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C.J Lauria Articles

Guest post by: C.J Lauria

Learn the Value of a Solid Cash Buyers List - Click To Read Article
As a real estate mentor I encourage my new students to start building their lists long before I send them out writing offers, or even prospecting sellers. It is a matter of not “putting the cart before the horse.” I continue to hear of would-be wholesalers prospecting deals without having an adequate list of qualified buyers in their arsenals. You know what happens to these people? They end up having to leave their deals behind because they have no one to buy their contracts!

What if My Credit is Shot & I Have No Money? - Click To Read Article
When ones’ credit suffers damage, private money lenders can make a transaction possible…for a price. That, though, is a subject for another day. In the meantime, wholesaling makes it possible for a new home business to generate enough cash flow to live comfortably and, in time, save a nest egg for future purchases. The idea behind wholesaling is to bird dog great real estate investment deals, and get them into contract. Once a contract is signed and escrow opened, the wholesaler then assigns the contract to a cash buyer (another investor) who will then fix & flip it or hold it as a rental. This way everybody wins.

The Real Road to Wealth in Real Estate - Click To Read Article
The following two strategies can be employed during the present market, which will hone your real estate investing skills as well as enable the savvy, alert investor to save for the next up market in the future. You can either fix & flip properties or wholesale properties for an even quicker, lower risk proposition.

Another Reason REI Beats Paper Assets - Click To Read Article
In this article I want to discuss something called the “Preferred List”. This is a list of the funds that a brokerage recommends to their clients. It is the selection of funds that their research has determined are the absolute best in the industry for the firm’s clients. Sadly, in a lot of cases this list is made up of fund families that paid some sort of extra consideration to be on the list. It’s also interesting how often the firm’s proprietary funds end up on that list. Hence, if you are a client of Merrill Lynch, let’s say, you will typically see quite a few Merrill Lynch funds on that list. This is a simple case of allowing how much you get paid to drive your decisions on what funds to recommend.

When a “Green” Rehab Can Be Profitable - Click To Read Article
Over the years standards in building have improved significantly. The whole concept of insulation in walls and attic was virtually unheard of 40 years ago. Thus, houses constructed prior to that era were much less efficient than their newer counterparts. Windows have become far superior over the standard applications dating from the 1970s and before.

What To Do With Cracks in Stucco - Click To Read Article
My tip today has to do with surface cracks in the stucco substrate. They may be unsightly, but short of living on a hill in an active seismic region, cracks shouldn’t really mean much to you. Anything less than the thickness of a credit card can easily be filled and that’s that! Remember that most building codes today mandate a waterproof vapor barrier under all stucco, so it is not likely that a simple surface crack will result in water intrusion.

What Are You Waiting For? - Click To Read Article
This is exactly why the best real estate investing opportunities are right now. Most people aren’t even interested in real estate investment. They have watched the market plummet for a very long time and are convinced that there are no opportunities for the entrepreneur wishing to start his/her own home business. Just the opposite is true.

What if I Get Stuck in the Middle of a Deal? - Click To Read Article
Wholesaling in general, is a great way to break into real estate investing as it doesn’t require a lot of money or personal credit. That’s why my mentorship program starts with wholesaling so that my students have an opportunity to earn some money, get out of debt and start saving for their own transaction in which they will actually take title. The key here is volume. I call it “stuffing the pipeline” and that level of volume will likely only be reached with the aid of a team.

What if I Get Into a Deal? Where do I Turn? - Click To Read Article
I am so grateful that my company, which I formed in late 2008, was centered around the premise that there’s strength in numbers. Basically, our strength comes from the large network of fellow entrepreneurs who operate their own businesses under my label. We currently have national coverage and are soon branching out to a few other countries whose economies are similar to the U.S. market.

Women in Business – Entrepreneurial Tip #1 - Click To Read Article
Although most women are attracted to entrepreneurship for positive reasons, the past 20 years have seen a rise in such motives as frustration with work environments, the desire for greater challenges and more flexibility. Did you know that 4 out of 5 businesses are started by women? The average age of woman business owners is 45. Almost 80% are married and over half have children.

Women in Business: Entrepreneurial Tip #2 - Click To Read Article
International research during the past couple of years has revealed that women business Owners consistently voice certain needs for their business’ development; 1) access to capital, 2) access to education / training, 3) access to networks and markets and 4) to be taken seriously. This last concern is part of the challenge I’m speaking about. Often the naysayer will try and discourage you from taking a step into what may be unfamiliar. They are letting their own fears dominate the conversation and giving too much credence to their words can be the biggest obstacle standing between you and your financial freedom.

