Money4Investors

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Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:50:46 PDT

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Heather Seitz: Part 2 of 2.

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:50:46 PDT

Lots of people have their favorite "markets". Markets like: foreclosures, bankruptcies, divorce, absentee owners, etc.
And no doubt, you can find dozens of training on these topics. The truth is if you work in any of these niches, you can make lots of money, BUT... there is ONE market that blows all of these out of the water!

HSeitz_2.mp3 (9.36 MB)

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Ken & Dale Wade: Real Estate Markets Uncovered.

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 01:56:21 PDT

Find the HOTTEST markets with the biggest profits, lowest risk and highest returns.
Ken Wade is in his third decade of entrepreneurial real estate investing and has done hundreds of real estate deals valued in excess of $100,000,000.00 (you read that right - $ 100 Million!). The secrets you'll learn will help you go from "guessing and stressing" to "investing and resting" with TOTAL CONFIDENCE and GRATITUDE.

Ken_Wade.mp3 (7.26 MB)

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Heather Seitz: Part 1 of 2.

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 02:31:20 PDT

HSeitz_1.mp3 (9.36 MB)

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Unique Conference Call for Home Selling Help

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:22:06 PST

Are you having trouble selling a house?
We have some ideas that can help you in today's difficult market.
Join our special conference call on Facebook. The advantages of this call system:
* You can type your questions in so we can see them.
* You can mute yourself by clicking on a microphone icon.
* You can "raise your hand" to speak.
* You can even upload your pictures so we can see your house outside and inside.
How to participate:
1- Join Facebook
http://www.facebook.com
2- Join the Conference Call for Home Sellers. Click the link below to add the conferencing application and join the call.
http://apps.facebook.com/freeconference/conf/show/11113
3- Join the group: Jeanette Fisher's Home Seller's Helpline
Click on the Groups button on the left under applications.
Search for Jeanette Fisher's Home Seller's Helpline or try this link:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9721931758&ref=mf
This is where you will upload your photgraphs.
I know all this seems complicated, but the conference call will be unlike all the other teleseminars we've done. This is a hands-on experience where you will get answers to YOUR home selling questions.
Joy in technology!
Jeanette

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Bush’s Economic Stimulus Plan Contains No New Housing Initiative

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:12:14 PST

by Jeanette Fisher

It's an open secret. The American economy is in trouble, and President Bush acknowledged that fact by unveiling a $150 billion economic stimulus package recently. However, that package contains no provisions for raising the $417,000 conforming loan limit to allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to begin purchasing so-called jumbo loans.

The main thrust of the president's plan is to try to stimulate economic growth through about $100 billion in relief tax cuts and incentives for individuals, families, and businesses. No specific mention was made about trying to revive the country's sagging real markets or the intensely troubled mortgage lending industry. Disagreements within Congress have continued to hinder the progress of legislation that would allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be able to purchase larger loans, as well.

As far as trying to bolster the housing market, the Bush administration has concentrated its efforts on FHASecure, which a new FHA loan guarantee program that would allow some delinquent borrowers who have adjustable-rate mortgages to refinance using fixed-rate loans, and a voluntary program they can Hope Now, which encourages lenders to work with borrowers in creative ways to refinance or restructure their loans rather than moving forward with the foreclosure process. However, some critics of the plan contend that neither one of those programs will provide any real help to the nearly two million American homeowners who are facing foreclosure, especially in light of the fact that home prices are declining in many areas of the country.

The Mortgage Bankers Association recently estimated that some 384,000 loans are currently in some stage of foreclosure, although many of those loans don't cover owner occupied real estate. There is some good news, though. The MBA also reported that some 54,000 loans were restructured during the third quarter of 2007 and another 183,000 were modified to establish repayment plans that would allow homeowners to stay in their houses.

The real estate crunch is far from over, however. The National Association of Realtors recently suggested that any stimulus package passed by Congress needs to include an increase in the conforming loan limit for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac if the country's housing market is to recover any time soon. According to the NAR, simply raising the conforming loan limit to $625,000 would reduce the supply of homes on the market within a couple months, would strengthen home prices by at least two percentage points, and could increase real estate activity by more than $40 billion. The NAR also stated that raising those conforming loan limits could reduce foreclosures by as many as 210,000 in a relatively short time.

