Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance Blog
Atlanta REIA Welcomes Virtual Office VA Staffing
Posted on July 31, 2013 byA conversation with Elsa Palmer, Owner of VA Staffing, a new business member with Atlanta REIA.
Hello Elsa and welcome to the Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance. Tell our membership a little about VA Staffing. Virtual Office VA Staffing was designed for today’s business professional in mind. We pride ourselves in offering top-notch results to business owners and employment opportunities for committed individuals who want to work from the comfort of their homes. We are a U.S. based company with trained VA’s located all over the country with a variety of skill sets. Whatever task you need done, we pretty much have you covered!
What exactly is a VA? A Virtual Assistant is a professional that provides virtual, or distance support from their home office, to their clients as an independent contractor instead of an employee. VA’s work from their own home offices, use their own equipment, and provide services to businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, executives, loan officers, realtors, or any other busy person or business. Projects or assignments are usually communicated through e-mail, phone, or fax. Whatever the project, information is transferred easily between the client and their Virtual Assistant. Virtual Assistants are entrepreneurs, highly skilled in their profession and able to have a powerful impact on the productivity of those they work with.
What can a virtual assistant do? Almost any task a regular assistant can do and more! For Real Estate Investors, we can do FSBO research and calls to obtain leads, yellow letter mailing and handling of yellow letter calls to obtain leads, post ads, handle buyer calls, and any administrative task you might have. We also offer advertising/marketing (traditional & online), web development, social media, newsletters, articles, blogging, SEO, affiliate marketing, book keeping, data entry, follow up calls, appointment setting, travel preparations, reputation management, answering service, and more for any business! Read More→
America’s BIGGEST Ponzi Schemers
Posted on July 31, 2013 byWhen it comes to Ponzi schemers, Bernie Madoff and Lou Pearlman are rank armatures when compared to many of our elected officials. Can you spell D-e-t-r-o-i-t?
A Ponzi scheme is a FRAUDULENT investment operation that promises to pay BIG returns to its investors. Problem is, the investors are paid with money gotten from additional investors, NOT from profits made by the investment. At some point, there aren’t enough additional investors to cover costs. So the operation goes belly up, and the investors lose EVERYTHING!
Last week, Detroit declared bankruptcy. It is the largest city in U.S. history to do so. You see, Detroit owes its retirees $3.5 billion. One small problem – Detroit is $3.5 billion light of having the $3.5 billion it needs. In other words, the money promised to pensioners (police, firefighters, schoolteachers and government workers) isn’t sitting in a bank account somewhere. Instead, money currently collected from taxes is being used to pay the retirees. But because the city no longer has enough tax money coming in, they were forced to declare bankruptcy – which allows the city to clear ALL of its financial obligations and NOT pay its retirees. Doesn’t this sound EXACTLY like a Ponzi scheme to you? Read More→
The Four Things We Look For In A Tenant
Posted on July 30, 2013 byWe’ve been managing rental properties and tenants for nearly two decades. Over the years, we’ve learned TONS – mostly through the school of hard knocks!
In the beginning, we were clueless – as green as the fungus between my toes. In our middle phase of landlording, we often made things much more complicated than they needed to be. These days, hundreds of tenants later, we’ve boiled down what we look for in a tenant to the ridiculously simple.
Here are the four things I need from a tenant: 1) Someone who will take good care of the property. 2) Someone who can comfortably afford to make on-time monthly payments. 3) Someone who is easy to deal with. 4) Someone who will be a good neighbor.
Let’s look at each of these four categories and explain why they are so important to landlords. Read More→
Atlanta REIA Meeting on August 5, 2013
Posted on July 29, 2013 by“The Truth About Automation” with Dustin Griffin
& “Selling Your Houses Fast” with Don DeRosa
Guests Can RSVP Online Now for $15 or Pay $20 at the Door.
