OfflineLittle late in posting this, but none the less a ‘little’ milestone for me. From November 3, 2010 and just shy of 2 years, I’ve hit and exceeded 100 deals (That’s properties, not transactions). As of 10/15/12 at 105 and have five closing this week. In January I set one goal – to hit 100 this year. Which in June I knew it was hit so upped the stakes and set new goals and new opportunity arose.
A lot has transpired over the last 2 yrs from beginning what I didn’t know at the time but would become a lifelong love affair. LOL I love what I do, I know it’s what I was meant to do! I can’t encourage you enough to take the time to set your goals. Keep them in front of you every day! Work towards them as if your life depends on it…..because it does (or at least the life you want!). I’ve hit 14 of my ‘LT-Goals’ in my 3-5 yr plan this year that I set in March 2010. Two years in I still have 6 to go. These were huge goals. I’ve reached 5 of the 6 Why’s (7 Levels Deep) for what drives me. (although all are continuous - last one was: To Always Leave The World Better Than I Found It!)
Some may see this post of over 100 deals and it may seem like such a far out of your reach target. For some it may be. Others it will ignite something within that you know God is no respecter of persons. If she can do it, I can do it! But I’m not going to candy coat it. The person I started out as is NOT the person that I am today. It was simple but it was not easy. I was scared a lot, I was nervous a lot, the entire evolution was outside my comfort zone! I didn’t know the answers or what to do a lot. I can’t tell you how many times driving down the road I engaged in a full blow preaching session to myself. I’d get so mad I would cry. Cry not because some stinking deal didn’t go through, but because I wanted it so bad it hurt! I had nothing going for me other than having big dreams.
There was no one in my corner rooting me on. No one to catch me if I fell. No one telling me I could do it. Actually quite the opposite was true. Had people laugh at me, had people tell me ‘sweetie you’ll never make it in this business’, had people wouldn't work with me, family and friends laughed, people talked about me as if they had a bag of popcorn watching the show waiting for me to fall down. It hurt, it sucked for a lack of better terms. I was alone. No money, no credit. Telling you that to notify you that you do not need someone to pump you up every day. Learn to encourage and motivate yourself! No one has to encourage you to get out of bed, drive to a place most hate, stay there 8-9 hrs drive home exhausted. So why the heck you need someone cheering you on to change you and your family’s life forever to come?!? Just sayn…..we all must take responsibility! Get comfortable being UN-comfortable! MAKE a new zone!! 
I did without a lot (or as I call it delayed gratification). Any money I did have after bills from my JOB, went to marketing. I may on a weekend take my son for a treat at McDonalds or something and he’d ask “mom you aren’t hungry, aren’t you going to eat” I say “No baby I had a big lunch, couldn’t eat anything if I tried”. Knowing I could practically eat the box his meal came in. I hadn’t eaten since lunch the day before and it was PB&J in my car at work making calls on my lunch hour. I had to end relationships; I disassociated myself from friends and family. Still loving them from afar but they were toxic. I had to cut them to protect myself (my dream)! In April of 2011 when I made the quality decision I was getting free no matter what, I also made the decision to end a 4 yr relationship and remain single til I was free because I couldn't allow myself the luxury OR distraction of being with someone not on the same page in life. We simply put were not equally yoked in any area. Later, I moved from a county I’d lived in my entire life to a county I knew absolutely no one so I could focus! I’m NOT saying you have to go to this extreme, but it was what I wanted/had to do and was right for me. Lot of other stuff to deal with....but bottom line none of it makes a hill of beans! None of it matters!!
In December when I fired my boss, I did throttle down in January. Think only closed 2 deals that month. Then Matt had made a post on thread that believe it was around 2 wk in the month about how much net to him he’d already made. Then I had a come to Jesus meeting with myself again. Told myself, “Who in the heck do you think you are?! You aren’t entitled, whoopty do you stinken quit your job…..give you a cookie! Who cares, GET TO WORK! You have lives to change!” It was NOT in a competitive spirit but a gut check that I could be doing SOOOO much more!!! I’d quit my job and got lazy! So I turned the heat on again!
But with all I DIDN'T have you know what I DID have???…..a burning desire, belief and willingness to do the work! I had a big dream! NO ONE can steal your dream….No one has that much power. You have to roll over and give your dream to them and quit on yourself!
