OfflineOkay, here I go...where do I start? ...so many things to do...so many things I've been doing...First reading & learning through this forum...then ordering DG's programs...then reading, posting & learning some more...then "Thinking A Little Different" and outside the box to pay for The Success Academy...Courses and Assignments...Found a house for short sale and several REO/vacant properties in surround blocks...on the phone with the advisors...UGGGG My head is spinning.
But that's OKAY because I WILL get a grip on it all and get a handle on it all. I always do and land on my feet.
Okay, enough of the meladramatics...LOL
From the beginning...
July 24, 2008: I saw Dean's Infomercial all by mistake...NOT Well, what I mean is that I'm not much of a TV person. If you ask my kids, they will tell you the only time I watch is for the weather or with them during our weekly "movie night" in which we pick a movie we already have or rent a new one, pop some popcorn, set the stereo for surround sound, cuddle in a blanket and wala we have our own home theater...you just can't get any better than that. 
Well anyway, while the infomercial was on I started my research on the internet on whatever I could find, the good, the bad and the ugly. However, what I stumbled upon was really not much of any negativities...and more of his students defending DG. I also stumbled onto this site. WOW I WAS VERY, VERY IMPRESSED AND HAVE BEEN EVER SINCE
July 25, 2008: I registered onto this site so I can ask questions.
July 31, 2008: I decided to order DG's book and TAD programs and as many of you know, been very active in the forums since, well with the exception of the last couple of days since I've been extremely busy and yes, somewhat overwhelmed with all the material and some of the things happening quickly...Hey, what the heck I can handle it...
Let see...it's been a blur ever since....
No I'm only kidding
I immediately started with Dean's30 Day Fast Start Audio Series in which I set all my goals onto an Excel worksheet; setting each one up my goal date, the total cost breaking it down further to the monthly, weekly, & daily costs which set the foundation for the next of monthly, weekly & daily contacts & most importantly, the emotions or feelings that I will have once of achieve each one.
Yes, Yes, I know some of you are thinking, kind of anal isn't it. Yeah sure it is but I am a very visual persona and like to see where I'm going & how I'm getting there. It also helps keeps me on track
August 4, 2008: I decided to pull all three of my credit reports and find a reputable credit repair company, doing the necessary research.
August 7, 2008: Since I had such an ache inside that I really want and need this to work, I figured out a way to afford THE SUCCESS ACADEMY by taking out a loan on my 401K. I immediately completed the paperwork and was approved the same day. YEAHHHH, NOW I CAN REALLY SPRINGBOARD MY REI CAREER FAST FORWARD!!!!
I was in immediate contact with the Advisory team to give them the good news. I received a preliminary interview.
I continued studying & learning from the DG programs & forums, finding myself now "getting it" a little more as I started asking more informative type of questions.
August 13, 2008: Guess what was in my mail today???>>>> it was my 401K loan distribution check which I immediately deposited into my checking account. I then called the Advisors with the exciting news. An appointment was made for the following week pending the check to clear.
August 16, 2008: I contacted Maria at PMI telling her the check has cleared sooner than expected; she immediately called me back after finding out if my appointment could be moved to today and of course I accepted the change to today.
2:30 PM - I received a lead of someone who is facing foreclosure. I then contacted the Advisory team to get some assistance.
3:00 - I started typing out some questions to ask so that I could be as prepared as possible.
Mind you, I'm being a bad girl as I'm doing this at work (I don't get off until 4:00pm if no OT). By the way, Corporate is closing the NY facility down so my number can come up anytime starting at Aug 1 until December 31st this year.
5:30 PM - Mr. Rich Page from PMI interview me further, really getting a picture of what I want, my dedication & commitment to succeed and the steps I've already taken to start my REI career. MR. PAGE CONGRATULATED ME AS HE WELCOMED ME ABOARD!!!
Was up until just after 2 AM after starting on my Interactive training through The Success Academy. This takes me quite some time to get through since I am stopping along the way and taking notes in OneNote, it’s like having my own personal electronic notebook. Just too much excitement for one day, all at once, but now I was delirious and I have to get up no later than 6 AM usually 5 to study but 6 to make it to work on time...oh boy
August 17, 2008: Got up at 6 AM...OH BOY WAS RIGHT...I was a....draggin...but I made it in to work.
