OfflineWell, after returning from "Gain the EDGE" conference, i've finally decided that i starts my journal. I'm not much of a writer, but i feel, in order for me to move on and make some progress in my real estate investing, i need to hold myself accountable for my time and what i do every day. So, starting today, i was up at 5AM. Went to the gym from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM. I went work from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, at 10:00 AM this morning, i left my office and went to the courthouse for a Tax Sales. I am the boss in the office, so fortunately, i was able to get away from the office for few hours and ran down to the courthouse for Tax Sales.
There were about 30 plus people there all ready to bid on each property. There was approximately 89 properties. I've highlighted the ones that i wanted to bid on, but I didn't get all of them, instead, i've bought two. I wanted to purchase more, but with my budget getting tight up on other renovtions projects, i don't want to overspend and put myself in debt, but the two properties i purchased today are in the great conditions and ready for move in. The only problem i have is i don't own them outright, but i'll poke around and see what can i do to speed up the process instead of waiting for three years.
The properties are being vacant, but i will track down the owners and see if i can offer to purchase their properties for 40%-50% off the appraised values and buy them outright. The tax sales that was held today are for property's taxes that have not been paid. There's a three years redemption, and the owner can redeem their property within three years. However, after three years and the property taxes have not being paid, then the property will be mine and the deed will be under my name or my LLC.
I came back to the office about 2:00 PM and my employees were sitting around doing nothing. They acted like they didn't see me when i puleed in the shop. It's about 4:00 PM now and i want to get this journal started. I'll be closed down in an hour and then from here, i will go over to one of my house being renovating and meet with the plumber for estimates for all the plumbing needs. Until next time, have a great day.
Now go out there and close another deal!
Lloyd
Well, i guess the past week and half have been very difficult for me due to what happened in my small nation of Samoa with the tsunami. I've neglected my real estate stuff as i've tried to cope with family and friends back home and contribued to their basic needs and emergency relief situation. However, my life must go on and i can not let what happened get the best of me for i know that my family's back home depends on me at this trying time . Having said that, i went back to work and trying to take advantage of the real estate market.
I've been doing some repairs on one of my property, but the last two weeks haven't done much of anything. I went back at it in the last few days and i should have it ready in another week or two. I alread have a tenants in placed but they will not move in until the first of November. I had a lot of interest from popential tenants and i informed them it's first come first served. There were four families and one was interested in purchasing it, but i informed her it's not for sale right now. Well, little that i know, one of the tenants wrote me a check for deposit on the spot and told me that she would not move in until November 1, 2009. She didn't want to lose the house to anther tenants and so she signed a one year lease agreement. Having said that, now i need to get back to the game and buy more properties. Until next time, have a great weekend and remember that "Faith without work is dead, and with faith in what you do and little work on your part, you can go a long way"
Lloyd
Congratulations on your new tenant! That is great news.
Your family and others living in Samoa are blessed to have you during their time of need. When you have a moment as Rina asked could you post details about the fund?
Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC
It sure feels real good when i have familes and other people wanted to rent from me. It's in my nature that whenever i purchase a home and rent it out, i always do the necessary repairs as if i was to live in it. That way, the tenants would appreciate a nice place they can call home and give them a sense of a new begining. When i do that, i create a good relationship with my tenants and thus created a good reputation as well. It's been a good experience thus far and i'm determine to get more properties.
As far as my family is concern, they means the world to me and i'll do anything for them, as i know you would have done the same for your own famlily if they were under the same circumstances. It's part of our culture that we take care of each other both in good time and bad time. Since tsunami hit Samoa two weeks ago tomorrow, all the Samoans have been devastated both in Samoa and abroad. They have also step up and contributed whatever they could come up with financially and materialistically. Thank you again for your help and support!
If i do set up an account, i'll let you and Rina know! Have a bless week!
Lloyd
Your tenants are lucky to have a good landlord. I remember renting some pretty shabby places in my younger days and told myself if I ever owned rental properties that I would do right by my tenats.
I understand what you mean about helping your family and wish you the best with this.
Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC
Thinking of you! You are incredibly strong in body and heart. I understand that it is very hard to keep up your day to day life knowing the struggles your family is going through far away. I experienced that feeling when the island my sister lives on was devasted by Hurricane Hugo and I didnt reach her for nearly two weeks. So I am glad you're family is well and that you are getting back into the swing of things. Your success will only enable to help your family in all the ways you want to! Much love to you
www.adeptpropertiesllc.com
my story:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/node/10404
You now have the same opportunity to do your tenants right by doing the same thing. As i stated above, i always do repairs on my rental properties as if i was to live in it. That's always been my motto and the rewards are just as amazing. Not only i have a good relationship with my tenants, but great reputation in the community is even better. I'm just a week away from finishing repairs on one of my property and the new tenant will be moving in the following week. Thanks again and good luck with your real estate business!
Lloyd
Thank you so much for stopping by my friend! Yeah, it's been really tough in the last few weeks, but i'm moving on as my family depends on me. I'm slowly getting back to swing of things and i'll be closing some properties again before you know it. I've made numerous offers, but so far the sellers are asking way too much for their properties. Most of these properties have been listed with agents, but i'll find others properties out there one way of the other. I'll just keep at it and nothing is going to stop me now. What happened in my little country has motivated me even more and determine to make it happen. I will not be denied and failure is not an option! Take care my friend and thanks again for stopping by. I wish you the best with your real estate investing business and it must be really nice for you to have sold your flip and put some money back in your pocket. You go girl!
Lloyd
Well, a lot has happened in the last month and with the devastation which hit my little country of Samoa has delayed my real estate progress, but i must move on and get back to the game. First of all, i would like to thank Dean and Rina for their contributions to the Samoa Tsunami Relief Effort. I like to thank them publicly for their donations. I know they probably would like to keep it private, but i must say that it was totally unexpected and for that, "Thank you Dean and Rina" It shows that you are a truly a man and woman of your words. I've always believe that a person character define who he/she really is and your unexpected kind actions has simplified who you really are. I'm very fortunate and blessed enough not only to get involved in real estate because of Dean, but you have also taught me to give back to the less fortunate and the have nots. This devastation has affected me personally, and i have taken action to do my part to help the victims and the people of Samoa to rebuild their lives. I've been working on getting a container for a relief effort and i should have it shipped out of here in two weeks and then get back to do what i love and that is Real Estate Investing. Speaking of real estate, i haven't done much since the devastation but what happened back home has given me the will, the desire and determination to make it happen. I have a few deals i'm currently working on and hoping for a better results. Until next time, have a bless day and remember that "Faith without work is dead. With faith and little work on your part, you can go a long way"
Lloyd
I think that is fantastic in what you are doing Lloyd. I am not wealthy by any means, but I know I am more fortunate than others.
I would like to contribute to your container or finacially via check.
If I can contribute in any way please pm me.
good luck.
Richie.
Thank you so much for your willing to contribute my friend. I appreciate the guester and know that people like you, Dean and Rina makes the world a better place. I'm just very fortunate to have the means to help my family and the people of Samoa to get back on their feet and rebuild their lifes. I've also just learned of our friend Jeremy lost his mother, and my heart goes out to him during these difficult times. Life is precious and we must take advantage of every opportunity we have and must make the best of everything. Thank you again my friend and good luck with all you do!
Lloyd
It's been a while since i written on my journal, but i thought i would stop by and provide an update of what's i've been doing in terms of my real estate progres and especially with the project i've been working on to provide the goods for Samoa Tsunami Relief Effort. Real Estate wise, i've made a few offers, but so far have been denied. The sellers are basically asking for real values of their properties. Most properties have been on the market for three, four and sometime five months. I've asked for lease options as an alternative, but almost of them refused such offers. I don't blame them as time are tough right now and most people want their money upfront, but i've left my information with them if they ever change their minds.