It's yet to be determined if the Bush package will be amended to reflect those suggestions. As of this moment, there is no such wording in the plan.

Fix up the home you're living in with Seven Secrets to Glorious Home Design at http://residentialdesignguide.com

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Oregon Coast Bargain Property - Area Still Appreciating

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:23:10 PST

I thought you might be interested to hear about a beautiful, brand new Beach House at a wholesale price...80 or 85% of (recent) appraised value.
This is a great investment chance.
One home in Otter Crest, fabulous view, is even furnished and ready to be a Vacation Rental.

The other, in quiet Oceanside, has Ocean and Arch Cape views from every window.

Both have hardwood, slab granite, tile, gas fireplaces, 2450 and 2668 square feet.
One our Investors hit a snag and is liquidating. He'll need to decide something within the next week, so let me know right away.
Either of these are a great investment, either as a family getaway or as a vacation rental.
Typical appreciation on the coast is average 14% the last several years.

Did I mention the views?

Contact my friend Susan by email to susangrace at sunlink dot NET
Enjoy!
Jeanette

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Flipping Houses in 2008: Five Problems and Solutions

Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:05:17 PST

by Jeanette Fisher
What's different about flipping houses in today's market? While some market conditions remind seasoned investors of flipping HUD repos in the eighties, there are some investing principles that have changed. Because investors went crazy buying houses for no money down, banks have tightened up their lending practices. Sellers also are more careful about turning over their title without a secure down payment.
However, many real estate investors will make a fortune in 2008. That's because they will learn how to invest from professionals who made money "in the old days" -- before the recent skyrocketing frenzy. AND, these beginning investors won't let fear keep them from taking action. If you have courage and will take the time to learn your local real estate market, here are five problems and solutions for flipping houses in 2008.
1. Prices keep dropping in a declining market.
The problem of declining prices means that you must know your market. You must be able to buy low and sell higher. You must know how much repairs and holding costs will be for properties. Smart investors will track every penny, save money on repairs, and fix the houses in a way that tempts home buyers.
2. Loans are harder to secure.
Investors will find it extremely hard to find 100 percent loans. You will need ten to thirty percent down depending on your credit score. If you don't already own your own home, you still can get 100 percent financing for owner occupied, which is how many beginners get into the market. You must keep your credit in perfect condition.
3. Larger reserves needed to qualify.
Lenders require about three monthly payments as cash reserves in the bank. Lenders know about tricks like borrowing money and will look at how long the funds have been in your account. Keep your bank accounts solvent.
4. Houses take longer to sell.
With fewer qualified buyers and more houses on the market, it will take longer to sell most houses. The houses that are selling either offer deep discounts or features beyond ordinary. Interior design and home staging strategies will make a huge difference. Agents will show the houses that look great and typical buyers will pass on fixers.
5. Agents will bend over backwards to sell to you.
If you're a qualified buyer, real estate agents will work hard to find you what you want. On the other hand, you will need to watch out for desperate agents who might paint a positive picture or gloss over problems.
Learn about your real estate market, short sales, REOs, and desperate sellers who are willing to give up equity to move.
Learn how to make more money flipping houses using interior design psychology strategies to fix houses for your target buyers: http://www.doghousetodollhousefordollars.com

Office in Faux Flip; walls rubbed with powder to create aging. This quick solution and more decorative arts in Flip That House with FAUX.
Copyright © 2008 Jeanette Fisher

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Most Popular Real Estate Investing Article

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 03:43:31 PST

A Beginner's Guide to Flipping Houses

With over 233027 views on EzineArticles alone, this flipping houses article is my most published real estate article.

The article begins with:

"If you're dreaming of making money in real estate, it's time to stop dreaming and get to work, because making money in real estate isn't just a vague pipedream. It can be done, even by a young and inexperienced person, when you learn how to 'flip' houses."