On Monday, August 5th at the Atlanta REIA Main Monthly Meeting for August, we will be having 2 educational presentations…
Atlanta REIA Executive Director, Dustin Griffin, will be sharing the truth about how to automate your real estate investing business and knowing the difference between being under automated and over automated. Dustin will be discussing:
- Websites
- Investor Databases
- Voice Mail Systems
- Delegation
- Live Operators
- Virtual Assistants
- Offline Marketing
- Online Marketing
Come out and join us and you will also hear local favorite, Don DeRosa, share his nine reasons houses don’t sell with plenty of details on How to Sell Your Houses Fast! Don will show you how to use his simple formula for a quick, successful and highly profitable sale. Here is some of what Don will cover:
- The Nine Major Reasons Houses Don’t Sell
- How to Get Properties Ready to Sell
- Don’s Formula for a Successful Sale
- How to do Less Work Marketing Your Home
- How to Automate the Selling Process
So come out and join us at the Atlanta REIA Meeting on Monday, August 5th at 5PM at the Crown Plaza Ravinia Hotel in Atlanta to learn more about automation and how to sell or lease your investment properties faster than ever. We hope to see you there!
Please join us for the “Mobile Real Estate Rockstars Group” (Rockstars) hosted by Don DeRosa at our “Meeting-Before-The-Meeting” on Monday, August 5th at 3:00 PM at Total Wine & More located at 124 Perimeter Center W (see map). The Mobile Real Estate Rockstar Group is an educational and networking group for investors who want to leverage mobile technology to become more competitive, profitable investors. You’ll learn how to use the latest apps, tips and techniques to use the information they need, right now, at their fingertips, from anywhere. At 5:00 PM, Total Wine & More will be offering a complimentary wine tasting to all those who attend our meeting and wish to participate. There is NO CHARGE to attend this meeting or the wine tasting for Atlanta REIA Members and guests. Thanks Total Wine & More!
After the conclusion of the Main Meeting, we will be reconvening at the Tilted Kilt Perimeter located at 1155-B Mount Vernon Highway in Atlanta for the “Meeting-After-The-Meeting”. The Tilted Kilt will be offering half price appetizers as well as food and drink specials for our members and guests. Come eat, drink, network and have fun with us as hang out late into the night! Thanks Tilted Kilt Perimeter!
*Please Note: Meeting agenda is subject to change.
Each and every month, for the duration of our meeting, we have a Vendor Trade Show in which you can come out and meet many of our participating business members who help sponsor our meeting. Vendors can Reserve a Table Here. Thanks again sponsors!
Craftbuilt, Inc. – We are a Metro Atlanta design-build construction firm specializing in whole-structure renovations, restorations, and new construction. No matter what the situation, we are up to the challenge! Read More>>
American IRA – The American IRA mission is to provide the highest level of customer service in the self-directed retirement industry.
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>>
Lima One Capital, LLC – A fully capitalized, direct lender for residential real estate investors and homebuilders. We are fully capitalized and our team prides itself on closing loans quickly for our clients. Read More>>
New Western Acquisitions – A full service Real Estate Brokerage that specializes in helping investors in acquiring inventory, securing contractors and lenders, as well as aiding in the liquidation of these assets. Read More>>
Advanta IRA Administration – With the help of your local Advanta IRA staff, use your IRA to invest in assets you know, understand and control, such as real estate, notes & mortgages, private placements, and much more! 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>>
Pete’s Friendly Home Inspections, LLC. – Pete’s provides home inspections, radon monitoring, gas/water/septic tests, checks pools/sprinklers and any other type of inspection needed to get you that next home! Read More>>
The Small Business Advisor – A full service small business consulting firm specializing in QuickBooks with a wide variety of specialized services, trainings and products for small businesses. Read More>>
Angel Oak Funding – A direct hard money lender headquartered in Atlanta. We provide renovation/construction loans for investors and or builders to purchase and renovate residential properties. Read More>>
Law Office of Fred P. Kross – A law firm specializing residential and commercial real estate closings, short sales, foreclosures, REOs, owner financing, contracts, probate and bankruptcy. Read More>>
Atlanta Carpet Services, Inc. – Providing carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile, ACS is dedicated to every aspect of your floor covering needs from initial consultation to the sale and follow-up services. Read More>>
Fuller Center for Housing of Greater Atlanta – A faith-driven, Christ-centered, non-profit organization dedicated to providing adequate shelter for people in need in the Greater Atlanta area. Read More>>
CRS Data – We offer comps from the MLS & FSBO’s, custom searches, property tax records, interactive maps, sales & mortgage info, real estate valuations, mailing lists & more. Read More>>
AC Cageman – We build, deliver and install a variety of products to help keep your property safe from theft and vandalism. From Air Conditioner Cages and Burglar Windows, Burglar Doors, Crawl Space Doors and Meter Cages. Read More>>
Simply Amazing Staging Atlanta – We have a proven record of converting those “For Sale” signs into “Sold” signs. We use 5 proven and time tested steps to sell your home in record time.
