Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance Blog
A Self-Directed IRA Investor, a Realtor, or an Investor?
Posted on July 1, 2014 byHave you ever considered which of these options will bring you more money?
- Investing in real estate as a Self-Directed IRA investor
- Using your real estate knowledge to earn your living through commissions (real estate sales as a career), or
- Simply investing in real estate
The truth is that each option has its benefits though, as with any other investment, it is always good to diversify. This means that the best option would be to do “all of the above”.
We have met so many realtors who depend upon their real estate commissions to make a living. While realtors and brokers have a wealth of experience in real estate and while they have the unique privilege of seeing the homes coming up for sale before they are advertised, many of them are not real estate investors.
In our last articles, we spoke to you about educating yourself about Self-Directed IRAs so that you can increase your customer base to include Self-Directed IRA investors. In this article, we are going to take it one step further and encourage you to put your real estate knowledge to work for you at a whole new level. Consider for a moment that you can continue to collect commissions from your real estate sales and you can also use your real estate knowledge to purchase real estate. Read More→
Money Now or Money Later
Posted on July 1, 2014 byLately, we have been able to contract properties at larger than normal discounts through our aggressive marketing campaigns. The other day we sat down with our bookkeeper, who is also a wholesaler, and she was surprised at some of the prices we contracted some properties. She went on to explain that she recently contracted a property and assigned the contract for $11,000 and felt a bit guilty. I asked if she spoke with the seller after closing or keeps in contact with him to see what he thought. She explained that he was excited to close and even sent her a thank you letter a few days later. I told her that if that was the case she has absolutely nothing to feel guilty about.
Every week my team and I receive calls concerning the sale of homes, lots, apartment complexes, unfinished developments, etc. Once we have an address and a good idea of the property’s condition/situation we make an offer in the form of a range. We never give a hard number until after we have personally visited the property and have done extensive due diligence. If the seller can work with the range we schedule a meeting with the seller or his/her representative at the property. This is where I believe deals and relationships are forged. I get the opportunity to separate myself from all the other “buyers” that may be offering on this property as my competition. Before or while walking through the property I get to know the seller on a personal level. I ask what the reason is for them selling the property. If that question does not answer this question, I next ask what their goals are in selling the property. Try to build some rapport before asking the second question as it may be personal or they may think you are getting too nosey. These two questions tell me how serious and/or motivated they are in selling. I also do this for another reason that many investors may not expect. I do this to see if I can actually advise/help them to stay in their home, if they mention that would be something they wish they could do. Yes, if I am successful in assisting them in staying in their home I do not make money or not as much as I would make flipping the property. However, I make plenty on all the referrals. Read More→
Reports and Graphs Can Help You
Posted on July 1, 2014 byIt is the goal of this column to answer questions about QuickBooks and how it is used in the REI arena. Knowing how to record transactions in the proper way and have your set of books in good shape when it comes time for taxes. It is our intention to do this with you, the members, submitting questions to Karen@smallbusinessadvisor.biz, and getting answers here in this column.
Q: How can Reports and Graphs Help me in my Business?
A: Reports and graphs give you insight into your finances; they’re two of the most important benefits of tracking your data in QuickBooks.
Often, people’s perceptions of their business profitability don’t match the facts. If you enter your data in QuickBooks, but don’t take the time to analyze the data, your business decisions are based on incomplete knowledge. Reports let you summarize your financial data so you make decisions based on analysis of the numbers.
Reports give you the bottom line—you can see exactly how profitable your business is. If it’s not doing as well as you’d hoped, you can create reports that show you which areas need improvement. QuickBooks has dozens of preset reports, but if you have specific reporting needs, you can customize any QuickBooks report to show exactly the data you want. And if you’re interested in getting quick information, you can use a QuickReport that lets you summarize information from your lists, forms, or registers with one click of a button. Read More→
ATTN Business Members: Two Atlanta REIA Specials You Need to Know About
Posted on June 30, 2014 byAtlanta REIA Business Members:
I have two important things I wanted to tell you about this month…
Vendor Table Special: I am extending the Buy 3, Get 1 Free Vendor Table Special since many of you said you somehow missed it last month. See details below or Order Now!- Profit Newsletter Advertising Special: Also, I have a great special running on a Full Page Ad or 2 Half Page Ads in The Profit Newsletter for Atlanta REIA Gold Business Members. You can get One Full Page Ad for One Full Year for $720 or Two Half Page Ads for One Full Year for $720. If you sign up now, your Ad(s) will run from August 2014 through July 2015. Also, we will create your ad for you at no additional charge. Click here to Sign Up Now for Only $720/Year!