The most interesting thing about this article is that it tells the story of my friend's daughter and it took place about ten years ago, when the market was similar to today's real estate market.
In fact, my book Doghouse to Dollhouse for Dollars was written about how we made money fixing and flipping houses in the golden old days. My point, don't think that because the market seems bad that you can't make a fortune. I'll bet savvy investors will make millions next year in foreclosures, REOs, short sales, and even buying through agents who know their market.
The best way for you to make money in 2008 is to know your market, prepare your credit, and surround yourself with experts.
Joy to you in 2008,
Jeanette Fisher

More about Flipping Houses using interior design psychology for higher profits.

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Inside the investor world by Bob Diamond Attorney at Law part 2 of 2

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 07:29:10 PST

Bob is known as the ‘guru's guru' and teaches advanced real estate investing techniques including buying discounted liens, notes and judgments, buying out of bankruptcy, short sales, and more. With the combination of his experienced years of investing and his fifteen years of legal practice in real estate, Bob understands and wants to share the hurdles, opportunities and cycles of the real estate investing market for today's independent investor.
Find out about all the great BONUSES Bob offered Money4Investors.com Members

Click here to see the BONUSES

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Inside the investor world by Bob Diamond Attorney at Law part 1 of 2

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 10:10:45 PST

Click here to see the BONUSES

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Home Staging Empty Houses

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 05:50:19 PST

by Jeanette Fisher
There are some home staging companies out there that will try to convince you that you need to bring in truckloads of furniture to stage an empty house, but I don't think that's necessary, and it may even be counterproductive. After all, the whole idea is to encourage home buyers to envision their own furnishings in your home when they walk in. On the other hand, you don't want someone to walk in and get a feeling of coldness and sterility, either.
When I have an empty house to stage for sale, I begin by putting up window coverings to lend a feeling of softness to a room, because fabric adds texture, which the mind translates as added softness. By window coverings, I'm not talking about blinds. I'm talking about soft fabrics. Blinds can add an even greater feeling of sterility to a room. Keep the coverings pulled back, though, to allow as much light and air into a room as possible. That will make the room feel larger and more friendly.
You can also add inexpensive panels to a room, either plain or lacy, depending upon the style of home and the actual room you're staging. For instance, if you're doing a bedroom, where privacy is important, you don't want the panel too sheer. The same applies if there's a view you want to block out. Use something that is less transparent, but not so solid that it doesn't let light through. The worst thing you can do is make a room feel dark and closed in. Always strive for warmth and airiness when you're staging a room.
The next thing I'd recommend is to put a round table in a breakfast room or kitchen, and sometimes even in a dining room. I also add an absolutely gorgeous fabric skirt that reaches all the way to the floor, surrounded by four chairs, even if they're garden chairs.
I also space a few chairs around the house, in case buyers want to sit and talk. The longer I can keep them in a house, the better my chances of selling it, and people are most comfortable sitting around a round table. Psychologically, sitting at a round table means that no one can be at the head of the table. Everyone is equal and will be more open to expressing themselves openly and honestly.
There are lots of other staging ideas, of course, but these are my favorites, and I've had a great deal of success with them--without having to spend very much money!
Read more about staging our Faux Flip featured on Flip That House for Habitat for Humanity.

This bedroom actually looked smaller until we added a few furnishings.

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Double-Digit Return on Investment by Bill Cannon Part 2 of 2

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 10:13:49 PST

Billy Cannon has taught for Robert Allen, J.G. Banks, and Carleton Sheets among others, where he has instructed thousands of students in the ways of investing in real estate. On this great call, Billy will let us in on some of the hottest investment secrets in:
• Real Estate Investing
• Pre Construction
• Hard Money Lending
• Development Partnerships, and Much More

Click here for more information

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Double-Digit Return on Investment by Bill Cannon Part 1 of 2

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 10:46:17 PDT

Click here for more information

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Ultimate Buying and Selling Machine by Larry Goins Part 2 of 2

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 14:22:06 PDT

Ultimate Buying and Selling Machine by Larry Goins and his Ultimate Buying and Selling Machine

Larry Goins buys and sells 10-15 houses every month and in less than 2 hours flat without even looking at them! He also never talks to a single realtor, FSBO, attorney, appraiser or buyer! We guarantee that you will hear many things you never knew before about real estate! Plus, get a free eBook when you Register.

