The Journal of the Daily Adventures of Indiana-Joe

Thanks for stopping by my jounral. I am glad this tip helped. I always believe if you can get one good lead from an advertising or marketing idea it is worth it. The great thing about this is you know theses are people who are defintely in the market for a property. Good luck and I look forward to readign about your future deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...The day started out cool but warmed up by late in the day. With the warm weather came the high winds but that was ok because it still was very pleasant to be outside and enjoy part of your day. The great thing about Spring is people are outside and about in their yards, walking around anbd just wanting to soak up the sunshine.

If you want to learn about the neighborhood "walk and talk" around the area. When you walk around you meet people and when you meet people you can talk about the area. You never know who you may meet or what information you may find out. Who knows a neighbor could tell you about the vacant homes or probate properties in the area. A little conversation might go along way to discovering that next deal.

I looked at some properties on Saturday and also spoke to a few other investors in the area. It seems like many of the banks in the area are still a little tight on providing loans. The biggest challenge ahead might be where property taxes will go. If sales prices and values fall, what will happen to assessed values of properties and the tax basis for property taxes. Any time you have a few rentals, you want to keep up with all the issues that might be affecting your cash flow from property taxes to insurance to average rental rates in the area.

I hope everyone had a great week and is enjoying their weekend. Make sure you go out today and enjoy part of your day in the sunshine. As you walk around or drive aroudn an area you may discover your latest deal! Believe and Acvhieve! - Joe

“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” ~ Helen Keller

...The day started out early as I got up for the early for mass and wanted to maximize our day. I had breakfast with one of my good friends whom is a CPA and we talked about accounting, the real estate market and the economy. It is always good to get others perspectives on what is happening in local real estate markets. He is swamped with tax returns and the April 15th deadline which is fast approaching.

I had an opportunity to take a drive and visit a train museum in Illinois. The weather was picture perfect and we had a fun filled day. I stopped and picked up a few of the free real estate books just to check-out the local market. I was tempted to stop at an open house but we wanted to stay ahead of the weekend traffic. We stopped at Claim Jumpers Restaurant and had a few burgers and those big pretzels.

Later in the day I read a few real estate articles and searched the new listings on-line. On Sundays I always try to look in our local papers and also on Craigslist. You never know what you may find. The key is to get your routine down and work your routine each day. Unfortunately, the day you decide to pass on checking Craigslist or the new listings could be the day you miss a great deal!

I hope everyone had a great weekend as we get ready to tackle the week ahead. There are new opportunities each week and we need to become aware of them as we go through-out our day. Good luck with real estate investing! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"When we consider a project, we really study it--not just the surface idea, but everything about it. And when we go into that new project, we believe in it all the way. We have confidence in our ability to do it right. And we work hard to do the best possible job." ~ Walt Disney

....The Monday blues are back as I headed into the Chicago Loop and noticed several drivers with a frown on their face. It is always to see how eager people are to get into the city and even more eager at the end of the day to get out of the city! This is all part of the daily grind, where often you say there has to be something better! As we know, that something better is real estate! Just having the knowledge and desire can move us into the right direction and provide hope for a better tomorrow.

In my local market nothing is moving so this is the time to make some rock bottom low offers. Sellers are motivated and may want to move their properties. If your area is similar start making offers and see the magic that may transpire! Now is the time to take action and make it happen! Are you ready? Great, lets go!

Choose an area you may like to invest in. Now list ou all the similar homes such as 3 bedroom 2 bath. List these from highest to lowest and note the proximity of the streets and the difference in amentities per home and price. You may want to eliminate the over priced and the really cheap that would need a ton of work. It's like a good cake, you are going to focus on the middle of the market. Look at the cluster of homes priced in the middle of this sliding price scale and choose several properties in the middle and make some agressive offers! What do you have to lose?