Our next Atlanta REIA Main Meeting is on Monday, July 7th at the Salvation Army Building located at 2090 N Druid Hills Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 (just off I-85). We will also be doing our monthly vendor tradeshow as usual, but will also be having a Expert Panel Discussion on the ever-changing Atlanta real estate market. Gordon Catts will be moderating a panel of real estate experts consisting of Ronda Duffy of Duffy Realty, John Holman of HomeVestors, Robert Locke of Crown Management and John Mangham with Starker Services.
This meeting will be a great opportunity for you to get to know our members and for our members to get to know you and your business. Having a vendor table at the meeting is a great way to do this. You will also have the opportunity to get up and speak to our audience during the Haves & Wants Speed Marketing Session as well as the chance to give away a door prize, pass our flyers, etc. We hope you will join us!
There are 2 Ways Reserve a Vendor Table.
Pick the Appropriate Choice Below…
- RSVP for 3 Months & Get 1 Month Free (July – Oct)
This option is available for a limited time only to the first 10
Business Members to RSVP.
- RSVP for the Month of July Only
This option is available for the first 20 Business Members to RSVP.
Commercial & Multi-Family Group Meets Tomorrow Along with Haves & Wants
Posted on June 25, 2014 by
This month at the Commercial & Multi-Family Real Estate Group, we will be covering how to reposition multi-family properties. Our presentation will include understanding value plays, repositioning and analysis of a reposition deal. We will show you how to build a power team in your area to get the deals done. The Atlanta market is getting hot and being able to fix and flip multi-family properties is a fast way to explode your wealth and cash flow! Bill Ham will cover the multi-family properties and Steve Brown will cover mobile home parks or self storage as time permits.
The Atlanta REIA Commercial & Multi-Family Real Estate Group is an educational, networking and call to action subgroup, led by Steve Brown and Bill Ham that is designed to help real estate investors take their investments to the next level by successfully investing in commercial real estate. You will meet the experts and the behind the scenes players in the game of commercial real estate investing. Come join us and learn to invest in commercial real estate for fun and extreme profits.
The group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at the 5 Seasons Brewing located at 5600 Roswell Rd (map). Please note that the Commercial & Multi-Family Real Estate Group meets just prior to the Have’s and Wants Meeting which is from 1:30 PM until 3:30 PM. So please come enjoy both of these back to back meetings and get the most out of your day!
Hosted by Joe Thompson
Haves and Wants is a weekly investor’s networking, brainstorming and deal making jam session hosted by Joe Thompson and held every Thursday at 5 Seasons Brewing at the Prado from 1:30 PM till approximately 3:00 PM. This group has been meeting for over 6 years and is all about networking, sharing information, doing deals and making money right now. Be sure to bring lots of your business cards and flyers and be prepared to promote your business and/or your haves, wants and deals with our group. If you are a real estate player or want to be, this is one meeting you don’t want to miss!
5 Seasons Brewing is located at 5600 Roswell Rd (map) inside the Perimeter at the “Prado” in Sandy Springs. The all natural, organic food at the 5 Seasons is excellent and the hand-crafted beer is even better! Come out and eat, drink, network and share your deals with us! There is no charge to attend this meeting for Atlanta REIA Members or guests. Please come early and stay late. We would love to have you!
Learn to Sell Houses Fast with the Wow Factor at West Group on June 23
Posted on June 18, 2014 by
Come join us at the Atlanta REIA Wild Wild West Group on Monday, June 23rd at 6:30PM at Cherokee Cattle Company located at 2710 Canton Rd in Marietta, where Jim Greeley will be showing YOU how to sell your properties in less than a week, and get the highest sales price for them, usually setting a new record in the neighborhood. Atlanta REIA West is also using this occasion to re-boot the group to serve YOU better. Watch this video to learn more about what is in store for you on Monday!
Jim Greeley is a full-time investor who started wholesaling right here in Atlanta in 1998. Since then, Jim has done approximately 300 real estate deals of which about 100 were fix-and-flip houses. Jim’s houses almost always set the new high price record in the neighborhood, and sells them in an average of 1 to 6 days. He has led the largest REIA on the Gulf Coast, recently turning it over to his partner. One of his homes was featured on HGTV’s “Property Virgins” show in September of 2013, and mentored a former Atlanta Braves player on how to invest in real estate. If you want to learn how to get top-dollar for your properties and selling them fast, Jim Greeley is your Go-To guy!
