Val's Journal

Val's Journal

Hello Everyone,
Last Saturday was my Birthday, and. coincidentially, I received in the mail the Edge 10 DVD's!!! To me that was a sign to start taking action, so here I am, taking my first step, starting my journal...
I've been watching the videos and reading and re-reading DG books (you shouldn't read them only once); also watching the webinars, which help me get motivated to start taking action. (I can get involved in reading and reading and not taking action-I think it's fear of failure?) It all seems a bit overwhelming, but I know that if I put my heart into it, I can overcome my fears.
I've been reading many of the journals and posts here, and needless to say-they are so inspiring and very helpful-every one of them. Hopefully one day my journals will help inspire someone too.
Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


thank you keb

I know I can always count on you for great advice!
I'm just spreading my wings a little; it's a bit intimidating at first, but I want to learn it all, and have different options.
I started working a 9/80 schedule, so I think I will become a regular on the court steps on my day off Eye-wink

Gook Luck on your big deal! Let me know how it goes!!

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Saturday July 2, 2011

It is a beautiful day today! enjoying the weather-finally!

Still working on getting my five deals before completing a year with the SA. Interesting thing happened... again...
The bank sent a message to my agent on Friday evening asking if I wanted to 'reconsider and resubmit my offer' I put in a month ago, and that they had rejected. Hmmmmm... I was going to offer less, but I thought to myself, only because I'm trying to reach my five deals I'll go ahead an resubmit the same offer. So, another offer is in... out of state... again.

Lesson learned: if the bank rejects your offer, don't chase the deal (learned this from Keb). Know your limit, and stick to it! Just walk away... if the bank does not get any better offers, they will come back to you!

Oh, also, I called my credit card company to activate my card this morning... I had some checks that they had sent me with a 0% interest for 6 months, but they expired on June 30th; I asked the lady if I could still use them, but she said 'no' but that she could make me another offer, 0% interest until June 2012, with only a 3% transfer fee... more money for my deals!
Lesson learned: call you credit card companies and ask them if they have any 'offers'; just make sure you pay off the balance before the interest kicks in!

Learning and progressing every day...

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Valerie

WoW! I am gone for a few days and I get so behind on all your progress!

Great job!

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


way to go val !!!

You r kickin it! !! Love the credit card action too!! They came in handy for me too....as u say ...as long as u pay off before the interest kicks in...got to love using opm.congrats onyour deal! !!! Exciting stuff and it just makes oh more and more excited to think of what's next for a deal.keep up your momentum.......awesome.
Jay

__________________

Click Here For homepage www.jaysthilaire.com
need to sell ? http://www.jayhousebuyers.com
Need me to FINANCE a home ? http://www.jaysrenttoown.com
CHECK OUT MY JOURNAL http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/20063/...


Wow Val!

Just read your journal. Great stuff! Way to stick with it! Congratulations on your deals. Good luck with making your 5 deals before your year is up. With your dedication I'm sure you'll make it happen. I'm with you regarding making the EDGE 12 with the money we make in Real Estate.

Keep it going and all the best to you!
Fish

__________________

http://www.lvlinvestmentstx.usapropertywholesale.com - Dean's free website
http://www.fishbuyshouses.com - Company website


Karen!

Hey Girl,

what is happening in South Carolina??? are you gonna take over the town or what??!!
My progress is slow, but certain!!!
Keep it up you too-we will succeed!

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Jay

I'm learning from the best here! I am paying attention to you and everyone else who posts here giving advice; and most importantly, I am taking action!

As you say, using OPM is the best... although someone close by here says that all I've learned so far is how to 'borrow other people's money' Eye-wink
on my way to prove everyone that it can be done!

Learning and progressing,

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Fish!

thank you for reading my journal; I do it to keep me focused and accountable, but if anyone here finds it motivating, then it's even more worthwile to me!

I am determined to make rei work for me. When I set out to do something, I try to accomplish it, even if it's a big challenge! (I actually enjoy overcoming challenges-it makes things more meaningful to me!)

Write your goals down, and just go out and get them done! I'm working hard at getting some more deals done!

Learning and progressing every day!

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Great going Valerie!

All your hard work, dedication, determination and persistence has paid off! I knew you could do it! Keep us posted on your 3 deals Smiling


Tammy

you are certainly keeping up with the tab... almost three, you are right! they still have to go through, but I'm working hard to make them happen!
So many opportunities out there, and as I learn more strategies I hope I can make many deals!

