The Journal of the Daily Adventures of Indiana-Joe

.......Thanks for stopping by my daily adventure journal. Dean's books and programs have really given us the path and direction for succeeding in real estate investing. I enjoy being on the DG.com website because of the like minded people. You are right that sometimes if others do not have the same passion for things you do, it can be frustrating for them. That way the DG.com website is filled with like minded investors. Thanks for taking the time to read through my adventure, each day a new chapter continues to unfold. Good luck with real estate investing. I look forward to reading your future posts. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....The snow finally came to an end as the Chicago Airports reopened after the Winter storm. I often thought about the holiday movie classic "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" where Steve Martin and John Candy were tryng everything they could to get home for the Thanksgiving holiday. A warm cleam hotel room is better than sleeping in the airport.

I spoke to a few new realtors and received a few more listings. I also have to follow-up with about 4 or 5 REO asset managers that forward me their REO inventory. I believe several were anxious to move things before year end. I will probably make some crazy low offers just to see what happens.

As the temperature dips down to single digits I will be working from home today. Dreaming about those palm trees, sandy beaches and warmer places (Aloha). I hope everyone has a great week. Find some deals before year end, you have 2 weeks. Lets keep rolling, reviewing deals and making offers! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“You may delay, but time will not.” - Benjamin Franklin

first i want to thank you for the fun in the sun contest again.karen and i had an amazing time in the sunshine and blue ocean !! we went to bahamas,puerto rico,grand turk and st thomas !!! EVERY day was fabulous sunshine !!! i def want to organize a dg cruise next yr and would ask for your help as i know u r very organized and great at making things happen.i mentioned this on a few posts but did not get alot of response ...prob due to my not marketing it so well but anyway i would like to make it a reality hopefully next yr !! i think it would be awesome.maybe have a tax preparer,rei agent ,attorney,dg investors,dean,staff to make it a learning experience.also maybe check out some deals on each port ?? i know you would have some great ideas and hopefully we could make it happen !!! and enjoy the sun !!! i cant wait for the edge event this yr too !!!!! thanks for all your inspiration and tips and tell stacey hi for me and karen !!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS
jay

...Thanks for stopping by my Daily Adventure Journal. I am so glad to hear you and Karen had wonderful time on the cruise. You earned it and did a fantastic job on the Fun in the Sun Ebay/Craigslist contest! A Cruise next year sounds like a great plan. Maybe we can work out the details and discuss it with Dean at the EDGE 2011. I would be happy to assist you in any way I can. We wish yo uand your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We will have to chat in the next week or so, I have an abudnace of leads on some new deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....There is nothing like being on vacation in Hawaii. We have enjoyed the islands for the past few years and had an opportunity to visit 4 islands on a recent trip. It was an awesome experience from Ka'anapali Beach and Front Street in Maui to Waikiki Beach on Oahu. Be sure to box up some of those tasty treats along with the sun, surf and sand.

Also, be sure to keep your eyes open for any real estate deals. I have seen some listing on Maui in excess of 800 days on the market! These sellers just might be motivated! Have a great trip. Believe and Achieve! Mahalo. - Joe

.....The week is flying by as temperatures are in the single digits. There are plenty of holiday decorations in the local area as I am still driving the area looking for FSBOs. It is fun to drive the area with a hot cocoa and listening to holiday music as you drive the neighborhood in search of the next deal.

I had one of my REO agents call me about a new listing in my target area. The listing is open to owner occupants but after 15 days it is fair game for all buyers. Thus, I went through the property and instructed my agent to submit my bid if the home was still available in the 15 days. The home was vacant nad unfortunately someone broke in to steal the copper wiring and cut out a majority of the copper piping for the home. This could be thousands of dollars in work and what they took will probably only get them $100 to $150 for the recycling.