Click here for more information

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Ultimate Buying and Selling Machine by Larry Goins Part 1 of 2

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 22:54:46 PDT

Ultimate Buying and Selling Machine by Larry Goins and his Ultimate Buying and Selling Machine

Click here for more information

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

NewEntry

Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:02:41 PDT

See "The House That Love Flipped" tonight on The Learning Channel (TLC.) The episode is titled "Brian and Jeanette' in TV listings and shows at 9:30 PM Pacific.
The show differs from other flips on the popular show because Fisher's husband, who did most of the work on their flips, died suddenly and left the house unfinished. Artists from around the country came to help finish the house.
For more information about "The House That Love Flipped," go to Flip That House with FAUX.

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

The ULTIMATE Real Estate Investors Guide by Tom Kish

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:42:10 PDT

Tom Kish: The ULTIMATE Real Estate Investors Guide

Crazy as it may sound... ...there really is a system that can create cash flow out of thin air. And it has nothing to do with a magic wand or pulling rabbits out of a hat. It has to do with the use of credit – but not in the way you are probably thinking.

What you need to know – and what Tom can teach you –is how to use a newly created business name to go out and get business credit cards, lines of credit and cash advances for your real estate investing activities.

Click here for more information

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Flip That House Update from Jeanette Fisher

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:56:40 PST

Faux artists help finish our fixer featured on the TV show Flip That House.
Good news for rehabbers: Adrienne van Dooren sold (and closed!) her Faux House for $50,000 more than comps in DC last month, a disastrous month for home sales in that area.
If you're fixing a drab house, using just one or two faux finishes just might give your home the wow! factor to sell in a buyer's market. Since fireplaces will be high value soon in cooler weather, here are a couple of options to consider:

Fireplace by Kim Schaffer
Information about how to add Faux Marble

Our flip fireplace before and after by Evan Dahlke
Information about Faux Fireplace
After fixing and flipping dozens of houses in all kinds of markets since the eighties, I know that adding extras helps sell. The key is to get that designer look for less money. We get many supplies from Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.
This crystal sconce was from our local ReStore.

When the media says the real estate market crashed and burned, that makes it easier to negotiate and buy bargains. Whether you rent and hold for long-term appreciation or quick turn a bargain, you will make more money if you give buyers and tenants a reason to fall in love with your property.
Have fun fixing and flipping houses!
Copyright © 2007 Jeanette J. Fisher

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Shut up! And stick to the script by Bill Twyford

Thu, 13 Sep 2007 01:50:41 PDT

Your ability to answer questions and handle objections gives you an edge over other investors. You'll get more business and better control of your deals. Bill Twyford will teach you the scripts, objection handlers, and persuasive language patterns that will have banks and homeowners eating out of your hand. Once you learn these secrets, your income will go through the roof! Don't miss this great call!

Click here for more information

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Raise Your Income 10-25% Per House and Keep Your Tenants!! By: Larry Goins

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:27:18 PDT

Raise Your Income 10-25% Per House and Keep Your Tenants!! By: Larry Goins

I would like to share some ideas with you to help you increase your income on each property that you already own. Any way that you can increase your income on a property is worth looking into. There are many ways to increase your income without increasing the rent itself. You may know some of these and you may not but sometimes it is just as important to be reminded, as it is to learn something new.

The first way is to lease appliances. You may be able to pick up a washer and dryer for a couple hundred dollars or less and "rent to own" them to your tenant. They will pay anywhere from $25.00 to $60.00 to rent from you. What if your property doesn't have a washer/dryer connection? How about asking the tenant how much they would pay to have one installed. You will be surprised how much a tenant will pay to avoid the weekly laundry mat trip. You could do this with any appliances, furniture or added improvements. How about sending all your tenants a letter listing any improvement that you can think of (new deck, vinyl siding, carport, fenced in yard, etc.) and asking which ones they would be interested in paying a little extra to enjoy? Isn't it still your property? You are getting paid to improve your home! Now, in that same letter put a list of appliances and furniture that they could rent to own from you and the monthly payment. Anytime you get a call from a rental center to verify your tenant's occupancy, you should immediately contact the tenant and offer to rent whatever they are wanting.