Aside from that, i placed an ad on the paper this weekend for another one of my property for rent and i couldn't believe how many calls i've received. I expected maybe two or three calls, but i've had at least fifteen calls in the first day of the ad, and it was rented the first day. The first lady that called and she wanted to look at the property right away, and the moment she walked in the house she asked me if she could leave a deposit. The house is a 3 bedrooms and 2 bathroom with central heat/air. She gave me the deposit and the next day she signed the lease. I'm still getting calls, and i feel bad to have informed them the house has now rented out. It makes me want to buy more properties as we have a demand for rentals around here.
Another one of my property, the tenant is moving out in the end of the month. She will not re-new her lease as she is moving in with her sister. I guess she has informed a friend that she was moving out in the end of month, and before i know it, her friend called me and asked if i could meet with her at the house. She looked at the house and she felt in love with it and its just what she needed, she said. It's a brick house, three bedroom and one and half bath, central heat/air with a slap foundation. The house has been totally remolded last year from top to bottom. It should be noted that every house that i've purchased, i've always do the required repairs as if i was to live in it. Well, back to the house, the house is not only will be rented out starting Dec 1, 2009, but she also wanted to purchase it when the lease is due. So, we will do a one year lease purchase. Not bad huh, not only that she will put a down payment which that $$ will come in handy especially with the project that i've been working on, but also gives her the opportunity to be a home owner. It's always my intention that every house i rented out, i want my tenants to take care of the house and hopefully one day they would become homeowners. The best thing about lease purchase is i will get $$ upfront, getting $$ during the lease, and all of $$ at the end of the lease, cool huh!
As for the project that i've been working on, it's been tough road in terms of getting an approved container to be delivered here. My best friend bought a 40 footer container, but i found out it was not approved by international shipping standard. After much collaboration and corresponding with another shipping company out of Florida, my best friend again purchased another container and now everything is finally coming together. It will be delivered here this weekend. I've collected a lot of stuff and items from friends and people from my church, but whatever room we have available in the container, once again my best friend will make sure that container is completely full before it leaves here. That's about it folks, it's been a tough month and half for me, but everything its coming together and it won't be too long before i head off to the island and distribute the goods to the people who have been devastated by a tsunami disaster.
I know what you mean about properties listed at FMV, I've found here they are listed above FMV. I guess they are hoping against hope.
That is great news about your rental renting so quickly and also a LO - Whew hoo!!
You've also made a lot of progress on your Samoa Tsunami Relief effort. Do you have a list of items that are being collected and where they should be sent?
Lea
SPR Property Solutions, LLC
You impress with with everything you do, friend. You are a man of wonderful character and it shows in your dealings with all the people in your path, buyers, sellers, tenants, family and friends. And for that I know you have been very blessed.
Glad to see the REI is still going well in the midst of all you are doing for your people.
I'm sorry I missed your thank-you post. You are so welcome my friend, it was an honor to help. I only wish I could do more, but know that your family is continually in my prayers.
How are things going back home? Have they started to rebuild the communities? (Probably one of the most meaningful "investments" you've ever made, huh?)
Love ya!
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Just think of it that soon or later when their homes are not being sold, they eventually become desperate and some of them must get rid of them to pay back their loans to avoid foreclosures. So, in a way, they try to get as much as they can out if (FMV) and when they can't sell, that's when we come in. That's why it's important that you follow up with them in a month or two and see where they are.
As far as my rental is concerns, i wish i have more properties right now as i'm still getting phone calls even after i took off the ad from the paper.
As for the Samoa Tsunami Relief, the container will be here friday and we'll load everything up. I think we have enough goods to fill it up, but if not, my buddy is kind enough to fill the rest of it if it needed to. Thank you so much for acquiring about the items needed.
I also would like to thank publicly to Dean, Rina and Laura for their kind and generous contribution for such a great cause. I know they want to reamin private about their contributions, but i want them to know that i appreciate it very much, and i hope that they don't mind me that i acknowledge them publicly. Thank you all and God bless!
