First Page of Rock Bottom

Hey Jay,
Come on over to the 30 Days Quick Cash Formula Forum. It's abuzz with activity and the water's fine!
The more, the merrier!

http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/everything-else/86517/30-...

Check out my sig for the link to a quick reference guide of that forum.

See you Soon!

Ok. Just got another call from a real estate agent. That's 5 calls and 5 e-mails today. He was from Keller Williams. I really like this one. He was all kinds of full of knowledge and ready to rock and roll.

He sounded as excited as I feel. Awesome!!!

You guys out there getting discouraged about calling Agents, keep on calling and soon your phone will be ringing off the hook!!

Come on buyers. I better get busy on Craigs List ect. Time to keep the car rolling and put some gas in it!!!

JBird, how do you get those agents to contact you? Do you just send emails to every real estate office in the area or what? Because I was calling RE offices and asking the front desk gal to point out the agent who works with investors and those are the people I was calling but can't find the right person for some reason...

Hey DG family! I haven't posted in a while but I've been in the trenches at both work and R.E. I am glad to see so many of you that were fortunate to make the right decision for the Rock Bottom Blueprint. I was unable to go there at this time but I am confident that I WILL join the Success Academy! I encourage you all to keep swinging, even on the dark days. Here in Philadelphia, us Phillies fans get de-moralized when Ryan Howard goes into a hitting slump. Does he quit the team? NO!! Does he just sit on the bench with his head hung down? NO! He keeps swinging! And look at him now...home run after home run! In this business, every deal may not be a home run, but if we keep swinging we will eventuall get on base! For the new members, WELCOME! This is the greatest site on earth. For the rest of the family, it's great to be back. I've missed you! To Dean: thanks for continuing to be completely awesome every day! See you at The Edge!!

Ogal Gaines
LAGO Acquisition, LLC

Hi everyone!

I noticed a question revolving around finding the perfect real estate agent, I just wanted to chime in and share my story: I called all 10 offices (Remax and KW) in the areas I'm interested in, but right now I'm working solely with one agent - I love her because she's hardworking, aggressive (in a nice way), and hungry. Most importantly, I like her as a person. There's another guy who seemed like a good potential, but he's slow in response so I'm not going to wait for it. It doesn't matter how many agents you call, as long as you can find one that you like to work with, and who seems ambitious and knowledgeable.

After that, I started building the cash buyers list and evaluating comps, and plan to put in some offers early next week So I'd suggest to just go out and do whatever that makes sense to you, and don't get stuck at being perfect in every stage. It's good to have more than one agents fighting over you business, in case one suddenly ditches you, but I really just want to get a deal done!

I find myself using this technique: if someone puts a gun to your head to get it done in 30 days, would you still be doing what you're doing? In the real estate agent case, I found a good one, and even though there's a risk that she might not work out eventually, I had to move to the next phase because I only have 30 days! (I think when Dean said "Don't think, just do", that's what he meant?)

Hope that helps, and join in the fun in the other discussion! http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/everything-else/86517/30-...

Hi niccarjac79,

Keep remembering what Dean has said a thousand times..."Do not let those friends and other people with bad attitudes and negative mindsets destroy your dreams. They just want to keep you from succeeding so you won't leave them behind."

Keep moving forward and when you encounter one of these people, just walk away and say, "NEXT!" Make these 'NAY' sayers eat your dust...

Keep taking action,
Theo T.
CogniWorld-LV

Hi JBird,

I have found that if I want to have the original posting included along with my answer, I need to use the 'write to author' button on that posting instead of using the 'post new comment' at the bottom of the actual forum page.

No, sorry that did not work either.

Hope this helps;-),
Theo T.
CogniWorld-LV

Hi JBird,

I believe that you should answer their questions with honesty and full transparency. Most Realtors will not mind if you are new and those are the ones that you want to work with anyway. The Realtor that excepts that you are a 'NewBee' will be much more inclined to help you along while they are making money too.