Women in Business – Entrepreneurial Tip #3 - Click To Read Article
Over the years I have observed Craftsmen who knew their trades quite well. They might even execute the craft better than their bosses. Many have naively concluded that they were, thus, already better suited to compete in business than their boss. This can be a grave mistake. As one renowned business expert states it; “Building a successful business requires more than technical know-how. None of us are experts at everything. So surround yourself with other experts to fill the gaps. Whether you hire employees, sub-contract work, create joint ventures, work with Coaches/Consultants or develop strategic alliances, the support you need is available. Don’t try to do it all on your own.”

Women in Business – Entrepreneurial Tip #4 - Click To Read Article
It can feel awfully lonely when you are blazing a new trail. Think, though, of the alternatives. That rumination in itself can temporarily cure you of all of your doubts! You could: 1) be back working for that cantankerous boss whom you loathe; 2) find yourself daily dealing with sexual harassment or discrimination; 3) or constantly worry about your financial future.

Women in Business – Entrepreneurial Tip #5 - Click To Read Article
Back in the early 1990s a study was done among employees which showed that women who have been involved with a form of mentoring relationship, have reported an increase of almost 94% in their professional productivity. Mentoring statistics show that professionals who have used a Mentor earn between $5,610 and $22,450 more annually, than those who perhaps didn’t use a mentor. While that study was performed among employees, the value of mentorship is underscored here.

Women in Business – Entrepreneurial Tip #6 - Click To Read Article
Massive action is not to be confused with hard work, though. Utilizing the many high-tech tools today is a way of working much smarter without the sweat of long hours in the office on the telephone…like we used to do. Learning to use the many innovative resources available is the savvy way to run a business. The sobering truth is that in this information age, hesitating can cost you dearly.

Wealth Planning: Offense vs. Defense - Click To Read Article
This area of wealth planning is by far the most misunderstood and ignored. The personal finance industry which is so completely dominated by its focus on mutual funds has distracted the masses by having them focus on mutual fund rates of returns, dollar cost averaging, and other topics that get us to continue to just blindly, month after month, throw more and more money into their funds. The mutual fund industry would have you believe that as long as you put money away each month and pick the “top rated” funds everything will be great.

Wealth Planning: Defensive Strategies - Click To Read Article
Finding a qualified “Wealth Planner” is a subject for yet another day. Suffice it to say, I am NOT talking about the “Financial Planner” whose function is primarily to sell mutual funds and other commission-driven investment vehicles. When I talk about Wealth Planning I am referring to something that I do through reputable Investor Resources.

When Plywood Siding Is Damaged - Click To Read Article
Wood has 2 silent enemies (and I’m not speaking about termites). They are the two essential elements to all living things: water and sunlight. To living things they are life giving. To dead things, well, they finish the job. In order to protect the siding from these elements, it must be properly coated. If the surface is insufficiently covered with a contiguous paint film it will deteriorate rapidly. When that happens, it gets very costly!

Your Home’s Silent Enemy - Click To Read Article
What, exactly happened to that door’s finish? To comprehend the answer it is necessary to first understand the principle in place here. Earlier I said that ultraviolet light destroys even your hair and skin. Now, suppose you were to stand under a tree. Would the sunlight have an opportunity to do its’ destructive work on you as long as you remained in the shade? No. The tree served as a protective barrier acting as a shield against the harmful rays of the sun.

Make The Move From Bad to Good - Click To Read Article
Deep in our brains exists our basal ganglia, which takes an imprint of a repeated behavior. Let’s say you are in the habit of eating a candy bar every day at 3:00pm. You excuse this unhealthy habit by justifying the “energy boost” you receive from it. Your brain is habit prone and soon craves that daily 3:00pm sugar high.

Now Even Regular Folks Can Be Investors! - Click To Read Article
Although there are many to choose from in today’s crowded market, I still prefer to go with companies that have been doing this the longest and offer the lowest fees. The annual fees and per-investment fees can really get you so it is important to do your own research. I’ve found the following companies to be the best in my experience.

So You Think You’re Ready to Start - Click To Read Article
I have observed the many, many would-be REI home businesses go after bank REOs with a passion, only to have the Lender “rain on their parade” by completely changing the rules of the game. More recently we have seen these same types of people spend good money on another short sale program, just to have the Lenders “pull the rug out from under” their next deal. The reality of it is that there are many ways to prospect a variety of sellers for real estate investment deals. The key is getting a real education, hook up with a network, build a buyers list and hire a quality real estate mentor. Without the foregoing, it is much too formidable a road to travel.

