Shane's Fight for the FIRST......!!!

Good morning DG Family. Well just wanted to give you guys a little update before I head home from a long night of towing.

As you might know my deal is in the hand's of the sellers attorney at this point in time. I did call him yesterday before I was to head down to his office. I called at exactly 2pm even though he said he would be in his office after 2. Well of course he did not pick up and I left a message on his machine. For the next 15 minutes all types of worries and stresses started to creap into my mental capacity and "RING" the sellers attorney called me back to say he had just got into the office. Well I cut straight to the point and let him know I have been waiting for the contract. He knows I want to assign the contract that I did with the Pastor initially. I also confirmed today the buyers info and the buyer's attorney info that I provided through the Pastor. Basically the lawyer said he could come up with a contract by 12pm the next day he just wanted to do his back ground on the property and make sure he could legally write the contract up as the Pastor the one selling the property. Well now I have been pushed back until 12pm tomorrow but the sellers attorney doees understand my situation, I even let him know that his client was putting the pressure on me, but my hands were tied because the attorney for the seller is all we are waiting on. He reassured me that he would call ole Pastor and let him know things are going smoothly and that was a plus for me. AFter that I made an attempt to call the Pastor/seller but he did not pick up. I left a message on his phone to let him know the day's events, but I am really lewaning towards his attorney clearing up air and letting him know everything is going according to plan.

The buyer for the property took another walk through of the home today. Everything is A OK with this guy. He is already asking me what other properties I have. EVen the wholesaler that I am working with on this deal is asking what else I have. I know I am wrong but between moving to my new spot in LI and this deal, and working at nights, I have slacked off from anything else in REI. I have just been focused on this deal working out for me because all of the components are there. If need be I will have the buyer meet me at the sellers attorney's office tomorow(actually today) and we can sign the contract and leave escrow all at once.

Lets see how it goes. The hour is getting close to the final hour I feel and other investors still have been calling about this property. Remember I sent an email blast to all of the RE professionals I deal with. I have basically shut them down on this one because the buyer is already there, but it feels good to know that I went in a foreign community priced out the property and gave an offer just like Dean taught me and I turned out to find a great deal.

WE will officially validate that at closing.

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Hi DG Family. Just stop by to give you guys a lil update on this deal that I am working on or waiting on I should say.

Well this week is going by and I have spoken with the attorney for the seller and he has all of the contracts ready and available for my buyer to sign, the problem now is the seller himself. We can not get in touch with him at all. His lawyer has tried to call him, Ive been calling him like a maniac and the young lady that I partnered up with on this deal even gave him a call yesterday to no avail. Everything is set up and ready to go. The lawyer just needs the pastor's word to send out the contracts.

Boy oh Boy. Im feeling really f***ed up right now with the progression of things. Really low to the ground. Im like a ballon, one minute filled with helium flying so high in the air and then comes a lil birdy with his sharp beak to popped everything out of me. Damn Damn Damn whats wrong with this seller. Doesn't he want this $165K for this home that he has in Port Washington. Like I said Ive been calling him everyday 3-4 times a day. My only other hope is to attend his church service on Sunday and sit through the whole service and look him dead in his eye and see the soul of a man who could just leave me hangin like this for no apparent reason.

Its about that time for me to move on. Either we are going to close on this deal or we are not. If we dont of course I will feel like the ultimate looser which the feeling is already starting to creap into my system. If I could cry I would to let out some of this pain from not having things go my way. But the hell with it Im just going to keep it pushing after Sunday we will see what happens.

Lately this is the only deal or REI moves you have heard me talking about. Its is time to get back out there and stir up the pot of this REI. Please no one feel sorry for me or doubt the teachings of Dean or do not let any negativity creep up in your minds if you have been following my journal. Through this deal alone I followed everything to the T and believe it or not it worked its just this "bone head" Pastor who does not know weather he is going or coming that is making everything so complicated and stressful for everyone involved, but what could I expect this is a People business and there are all kinds of characters out there.

