OfflineWell, 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!"
Glad you made it to Myrtle Beach safe & sound!
Teresa
College Station, TX
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"Declare that you will prosper despite every difficulty that may come your way. Don't just survive; thrive!"
-Joel Osteen
I know it will be a blast living in a city on the beach and having deals knocking on your door. I look forward to hearing of all your successes. You timed it so well you get to enjoy the whole entire summer there. Oh by the way when you live in a beach city you begin to hear from friends you didnt even know you had.......LOL. When I moved to Jacksonville, Florida (back in Mississippi now) I had people wanting to come see me all the time.
I truly wish you all the best KAREN,
WALT
Sorry I haven't answered your text. My phone is connecting VERY spottily here in this hotel. Quite aggravating.
Got here and had a really nice dinner w JT and his wife, Ericka and 2 wk old baby Ava!!! Can't wait to get started!
In a hotel right on the beach for the next three nights. Got to start looking for a more permanent temporary place tomorrow.
We'll talk soon.
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!"
lock and load! you're on a new adventure now. you know with your l.o. expertise, you might want to look at a 2 unit or something of that nature. let your tenant pay most or all of your load until you find something permanent.
just sayin'.
whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right.- Henry Ford
keep moving forward, rob
just sayin'.
Good thought...
"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!"
This is your journal!
Glad you made it buddy....sorry for the rough ride!
I'm so happy and excited for you!! You're going to be a RICH lady soon! Here's to your success and you and JT DOMINATING!!!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
Following and commenting via Facebook, but so glad you arrived there safe and sound. Hope the transition and settling in goes smoothly. Yea Walt is right; may have more visitors on the beach, namely me! LOL!
www.tw4homes.com website
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/reigirl/ FREE SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS, REHABBERS AND AGENTS! Present professional looking deals to buyers and lenders as well as run your numbers and get the ROI.
I have gotten settled in. I found a furnished 2BR apt that I was able to get on a five month lease. Most all of them were wanting a yr but I was determined I did not want to do that. I wanted a few months to re-familiarize myself with the area and find something that I would really like for myself and try to L/O it. That IS my specialty!
Then, I will go back to SoCal and arrange to ship my furniture here.
Myrtle beach has welcomed me w open arms! JT and I have already gotten another property under contract for about $65K under FMV and put it on the mkt. SOLD! First day! First couple who looked at it! And for a very good profit! We will be doing a double close.
I am ready for more!
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!"
Then, I will go back to SoCal and arrange to ship my furniture here.
Myrtle beach has welcomed me w open arms! JT and I have already gotten another property under contract for about $65K under FMV and put it on the mkt. SOLD! First day! First couple who looked at it! And for a very good profit! We will be doing a double close.
I am ready for more!
Karen,
You don't waste any time, do you!? LOL!
Karen
Teresa
College Station, TX
**********************************************************************************
"Declare that you will prosper despite every difficulty that may come your way. Don't just survive; thrive!"
-Joel Osteen
IM PROUD OF MY SOUTHERN BELLE !!! LOL......
Great karen I wish you the very best my friend.
Your Southern Beau.
WALT
You are really doing well to have just gotten there and already made a deal to buy or lease option your new home! Hope you had a Happy Easter! Thanks for the updates! Love following your adventures!
www.tw4homes.com website
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/reigirl/ FREE SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS, REHABBERS AND AGENTS! Present professional looking deals to buyers and lenders as well as run your numbers and get the ROI.
I didn't move all the way across country to waste time!
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!"
Great karen I wish you the very best my friend.
Your Southern Beau.
WALT
Are you looking for one for us to partner on? We need to get your first deal!
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!"
JT and I were already doing deals together before I got here. We just decided to hit the ground running.
My Easter was pretty boring, but thank goodness it is getting warmer. I froze for the first week or so! This summer I will be wishing for cool, I know!
Thanks for following.
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!"
Today signed all the final contracts and got $10,000 EMD to the atty's office. I spoke w the buyer's loan officer who is in TX. Luckily, he banks with a CU and has over 800 for his credit score, so hopefully we can push this thru quickly!
Have been babysitting for JT's 2 1/2 wk old baby girl a couple of times. She is a doll baby!
Just gotta get that guy out with me to get more bandit signs up! People are getting back their taxes and we want them to spend their $$ w us!
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!"
Awesome!!! See you at the top!
I Exist. I Am That I Am. I Know That I Know.
Thanks so much! You are pretty awesome yourself!
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!"
thankyou
thanks Richie
united we stand divide we fall
union man taught me this principal of 30 years
large corporations will never give you 5 cents more than they have to
Kenneth
hey remember me? I got blocked on here for a yr until i finally complained to dg.com enough cuz it was unfair i fell thru the cracks so finally they unblocked it but i was on here just under another username but was demotivated, just got my 1st deal a couple of mo's ago and working on the next one.
Why did you move to SC? from So Cal, I live in San Diego and will you be going to the edge? any of you? I will and if so see you there.