- Bowen’s Specialized Services
- FirstCall Claims
- Georgia Home Deals
- The Appraisal Network
- Mary Bryant and Associates, Insurance Agency
- American Family, Robin Mitchell Agency
- Invest Atlanta
What’s the Most Effective Way to Meet Sellers?
Posted on July 29, 2013 byLast week, Kim and I drove to Savannah, Georgia to speak to the Savannah REIA (Real Estate Investors Association). When teaching, in addition to presenting at a REIA’s monthly meeting, I do something most real estate investing teachers won’t do: I take the REIA members out to knock on sellers’ doors before the meeting.
Kim and I have built a very successful real estate investing business on the foundation of knocking on seller’s doors. We don’t put out bandit signs (these are the “We Buy Houses” signs you see at intersections), we don’t do mail outs, and we have the WORST website in the world.
Lots of “gurus” TALK about knocking on sellers’ doors, but when it comes time to walk the walk, just try getting them into a neighborhood, out of the car and up to the door. Read More→
What’s Happening at Atlanta REIA for the Week of July 22, 2013
Posted on July 22, 2013 by
Monday is Atlanta REIA West Meeting where Gordon Catts will be discussing the ever changing real estate marketplace. Tuesday is the Note Buyers Group with Tom Boyer in Smyrna. Thursday is the Cash Cows Commercial Group with special guest, Bill Ham, at 5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, GA. Thursday is also Joe Thompson’s Haves & Wants Meeting at 5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, GA. Read More→
Matt & Courtney Larsen
Posted on July 20, 2013 by
Matt and Courtney Larsen are a husband and wife real estate investing team specializing in wholesale property deals. Courtney is also a licensed Realtor with Keller Williams – Tampa Central. Together, their mission is to provide Real Estate Investors with deep discount properties that maximize cash flow and profits. They are committed to helping others achieve success in real estate through their online program… “Mr.& Mrs. Quickflip.” Matt & Courtney are actively involved in Tampa REIA and are the founders and host of Beach REIA in Treasure Island, Florida and when they’re not working on the business, they are enjoying all that beach living has to offer!
Online Lead Finder Software Version 2.5.1 – FREE for Atlanta REIA Members
Posted on July 17, 2013 by
It has been less than one week since we last informed you that Duncan updated his famous Online Lead Finder Software. Duncan takes your feedback seriously and is constantly working to improve the software and make it better for active real estate investors like you. Now, as of today, July 17th, he has done it once again with version 2.5.1!
Duncan also wanted us to advise you on some upcoming changes to the Online Lead Finder Software as he continues to add more and more features. In the next, 30 – 45 days, Duncan will be raising the price of the software from $497 to $697. By the end of the year he will raise the price to $997 as he continues to add even more powerful and profitable features. He will also soon be charging an annual maintenance fee for ongoing upgrades upon the completion of Version 3.0.
Despite these forthcoming price and policy changes, there is some very good news. If you are currently and Atlanta REIA Gold Member or Become a Gold Member before the upcoming deadline which will either be August 1st or September 1st, you will be grandfathered into the program and continue to receive the unlimited version of the software and all upgrades for FREE as long as you remain an active Atlanta REIA Gold Member.
Even if you miss the deadline and become an Atlanta REIA Gold Member in the future, you will be able to purchase the unlimited edition of the software for $100 and get a 50% discount on the annual maintenance and upgrade fee. But to be grandfathered in for FREE indefinitely, join Atlanta REIA as a Gold Member and maintain your membership each year.
If you are an Atlanta REIA Silver Member, the Silver Edition, which is limited to 25 leads per day, will continue to be FREE as will all future upgrades.
