Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance Blog
Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be Bad
Posted on May 23, 2013 byWe’ve all heard that too much of a good thing can be bad. Let’s look at two examples and see if this theory holds water: rental property and chicken poop.
I have a long-time friend who owns more than 100 single-family rental houses. Most people look at this guy with awe. Sadly, I’m forced to look at him with pure pity.
We talked this morning. I invited him to join me, and five of our investor friends, on a 5-day trip to California in April. The purpose of the trip is to get together and discuss creative deal structuring and financing. I’m pretty sure lots of golfing and boating will be thrown in for good measure.
He really wanted to go but was forced to weakly admit, “I can’t be away from my rentals for that long. Something is bound to go wrong, and when it does, I need to be here to fix any problems.”
He and I got into real estate investing around the same time. We had similar goals: to own enough rental properties to produce enough mailbox money so we no longer would have to labor for a living. This would allow us to travel, spend more quality time with family and friends, plus give us the means to help others.
Today, we’ve both reached our goal…sort of. The problem is, my buddy doesn’t know his number. When asked how many rental properties he wants to own, he answers, “More.” More? Why more? When is enough, enough? When does enough become too much? Read More→
You Can’t Save Your Way to Financial Freedom
Posted on May 22, 2013 byAttending Gary Johnston’s Financial Freedom Principals seminar last year (GaryJohnston.com) caused us to make a radical change in what we teach.
Since 1997, Kim and I have taught people how to successfully invest in real estate. Gary’s seminar was the springboard that shifted our teaching from just real estate investing, to how to gain financial freedom. It just so happens that real estate – for reasons like high yields, solid cash flows, huge tax advantages, etc. – is our primary investment vehicle of choice.
What is financial freedom? It’s when the net income from your INVESTMENT assets is greater than your expenses. Think of it this way: On March 1, you have $30,000 in the bank. Because of an illness, you don’t work all month and don’t get a paycheck. You are the sole breadwinner. After paying all of your March bills – expenses never stop – how much money do you have in the bank at the end of March?
If your answer was less than $30,000, then you’re thinking like a wage slave. If your answer is more than $30,000, then congratulations – you understand the concept of financial freedom! Your investment income covered your expenses…and then some!
Here’s the thing: Your goal should be to create a gap between what you earn and what you spend, and then invest this difference in an appreciating capital asset that produces cash flow – you know, mailbox money! Read More→
FREE Online Lead Finder Software Version 2.3.3.8 from Duncan Wierman
Posted on May 22, 2013 by
I 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, May 22, 2013 he is up to version 2.3.3.8 since he is always working to improve the software.
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!
Negotiations 101 Workshop with Russ Hiner on June 15, 2013
Posted on May 20, 2013 byOn June 15th, 2013 from 9AM – 5PM
1960 Skylar Hill Dr, Suite D, Buford, GA
Have you ever done a real estate deal only to later realize you did get what you wanted or expected? Here’s your chance to learn many of the negotiation tools, tips and techniques that professional negotiators use every day to get the best deals. With the correct negotiation skills you can easily and effectively get what you want without having to drive a hard bargain. Your bargaining and negotiation skills are critical to your daily life. They’re absolutely essential if you work, have a family or purchase goods and services.
On Saturday, June 15th from 9 AM to 5 PM at 1960 Skylar Hill Dr, Suite D, in Buford, GA, Russ Hiner will be teaching the Negotiations 101 Workshop to really help you sharpen your negotiation skills. This professional training will be fast-paced, high-energy and is going to get you over the hump in your negotiation techniques. Your life depends on the knowledge that you will learn at this training and will surely improve as a result!
What’s Happening at Atlanta REIA for the Week of May 20, 2013
Posted on May 17, 2013 by
Monday is the Beginning Investors Group with Russ Hiner who will be teaching “Negotiating Tactics for Newbies”. 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 1338 DeKalb Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307. Thursday is the Cash Cows Commercial Group Meeting with Gordon Catts and Steve Brown on “Real Estate Strategies For a Changing Marketplace” which will be followed by Joe Thompson’s Haves & Wants Meeting, both of which take place at 5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, GA.
JUST ANNOUNCED: The Beginning Investors Group (BIG) is going back to a monthly meeting format starting Monday, May 20th at 6:30 PM at Hudson Grille located at 6317 Roswell Rd NE in Sandy Springs, GA. 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.
