Atlanta Real Estate Investors Alliance Blog
Securitization: A Refresher on The Biggest Fraud in American History
Posted on July 11, 2016 byI’ve been writing this column for several years now, and I’ve covered a lot of in-depth information about the securitization swindle pulled by the major banks that led to the mortgage crisis and the Great Recession. What I’m going to do this month is to take a step back and give a quick recap of what the securitized loans scam is and how the banks got away with it for so long.
First a little background. The way a bond is supposed to work is that an investor purchases a bond from a trust. The trust then uses this money to purchase mortgages or originate their own. The trust then uses the money made off of these mortgages to pay off the bonds to their investors.
In the case of Mortgage Backed Securities (bonds issued by trusts that consist solely of mortgages), the money the investor paid to purchase the bond was never given to the trust. Since the money wasn’t paid into the trust, it never had any money to purchase or originate ANY loans. Instead the bank essentially put the investor’s money into its checking account. A note was made that said the investor purchased a bond, but the trust never received the money and a bond was never issued. Read More→
Four Reasons Real Estate IRAs Might Be Right For You
Posted on July 11, 2016 byWhen you think about the acronym “IRA,” what do you think about? For most people, it’s a very common recipe: an IRA is something in which you put your mutual funds, your bonds, your stocks…and very little else. It’s the beaten path to retirement, and it works for a lot of people. But others wonder if there aren’t ways to supplement this type of investment and ensure a consistent level of income for your retirement years. These are the kinds of people who start to research Real Estate IRAs.
If that sounds too complicated for you, just remember: the IRS allows for lots of different types of investments through retirement accounts. A Real Estate IRA is simply a Self-Directed IRA in which you place a real estate investment. And considering just how common of an investment real estate is—especially for America’s seniors who want to ensure that they have consistent income for the future—then maybe it’s time that you consider real estate IRAs too.
Not convinced yet? Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons people consider these IRAs: Read More→
Properly Analyzing Potential Property Purchases
Posted on July 11, 2016 byWhen I was going through a divorce I had no idea what to do. I was negotiating blind. I did not know what would be an equitable split. I had nowhere to look to find the answers either. The divorce attorney was not much help because they were more interested in keeping the chaos going rather than moving toward clarity. There were many variables including alimony, child support, the marital house, insurance coverage for the children, Custody rights, retirement benefits, the value on her business and mine, saving account, Christmas ornaments and the photos/ videos tapes of the family.
The way I was able to get a handle on the divorce was to set my priorities. What was most important to me? This has been covered before at the beginning of the year in the blog of setting goals. So I won’t go into it here. The next biggest thing was the evaluation of the assets. One thing that I could not put a value on was the relationship I have with my daughters.
Sounds like the same thing in real estate where there are many variables and there are a few things you cannot put a price on. So let’s make it simple to understand. Follow the money! That’s the difference between divorce and real estate. Divorce is more than the money. Real estate is about money and returns and providing service with value. If you disagree, then call me. I need to talk to you! Read More→
Rehab Execution Is Key
Posted on July 11, 2016 byReal estate investing is easy once you have an idea of what you are doing but there are many moving parts. The one gear that can make or break a real estate investment project is the execution of the renovation. You could have bought the property for the right price, this is where you make your money, but not properly executing a renovation can kill all the hard work done upfront.
Before I learned how to contract properties, wholesale and/or invest, I knew the cost of construction and materials. I was into DIY before it was mainstream. At first it was by force because my father had me helping him with projects around the house. Later in life it grew on me. It pains me still today to pay for items I know I can do myself but it no longer makes business sense for me to do those items. I remember a contractor trying to charge me above retail prices because I was young, well dressed and an investor. After I explained the process of the work he was being hired to do, the cost of the material and the time it will take, I asked for a realistic price. Not to my surprise I received an amazing price. I still do this today when contractors try to overcharge and it usually works. In fact, they respect me more for it. While you are not doing the work you want to know what goes into doing the renovation. How can you hire a contractor if you do not know what he is being hired to do? Also, do not judge a contractor only by a finished product but from start to finish. I have walked projects that looked great but once I “looked under the hood” I notice the craftsmanship was lacking. Read More→
Make QuickBooks Your Own: Specify Your Preferences
Posted on July 11, 2016 byYour business is unique. Make sure that QuickBooks knows how you operate.
QuickBooks was designed to be used by millions of businesses. In fact, it’s possible to install it, answer a few questions about your company, and start working right away.
However, we strongly suggest you take the time to specify your Preferences. QuickBooks devotes a whole screen to this customization process. You can find it by opening the Edit menu and selecting Preferences.