12 NOON: Lunchtime, I was on the forums learning what I could and studying the DG programs.
August 19, 2008: Up at 5:00AM on the internet researching the other properties.
7:30AM At work.
11:30 AM Called the Advisors Hotline to get further advice regarding questions to ask and nervous about tonight’s appointment and fined tuned the questions I typed.
5:00 P.M.- I call the property owners and left a message.
7:00 P.M.- I received a return call from the property owners .and asked away, finding out everything I could about the property, loans and they also fill me in on their situation and make an appointment for the next evening to see them and inspect the property. WOW, I felt really confident, nervous, but confident. THANKS ELENA!!!!
Was up until just after 2 AM researching the property, gathering all info and Comps I could before the appointment.
August 20, 2008
12 Noon: Googled directions to my appointment & more studying
4:00PM I made sure I was out of work and drove to my appointment. I drove around the neighborhood and found several vacant houses, some with RE signs. I gathered all info I could and visually inspected & the properties (I know a little about construction since I have several in the family. None seemed vandalized, meters in-tact, roofing shingles looked intact, none lifting, no "sand", no cracks in foundations. So far, the preliminaries are not shabby.
Time for my appointment. I asked further & deeper questions, greatly gaining their confidence. I gave them some surface insight much of what I spoke with the Advisors about and a lot of what I learned on the forums. Wow, all I can say is Wow...How did I do that?
Well, anyway, I was up again late, this time only until 11PM gathering more info & going through more of the first class.
August 21, 2008: Up at 5:00AM on the internet researching the other properties.
7:30AM At work.
11:30 AM Called the Advisors Hotline and get the advise needed for this property which the only option is a Short Sale and how to proceed further with the other properties I located.
4:00PM Leave work; home at 4:15 PM researching bank & Short sales. Oh boy, a lot of negative feedback about this bank & short sales.
Finished my first class and now working on my HW assignments.
August 22, 2008: Up at 5:00AM on the internet researching the other properties.
7:30AM At work & very busy day at work. Farewell luncheon & cake for my boss.
5:00PM Home & called Adviors regarding HW assignments & last questions for the properties.
6:30PM Left a message with property owners. Continued on HW Assignments
August 22, 2008:
Up at 7:00AM, get ready & eat breakfast
8:00am - wake my son up for Baseball Practice (my 10 y/o plays just about all year long. This is a tournament Fall-ball in which he was chosen to play on an 11 y/o team. Practice has stared at 4x'x/wk. Games start September 7 - Mid November, then the final tournaments...brrr
9:00am dropped him off, ran some errands, back at field until 11am. Spent time with other kids at the towns annual Beach Blast...great for the kids and the mark of the end of the summer...boy it really went fast!
5:30pm On the forum to play a little catch up and to start my REI Journal.....I promise the others won't be soooooooooooo long....I had a lot of bring you all up to date....better now than later Okay, it is now 11:40pm and I'm fried...
Good night to all and God Bless,
Darlene
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
That's quite a start, Darlene. Your REI just kind of exploded into existence! Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to hear the results of all your hard work! Best wishes on all your leads.
Get a good night's sleep.
your DG sis,
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Welcome to your new life, congratulations on your REI decision! I cannot wait to hear and see more results from your actions!
Regards,
Rohn
DeJor Properties, LLC
Sounds like things are progressing nicely. Glad to hear you're takin the bull by the horns!! I can't wait to see what happens next, it's like a cliffhanger... LOL! We're happy and very proud of you for taking action in acheiving your dreams.
God bless,
Psalms 118:23 "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."
Girly you have been so busy! Congratulations on taking the big step of signing up for the coaching. And another congratualtions for getting out there and taking the first steps to starting your REI career. I know you are going to do excellent and make a lot of deals. Go Darlene!
"THE ARCHITECT OF YOUR DESTINY IS YOURSELF"
"SUCCESS WALKS HAND IN HAND WITH FAILURE"
Exploding is right. It's funny, every decision I've been making is confirmed as being the right one as something or many things continually fall into place.
God has set the path & the pace; I just have to stay on it and up with it. LOL
I like the "your DG sis". That was a nice touch and back at you.