Wishing you success as well,

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Wednesday July 6, 2011

still haven't closed deal in OH but almost there... I sent the notarized power of attorney to the title company today; they're calling me tomorrow to schedule a time that my friend can meet with them to sign docs; I also need to wire funds as soon as they give me information on the escrow account-yes!

I haven't heard from the bank regarding the offer I put in last Saturday; maybe sometime this week...

Short sale in Cali... it's been put on hold again... bank is being very difficult.
I want to learn about buying non-performing notes; I read that you can buy them even if a property is going through a short sale- banks can do anything they want to!
I need to watch the Edge 10 video on notes again...

learning and progressing every day...

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


A Week Later...

still haven't closed on property in OH, but it's scheduled for Friday-talk about title company waiting for the last possible moment!
I wired funds today... so almost there!

Bank has not responded on my other offer!! not very nice of them, to say the least...

Today I tried something new... I bid on a property on an auction on line!! It was pretty exhilirating! It is hard not to get carried away and clicking to bid again and again... luckily I set a limit bid amount and walked away. When I checked back after auction had finished, I was glad that I had not watched- there had been 22 bids, quite some competition! Of course I did not win, but it was another good experience on my rei journey...
I also noticed that there are some land auctions coming up for some areas here in Cali that I wouldn't mind bidding on-something to keep in mind...

I'm still working on my SA lessons... reading them on the train to work... funny to remember how I was diligently reading them when I started in September, and now they've become secondary to my action items...

still learning and progressing every day...

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Looks like your 5 deals will be in the bag

Valerie
I finally read all your journal. I really appreciate your persistence. And I am very impressed by your deal out of state. Seems like that takes courage. With all your progress and different types of deals I am sure your 5 is just around the corner.

Thanks also for the many helpful positive posts on the DG site. I am also very interested in Non performing notes, so will keep a watch on your journal to see what you learn.

Judi


Judi

thanks for visiting my journal; I see that you got your Edge 2011 charm- that is great that you were able to attend; hopefully I'll be able to make it next year.

My deal out of state... I still have to get it rehabbed and rented, so I'm sure there will be some challenges ahead of me.

Non-performing notes-yes, I want to learn more about them, so as I learn more about them I will be posting...

We all have to keep pushing until we reach our goals; it's hard work and a lot to learn, but it is very rewarding!

wishing you success as well!

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Valerie,

you are one busy gal. Hope your OH deal closed today. Look forward to reading more of your journal. Keep up the GREAT work.

__________________

Always Looking to Acquire Houses | Always Looking to Amaze Investors


Hey Valerie

Coming by to keep up with your journey! You are keeping us all inspired! Keep it up!

It is CERTAIN we will SUCCEED!


closing, closing, closed!!!

my OH deal closed yesterday Friday July 15th-wheew! It was the last day to close before HUD would charge me more for closing late, but that's the date the title company wanted to do it- my agent told them that if anything went wrong that they would have to pay for the delay... luckily, everything went fine, according to my friend whom I gave power of attorney to sign for me.

My handyman is sending me a contract to do the rehab; will start the first week of August because he will be out of town last week of July and right now is finishing other jobs he has... I'm hoping to get it ready and rented by September 1st...

I am taking a week off... well, kinda... Thank Heavens for the wifi internet!!!! Smiling Right now, I'm sitting on the balcony of a hotel in Palm Springs typing away! (hubby wanted to take a vacation-much needed, granted- but I can never find the right time to go away: having to make arrangements for someone to look after doggies, there's always 'urgent' reports needed at my job, and right now I'm looking into a probate property near where I live; I went to the courthouse on Thursday to only find out that they close for lunch!! I did call the number listed on their website beforehand, and the number is disconnected... you would think that they would update their site?! so now, I will have to wait until next week when get back... will do some more research online in the meantime...
Oh yeah, I also brought my SA lessons with me; will do some of those on my vacation too! REI every day! Eye-wink

Learning and progressing ever day...

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Bill

thanks for stopping by, and encouraging me... trying to stay busy al the time!
I was looking at the newspaper here in Palm Springs this morning....OMG! there are pages and pages of notices of sale! Then, someone showed me a house that two 'investors' just bought for $20K at an auction... what's really amazin,g is that this house is right accross the road from a 23Mil house!!! so, the deals are out there!!

Learning and progressing,

Val

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Tammy

thank you for visiting; your ojurnal was one of the first ones that I read when I discovered this site, and it really inspired me, so I'm just trying to keep up with everyone who has succeeded here.

Learning and progressing every day,

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Congrats!

