OfflineI want to share my experience with everyone especially those people who may be a bit skeptical or maybe those who are not confident that they can succeed using Dean's strategies. It has not been easy, but I just got the paperwork for my 1st accepted offer!! I'm buying a bank owned property with absolutely none of my own money or credit. That's a good thing because I've been unemployed for the past 9 months so I have no money and my credit is fair at best. I have another offer that I expect will be accepted in the next day or two in addition to about 15 other open offers. How?? It's a long story, but I'll try to keep it brief. I purchased Dean's book in early May of this year, read it twice and joined the success academy at the end of May. Joining the success academy was a big deal for me being unemployed without much savings and a family to support. For the next couple of months, I did a lot of the coursework, studied this site for hours every day, looked at properties and tried to figure out which direction to go. Then, another setback. August 19, I had open heart surgery to correct a valve problem and an aneurysm which could have killed me at anytime if not discovered during tests. Upon my release from the hospital, I decided it was time to do something that I've read about and heard Dean talk about hundreds of times. That was to TAKE ACTION!! I had nothing but time as my activities were limited as I recovered and regained my strength. What better time then now? I called a real estate investment club close to my house to inquire about their meetings and membership, etc... Much to my surprise, the person I had contacted was an officer in the club and his wife was the VP. We talked awhile and I told him of my situation and what I wanted to do and I still cannot get over his response. He told me to bring him the deals and he would put up the money and we'd split the profits. He went on to say that if he didn't want my deals, he has at least 8 other buyers that he could pass the deal along to. Ok, so now I had a buyer's list and it only took one phone call! By the way, I joined the REI club and will probably become an officer when elections are held next year. You cannot have too many friends like that!! Next, I found a realtor by using the agent interview questions discussed in Dean's book and info on this site. I decided to target bank owned properties and HUD properties and spent September looking at homes and researching values and developing an offer strategy. I started making offers in October and quickly learned that HUD properties probably weren't for me as they usually go for amounts higher than their listed price in my target areas (suburbs of and select areas in Indianapolis). I incorporated Matt Larson's 25:1 idea and started making offers on bank owned properties. In the last 3 weeks, I've placed approximately 35 offers with 15 of them still open, one accepted and another very close. Two of them have gone back and forth with counter offers from the banks and me resubmitting my original bids. We get closer each week, but unless I can acquire a house for 35% off FMV less the cost of repairs, then I pass on the deal. I plan on continuing with my partner for 3-5 deals until I build enough capital to finance my own deals. My first deal will net me about $10K-$15K. If I get the 2nd as I expect, I will net approximately $20K. My goal that I set for myself at the beginning of October was 5 deals before the end of the year. I'll keep pushing and keep 15-20 offers on the table at all times. When I achieve my goal, I will be "retired" from the work force forever. REI is like a freight train...Once you're rolling, it's tough to stop! I apologize for the length of this but I just wanted to show everyone that regardless of your financial situation, you can succeed by using Dean's strategies and TAKING ACTION!!
Bill
THANKS BILL.. I NEEDED THAT!!
That is an amazing story! Thanks so much for sharing that! I'm glad to hear that it worked out for you!
Success and Nothing Less!
Good job Bill, keep your goal.....
Everyone Can Make A Difference!
John A.
Bill,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Good luck with reaching your goal of 5 deals by the end of the year. Sounds like you are well on your way to achieving it. Keep us posted on your progress.
Bruce
"Success is overcoming obstacles on the way to achieving your dreams"
- Karl Mecklenburg(former linebacker for the Denver Broncos)
Bill,
Thanks for the post. I've been looking into REI for about 15 years now and haven't purchased a single property yet. I've seen deal after deal just pass me by and to tell you the truth it makes me sick to my stomach. I have other family obligations that make me very hesitant, "scared", to take the next step.
However, your post is an inspiration. What I need to do is just get off my butt and take a chance, I'm just worried if it will all be worth the risk?...
I'm sure it will be, "but" I'm scared of failure, scared of what others might say, scared of losing my marriage by wrecking our finances if something goes wrong... just scared.