What we have been talking about is the same principle as buying paper at a discount only in our examples we are working on a smaller scale and we are creating our own paper.

To learn more about the author, Larry Goins and how he buys and sells 15-20 houses a month without even seeing them, click here: http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=1593293

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Never Lower the price of a house again! By: Larry H. Goins

Fri, 07 Sep 2007 04:49:36 PDT

Never Lower the price of a house again! By: Larry H. Goins
Have you ever lowered the price of a house you have for sale as a retail property? Hopefully after you read this you will never have to do that again. Did you know that for every $1,000 in price reduction of a home it only changes the payment about $6 dollars? That is not much of an incentive for a buyer if you ask me. However, if you keep the price the same and offer to pay closing cost or carry a small second mortgage it greatly increases the number of qualified buyers that could purchase your home.

I would like to suggest that before you ever put a home on the market to retail that you get an appraisal first. Let me also say that there are appraisers out there that can stretch the value but I don't recommend going that rout. I have seen many sellers that found an appraiser to stretch the value but what good does it do when the lender is going to require either a desktop review or another drive by appraisal or even another full appraisal possibly. Besides, you don't want to get a reputation with the lenders of pumping up the values of your homes, not to mention the possibilities of fraud becoming an issue. You don't want any part of that. You want a good appraisal by a reputable appraiser.

Now, once that you have a good clean appraisal you are ready to market your property and now instead of dropping the price, offer to pay closing cost (most lenders allow up to 6% in seller concessions) and this will increase the number of buyers that can buy your home. The realtors also like it (if there is one involved) because their commission is based on the purchase price.

Another way to increase the number of buyers that can qualify for your home is to use some of the seller concessions to buy down the rate. Builders do it all the time. You can buy the rate down for the life of the loan or just for the first few years. This makes for a lower payment and thus more buyers can qualify for your house! This one technique can save a deal.

To learn more about the author, Larry Goins and how he buys and sells 15-20 houses a month without even seeing them, click here: http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=1593293

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Negotiating: Selling the Seller By: Larry Goins

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 00:05:24 PDT

Negotiating: Selling the Seller By: Larry Goins

A week never goes by that someone doesn't say to me "how did you find this deal". It is very rare that I "find" a deal. You have to look at a lot of properties and make a lot of offers to buy a property.

I always make my first offer over the phone, on the first call. I believe that if your not ashamed of your first offer, its too high. You can always go up but it's hard to come down after an offer. Having said that, bear in mind that you have to get to know the seller and they must like you and trust you or they will hang up on you if you hit them with an offer half of what they are asking. It is also important to note that it is very rare that your first offer is accepted, especially on the first call. I have worked with some sellers for three or four months before they "give up". The key is to let them hear from you every week so they don't think of running an ad, calling a realtor or calling someone else. Each phone call you make to the seller also gives you a chance to get to know them more. The more they hear from you the more they get to know you and the more they will like and trust you. Sure, you are trying to get a good deal but I have met some very nice people that I still keep in contact with.

The following is a list of questions I ask on the first call (in a conversational manner).

Whose name is the house in?

Why are you selling?

Who lives in the house now or is it vacant?

What is the value and how did you come up with this number?

What are you asking and how did you come up with this number?

(Note that because I am an investor I assume that their asking price will be less than the value. If not it gives me an opportunity to explain to the seller that as an investor I must buy at wholesale to sell at retail. I use the analogy of a car dealer. If a car dealer has a car on the lot worth $10,000 do you think he paid that for it? No, he probably only paid $5,000- $6,000 for it because he has to make a profit).

How much do you owe and to who?

Are you behind on payments?

What will you do with the money when you sell?

What will you do if you can't sell?

What condition is the house in?

After I have the answers to these questions I can make an offer before I even look at the property. I explain to the seller that I buy between five to ten houses every month and that I only have so much money to work with. Then I say, "If I could buy your house for all cash and close in five to ten days, what is the least you could take for it"? After they give me a number (say $25,000.00) then I may say, "I only have so much money to work with, and I am looking at several other properties. If I could buy your house for all cash and close in one week, could you take $14,000.00?

