The Journal of the Daily Adventures of Indiana-Joe

...Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure journal. I am glad to hear the postiive results and energy are contagious. Real estate is so much fun and each daqy can be a new adventure where we learn and share with others. Good luck on your future real estate deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...As I got back to my local area i could not believe the incredible weather. It was 82 degrees and there was a definite scent of multiple barbeques in the air. The warm weatehr brings out the grills and 'Open House" sugns as well.

I could not believe the amount of open houses in my area. I also have noticed a few homes in my area had sold rather quickly. I know the Spring is a good time for people to buy and it will be interesting to see how the next few weeks play out.

What have you done this weekend to help yoru real estate business/ Did you attend any open houses? did you post any fliers or bandit signs? Make sure you make the most out of each weekend. The roads are busy with activity so the busy roads can create calls on your phone if you are looking for motivated sellers and cash buyers.

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Now is the time to take action and create that next deal. Invet in yourself an invest in your future! Good luck withthat next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world." ~ Calvin Coolidge

....The Spring weather changed in a day from 82 to mid 50's but at least it was sunny. I followed up on a bank owned REO today. I like the proeprty but it was accessible through a gravel road. When I inquired to the realtor about access to the home he stated that the gravel road was part of an easement that would conintue once the home was sold. I could not get anything in writing so this is part of that "due diligence" that comes into play.

The realtor assured me the city official, the banker and he were all there and agreed on the proeprty lines and access. When i inquired about the city official's name that i could verify this with, he could "not recall". Thus, I decided to take it upon myself andgo to city hall. When I arrived I was surprised to learn that the city was surprised they had this proeprty for sale without a definite easement. Thus, in real estate you have to be the problem solver. The more problems you solve, the more money you can make.

This property may take a little more work but it could be a good deal based on what gets netogiated. Do not give up, when the going gets tough that could be the best time for a deal. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Wisdom is not a product of schooling but of the lifelong attempt to acquire it”. ~ Albert Einstein

....The week was in full swing as I received a call from my realtor about aa new REO. It was listed at $48k in a decent area and he thought it might move in the high 30's. I went to take a look at the home. Unfortunately the home was not cleaned out and there even was a bunch of spoiled food all over the kitchen. It is amazing that some REOs are so clean they are almost turn key condition while others need a dumpster, rubbermaid garbage can, a snow shovel and rubber gloves to clear it out.

I am also in the process of completing another rehab and we should have it ready to go in a week or two. The best thing is to always prepare a budget and a timeline and adjust where necessary. Each flip, each rehab, each assignment, etc. can be a learning experience. The key is to continue to build on your knowledge each and every day.

I found a lead on an estate that has multiple properties. I have an appointment setup to take a look at various properties later in the day. It is always interesting when you can make an offer for a bulk of properties. Hopefully a deal will come together. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Successful investing is anticipating the anticipations of others.” ~ John Maynard Keynes

Today we received the updated list on the bulk estate properties from the same owner (heir). There are some homes and vacant parcels. Looks like it is time to sharpen the pencil, review the list and make an offer. Carpe Diem! :0) - Stacey

.....Thanks for the information. Each day can be a new deal or even a new adventure. As you explore in the world of real estate you never know what you might find. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....The week was in high gear as I drove to the local Menards to get some items that I wante for a rehab that I am completing. The store was rather crowded in the morning but this is a great time to meet other investors and/or contractors. Yo ucan get some great refferals and business cards in the parking lot of your local Lowe's or Home Depot as well.

Later in the day I followed up on a few offers and ran some numbers on other potential offers. The more lines you have in the water the more fish you might be able to catch. One day as I fish for real estate deals, I want to use a net! The more power team members I have and the more I network, the larger I cast my net.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Take action today and see what may turn out by the end of the week. Make offers and create the deals that you seek. You can do it. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the day:
“I've always made a total effort, even when the odds seemed entirely against me. I never quit trying; I never felt that I didn't have a chance to win.” ~ Arnold Palmer

I am glad to see that you and Stacey are still out making deals happen. I know you are busy out teaching others to invest in REI and you still find time to work your own deals. We are very happy for you both. We hope to be able to spend some time with you both at the Edge this year.