Have a Fantabulous week JBird,
Theo T.
CogniWorld-LV

~~~~~

Found It JBird,

Hit the quote button and it will include the other persons post too. Then just write your posting under the writing already in the text box.

Theo T.
CogniWorld-LV

I got the listings I ask for, but it seems that no one wants to come off of the buyers list for some reason?

One agent even emailed me back after I e-mailed him, thanking him for the listings, but I was still interested in getting the buyers list. He told me this was beyond the scope of what he should do?

Why don't these Agents want to send a buyers list. He also told me that he has had several calls for the same request and asked if I was part of a team or recently bought a course.

I don't know, I guess I keep pushing.

Jay

I am a real estate agent and also investor, but one of the best ways to also find a good agent who understands investor is at the Real Estate Investors Club in your hometown. I bet you will find 1, 2 or 3 agents who are willing to just dedicate their time to the investors. In fact, they look at the market every single day to see what's new, what other deals available, etc, etc. Recommend this path. Also, Real Estate Investors club are good for Real Estate Attorneys, Insutance companies who works mostly on investment properties, etc, etc...

Hey,

Well I was getting a better response, but for some reason can't get an Agent that wants to send a buyers list. They seem to play some game on their side and sound excited etc. I will keep going I guess. If anything I'll start building a buyers list and look at buy owners for now and work on finding an Agent on the side.

I'm also worried about this new POF (Proof of Funds) thing I'm hearing about and how the Banks have become privy to it.

Any suggestions?

Jay

Hey, how do you find real estate agents? How do you get them to call you? Did you send an email or a letter to every Real estate office in the area or what?

Also When I asked for the properties that were purchased using cash, if they ask i just tell them that I'm a cash buyer and I want to see what the market was doing in the last 90 days or so, want to see how much the property was listed for and how much it was bought for. and in my area for the most part, they buy it.

Hi folks-

I have been reading your posts here with interest. I am a full service Florida Realtor/ appraiser since 1982. I am a DG member who has been out of work for a while due to physical issues from previous head injury.

However, as a well trained top producing agent I can tell you why agents are not jumping through hoops to give you listings and their buyer lists. In any market this is a very competitive business for agents. We learn quickly everyone wants to cut us out of deals to make the money for themselves. We guard our sources and especially our good buyers like gold. When we find a REAL investor, who will pay us for our work, we kill for them. Trick is to find the good ones. We also have been burned by "newbies" who leave us looking like fools with our contacts and hurt our business when they can not close. They move on to other agents and areas but we LIVE here and have to work with our sources. Few of have the knowledge or range to work out of their home spheres. I have no limits and a huge National contact list.

We learn to ask the questions to find the depth of knowledge and pockets of those we work with. Once you prove yourself capable and good to work with your reputation will proceed you. Everyone will work for you so long as you are fair and make sure to cover those who do the heavy lifting.

I have made millions for others and joined DG to begin making it for myself. We are trained not to trust buyers and to concentrate on sellers to corner the market. We are taught here in Florida that anyone buying / selling on a regular basis for others or as in between person is breaking the law if unlicensed. Hard habits to break.

You will need to get agents to invest themselves in your goals to win them over.

Best of luck to all of you as we move forward. I hope to meet you all at the top .... soon!

God Bless

I have not recieved my package. Maybe today or Monday:)

Hello everyone.

I've been reading and watching videos like crazy. I also stuck my neck out and sent my version of the letter in Matt Larson's special report to agents by email since I'm looking out of state. I've gotten good response from the agent that manages my daughter's building in WI where she is attending college.

I am hopeful that this will work out since this office does property management as well as working with investors. They are eager to manage properties that they find me as well as can recommend rehabbers. She also said she will work on the cash buyers list from the MLS.

I just hope I'm ready with a buyer when the deals come in!

Yes, I'm plenty nervous too. But at least I know I'm moving forward.

Read post number 44 multiple times. She speaks the truth and goes along with what I always say. Don't do anything until you are capable of producing. If not you will hurt and loose agents, sellers and buyers.
It is a hard world out there in reality, A. Demarco speaks the hard truth. Thanks!!!

Michael Mangham
MD Home Acquisitions LLC

Hi Everyone....
I finally talked my engineer husband into taking "the plunge" and puchasing the rock bottom system. He had to agree, the books I bought a few months back had some good info in them...and agreed to a commitment to work the edge with me. Unfortunately, it still hasn't arrived But true to his word...I was able to drag him out with myself and our realtor after work this week...and wrote yet another offer. So...true to his word...he is willing to commit...I just have to find the deals.