Get Your REI Business on Track Today - Click To Read Article
Many of you know me as one of the foremost real estate mentors in the business today. Some of the best free advice I can give you is to have a plan that you have thought through and researched. Why is this so important? It is because there will be times when you will doubt whether or not you are on the right track. Your doubts will become ominous and unless you are sure that developing your own real estate investing home business is what you truly want in life, those doubts can overtake any successes you have.

Get Acquainted with Rehab Costs - Click To Read Article
The way I teach my students is to keep the process as simple and streamlined as possible. There are certain items that seem to break down more often than others. These things are fairly standard in the industry. The quality you choose for a replacement item, say an appliance, should be more along the line of “entry level.” Remember, you are an Investor. So don’t try and play the “Extreme Makeover” game. The real estate investing business is profit-driven and you cannot afford to over-improve.

Learning From Failure - Click To Read Article
Did you know that many Entrepreneurs have been in your shoes and have decided to take a second, third or fourth run at starting a new business? As a leading Real Estate Mentor, I work with many Boomers who have tried starting a business in the past. They may have mortgaged the family home and thumbed their noses at the boss only to have to return a year or two later with ‘their tails between their legs.’ This can take a huge toll on one’s self-esteem and severely injure your confidence. As a result many have lost their “spirit” and now drudge through a daily routine in which they find little to no fulfillment.

Eradicating Mold Issues On Your Next Property - Click To Read Article
Many have made the mistake of trying to paint over molds only to find out that the water in latex paints only revives the organisms and it soon reappears through the new paint. The solution is a 10:1 bleach and water solution applied over any possible affected areas. Spray application is best. Before painting, though, all surfaces should be at a fairly neutral PH level. This means that you will want to rinse all bleached surfaces so as to get an acceptable substrate for paint. I generally treat with bleach prior to the standard pressure washing.

Here’s A Smelly Subject - Click To Read Article
There are really only a few common causes of bad odors. It can be from a human or animal source or often it is fungal. Today, I want to address when it is caused by animals or people who act like animals. The worst has to be a bladder control problem from a cat. However, male animals tend to mark their territory by spraying vertical objects like walls and furniture. Most wall substrates are porous and will soak up the urine and retain all the odors just to dispense it over time. Wood floors are also highly absorbent and will act like a wick to all liquids. Funny enough, most folks figure that if it’s dry, it’s gone. WRONG! Those odors are there to stay and will come back to haunt the unwary buyer. Don’t let that be you.

Let’s Talk Trash - Click To Read Article
It is easy to generate enormous amounts of trash on a rehab project. These take up a huge space in containers and then there is always that last load that mysteriously turned up. Some folks will order a 40 yard debris box only to have the neighbors fill it up overnight with their old appliances and what not. Depending on the neighborhood the problem can be either better or worse. Before creating any construction debris, I have followed a policy of “a clean ship is a happy ship.”

A Dirty Little 4-Letter Word: MOLD - Click To Read Article
Mold growth is encouraged by warm and humid conditions. If you find it outdoors, it is likely in shady, damp areas where leaves or other vegetation in decomposing. Indoors molds can be found where humidity levels are high, such as basements or showers.

Defining “Hard Money” - Click To Read Article
Even though the rates can be high, hard money can be quite useful when an investor has an opportunity to buy a property for a low price and sell it for a profit. Simply put, hard money even with its drawbacks can be a great tool in providing the capital necessary to facilitate a Real Estate Investor.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #1 - Click To Read Article
This is the first in a series of articles in which I will explore the nuances of becoming an Entrepreneur in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. As I mentioned, the majority of new businesses nowadays are started by Boomers. That fact alone should bestow confidence in the possibility of making a career change at your age. Thousands of folks with your circumstances are making the move these days.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #2 - Click To Read Article
So, would you like to start your own business? Is it in an industry you have experience or are you looking at a complete career change? Reports continue to pour in about corporate downsizing and “ageism,” which is just another word for age discrimination. Some savvy Boomers have taken their layoffs as a sign that they should move on. They proactively use that “opportunity” to make the move into entrepreneurship rather than stand on the unemployment line. I commend them.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #3 - Click To Read Article
For centuries, employers have provided a seemingly secure environment for their employees by covering all of the bases. Thus, many who have learned a trade working for their employer for many years may conclude that they could run a business ‘just as well as their employer, maybe even better’…maybe. While that is always a possibility, it is sheer folly to conclude that being a skilled craftsman qualifies one to operate and manage a business. There simply is more to it than what meets the eye.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #4 - Click To Read Article
As time goes by, you will encounter situations where you may have doubts about the advisability of continuing with your venture. This is completely natural. I have discovered, much to my dismay that the world really doesn’t care if I make it or not, thus, I must take responsibility for sustaining my own inner drive to succeed.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #5 - Click To Read Article
Today, the word “mentor” is getting used a lot and I am a little uncomfortable with some who claim to qualify as such. For example, in my industry, we often see young men in their early 30s claiming to be “Real Estate Gurus.” What the h@*%!!! This is ludicrous as these kids can hardly qualify as seasoned professionals, especially when most of them have merely had a few-year-run in an UP market (during the “bubble). Truthfully, it takes seasoning in all kinds of markets and includes learning some humility from encountering a few losses along the way.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #6 - Click To Read Article
One Boomer serial Entrepreneur, Rex, who is in sales, says his cell phone minutes must be at least 5400 minutes per month and he makes no less than 135 different contacts per week. This is a self-imposed criterion that he has set as part of a massive action plan. He feels that he has tried it time and again and continues to come up with the same number. For you it may be different. Nonetheless, if you are convinced that this business you’ve chosen to pursue is the right choice, you must come out of the gate blazing!