Figure 1: The My Preferences window in QuickBooks’ Preferences
This is the screen you’ll see when you go to Edit | Preferences in QuickBooks. You can turn features off and on, and customize the software in numerous other ways. For Real Estate investing you should turn on the “Use Class tracking” AND “prompt to assign classes”. This will allow you to see each property with its own Income Statement. Read More→
Land and Lot Transactions Are More Complex
Posted on July 11, 2016 byLand and lots just sat on the market for years during the last economic down turn and now are a hot commodity on this hot market. What most people do not realize is that land is a much more complex transaction.
PROPERTY
How large is the property? Typically a lot is sold with an individual price for the entire parcel. Larger tracts are often sold at a price per acre times the number of acres. Properties in downtown areas with high density zoning are sold by the square foot, so a couple of inches will change the price.
ZONING
First, what is the highest and best use? Determine first whether the property in the city or in the county. If it is in city limits, go to the city’s zoning ordinances. If not, go to county zoning. Is it residential, commercial, or agricultural? What is the zoning on the property? Zoning is usually stated on tax records. Unfortunately, all the counties and cities in Georgia have their own zoning codes and what holds true about a zoning code in one area, is totally different in another. Generally speaking, in order of density: Read More→
BIGO Webinar Replay: Doing Your Due Diligence with Russ Hiner
Posted on July 9, 2016 byDoing Your Due Diligence on All Your Deals
Watch the “BIG O” Webinar Replay
with Russ Hiner
New investors often have lots of questions when it comes to evaluating a property and doing their due diligence. Questions like…How do I know if a property is a good deal or not? Should I do my due diligence before or after I get a property under contract? How do I determine the property’s value before and after repairs are made? How do I determine how much repairs will cost? How do I check title? How much valuable information can I pull from public records?
If you would like to get the answers to these questions and more, this is definitely a webinar replay you don’t want to miss!!
You Will Learn:
- What your due diligence priorities should be
- Where to do your due diligence
- How to determine a due diligence plan
- Buying houses with tenants in them, buying vacant houses, multi family
- What to do when your plan doesn’t work!
- And much, much more…
If you are really serious about upping your investing game and want to learn what “buyer beware” really means, be sure to watch this webcast that we recorded live with Russ Hiner on June 22, 2016 at the Beginning Investors Group Online. Watch the Webinar Replay Now! Read More→
Learn to Protect Your Assets at EPIC Group on July 19, 2016
Posted on July 8, 2016 bywith Joe Thompson
July 19th, 6PM, Flat Creek Country Club
100 Flat Creek Rd, Peachtree City, GA 30290
Come Join Us for COMPLIMENTARY Appetizers!
The mission of the EPIC group is the provide a platform for success in Real Estate Investing through Education, Properties, Income, and a Community of like-minded investors. To be a place to Network and Learn the pathway to success in real estate investing through different monthly topics presented by experts inside the real estate industry.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 19th at the Flat Creek Country Club located at 100 Flat Creek Rd in Peachtree City, GA. Our special guest speaker will be Joe Thompson. Joe will be discussing both the HOW’s and the WHY’s of legal entities. This will be a great opportunity for you to network with other like-minded investors and to learn about using legal entities to protect your investments.
Come Out on Tuesday, July 19th and every 3rd Tuesday of Each Month. You are sure to meet some great individuals and make lasting connections that will help propel your business in the right direction. We look forward to seeing you there!
Atlanta REIA Members & Guests, Please RSVP on Meetup.com
Learn All About Options at Atlanta REIA on July 11, 2016
Posted on July 1, 2016 by& Vendor Trade Show
The Safest & Cheapest Way to Control Property!
Atlanta REIA Members Can Attend at No Charge. This month,
Guests Can RSVP Online Now for $20 or Pay $25 at the Door.
Join us this Monday, July 11th at 5PM at the Atlanta REIA Main Meeting at the Doubletree Hotel Roswell located at 1075 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA where our special guest speaker will be Bill Cook who will be discussing one of the best kept secrets in the real estate investing industry… Options!
When it comes to Options, most real estate investors have only heard of lease-options. Fact is, there are many types of Options. Investors are always finding new and better ways to use them because they’re a completely different kind of tool than anything else in real estate.
Options are a right, not an obligation to purchase. What on earth does this mean? When you sign a loan, it’s an obligation. When you sign a contract, it’s an obligation. But with Options, you’re paying for the right to make up your mind to purchase on some future date. With an Option, you have a risk-free or low risk choice as to whether you’ll perform or not in the future.
At the July Atlanta REIA meeting, you will learn:
- What makes options so profitable?