Until the next time..................!

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Oh the strange twists and turns of REI. This isn't over yet but it's great that you will be focusing on your other opportunities too. It really does help when deals are going south. You have perseverance and you have created quite the team to help you, so new opportunities are right around the corner for you. Our partner has been doing this for years now and has learned to detect what people are likely to do from early conversations with them. I haven't developed this talent yet but imagine over time will get better at it. I've had those times where everything I touch seems to turn to ... well you know. And then out of nowhere new opportunities show themselves. We are in your corner buddy.

Lea

Easy to say just move on with all the time you've invested but it happens and this won't be the last time something like this or similar will happen. As long as you did everything in your power to make it work, not much more you can ask for.

You've got your battle scar; think Sanaa Lathan getting her mark in 'Alien v Predator'. Getting screwed over in a RE deal is a big sigh of relief so next time you'll know better. Making light of it because I hope you brush it off and get back to making more moves and not let it weigh you down

Hey Shane, the deals not dead yet, but dont get caught up on just that one deal. Keep looking for others at the same time. You know what i am going to say but i will say it anyway. NEVER EVER GIVE UP!!
Look I know the feeling, I had simular things happen to me in the past but I learned from it and moved on. keep working it until it either goes through or its dead, but start looking for another one also. You have connections to buyers and knowledge you picked up,so just keep digging until you hit payday!
keep us updated and pick your A_S up and get going on another.

Richie.

Hey Shane, that's the right attitude to have. When one door closes another one opens. Work that deal though and don't leave no stones unturned. If you give it your all and it doesn't work out, trust me, it wasn't meant to be and it's only going to make you stronger - how I know, because I see you have determination and perseverance..."A winner never quit and a quitter never win". Remember, you're in the fight for your first, just like me, and the second we surrender...we lose! Hang in there and Good Luck.

D'Angelo

My great REI friend! Do not give up on this deal yet....everything is in place....what is in the pastors head we dont know. Maybe hes super attached to this property and its hard to let go. But all the other players are ready and waiting to finish the deal....I say go find him at church, but dont give him the evil eye of satan hahaha. just let him know everything is ready and is there something you should know why he has not returned any calls. I am still holding onto the hopes that you can close this deal!

I agree that you should talk directly with the seller of this property to see what's going on. Why is he dragging his feet on this deal? Don't assume anything, ask. That way you know for sure what happened and, weather this deal happens or not, you can use the knowledge on other deals down the line.

Regina

because he has a better deal on the table and legally he knows he can't do anything

it just reeks of him second guessing himself and someone got into his head like "you selling for what??? Pastor, I could have gotten you $X. How long is this agreement??? Try and stall him out until it expires..."

In the meantime start working on your next deal.

Excuse me,.......deals.

Hey whats going on DG Family. Thanks for all of the kind words and upliftment and encouragement from you guys. Hey thats what family is for.

Well let me get right to it. On Friday I did finally talk to this ole Pastor that I am working with on this deal. You know what Sandra after so many times of calling this guy to no avail I tried something you ask me to do which was simply ask God to have him pick up the phone. As the phone was ringing I said, "Please God let him pick up the phone" and lo and behold he picked up. Well he went on to say that in the summer months as a pastor he is busy in conferences and meetings that do not allow him to have alot of phone time. To me its all BS because I know those meetings are not going on 24hrs a day but I took what he said for what it was worth because at that point I was just happy to hear from him. He went on to tell me that there is a Baptist committee that is reviewing the offers of me and another person who is interested in the property. They will also be checking the LLC of my buyer and the other buyer and all of the background stuff to make sure that we are legitmate buyers. He said they would be making their decision by Today or tomorrow. Ole Pastor went on to say that the final decision is not fully in his hands since the house is owned by the church. All of this I did not fully understand since the day we signed contract I asked him if he was the sole owner of this property and he said yes. Well after all of that I spilled my heart to this Pastor and brought to light that everything that I said I would do I have done and I am pretty much ready to go ahead and proceed with the deal. I even asked that if he had anyway of tipping the scale my way with his influence to please do so. He confirmed that I have been a man of my word from day one and that was that. Im wondering where was this committee when he was putting the pressure on me to give him a down payment without having a contract drawn up directly from his lawyer. Some.........People boy I tell you.