This month at BIG, local real estate expert and mentor, Russ Hiner, will be teaching new investors how to negotiate win-win real estate transactions with buyers and sellers. As you know, having the right negotiating skills is essential for putting together real estate deals that are not only profitable for you, but meet the needs of your buyers and sellers. If you want to learn how to start negotiating like a pro, this is a BIG Meeting you don’t want to miss! Join us and Russ will teach you:
- The number one reason why most people will not negotiate
- How to break negotiation deadlocks
- How to spot and stop negotiation tactics that will put you on the defensive
- How to “read” people so you can be a better negotiator by giving them what they want and getting what you want
- Tips and tactics for face-to-face negotiations
- All this and much more!
After his “Negotiating for Newbies” presentation, Russ will be calling for volunteers to join him in the “hot seat” for some live, face-to-face role playing negotiations.
After the meeting, there will be Late Night Networking for anyone who wants to hangout, network and have some late night fun. This will be a terrific meeting with powerful information, an interactive crowd and networking with experienced investors who will be in attendance as well so come join us!
The Atlanta REIA Onsite Renovation Group (ORG), 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 in the Atlanta area. 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.
On Tuesday, May 21st at Noon, we meet at: 1338 DeKalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307. This is a true Candler Park renovation that should resell in the upper-300s or lower-400s. The project was funded by Lima One Capital, and a Lima One executive will be on site during the meeting to answer questions about the numbers, funding and the hard money process. Come on by for a great afternoon of networking, education, and gawking at what a few hundred thousand will buy in Candler Park!
The Onsite Renovation Group will focus on properties 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. There is currently no charge to attend these meeting.
“Real Estate Strategies For
A Changing Marketplace”
with Gordon Catts & Steve Brown
The real estate market in the Atlanta Metro Area has changed dramatically in the last 6 months. It has gone from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market due to the inventory shortage.
- Hedge Funds are stepping all over each other purchasing foreclosures and are running up the prices.
- The “courthouse gang” is now being routinely out bid by kids with cell phones and iPads who are receiving their bidding instructions from people we never see, who are sitting in front of multiple computer screens hundreds or thousands of miles away from the fray.
- Listed REO’s are often selling well above the list price. When a new listing hits the market, within 24 hours there are multiple offers and the house is put under contract.
With all this excitement going on, it’s the perfect time to get together and examine other possible investment strategies and that is exactly what we are going to do at our next Cash Cows Commercial Group Meeting.
Please join us on Thursday, May 23rd at 11:00 AM at 5 Seasons Brewing located at 5600 Roswell Rd in Sandy Springs, GA where Steve Brown will be joined by Gordon Catts to discuss this important topic. Together Steve and Gordon bring decades of valuable insight to this topic. Bring your questions, concerns, answers and insights for discussion with the group. Atlanta REIA Members can attend for FREE and non-members for only $5.00.
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!
The Onsite Renovation Group Meets Tuesday, May 21st at NOON
Posted on May 15, 2013 byOn Tuesday, May 21st at Noon, the Onsite Renovation Group meets at 1338 DeKalb Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30307. This is a true Candler Park renovation that should resell in the upper-300s or lower-400s. The project was funded by Lima One Capital, and a Lima One executive will be on site during the meeting to answer questions about the numbers, funding and the hard money process. Come on by for a great afternoon of networking, education, and gawking at what a few hundred thousand will buy in Candler Park!
The Atlanta REIA Onsite Renovation Group (ORG), 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.
What’s Happening at Atlanta REIA for the Week of May 13, 2013
Posted on May 13, 2013 byWednesday is the Atlanta REIA North Meeting with Gordon Catts and Steve Brown on “Real Estate Strategies For a Changing Marketplace” which will be followed by Late Nite Networking at the Mall of Georgia Taco Mac after the meeting. Thursday is Haves & Wants with Joe Thompson at 5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, GA. Read More→
Strategies For A Changing Real Estate Market on May 15th at Atlanta REIA North
Posted on May 13, 2013 byThe real estate market in the Atlanta Metro Area has changed dramatically in the last 6 months. It has gone from a buyer’s market to a seller’s market due to the inventory shortage.
- Hedge Funds are stepping all over each other purchasing foreclosures and are running up the prices.
- The “courthouse gang” is now being routinely out bid by kids with cell phones and iPads who are receiving their bidding instructions from people we never see, who are sitting in front of multiple computer screens hundreds or thousands of miles away from the fray.
- Listed REO’s are often selling well above the list price. When a new listing hits the market, within 24 hours there are multiple offers and the house is put under contract.