I hope everyone is having a great week, making some offers and having a little fun. The key is to enjoy each day as you move closer to your goals and dreams. You can do it! Real Estate is the way and Dean's books and programs will get you there! Good luck with real estate investing. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” ~ Gail Devers

So in your last entry you said "Nothing is Moving right now so now is the time to make rock bottom low prices." I have been making several offers using a Hard Money Lender but keep encountering the same problem. That problem is every property I go after has another offer on it. For example, one of my most recent offers was listed at $250K (a foreclosure) and I offerd $150K after assessing what I think the property is worth based on the comparables and the necessary repairs. The bank emailed my agent and said it already had an offer around $240K. This is happening over and over, but I'm hesitant to raise my offers. By the way, I'm in Everett, Wa (home of the Main Boeing plant) 20 miles north of Seattle.

How would you adjust your strategy accordingly?

Thanks for you input in advance

Jordan

Thansk for stopping by my daily adventure journal. I would keep using your strategy but try to make more offers on various properties. Look for small community banks and see if they will share their REO list with you. Chcek-out FSBOs and even try to find some motivated properties through estate sales, job transfers, etc. A seller could be motivated and just an offer today can make them take action. I also know a bank's motivation can change on a daily basis. Thus, if you see bank owned properties that have not moved, make another offer and keep them on your radar. I believe the next few months there will be even a greater inventory of homes and sellers will become motivated and begin to take offers they may have rejected just a few months prior. Good luck and keep up the good work! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

here in northeastern Indiana sellers are raising their prices hoping someone will be desperate enough to pay a higher price to get the tax credit. the houses are not worth what they are asking, but there are buyers out there paying close to the asking price, if not the asking price. could that be part of the challenge for others?

Thanks for stopping by ny daily adventure journal. People have to have a property under contract by April 30th so there is not much time. I believe the two things that are very important here are patience and finding the motivated sellers.

A seller's motivation will change over time. I believe come late summer, fall and winter, the potential deals will be unlimited with even more opportuinities. As investors we have to always be ready, have patience, display continuous effort by making multiple offers and we will find the motivated sellers. Keep up the good work and good luck on your future deals! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...The month of April is flying by and don't forget tax day on Thursday, April 15th! I guess a lot has to do with the beautiful weather we have been having in the Midwest! We have temperatures in the 70's ands it has been just terrific. They are forecasting 80 degrees for later in the week! I guess I can finally put away my snow shovel!

I have been having a great week as I am getting several things accomplished. There is nothing like having many things to do and feeling good at the end of the day for what we accomplish. Remember always try to focus and feel good about what you do complete rather than the things you do not.

I am putting properties on my radar and waiting to make a few offers after April 30th or when I see the price reductions. The key sometimes is being patient and keeping up with the market. I believe if I miss a deal that is okay because there are so many others just waiting to be found. Always be lookign ahead and don't worry about the ones behind you.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful week as we are almost have way through April. Make sure you make some time pursue your real estate adventure and locate a few gems in the next few weeks. Good luck finding that next real estate deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"Action is the real measure of intelligence.” ~ Napoleon Hill

...The weather was picture perfect today with temperatures reaching into the low 80's. Lake Michigan was sparling with shimmers of blue waves gently coming into the shore. There were so many joggers and bikers along the lakefront it was a like a picture from a weekend afternoon in late June.

Around lunch time, I went for walk around the city to get some fresh air and a little exercise too. Its always nice to enjoy the afternoon walking around the city, parks or lakefront. The day seemed to go very quick as I headed back to the office.

I called on a few properties later in the day, but did not make any offers. I have a few more homes to take a look at this weekend, so I hope to find a few hot prospects that I might make an offer on. The key is to keep looking because evenutually the deals will appear.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Don't forget tax return day is only 1 day away, April 15th. Good luck with your real estate investing. Remmebr just do your best and all else will eventually fall into place. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

really good advice in this post. things i need to be reminded of. thanks.

Keep up the good work and good things will happen. Just like the Spring, when we plant enough seeds those deals will start popping up. Its only a matter of time. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...Well today is Tax Day and I hope everyone got their tax returns filed or extensions filed. I have a few friends that own Accounting/Tax businesses and I know not to call them around tax week. They usually also need a few days to recover from (ATS) after tax season.

The week has been rather busy and I am enjoying following several leads on deals. I have been having some fun this week as I work on a few projects. It is great to have the opportunity to work on things you really enjoy.

