitts says.

He adds that the Emerald City's stable of large, well-paying tech firms -- from Amazon to Microsoft -- bodes well for real estate prices in the 3.4-million person metro area.

"Higher salaries paid to workers should bolster the housing market," the expert says.

Realtor.com lists roughly 1,800 Seattle homes for sale, from a $60,000 two-bedroom condo to an $18 million waterfront estate.?

Third-best market: Los Altos, Calif.
Expected five-year price gain:15.5%

This affluent community of 28,000 people is in the heart of Silicon Valley, just up the road from Apple and other high-tech firms.

In fact, Los Altos' current or former residents have included late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, Yahoo! co-founder Jerry Yang and other tech titans.

Colpitts said that group should drive Los Altos' home prices higher and higher over the next five years.

"More millionaires are busting out [in Silicon Valley] than anywhere else in the United States -- and the majority of buyers are paying cash for homes," he says.

If you're looking to move to Los Altos, there are 135 properties listed for sale there on Realtor.com. Prices range from $340,000 for a one-bedroom condo to $13 million for a 4-acre estate.?

Second-best market: San Francisco
Expected five-year price gain: 15.9%

Sometimes called the "Wall Street of the West," San Francisco's large financial sector, seven Fortune 500 companies and thriving tech industry underpin the 7.6-million-person metro area's economy and housing market.

Large employers that call San Francisco home range from Wells Fargo to Craigslist. The 25,000-student San Francisco State University also adds to local housing demand that Colpitts expects will increase in the next few years.

"A rich, diverse cultural mix of people has transformed the greater Bay Area into a world-class city to make home," he says.

Realtor.com has some 1,800 San Francisco homes for sale, from a $99,000 fire-damaged teardown to a $38 million eight-bedroom estate.?

No. 1 best market: Miami
Expected five-year price gain: 18.7%

Long the poster child for South Florida's housing bust and foreclosure crisis, Miami gets the top spot in HousingPredictor.com's study because the 2.5 million-population metro area's real estate market has finally begun to turn around.

Media list prices already rose 15.5% over the past year on Realtor.com, and Colpitts thinks the recovery has just begun -- fueled partly by investors from Latin America and other foreign locales.

"Miami is an international designation for vacationers and has become a world-class resort community, attracting home and condo purchasers from all over the world," he says. "If there's ever been a time to buy housing in Miami in this decade, chances are this is it."

Property buyers will find some 12,000 Miami homes listed on Realtor.com. Prices start at $12,600 for a one-bedroom condo and run to $125 million for an 11-bedroom oceanfront estate.

This article was republished with permission from TheStreet.

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