The Journal of the Daily Adventures of Indiana-Joe

Just wanted to comment on your post. That was really meaningful and thought the quote was great!

You are right about the the month flying by. You are right also about the fall deals people want to move before winter sets in.

On your GPS we used a TOM TOM when we were out in Chicago last March. We were going to the Museum of Science and Industry and the GPS was telling us to go north to 22nd st but I knew it was around 57th st. That always makes for a fun family outing with the GPS yelling turn here my wife telling me I am lost. We did find it ok with the old paper map. It had been 9 years since we were there last and we came in from the I 57 side insted of the I 80 that I knew well.

Steve

......Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure journal. I am glad to hear you liked the post. Each day we can learn and grow as we move forward on our journey. It is okay to take the road less traveled to see where it miught lead. Good luck on all your future deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.,..Thanks for stopping by my adventure journal. I am glad to hear your Indiana deal is moving along. Another great route to the Museuem of Science and Industry is via Lake Shore Drive. That can be a very scenic drive. I use to pass the Field Museum, Soldier Field and the Museum of Science and Industry on a daily basis. It is one drive don't miss except for the terrific sunrises over Lake Michigan. Have a great week. Looking forward to visiting sunny California. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....November is here and we only have 2 months left for the Year 2010! It is never too late to get started or to work your action plan. It is enough time to make a real estate deal happen. I believe now in November to the end of January is the best time of year to find deals. Most people are getting ready for the holiday season and usually do not want to move during the winter (can depend on your location and change of seasons).

The key to finding a deal is reviewing many properties by running the numbers and making many offers. You are bound to find a few deals if you make enough offers. Each day can be an adventure and a challenge. It is how we handle the challenges each day that may determine our future. There are so many things that might be out of our control, we can't worry about. Only try to spend time on things you can handle and make a change. It will be time well spent.

In life there can be things we may never understand. Things can happen and we wonder why they happened. Keep moving forward and doing all the right things. Life can be short so make the most out of each day and soon you will discover more joy in every day of the year. You can do it! The next real estate deal is closer than you think. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth -- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up -- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." - Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

....The second day of November brings the elections and it reminds me of an old Chicago saying where people would exclaim on Election Day to" Vote early and vote often!" Those days may have changed but you still might be getting rolled over by tv ad after tv ad to promote politicians running for office. Promises will be made and often in the future you may reflect back on how many of these election promises will actually be kept.

I feel like Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes where he would say something like....Do you ever wonder how much money goes into a campaign or on those tv ads? Do you wonder why people spend millions to run for an office than only pays thousands? If you took all the money spend on campiagns could that really get a handle or put a dent in the country's deficit?....etc. I am a little burned out by all the election hype.

Recently I exited an expressway and saw more than 100 campaign signs. Yes, that's right....100 campaigns signs near a town that has an ordinance aqgainst "bandit signs"? What is wrong with this picture? Don't get me wrong, I am all for the right to vote and I believe we should vote and bring people in office that care about the people of our country and/or state of residence. I believe we have great opportunity in pursuing the American Dream. We should never lose sight of the American spirit and the entreprenuerial American Dream.

Here is the tip of the month that is even a green or recycleable environmental friendly tip for all. All those old election signs can make for awesome bandit signs. You already have the sticks for the ground, the base and the backing for your sign. You may even be able to turn the sign inside out and "PRESTO"! So when your driving the area and you see 10 old signs or the neighbor has 5 old signs by the curb, there can be your next opportunity.

Good luck with finding that next real estate deal and make sure your letting everyone know that you are in real estate. You can do it, if you tell everyone what it is you are looking for! Business cards, Bandit signs and even Banners!......Oh My! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Season:
"People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing." - Walter H. Judd

...The weather is being to feel like Winter as we started trhe day with cloudy skies, wind and rain. They evene forecasted snow flurries by th end of the day. Most people will be putting away their lawn mowers for their snow shovels. In the next few weeks it will be interesting to see what type of weather is in store for us.