Well today is Monday and Im not even sweating over this deal anymore. Its like Don Angelo said once you give it all you got and it still does not work out then it simply was not meant to be. I have today and tomorrow to wait and hear from the Pastor or his lawyer in regards to the final decision thats being made but mentally Im already moving on.

Saturday night I painted Queens Red and White with some more of my bandit signs. My main focus at this point in time will be on finding more FSBO leads. I need to create an CL ad that will draw this type of leads to my 1-800 # Tele Center. If I can get ugly houses at numbers that make sense I am so confident in my Cash buyers list. I will continue to make offers from the MLS but I will make efforts to go straight to the listing agent as I have learned that there is conflict when I have my agent submit offers on my behalf. Its not there fault but its just that alot of times listing agents would rather find their own buyer so that they do not have to split commissions.

Its been all about Marketing. I did go to church on Sunday as I felt I need a blessing from God himself. Its like many of my DG Family is praying for me. My wife, my mom, and friends that I know are praying for my success so I had to go straight to the source this Sunday and I think I will do that on a more regular basis. It felt good showing up in my shiny shoes with my wife and daughter seeing so many people that missed me in the church. Remember I use to play the piano in the church.

Well just wanted to give you guys an update. Again Thanks so much for your support and I want stop until I see you at the TOP!

Until the next time..........!

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Its hard to put into words how all the emotions I'm feeling for you! I am just so proud of you, all your hard work, how you stick to things and give it your all and never quit, your great moral ethics in doing the right thing always, being up front and honest in your dealings. I love that you said all that to the pastor. This world needs more people being reminded that what we do in life needs to be based more on all these qualities than on the bottom line of the almighty buck. Dont qet me wrong - we all need money to live and making money is why we are in this business. At the same time I believe that your intent behind your actions, whether you have immediate success or not, will utlimately be what DOES bring you to great success. You get what you give. So like Richie always says - NEVER QUIT! And like Elix says - keeping looking for the next deal - and the next, and the next! Keep all your irons in the fire my friend. Whatever the outcome of this deal you will have learned alot of lessons to move forward with. You are now a stronger, more confident real estate investor because of it - whether you close or not! Remember the ONLY way to fail in this business is if you give up, which definitely isnt your style!

You know what.....it means alot that you are proud of me. Kinda of gives me that boost if you know what I mean after being in the trenches and not getting that kill that I was looking for. Through it all I still feel like I let you guys down when I dont come through with the results that we all expect and hope for. Its a beautiful thing in a way because my success has become so much bigger than just me and my immediate family. Its also all about the fans and followers that I have right here in my DG Family. The good thing is that I know you guys still have my back. Its like my boy Eli Manning that plays for the NY Giants. His first 3 years of his NFL career he was pretty good and everything and he had some nights where he down right stunk but I always felt he could bring home the gold and obviously he did too, because on the night of my b-day in his 4th year in the NFL he won the championship. Dont get me wrong I dont plan to take 4 years to change the title of my journal but I am willing to take all of these bumps and scrapes and heartaches if thats what it takes for me to Free myself from the average life that so many of us yearn to get out of. Better known as the "Rat Race" where we run around and around only to realize that we are in the same position from where we started.

I dont feel bad about this last deal at all for some reason because I did accomplish some things through it all. That day I sat in that Diner with that ole Pastor was momentous for me because it felt good to see us both signing that contract. The whole process was beautiful from me pricing out this deal, putting in an offer, and finding a buyer. I did not hear from the pastor as of yet and he did say I would know by MOnday or Tuesday by weather it goes through or not I did gain armour that will definately prepare me even more for my continued bout with the obstacles of success.

