The Journal of the Daily Adventures of Indiana-Joe

I know this is for REI but how about them Bears.

Steve.

....Thanks for stopping by, it was a great game especially with the snow the first half. The cold breeze off Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline in the background, people tail gating with burgers, hot dogs and capped off with a big win. The great thing about football is you never know from week to week who might win. Just like with real estate you have to be in the game because every once in a while the ball will bounce your way! Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....Sunday...Sunday....Sunday! The weekend is in full swing as the big fluffy snow flakes began to fall this morning in Chicago. It was cold with a crisp breeze and then snow. What better weather for NFL football. I traveled back to Chicago this morning as the whole city was a buzz about playoff football in Chicago once again.

This year I have had the opportunity to watch several games and be in several cities that have had playoff contenders. It was great to see each city support their team. I realize one of the major keys to be successful in anything that you do is to BELIEVE! Whether its a football, real estate investing or life in general, being positive each day and believing in yourself and believeing in others will help you get to where you want to be. If you can't picture yourself as successful how will others picture you? Paint the picture of yourself that you want others to see you as you head through this journey toward success.

Make this the Sunday that you draw the line in the sand (or snow depending on where you live). You will be positive and always look at the positives in everything you do. If you want to be successful, start workign on your mindset of how a successful person might act and think. Repeat....I will be positive each and every day! "I will be successful and nothing will stop me"! Did you say it out-loud? Go ahead, try it, the water's fine.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. What better time to have a little fun and catch up on some real estate activities. You are in the game and this is your week to score! Go out and live your life today, take action and strive towards the tomorrow you are working for today. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Remember, tomorrow is promised to no one." ~ Walter Payton

.....Monday was off to a fast start as I am hearing back from my counter offers. I had one offer accepted on a home that needs some rehabbing. Time to do the happy dance for another offer that was accepted. The key with this home is to complete my due diligence review and get at least 3 quotes on the electrical work which needs to be rewired. The 3 things I look for in good reliable contractors is time, quality and value. They need to do the job with quality in the time they say they will do it for the price they say they will do it for. I do not like "over-runs" on cost. If all goes well its a win-win for the contractor with more business down the road for them.

Sometimes do not believe everything you may hear from someone. Over the holidays I had a verbal acceptance on another offer I made for a property. The realtor assured me the seller would take the offer but was out of town for the holiday. Then when Monday came around the realtor claimed they had "another offer on the table." The realtor asked for my "best and highest" offer and I gave it to her at $0.00 as I explained I was walking away and would not provide another offer. I will never get into a bidding war for a property because there are way too many deals on the market right now.

The funny thing is this property that had another anxious buyrer is still on the market. I wonder what happend to that other "anxious buyer"? Therefore, listen to what others tell you but be sure to digest the information provided to you. Some information can be 100% true while other information may not. Just like a good book, some boks contain real stories based on facts or actual events while others can be entertaining and just a good read.

I hope eveyrone is having a great week. Are you looking at any real estate deals today? How about this week? Are your driving your acea or passing out your business cards to everyone you meet? Have you found any bird-dogs to help you locate deals? If not this is your week to get it in gear, before you get out of gear. Now is the time and your in the right place. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be credible; credible we must be truthful.” ~ Edward R. Murrow

love your thinking different on the roof!! That would be awesome to get a deal like that and to use it for billboard AND have it pd for !! Ideas like that are what motivates and sparks inspiration in me.It is amazing what we start thinking of when given the push and direction from amazing people !! good luck on this and all your potential deals.CANT Wait to see you and stacey at the edge!
Jay

I see the journal got into the NFL playoffs. It is interesting that the Packers and Bears are playing to punch their ticket into the Super Bowl this year. Joe is a diehard Chicago Bears fan and I am a Green Bay Packers fan as I have spent many Summers in Wisconsin when I was young. At least one of us will be happy after Sunday's game. I remember the last time the Packers won the Super Bowl in 1997, Joe and I were in Atlanta on a trip.