The day was very busy as we had to take care of several things. In life you never know what hand may be dealt to you at what time so you must try to deal with each road bump as they come along. Some road bumps are easier to handle than others, however you do your best to make it through another day. In real estate we speak about a sphere of influence and your Power Team to be important to your success with real estate. This sphere of influence is just as important for the day to day things we may run into.

I hope everyone is having a terrific week and learning more about their local real estate markets. The more you learn the better offers you may be able to present. The better offers may lead to even better deals. Keep reviewing deals and keep making offers to lead you that much closer to your next real estate deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.” - Mark Victor Hansen

...The week was passing by as we had to run several errands and see to taking care of some things. At least once during the day you should take a few minutes and relax and do something for yourself. Each day can be a rush on to the next and before long we often say where did the day, week, month or year go? Make today the day that you get a little extra time for you.

I heard on the radio that this Saturday will be Daylight Savings Time where we turn our clocks back (Fall Back) one hour. It just seemed like the Spring where we were springing forward an hour. We will get an extra hour this weekend, so I plan on using it on sleep. Well, maybe not but at least that's a good plan. Isn't it great having a 25 hour day? Also, don't forget to test and change those batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!

Have you updated your radar of homes in your target area? Now is the time to make offers and keep your radar of homes your watching up to date. Make offers, resubmit prior offers and be persistent. You never know when a seller's motivation may change. Have a great rest of the week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quotes of the Day:

"A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life." - Charles Darwin

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." - John Burroughs

"Life is never easy for those who dream." - Robert James Waller

....Friday is here and the weekend is almost within grasp. I noticed that many stores were having huge sales before the day after Thanksgiving Mega Sales. It may be a good time to do a litle shopping but don't forget your business cards, fliers, bandit signs, and car magnets when you go to the mall. If you have can't put up signs make your car that billboard in motion! A little preparation may lead to that next real estate deal.

As you drive to the malls be sure to watch for any FSBO signs as well as other listings. You may be even able to stop at an open house or two. Get an early start and you will get more done before 12 noon than others will get done for the entire day. As Benjamin Franklin stated..."Time is Money!"

I hope everyone has a great weekend. If you are in Daylight Savings Time don't forget to turn back those clocks on Saturday! This is your opportunity to have 25 hours in a 24 hour day on to even "turn back time"! Good luck locating and locking up that next real estate deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it." - M. Scott Peck

....Saturday is here and the weather is rather cold. In some areas they received 3 to 4 inches of snow! (Burrrrr!) It is hard to believe that Winter is just around the corner. It would be a great time to plan a sunny get-a-way for the Winter time. A little planning could go a long way.

I went to the home depot to purchase batteries to change in the smoke detectors and a few ligths for the ceilign fans. I like the lights that are the double life because you do not have to chaneg them as often. Some light fixtures make it a real challenge just to get to the light bulbs. One tip is to write down the type of light bulbs for each fixtue if they are different than the standard light bulb size.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. The time is now to find that next real estate deal. Don't forget to turn back your clocks tonight if you live in the Daylight Savings Time area. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the day:
"Defer no time, delays have dangerous ends.” - William Shakespeare

Joe,
I find your diary and enthusiasm inspiring; thanks! Question; What do you think is my best marketing approach for such a severely depressed area? I live on the mid-state indiana/michigan lines. I find deals in homes, but few buyers willing or able to buy. the locals have no job or little money and the investors are cautious of this depressed state. I have a three rentals, and its hard to get a qualified renter into the homes; no job, on assistance, unemployment, depleted funds....

your input is appreciated.

Susanchristine

...Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure journal. The key is to find properties that people want to buy or rent. Are they near employment the freeway, etc.? Are they 3 or 4 bedroom homes? Try to determine a niche for what people may desire and fill that niche with available properties for people to rent or own.

If you find the properties the buyers or tenants should be available. One idea you may want to try is a rent-to-own or also known as a lease with an option to buy. If this does not attract interest try to find properties in another area that is as close to you as possible. I always say try to start in your own town and keep casting your net out wider and wider until you find the target market you desire. I hope this helps. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

......Daylight Savings Time officially began today and the warmer weather was returning in the Midwest. It is hard to believe it is November and we are experiencing temperatures in the 60's. It is a great time to maximize our weekend, drive the area, visit open houses. Your weekend efforts can lead to Monday morning offers and Tuesday deals (accepted offers).