To learn more about the author, Larry Goins and how he buys and sells 15-20 houses a month without even seeing them, click here: http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=1593293

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Do it right, sleep at night! By: Larry Goins

Wed, 05 Sep 2007 14:39:43 PDT

Do it right, sleep at night! By: Larry Goins
I heard these words from my good friend, Jay Parker, a long time ago and have never forgotten them. The business of real estate investing requires that we work with a lot of different people and professions. We work with newbie's, as well as, seasoned professionals. We work with realtors, builders, attorneys, appraisers, lenders, banks and also other investors. All of these professions are highly regulated, however it does not mean that you should always go along with what you are told. There is a phrase that I refer to whenever I am dealing with someone, especially someone that I have never done business with before. That phrase is "trust but verify". It is a good thing to remember.

If you have a question or concern about a transaction or property you should ask several people that are unrelated to the transaction and also do your own homework. There are so many places to find information these days, especially on the internet that there is no excuse for lack of knowledge in a particular transaction.

It is unfortunate but some people will try to take advantage of a newbie. Please be aware that the purpose of your Real Estate Investors Association is to educate you so you can find the resources needed to make your own informed decisions and do your own due diligence.

Most Real Estate Investor Associations have a code of ethics and they make sure that everyone who is a member adheres to the code. If you do good business word will get around but I also promise you that if you don't do clean business word will also get around much faster.

Just remember, "Do it right, sleep at night".

To learn more about the author, Larry Goins and how he buys and sells 15-20 houses a month without even seeing them, click here: http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=1593293

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

CREATING A MINDSET FOR SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE INVESTING By: Larry H. Goins

Tue, 04 Sep 2007 01:44:53 PDT

CREATING A MINDSET FOR SUCCESS IN REAL ESTATE INVESTING By: Larry H. Goins

What gets you out of the bed each day? Do you have goals and plans, both short and long term, or is the fact that you will be out on the streets if you don't make next months rent or mortgage payment what motivates you? I say this to prove a point. Some people are pleasure motivated and some people are pain motivated. I think it's important to find out which you are. If you are pain motivated I suggest that you find something to get excited about. Even if your goal is not for you but for a family member it can still motivate you. Setting goals are very simple. It can be done by anyone. Are you ready? Here's what you have to do to set a goal.... Decide what you want and write it down. That's it! Just the fact that you wrote it down increases you chances of obtaining your goal. The other thing you need to do is set a deadline for achieving your goal. A goal without a deadline is just a conversation. This is worth repeating. A goal without a deadline is just a conversation. You also need to consider balance in your life when goal setting. You should have different types of goals. You need financial, physical, personal development, family and spiritual goals. Can you see that if you set goals in all of these areas then you will also have balance in your life? Once you have your goals set then you need to determine the activities required to achieve your goals. Just remember, do not confuse activity with productivity. You must produce to achieve your goals.

Let's talk about applying this to your real estate investing. You need to set your investing goals to include cash, cash flow, and equity. Each time you purchase a home you need to run the numbers to add up these three items for the property. How much cash can you get out in the refinance, what will the cash flow be and how much will your net worth increase after you purchase the property? You could even use a spread sheet to keep track. I also want you to keep track of your return on the equity in your property. If you have $20,000 equity in a property and your cash flow is break even, what is your return on equity? Zero! This is one that you should sell and invest the equity somewhere else to get a return on your money.

The last thing I want to do is give you some questions to ask yourself before you set your goals.

1: Am I reading the books that will take me where I want to be?

2: Who am I around and what are they doing to me?

3: Do I have a coach or mentor that I can call on?

4: How do I feel physically?

5: If I get what I want will I be happy with what I have?

All of these questions sound simple but you need to ask them to yourself. After all, you don't want to work your entire career climbing the ladder only to realize it's leaning against the wrong tree.