Tony
Go faster do more! GFDM!
I'm glad you enjoyed 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!"
Why did you move to SC? from So Cal, I live in San Diego and will you be going to the edge? any of you? I will and if so see you there.
Of course, I remember you! I had wondered where you had gone, so I am glad you got it straightened out!
Congrats on your deal! I know you worked hard for it. That was you on the webinar recently, right?
I moved here (SC) to partner with John Trivett (JT) who is also a DGer. We had been communicating for several yrs and had even done some long distance deals together. Just wanted to get into the trenches. It has been great! We did a wholesale deal the very first week. Ready for more!
I won't be going to the EDGE again this year
. Having just moved across country and then I have a wedding I have to attend in KY April 13. Just can't work it into my schedule this year. Have a wonderful time! It is a blast and you will meet so many people.
Take care and keep your momentum going!
Thanks for stopping in!
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!"
JT and I went out and planted 22 bandits tonight. I have 22 more blanks to get ready!
Looking forward to the phone ringing!
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!"
WoW! Seven months since I have updated my journal! I have still been on DG quite a lot, just not on this thread.
I have still been very busy with my RE but things have changed tremendously. I am still in Myrtle Beach working my RE biz and very happy that I made the move. Other than this fact, everything else has changed completely.
Since mid June, I have been investing solo. Partnerships are very difficult. There is always one partner who is not as serious as the other and sometimes things are not as you were initially led to believe. That is all the detail I will go into. But I love my solo investing and am doing quite well!
I have hired a 62 y/o guy to help me put up signs. It works out great! I drive and he jumps out and plants the signs. I like to put them on the edge of places where they have just mowed, on the edge of the weeds, so that they will maybe leave them up when they mow.The first night my new guy went w me, there were some weeds leaning over in front of the sign. He went to stomp them down and WHOOSH! He disappeared! It was right on the edge of a big ditch that was hidden in the weeds! After he crawled out, we laughed heartily and it is one of our favorite stories. He now is well aware that I DO NOT have worker's comp ins, so he is more careful!
One of the things I am having to get used to here is Mobile Home sales. SC is #1 in the country on MHs as primary residences (18%). At first, since I was not familiar with them at all, I would just turn them away. Decided I was losing too much $$ and so now I do them. Actually easy peasy! If they are on rented lots, they have a title just like a car. No closings. They just sign their title and the end buyer takes it to DMV and registers it in their name. How easy is that?
Have done several wholesale deals and some LOs. SFHs and MHs. All bandit sign leads.
I have made many new friends here that I have met thru my RE deals. The REI clubs here are extremely poor.
In August, I went back to Los Angeles for 4 1/2 weeks and had a hip replacement. All went well and I returned three weeks after my surgery. That was a little too soon. After flying back into Charleston and driving two hours back to MB (my driving leg is the one that had surgery) I was extremely weak and could barely function.
Luckily, I had arranged for a beachfront condo rental before I left, so I was able to just drive directly here and ck in. I was so weak for the first two days that I couldn't go out for food. I only had instant oatmeal to eat. Even though I had made new friends here, they were just that-NEW friends, so I didn't want to bother them. I finally had to ask for help and someone took me to the grocery. Just in time! That was a foolish move on my part.
I spent the next couple of weeks just sleeping, sleeping and being very loopy on my pain meds. (Yes, loopier than normal!)
My new condo is awesome! Right on the beach, 10th floor. Nice big balcony. Love, love love it! I can check "Living on the beach" off my bucket list.
I am back in the swing now with my RE. I just did a MH deal that I got under contract for $9k. 3/2. Gorgeous with absolutely not one drop of rehab! Spotless! HVAC, two yrs old. New kitchen and bathroom remodels including new floors. Fully furnished with very good quality furniture. Sold it to second viewer for $18,500 cash. Not one cent out of my pocket!
New box of signs should arrive tomorrow. Will get them all out in the next few days. Put out 50 week before last. Ready to paint the town yellow again!
What a fun life! Thank you Dean and all the DGers who have supported me and helped me to this point!
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!"
In June, I also went back to LA for a couple of weeks when my youngest daughter graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA. (yes, I am the proud Momma)
While in LA, I attended an intensive three day training on several more investing techniques. Sub 2, Trusts and a number of other tools were added to my tool belt. Fun, fun, fun!
Always learning and moving forward!
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!"
Just stopping by to say hello. I know my deal is coming soon. I will never give up.
Take care my Southern Belle,
WALT
Lots going on with you. Hope you are feeling better now after your surgery. Congratulations to you daughter on her graduation.
Glad you are enjoying your new place, it sounds great! it won't be long before your new friends become "old" friends.
I laughed at the ditch story...I guess he didn't egt hurt which is a good thing.
Take good care,
Lisa
Good to see you my friend!
I'm tellin' ya, find something we can partner on down there! You know that I absolutely adore Natchez!
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!"
looking forward to it !!!!!!!!!!