From This Day Forward-Kareng's Journal

From This Day Forward-Kareng's Journal

Well, here I am! After seven weeks of devouring this site every single day for six to eighteen hours per day, I am finally starting my journal.

I never saw any of Dean's infomercials, but I did see the last five minutes of The Hansen Report when he was on as a guest. So I ordered the book. I was just ready. Of course, I had been "ready" many times before. Like so many of us, I have purchased thousands of dollars worth of "Get Rich Quick" deals and none of them ever worked. I have participated in dozens of the MLM deals and (sigh) am still dead broke.

But this was just a small investment, and I took the chance! What the heck! I could always learn a little more. I am admittedly, a self development addict! I know enough about MANY things to hold interesting conversations with just about anyone, but I am an expert on nothing.

But that is going to change! I am going to become an expert at REI! I had just gotten my RE license here in CA a few years ago when all heck broke loose and the market collapsed. I worked my tail off for six months or so without making a penny and when I was going to have to invest in more classes or let my license go, I had no more money to invest and let it go. My husband had recently died and I had to go back to work for money. Ugly thought...

When I got Dean's books, I knew enough about RE to see that this one could REALLY work. He gives us ALL the steps!

My three daughters are all grown and gone from home, so I have no distractions there. I do have a full time job, but whatever...

I devoured Dean's books and immediately got on this site, where I have been planted for weeks! I saw that Anita was in Southern CA and tried to contact her, but no luck. Then paydirt! On one of her websites I saw that she was having a probate workshop and signed up! I was SO excited! I made up an excuse to be off from work that night and my daughter got out of her plans so that she could go with me. The night before the workshop, I went back on Anita's site to copy the info and realized it was dated 2009! A year ago! Thank goodness, I didn't make the three hour round trip. But what a bummer!!!

But now a lucky break! I am having to have my knee replaced (well, that part's not so lucky) but I am on temporary disability leave with my job for at least three months! I actually am not planning on going back until after New Year's, but they don't know that yet. Should give me some good time to get things started with REI!

Like Carol said when she started, failure is not an option! It is what I must do! I am closing in on retirement and I have no retirement plan. My job is very physical and I cannot keep doing that! (explains the bum knee) and I cannot have my children having to help me pay my bills! I have been totally independent since the age of 16 and am not planning on that changing.

Today is my birthday! Both in real life and symbolically with my RE journal and my new life as a Real Estate Investor!

I am thrilled to be one of the new Graziosi Investor babies! (I did NOT say babes!) So here's to us and many years together sharing our highs and lows!

Salut!

Karen Griffin

__________________

"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!"


Jim

Do you mean Delta Burke? Is that because she was a dingbat?

Karen

__________________

"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!"


I'm laughing to much to

I'm laughing to much to write anymore right now

Jim


Karen

got caught up on your journal. hope you are recovering. at least you are able to keep up with studying and research. hang in there! i expect December to be an awesome month for us!!! Smiling

__________________

Linda, Army EOD Mom
you can follow my journal at http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/45351/...
IT'S ALL GOOD AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT PERFECTLY FOR ME!
Fear equals:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real


Karen now I would never say

Karen now I would never say that about you.

I look at your picture, read what you write and I get an impression that you are kind hearted and have a bubbly personality. Like a lot of the women down south.

Jim


Hi Linda!

So glad to see you here! Jim and I have been having a conversation amongst ourselves for awhile! Eye-wink Not that he isn't entertaining!

I got your PM and look forward to talking to you this week.

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Jim

Thanks for the compliment. I will try to live up to your illusions! Smiling)

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Hello Karen I've seen you

Hello Karen

I've seen you all over this, but you haven't been home two days.

Jim


Sunday Dec 5

Hi Everybody! (or at least Jim and Linda)

I am feeling SO much better! Hurray!

I posted two ads on CL yesterday for my L/O. I have gotten a couple of calls this morning already. One is a broker who does a lot of creative things. Gotta love those RARE guys. He has a client that has $50K-$60K to put down and needs a house no later than May 2011!!! I SOOO need to find this one! He is also interested in partnering some in the future.

I am going to go to my daughter's office tomorrow to print my flyers. Since I am still a little gimpy from my knee replacement, I am thinking of going by the UHaul lot and hiring two of those guys and going to the busy shopping areas and having them put the flyers on cars. I will cruise around behind them and make sure they go on the cars and not in the trash.

Planning to call Title Companies tomorrow and while talking to them see if they can refer me to RE Attorney. Also on my list, call Keller Williams to try to find an agent to work with. Got some leads on a few agents awhile ago, need to follow up on that.

I am SO ready to get hustling!

Karen

__________________

"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!"


GOOD FOR YOU go get it done.

GOOD FOR YOU go get it done. I'm cheering for you, but its hard because its snowing like crazy here and freezing my @###@# off.