The great thing is we have a lot of fun with real estate, traveling and watching football too. Maybe one day our real estate can pay for a trip to the Super Bowl or even a trip to Hawaii for the Pro Bowl! ALOHA! The 2012 Super Bowl is being held in Indianapolis, Indiana so Oahu, Hawaii might be the underdog but one I will be rooting for. That would be awesome! Carpe Diem! :0) - Stacey

...Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure. We look forward to seeing you at this year's EDGE event. Maybe we can work out some plans for doing a few deals this year. I have been helping some other friends in different areas of the country to get into real estate investing as they love the deals in the Midwest. We can also come up with a gameplan for that Winter DG Cruise. Keep up the good work and have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...Attending the 2012 Pro bowl in Oahu, Hawaii sounds like a great goal. While we are there we will have to check-out some open houses and look at any deals on the island. Maui is also a quick inter-island plane ride away. That sounds like a great goal to work towards in 2011. Let's put the plan into action! Believe and Achieve! Aloha, - Joe

yes def we will plan on teaming for a few deals this year.I believe it will be an amazing yr.I would like to brainstorm with you on making at the very least a deal in the caribbean or Hawaii or in the islands somewhere.I hope to cruise more and want to find a deal where it is warm and a place to go for retirement.As you know if we owned one then that would be a fantastic motivator to use it as soon as possible !!!! I have never been to Hawaii or been to an nfl game so maybe we can crush those goals and tie them in with your plans !!! cant wait for the edge too 1,just talked to my boy and he is pumped to attend too !!
YES the dg cruise is another plan we can accomplish.We can dicuss at the edge.I am hoping to seal our flight plans in the next week as i have not gotten them yet.Karen is awesome at researching this and booking travel so it is in her hands............also i love the bears,when i was young and my uncle and i had all the neighbor kids over to play football in the street i was always the ball carrier cause no one could catch me.MY street name was WALTER PAYTON !! wish i could still run that fast !!
jay

....I look forward to working with you on several real estate deals. The great thing about the Midwest is I am locating more deals than I can handle so it is always great to pass a good deal on to a friend. We will need to talk if your looking just for flips or buy and holds. We have a great system in palce for buy and holds in our target areas. Either way, I am sure we can assist you.

Stacey and I have been fortunate to have been to Hawaii several times. I can easily navigate Maui and Oahu. There are some decent deals so having a place to get away from it all sounds like a good plan and maybe part of it can be expensed for business. (Note: Check with your CPA as the taxcode continues to change.)

We are looking forward to meeting you son and what an advanage to start at such an early age. I am sure he will be inspired, educated and fired up at Dean's Gain the EDGE Event. The DG Cruise is another item on the "planning to do list" that we can discuss.

Walter Payton (Sweetness #34) was amazing and was one of my favorite Chicago Bears. He always gave 110% and was an amazing athlete. He was very good to many people in Chicago too. When I went to a Sports show he was only schedule for 2 hours to sign autographs but 4 hours later, he stayed to makes sure everyone that wanted an autograph or photo got it.

Hope you have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.......The weather was a little overcast as I decided to take a ride to the mall. I wanted to do a little shopping today. As I drove to the mall I spotted 2 different signs, one read "we have rent to own homes". This is an investor. Could be someone to add to the buyer's list. The other sign I saw had read "foreclosure need to sell at $59k." This could be another investor. You never know until you call.

As I arrived at the mall I wanted to get Stacey a few gfifts for the upcoming NFL playoffs. I bought her a Bears watch and jersey. So at least she can have some fun this weekend during the NFL playoffs. I often think of my childhood when Ray Rainer was on WGN TV. In Chicago your either a Cubs fan or a Sox fan. So Ray Rainer sewed together 2 hats (one Cubs and the other Sox).

It may sound funny but when you look at FSBO properties do not discuss politics, religion or sports teams. Some people may decide if they want to deal with you depending on what you have to say. As you have a good conversation you will know what works.

I hope everyone is having a great week. This is the time for action. Make sure you plan out the rest of your week. Call your realtors and see what is new on the market or what properties are continuing to age past the average. Be loyal to yourself and keep pushing forward to achieve the success you desire! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Lack of loyalty is one of the major causes of failure in every walk of life”
~ Napoleon Hill

.....The day started with colder temperatures as snpow was forecasted and peopel were running to buy bread and milk from the local grocery store. I was sure to pick-up the free home magazines and drove around the area to see if I could locate any for sale by owner properties.