If you want to know how to make a GREAT First Impression, sell your homes fast, and rent them high, you need to be at this event!
You will learn:
- How To Set The NEW Highest Sale Price In The Neighborhood
- Sell In An Average Of 1 To 6 Days
- Rent The Property For The Highest Rent Amount
- Control Rehab Costs, Getting It Done Right With A Decent Price
- Why Being A “Mad scientist” Is A Good Thing
- And much, much more.
As a Special Bonus, Doug Billian of Catalyst Properties will be sharing and translating valuable information on the Atlanta housing market. Doug will show you what’s selling, where, and at what price. Also, he will be showing you trends that are developing, so you can put your investing activities right into the path!
Jim and Doug will also be staying with us during Late Night Networking, so you may ask him your questions and network with him and the rest of our attendees.
Atlanta REIA members can attend at NO CHARGE. Non Members $5 per person at the door. Come learn how to get Top-Dollar for your properties!
*Please Note: Meeting agenda is subject to change.
The Atlanta REIA West Monthly Meeting is an Atlanta REIA Subchapter led by Leslie Mathis that is held on the 4th Monday of each month at 6:30 PM at the Cherokee Cattle Company restaurant located at 2710 Canton Road in Marietta, GA. Atlanta REIA Members can attend for FREE and guests for $5.00. Show up at 6:30 PM to eat and network before the meeting officially starts at 7:00 PM. Buying your own meal is optional but highly recommended and greatly appreciated since the Cherokee Cattle Company allows us to use their meeting room. There will be lots of learning and lots of networking. Bring your deals and your haves, wants and needs to the event.
Let’s Go Meet Face-to-Face With Sellers on Saturday, June 28th with Bill Cook
Posted on June 18, 2014 byWith Bill Cook
Do you want to SEE the fastest, cheapest, most effective way to get face-to-face with motivated sellers?
Then join me, Bill Cook, for a day full of door knocking with real sellers on Saturday, June 28th from 8:15 AM – 3:45 PM. We’ll spend the day out talking to sellers and constructing win-win deals at their kitchen tables.
What’s the fastest, cheapest, most effective way to get face-to-face with motivated sellers? When you see a For Sale sign in a seller’s yard, get out of your car and knock on the seller’s door. It’s as simple as that!
I know what you’re thinking: The seller will slam the door in my face; the seller will yell at me; the seller will tell me to get lost.
I know something else, too: You say this having never spent a single day out knocking on homeowners’ doors – especially out knocking doors with someone who has done it for more than 35 years!
Some of the Questions I’ll Answer While We’re Out Door Knocking:
- Which homes should you go to?
- How and where should you stand when at the seller’s door?
- What should you carry with you?
- What do you say when the seller answers the door?
- What do you do if no one is home?
- Why will 8 out of 10 sellers invite you in?
- What are the best types of neighborhoods to work?
- What do you do after the seller invites you in?
- How do you get to the seller’s kitchen table and why it’s THE place to be?
- What are the MOST important questions to ask a seller?
- How do you construct a win-win offer?
- What do you do if the house is vacant or bank owned?
On Saturday, June 28th, 2014 at 8:15 AM, I’ll be taking a select group of real estate investors out door knocking. We’ll be meeting in at the Home Depot parking lot located at 1200 East-West Connector, Austell GA beside the Garden Section facing Floyd Rd at 8:15 AM SHARP.
Just think, you have the opportunity to spend the day out meeting with sellers in the real world with someone who has made his living knocking on homeowners’ doors for more than 35 years!
I promise you’ll come away with some really great stories, plus a couple of big Ah-Hah moments that can dramatically change the course of your real estate investing life!
Jim Greeley
Posted on June 18, 2014 byJim Greeley is a full-time investor who started wholesaling right here in Atlanta in 1998. Since then, Jim has done approximately 300 real estate deals of which about 100 were fix-and-flip houses. Jim’s houses almost always set the new high price record in the neighborhood, and sells them in an average of 1 to 6 days.
Jim has led the largest REIA on the Gulf Coast, recently turning it over to his partner. One of his homes was featured on HGTV’s “Property Virgins” show in September of 2013, and mentored a former Atlanta Braves player on how to invest in real estate. If you want to learn how to get top-dollar for your properties and selling them fast, Jim Greeley is your Go-To guy!