I was teachable and did exactly as I was told! I did not put Jen’s spin on it at all! It’s not Dean. It’s not his material or techniques! It’s been proven time and time again. You are the common denominator to your equation. The material works but are you?
You know what? Wanting it isn’t enough! So bad you can taste it, isn’t enough. You can eat, live and breathe real estate…..still not enough! You could go to every seminar in the world, read every book known to man on REI, talk the talk, etc. But you know what……none of that puts money in your pocket.
There IS a secret! There is a magic button! There IS ONE thing that makes all the difference. Want to know what it is……….THE WORK REQUIRED! All it takes is doing the work! Taking action. Nothing changes til you take action. The same work it takes to get that 1st deal is exactly same work it takes to do 100. (EXCEPT it gets easier, you get faster and better – LOL!) Whether it’s 10, 50, 100, 300 or 1000 deals. All started from the 1st!
Anything I sacrificed I've gotten in return 100x in one way or another. So don't you see....any 'pain' is ONLY temporary unless you decide to set up camp there! Keep moving!
Whatever your desires are put them on paper, set a date, go to work! You are sooooo worth it! You already have within you everything you need to be successful. You have within you seeds of greatness! Go unleash them to the world! Decide success every day. It’s a choice! Give your very best every day! Take responsibility! The power lies within you! Make the rest of your life the best of your life! You are destined for greatness!
Never stop climbing!
God bless,
Jen
Jen, what a refreshing post! Thanks for sharing your story and putting things in perspective. I have been distracted alot lately, but when I do I can always get on here and find something that re-ignites that "go-getter" mentality. Congratulations and much more success to you!
God bless
Lenee
www.allstarhouses.com
~Act successful! And you'll draw it to you.~
~Every achievement, big or small, begins in your mind. It starts as a thought.~
Jen, that's pretty killer!! Lots of hard work and FOCUS. It's so easy to let yourself get side tracked...not gonna get you where you want to be. Thank you for your push to set the goals. I need to keep myself accountable ...to myself...and stay focused.
"The details are not as important as maintaining focus on MY VISION."
Denise
~ "We must set intentions for who we are, for what roles we wish to serve, for how we'll relate with the world." ~Brendon Burchard
Have you ever seen the movie Erin Brockovich with Julie Roberts? That part about not eating at McDonald's when you were w/your son reminds me of that movie! You are an inspiration to us all!
Thanks for your posts!
-Teresa
Teresa
College Station, TX
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"Declare that you will prosper despite every difficulty that may come your way. Don't just survive; thrive!"
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Your post just renewed the fire in me.
Joe
Think less, Do more, Get results. - Dean Graziosi
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I sure do miss you around here. your story is so inspiring.... it really gets all of us re-ignited again.. I always love to see its your post.... I'm like oh it's jen hurry up computer I've got to go read what jen said lol....
jen dear I wish you all the sucess,
WALT
Thank you for sharing and thank you for the message. I always see some very similar things about us and that is the lack of support that we both don't have. You really inspire me!
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This is such a great post to read.
It's good when you tell your story like this. There are so many people who are new here who didn't know you in the beginning and then in the transition period. They see and hear what is happening now and just kind of think you were born there!
I remember when we were all just getting started a couple of years ago. It seemed like a very long road and difficult for us to imagine the end result could be possible at that point, but we just decided to put blind trust in Dean and Matt and the original group that had all the postings here then-Matt, Anita, Rena, Carol, Sully, Elena and a few others. It is pretty cool to look back and see all that has happened since then.
I just drove up to San Francisco this week end and Valerie (Valuni) and I spent two days at a RE Expo. We toured distressed props and analyzed then, discussing rehab needs, etc. The other two days and late into the nights we just talked about NOTHING but RE!!!
We laughed and laughed as we looked back at how green we were just a little over two years ago when we first met on this site and couldn't help but feel proud of how much we have accomplished since then.
I hope that many people reading this will stick to it. You are so right when you say it is hard! It is VERY HARD! But not only the financial rewards are here, but the personal satisfaction that we feel knowing we are overcoming the odds and the amazing relationships we can build here.
I thank God and Dean every day for giving this to us. People, don't waste this opportunity! It is a gift!
Love you, Jen. And you know that is the truth!
Karen
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Congrats on your 105 deals!!!! You are such an amazing person!!! You have been such an inspiration to me for the last couple of years since I joined this incredible family!