To learn more about the author, Larry Goins and how he buys and sells 15-20 houses a month without even seeing them, click here: http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?Clk=1593293

To hear our Money 4 Investors Podcast click on this link Money4Investors Podcast

Capitalizing on the Re-Emergence of the Rental Market By Lisa Wells

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 10:59:40 PDT

Capitalizing on the Re-Emergence of the Rental Market By Lisa Wells

This article is also viewable at
http://www.landlord2landlord.com/Newsletters.aspx. For more articles like
this, please join our Newsletter.

According to CNN, "homeowners trying to sell last month faced the biggest
glut of homes on the market in about 16 years, as declining sales and
growing problems in the mortgage market helped push home prices down for the
12th straight month." [Source:
http://money.cnn.com/2007/08/27/news/economy/homesales/index.htm?cnn=yes]

The good news is if you are a rental property investor, now is the perfect
time to pick up great deals in the market, as home prices continue to drop.
And, if you are already holding existing rental properties, you have a great
opportunity to return to 100% occupancy as so many people with "less than
perfect" credit are returning to rentals after the sudden downturn of the
sub-prime lending market.

With the incredible number of houses currently on the market -- more than
4.59 million - homeowners may wish to consider lease-purchase options when
selling their property. Enacting a lease-purchase contract will allow the
property owner to cover the cost of the mortgage while giving a potential
homebuyer more time to save money for the house down-payment.

What is a lease-purchase contract?

Wikipedia.org defines a lease purchase contract (also known as Lease Option)
as "a form of real estate purchase which combines elements of a traditional
rental agreement with an exclusive option of right of first refusal to later
purchase the home. These contracts are commonly used where a buyer wants to
purchase a home, but due to credit issues would not qualify for a
conventional mortgage and does not wish to, or would not qualify, for FHA or
VA financing."

How does a lease-purchase contract work?

Usually when a landlord/seller wants to offer a lease-purchase option to a
prospective renter, the tenant/buyer will agree to a lease period, during or
after which the tenant/buyer has the exclusive right to purchase the home at
a previously agreed-upon price. The landlord/seller will apply a percentage
of the rent during this time period toward the purchase price of the home.

The good news for the landlord/seller is that if the tenant/buyer does not
wish or is unable to purchase the house at the end of the lease term, the
landlord can choose one of the following three options:

1.Extend the lease-purchase agreement with the current tenant,

2. Convert the lease purchase contract into a traditional rental agreement
with the tenant, or

3. End the contract with the renter, who will then move out, allowing the
landlord to seek other renters or buyers.

And, if the renter fails to pay the rent during the lease-purchase term as
specified in the agreement, the landlord can include a clause in the
contract to end the rental term immediately upon non-payment, which would
then allow the landlord/seller to quickly seek a new renter or buyer for the
property.

Capitalizing on the rental market

As new home sales continue to slow, and home prices are declining regardless
of location due to the enormous supply of homes on the market, capitalizing
on the rental market through a lease-purchase option makes sense for many
homeowners, and it was the right solution for me too.

I am a landlord myself, and own several rental properties. I have a
lease-purchase agreement in place with one of my tenants currently. The
lease-purchase has allowed me to cover the cost of my mortgage and HOA fees
[this property is a townhouse], and the renter has cheerfully treated the
home as if it is their own - simply because one day it may be theirs. When
it comes to maintenance issues, we tackle them together, and many times the
renter will do the work as long as I cover the cost for any necessary
supplies, paint or parts.

If you are a realtor, approach your prospective sellers with the idea of a
lease-purchase to see if it makes sense for their situation. And, if you are
a property investor, consider picking up some of the bargains that are out
there right now - a lease-purchase option might be a great way for you to
expand your rental property portfolio while waiting for the real estate
market to "remodel" to the seller's advantage.

And obviously, before renting to anyone, regardless of the terms of the
contract, check the prospective renter's background to see what's in their
criminal, credit and eviction history. Your odds of having a successful [and
profitable] rental experience are much higher when you take the time to
perform simple and easy due diligence on renters through an online
background check.

As always, information in this article is not intended to be used, and
should not be used, as legal, tax or accounting advice. Investors should
seek advice from an independent financial advisor about their specific
situation.

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and to protect homeowners from renters with criminal backgrounds or a
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