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!"
Thanks for visiting my journal/blog. I am not very good with keeping it updated anymore, but I like to pull it up every so often, so that new investors can see that we all were new at one time or another.
You are an asset to the DG family and I am very happy that you are here. Keep on keeping on. You are off to a great start
Best wishes!
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!"
Glad to hear you've recovered from your surgery. The beach condo sounds so nice! That's my goal...get a condo on the beach!
Now you've got me wanting to do mobile home wholesaling! I get so many calls about mobile homes, but I've always turned them away. Well, no more! LOL! Sounds easy!
Hope to meet you someday in person!
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
Hello Karen, I am hoping all is well with you Happy Thanksgiving
"Don't tell me I can't, Tell me how I can."
Thanks for visiting. I don't keep it up very well any more, but I talk to many of you personally by phone and enjoy the great friendships and seeing your growth!
You are going to be awesome in this biz!
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!"
Yes, things are going very well, thanks!
It is great to see you here.
I always think it is kind of cool because we were both recipients of the Edge scholarships. I don't know if you know that I won the first one that Jim Kendrick organized when he was here. I miss him on here but am still in touch with him on a regular basis. And then you won the second year when Tammy was spearheading it.
Shows that the scholarships were not wasted on us.
We still have to meet in person. I think you are also one of the few who have been around that I have not talked with on the phone. Annnnnnnd, we are BOTH huge fans of LOs! We have much in common.
Take care and Happy Thanksgiving to you also.
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!"
The other day this week I took my time to read your entire journal. It really inspired me a lot. Jotted down some tips which you use on craigslist and I have started implementing them in my REI. Your tips have been working out great for me and I have been getting a lot of great responses in general.
I hope you are feeling much better on your driving leg which you got surgery on.
Best wishes in your investing
TC
Miami Florida
"If you are not doing something that help the universe or God or your family, or YOU, is that something you should still be doing?"-Dean Graziosi
"Each day do one thing to get you closer to your dreams because if you do today what others are not willing to do, then tomorrow you can do those things that others are only dreaming about doing!"- Joe Jurek
Follow me on my road to being a BILLIONAIRE http://bit.ly/1q7aOFX
Go LIKE my official facebook page http://on.fb.me/1qQGO6i
So good to see you on here! I am glad that you enjoyed reading my journal and that there were some things in here that you are trying.
It is fun to go back and read it sometimes to remember what it was like when we started. One of the main things to keep in mind is always have fun and enjoy what you are doing. It never seems like work.
I am very impressed with you and how fast you learn and take to heart any suggestions. You are going to do very well.
We will stay 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!"
I have made arrangements with my BS assistant and we will be out at daybreak tomorrow putting up signs. I figure that will be four good days minimum that the bandit sign police will not be pulling signs. There are some very good spots that I used to put them that they immediately pull them now. I will play their game.
6am will come bright and early tomorrow! It is not a time that I see often but when necessary, I'm ready!
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!"
you are killing it out there! and getting up a 6am??!! Whoa! Impressive!
I'm so glad that you're making new friends over there, and that your rei is doing so amazingly; although, I can't say that I'm surprised, I know how hard you work at it!
Hope to be able to visit you at your condo on the beach sometime soon!
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/...
Now you make me wanna go put signs out lol. I just wanted to go to sleep wake up eat watch football AND now I wanna go put signs out and sleep in lol...Karen I see its going to be hard to keep up with you lol!
You have to respect hard work
Aaron-n-Suzy
Hi Karen I did know you had won the year before me! Wow we do have a lot in common. And yes I love lease options. I would really like for the contest to happen again because you are right....it was not wasted!! We are DG ladies that don't wave quit!!! I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
"Don't tell me I can't, Tell me how I can."
You are definitely right on that. I remember this one time I posted a l/o ghost ad on CL and I got responses but I didn't know what to write.
I had to log into DG.com and check up your journal and save your tip and I twerked a lor bit. I copy and saved it in my draft box in my email so whenever I get responses, all I do is copy and paste:)
For example
Hello,
Thanks for emailing me.
Unfortunately the properties which I have right now are all leased out. But I am a Real Estate Investor, so I get other properties very often and am anticipating to have more in just the next few weeks. What exactly are you looking for? That way I can look for something that fits your criteria
- Area of Interest (zip code if preferred)
- # of Bedroom
- # of Bathroom
- What type of house do you want (single family house, condo or townhouse)?
- What is the maximum monthly payment you feel comfortable with?
- What is the maximum down payment that you have?
- How soon can you move in? (just to see how motivated they are)
- Name
- Phone number
- email
- Do you have a job and how long have you been there?