Thanks so much for your support Laura and if you keep that up I will join you on the TOP one of these days.

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Hello DG Family!! Today was a good day.

I got a chance to talk on the phone with a fellow DG Family member named Elix. From what I gathered of our conversation, he is a well versed REA in the tri-state area and he sounds like he knows what he is talking about when it comes to real estate. He has a couple of potential leads out in the Long Island area of NY and he is willing to pass them my way being that LI is not really his "cup of tea" so to say. Before my last lead it was not mine until I realized that if I have a great deal I will not have a problem building a buyers list for it no matter where it is. Besides through the last deal I ended up building a list of investors in the LI area that I would be eager to work with, and what the heck I live out there now. One of the things that Elix told that really stuck out to me was the ability to have more than just one hot deal on the table. As he was saying, anyone can find 1 good lead, but you seperate yourself from the average counter part when you can present 4,5, and 6 or more deals to these investors that I am working with on my buyers list. Not only does it benefit me in that way but it also raises the chances of success for me. Its basic law of averages. For example how much better and comfortable would it have felt if I would not have just been concentrating on that one deal I was just working on. Imagine if I had 5 like it at any given time. At least one of them is bound to work out. I guess that was my fault. I got so caught up because I felt that the last one was a no brainer and it was sure to work out, so I just put everything else on pause to push it. Well hence the subject "knowledge is power" Thanks Elix!

I listed 2 ads on CL today in Brooklyn and Queens focusing on finding FSBO leads. I will monitor these 2 ads and make small changes to them as needed. Gone are the days where I will post 15 ads because it will be almost impossible for me to know what is working and not.

I got 3 calls to my 1-800#, but none of them left a message. Remember Saturday night I placed bandit signs around the town. I plan to call those people back today just to see where their head actually was at. Maybe just maybe we have a winner in the bunch.

Thanks to Don Angelo I have a site that I can go to to find FSBO leads and according to him I can also call or email the sellers. I will check that site out today. Thanks Don!

Well thats what it is for right now. Im churning this machine I know it might be a lil hard at first but momentum will naturally relieve the pressure and before you know it the wheels will be rolling effortlessly.

Until the next time.....!

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Just poppin in to give a shout out! Hope all is well

Yes all is well Laura...Thanks for poppin in to check me out.

Over the last days its been all about marketing and putting out offers with my agent.

When I say marketing that consist of putting out bandit signs, cl ads, passing out my business cards, and basic word of mouth. I have attracted other wholesalers which I definatley do not frown upon since they just might have a deal that makes sense.

I have put out about 5 offers on different properties but as of right now they were all in contract just that fast. 1-2 days on the market and boom in contract. What can I do but keep putting in those offers.

ON a last note I ended up getting the real deal from that pastor's lawyer and come to find out he is entertaining someone else who put in a offer for $10K more than me. The funny thing is that as of right now the taxes show about $2,500 because it is owned by a church but once another private buyer purchases it the taxes will raise to about $18K. Sure enough I talked to the pastor yesterday and he told me not to count him out just yet. I did not even tell him that I talked to his lawyer and I know he is trying to keep me just in case the other deal does not close. OH well thats how the cookie crumble.

I am never the less fishing and fighting for that next lead and I know its right around the corner. Keep up the good work Laura I love to see you operating on all cylinders and making it happen. I will see you at the TOP!

Best Regards,
Shane

Also, if you had not made mention the change you might be liable for a lawsuit

I knew that pastor was shady. There is no benefit to this deal

SHady pastor, thats something you don't hear every day
Shane I have to agree with Elix on this one. seperate yourself from this. He has not been honest from the beginning. Go find another deal and keep in touch with the contacts you made on this one. So if nothing else you gained experience and very good contacts,so it wasnt a total loss.
keep taking action and it will come.

Richie.

Who would have thought the pastor wouldn't have been upfront with you? You have gained a lot of experience from this. Onward and upward my friend.