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Keep driving your neighborhood for real estate deals. They are out there, have you seen any? Good luck and keep reaching for the stars. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"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

Hey Joe, been a long time since I visited your journal, sorry for that
I always enjoyed your posts about your day. It relaxes me lol. I see your still writing some good ones filled with RE treats for all to take in.
keep up the great work.
Wishing you and the family the best.
Richie

....Thanks for stopping by my daily adventure journal. Hope all is going well and your enjoying the Fall season. Good luck on all your future real estate deals. We look forward to seeing you at Dean's Gain the EDGE 2011 event. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....The weekend went by very fast as we are starting another week. The day light is now a little shorter because of daylight savings time. I had decided to pass out some fliers in one of the target areas i had an interest in. I hope to find a few new leads that could lead to another deal. The more we do to generate leads the more potential success we may have.

The weather was so nice this week that it is hard to believe it is November. The temperature was close to 75 degrees today. It sure felt good to not have to wear a jacket while I was out and about. There are plenty of neighbors out in the neighborhood raking up leaves. This is a good time to speak with people as you look into other neighborhoods. The key is smile and be friendly, you never know what you may find out or who you might meet.

I hope eveyrone is having a great week. Meet a few new people this week and make some new friends. Your sphere of influence will continue to grow each day. Good luck finding that next real estate deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.” - Tennessee Williams

....The month of November is off to a fast start. I can't believe how fast the year continues to pass by. The weather the past few days has just been remarkable. To have 70 degree days in November in the midwest is a real bonus. It is a great time to be out and about driving those areas looking for deals.

I hope everyone is having a gret week and be sure to maximize your weekend. Are you going to be looking at any deals this weekend? Are you ready to run the numbers to see if the deal will work? Do you have good solid comps for properties that have sold during the past 3 months in your target market area? Be sure to know what is happening in your market so you can make better offers and lock up more deals! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Mickey Mouse popped out of my mind onto a drawing pad 20 years ago on a train ride from Manhattan to Hollywood at a time when business fortunes of my brother Roy and myself were at lowest ebb and disaster seemed right around the corner." - Walt Disney

.....The sunshine was shining and I had an opportunity to see some new potential deals. The most fun is being able to run the numbers on a potential deal and figure out what the most you might offer to get the profit you or your end buyer desires. The more potenital deals you review the greater the chances of finding that next great deal.

I spoke with a few different real estate agents that were sending me listings and comps. Have you noticed that various agents can send various active lsitings to you and various comps even though you request the same inforamtion for the same area? That is why it is key for you to learn your target market and come to a reasonable basis for your decisions based on the information you review that realtors may help you gather.

I had an opportunity to meet another couple for dinner that were real estate investors. They were a wonderful couple and we really enjoyed dinner with them. It was a great time as we discused various techiques and tips. It is always a great time to talk real estate with others that share your same passion. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. Keep searching for that next great deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also depends on what kind of a person you are.” - C.S. Lewis

Just heard back from the realtor regarding our offers we made last week. It looks good for the next few deals. These would be perfect deals to pass on to other investors. Let me know which ones to pass along from the offers we made last week. There are also a few counters we should consider. If other DGers have an interest in Midwest deals, just let us know. Carpe diem! :0) -Stacey

Just wanted to let you know your great advice from your e-book
resonated. It took me a while, but I finally listed my first item,
for bid, and I'm learning the ins and outs of what makes a good
auction. So far the bidding is going nicely, I have another
eight items I'm going to be listing, and I'm looking forward to
this being an ongoing sideline endeavor.

Thank you for the how-to guide.

Kim

Can't believe it has been 6 months since the EDGE!!!

I was so great to meet the two of you! Looking forward to seeing you again at the next EDGE!