Peter Fortunato’s Real Estate Acquisition Techniques Class on June 21-22 in Atlanta
Posted on June 17, 2014 bySat & Sun, June 21st & 22nd in Atlanta, GA
This Event is Sold Out Over Capacity.
Please Do Not Register. No Seats Left.
Atlanta REIA is very excited to announce the legendary Peter Fortunato will teach his two day Real Estate Acquisition Techniques Class in Atlanta, GA on June 21st and 22nd at the Hilton Garden Inn – Atlanta Airport Millenium Center located at 2031 Sullivan Road, College Park, GA. This will be two full days of deal-structuring discussion and debate, with case studies, on how to become financially secure by using real estate as the catalyst.
Keep reading to find out more about the event and the special discounted price Peter has extended to our Atlanta REIA members, friends and followers who wish to attend this life changing training event.
For those of you that don’t know Peter, he is one of the greatest creative real estate investing minds in the country. Peter teaches creative real estate investing ideas, techniques and strategies that are truly unlike all other real estate trainers. What he teaches will allow anyone to quickly build an income stream from real estate assets and allow them to become financially independent by purchasing well selected real estate that will income for many years to come.
Peter will present two days of lecture and of discussion, with case studies, regarding why and how to acquire benefits using real estate. Questions and debate are highly encouraged!
Peter clearly and patiently describes cases including:
|
|
The Real Estate Acquisition Seminar Workbook includes:
|
|
Please Do Not Register. No Seats Left.
If you wish to attend, please fill out the
Real Estate Acquisitions Class Registration Form
and get it back to Peter ASAP!
Learn About Deal Analysis, Due Diligence & Determining the ARV at Atlanta REIA North
Posted on June 16, 2014 byDeal Analysis, Due Diligence
& Determining the ARV
with Special Guest, Alisha Spence
We are pleased to announce that Alisha Spence will be the presenter at the Atlanta REIA North is a of the Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance that meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at 1960 Skylar Hill Dr, Suite D, Buford, Georgia in North Gwinnett County just a few miles from the Mall of Georgia. There is no charge to attend this meeting for Atlanta REIA members and the cost is $5.00 at the door for non-members.
This month, on Wednesday, June 18th at 6:30 PM, Alisha will be discussing how to analyze deals, do your due diligence and determine the “After Repair Value” (ARV) as accurately as possible.
One of the frustrations facing new investors is determining what a property is worth and what they can pay for it. In the rapidly changing market we are operating in, it is critical to be able to objectively determine the retail price for a property. In order to determine what to pay for a property, one must know the ARV. It is also important to know how the banks will value your property when you are ready to sell to a retail buyer.
Alisha will discuss…
- BPO’s
- Valuation Trends
- Exit Strategies
- AS-IS vs ARV
- Comp Selections
- Sample FNMA BPO Forms
- And much more!
Alisha says “Profit margins are smaller as inventory continues to stay low, and valuation is the key to making sure you aren’t losing money. Accurate valuation is the #1, first and most important factor in the due diligence process – all other numbers are derived from this and therefore you do not want to miss this meeting to learn more about the process.”
Alisha has been doing BPO’s for banks, homeowners, investors as well as asset management companies and hedge funds. Her insights into this important topic are valuable. Alisha is an Associate Broker who has been specializing in the valuation, sales, and marketing of investment real estate in the Metro Atlanta suburbs since 2005. Alisha is experienced in many aspects of real estate including residential and commercial property management, managing operations, acquisitions and sales for one of the largest and most productive real estate investment companies in Atlanta.
After the conclusion of the Atlanta REIA North Meeting (after 9:30 PM), we will be reconvening at the Mall of Georgia located at 3250 Woodward Crossing Blvd in Buford, GA for the “Meeting after the Meeting”. We may arrive late if the Atlanta REIA Meeting runs late. So please come eat, drink, network and have fun with us as hang out late into the night!
Onsite Renovation Group Meets on June 17th at Noon
Posted on June 16, 2014 by
This month, on Tuesday, June 17th at NOON, the Onsite group will return to the same brick ranch located at 2726 Eastfield Rd in Smyrna, GA. Two months ago, in April, the demolition phase of the project had just begun. Right after the meeting that day, we tore into the old addition with a bobcat! Click here to see the pictures of that devastation. http://tinyurl.com/ln5rgrb.
The project is now completed. The new addition is a spectacular master suite. Overall, the project is a total renovation: new roof, sheetrock, plumbing, wiring, fixtures, counters, cabinets, paint inside and out. You name it and we are did it here! Join us next Tuesday at noon, to see the finished product, including the beautiful slate patio outside of the kitchen.