Thanks for your time and I look forward to working with you
(my name)
I got a potential buyer by doing this and I spent most of my day today emailing lots of rental ads that matched my l/o buyer on www.padmapper.com
You are awesome and thanks again
TC
Miami Florida
"If you are not doing something that help the universe or God or your family, or YOU, is that something you should still be doing?"-Dean Graziosi
"Each day do one thing to get you closer to your dreams because if you do today what others are not willing to do, then tomorrow you can do those things that others are only dreaming about doing!"- Joe Jurek
Follow me on my road to being a BILLIONAIRE http://bit.ly/1q7aOFX
Go LIKE my official facebook page http://on.fb.me/1qQGO6i
I'm so glad that you're making new friends over there, and that your rei is doing so amazingly; although, I can't say that I'm surprised, I know how hard you work at it!
Hope to be able to visit you at your condo on the beach sometime soon!
Yeah, you know that I only usually see early morning from the other side, since I am usually up until 2-3am.
You are definitely going to have to come visit me here! With all the hubbub of my relocation this year, we missed our annual 3-4 day w/e we have spent together for the last few years.
( Need a "Valerie fix" sometime soon. Those 3-4 hour phone sessions are great but just not the same as face to face!
MWAH!
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!"
You have to respect hard work
Aaron-n-Suzy
You guys are doing great!
Don't worry about keeping up with anyone. Just keeping moving forward at your own pace. You will get there. I know that your dreams will come true. Just keep believing.
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 hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday also!
You are FABULOUS!
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 had to log into DG.com and check up your journal and save your tip and I twerked a lor bit. I copy and saved it in my draft box in my email so whenever I get responses, all I do is copy and paste:)
I got a potential buyer by doing this and I spent most of my day today emailing lots of rental ads that matched my l/o buyer on www.padmapper.com
You are awesome and thanks again
You amaze me! You are like a giant sponge that absorbs everything and remembers and uses it when needed.
I am happy to be of help to you and know that you are just going to be a real superstar!
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 had to log into DG.com and check up your journal and save your tip and I twerked a lor bit. I copy and saved it in my draft box in my email so whenever I get responses, all I do is copy and paste:)
I got a potential buyer by doing this and I spent most of my day today emailing lots of rental ads that matched my l/o buyer on www.padmapper.com
You are awesome and thanks again
You amaze me! You are like a giant sponge that absorbs everything and remembers and uses it when needed.
I am happy to be of help to you and know that you are just going to be a real superstar!
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!"
Thanks and I can't wait to share my upcoming success stories with you.
Will keep you posted
Good luck in your investing
TC
Miami Florida
"If you are not doing something that help the universe or God or your family, or YOU, is that something you should still be doing?"-Dean Graziosi
"Each day do one thing to get you closer to your dreams because if you do today what others are not willing to do, then tomorrow you can do those things that others are only dreaming about doing!"- Joe Jurek
Follow me on my road to being a BILLIONAIRE http://bit.ly/1q7aOFX
Go LIKE my official facebook page http://on.fb.me/1qQGO6i
Will keep you posted
Good luck in your investing
I can't wait to hear them!
Making my luck happen.
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!"
You rock!
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
Go ahead smart girl!
When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
I look forward to meeting you and your wife next time I am in Athens!
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!"
Well, getting out and putting my signs up Thanksgiving morning is definitely paying off!.
I have had lots of calls and as I said in another threads, callers at this time of the year are SERIOUS!
Just got a beach house under contract for $130k.
Repairs needed approximately $20k
ARV $195k-$200k
Wholesaling this one. If I sell to an investor who will be flipping, will assign for $10k. If a retail cash buyer, will assign for $15k.
2 blocks from beach and 1/2 block from a gorgeous park with state of the art playground.
FedEx driver is the seller and saw my signs in the area where they are usually immediately removed by sign police. But, as I predicted, the sign police were off for holiday and my signs stayed up at least five days!
Also getting contracts ready for a new LO. A grandmother who wants to move closer to grands in FL. Just taking over for what she owes on the house. Five yr LO. Will cash flow about $250/mo and at end of time, should make about $46k on this deal. Will ask for $10k upfront from Tenant Buyer.
My MH deal should close this week or next. Just waiting for a CO (certificate of occupancy) for sellers new house and then we will sign title papers. Already had everyone sign contract extension papers and I got a $3000 deposit from buyer. Will make $6500 more when this one closes.
Did I say, I LOVE REAL ESTATE!!!
Making my good luck happen every day!
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!"
Thanks for sharing your journal. You're an inspiration!
So good to see you guys on here! It has been a while.
I think a lot of people have gone to the IE and are not coming here as much.
Don't be strangers. Good to see familiar faces. Keep pushing.
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,
Hope you are fully recovered and feeling up to using your wings.
Lisa
You are having a nice December. Merry Christmas! Thanks for the update.
Cathy B
Follow my progress at:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/44397/...
Oops I over posted sorry
Cathy B
Follow my progress at:
http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/44397/...
Hope you are fully recovered and feeling up to using your wings.
Lisa
I AM all recovered from my surgery, as far as it doesn't keep me from doing anything. Dr says it will take probably a year before everything is fully mended.
I am stretching my wings and enjoying the flight!
Thank you and keep up your forward movement!
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!"
and wish you a Merry Christmas. Hows life on the beach ?