Keep up the good work and God Bless you and your Family.

Steve.

...Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure journal. All is going well and the Chicago Bulls are back in the playoffs. (with the league's best record) Things are looking up this Spring. There are many deals in almost every city I visit. It is so great to see real estate investors taking action and making deals. We look forward to seeing you and Veronica at this year's gain the EDGE event. Have a great weekend. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

...The day started out with some sunshine and a scheduel toview a few homes in a new area. It is always great to meet new realtors and see an area. As you drive through the area get a pulse of the neighborhood and run numbers on the potential deals.

There were a few realtors that wanted us to come into their office because they wanted to size us up as buyers. Unfortunately I informed them we did not have time to do this and if they could not forward us listigns we would need to contact another realtor.

i hope everyone is having a great week. Did you review any deals this week? Did you make any offers? Did you close any deals? Take this weekend and take action! You can do it if you network and work on finding deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of Day:
“Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.” ~ Keri Russell

Even though today is april 15th it is not tax day. tax Day has been extended to Monday April 18th. So you still have time to drive your area and look for some deals. Are there any distressed properties or any for sale by owenr properties that yo ucan follow up with.

I went to look at an area and learn a little more about the price points of properties in that new area. There seemed to be an abundance of proeprties that were on the market. Knowing what is selling and at what price was goign to be key.

I hope everyone is having a great Friday, The weekend is almost here. Make the most out of each day and you will be doing what others wish they could do. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the day:
“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.” - Unknown

....It's time to catch on up on some posts for the daily adventure. It was another great week as I made many new friends in another new area. As we saw there were real estate deals every where and all we had to do was get out there and start reviewing potential deals and start making offers. The market moves quick and waits for no one.

We saw a steal of a deal for only $75k and this little gem had an ARV of around $159k. However, deals of this magnitude move fast and they had an offer with a day of us seeing this deal. The key is move fast with an offer and have at least one good contingency in your offer if something does not go well or as planned.

You have to be quick to act and make offers when deals are priced to move. However, never worry about not getting one deal because there are plenty more out thre. I want to wish my new friends good luck because you can do it. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others."
~ Robert Louis Stevenson

...It was the start of another new week and I was fortunate to make new friends in the Midwest. It was a great place to visit, with very nice people, great food and very scenic landscape. It had everything including Home Depot, Lowe's and Menards.

We spent time reviewing some deals and looking at the local real estate market. There were deals in almost evry price point as with all deals exit strategy and price point were key. Some homes were better deals then others and we even saw some new areas that could have potential. I was surprised that there were no bandit signs in the area and this could be a potential goldmine for the first investor that takes action with signs to draw leads for deals or buyers.

I had a great time and I am sure my new friends Janice and Jeff will continue to do great. It was a pleasure to spend time with them and see their local market. Keep up the good work. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Define your business goals clearly so that others can see them as you do."
~ George F. Burns

.....I was back in my local area and I was having a nice week. It was exciting because this week I would be meeting some investors in my area. We were going to review some deals in the local area and I could share many tips and techniques each day.

We had a great group of people that were eager to learn. We found several good deals to review the numbers and one deal that appeared to be better than the other deals. It was great to see some new investors learn each day and I know if they take action an apply what they learn they will have results.