If you are an Atlanta REIA Member you can download the latest version of software for FREE by Read More→
What’s Happening at Atlanta REIA for the Week of July 15, 2013
Posted on July 15, 2013 byMonday is the Beginning Investors Group with Dustin Griffin who will be teaching you multiple ways to generate leads for your real estate investing business. Tuesday is the Onsite Renovation Group which is a networking and educational group for new and seasoned rehabbers that meets this month at a property located at 651 Holderness St SW in Atlanta, GA. Wednesday is the Atlanta REIA North Meeting which will be discussing making offers and turning leads into deeds. Thursday is by Joe Thompson’s Haves & Wants Meeting at 5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, GA. Read More→
FREE Online Lead Finder Software for Atlanta REIA Members (V2.4)
Posted on July 12, 2013 byI just wanted to let you know that Duncan Wierman just sent me an updated copy of his Online Lead Finder Software Version. As of today, July 12, 2013 he is up to version 2.4 since he is always working to improve the software and make it better for active real estate investors.
PLEASE NOTE: If you already installed any previous versions of Online Lead Finder, be sure to UNINSTALL it before installing this new version.
If you are an Atlanta REIA Member you can download the software for free by logging in to the Atlanta REIA Members Only Website and then navigating to the Members Only Downloads & Bonuses page where Duncan’s Online Lead Finder Software is listed 2nd in the list of available member downloads.
If you are a Gold Member, there will be instructions in the ReadMe.txt file in the software download telling you how to activate the Unlimited Gold Edition at NO CHARGE (a $500 value!).
I hope you all enjoy this lead generating software. Duncan, thank you again for this awesome software!
Beginning Investors Group Meeting on July 15, 2013
Posted on July 10, 2013 byGenerating Leads with Guerilla Marketing Strategies & Techniques
with Dustin Griffin
Atlanta REIA Members are always FREE!
As a new or “new again” investor, are you generating enough motivated buyer and seller leads each month to survive and thrive in today’s competitive real estate market? Are you generating at least 25-50 leads per month from your marketing efforts? If you’re not generating this many leads or more, you should join us for our next BIG Meeting to learn how to generate all the motivated buyer and seller leads you can handle.
Dustin Griffin will be speaking at the Beginning Investors Group (BIG) on Monday, July 15th at 6:30 PM at Hudson Grille located at 6317 Roswell Rd NE in Sandy Springs, GA on many of the Guerilla Marketing Strategies and Techniques that he and other successful real estate investors use to generate a steady flow of leads for their real estate investing businesses. You will learn…
- What is Marketing?
- What is Guerilla Marketing?
- How can one dominate their local market online and offline on a budget?
- Marketing in 7 Easy Steps
- Multiple ways to consistently market your business
- 12 Tips for Search Engine Domination
- And much more…
Come join us and learn how you too can totally dominate your local competition online and offline with little effort and a relatively low budget using new and traditional marketing techniques, a little creativity and the power of the Internet. This meeting is FREE for Atlanta REIA Members. Guests and Non-Members can pay $20.00 at the door or RSVP Online for $10.00. If you Join Atlanta REIA before attending or at the door, you can attend at no charge.
WIN A CRUISE: All participants who attend the BIG Meeting on July 15th will entered into a drawing for a chance to win a *Complimentary 2 Day Cruise to the Bahamas with Caribbean Cruise Line! *You must be present at the meeting to win. The 2 day Cruise does not include port fees, transportation and taxes.
I Have a Very High Opinion of My Opinion
Posted on July 9, 2013 byTo steal a quote from Pete Fortunato: I have a very high opinion of my opinion. I think that 99% of the time, I’m 100% right. Welcome to Willieland! Just imagine what beautiful Kim has to put up with every single day.
Real estate investors regularly call seeking our opinion about potential deals. Too often, after we explain that their deal is probably a stinker, the “discussion” turns into more of an argument about what a good deal is and what it is not. Let’s look at an example.
Since 2008, Fred has called about properties he puts under contract. As far as I know, he has never taken my advice. It seems he does one money-sucking, high-drama deal after another.
Last week, Fred called about a triplex he just put under contract. Because the investment property is in a VERY bad area of town where gunshots regularly ring out, I advised him to run from the deal – even if the property was FREE! Fred far from agreed, so back and forth we went. Read More→