I recently had another offer accepted so I am making up my budget to rehab the property. The more planning in the beginning, the less surprises you may encounter as you are going through the project. The key is to learn form any over runs and variainces of your actual expenses to budgeted expenses.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Are you making some offers, reviewing potential deals and filling your funnel with leads from a variety of sources. Good luck locking up that next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Consistency is found in that work whose whole and detail are suitable to the occasion. It arises from circumstance, custom, and nature." ~ Marcus V. Pollio

I can't believe that the temperature outside right now is -3 degrees and with the windchill it feels like -15 below zero outside. WOW! I had to stop and ask myself, do I live in Alaska? No, I didn't move, everything seems the same, but the weather seems to want to be Alaska weather.

I think I will not be one of those people running to get food at the store, I don't even plan on leaving the house today. I think it will be one of those days to talk to everyone on the phone regarding real estate.

Oh wait....maybe I'll make some of my delicious brownies and warm the house up even more. Killing two birds with one stone, warming the house and warming my tummy. Nothing like getting me ready to do my phone calls then a brownie in one hand, milk on my desk and the phone to my ear. Hope the realtor doesn't mind me eating in her ear.

Bundle up out there and Keep Warm!
Carpe Diem :0) Stacey

Hey Joe, let me know if you want to partner up on any other deals. Not sure what is going on here, but there don't seem to be as many...or I need to change strategies. Good luck to your Bear's this weekend...should be a tough game.

We knew we could not make it through Jnauary without the temos falling under 0 degrees. It always rimns me of the Chrstimas song that starts out as ...."frosted window panes" Just open up your door today and you have instant frosted window panes. I can't wait to get some brownies with milk. That always makes a cold day better. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure. I hope the Bears can get it done this weekend. If not they had a great year and achieved more than most expected. I am running across many awesome deals in the Midwest. Many good deals in decent blue collar neighborhoods under $50k that cash flow as buy and holds. Just let me know what you might be interested in. Feel free to email me or send me a PM. Have a great weekend. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

If you come across something you are not keeping yourself run it by me!

Good luck Bears!

.,..I will keep you posted on any potential deals. I hope your having a great weekend. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

....The day started out with a little snow as we had lined up about 5 properties to take a look at. The realtor that showed us the properties had strong opinions and did not like any views that were different. When you looking at a property base your opinion and numbers on facts. Facts that can be confirmed.

We looked at a property that really needed updating. Every room had wallpaper on the walls. The realtor stated based on comps the home could sell for $300k. Based on the comps that were provided, the homes were larger thna the home we were considering. We looked at price per square foot and it told us that the home we were considering should probably have a fair market value of $230k not $300k. This is a $70k difference! therefore make sure the comps you use are true comps for the property you are considering.

The last property we looked at was a home on 4 lots. The realtor could not confirm what 4 lots were part of the sale. When asked to confirm the lots the realtor stated that "she did not believe this was a good deal, so why bother." Thus, this realtor may be a good realtor but might not be the right realtor for us. Make sure you have the right power team member that wants to work with you and believe in what you desire to accomplish.

This weekend can be the time to add to your power team. If you do not have all the right members make sure you add to your team. Keep pushing forward and the deals will come. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more,
you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams

...Friday is here. How was your week? Are you lgad it is over and now the weekend is here? There is nothing better than Friday night and you know there are 2 days ahead of you to do what you want. How will you spend the weekend? Try to do a little this weekend that will pay dividends next week.

I met some new investors and I discussed what they were trying to accomplish. I often disucss with peopel is to learn what you do not know and apply what you learn. The mroie you apply the more you will learn in building a solid foundation.

How many offers have you made in the past 21 days? How many will you make in the next 10 days? The choice is up to you and so is your destiny. Lets get things moving. Good luck on locking up that next real estate deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished something." ~ Henry Ford

That would be awesome! Good luck tomorrow!

.....The day started out early as we drove to Home Depot. It always amazes me all the cool things you can find as you just walk through the aisles. The staff their are very helpful and informative. All you have to do is just ask and they are more than willing to assist you.