- How can you control a $250,000 property for just $100?
- How can you use an option to capture a property’s appreciation and amortization?
- Who is most likely to give you an option, a buyer or seller?
- What is the best way to secure an option?
- How can options remove any excuse you have for not being in the real estate game?
- And much, much more!
Why attend this month’s meeting? Most investors have no clue how to use an Option to control a property. Don’t believe me? Ask around. Options will allow you to step above your competition because you’ll be able to make more of the impossible deals possible!
TAKE ACTION and RSVP for this Meeting Now! Come join us to learn how to add Options to your bag of real estate investing tricks!
As always, Atlanta REIA Members can attend the event at no charge and Non-Members can Register Online for $20 or pay $25.00 at the door. Be sure to bring your business cards and flyers and join us for an evening of real estate deals, vendors, networking, education and fun! See you there!
Atlanta REIA Members Please RSVP on Meetup.com
*Please Note: Meeting agenda is subject to change.
WIN A 4 NIGHT STAY IN CANCUN: All participants who attend the Atlanta REIA Meeting will entered into a drawing for a chance to win a *Complimentary 5 Day, 4 Night Stay in Cancun! *You must be present at the meeting to win. Giveaway does not include dining, transportation, transfers, taxes, upgrades, etc.
July 11th Meeting Before the Meeting
with Don DeRosa
Atlanta REIA Members Please RSVP on Meetup.com
Are you spending money on marketing and not getting any deals? Are you able to take any lead and make a deal out of it? Do you know how to make multiple offers that actually get accepted? Are you using technology to your advantage? If the answer is “NO” to these questions then you MUST attend this subgroup meeting.
Would you like to learn how to structure deals so you can buy houses with little or none of your own cash and none of your own credit? 15 hours a week… That’s all you need! Imagine… taking any seller lead and being able to create a winning deal out of it… Making thousands of dollars where you thought there were none. No more wasted marketing dollars. No more wasted phone calls. No more wasted time.
Join Don DeRosa at the High Tech Home Buying Creative Deal Structuring Subgroup on Monday, July 11th from 5PM to 6PM at the Atlanta REIA Main Meeting at the Doubletree where he will be teaching about a wide variety of topics each month. Don will teach you about the state-of-the-art tools and techniques you’ll use to evaluate deals and figure out how to make them work – so you can work less and spend more time where you want, when you want and with whom you want.
Some topics Don will be teaching about include:
- Using Apps on your iPad or other mobile device to evaluate deals on the go
- Creative Techniques such as Wrap Around Mortgages, Sandwich Lease Options, Subject-To, Seller Financing, and more
- How to be a transaction engineer.
- How to be a problem solver.
- And so much more…
Bring your deals and Don will walk through them step-by-step and he’ll show you how to easily evaluate the lead, determine your exit strategy, structure the deal, negotiate with the seller, and get the paperwork done in a snap.
Its an amazing time to be a real estate investor. Don’t look back 5 years from now and wish you had acted. Learn how to buy right… Learn to Make More and Work Less, Right Now!
At 5:00 PM in the Main Lobby, we have a Vendor Trade Show that lasts throughout the meeting where you can come out and meet many of our participating Business Members and Vendor Guests who help sponsor our meeting. See a full list of our vendors and sponsors below as they are added.
Vendor tables are limited, so any vendors wanting to reserve a table for the meeting can RSVP for a Vendor Table here. Vendor tables are reserved and setup on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Starting at 6:15 PM, Dustin Griffin kicks off the Atlanta REIA Main Meeting with updates and announcements. Dustin covers what’s happening at Atlanta REIA in the upcoming weeks and months such as upcoming workshops, webcasts, special events, members benefits and much more! Be sure to be in the main meeting room at 6:15 PM for your chance to be one of the first to receive a printed copy of The Profit Newsletter while supplies last.
At approximately 6:30 PM, Joe Thompson will be hosting the Haves & Wants Speed Marketing Session which gives our members the opportunity to quickly market deals they HAVE and to find deals they WANT. We also give our business members the opportunity to get up and say a few words about their businesses. Members who want to participate in the Haves & Wants Marketing Session must bring your flyers and get to the meeting early to get on Joe’s list of participants.
After the conclusion of the Atlanta REIA Main Meeting, we will be reconvening at a local restaurant at 9:30 PM for the Late Nite Networking and the “Meeting-After-The-Meeting”! There is no charge for Atlanta REIA Members or guests to attend Late Nite Networking, so bring a friend and head on down to Late Nite Networking and have a cold brew with us! Just be sure you order food and beverages from the restaurant and please tip their wait staff generously.