With all this excitement going on, it’s the perfect time to get together and examine other possible investment strategies and that is exactly what we are going to do at our next Atlanta REIA North Meeting. Please join us on Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30 PM at 1960 Skylar Hill Dr, Suite D, in Buford, GA where Gordon Catts will be joined by Steve Brown to discuss this important topic. Together Steve and Gordon bring decades of valuable insight to this topic. Bring your questions, concerns, answers and insights for discussion with the group. Atlanta REIA Members can attend for FREE and non-members can attend this month only for FREE as well. Read More→
Negotiating for Newbies with Russ Hiner at BIG on May 20th
Posted on May 13, 2013 byJUST ANNOUNCED: The Beginning Investors Group (BIG) is going back to a monthly meeting format starting Monday, May 20th at 6:30 PM at Hudson Grille located at 6317 Roswell Rd NE in Sandy Springs, GA. 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.
This month at BIG, local real estate expert and mentor, Russ Hiner, will be teaching new investors how to negotiate win-win real estate transactions with buyers and sellers. As you know, having the right negotiating skills is essential for putting together real estate deals that are not only profitable for you, but meet the needs of your buyers and sellers. If you want to learn how to start negotiating like a pro, this is a BIG Meeting you don’t want to miss! Join us and Russ will teach you:
- The number one reason why most people will not negotiate
- How to break negotiation deadlocks
- How to spot and stop negotiation tactics that will put you on the defensive
- How to “read” people so you can be a better negotiator by giving them what they want and getting what you want
- Tips and tactics for face-to-face negotiations
- All this and much more!
After his “Negotiating for Newbies” presentation, Russ will be calling for volunteers to join him in the “hot seat” for some live, face-to-face role playing negotiations. Read More→
Don DeRosa’s iPad Workshop for Real Estate Investors on May 25, 2013
Posted on May 2, 2013 byiPad Boot Camp
For Real Estate Investors!
On May 25, 2013 from 8AM – 5PM
Crowne Plaza Ravinia, Atlanta, GA
It’s a GREAT time to be a real estate investor. But if you want to be the most effective, competitive, profitable investor, you need to
Let Technology Do the Work for You!
Don will be recording this event in his efforts to create the 2013 edition of his home study course and will be including the iPad Boot Camp as part of his training material for the very first time. Come join us and be part of this historic event and home study course.
Don will teach you how to fully leverage your investment in mobile devices!
Do you have a an iPad, tablet, iPhone or smart phone that you’re using for Angry Birds or Words with Friends, maybe email, but not much else?
Don uses the iPad exclusively to run his Real Estate Investment business… and you can too!
Take your business with you where ever you go; have all your comp’s, photos and forms right in your palm!!!
Leverage all of your mobile devices to make you the most effective, competitive, profitable real estate investor you can be.
Here are a few examples of what’s waiting for you…
- The basics (and some not-so-basics!) of the iPad
- Comps for Rentals and for Purchases
- How to access Adobe Flash with your iPad (yes, you can)
- Productivity apps to access files, data and info from anywhere
- Make the iPad your mobile office, access your database
- Route calls right from your iPad
- Track expenses and get rid of all those paper receipts.
- Yes you can “print” to your iPad.
- Send the sale contract to the lawyer for title search while you’re still at the seller’s home.
- Have the seller sign electronically so you can both have a copy in real time!
The Profit Newsletter May 2013 Edition
Posted on May 1, 2013 by
The May 2013 edition of The Profit Newsletter is now ready for download as a High Quality PDF or Low Res PDF format. The Profit is the official newsletter of Atlanta REIA ( the Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance) and is a digitally delivered, interactive newsletter for new and seasoned real estate investors delivered as an Adobe PDF file to read on your PC, Mac, Smart Phone, iPad or other mobile ready devices with a PDF reader. Many of the articles and ads in The Profit contain many hyperlinks you can click or tap to visit websites, watch videos, listen to audios, download content, send emails, comment on articles, share socially and much more! And yes, The Profit is “print ready” for those who still like a paper newsletter. Be sure to Subscribe to The Profit Here so you don’t miss a single monthly issue.
Finding Buyers for REO Properties
Posted on May 1, 2013 byThe process is a long one after a home is foreclosed by the bank. These days banks take weeks if not months or a year after foreclosure to get their paperwork together, do evictions, minor clean up and make the assignments to the real estate brokers who they have hired to handle their properties. But the time of clean up and eviction is not a problem for the savvy investor, it is an opportunity to round up buyers so that these properties sell almost immediately as you get them under contract.
I suggest as an investor gets a property under contract to start the process of rounding up buyers. Videos, photos and massive email lists are several ways to attract your potential buyers.
Whenever you advertise your properties use photos or better yet video. I’ll get to more video in a minute. This tends to get the buyer serious before they visit the property. Even for buyers of a 100K home, they like to see pictures and it helps the buyer make an emotional connection. Investors and the individual buyer now search the internet to find homes that they can get serious about buying. It is very important to give them enough information to make a decision. Read More→