I want to wish my new friends good luck with real estate investing. You can do it! Remember the only thing that can hold you back is yourself. Now is the time to take action and if yo udo not see a deal than create a deal by making agressive offers. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." ~ John Quincy Adams

sounds like you are giving new investors some very good advice and guidance !!! i esp like your statement of taking ACTION and CREATING a deal if it is not there.We CAN create these deals almost out of thin air in some cases as we need to become CREATIVE .you are correct and i remember exactly this advice when i attempted my first deal 2 yrs ago.I had gotten an accepted offer on a sfh and began immediately marketing to sell.One person called and said they were interested in buying on lease option for my agreed upon price[which was approx 17,000] more and i asked for 5000 down and mnthly pymts with interest.They said they did not have that much down.You would think this prospect would be done but getting creative i asked what do you have to trade or that is worth 5000 ???? they proceeded to tell me they had a 2006 3 bdrm manufactured home to trade if i was interested....BOY WAS I !!!! in the end just for being creative i took this in trade and sold in 2 weeks for 23000 and pd off the deal # 1 house now i am getting pd for the next 7 yrs with interest free and clear frofit...........SO NEW INVESTORS ...LISTEN TO WHAT JOE has to tell you because getting creative can make you $$$$$$ in more ways than one !!! awesome job joe !!
jay

...Thanks for stopping by the daily adventure journal. Thanks for sharing your story about getting creative to make the deal. There are so many ways we can make a deal work and be a benefit to both parties. If we understand each other and what we need we can strive to create a deal that works for all parties.

Keep up the good work and keep closing those deals. We are looking forward to the DG cruise and seeing you at Dean's upcoming Gain the EDGE event. Have a great week. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

"believe and achieve" i like it and may quote you, Indiana-Joe, take care,

....Thank you for stopping by my daily adventure journal. Each day we are faced with new opportunity and we have to be confident in our abilities to make deals. I believe that confidence can be a key ingredient to any deal. See the opportunities that others do not see. The quote by Napoleon Hill...."What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve" says it all. Good luck on your future real estate deals. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.....Easter Sunday is here and how was your basket? Did you do any deals this week or find any golden eggs in your area? If not that's okay tomorrow is always another day. Make sure you have fun and relax today becasue Monday will be the day where you continue to take action to find leads for amazing deals.

I checked the calendar and saw that it is the 24th. Thinking of the Easter holiday it also makes me think of the Christmas holiday. Well it is 8 months away. Its never too early to start your list. Preparation and planning is the key with holidays as well as real estate investing. Go out there and get those deals. If you don't someone else will! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly."
~ John Fitzgerald Kennedy

....April showers were in full force so I believe we should plenty of May flowers. The rain came and did not let us for 3 days. I went for a walk through on a home we were closing on Tuesday. They charged $120 for a "rekeying" fee and all they did was change a $7 Kwikset door lock. It tells you to make sure you are aware of each and every line in a bank's addendum no matter how innocent the line may seem.

They are more deals in the area and I am excited about the price points of these homes. The deal we just closed is a 4/2 and is in a good area. It is always fun to go to a closing and know that you are making progress with your real estate investing.

I hope eveyone is having a great week. Make sure you review some deals, make some offers and make it happen. This could be the week that you do your next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the day:
"Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen." - Michael Jordan

...Well, this week saw the end of the week, which was also the end of the month which also saw the end of a third of the year! Wow is 2011 now officially 1/3 over already? How are your goals stacking up so far? I know I have to make more adjustments than a football team trailing 35 to zero at Halftime!

The weather the last few days was challenging. We had cold, rain and wind. (Ouch...can't wait for May) By Friday, it did crack the 60 degree line on the temperature gauge but cooled off fast by the night time. I was able to attend a baseball game with some friends from Utah that were visiting the greater Chicago area. We had a great time at the baseball game and enjoyed yelling "hotdog" to corral the vendor for a few of those tasty Vienna Beef hotdogs as he dashed up and down the aisle. We needed our energy because foul balls were flying by us fast and furious!

During the week, I had an opportunity to visit the western suburbs for a few days and look at several additional real estate markets. There were some interesting properties that we viewed as we toured the area in style. I had an opportunity to meet new investors and make more new friends. I want my new friends to know that you will be successful with real estate if you continue to take action, review deals, build your buyer's list and make offers. I look forward to reading about your future deals. You can do it! Believe and Achieve - Joe

Quote of the day:
"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~ Tommy Lasorda

....May is here and is already in full swing. I have seen temperatures this week change by 30 degrees in one day. This time of year you have to be ready for anything. Just like the weather my latest project has run over the expected timeline. However, this is not due to my persistence. I am 95% completed with a latest rehab.