.........Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure journal and thanks for the update. Each day continues to be a new adventure. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....Thanks for stopping by my daily adventure journal. I am so glad to learn you have started on ebay to turn that clutter into fast cash. It is a great way to buy local on Craigslist and sell global on eBay! Keep up the good work because now is such a prime time to be selling on eBay. I packed so many tips, techniques and strategies into the book, I know it can help you sell in so many ways! Good luck and have a great day. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...Time sure flys when your having fun. Thansk for stopping by the daily adventure. I can't wait until Dean's Gain the EDGE 2011. I look forward to seeing you and so many of our other DG friends. Keep up the greata work with real estate! Believe and ACchieve! - Joe

......The weekend was moving by as we decided to drive the area later in the day to look for any new FSBO listings. I enjoy driving my local target area because you never know what you may find.

I enjoy calling the FSBOs to see how motivated each seller might be. If you contact the FSBO seller, be sure to ask for an email to follow up with each one. Often they become discouraged and may decide to list their property with a realtor. This may be a great time to negotiate a deal with this motivated seller.

The weekends are always good to attend a few open houses. What is the best day of the week for you to work real estate? Are you making the mnost of your real estate free time? Have you attended any open houses yet this weekend? If not what are your plans for the week? Be sure to write out your plan and work your plan to make progress.

I hope everyone had a great weekend as well as a great week ahead. The next deal could be a phone call away so be sure to make the most of each day. Be sure to be persistent and keep moving a littl forward each day. The progress you make will carry you farther than expected. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” - Calvin Coolidge

....It is the start of a new week as November 2010 is officially half over. Can you believe there is only 46 days left in 2010. Now is the time to start planning your goals for 2011 and try to get a headstart before year's end. Each year can be a fresh start that we can make the most out of. Will 2011 be your turning point or launch toward success in real estate investing?

I called a few realtors and inquired about a few new listings I saw on the internet. I also requested some additional comps. Each day try to keep up with your local real estate market to know what is selling, how fast it sells and at what price. This knowledge you gain will be priceless as you follow your local target market areas.

I made a few more offers and we are waiting to see if any get accepted or countered. Now is the time to take action and make many offers. The time between now and New Year's can be a slow time for selling real estate so sellers may be come a little more motivated than normal.

Good luck finding that next real estate deal. Be sure to get those goals updated for 2011. The next deal is right around the corner. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” - Confucius

.....Even though I wish I was enjoying the sun and surf of Maui, the weather has been picture perfect in the Midwest. We have enjoyed so many days thus far over 60 degrees. I went into a store yesterday and I saw the store's snow shovel and 6 bags of ice melt (snow salt) all stacked very neatly in the corner. It was kind of funny to see this buit I realized that we could get cold and snow any day now.

What is the lesson to be learned here? It is always good to be prepared for the unexpected! Do you have your Power Team built yet? If so, "do you have depth on your bench"? Are you looking to recruit new power team members before you need them or will you frantically search for these key players when the need arises?

Make today the day you review your Power team line-up. Where are your weak links? Where do you need more depth? Is your team made up of the right players? Do your players have your best interest in mind? The road to your success is in the strength of your power team. The key word to remember is leverage, leverage leverage! Leverage the time of others to assist you in getting where you want to go! Your Power Team can take you there! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Just stopped by to say hello. Lately, I have had very little time to read the amount of posting like I did in the past. This weekend, I was sick like a dog with the flu. I am feeling a little better today.

Sandra

....Thanks for stopping by my daily adventure journal. I know ou must be busy and I hope all is going well for you with real estate investing. I alway enjoy reading your posts. I hope you feel better from the flu. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading more of your posts and future deals. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

I just wanted to say that I enjoy reading your posts. I always find something new that I didn't know about. And I really enjoy your quotes. Some of them really hit home.
My partner and I are new to REI but with Dean's books and the PMI program we are taking action! We have gotten alot done in the past few days. It's very exciting to see it all come together. Everyday is an Adventure and we are sooo ready for it!
Thanks again for the encouragement and for sharing like you do! It is greatly appreciated!

Lora Hippler
Integrity Texas Real Estate Investments
Hemphill, Texas