Get a good night's sleep.
your DG sis,
Rina
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Thank you; I am right there with you; I can't wait either! I will keep you all posted
Regards,
Rohn
DeJor Properties, LLC
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Right now I think the bull has be my the horns...LOL Thank you so much; it really means a lot when you have no support at all to have the support and backing of everyone here; it's like an extended family. You know the other thing I did to keep me on track is telling my kids everything I'm up until this point. They can't wait until Mommy finds us our first house; they already have their rooms picked with a bathroom in each too! LOL....You know I just can't let them down & I WON'T!
Stay tuned for the next episode....
Many blessings to you.
God bless,
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Busy as a bee... Thank you so much too, actually to all of you making this endeavor so much easier with all of your support. I remember, Sissy, what you said about the "kick" and being held accountable...That's quite alright, I can use it once in a while...LOL Well, I'll see you at the top, hopefully soon.
Many blessings to you,
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
You won't let them down, that's the best motivator of all!! They believe in you, that would sustain me through any obstacles!
Continued blessings for you,
Psalms 118:23 "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."
Darlene, I see you are making great strides towards your real estate career. We admire and support you. All the best.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Hi Sandra,
Ok...I'm holding back the tears as I read your post...yes I'm the emotional type. When you have no support at all, this place is the best place to be with all the support from everyone here. I WILL MAKE THIS WORK, MY KIDS ARE COUNTING ON IT. They want their first home & I'm going to find that home for them and make $$$ along the way & have fun along the way too.
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
I truly appreciate that! They know there Mom..I stop at nothing & I don't quit (which by the way, they hate when they ask me to guess something...I don't give up or give in until I figure it out...LOL)
See you at the TOP!
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Hi Everyone. It’s been awhile since I first posted my journal and updated it; so here it goes.
First let me tell you I have a very important announcement to make but you’ll have to wait until the end where it applies at the end of this posting….and by the way, no cheating and skipping to the end…LOL
Last time I left off ending at August 22nd with the intention of keeping up at least once or twice weekly. However, it’s been pretty busy with working the other F/T j.o.b. which I’ve been working again about 550-55hrs/wk (there is a method to my madness here), getting through the online and going through my assignments and working on a short sale.. On top of that taking my son to his 2 hr fall baseball practices 4x’s/wk. Hey what the heck, if I wasn’t busy, I would be bored. To say the least, some of my progress had slowed and not because my determination has…I still get up early studying and still end very late
I researched and decided on my areas of interest, begin building my PowerTeam, starting with Realtors, placed ads on Craig list reaching out to Realtors and other Investors, contacted local REI club organizers, decided on my business name, made up my business cards, in the process of forming my LLC and contacted the newspapers on NYS Dept of Corporations list for their fees,, continued taking notes in MS OneNote for the assigned modules; some of which have given me ideas for ads and or scripts, including making flash cards for when I am in person as my refresher so I don’t forget what I want to say and also continued reading DG’s book. I haven’t been on the forums lately because of what I will mention next but I will catch up very soon..
I mentioned in other posts, I am in the process of losing my other j.o.b. due to corporate layoffs as they are closing the NY facility since it is too expensive. Being part of Group 2, I could be laid-off anywhere from August 1st until December 31st of this year. However, management was beginning to ask me to stay on board due to my much needed skill-set to complete the transition of our product lines to the other facilities and even possibly stay permanently since they wanted to train me for a new position.
Now instead of seeing this as a hindrance to my REI, it was the door I needed not knowing when they will let me go which by the way, wishing it was yesterday since I wanted to dedicate myself fulltime to REI! Now before I go on, I must tell you that there was an incentive to be part of Group 2 and stay which includes severance and a nice bonus but this only applies when I get the tap on the shoulder from my company and not if I leave on my own. I carefully used it as an opportunity to state I had something else waiting for me; another job, in which I don’t want to lose out on. I didn’t give them the details and all being the truth since I DO have something waiting for my (my REI career) and I don’t want to Lose Out on the present Opportunity.
Well, here goes my announcement!!! Since I have always been a very dependable, committed and loyal employee who has always done well above their asking and expectations, management did not want me to lose out on my current opportunity since they feel it may not be there when they are ready to let me go, especially knowing that I am a single Mom and need the security of knowing I have a job.
I was asked if I could give them some OT from now until ????, they would grant me my wish and I would still receive my severance and a bonus. As we worked out the details, I agreed.