Hey Valerie
Congrats on the close! I like how you are working it while on vacation. Business write off maybe??? Take care.
Fish

__________________

http://www.lvlinvestmentstx.usapropertywholesale.com - Dean's free website
http://www.fishbuyshouses.com - Company website


Val just thought I should

Val just thought I should stop by since you are always at my house. I hope that rehab in OH goes off without a hitch for you.Talk Later


Valerie

I am so happy that your deal in OH finally closed! One step down. Now the rehab!!! Smiling

__________________

"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"

www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...

"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"

"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"


Hey I'm from PS, where about are you staying?

Valerie,
im PS local, where are you staying? The newspaper, yeah isn't that crazy?? I said the same thing...more like "GET OUT...OMG...SERIOUSLY??!!!!!I'm planning on investing there, wana partner up? I have a REA ready to work with me...got someother heavy weights to contact, get organized, figure it all out and AWAYYYY I GO!I'f you have'nt visited PS in a long time, you have to be a little more careful 'cause crime is starting to rise but, not as bad as other places (LA Quinta is having alot of problems). Got any questions regarding safe areas, pm me...my husband and I are like reporters, we are the concern citizen calling in about things everyone else for some unknown reason just don't see??? So, we have radars (built in) and know! Have fun, be safe and congrats on your closing.


Fish

never stop working... that's the only way to succeed in this!

How are yo doing? remember to do something every day, no matter how little, in the end it all adds up!!

Keep at it!

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Karen

I know... one step at a time. My handyman called today-he's changing locks of my new OH property, and he told me that even though he will be gone the last week of July, he will have his painters working on my house-that is great news for me! So rehab starting sooner than I thought... so much happening; luckily handyman is great guy!!!

Wishing you great success,

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Jim

so nice of you to stop by and visit-it's always nice to have friends over!
Rehad is not that much, about 4K-5K; mainly paint outside, some basement panels need to be replaced, some window sills, a bit of ceiling drywall, and a few other things... my handyman says he was born with a hammer in his hand! we'll see how it goes....
Talk soon!
Val

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


cb

we were in PS for a few days; visited Joshua Tree- that was amazing! I have to come back-I really enjoyed it there: great weather too! Left this morning-arrived to Sedona, AZ... tomorrow heading to Grand Canyon.

I sent you a PM... Real Estate opportunities there seem to be abundant!

Keep at it, and you will succeed!

Valerie

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Yes Mame!

Opportunity is there...I'm pleased to hear you had an enjoyable time...im sure AZ will be just as enjoyable. Valerie thanks for the pm and your incouragement Smiling CB


Mon July 25th

Today I contacted my handyman; he received the check I sent him so that he can get the painters starting on my house while he is on vacation for a week. I had the utilities switched to my name too... it all seems so sureal, especially since I have not even seen the house in person. Can't wait 'til the rehab is finished and a tenant is living in it!

Also, today I put in an offer on another property-yikes! this is very exciting, and I'm definitely going outside my comfort zone by maybe buying a second property without the first house being finished, but I have to do what I have to do in order to succeed! (and to get my SA refund Eye-wink

I listened to a webinar on Tax Sales... very interesting; so many opportunities out there, just need to keep looking for them.

Learning and progressing every day!

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...


Offer Accepted!

The banks are crazy!!! I cannot keep up with them!
I put in an offer for this property about a month ago, and it was rejected! Then, 30 days later, they reduce it to a price lower than my offer!... after the waiting period, I put in an offer on Monday for their asking price, and it was rejected-again! Today, my agent called the bank's representative to ask them what their counteroffer is; so the rep says she will re-submit my offer again for review... Well, around 3pm, I get a call from my agent that my offer has been accepted!!! woohoo!
Now, if you don't know the drill with HUD properties out of state... all docs and earnest money has to be turned in to bank within 48 hours of offer acceptance. So, at 4:00pm my agent emails me docs... I sign them, run to the bank to get certified check (no line at bank-thank God), then run to Fedex to overnight docs (at fedex I realize I missed a couple of initials-so I ask if I can borrow a blue ink pen-yes, it needs to be in blue ink! they don't have any blue ink pens, except the ones for sale-I would have paid $100 for it if it would have cost that much-luckily it was only $2.50); then the clerk asks me if I want to send the envelope, and I say, yes, I want to overnight it... to which he responds: oh, you better hurry, because you have 3 minutes for the cutoff. Needless to say, I did make it with 2 minutes to spare Eye-wink
wheeew! I guess deal #3 is in! I will post details when it closes...

Keb, thanks for the advice!

Learning and progressing every day!

__________________

Valerie

“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss

"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown

My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...