Didn't mean to vent on your blog, but I've been really bothered by my lack of action in probably the best REI enviroment I will ever see in my life time.
Good luck and I hope to get started just like you very soon.
Thanks.
Brian Carter
Way to make it happen!!!!
Thanks Brian. I can understand being scared. It's human nature to be afraid of risk. I have also learned that knowledge and preparation go a long way towards minimizing risk. God has given me a second chance and I want to make the most of it. I want my children to go to college. I want my wife to be able to go back to school so she can pursue her passion for being a teacher. I want to go to Dave Ramsey's financial counselor training program so I can help others and I want to leave behind a legacy that my children and grandchildren will be proud of and benefit from. All of this is within reach because of Dean's strategies. My only risk so far was for the success academy. After my 5th deal, that money will be returned to me per their agreement. As for what others think of me, I have never cared about that and probably won't start caring anytime soon. For what it's worth, I wonder what people around me will think when I no longer have a mortgage and don't go to work everyday?? Please don't get caught up in worrying about risks with Dean's methods. There are strategies in his books and on this site that have virtually no risk. All you need is the knowledge and desire and the knowledge is right here. Go for it!!
Bill,
Thank you for your post. It really gives me a "push" to start.
Believe me it is needed!
Congrats Bill,
It's great that you found an agent to make those offers. A great agent is key in getting all those offers in. Now that you have deals being accepted, your agent will be much more motivated and will believe that the 25:1 strategy works in any area as Dean has said all along. I'm sure you will have many more deals to come. I'm looking forward to sharing my story as well as soon as deals I have on the table now are accepted. Congrats again!!
"You were born as an Answer to a Problem"
Bill,
For the last 2 weeks I have been 'knuckling down' and learning all I can in Dean's books and on this site after work every night and I needed your 'push' of inspiration.
Along with everyone else who has read your testimony, I want to shout a HUGE, LOUD **THANK YOU**!
I have no private transportation at present (I have been using that as another 'excuse' for not taking action) so I guess God wants to find out how serious I really am about changing my future because a FSBO sign popped up in the yard last week of a property that I think is a pre-foreclosure; 2 BLOCKS DOWN MY STREET!
After reading your blog tonight I now have the 'gumption' to call the number in the morning and ask for the particulars of their situation.
That's why I am so glad I decided to join this site: other people just like myself helping each other, together, to achieve our individual goals! It is an AWESOME POWER!
I'm tired. I'm rambling. Gotta get some sleep.
Bill, thanx again!
Jeff
* * * * * -> ->
<- <- * * * * *
TODAY is God's gift to me.
What I do with it is my gift to God.
Yesterday is a cancelled check.
Tomorrow is a promissory note.
TODAY is CASH-IN-HAND. How am I going to invest it?
Great job on the first deal! It's inspiring to hear that you turned a potentially negative situation into a positive one. I'm glad to know that you have overcome the biggest obstacle.....the first deal. I hope to join you soon.
Keep up the great work!
Rick Merritt
Trident Realty, LLC
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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Bill,
We all love to hear stories like yours! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!
~Richard
Thank you for sharing your uplifting and inspirational story.
Take care,
Lea SPR Property Solutions, LLC
Thank you for your words of encouragement, Bill!
Like yourself, 2009 brought about the unexpected turn in career and position too! Unemployed for the first time ever has been the blessing in disguise for me and my family. My wife and I are very new to real estate investing and taking action at different paces toward our goals each day. Learning from Dean's books and the gracious members on this site makes the change of direction very exciting and real. It's like we are all learning and growing together. I'm enjoying the experience and having fun, like Dean says "with childlike enthusiasm". I look forward to hearing more, so keep us posted when the freight train pulls in!!!
Blessing to you and your family, in health and strengthening your heart. And your 1ST Deal, and 2ND, and 3RD...
Aloha,
Randy
Great job Bill!
The first time doing anything is always the hardest but you broke through that barrier and made it happen! Remember...no one has the power to change your life but YOU! I'm very proud of you! You are an inspiration for us all
Its only the beginning!