Keep it up girl, you are destined for greatness, nothing less! I am following in your footsteps, one property at a time, on my way to the top... I will see you there!!!
The work and long hours you have to put in rei is trying, but the rewards are so worth it!!! Nothing but win-win situations, all around!!! As you say, you have to do it every day, no other way, and no easy way, gotta put in the work!!
As always, wishing you so many more deals!!!! You are the best!!!!
Val
Valerie
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss
"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown
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I THANK YOU AND BLESS YOU! YOU MAKE MY HEART SING!! =D!!!
I Exist. I Am That I Am. I Know That I Know.
Jen-I love Real Estate, but have let life take it over, along with some naysayers and bad choices! I'm still in the game and with stories like yours, has truely given me the courage to keep on going. I have a long way to go, with Dean and the DG family, and all the encouragement and education they give to help you thru things, no one else provides! Remember it is in the NOW and not the past or future, as Dean would say.
Love everyone and lets go get our dreams filled.
Thanks again Jen
Hi Jen,
Hope all is well down there in Montgomery. Really sorry I did not make it that far when I was in Georgia and Florida this summer. To many deals is Atlanta area delayed me!! I should be back down there again this spring. Of course you are welcome in Colorado any time!
Anyway, A couple of things you said in your post are so true and so important. I see people that never get past the point of some of the things you mention.
I constantly see and hear a lot of people looking for motivation provided by others and searching for that magic button. You stated the absolute truth when you said you must depend on yourself for motivation and the magic button is HARD WORK! Two VERY key elements in being a successful entrepreneur.
Congratulations on the results of all your hard work. I ALWAYS knew you were a winner!!
Michael Mangham
Mentoring/Team Building Nationwide
MD Home Acquisitions LLC
Knowledge is power, but execution trumps knowledge. Tony Robbins
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Great post Jen! Just what I needed to read today! Your story shares some awesome points that not a lot of people realize. You HAVE to do the work! Many new people on this site expect the books to print money for them. It's great to learn, but if you don't use your knowledge what's the point?
Knowledge + Action = Results
Keep it up!
Dominic
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With that McDonald's part with your son. I can be cold-hearted about most things with the greatest of ease, but reading "Aren't you hungry, Mommy?" is all it took to break me. Sacrificing for our children is so easy it's 2nd nature, but how many of us sacrifice for ourselves? For our future? Not many, and it's very tough indeed.
I can't remember how many posts I've read here, but it's easily in the hundreds. The majority of everyone I've read about has either been happily married to someone who supports them, or conveniently gets on board after the 1st check, OR, they have to cut their BF/GF loose. Same thing for where they live, they either work under the radar until they become a "big shot," OR they get laughed out of their town/hometown/county/state by people they grew up with because they don't believe, no matter how much you succeed.
I read about Matt Larson, moving into Trump Towers in Chicago because he wanted to and could. I also read about people in his town trying to badmouth him like a con artist because of his success. Is this what I have to look forward to? Is this what I'm scared of?
I can tell you THIS! I'd rather be treated like Nixon and Hitler by a THOUSAND morons and strangers than watch my son eat alone!! I'VE HAD IT! (pulls grenade pin, throws it at his past, slams door shut) "FIRE IN THE HOLE! EVERYONE GET DOWN!"
Paul: "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when my fear is gone I will turn and face fear's path, and only I will remain."
Duke Leto: "I'll miss the sea, but a person needs new experiences. They jar something deep inside, allowing him to grow. Without change something sleeps inside us, and seldom awakens. The sleeper must awaken." - "Dune."
I always enjoy reading what you have to say. Your honesty is inspiring.
Jen,
Congratulations on your 105 deals!!! Very much enjoyed reading your post. I'm new to the DG family and just beginning my REI journey. This site seems to be filled with great people who lift each other up and I look forward to making this site a part of my daily routine as I travel this road.
It's great to be able to learn through other's experiences and be for-warned of the obstacles that may be in our paths. I know that through hard work, determination and TAKING ACTION anything is possible through REI. I cannot wait to be a part of the success stories that DG has created.
To your continued success,
Brock
that work and following the Path leads to Great things.
CONGRATS!!!