I made a few counter offers this afternoon and will find out on Monday where we stand. One of the keys with counter offers is not to jump up on price too much too quickly. Consider making counter offers at increasing your offer only $1,000 or less each time you submit your counter offer.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I want to wish good luck to my new friends I made this week. you can do it with real estate, just remember apply what you have learned and take action. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill

Today we received confirmation on a family that will be renting our house in Indiana. It took longer for some of the repairs than what we thought it would take. February we will have some positive cashflow coming in.

Tell Stacey congratulations on the Green Bay win it was a good game.

Next year the Bears will be back.

Steve

...Congratulations on getting your Indiana home rented and the positive cash flow is a great thing. The Bears played a good game and had a great year. I hope your having a great week, we could use some of that warm California weather. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....The weekend was in full swing and Sunday was here with a little bright blue ray of sunshine and frigid temperatures and wind chills. This is a good time of year for indoor activites. I can almost taste that roast, mash potatoes, bread and corn cooking in the kitchen. Mmmmmm...is is lunch yet?

It is also a good time to check the Sunday paper because even though it is the information age not everyone embraces the internet and online ads. Therefore, you want to appeal and review all possible ads and sources to fill your funnel of potential deals to review and run the numbers. The more sources you use to fill your funnel, the more deals that may come your way.

Be sure to have a plan in place and continue to work your plan each day, each week and each month. If you are persistent you will see results. I hope everyone had a great weekend and the final week of January will start putting you on the fast track to the next deal. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” ~ Herman Cain

Great stuff this past weekend, thanks for all your help and super tips. Just stopped in for the first time to see how the adventure journal worked and I see it goes way back. Seems fun though so I'll check in again... now back to building my buyers list for Maryland!

.....Thanks for stopping by my daily adventure journal. It was a pleasure meeting you in Maryland. My jounral filled with my steps (and some mis-steps) of this journey and what is encountered along the way. I share whatever insight that may come my way.

One of the keys is keeping your buyer's list up to date. The more work you put in on the front end, the easier it will become as the deals come together. Here are some great links on DG.Com to reference in building a buyer's list:

Dean's Success Academy Coach Jeff Jenson Building Buyer's List Tips:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/marketing-buyers-and-sell...

Video by Dean on Building a Buyer's List:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/emd/videm/buildbuyerlist

Conference Call with Dean and Jeff Jenson on Building a Buyer's List:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/content/conference-call-tuesday-december-22n...

DG Success Fest link to download (Chapter 1) a FREE Guide to Building a Buyer’s List:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/content/new-week-new-successfest-treats-you

I hope these extra resources are helpful. I look forward to reading about your progress andfuture deals. You can do it! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....The day started off well as I began to look at a few new properties in a new area. It is always great to look at various property types from condos, townhomes, and single family homes. Sometimes you can even look at other properties such as mobile homes, mobile home parks, or commercial properties. If you find buyers that want specific types of properties you can always keep an open eye for these types of deals.

The key is network to find the right realtor to help you find the right deal. Sometimes it takes time to build your foundation of contacts but it will be worth it over time. If these contacts bring you leads, that all you need to review deals and make offers. continue to find what others want and you will be on your way to the next deal.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Go out and network today, make a new friend! Make the most out of your Monday. Each day has the same amount of minutes and hours so make the most of each day. Good luck finding that next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“I am a success today because I had a friend who believed in me and I didn't have the heart to let him down.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

.....January and the new year is moving by rather fast. For all those ealry holiday shoppers, I have to say Christmas is only 11 months away. Sounds like a lot of time but remember last year's rush? A little planning will go a long way.

I went out to take a look at several properties today. It was a good chance to meet a new realtor that specilaizes in commercial properties. I always learn as I meet new people. The key is asking alot of questions and listening to learn. Then run the numbers and see if it could be a deal. Even if it is not a deal for you, is it a deal that might appeal to one of your buyers? Keep your options open.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Are you looking at any new deals? Keep making new contacts to keep those leads coming in. Network, network network. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“A great attitude does much more than turn on the lights in our worlds; it seems to magically connect us to all sorts of serendipitous opportunities that were somehow absent before the change.” ~ Unknown

Looks like the Siberian weather is not slowing you down!

Karen