American IRA – The American IRA mission is to provide the highest level of customer service in the self-directed retirement industry.
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>>
Air Conditioning Experts, Inc. – For all your air conditioning services throughout Atlanta, contact Air Conditioning Experts. We have all the training and experience necessary to ensure the success of your home cooling system.
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>>
Auction.com – The nation’s leading online real estate marketplace, having sold over $34 billion in real estate assets. Auction.com’s mission is to provide the most trusted online real estate marketplace, making transactions easier and more transparent. 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>>
Secured Investment Lending – A licensed direct mortgage lender specializing in non-traditional hard money loans for non-owner occupied buy/fix sell properties or rental properties throughout the GA and FL. Read More>>
Equitable Consulting – Investors, wether you have a short term or long term plan, “fix & flip” or “buy & hold”, individual units or entire portfolios, Equitable Consulting is your resource at every step. 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>>
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>>
Commercial Realty Experts – Our Team utilizes the latest information technologies, market research, and business strategies to move real estate quickly, or satisfy your particular buying needs. 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>>
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>>
Financial Solutions Trust (Ronald Copelan)
Legal Shield (Charlie Fowler)
LendingOne (Kris Hodgen)
Jump Start 3-Day Training Series Workshop Replay
Posted on June 28, 2016 byReal Estate Investing Business
Don DeRosa the 3 Day Online Jump Start Training Series on April 28-30, 2016 to help get his Coaching Students, Property Protégé Group Members, our REIA Members’ real estate investing business up and running quickly. If you are a new investor or a “new again” investor, this is a training series you don’t want to miss.
If you did miss the April Jump Start Training, there is good news! We recorded the entire 3 Day Event and now have it availalble for replay 24/7.
Day #1 is How to Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business. This class teaches you the “Pretty House” side of the business and how to buy nice houses, in nice neighborhoods with none of your own cash or credit.
Day #2 is How to Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business. This class teaches you how to find distressed, ugly properties and to wholesale them to other “fix and flip” and “buy and hold” investors for nice chunks of fast cash.
Day #3 is How to Jump Start Your High Tech Homebuying Business. This class will teach you how to use everyday technology such as PCs, Smart Phones, Tablets and other hardware, software, apps and gadgets to operate, systematize and automate your real estate investing business.
FREE BONUSES
In addition to all this great information and training, Don will also be giving all attendees these additional bonuses valued at over $4000!
Don’s Patented “Easy Offer Maker” Software (Sells for $397)- Digital PDF copy of Don’s eBook “Stop Losing Money Evaluating Deals” – Use in conjunction with Easy Offer Maker software to tell you what numbers you need to focus on.
Digital Version of Don’s “Subject To Financing – The Ultimate Creative Financing Tool” Home Study Course which includes manual, videos, forms and tools, etc. (Sells for $997)- Digital PDF copy of the “How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business” Workshop Training Manual
- Digital MP3 Audio & MP4 Video Recording(s) of the “How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business” Online Workshop. This will not be delivered until after the event takes place and the files are created and edited.
Digital Version of Don’s “Wholesaling 101” Home Study Course which includes manual, audios, videos, paperwork, etc. (Sells for $697)- Digital PDF copy of Don’s “How To Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business” Workshop Training Manual
- Digital MP3 Audio & MP4 Video Recording(s) of the “How To Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business” Online Workshop. This will not be delivered until after the event takes place and the files are created and edited.
Two Passes to the 3 Day “High Tech Homebuying Academy in 2016” (Sells for $1999)- Digital MP3 Audio & MP4 Video Recording(s) of the “How To Jump Start Your High Tech Homebuying Business” Online Workshop. This will not be delivered until after the event takes place and the files are created and edited.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about how to buy pretty houses without your own money or credit, how to wholesale distressed properties for fast cash and how to operate and automate your real estate investing business using technology!
Purchase the Jump Start Training Series Replays
You can purchase the entire 3 day event or any of the individual events separately and/or get more detailed information about each event using the links below.
- How to Jump Start Your Real Estate Investing Business Training Series – Purchase All 3 Days of Training and Get All the Bonuses!
- How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business – Purchase this Class to Learn the Pretty House Business.
- How To Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business – Purchase this Class to Learn to Find and Flip Houses Without Fixing Them.
- How to Jump Start Your High Tech Homebuying Business – Purchase this Class to Learn to Use Technology to Operate and Automate Your Business.
Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business Workshop Replay
Posted on June 28, 2016 byDay 1 of the Jump Start Training Series
Without Using Your Own Cash or Credit
One of the easiest ways to get into real estate is by taking over existing debt. Don DeRosa is an expert at doing just that. There are six simple steps to get you on your way to becoming an expert as well and Don DeRosa will teach you what you need to know during this workshop. The six steps are:
- Locating Sellers
- Prescreening Sellers
- Constructing Offers
- Presenting Offers
- Finding the Money
- Selling Houses
Once you learn about each of these steps and how to execute them, you can continue to do it over and over again for massive profits. In addition to taking you through each of the steps above, Don will also teach you about:
- Finding the easiest ways to attract motivated sellers
- 20 questions you should always ask a potential seller
- Differentiating between a need to sell and someone who wants to sell
- Avoiding the “due on sale” clause
- How to track your progress
- The top five negotiating tactics to get sellers to say “yes!”
- Exit strategies that will not only make you lots of money today, but make you wealthy long term
- And so much more!
FREE BONUSES
In addition to all this great information and training, Don will also be giving all attendees these additional bonuses valued at over $1000! After you Purchase this Workshop Replay, you can Watch the Replays and Download Bonuses below.
- Don’s Patented “Easy Offer Maker” Software (Sells for $397)
- Digital PDF copy of Don’s eBook “Stop Losing Money Evaluating Deals” – Use in conjunction with Easy Offer Maker software to tell you what numbers you need to focus on.
- Digital Version of Don’s “Subject To Financing – The Ultimate Creative Financing Tool” Home Study Course which includes manual, videos, forms and tools, etc. (Sells for $997)
- Digital PDF copy of the “How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business” Workshop Training Manual
- Digital MP3 Audio & MP4 Video Recording(s) of the “How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business” Online Workshop. After you purchase this Workshop Replay, Watch the replays below…
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about how to buy all the pretty houses you want without using any of your own cash or credit!
Purchase the Jump Start Training Series Replays
You can purchase the entire 3 day event or any of the individual events separately and/or get more detailed information about each event using the links below.
- How to Jump Start Your Real Estate Investing Business Training Series – Purchase All 3 Days of Training and Get All the Bonuses!
- How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business – Purchase this Class to Learn the Pretty House Business.
- How To Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business – Purchase this Class to Learn to Find and Flip Houses Without Fixing Them.
- How to Jump Start Your High Tech Homebuying Business – Purchase this Class to Learn to Use Technology to Operate and Automate Your Business.
Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business Workshop Replay
Posted on June 28, 2016 byWholesaling Business
Day 2 of the Jump Start Training Series
Don DeRosa on How to Make a
Flipping Fortune Wholesaling Houses
Wholesaling houses is one of the quickest ways to start cashing checks in real estate without using any of your own money or credit. There is no one better to teach you how to get started in wholesaling than Don DeRosa. Whether you want to be a full-time investor or are just getting started part-time, let Don show you how to start wholesaling profitably today in this live online workshop.
During the workshop, you will learn about:
- Wholesaling – What it is and how it works
- How to find the deals with the most profit potential
- How to determine the wholesale value of a property
- How to negotiate the deal
- The Closing process – Step by Step directions
- All the paperwork involved from start to finish
- Pitfalls to avoid
- All this and so much more!
FREE BONUSES
In addition to all this great information and training, Don will also be giving all attendees these additional bonuses valued at over $1000! After you Purchase this Workshop Replay, you can Watch the Replays and Download Bonuses below.
- Don’s Patented “Easy Offer Maker” Software (Sells for $397)
- Digital PDF copy of Don’s eBook “Stop Losing Money Evaluating Deals” – Use in conjunction with Easy Offer Maker software to tell you what numbers you need to focus on.
- Digital Version of Don’s “Wholesaling 101” Home Study Course which includes manual, audios, videos, paperwork, etc. (Normally Sells for $697)
- Digital PDF copy of Don’s “How To Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business” Workshop Training Manual
- Digital MP3 Audio & MP4 Video Recording(s) of the “How To Jump Start Your Wholealing Business” Online Workshop. After you purchase this Workshop Replay, Watch the replays below…
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn about how to wholesale all the houses you want without using any of your own cash or credit!
Purchase the Jump Start Training Series Replays
You can purchase the entire 3 day event or any of the individual events separately and/or get more detailed information about each event using the links below.
- How to Jump Start Your Real Estate Investing Business Training Series – Purchase All 3 Days of Training and Get All the Bonuses!
- How To Jump Start Your Creative Real Estate Investing Business – Purchase this Class to Learn the Pretty House Business.
- How To Jump Start Your Wholesaling Business – Purchase this Class to Learn to Find and Flip Houses Without Fixing Them.
- How to Jump Start Your High Tech Homebuying Business – Purchase this Class to Learn to Use Technology to Operate and Automate Your Business.