Jim


Hi Karen

Hi Karen:

Just finished reading your post and enjoying your comments. Hope this find you feeling better and better. I have seen you on other post and you always are up lifting to everyone. I too am fairly new to this site and haven't taken the step to put my journal on like you. My children are grown also not as encouraging as yours about REI. I am trying to get started on my own. Having trouble finding many buyers. Not much success on craiglist a of yet.
I like your post at the bottom,especially the one that says your never to old
to be what you are meant to be. Keep up the good work I will be watching you shoot for the stars. We can do it together.

__________________

Never give up on your dream.


Jim

I heard you all are having some rough weather in western NY. My middle daughter lives in NYC and just flew home this morning from her Thanksgiving visit. I think the weather is better there right now.

Of course, in Southern CA it was 65 today. We did get some pretty hard rain tonight and these people here go crazy driving in anything besides sunshine. Coming home tonight (just a few miles) on the freeway there were two accidents. They couldn't function in your weather!

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Hi Donna!

Thanks for stopping by my journal.

Where are you from? I didn't see that it said on your bio.

Yes, I am very lucky that my girls support me in any endeavor. We are all extremely close and there for each other no matter what.

Your kids will come around when you show them some success. Could make you even more motivated!

You should start a journal. It is actually kind of fun. Especially when people post on it besides just yourself. Eye-wink

Keep in touch!

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Hi Karen...

Just read your Journal...I see you on a lot of the same sites I am on. This is addicting, but also educational. I am so thrilled to have actually logged on to Dean's site. This year when Dean was on TV with the Profit in your town Info... I sent away for it then realized I had gotten a few of his other books and I don't think I ever read them. I couldn't believe the stories and I resonated with a few of the people in there...I have to admit I am a information junkie... I couldn't put the book down then I found the other Dean books that I had and started reading them too! Crazy as it sounds I am grateful to have found this site and this whole DG family...
Best of Luck in your Investing,
Barbara


Good Morning Karen Children

Good Morning Karen

Children are great,my sons work on a lot of the rehabs with me.The best thing about kids is my grandchildren. I've made it a habit of cooking for everyone on Sundays.

I told my son that because of the weather that we would skip this week.
Yesterday afternoon my son called and told me what my 10 year old granddaughter said, ( dad when are we going to papa's house,he said where not going today, she said WHERE NOT BUT WHAT ARE WE GOING TO EAT THEN).

She's the youngest and funniest,I always buy them snacks and keep them in the pantry. Her favorite is HOHOs, when she goes in there to get one my son tells her Trinity no snacks,she always replies your not the boss here Papa is.

Just thought I share that with you Karen.

Jim


I am from Ohio east of

I am from Ohio east of Columbus. You were up bright and early this morning I see. I guess I should start a journal, but I am not

very good when it comes to writing and finding things to say. I always admire people that can put their thoughts on paper and

tell a story. I enjoy reading so many here on the site. You do feel like you get to know everyone.

__________________

Never give up on your dream.


Jim

Thanks for sharing your stories about the granddaughter, Trinity (I like her name). Sounds like she is the apple of her grandfather's eye! And is a handful!

I don't have grands yet. Friends I went to High School with already have some that are teens, but since I am so much younger... Eye-wink

That is great that your sons help you with your rehabs, too.

Hope you are keeping warm.

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Hi Donna!

I had to laugh when you said I was up bright and early! That does not happen here, unless there is a very special occasion. I stay up very late usually. Until 2 or 3. And then sleep in in the morning.

Sunday morning, my daughter had a 6:30am flight back to NY, so my alarm was set for 3:45am. I couldn't get to sleep at all, so was up all night until finally I crashed at 7am. I am going to be in so much trouble when I get off of medical leave in mid Feb and have to go back to work!!!

I have some very good friends in Columbus. It is such a nice city. I grew up in Louisville, so I am very familiar with all of that area of the country.

__________________

"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 Barbara!

Sorry, I didn't mean to skip you. Jim got me distracted with that funny little granddaughter!

I SO agree with what you are saying about this becoming addicting. We could certainly have worse vices, like liquor, drugs or men! Eye-wink

I see you live in Cape May. I have never visited there, but I know that they have absolutely beautiful Victorian "Ladies" or homes there. I collect little hand painted houses that are replicas of homes all over the country by an artist names Shiela, out of Charleston, SC, where I lived for many years before moving to CA. I have a number of the Cape May replicas. I really love Victorian architecture!

Thanks for stopping by. Don't be a stranger!

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Monday December 6

Designed two flyers today. Ready to print.

Got the number for a college kid that wants to make some money who I will contact to put my flyers on cars. Will be safer than picking up guys at UHaul parking lot.

My daughter and I are going to our first REI meeting tomorrow night in Culver City. Should be fun!

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Hi Karen What kind of ads

Hi Karen
What kind of ads are you running on CL? For Buyers? So far I haven't had much luck on CL

getting any response. What do you say?