Congrats!
Karen
Congrats Bill, You hit a home run with one call. glad to hear your ok and on your way to recovery physically and financially.
good luck
Richie.
This is an amazing story. You've definitely rekindled some hope in everyone who hasn't done their first deal yet. Thanks for sharing the story and Good Luck!
Those are the kinds of stories that keep me motivated! Thanks a bunch!
Dominic
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Kudos to you for not letting your obstacles stop you, even though they were some serious, life-threatening ones. This is a great story of inspiration and determination. Nothing will stop you from seeing your future success, because you have determined that it won't. I know it is a great feeling to have that first offer accepted, and to know that you have made important connections to making your dream come true even faster. This is definitely a people and a numbers business, and you have the key in your hand.
God bless, and congrats again!!!
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
Way to go Bill. Please keep us posted on house #2. Your story should be an inspiration to all. You turned your mountain into an ant hill! Props to the acadamy also. Way to go!
Oh, one other thing. I am glad you shared with ous that YOU called the local REI club and made a contact. Remember to ask for the things you would like. You just might get it!! I hope everyone has a great day and may we all find that deal of the century (you can find them everyday!!he he)!
Earl in MI
Earl in MI
DG
2%ER
RBBP
Lifetime Member
First, Bill, that is great to hear...that this is a REAL site; not just here to make money for the owner. Congratulations! Your on your way and stay healthy. Second, Brian...thank you for sharing your fears. I think, for those of us that are beyond our forties, what you spoke of are our fears. You've put it into perspective for me. And, third, Jeff...thanks for those great words, especially at the end of your post. Beautiful... From you three guys to my husband's ears. This is proof that he is not the only one that thinks, fears and is stifled by disbelieve in self!!
Gratefully,
Yolie
ZepInvest
Thanks Bill and congratulations. I need that kind of motivation as well. Please keep us posted.
LA
Everytime you repeat the words "I CAN DO IT" with conviction, you cancel or override your fear and increase your confidence. By repeating this affirmation over and over, you can eventually build your courage and confidence to the point where you are unafraid. -Brian Tracy-
Bill, thanks for the story. You provide great inspiration. And I needed it on a really "rainy" day. Would love to know how the deals work out.
RC
Thanks for that info. Right now I'm doing assignments, and really needed that. I'm supposed to close on one of my assignments today, but haven't heard back from the lawyer to confirm.....hopefully this will go through.
Destrie
Destrie
Failure Is Not An Option
Great story! Congratulations on the success thus far. Hope to hear more stories from you in the future. Good Luck!
You have made my day. I got the book about a month ago and it seem like things are moving so slow for me ,and I can not afford the academy at the moment to have that guidance so it's nice to hear that ANYONE can do this!! Blessings to you and I wish you great success in all that you do.
I decided to take action myself just yesterday. Even if it's just getting on this site and reading the success stories everyday, that will bring me closer to my goals. You have proved me wrong again, LOL!!!
"Your ability to succeed is only limited by your ability to conceive that success in your mind. Believe and it shall be."
Money flows EASILY to me!
I am a money MAGNET!
I CREATE money!
I have enough money for ALL of my wants and needs!
Bill just wanted to say THANKS MAN!! your story just brightened my day! It's a story like yours that makes me see a light at the end of the tunnel!Keep up the good work & stay healty!!!
Thanks for sharing that information. I have a lot of nasayers around me but I still feel that this is what I want to do. Everytime I hear about someone succeeding it gives me that much more help. The biggest problem I have is fear. This story helps me get over the fear. The second biggest problem is the area I live. All the houses in this area are very high priced. So I am looking outside my area. I found 5 houses in various stages of construction and they want $200,000 for all 5. I have a call into the ad and I hope to be able to get these places for a lot less. If anyone knows of anyone looking for houses in the Kingman area let me know. I think this could be a win-win for a lot of people and get me rolling using Dean's program.
John Doss
I'm happy for you and wish continued success to you. I hope to get myself some deals going here.
They told me I couldnt, So I did it.
The motivation for me, is them telling me what I cannot be.