I have the fixtures, carpet and final few touches. There are elections come up this week so it has been busy in hte local cities getting things done the passed few weeks. We had new wiring completed and need to get it inspected by the city so we can get power. Sometimes things can be out of your control but you do the best you can and be as professional, polite and persistent as possible.

I have 2 other potential deals to check out on Monday. The month of May is already off to a fast start. I hope eveyone is having a Great Spring season. get out there plant some seeds will offers and see what sprouts up. Good luck. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you." ~ Carl Sandburg

....The week was moving fast as we had a few more deals on the radar. I just closed another deal and we are working on 2 additional over the next few weeks. Sometiems deals jsut come in clsuters! I always learn something new as one of the homes had 2 different tax numbers. It was cleared up before we close but it is always important to clear things up before the close rather than after.

I have to counter a few offers this week as we continue to move forward with Spring deals. It is a great time of year as the flowers are blooming and the smell of real estate deals are in the air. Can you smell those deals? Can you see those deals? Can you hear those deals? If not, you better get outside and start driving for deals and dollars.

I hope everyoen is having a great week. The weatehr is warming up and so are the deals around your target market areas. The time is now to take action and not later as a reaction. Good luck lockinh up that next deal. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
“Sometimes it's the smallest decisions that can change your life forever.” ~ Keri Russell

on your closed deal!!!!! you are really crankin !!! edge event is only a few days away and we r pumped to get there.glad everything is rolling along fine for you as you deserve all the rewards of your hard work.see you in a few days,am ready to chat about all your deals and adventures and the dg 2012 cruise !!! see you and stacey soon
jay

...Thansk for stopping by my daily adventure journal. The deals sometimes come in bunches so it is always a good thing when they do. We look forward to chatting at the upcoming EDGE event. Hope all is going well. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

.......I had an opportunity to travel to the East coast. It was great time to visit another new area and work with a few investors that were anxious to take action in real estate. We had an opportunity to visit several different areas and had the opportunity to run the numbers on a few potential deals. there are many good deals out there, but what yuou wnat is the great deals.

I also was fortunate to get tickets to visit a Philiies game. It is always fun to go to a MLB game and see stars from other teams. The summer is close becuae the Boys of Summer are in full swing. Baseball, hotdogs and apple pie...the Summer is almost upon us!

I want to wish good luck to my new friends in the Cherry Hill area. You can do it as long as you take action and believe in yourself. Each day is a new opportunity. Good luck. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst." ~ Willaim Penn

....It is always nice to take the time to celebrate with family. It is nice to know we have a special day to honor those that help so many through-out the year. Take a small break from real estate and share some time with those that are close. Monday will be a new day to get back in the real estate swing. Happy Mother's day. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Quote of the Day:
"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~ Washington Irving

Joe,

Great to hear you were in NJ and that you think there are great deals this way. Thanks for your post and reminder to take action and believe in yourself. That's what we're facing now also.

Hope you had a great time at EDGE this year. Sorry to have missed it but, so glad we met you last year. We'll be there next year! Thanks again for your great posts.

Cheryl & Dave

It was so nice to meet the rest of your family Joe. Thanks for all of the information you gave us at the Edge.

I hope you get to come out to the Sacramento area again soon so we can go have some dinner and talk REI and Da Bears.

God bless You and your Family.

Steve

PS your a great dancer.

...Yeah, I had a nice time in NJ and Philly. I was able to see a Phillies game and even a Riversharks game at Campbell Field. It was so much fun to see a new real estate market and meet new investors within the area. The key as you continue to move forward is be confident and believe in yourself. When you have confidence others will soon begin too believe in you as well. You can do it!

Dean's Gain the EDGE 2011 was just awesome. Each year offers so much it is so hard to recap the best parts. I look forward to seeing you at next year's EDGE Event. Believe and Achieve! - Joe