I went to the County Court House and had them print a list of Pre-Foreclosures,from Aug thru November there were 369. I guess

that will keep me busy for awhile going thru them.

Donna

__________________

Never give up on your dream.


Wednesday, December 8

Really it is very early in the morning on Thursday, but since I haven't been to bed yet, I am still calling it Wed.

My daughter #1 and I went to our first REI meeting last night. It was very crowded and they had a very entertaining and educational speaker who talked about REOs. He even offers his own private money (transactional funding) at 2 points up to $600K. No minimum.

It was actually standing room only and when they asked how many were there for the first time, it was half the room. I enjoyed it very much. This one was also no entry charge and they served food beforehand.

I am printing 1,000 flyers tomorrow and hoping to start getting them out on Friday.

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Donna

I have been running ghost ads on CL for tenant/buyers for L/O. I always get two or three good responses. Here is one I did.

BUY A HOUSE WITH BAD OR NO CREDIT

Would you like to buy a home for your family but have bad credit or cannot show proof of income?

I can help! I have several properties that I would like to sell "Rent to Own" or "Lease with Option to Purchase". I AM NOT A REALTOR!

If you have a minimum of 5% for a down payment, have a regular income and can afford to make payments, call me. I can help. XXX.XXX.XXXX or email me through above contact.

Another one:

BANK SAYS "NO", I SAY "YES"

4 BR/2BA home. Open floor plan with fireplace. Hardwood floors. Big patio with built in BBQ.

Lease with Option to Buy with as little as 5% down. Bad credit or no credit OK. No Bank Approval required.

Call XXX.XXX.XXXX. I am not a realtor!

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Karen Nice ads Sorry I

Karen

Nice ads

Sorry I haven't stop for a couple of days, but I got an email from admin, said elix and I were not playing nice with the newbies, so I gave my self a time-out, and went and played in another playground. But I back for now.

Jim


Karen

those are 2 good ads. i may have to borrow them if you don't mind. Smiling i had hoped we would get to chat this week, but i have been out of town longer than expected. i hope to be home Monday and Tuesday of next week, then gone Wednesday and Thursday for Jared's deployment ceremony (if they don't change it again). right now i'm a travelling machine and i just want to be at home! Smiling anyway, if you have time Monday or Tuesday of next week, give me a shout. would love to talk. hope you are doing well.

__________________

Linda, Army EOD Mom
you can follow my journal at http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/45351/...
IT'S ALL GOOD AND EVERYTHING IS WORKING OUT PERFECTLY FOR ME!
Fear equals:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real


Jim

I am glad to see that you are back. i thought maybe you had been trapped in an avalanche or something.

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Linda

Feel free to use my ads! Just so you don't post them in Los Angeles! Which I don't think is in your plan. Smiling

I was going to call you but saw you were leaving town. With the time difference sometimes it is difficult. I start late and am up even later which is not conducive to an East Coast conversation sometimes. I think you said during the daytime and Mon-Fri is best for you, right?

I'll PM you my phone number, too. You can always try me if you have free time too.

Karen

__________________

"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!"


Thursday, December 9

Hello!

Well today I went to my daughter's office and ran 1,000 copies of my flyer. Boy, was that machine smelling not so good by the time I finished!

Hired a guy who is meeting me at 11 am tomorrow to put them (the flyers) on cars. I will be watching for the security people while he puts them on.

I found an escrow company that has some very good reviews and it is only about two blocks from where I live. I will call them tomorrow to chat them up. Hopefully, they can also recommend a good RE atty. I have some other calls to make regarding that, so I will do that tonight.

Funny thing is, daughter #3 recently got a new apt with a friend from high school and her Dad negotiated their lease for them. He is...you guessed it! A REAL ESTATE ATTY!!!! I was so excited when she told me that! Of course, she was mortified that I might contact him!

She told me "Mom, he is just SO not friendly!" I don't know if he really isn't or she just told me that because she knows i don't "get" people who aren't friendly and so I won't get in touch with him. (sigh) It would certainly make it a lot easier. But as we all know...If. it. was. easy. everybody. would. be. doing. it.

Karen

__________________

"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!"


I seen a couple of post back

I seen a couple of post back that you lived in Charleston SC I new you were one of those southern bells. My wife and I spent a day there this past July, We took a long weekend to Savannah, but after walking around there for a day and half we drove to Charleston.I got some photos of beautiful homes there on the main strip facing the ocean. Some many of them one after another,each nicer than the last. We eat at some BBQ place that brews their own beer in the center of the restaurant,the fried green tomatoes were better in Savannah. Than the next day we check in to Hilton Head Island,That was the best part of the trip.

Now my coffee is cold, bye

Jim


Friday, December 10

Put out about 800 flyers today. And we only got thrown off of two parking lots!

SUCCESS!

__________________

"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!"


Did they make you pick them

Did they make you pick them all up

Jim