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #7 - Click To Read Article
We live in an unprecedented litigious society in which many refuse to take responsibility for anything….yet they all want to be rich! That’s like the typical lottery winner, who is broke within 5 years after hitting the jackpot. Even possessing wealth is a responsibility and it requires diligence to keep it. I suggest that this is part of the learned behavior that an aspiring Entrepreneur must adopt. You simply cannot walk away from many problems. You must face the music regardless of the sacrifices involved. I love Covey’s definition of “responsibility.” It is the ability to respond.

Boomer Business Start-up Strategy #8 - Click To Read Article
As a Baby Boomer you can make some great acquaintances with other like-minded Boomers who have said “goodbye” to their corporate jobs and are now running their own businesses. Working with other Boomers will likely be easier as there is a growing comradeship among the many Boomers who have made the career shift.

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #9 - Click To Read Article
As owner of a business start-up, you must develop the proper entrepreneurial mindset. This is the ability to reframe all input in a positive optimistic context. American icon, Walt Disney is a prime example of this. He experienced multiple bankruptcies along with a plethora of naysayers who did not have his vision. They criticized his dream and pulled his lines of credit. What would you do?

Boomer Business Start-Up Strategy #10 - Click To Read Article
An Entrepreneur may be cautious, but as a rule doesn’t “play it safe.” Those who accomplish incredible feats forge ahead through and over obstacles regardless of the logic of the day. One of the behaviors I teach my new students is to work through your fears. Our fears can move us to quit just before we realize our goals. You cannot allow that to happen.

Creating a Strong Financial Defense - Click To Read Article
I don’t know if this has ever happened to you but there are times when I have looked down at my phone to do something “really quick” only to look up and realize that I have gone a block or more. If there happened to be someone crossing the intersection at this time it would have been a bad day for him and me. If I was found to be at fault in this accident which would certainly be the case because I was not paying 100% attention, I would be completely liable for the injured persons’ medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost income.

A Winning Attitude – Key to Your Success - Click To Read Article
I am in dialogue nearly every day with highly anxious Boomers who see the world changing in front of their eyes. Many feel less and less useful in today’s high-tech climate. Boomers everywhere are increasingly stressed over ageism in the workplace. They are tired of watching their fleeting retirement plans passing away. So, what are you going to do about, yourself?

Well, Which Type of Person Are You? - Click To Read Article
It seems that, despite the economy, there are a lot of happy entrepreneurs out there. Recently Citibank surveyed small-business owners across California. Would you believe 81% of these say they enjoy running their own business, and 78% said they would start their own business again even if they knew what they know now about the challenges they would face. In fact, 60% say they recommend entrepreneurship as a career to their children.

Will Real Estate Investing ever be the same again? - Click To Read Article
One of the ways my team has fought back is by making things happen with private money. This is, in fact, a productive way of profitably operating our REI business while boycotting the Godzilla-like banks who leave a wake of devastation everywhere they go. Private money has helped many of my students and clients to make things happen quickly and without sterling credit.

Where Do We Get Our Deals? - Click To Read Article
Where do we get our deals? Actually, we find them in a variety of places. Several of which are proprietary and I only share them with my students who are my joint venture partners. Consider the fact that anytime a property comes available on the MLS, everyone knows about it within minutes. If it is really a good real estate investing opportunity, it is often snatched up by the agent entering the listing into the computer….or one of their friends.