They gave me my notice this past Friday, September 5, 2008 and AS OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2008 (my last day) , I WILL BE DEDICATING MYSELF FULL-TIME TO MY REI CAREER!!!!!!!!! and it will be FULL STEAM AHEAD!!! and this is part of the reason it has been slow going of late so I can put in some extra hours at the j.o.b. and get into REI full-time sooner!
You know that anxious feeling when you can’t breathe, well that’s what I feel and not because I’m anxious but because…I AM SOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!! YEAH!!! WUHU!!!
You just had to see me Friday after work, as my younger son was changing into his practice uniform, there I am dancing around. It was a sight to be seen. Needless to say, my boys are sooo excited too. First because Mom will be home to take them to & from the bus but mostly as my younger one said, “this means we can get our house sooner!” The OT is all worth it just tor that alone!!!
Now I can get out there during the early daytime when it is somewhat slower for Realtors, go to the Town & Village Hall so I can look over the tax rolls, etc.
Boy, what a pain…now I have to fix my planner and redo my working hours….only kidding…LOL I really don’t mind redoing my planner and putting in more time into it.
Monday, I’ll be calling the Advisors line to give them a heads-up!!!
Many Blessings to all of you,
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Well, Darlene. The countdown begins!
That's so neat that your kids are excited too! It makes it easier when your family is on the same page as you.
Sounds like you're gonna take that courthouse by storm! Have fun researching, and with your personality I have a feeling it WON'T be hard getting people to work with you.
12 more days and you'll be a free REI woman!
God bless,
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Rina,
Thank you so much for your vote of confidence! I will definitely be doing more than looking at properties at he courthouse. I will also have a slew of business cards as I won't be a bit shy in approaching others doing the same thing I am to help build my buyers list as well as some of the Title people (my excitement will overshadow any awkwardness and any "no's" I may get). Tuesday night I will be finally attending my first REI group on the Island which I hear is one of the biggest. I am definitely on my way.
I showed my sons your 12 day countdown and my little one put it on his calendar so he can cross off each day! Now that was cute
When that day comes, you'll be able to hear me all the way to WI.
My very best to you & may God Bless you!
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
That you're getting a severance pay, hopefully that should help you til you get that first deal, which will be very soon now that you're going full time.
Good luck and God bless,
Psalms 118:23 "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."
The 12-day countdown. Feels like the 12 days of Christmas!
I can just picture your little guy. They DESERVE that new house, just like their mom!
Well, we'll be waiting here to celebrate, as well, Darlene!
You have a good week and a half of OT, and then let that j.o.b. say good-bye to Long Island's next REI Millionaire.
God bless,
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Just in the past week, I've been getting bombarded with e-mail & phone calls from Realtors, Lenders, other REI resources that have referred some professionals for me as a result of all the "feelers" I've been putting out there from searching, visiting & filling out various forms online. This couldn't have come at a better time.
May God continue to Bless you!
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Hi Rina,
12 Days of Christmas is so perfect!!! As Christ is in Christmas, Jesus and the Lord have been laying this all out before me, showing me the way.
Here's what has happen all of last week!
1. Thursday, on my way driving to the pharmacy & saw a boarded up house on the next block over (it's a Cape so I saw the top windows from the other block). My younger son was with me and asked if we were going to buy this house for our own.
2. Spoke with the neighbors and found it was abandoned in which the Town quickly boarded up.
3. Friday morning, contacted the Tax Assessors office and Tax Roll for info on the property.
4. Friday late morning, I was given my two weeks notice at work!!! WOOHOO!!!
5. Friday afternoon, I received a call from my Landlord that he wanted to talk to me when I pay my rent Saturday.
6. Friday evening after work, researched the property - no delinquent info on it yet but got some more info online.
7. Saturday morning, stopped by my Landlord's house to pay the rent. He informed me, he has buyers for the property who will be using it for their construction workers, so I will have to start looking for another place.
OK, by now you know what I always say...take a look again at the turn of events & it's progression and EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON!!!. This was all meant to be. Possibly my son's right, maybe this house we saw will be our first house. My son even named all 4 bedrooms; one for me, one for him & his brother to share or one for each and one for my office. If they share, then one will be a guest room and the basement will be turned into an exercise & game room.