Thanks for the thank you. Not necessary of course - but I would like to say that situations like those in Samoa help remind me how much I have compared to so many others - especially those dealing with natural disasters that I feel blessed to be able to help in any small way. I am repeating myself here from a post I made on facebook - but if there is ever an organized effort of people to go help clean, rebuild, paint - any hands on relief - I would do everything I could to participate. So let me know if there is anything else I can do. Much love, Laura
www.adeptpropertiesllc.com
my story:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/node/10404
Thank you so much my friend and i appreciate it very much. What is important is not the amount of the donation, but the thoughts and the generous action you have shown toward me and my family, and for that i would like to say thank you. I hope you don't mind that i mentioned your name, Dean and Laura publicly and i hope that they don't mind as well.
My family are doing well and having said that, i will be leaving next month for Samoa to help my family rebuild their lives as well as other people whom lives have forever changed from such a devastation. I will be there to distribute the goods from the container to the victms and the people who need them, and hope to bring good will towards men as we're getting ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Without him, none of this is possible as i believe that all the blessing are predicated by obidience to his commendments and doing his will. I will take some time off from real estate investing from now on until i get back in late January or early February. However, i will do what i can until i leave for the island and post on my journal as needed. Thank you again and good luck with all your real estate investing! Your friend.
Lloyd
You have done more than enough my friend! Thank you so much for your friendship and time like this i thank the Lord for friends like you, Rina and Dean and tons of other people who have contributed items and goods for this great cause. I also have to acknowledge "My Best Friend" publicly who has played a vital role in making this possible for me. I don't want to mention his name, but he has been like a brother to me. He spent a lot of $$ in making this possible, and for that i like to thank him as well. I know some of you might wonder who this "best friend" is, but let just say that "The Mailman always delivered"
Laura, instead of going down there to help clean up and rebuild, maybe one of these days, i would like you, Rina and any of Dean's students to take a vacation there and i will be more than happy to be your tour guide. Thank you again my friend and much alofa (love) and appreciation!
Lloyd
A vacation in your beautiful homeland with Rina and others and you as a guide sounds like a dream! It is now on my list of goals. I hope all goes well and progress is good when you get down there. Will look forward to hearing how things going whenever you can find the time to make a post. God Bless for a wonderful Thanksgiving and safe travels! love, laura
www.adeptpropertiesllc.com
my story:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/node/10404
Yeah, anytime you want to make that trip with Rina, just let me know and i'll make sure to be there and i definitely be your tour guide. You have a Happy Thanksgiving too my friend and thanks again for your love, support and friendship. That's what "Thanksgiving" is all about and i'm so thankful for friends like you, Dean, Rina, Anita and others. I'm not leaving in three weeks, so i'll try and lock up some deals before i leave or at least look at some properties before then. Take care and have Happy Thanksgiving, much alofa (love) my friend,
Lloyd
Well, i thought i would make a stop and provide another update since last week. First of all, i hope everyone in Dean's family had a Happy Thanksgiving Day. I know i did, and i couldn't be more happier than to have spent Thanksgiving Day with my best friend and his family. He has been like big brother to me and i'm so thankful to have him in my life. Not only he has been my best friend in the past 17 years, but he's also been the Best Boss anyone could have ever asked for, and i thank the Lord for having him in my life. He is no other than the Karl "The Mailman" Malone. I should add that "The Mailman" has made a "Special Delivery" to the people of Samoa who's life have been forever changed and devasted by tsunami disaster, and for that i'm so THANKFUL to have him not only as my best friend, but he's someone with a heart of gold, and has given so much generousity to so many people without any recognition.
Well, i was going to provide a quick update of my real estate progress and weekly activities, but since it's Thanksgiving, i think it's appropritate that i talk about what i'm thankful for. Firt and foremost i thank the Lord for the gift of live, and the opportunity of living in the greatest country in the world, the land of the free and the home of the brave. Second, i thank my parents for given me birth for they have taught me in all the day of my youth about love, trust, respect and family values. Even though my mother and my step father lives have stopped short, and moved on to the other side of veil, they will always be in my heart, and know that I love you and miss you both! My biological father, thank you for being there, even though we didn't meet unitl later years in my life, but the time that i've known you has been much appreciated and full of happiness. I was devastated to have learned about the tsunami back home which has destroyed your personals and property, but i'm happy that your life was preserved. I'm looking forward of seeing you in a few weeks and provide you with what you need.