When Does it Pay to Replace rather Than Repair? - Click To Read Article
I cringe when I see novice real estate investors remodeling a house on a street that doesn’t deserve that kind of attention. This is called over-improvement and is a very costly mistake. That’s why it pays to know your market and the neighborhood where you buy.

Where Do You Get The Most Bang For Your Buck - Click To Read Article
This gives you 10 good tips to use when planning the painting of your next investment property. As a leading real estate Mentor I advocate the intelligent use of materials, like paint, on most rehab work. In my years in the industry I have seen far too many mistakes made by professionals. Don’t do what they did.

Use Color to Your Advantage - Click To Read Article
I recall the late 70s and early 80s, wearing my tool belt; I daily got my hands dirty as I jumped into each job. One simply cannot call him/her self a real estate mentor if they have not paid their dues to that extent.

Never Give In to Fear – Become Resilient - Click To Read Article
It is a fact of life that unexpected setbacks will hit us unawares. Being resilient will enable us to overcome those emotionally draining setbacks. This is important in two basic avenues of life. First, we will be prone to bounce back from a trial and persevere despite our fears. Second, this is necessary in order to sustain our health and well-being in circumstances that make other people sick.

Personal Growth Before Business Growth - Click To Read Article
Many know me as a real estate mentor and lecturer, but the truth is that I am firm believer in personal growth long before attempting to start and run a business. Statistics consistently indicate that most new businesses fail within the first couple of years. What would the numbers be like if all entrepreneurs were to focus on a personal development plan prior to launching their businesses? I’m willing to bet the number of successes would go through the roof!

Plan Your Real Estate Investing Strategy Today - Click To Read Article
Even in the stock market, savvy investors won’t wait around till the perfect bottom suddenly appears. They will often enjoy smaller, shorter-term gains while keeping an eye on the bigger picture. When the market appears to be transitioning from the “bear” to the “bull” they will purchase stocks that are already on the way up a solid trend.

Let’s Talk About Flooring - Click To Read Article
While tile of all sorts is often attractive and wears like iron, for real estate investment purposes, is too costly and cannot be completed in one day. It often involves 1 or 2 return trips. From both a labor and material standpoint, tile is prohibitive and (in most cases) I don’t recommend it for the investor.

Fear of the Unknown – Why You Need a Mentor - Click To Read Article
As a real estate mentor I can vouch for the many who are paralyzed by fear. Without first-hand experience it is a virtually insurmountable challenge to branch off onto a new career path without a mentor.

Enjoy Personal Victories Before Seeking Them in Business - Click To Read Article
There is s plethora of good information out there. Don’t be afraid to read some of it. Personally, I enjoy reading the scriptures and learning principles upon which to base my conduct and decisions. It has helped me immensely, especially when things don’t seem to go my way. For me; for all of us, personal victories must precede those in the public.

“Financial Freedom” – Not a Life of Opulence! - Click To Read Article
A common thread among the billionaires polled were 5 money-saving habits that even the richest have adopted as a way of life. This is where personal development goals come in. As Warren Buffet put it: “Most toys are a pain in the neck.” Now I want to share the following points from ultra wealthy individuals from various parts of the world.

If You’re Afraid of Hard Work Don’t Start a Business! Here’s why….. - Click To Read Article
The key is not to let the advertising world force us into their mold; one in which reality and logic do not exist. Everything takes effort and the greatest achievements take a whole lot of effort! I am glad that we have the screening process in place that we have. Unless an enrollee possesses the right frame of mind: the mind of an entrepreneur, he/she is not invited to enter.

Here’s One REI Improvement That’s Worth Doing - Click To Read Article
There are direct importers in most metropolitan areas across the country, who offers a nice selection of pre-fabricated slabs in their huge warehouses. These can be found in 8’, 9’, and even 10’ lengths depending on the type of stone. They are pre-cut with a standard bull nose finished edge. Usually for a $20.00 up charge you can get a right or left return finished edge as well. Also, 4” or 7” matching back-splash stock is available. Many offer free delivery, too.

How To Make The Best First Impression - Click To Read Article
As a leading real estate mentor I teach my students certain techniques that have proven useful for decades. The truth is, when it comes to the prospective owner-occupant, the emotions are often the same in each and every case. Let’s, now, discuss some of the expectations a buyer may have.