Mike
Mike
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/renvestr/ Free tools
Jen, I felt the spirit behind this awesome testimonial. I am just getting started and have come to a place of stagnation. I've started my business, built a small buyers list, found a handful of vacant houses, but for the past two weeks I've been avoiding taking the next step of aggressively trying to locate properties and make offers. The thought of not knowing how to fill out a contract, or what to say to a property owner to convince them to accept my offer, or how to work with my REA to make offers, or how to close, or this or that, it's just been overwhelming and I just froze. I stopped working although I'm still dreaming. You're right, I can hardly imagine being where you are. But you've awaken my believer by your testimonial. I thank God I read this post today. When I saw how long it was, I almost skipped it but something told me to read on and I'm so glad I did. I'm so glad you did. You have re-inspired me. I can do this. I won't hand over my dream. There is greatness in me put there by the creator. Jen, deep truly cries out to deep. Thank you for crying out to me and the others like me. BTW, I'm a bama boy
)
K. Sylvester White
Thank you everyone for the kind words of encouragement! You completely made my day! Love hearing that maybe something I went through or a bit about my story inspires someone else to take action. Why I allow myself to be a bit vulnerable and post it on the internet! lol Hoping someone will say....I KNOW I can do this if she did! I just hope that you realize it's not who you are, what you have or don't have, your challenges, your associations or your location. It's based on you! Where ever you are right now.....is an ABSOLUTELY PERFECT place to start! You don't have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great!
But truthfully, I'm just getting started. I'm still a toddler (2 yrs old)!
I will always be careful and mindful to give credit where credit is due! I'll be honest and say:
Dean gave me education, the tools, the belief, the excitement that I could control my own destiny. Dean lit the fire within!
There's so many amazing DG Superstars on here but something resonated with me about Matt. He stretched me, he gave me the belief I could do it, the unwavering determination and focus by the example he sets and a 'little tough love' through reading his post when I needed it (which was daily - lol. and STILL read 8 of his old post daily I have bookmarked on phone and computer)
But my Lord and Savior used them both to get His blessings to me! He is my source, my strength! Apart from Him I am nothing! It is my prayer that He uses me in the same way for many others!!!
(there was mention about being so long. LOL My bad! I don't post much or much anymore rather. When I do, guess it all comes out in overload fashion! haha!) But hopefully someone gets the blessings intended. Those that are suppose to see it will take the time to read it. If not, then I'd probably say they don't read their RE Contracts or Addendum either!
Honey, this isn't long if you've ever closed an REO. bhhahahaha!!!
Love you my DG family so very much!!! Don't know what I'd do without you!!
You are blessed and highly favored!
Jen
Ditto EVERYTHING Karen (and Val...and everybody) ; said!!!!...and then some. Yes, the "new" folks don't know you like we do!
You don't know how timely this post was for me; as ALL of yours have been!! I’m not sure what it is, but I just tear-up with pride and unexplained emotions, feel and "share" the passion you have, get motivated, excited, pumped-up…the WHOLE GAMBIT; when I read your posts!! Makes me just want to go out and KILL IT!!....and I have NO DOUBT that I will!
Jen, you’ve come so far in the little time we’ve known each other, and I am SO proud of you….and to know you!! You don’t know how much you have impacted my life; such as you say Matt has yours. And yes; I have all your posts bookmarked, too. I ”reach” for them when I get down, or need motivation, or affirmation. I may sometimes think I need the ‘atta boy” like you mentioned, but no….I realize that I must dig down deep from within and push MYSELF! After all; they are my own goals/desires/dreams; for me and my family. Who else SHOULD I count on??
I remember a conversation not that long ago, where I asked how many deals you had done. I think your answer was, “Somewhere around 7, or 10?” as if you weren’t sure. But you’re counting them NOW aren’t you!! LOL! As well, you should!!!! Just look at ya Jen! You’re just leaving us all in the dust! But I don’t mind eating a little Alabama “red dirt”; if some of your knowledge and experiences you share, gets me where I need to go!! LOL!
When I was lost and flopping around, doing “busy work”, frustrated, no results, but tons of effort, no confidence; you put it to me VERY simply, and straightforward! I hung up the phone and said to myself; “Really; is she for real?” I thought about it for a few days and realized that “she must be right, or why would she even say it”? Sometimes we just can “hear” ourselves and it just takes another’s “tuff love” opinion before we get slapped in the face!!