The Onsite Renovation Group, led by Aaron McGinnis of Craftbuilt Properties, is an new educational and networking group that focuses on the acquisition, renovation and retail resale (fix and flip) of single family residential homes inside the I-285 perimeter and the in-town neighborhoods. The purpose of this group is to allow both new and experienced rehabbers and investors to meet, network and share knowledge and experience with “hands on” access to real property. The Onsite Renovation Group meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at NOON at an active renovation site, build site or rental property which will vary from month to month. There is currently no charge to attend these meeting.
Atlanta REIA BIG Cookout on June 19th with Peter Fortunato & Bill Cook
Posted on June 10, 2014 byWith Peter Fortunato & Bill Cook
June 19 @ 5PM Azalea Park Roswell
All Members & Guests Must RSVP Online to Attend
The Atlanta REIA and Beginning Investors Group (BIG) are hosting our 2nd Annual Atlanta REIA BIG Cookout on Thursday, June 19th, 2014 from 5:00PM to 10:00PM at Azalea Park located at 475 Azalea Dr, Roswell, GA in Pavilion #1. In addition to lots of food, folks and fun, we will also have vendors and giveaways and two very special guest speakers. Registration is $15 for Atlanta REIA Members and $25 for Guests.
We are very, very excited to announce that we will have the “Ultimate” Creative Deal Structurer, Mr. Peter Fortunato speaking on his favorite topic, Creative Deal Structuring, along with our very own local real estate investing expert, Bill Cook!
Bill, who is also the President of North Georgia REIA and a contributor to The Profit Newsletter, will be discussing door-knocking for real estate leads, making offers, and his upcoming Atlanta REIA Door Knocking Event to be held on Saturday, June 28th, 2014.
Whatever plans you may have for Thursday evening, change them! This is fun, festive educational even that you do not want to miss. Rarely do we get to learn from not one, but two extraordinary creative real estate deal structurers. Not only will Bill and Pete be doing a presentation, but they will also be hanging out late, networking with our attendees and answering as many good questions as you can bring.
Come on down for this very special occasion! Fox Brothers BBQ will be cooking up some delicious BBQ Beef Brisket, Chicken and Chicken Wings with side dishes. This event is NOT TO MISS! We’ll have great food, along with some terrific information that you can use immediately on your road to success.
PLEASE NOTE: All Atlanta REIA Members and Guests must RSVP to attend. Please RSVP ASAP so we know how much food and beverages to order. Registration price is $15 for Atlanta REIA Members and $25 for Guests. This price does includes food and beverages, but feel free to bring your own as well. Also, you might want to bring lawn chairs since seating is limited under the pavilion.
For those of you that don’t know Peter, he is one of the greatest creative real estate investing minds in the country. Peter teaches creative real estate investing ideas, techniques and strategies that are truly unlike all other real estate trainers. What he teaches will allow anyone to quickly build an income stream from real estate assets and allow them to become financially independent by purchasing well selected real estate that will bring the income for many years to come.
While in Atlanta, Peter will be hosting his Real Estate Acquisition Techniques Class on June 21st & 22nd from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
*Please Note: Meeting agenda is subject to change.
Come meet our participating business members who help sponsor this celebration. Please stop by their tables during the cookout. Thank you very much sponsors!
American IRA – The American IRA mission is to provide the highest level of customer service in the self-directed retirement industry.
Read More>>
Goldmine Properties, Inc. – As Atlanta’s first full service real estate wholesaler, we offer wholesale property at 65% loan to value, with financing available. Purchase price and repairs are 65% of certified after repaired appraisal. Read More>>
Duffy Realty of Atlanta Real Simple. Real Savings. Real Results. Selling or buying a home has never been easier or cost less! Join other Atlanta sellers and buyers experiencing real estate in the 21st century using technology and methodology that produces results. Read More>>
Solutions Realty Network – Providing expert property management and investment services since 2003. You invest and we take care of the rest! We’re the solution to all your real estate needs. Read More>>
Halperin Lyman, LLC – A transactional real property law firm devoted to providing the full spectrum of non-litigation related real estate legal and consulting services to its clientele. Read More>>
Networth Realty of Atlanta, LLC – A licensed, full-service residential wholesale brokerage that specializes in finding quality wholesale properties and making them available to you. Read More>>
We have openings available for only a few more sponsors. If you are interested, you can click here to Sponsor the Cookout. Thanks!