I have been watching few properties but I believe I may make several offers but not until May. I want to give the sellers a few more weeks to become a little more motivated. I also saw there are open houses this weekend for a large auction in the area. If I get a chance, I may take a look at a few of these properties.

I hope everyone is having a great week and is in pursuit of that next deal. Make sure you take action and look at a few properties, run the numbers and see what others may miss! Good luck with real estate investing. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ~ Maria Robinson

.......Friday is here and the weekend is not too far away. The week has had pleasant weather and they are forecasting lower temperatures and possible rain for the weekend ahead. I hope we have at least sunshine because it is always fun to be out and about on the weekends. I just don't want to mow my lawn yet, because once you start its mowing until late October or early November.

I enjoy looking at the new homes on the market, driving new areas and even stopping at several open houses. You can always pick-up ideas on new styles or clever ways to use space in a home by viewing other homes. Sometimes staging a home is a necessity because people can't envision what a home could be if empty. Staging can be important when you are sellign but also when you buy and hold a proeprty and want to rent it.

I hope everyone has some good plans for this weekend and you work your action plans. As the weather gets warmer there will probably be even more properties on the real estate market. Are you tracking your local target market? Do you know what properties went contingent, which just sold and how many new listign come onto the MLS this week? All good information to know when you are tracking your local target market. The time is now to take action and find those deals. Good luck with your adventure! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be.” ~ John Heywood

.. The weekend is here and I had several errands to complete during my day. The great thing is I have a day off and I can also catch up on some things I have been meaning to get wrapped up. I enjoy the weekend and especially the extra hours I have in my day. Unfortunately many other people are off and the stores and town can be crowded if you go out at the peak times.

I read some real estate articles and called on a few new listings. Some of the listings were out of my target area but I wanted to find out more about another local area. Sometimes as you speak with other realtors they can provide a wealth of information to get you what you need to know about new areas you do not have much experience in.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Its time to relax, catch up on things such as sleep or household chores and to find that next deal. Be sure to call on a few properties today and setup a showing or 2 for Sunday. The more potential deals you see and run the numbers, the greater chance you will find that next real estate deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” ~ Tennessee Williams

....SUNDAY....SUNDAY....SUNDAY! The weekend is in full swing and as I went to mass in the morning I heard more good advice. We are often so busy with our day to day effortsthat at times we can become irritated by life's daily interuptions. The key is to welcome the interuption as part of life and never let those interuptions get you down. Chances are you could even be helping someone else so one persins interuptions is another's good fortune.

I often think about the people we all help as investors with real estate. When we are matching motivated sellers with motivated buyers we are providing a good service to an area and the overall economy. People that get homes and create a better environmen for their families is such a good thing. We should always be proud of the fact that we can make a difference even if it is one home at a time.

Today is the day you are going to make a difference for you, your family, your neighbors and your community. Be sure to do your best and things will happen. The more knowledge you acquire will continue to build you to great heights. As you help others, things will fall into place. Good luck with real estate investing. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children...to leave the world a better place...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

....Monday was a really great dau for me. I had sevberal things going and was more than happy to add several more to my plate. When you enjoy what your doing there is a certain amount of energy that kicks in to help you through the day. It is a nice feeling of accomplishment to clear things form your plate and then move on to the next task at hand.

I have been watching my local real estate market each day and it is interesting to see which homes and properties are selling. I always like to see why one home may sell over another or if homes on certain blocks or neighborhoods sell more quickly than in others. As you watch your target market, you will become more familiar each day as to the pulse of that market.

The offers I made last week were rejected but that's ok because I can resubmit them in a few days if I want. I never let rejected offers get me down because I try to learn something each time that better prepares me for my future offers. As long as you are in the game and trying your opportunity will come! Just have the faith and keep moving forward.

I hope everyone has a great week ahead. Make sure you put youy plan into action and work your to do lists. Keep calling and viewing properties because the deals will appear. Another good task is be sure to reread Dean's books. I know each time I reread one, I get more tidbits and ideas each time through. The more prepared you are the more deals that will appear! Good luck with your next deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” ~ Garrison Keillor

i was on the student call Tuesday night. you both did a great job! thanks for taking the time to do that.