I thank my family for always been there for me, and for your unwavering support. We may not see each other as often as i would have liked to, but know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. I would like to thank my friends for being there for me at good times and bad time. Thank you very much and continue success in all you do. To my new found family with Dean Graziosi and so many great friends that i've met, and those that i have not yet meet, thank you all for your love and support. It's been a tough time for me in the last two months, but your love and support has sustained me throughout these difficult times. I will go home for a month or two and help my dad re-build his village and regional district. The container which has also provided and sponsored by my best friend will be distributed to the victims and their family who have suffered from a such devastation. It's been a great journey thus far, full of trial and tribulations, but what doesn't kill you only make you stronger.
I know it's been a tough year for many of us in one way or another, economically, financially, employment situation or the lack thereof, loss of love ones, natural disaster, and for whatever reasons, know that in the end of the day, everything will be allright. No matter how difficult life is and the situation that we may be, don't ever give up faith and hope. Faith is the substance of the things hope for, the evidence of the things that not seen. With faith and hope, we can make a difference in our lives and life of others, but first we must exercise faith by taking action in what we learned from Dean's system, and having faith in that system unable us to make our dreams become a reality. Have a bless Thanksgiving weekend and God bless!
Lloyd
For opening up your heart and sharing this post. It touched me deeply and I am at a loss for words
This world is better place with you in it my friend. God Bless, much love & light to you and yours! xooxxoxo
www.adeptpropertiesllc.com
my story:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/node/10404
Lloyd you are a special person, You are opening your heart to many people here whom you dont even know but feel like family to you. I for one am proud of you and the good you did for your family and country. It will be my pleasure to meet you some day. good luck on your future deals and I wish you and your family the best.
Richie.
Thank you so much my friend. I'm a very private person, but i couldn't help it when i wrote on my journal, but isn't that what journal is all about. It's about sharing your success, failure, emotions, happy, sad, the good, the bad and the ugly? I just felt compel to share that with you guys. I consider you guys family and i appreciate the love and support i get from all of you.
It's been a great journey full of success, failure, trials and tribulation, but then again,that's what life is all about. Life is full of obsticles and challenges, but these challenges defines us who we really are. Thank you for being a great friend and i'm just blessed to have you guys in my life. I'm so glad that i came to the "Edge" conference or else i would had never met you, Rina and others. I'm also looking forward of meeting some of you that i haven't met. Take care my friend and continue success in all your real estate deals, much alofa (love)!
Lloyd
Thank you so much for saying that Richie and looking forward of meeting you too. I wasn't going to talk about anything else other than real estate investing in here, but sometime events and trageties that have happened in our lives shifted our priority and needs, and in my case, my family and my people needed me. I'm just fortunate and blessed to have people and friends around me which makes it possible for me to give back to my people. I've seen my best friend has done it for so many year, and i also know Dean has taken the same approach. I just want to do what i can to provide relief and assitance to my people. Initially, it was about helping my dad and his family, but now its not about them anymore. My mission now it's helping as many family as i can possibly can to rebuild their homes and their life. Thank you for stopping by and good luck with your real estate deals. Your friend,
Lloyd
one of the most special people I have ever met.. It brings tears to my eyes every time I picture you with people. Behind that powerful physique lies such a tender heart and a smile and kind word for everyone, and generosity that doesn't quit! I will never forget walking slowly through the crowd at the EDGE while you gently lent an arm to someone who was having a hard time walking. I will NEVER forget that image, my friend.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful Thanksgiving post. I echo every sentiment about friends, family and country. I wish you a most awesome journey back home, and I KNOW Laura and I will be joining you sometime in the months to come.
God bless, LL.