Are You Sick and Tired of All These REI “Gurus” with More Programs to Sell? - Click To Read Article
After over 20 years as a highly successful real estate investor, making millions of dollars in the process, I came to the conclusion that a change was sorely needed. It had to be something so revolutionary that one would never have to buy another REI “program” again. In late 2008 I established a company that integrated comprehensive training and coaching of student enrollees with a personalized mentorship to see each deal through to closing. I recognized that the ONLY way a real estate mentor would be truly dedicated to his student’s success was if there was a vested interest in their business.

A Great Way To Tug On Your Buyer’s Heart Strings - Click To Read Article
Funny enough, most buyers are much less concerned about everything else once they enter a sparkling entrance. This is part of the psychology of the deal that I teach my joint venture partners. Believe it or not, psychology plays an important role in real estate investment as well.

A Tip About Paint - Click To Read Article
Advantages range from a softer, more luxurious appearance to improved touch up abilities. One of the greatest features of flat finish paint is its’ use on ceilings. Since no ceiling is perfect, I advise my students to always use flat paint on ceilings as it will help conceal irregularities which can be highly visible in certain light. Since ceilings rarely get touched, a cheap grade of flat is perfectly fine to use as burnishing, staining or other weak features won’t likely occur.

Why All The Interest in Detroit? - Click To Read Article
Is Detroit going through some very tough times? Yes. And that is precisely why there is an opportunity. For example, when the construction industry was booming, heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders and the like could only be purchased at retail prices. When the construction market collapsed, suddenly you could buy those same pieces of heavy equipment for pennies on the dollar. That was an opportunity for those who had the means to take advantage and buy while the market was down.

Real Estate Wholesaling - Report from the Field - Click To Read Article
Before I get to that I want to address the fact that anyone that desires to make a go of it in real estate investing needs to assess their intentions and frame of mind prior to writing their first offer. In fact, I feel it is imperative that every new prospective real estate investor, whether wholesaler or “Fix and Flipper,” should be mentally prepared to 1) make sacrifices and 2) wait patiently.

Start a Recession-Proof Home Business Today - Click To Read Article
Historically, one had to have a huge “war chest” of cash and excellent credit to successfully accomplish branching out into this type of career. What my team discovered is, that there are a plethora of very intelligent, motivated folks across the U.S. that are themselves victims of the economic reversal in the housing market. Yes. Many who are looking for a real estate mentor and apply to enroll in my mentorship are themselves ones who have suffered damage to their credit and possibly even lost their own homes.

Red Flags To Avoid in a Mentor - Click To Read Article
In my Mentor for Life™business plan my team works hard to stay ahead of the trends so I am able to keep fresh material and training in front of my students. Many of the methods we use were not employed 12 months ago and many others will likely not be used 12 months from now. Thus, if a mentor is not willing to change with the times, they are not a good bet and a pathetic waste of money.

The “Mentor for Life”™ Concept and Why it Works - Click To Read Article
Let’s face it: When we talk about a real estate mentor we visualize someone who is 1) not a kid and perhaps 2) a multi-millionaire from his/her many successes in real estate investing. There are so many scams on the internet that it can make your head spin. That is one of the reasons I am so passionate about bringing some integrity to the profession. My “Mentor for Life”™ business plan is just that means by which I intend to provide honest value in training, coaching and mentoring to the real estate home business person.

My Advice to the Wise Investor - Click To Read Article
Visualizing the cycle in its entirety is the easiest way to grasp its predictability. But in order to see the pattern you have to zoom way out and see the forest through the trees, as it were, because one pulse in investment properties takes 12 to 15 years.

Everybody Needs a Mentor - Click To Read Article
What this is all leading to is the blatant reality that the world of real estate investment has become a complex and varied proposition. You want to venture into real estate investing? Fine…but you need a mentor. And chances are that your parents, no matter how well meaning, are/were not qualified to give you what you’re going to need as you explore the ominous world of 21st century investment.

How about Getting a Real Estate Mentor? - Click To Read Article
Today, a number of REI “gurus” have jumped on the “mentor” bandwagon, offering courses and a form of mentoring through which the student is coached by one of their trained staff. In almost all cases, the coaches have absolutely no incentive or vested interest in the student’s success. As one famous real estate expert who had his own TV show stated, ‘there is more money in selling the information than in flipping houses.”

Know The “Ins & Outs” of Rehabbing - Click To Read Article
There are some essential elements to the process that as a real estate mentor I always advise be checked off your list. As far as any skilled work that is performed, you will want to see the proof of a State Contractor License, Liability Insurance, Workman’s Compensation Insurance (if they have employees) and references. Of course, once you have these documents on file it won’t be necessary to go through this again except to update them as necessary.