Thanks for stopping by our daily adventure journal and the nice comments. We appreciate it. It is great to know there are so many real estate investors out there and we can share and exchange knowledge. Continued success and good luck on all your future real estate deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe and Stacey

....The week is underway as Tuesday is here. I have to admit that the month of April is flying by. I think the nice weather always makes the calendar move a little quicker than the long cold dreary days of the Winter season. I know that I will have to give in and now my lawn this weekend. I have put it off because I did not want to start too early. On my street the corner house gets mowed and it can be a chain reaction of lawn mowers all down the block.

I went to the grocery store and picked up the Free Waterfront properties book. they were out of the larger Free homes book. I always enjoy looking through the books in the morning, on my lunch hour or even at night. I enjoy seeing all the different properties, the various areas and any ads in the book. I also go on-line to look at the MLS listings on sites such as realtor.com.

I did not make any offers this week, but there are still properties I watch and up date on my radar list. I know more deals are coming and I just want to keep doing my "homework" to be ready for them. The more information you have on the market, the better decisions you can make.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Rememebr an important key is - Take Action! Be sure to check out those free home books and even hang a bandit flyer at your local stores, You never know when that next deal or lead will pop up. At least you will be ready for action as your continue on your adventure. Good luck with that next deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“I think there is something, more important than believing: Action! The world is full of dreamers, there aren't enough who will move ahead and begin to take concrete steps to actualize their vision.” ~ W. Clement Stone

...The sun is shining with temperatures in the low 50's. In the evening it has become chilly with temperatures dropping to the high 20's. I have the itch to turn off my furnace with Spring fever but I better wait a few more weks just in case. I wil lprobably have to get my lawn mower reafdy to go this weekend as I put my snow shovel away for the winter! (hip...hip...hooray!)

There are several large real estate auctions coming up in Illinois. If I get time I will probably go to a few. I enjoy seeing if I can get a "steal of a deal" and talking with others. This is always a great time to build your Buyer's List because so many of the people that attend these auctions are cash buyers.

You could probably fill out your buyer's list in one day if you have time to network before and after the event. Even if you just attend one to see how they are and get the feel, you will find it very interesting and probably time well spent.

I hope everyone is having a terrific week. The time is now! So as Dean often has stated..."Do not miss yoru window of opportunity!" Good luck finding that next deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and it has to exercise your creative instincts." ~ Richard Branson

....Thursday! Can you feel it? Well this means one thing - Friday is right around the corner. Hopefully its payday Friday and the start of a great weekend! In any event, I better not get a day ahead of my self. I have been having a tremendous amount of fun during the past few weeks getting some things done and just looking forward to the Spring and Summer.

I called on a few properties this past week and did not see anything too special to look at this weekend. I had met another helpful real estate agent at a open hosue a few weeks back and he contacted me about a few new listings, as well. The key here is to always make sure your realtor or realtors know the types of properties you want, in the prcie rnge you want them and the neighborhoods you want to buy in.

A little confirmation fo upfront inforamtion can save everyone time and effort. I usually inform my realtors that I would like properties in my target area at least at 25% off (or more) of fair market value (FMV). That way if they spot a deal or potential deal I will look at it.

Keep up the good work, set your A-team into action and watch for reactions. Good luck finding that next deal, keep making offers in pursuit of that next deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” ~ Henry Ford

....The week has flew by and the weekend is here. The 5 o'clock whistle sounded as I glide out of the downtown area on my way to start my weekend. I have plans this weekend for hittign a few garage sales (see my epic adventure journal) and then keep a look out for any real estate deals as well.

The weather had a chance of rain as I drove home. The waves on Lake Michigan were gently slapping against the shoreline. The small winter fences along the lake to prevent snow drifts ghave been takjen down and there were even a few boats out on Lake Michigan. The monro Harbvor had several boats docked and I am sure it is only a matter of weeks before the marina is almost filled.