Thus, as you look at those vacant homes be sure there is wiring and copper piping. Your checklist might get a little longer but it is worth the extra time to ensure you do not have costs you did not expect. That's why it is beneficial to look at various homes for practice and with each deal you review you will get better at what to look for as part of the overall due diligence process.

I hope everyone has a great week. Are you looking for a package deal? 'Tis the season! Keep doing what your doing and the deals will come. Is today going to be the day? Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination.” - Tommy Lasorda

Good info on the wiring. People who steal copper will also go into the attic for wiring (in case they didn't on the property you looked at.) A law was recently passed saying that the buyers of copper have to buy it from 'official trucks' but they are making money and this law wont' stop them.

I enjoyed reading your post about remembering those you work with. You are so right. I bet people who worked for you were always willing to go the extra mile

Lea

......Thanks for stopping by the daily journal. Each day I continue to learn along the adventure. The key sometimes is expect the unexpected and try to exceed expectations. Hope your having a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....The weather was cool and crisp. I waas traveling to meet with a group of investors. It is always fun to see a new area and work with new investors. Yo ucan learn alot about another market and real estate in general.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Be sure to setup some appointments for this weekend. A little plannign can go a long way. Hope you have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.” - Vincent van Gogh

...It is hard to believe how fast the year is passing by. Can you believe Christmas is only 1 week away? Did you get all the items you need? Have you starting wrapping gifts? Better get started if you are running a little behind.

I hope everyone is having a great week. I had an opportunity to take another look at a tough real estate market. Many people were convinced you could not lcoate any affordable deals. Well, it was interesting to see deals between $500k and $1 million dollars.

As we dug deeper we found deals for under $200k and even under $100k in the same area! The deals are everywhere you just have to keep looking for them. Be sure to fill your stocking this holiday with many offers and there may be some deals coming your way in the new year!

If you are not getting the leads you need or your realtor is not providing you enough potential deal then you nee to determine what you need to do to chaneg for 2011. Remember to keep the lead funnel filled and the deals will sift out. Have a great weekend! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” - William Arthur Ward

This is a good post. Sometimes when we live in a tough mkt with higher prices (CA) we get frustrated.

Just dig deeper!

Happy Holidays! Stay warm.

Karen

...Thanks for stopping by my Daily Adventure Journal. During the past 6 months I have been able to travel from coast to coast to look at the various real estate markets. There have been deals everywhere. Sometimes it is like peeling an onion or casting a wider net. The more you look, the more you find. Good luck locking up that next real estate deal. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...The last weekend before the Christmas holiday was upon us. I noticed there were so many people rushing around trying to get their last minute errands complete. It can be a very festive time of year if we slow down and enjoy the festivities.

As you continue on your adventureous journey with real estate, do not forget to slow down sometimes to enjoy and even embrace some of the time along the way. I was speaking to one of my childhood friends a few weeks back. He is ambitious and owns his own business. He went on to tell me how he was always striving to get to the next level. I often think he never reflected or appreciate what level he obtained over the years. It was always about getting to the next level for him. He is successful but I often think is he really living life or just focusing on getting to the next level?

Make some calls, review some deals and make some offers this week. It is a perfect week to make offers since so many others are focusing on the holidays. After you make your offers, enjoy and embrace the holidays and there may be a few deals you find in your Christmas stocking. Have a great week! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream.” - William Shakespeare

.....Another Monday was here as we reach the final few Mondays of 2010. The weather was cold and crisp with a forecast for snow. I had some errands to run and I had some calls to make. The day was packed with several to do's including taking a ride by a few bank owned REOs.

I made another counter offer on a property that has been on my radar for a few months. I also called a for sale by owner to ask them there best price they would accept on their home. they told me to just make an offer and we could work something out. This is an estate sale and the seller is very nice. This would be a good buy and hold as a rental if I get it for a good price.

I had an opportunity to speak with a good friend yesterday. It is always nice to check-in with people to catch up on what is happening. During your life you realize you meet many people but true friends are always there for you as you are for them. When I was young, my Aunt told me during a holiday celebration that there is no greater gift than having a true friend. These words of wisdom have stuck with me over the years as I have made friends.