Rina
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
What can i say, is people like you that have inspired me to do better and give what i can. Your a very special lady too Rina and i'm blessed to have known you. Who would ever thought that Dean's students would have created such a special bonds and love for each other? It speaks volumes of Dean's system and the program. Yes, the program is all about making money, although money is what allows us to provide for our family and helping others. I would have never thought in a million years that i would have such a close bond and friendship with such great and amazing people. It's also a reflection of what Dean is all about. He teaching us about making money and living that American dream, but at the same time, he also teaches us to give back to the less fortunate and the have not, and i try to live by that.
I'm not rich by any mean, but what i do have is upholding the moral values my parents and grandparents have taught me. I'm also a believer in Christ and i try to live the life that Christ would want me to. As for that guester you mentioned about lending my hand out to a friend, she's also a special lady and i wish her much love, happiness and success, as i think she doing amazingly right now. Thank you for being a great friend, and thank Dean for creating such a great system or else we would have never met. Take care my friend and best luck with all your real estate investing deals....much alofa (love), your friend,
Lloyd
There's nothing I can add, my friend.. I do not think Dean could even fathom what the creating of this site has done in our lives.
And because of what Christ has done for us, that friendship can last an eternity.
I won't say any more than that, but I am grateful...
Love always,
Rina
P.S. Hope you had a WONDERFUL weekend! On to the new week and AWESOME REI DEALS!!
"Obstacles can slow you down, but they can only stop you with your permission." Dean Graziosi (BARM pg 101)
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
For a little about me, welcome to the site, and a few tips for new DG family members, click on this link: http://www.deangraziosi.com/user/3249
Your friendship means the world to me and i will cherish your friendship in this life time and eternity if that is in God's plan....hehe. You have helped so many people and your inspirational have contributed a lot to our success. The "Dean's Scholarship Fund" was another brave and inspired idea of helping others achieve their goals and dreams. Thank you for your innovative and inspirational ideas by helping others making their goals and dreams becoming a reality, your friend,
Lloyd
Well, i've drained emotionally and mentally, but i have to provide an update of my real estate investing business. I must admit that ever since i found out about the devastation my family and my people have gone through, i felt as my heart was broken and i lost perpesptive of my real estate goals. I completely ignored my real estate business in the last two months, and focus all my time and energy into helping my family and the people of Samoa. Now that this project is progessively under way and the container will be in Samoa in two weeks, i've been able to get myself back on track and trying to make a few deals and trying to finish strong.
I've been able to make offers in the last few weeks, but so far have been unsuccessful as most of the properties are listed with realtors. I've also worked aggressively with my realtor, but he has not been able to give me what i needed. It should be noted that i currently have a property listed with him, but i haven't seen any activities since it was listed. I must say that all the people that i've shown the property are the people that have contacted me personally. I guess he's one of those realtor that just put the sign up infront of the house and hope for someone to call him. Well, since time is a factor for me right now, and the fact that i will be leaving for Samoa in two weeks, i guess i'll just have to live the way it is for the time being. The one positive thing which is in my favor right now is, the house is rented out and i don't have to cover anymore of those holding cost. I will have to do my own marketing and advertising aggressively when i get back and hopefully get this baby sold. I've had to lower the prices three times with the realtor, but so far hasn't had much luck. The property has at least $25K in equity, but his lack of effective and aggressive marketing has failed miserably. The mean time, i've just completed a lease purchase with one of my new tenants for one year. That way, i got money upfront from the down payment, $ during the lease and all of it at the end when the tenant buy the house, cool huh! Ok, that it for now folks, but remember that "Faith without work is dead, and with faith and little work on your part, you can go a long way"....Have a bless and great weekend everyone!
Lloyd
Hey Lloyd, glad to hear your back in the game. Is it me or are most agents lazy ??I dont understand why they arent go getters .especially in a field where that is what you need to be to make money. well good luck with the house sale.Hey, did you try to post a flyer in all the local food markets and Home depots and places like that? maybe someone will see it that may be interested in buying, add a few $$ to your price and advetise owner pays cc.
good luck
Richie.