Lea

Hey Shane -
I've "reconnected" here (you can read my journal on that if you want) and got caught up reading yours!!!
WOW! Talk about consistency in both your actions in REI and also just in this journal!
I actually had to skim through a lot of it - but would stop and read a few here and there (after reading like the first 4 pages completely!).
One thing I have noticed over and over and over again is how others have told you what an inspiration you are - KEEP IT UP!
You never know how much what YOU do impacts people that you don't even know!

Thought I'd just drop you a line on that and encourage you to "keep on keepin' on!"

Mike Spillman
http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com

Shocking for sure, but they are everywhere.....my last trip to KC I found out that they were taking money from their congregations to invest in real estate and make money for the church - and then ran off with it instead!!!! So you just never know, right???
But on the brighter side, like everyone said here - valuable lessons learned with out getting stung - priceless
Moving on to the next!!!

Hi DG Family, Ok Ok I will make this quick because I have to get some sleep before my night job, but check this out. After my last post I really appreciate everyone reaching out to me to let me know about our ole Shady Pastor. I did once hear that "when you get lemons you make lemonde" Well on my way to work yesterday as I stopped to get gas, I get a call from our ole Pastor. Calling me frantic saying he had been trying to contact me all day and that I was suppose to get in contact with his lawyer because they decided to go with me and is ready to send over the contract. The thing is that he was upset because he said it had to be done that day. Honestly guys when he called I was asleep (remember I work 12 hours a night and I have a driving job so I must get sleep sometime) the problem was that my phone was off so I never did hear the phone obviously. Well in a upset tone he went on to tell me that he does not know what is going to happen now. I told him with all due respect that there were several days that I reached out to him to no avail so to have a little patience with me and I would have everything straight by the next morning since the work day was done. He said he did not know and cut it short. Wow Well right after that I called my buyer who was still interested so I told her I would have a contract by the next day. Today I called the pastor twice and of course he did not pick up. I called his lawyer and he did not pick up but I left a message. Just as I started to get nervous the lawyer called me back and told me that he sent the contract out the day before and so everything was ready to go. NICE!! but the problem was that my buyer was actually changing the name that they were buying the property under so that contract had to be null that the lawyer sent the day before. "Oh Boy" Well I called the lawyer for the seller and explained that since it had been so much time since the Pastor was basically BS me that I decided to go with a different buyer. He said no problem just send over the information and I will send the contract over. NICE!! So I just sent over the info.

The buyer is ready, our ole Pastor is finally ready, and now its just time to sign the contracts and set up a closing and I will collect my check for $10,000. Well like I said earlier when you get lemons you have to make lemonade. When you get a shady Pastor you have to use the shade. Its been hot as hell in NY over the past few days anyway. lol

Oh yeah I also made 2 more offers with my agent this morning. I got to keep on fighting. I am so ready to quit my job!! Ok got to get some sleep.

Until the next time.............!

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Of course you will believe it when the check is in hand right? I'm glad you didn't jump when the pastor said so. This deal may get done yet, and it's all because of you Shane, and your determination and persistance.

Hey Shane. Ticoeddie here from NC. I wrote to you before but it's been awhile but just know that I'm still been reading your posts. Keep up the great work man. I'm sure that you are really close to nailing your first deal soon if not with the pastor maybe on the next. Keep writting and give us newbies the great information that you kept on providing us. I have to say that I personally have had a hard time closing on an REO. I'm starting to think that the seller really wants to get every penny they can on the properties. Are you having the same trouble also with Reo or are you staying awya from them.

Thanks alot for those kind words Cathy. Determination and Persistence but most of all down right desire to want more out of this beautiul life that God has given us. What can I say Cathy thanks alot and wish you all the best with your endeavours as well!