I am looking forward to meeting several new real estate investors this week. I will have the pleasure of attending my first meeting wih them. It is always so much fun to talk real estate with others that share your passion for it. I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. Go get that next deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?.......remember no man is a failure who has friends." - Clarence Oddbody (It's a Wonderful Life)

How about Da Bears. What a good game. Did not want Farve to go out like that but that's football.

It looks like you are staying busy with your REI.

We hope you and your Family have a very Merry Christmas.

Maybe we can work out a deal in 2011.

Steve.

Hi Joe,
What do I say? I have to say thank you so very much to you and Stacey. I thank you for taking the time to drive and speak to our REI group. It was the greatest Christmas present ever. So much wisdom and knowledge. I truly appreciate you both and I think you both are the nicest couple I've ever met with the biggest hearts too. Anyway it was great to see you both.

Believe and Achiev!
Cathy L

......The Bears looked like old form, a flashback from 1985. I hope they can keep it going. The games are fun to watch. REI is keeping us busy and its a lot of fun. I have various properties to review during the next few weeks and I hope to get another deal before the end of the year. We will have plenty of available deals in 2011 so I know next year will be a tremendous opportunity for everyone. Just let us know what your looking for. Have a great week and a Merry Christmas. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....It was a pleasure seeing you again and visiting with your Real Estate Investment Group. When Greg invited us, we wanted to meet with the group as soon as we could. It is always great to spend time with other real estate investors. It was nice to meet other members of the DG website community too. I know this year's Gain the EDGE will be awesome and I know several people stated they were planning on attending the EDGE event in 2011.

Congratulations on that Bank REO deal. We are so glad you were able to negotiate a deal and structure similar to the one that Dean discussed in his new book "Your Town your Real Estate Profits." It proves Dean's concepts can work anywhere as long as people apply them and take action. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep up the good work, your journey will continue to grow in 2011. Believe and Achieve! - Joe and Stacey

...The day started out with some blowing snow and rising temperatures (10 degrees to mid 30's). I had to do a little shoveling in the morning but at least it was good exercise. Later in the morning we went sleding and had a good time as the cold wind whipped off Lake Michigan. Roast beef sandwiches was the call of the day for lunch as mine had some good mozzarella cheese. I could not pass up this warm hearty sandwich on a cold Winter's day!

As the afternoon approached, I packed up the vehicle as we headed south to attend a real estate investment club meeting. Several months ago I met an investor, Greg, whom was various nice and invited me to attend a meeting. He asked if I could speak to thegroup and offer a few tips. Greg's group was in the Quad Cities (Illinois/Iowa area)and I knew several DG Members were part of this group. This would be a good opportunity to share strategies and techniques. We also could meet other DG members in person.

We had a warm reception and the members were very nice. We had an opportunity to speak to several of the investors as we talked real estate and made plans of seeing each other at Dean's Gain the EDGE evenet in 2011. At the end of each year I often reflect on what happened during the year. Each year I am so happy that we decided to buy Dean's book and pursue real estate. I hope everyone has a great week. Only 4 days until Christmas so make sure your don't get on the "naughty list". Keep working toward that next deal, it is closer than you think! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

....Tick / Tock ...Tick / Tock....Tick / Tock ...Tick/ Tock!!!....3 Days and counting! Do you have your holiday shopping done yet? This includes gifts as well as goodies from the grocery store. If not, no worries, you still have time! Prepare your list and be sure to check it twice.

As you head over to the mall or grocery store do not forget to put the sign on your vehicle that states "we buy houses and your phone number". Just think about how many people will see this vehicle at the mall. Just choose a strategic parking spot near the entrance to the mall. This billboard in motion (or parked) we be seen by thousands of cars per hour! The deals may begin to roll in as early as January 2011.