I will decided to stop at the grocery store to pcik-up a few items and pick-ip a few of the free real estate books. Good luck with real estate investing! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

“If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything.” ~ Mark Twain

Hey Joe, I am catching up on your journal. You certainly are busy searching around for deals. Soon you and Stacy will be hitting multiple yard sales once the nice weather is here to stay. I too always grab the free house sale booklets from the local grocery store. I love looking through them and finding nice properties.
keep up the good work and good luck.
Richie.

Thanks for stopping by our daily adventure journal. We are glad Winter is over and Spring is finally here. There should be a lot more opportunitites finding some good deals with garage sales (for Craigslist/eBay) and keeping a look out for any real estate deals, as well. That way we can cover 2 businesses with one single effort! Wishing you continued success in all you do. Hope you have a great week! Believe and Achieve! - Joe and Stacey

....Saturay is here as I get ready to run my errand, check some yard sales, post some bandit flyers and have a little fun. As I check the calendar I realize that the Gain the EDGE 09 event as one year ago today, April 24-26, 2009. It is hard to believe how a year has flown by already. It is so true that before you know it time slowly passes by. It just seems like yesterday and to be a year, wow, time is flying by!

I drove the neighborhood and made note of several new listings in the area. It is interested to see many more homes now on the market. I can't believe the market is even becoming a little saturated with listings, so as i see it, prices will be coming down.

I spoke to a local banker on Friday that was confident that the prime rate would be going up soon and believed it would be going up at least 1 point or more before the next few months. The prime rate would probably drive up interest rates and if interets rates increase there may be even fewer people looking to buy a home. The increase in interest rates could also have an impact on inflation. Therefore, it will be interesting to see what happens and how these things could impact the housing market.

I hope everyone has a great week ahead. Keep up the good work and remember "don't put off until tomorrow what you can accomplish today". Good luck finding that next real estate deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"Somehow I can't believe there are any heights that can't be scaled by a man who knows the secret of making dreams come true. This special secret, it seems to me, can be summarized in four C's. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy and the greatest of these is Confidence. When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably." ~ Walt Disney

wow!! i don't read everyday and before you know it,you and rina have so many posts i'll have to take a time out and catch up lol.
i'm sure this has probably occured to you but just in case don't forget that yard sales are potentially re sales in the making.sometimes they're cleaning out their garage or attic preparing for a move,be sure to ask.
keep mioving forward,rob

Thanks for stopping by our daily adventure journal. Also, thanks for the reminder about the garage sale/real estate tip. It is always importnat to network with people any chance you get. Another good tip is always talk to the garage sale host and inquire about something. As you talk to them give them a business card. You never know where this may lead. Good luck with your future deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Can you believe that Summer is almost here? At times you also have to plan ahead because there are only 8 months until Christmas. You may laugh now but fast forward 7 and 1/2 months and you may be stressing at the mall wondering why you put off your holiday shopping. The key with shopping and other tasks is try to be organized and give yourself plenty of time to complete what you need to and then it won;'t be as stressful. Chances are the more organized you become, the more you will be able to accomplish.

I spent most of the day relaxing and going through some real estate listings on-line, in the newspaper and I even stopped at an open house. The day was filled with rain and high winds that were on and off throughout the day. At least it was not too cold and some what pleasant when it wasn't raining. As usually the weekend flew by as I returned hoem and got ready for another fun filled week.

I can't believe May is around the corner and I have to mow my lawn. That will probably be on the agenda for next weekend. Keep working your action plans and completing your goals! Have a great week and keep looking for that next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"People with goals succeed because they know where they're going."
~ Earl Nightingale

...Monday was here as another weekend is in the history books. Isn't it something how weekends can pass at warp speed? In any event, I was driving into work as the waves were coming into shore on Lake Michigan as the sun sparkled on the water it was a good day to be at the beach or park, but I still headed into work.

Around lunch I checked out few listings on-line and read some good articles. I found out that a local town passed an ordinance to charge several hundred dollars for a rental license for each unit a landlord has and each unit had to be inspected by the city. Thus, it is always impotant to stay current on your local area's ordinances so you can plan accordingly.

I hope everyone is having a great week as May will be here by next weekend. I know we are in full Spring ahead! Good luck finding that next real estate deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"The man who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore." ~ Dale Carnegie