Best Regards,
Shane

Yeah still in the ring of the first deal and even though I have not landed that knock out blow to my contender it still feels good to know that I am still standing. Thanks for checking me out from time to time. Who knows your words could be that drink of water I need when I am in the corner for that 30 second breather.
REO's can be something else because the banks have their own rules and regulations. Personally I do not descriminate when it comes to the properties I put offers on. Its either they accept it or they dont. Sometimes dealing with the bank its like they are so confused and paranoid in this market they dont know if they want to sell or not. I have put many "close to asking" offers on bank owned properites and have not gotten the contract. What I have seen from alot of the greats on DG is that they build relations with the asset managers of the bank and other real estate professional that gets them through. It goes back to that saying that sometimes, "Its not WHAT you know, but WHO you know"
You keep up the good work to Eddie and your obstacles will have no choice but to fall down.

Best Regards,
Shane

Thanks for those encouraging words Mike. Believe it or not they mean alot! The beautiful thing about this site and particularly the "member journal" section, is that it allows us to learn and grow from each other. I do not consider myself to be so much of a successful REI as I am still in my "Fight for the First" but no matter weather you are a REI mogul or a fledgeling newbie alot of the same principles apply that will lead you to that Promise Land of success. So when others have said in the past that they are inspired by me I am truly humbled and understand where they are coming from because more than likely I am inspired by them too.
Keep on Rocking and Rolling in this world of RE and I will see you at the TOP!

Best Regards,
Shane

I just wanted to give you guys an update on the ole Pastor deal. We did get the contract in the hands of the buyers lawyer which was a great accomplishment considering.....but the saga continues. There are 3 stipulations in the contract that the buyer does not agree with.
1. They are asking for $20K as a down payment (I initially agreed to 10% with the Pastor which would have been $16,500)
2. They set the closing date for Sept.15th which is way more time than we wanted. We were looking to close in like 2-3 weeks.
3. The whole deal is contingent upon the approval of the Attorney General because it is owned by the Church. (Clueless on that one)
Needless to say the buyers lawyer is making the adjustments to the contract so that it also fits our needs and wants and hopefully the sellers attorney will see it as a win-win for everyone that is involved.

Some of you guys maybe tired of hearing about this deal, but what can I say it keeps evolving and for some reason I have not mind taking the ride because I am learning alot as I go.

Until the next time............!

Best Regards,
Shane Gore

Hey Shane, I'm so happy to hear that you're seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel with this deal. I only hope that in a couple of weeks that light gets sooo bright that you have to put your sun shades on. I truly hope that this deal comes through for you...you definitely deserve it. Remember, God is watching over us and he helps those who try to help themselves. He sees that you've been fight for the first relentlessly and trust me, it's just a matter of time before he makes you shine. God Bless.

D'Angelo

Thanks for keeping us up to date on this deal. You are learning a lot. I wish you the best with this.

Lea

I can't stand the suspense! I skipped ahead a little and when I got to ticoeddie I thought I can't stand it. I'm going to go to the end and see what happens. I didn't. I remained strong and kept reading.
THERE IS NO ENDING!
I can't stand it.
I wish you all the best Shane. I truly hope this one works out.
If you have to pull over to tell us what happens PLease do so!
I have started a folder on my computer (not easy for the computer illiterate)
full of Shane-isms. It is not clear if you originated them but they came from you to us.
They are so inspiring they needed to be in an easily accessible spot. Ready for immediate reference.
Here are the ones I picked out so far:

Success is like a bow and arrow, "Sometimes Life pulls you back simply to propel you forward."

"Keep Pushing Even When You Seem to Getting nowhere. Sucess is usually right around the corner, but you will never know if you give up. Successful people are ones who find ways to overcome obstacles when losers find ways they CANT.

When you see it in Sight Run Harder

When things start to heat up it is the time to step on the gas.

If we keep our head above water long enough during the rain we will be around long enough to see the rainbow. This REI journey has definately been a roller coaster ride but the more i ride the more i figure out how to drive.

The next one is my favorite. It is the most brilliant and inspiring thing I have heard in many many years. It made my heart skip a beat.

The only difference between me and successful people is they started before me.

Thanks Shane