Today, we were driving back from the Quad cities in Illinois and Iowa. We had the pleasure of being invited to attend the real estate investing club in that area. We had a great time and met so many nice real estate investors. As we drove home we decided to catch a movie. Yogi Bear was our choice and it was a good movie. It reminded me of my childhood early morning Saturdays when I was watching Yogi get his pic-a-nic baskets.

I hope everyone is having a great week as we celebrate the Christmas holiday. Each day can be a day of giving and sharing. Never lose sight of the Christmas spirit and have it in your heart year round. We can feel great during the holidays by spending time with others and sharing gifts. Let's try to have this same giving spirit through-out the year in 2011.

I have to follow-up on a few FSBOs today. I hope you made some offers this week. The deals may be under your tree by the end of the week. Good luck locking up that next deal! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." - Walt Disney

Just wanted to stop in and say Merry Christmas to you and Stacey. Wishing you both a happy, healthy, prosperous new year filled with love, joy and lots of laughter and tons of great REI deals

Thanks for all you do all the time helping so many people on this site. I enjoy reading your posts and learning so much from you.

On Christmas Eve I'll be making a roast beef Stromboli. You mentioned roast beef sandwiches so I figured you'd appreciate this. If you were closer we'd invite you & Stacey to have some with us.

Hope the FSBO's you look at today lead to a GREAT deal for you

Lea

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU,STACY AND THE BOYS!!
I hope santa brings you all that you want this yr Joe. I assume you have been a good boy( I'LL check with Stacy on that one ) lol. enjoy the holidays and thanks for all the posts of inspiration and the humongous amount of info you gave us at the EDGE this yr. You guys really went out of your way on that.
best wishes
Richie
GO J-E-T-S

Joe,

Just wanted to thank you for stopping by my journal and wishing a Merry Christmas.

I haven't been "reporting" for awhile as it has taken some time to get used to balancing the new baby and real estate, and in the little extra time I have, I've been going out there and getting some action done on real estate, but had no time to report here in the journals. So thank you for reviving my journal. And thank you for the well wishes...you have a generous heart and spirit, and I wish you and Stacey all the very best this season!!!

Wow, just read Jay won your contest (yes,catching up from a while back, I know!) That is awesome! What a teachers heart you have, and a great contest! Congrats to Jay!

Merry Christmas!
Louisa
p.s. I laid awake half of last night thinking of all these real estate questions in what I'm pursuing right now. I was so excited, yet nervous...I felt like it was Christmas! Although I am still new at this, and in slow motion with a baby, I love this business, and look forward to making it to the finish line! You and Stacey inspire me more than you know! Cheers to you!

...Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure. I am just headed out to take a look at a 4 unit building and a single family home. I'll give an update tomorrow. I hope to spot a deal before the end of the year. I will give it an A for effort and see what happens. Hope ytou have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Joe & Stacey:

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you and your family also! Thanks for stopping by!

Your friend,

Chris

...Thanks for stopping by my daily journal and the holiday wishes we appreciate it. I have been a good by so I hope I am on the top of Santa's list. Maybe he can work some magic on a few of the offers I made this week. Have a great holiday and happy new year. See you at next year's EDGE event. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...Thanks for stopping by. One of the keys to real estate is just make the most out of the time you have, whether it is an hour a day or a few hours per week. There always should be a balance between work and life. Your baby will grow fast so find time to enjoy all the little things during the next few years. The real estate deals will come, don't worry. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing you at next year's EDGE event. Have a Happy New Year! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...Thanks for the holiday wishes. Hope you have a great week and holiday weekend. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Just wanted to stop by and wish you and Stacey a Very Merry Christmas and a Joyful New Year. See you in May 2011....Jan and Jeremy

...Thanks for stopping by. We want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We hope Santa is good to you and leaves everything on your list. See you at the EDGE in May. Believe and Achieve! - Joe and Stacey