Are You Making Money or Earning It? - Click To Read Article
Over the years I could have been driving a Rolls Royce or some other eye-popping car. I’ll leave that to the Athletes, the Hip-Hop stars and others whose value is defined by their bling. My values have always been much different. My friends know that money has never been of prime importance to me. My time is. Because of this, I was always available for my kids when they were growing up.

Are You Right for “MENTOR for LIFE™”? - Click To Read Article
To begin with, nothing attracts people more than one’s ability to accentuate the positive. I am a firm believer in having the proper attitude before launching a new career. This will stem from a thorough understanding of the industry as well as general principles of business. However, regardless of background, an enrollee must have the ability to consistently see the glass as half full whenever a situation appears incomplete.

Who’s Responsible for This Economy, Anyway? - Click To Read Article
Spending patterns are very predictable, at very predictable times in one’s life. Thus, at ages 46-50 we usually see families earning the most and putting their kids through college. They will likely spend the most during these years. Whereas, during their 50s, couples become “empty nesters” and significantly reduce their expenditures. Once they reach age 60 they are moving into retirement, which for all intents and purposes, is when people traditionally spend the least. Hence, the boom in consumer spending from the “Baby-Boomer” is coming to an end.

Who’s Buying Up Our Houses? - Click To Read Article
As a real estate wholesaler I am encouraged to Euros, GB Pound, Yen, Rubles and the like come into our market as it strengthens our position. We have a clear advantage. We are here! We should also have some insight into our local markets and this will help us to “bird dog” deals to wholesale to foreign cash buyers. And once the market starts a solid climb, local cash home buyers will “come out of the woodwork.”

When Do All These Foreclosure End - Click To Read Article
I have stated for some time now in my blogs, speeches, webinars and on my website, that this thing isn’t over yet – far from it. I do not see millions of educated, well payed Americans all taking the housing value implosion sitting down! The American way has historically been to take more than you give. Most people will not accept this short fall of hundreds of thousands of dollars. They will wrestle with the moral dilemma for a while but, in the end, will do their best to sell their home short and cut their losses.

Investors: Jump on the “Green” Bandwagon - Click To Read Article
There are a variety of rebates, tax incentives and credits for those who rehab their investment properties in this manner. While it is usually more expensive to purchase “green” materials, in the long run it will be cheaper because of the many government programs designed to attract environmentally friendly projects. In my opinion, if you don’t mind dealing with the pace of government agencies, you can effectively profit from such an approach.

Should I Buy Houses For Cash at an Auction? - Click To Read Article
Purchasing a property via auction frequently entails a commitment to all outstanding debts including unexpected liens and other judgments in addition to those for which the auction is taking place. By purchasing a bank owned property you will typically have assurance of clear title or at least a complete awareness of other fees or liens due.

Beware of “Analysis Paralysis!” - Click To Read Article
You heard the old adage about the guy who had to feel for the floor before getting out of bed? lol. Well, there are some distinct disadvantages to waiting before striking, weighing every possible scenario and crunching the numbers endlessly. To begin with: “The early bird gets the worm.” If we delay our decision to buy we may lose the real estate investment altogether.

Brace Yourself for the “Borrower’s Revolt of 2010!” - Click To Read Article
During the last decade especially, lenders had no scruples about lending more than many families could afford or, for that matter, more than the property was worth. The illustrative “loan committee” with all its superior “wisdom” consistently allowed this kind of abuse so that we are now faced with a nationwide mortgage crisis of huge proportions. Interestingly, a fast growing facet of the legal industry is that which goes after lenders for predatory practices.

Why Dont I Try to do This On My Own - Click To Read Article
Today we are going to discuss the advantages of working with a group in your own Real Estate Investment business. Isn’t it true that one person simply cannot wear all the hats in a working business? So why try? There is strength in numbers. And the best way to grow and be profitable is to work with skilled people in each area of business management.

To Modify or Not To Modify - Click To Read Article
That was the hope of the U.S. government when they decided to “bailout” the banks. Some of the money that went to these troubled banks was allocated for helping approximately 750,000 troubled families to save the family home. The idea was to reduce the monthly payment to an acceptable level….maybe even some of the principle. All would work well if everyone cooperated and tried to do the right thing.

What About Private Lending? - Click To Read Article
Financial loans are financial opportunities in disguise. It can provide the private lender a great return on their money while securing their funds with a note in first position on your new home at a loan-to-value of 65-70%. In this down market property values present a terrific opportunity for securing retirement funds as well.