Everything you’ve told me, every bit of advice you’ve given, has been SO spot-on!! I can’t believe it really is that simple. I didn’t say it isn’t hard because it most definitely is! But once I really believed that I could do this, and that all I had to do was JUST DO IT; my spirits lifted, my efforts doubled, and my confidence tripled!! I KNOW that I will very soon be able to call myself a successful REI…and I want to thank you Jen!
I completely concur with the “vulnerable” part on the internet, as sometimes I don’t “share” that easily myself. But I’ll read what you got….bring it own!!! If no one reads it, then that’s fine with me, too. Like you say; their loss, right?
BTW - I was wondering; do you type as fast as you talk?? LOL!!! Folks; you’d think this girl talks slow, being from the South….NOT!!!
Keep tearin' it up Jen and making us proud!!
Love ya!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
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www.windfall-properties.com
You show that it can be DONE! You rock girl!
It is CERTAIN I will SUCCEED! Every day in every way I am getting better and better! What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can ACHIEVE!!! Nothing will stop me, especially my thoughts... my negative thoughts are NOT me!
~Tammy
Jen,
Thank you for the motivation. YOu are such an inspiration to me and so many others. I too want to follow in your foot step as Val said one property at a time. it is easy as you said to get lazy after meeting a goal and then stumble around a bit. Thanks for the wake up call I will be there with you too !!!!
I feel it!!iT has been a long time coming but when I decided that no one is going to help me and I stopped thinking I had to wait for someones approval!!! Yea go figure... then I realized I am the only one holding me back.
I just love hearing your struggles because I can relate to it and then get back on track. WE all know you are a busy person Jen, thank you so much for taking the time to motivate us.
"Don't tell me I can't, Tell me how I can."
Thank you Jen for the inspiring post and the encouragement. I know that success is within me to achieve - I just need to work a little harder to make it happen. I wish you much success in all your future endeavors and best wishes in life.
Rick
Rick Merritt
Trident Realty, LLC
Weak is he who permits his thoughts to control his actions; Strong is he who forces his actions to control his thoughts. --Og Mandino
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Jen -
I echo what others have said about you being an inspiration! Hard words to hear for some people. I appreciate you hitting it hard head on about the work. I work with clients everyday. Some focus, listen and do the work. Others listen, read, research, read, research, go to a seminar, read, research, watch videos and read some more. Don't misunderstand me, reading and doing research and attending seminars are good within reason. None of it matters unless you are willing to do the work and TAKE ACTION! No one is going to take care of you but YOU!
Throw your fears aside and get to work!
You are great Jen! thank you for sharing your story
Karen
KEEP MOVING FORWARD
"If it is important to you, you will find a way. If not, you'll find an excuse."
_____________________________________________________________________________
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I am happy for you and your success. You certainly do have the energy and the fire within. Wishing does not make REI happen. You are so right. I look for insight and a new perspective and enjoy reading your posts. Keep on keeping on Jen. All the best to you.
great info
Congratulations, Jen!
You've surpassed your REI "centennial!"
Wow! ~Over 100 deals!!! Truly amazing! Atta girl, BamaGirl!
Happy Prospering! ~Kat, Liberty Residential Investment Acquisitions
• "To every thing there is a season, & a time to every purpose..." ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
• "Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy!" ~Dale Carnegie
• "Begin, be bold, and venture to be wise." ~Horace
• "Never, never, never give up." ~Winston Churchill
• "Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
What a great post! It was long but I couldn't stop reading it, thank you so much.
For reflecting the love of our Savior, for not being ashamed to name Him.
For being an inspiration to many.
For "doing all things heartily as unto the Lord" - it is work.
Very proud of you girl.
Blessings & Favor,
Gena.
Follow my Blog: www.genahoriatis.com
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
Psalm 1:1-3
You are inspiration not only to me and everybody on this site, but
to anybody who wants to achieve a success in anything they do!!
I am grateful for knowing you through reading your thoughts
- Truly believe in yourself! -
Dennis
Great post Jen. You said it all. You first post describes my journey and I am sure most all successful investors. Determination, action and faith. Without Dean and this website (I have to put Matt in there too) none of my success would have occured. I had faith that with the information I was gathering and the action on my part, good things would happen.
I am now closing on my 5th SFR, all rented with good cash flow. And yes I had no money, lousy credit, and looking at foreclosure. Thanks to Dean and Matt and everbody on this site.
Minnesota Bill