Ok, maybe I shouldn't use this as my first home but I have no doubt how God has laid this out. I know the house needs to be updated according to the neighbors but I have someone in the family who is a contractor. My only obstacle will be the financing, realizing most HML's terms are not Owner Occupied. However, where there is a will there is a way and I found some that will do both, even on the short term for owner occupied and then refi. Once I get in this house and I determine it is for me, nothing will stop me.
Oh by the way I have to mention, the house is red, not a color I would choose but it is my favorite color probably because I am assertive and aggressive. For what it's worth, the address also contains my favorite number as well as my younger son's favorite number. Maybe one might think I'm reaching but then again, God knows how to reach out to us by placing things in front of us that we will recognize and "get-it".
My goal is to be in our first house by November 15 of this year to first give thanks to the Lord and everyone who has helped me including all of you by Thanksgiving. Secondly, Rina, you said 12 Days of Christmas---again, Everything happens for a reason... In 12 days I will have my first offer accepted and possibly on this house and that will be my Christmas gift.
Wishing you God's Blessings
Love, Light & Blessings,
Darlene
Hi Darlene!
I just wanted to let you know that you are an inspiration to me. I have done the single mom thing too, and although I am now happily married, I've never forgotten where I came from, and where I need to be.
My husband and I together don't make much money for the area that we live in, and it has always been a goal of mine to be able to have a place of my own that my girls can always call "home". A place where they can finish growing up, and come back to when they have left the nest. The place that is full of great memories of past Christmas's, birthdays, sleepovers and Mom's cooking. A place of security, and love.
I don't have much time before they are grown and gone, so I am desperate to get going. I'm so excited to hear about how far you have come, and my hat is off to you! I will definately be coming back here for a pick-me-up if I get discouraged.
I am just getting started with Dean's book, so perhaps I will be able to tell my own story here on the website when I get going.
Best of luck with your house. You and your boys will be in my prayers.
Keep dreaming
Kimberly
Darlene,
I am happy for you. Also, to see how everything is just falling right into place. That's amazing. I didn't know they had journals on here, this is nice. Maybe I'll go start one. There's so much LOVE on here. Can you fell it? Haha! Okay, the corniness is over. Count down 11 - by the way that is my favorite # (Basketball). Darlene keep on pushing on. There's only one way to go and that is to the Top and I will See You There!
Wayne
"The entrepreneur always searches for change, responds to it, and exploits it as an opportunity." — Peter F. Drucker
Good for you. You will succeed. I admire your will and determination and your spirit and your passion. Thank you for sharing. You will succeed.
Darlene! Now we're ALL counting down with you! LOL!!!
Hmmm...
A red house for Christmas. How fitting.
I'll bring the cookies.
So happy for you (and proud),
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
We are so happy that everything is working out for you so quickly Darlene. I am praying and supporting you all the way. Looking forward to your move in day. God Bless.
Sandra
"You can never get to the top, if you are not willing to climb. Do not look at the difficulty of the climb, only anticipate the view from the top."
"Can't even walk without you holding my hand." (Song)
"Is anything too hard for the Lord ..." Genesis 19:14
"In all things, wait on the Lord."
"Think not of your own deliverance, but trust in God who will give in abundance."
"When you are down to nothing, God is up to something." Unknown
"Our lives begin to end, the day we become silent about those things that really matters." Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
We stand in agreement with you.
God bless you,
Psalms 118:23 "This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes."
I love ya, tomorrow. lol
Well, Darlene, I'll be thinking of you today and tomorrow (your last day before REI freedom!)
Can't wait to hear from you again!
wishing you all the blessings you deserve,
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
OMG you are walking on your path. In God's word He states that He will make your crooked paths straight. Walk in your Victory. Reading your journal has given me so much encouaragement.
This is a must for me and my family, I work hard as a nurse everyday and it seems to be getting me know where. We have talked and dreamed about REI and done nothing.
There is a burning in me and everytime I get on this sight my insides just jump and I feel myself racing. I am so excited for what is to come for you and your family.
I pray God's blessings on your life.
God Bless. Victory is yours.
Erika, REI
Brownstone Investment Group
405.748.0734
www.facebook.com/Erika.Coleman
www.twitter.com/brownstoneREIgr
Job 22:21 Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.
Job 22:28 You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on the road ahead of you.
Deut 28:8 The Lord will guarantee a blessing on everything yo do and will fill your storehouses with grain. The Lord you God will bless you in the land he is giving you.
hi darlene,
what happened with the job and the house?? keep us updated.