What If I Wait For the Market to Improve? - Click To Read Article
Whether you buy foreclosures, short sales, or any other type of investment properties, these will likely be distressed in one form or another. Otherwise, your competition will be intense. In my real estate investment mentoring program, I teach that the better a house “shows,” the quicker and higher it will sell. My students know how I feel about properties that look and smell poorly. They will tell you that it is the ‘look and smell of opportunity.’

Pride Of Ownership - Click To Read Article
Another exciting shelter the government provides is the exemption homeowners are allowed upon sale of their primary residence. This is my favorite. Every couple of years or so, you may sell your home and move. Any gains(profit)realized from the sale can be yours tax free.

Reasons For Buying Cheap Houses Now - Click To Read Article
Presently there are hundreds of real estate “wholesalers” across the United States. These businesses are often operated on a local level and often out of the wholesaler’s home. In fact, they provide a very good service to cash home buyers everywhere. They may lock up a purchase in contract and subsequently assign that contract to the first buyer that comes with all cash. They take a modest profit say, 10%, and leave the major margin for their buyer at 20-30% below market.

Recognize This Growing Market - Click To Read Article
Women own and operate 38% of all businesses in America and comprise 40% of the business school graduates. Now add to that, interest rates at history-making lows along with home prices that are making their own history. What do you have? It’s a perfect storm.

Should I Start My REI Business in a Recession - Click To Read Article
More pointedly, I believe we are facing the perfect storm for cash home buyers across the United States. The secret is out and many Europeans, Asians, Middle-Easterners and others have recognized that America is on sale and they are already scooping deals on our home turf every day! So, to answer the question at the top of the page: Yes. Only IF you see the “glass half full.”

Be Careful Not to Over-Improve! - Click To Read Article
In past articles I have spoken about focusing on repairs – not remodeling. This is mostly most true in cases of the average and below-average investment properties. Even when handling a higher-end property, caution is needed so that your precious profits are not eaten up entirely.

Behold The Missing Link - Click To Read Article
The gnawing question is: Is there any hope for the millions of homeowners nationwide in this predicament? Thanks to the ingenuity of some highly savvy, creative entrepreneurs, the answer is: “probably.”

Buy Low, Sell High - Click To Read Article
Foreclosure is still a very bad word and worth avoiding if possible. Nevertheless, is it really prudent to keep the debt by just massaging the monthly payments a little? Many Americans have seen the folly in that and have chosen to let their lenders carry the burden of the imbalanced debt against their homes.

Increase Your Chances With A Network - Click To Read Article
Imagine, though, that you were part of a network that kept your buyers interested via the internet and maintained your relationship until you do have another cheap home for sale. This is just one way that networking can maximize the effectiveness of one’s marketing budget.

Hang on! More Foreclosures Are Coming - Click To Read Article
So what’s the bottom Line here? Although the number of delinquent properties and shadow inventory continue to rise, early indications seem to point toward a reality check sometime in the near future. Once existing inventory is purchased, expect a significant lag time to meet growing demand. In other words, supply will once again have to catch up with demand. Currently, distressed homeowners have reduced expenses, moved in with family and made other temporary arrangements in an effort to “ride out the storm.” I expect that short term solutions will eventually give rise to the need for permanent housing.

A Lease Option May Be The Answer - Click To Read Article
Lease options are yet another reason I love real estate investing so much. It’s also part of my real estate mentoring program as a profitable exit strategy. Remember, you do not need to guarantee today’s prices for a transaction that actually closes in two years or more in the future. The agreement can be made to settle the price at “fair market value” when they actually enter escrow. Those numbers can easily be determined if your property is located in an area where there are multiple examples of “like kind” homes from which comparable values can be drawn.

A New Era of Banking - Click To Read Article
There was a time when a community bank would care for the money of its depositors and wisely lend to local businesses and families wishing to buy a local home for their family. Over the years this very simple concept has become so large and complicated that the individual small business or homeowner has been squeezed into a very uncomfortable position.

The Hardest Part of Building Your Business - Click To Read Article
Fear of the unseen or unknown is paralyzing and happens to small businesses every day. Many sincere folks make the sacrifice to get educated…even borrow huge sums of money to do it. Yet, doing it all on our own is fear-inspiring. Entire armies have been faced with crushing defeats because of the fear of the unknown.

Start with an Extraordinary Foundation - Click To Read Article
If you know me, you know that I consistently emphasize building your home based real estate business on a solid foundation. In fact, the foundation will often dictate your degree of success.

What if I Get Into a Deal? Where do I Turn? - Click To Read Article
The power of a network cannot be over emphasized. If you have your own real estate investing business, consider the following three networking tips that can make your chances of success far greater.





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