I have been working so hard to make a deal come through for the past several months (countless hours!)...and keep missing out...just by a little bit.....ever so close though to some great deals. I even locked in on a great deal...but because I didn't have a BUYERS LIST...I couldn't hand it off...such a shame shame shame. However, I have made some great contacts during this time...like a super great realtor...he keeps writing the offers for us...I know something has to give!
Last week I found a great house...great bank owned buy...and for the first time ever...no competition....but now it is the weekend and the deal still isn't complete...I am afraid another offer will jump in but I am still hopeful. I hope everyone is downturned by this weeks stock market activity and stays away or is out enjoying the sunshine. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed, mostly because I like the house and want it...it's a keeper kind of house. I see that one in my "retirement collection". I basically envision my retirement fund as rent checks coming to me every month for properties that are 100% paid for. That has a lot more interest to me than my 401K. Somehow...I just view real estate as more secure. I could be wrong on this...and is where my husband and I differ but balance each other out well.
I need to do more than I am...work smart instead of so hard...which is why I talked David into this purchase. He is skeptical but willing to commit for a certain amount of time...but basically, I am the "bird dog" on my own. It is tough as we both work a lot, both are sucessful professionals. But I just can't help myself...I just love looking for real estate deals. It is kind of a hobby of mine that is growing...kind of out of control...it's kind of becoming a weird obsession. I just have always loved real estate. (OK...I'm an HGTV addict too...but I know that is the WRONG way to buy real estate now...but I still like to look....) We have a couple rental properties...which we bought at the wrong time in the market...but I have learned my lesson...and know there is a better way to buy real estate. Not buy and hold, but buy and make money. I have always truly believed that real estate equals retirement....a good retirement! I would like to turn my real estate hobby into a sucessful full time job and "hang up my nurses hat" so to speak. Real estate isn't so hard on the back and knees. I'd like to do a switcharoo...work real estate full time and nursing part time. How long do you think that it will take me to make that happen???
I truly believe that there is no time like the present to acquire property. I do not want to miss the opportunity that this down market is presenting us. I will not quit until I am sucessful at it. I have the drive and desire...I just need the tools! I believe this so strongly, that all the "nay sayers" have no effect on me....never have. This is the time to BUY BUY BUY. Those of us that do...will be smiling all the way to the bank in a few years and we will finally be able to tell all those "nay sayers" "I told you so..."
Come on Rock Bottom...find your way to my doorstep! I have to prove to my skeptical but very sweet husband that I am right about this!
Happy Hunting Everyone!
Judy
PS....I took me about 15 minutes to talk David into the Rock Bottom purchase...that is almost the exact amount of time it took me to talk him into buying the puppy I found 5 years ago...hahaha. I married a great guy...what can I say... LOL.

Hi Jay:
I've been reading through the other posts and think I see too many ideas off the path.
Hopefully this will help:
You may be asking the agents the questions the wrong way. Tell the agent you want a list of all CASH sales (for the area you're interested in) that closed in the past 90 days. Don't deviate from that format (ie saying Buyer's list). The only answer you should give an agent who asks "why do you want that?" is to say "that it's to help formulate my investment strategy." A good investor's agent shouldn't be asking that question anyway. (Hint, Hint
Next, your answer to funding is CASH. No bank is required so there should be no issues. Don't tell the agent that it's going to be someone else's cash either. That's not their business. Remember, their job is to do what you want not your doing what they want.
As for POF: you can get one at Coastal-Funding .com if it really becomes an issue but it should never get to that point. I get the feeling that what Dean's going to show us within these 30 days is going after non-bank owned properties. Even if I am wrong, I'm sure he will show us how to deal with No Money ways of getting it done.

As for partnering, I am just down I-4 from you. I'm in Lake Wales and will be more than happy to work with you. Us "Newbies" need to stick together
You can follow my blog or PM me at ANDYS and I'll give you my contact info.

Hope this all helped.
Andy Sager
DG's AndyS

Jay...
I am new...but having great success with contacts....

Realtor: I found an excellent realtor. I found him by accident. I was looking at foreclosure properties that I had selected of the foreclosurealert website. One of the properties I really liked...had a real estate sign on it. I looked up the realtor info...and found a realtor that specialized in foreclosures. Well, turns out...his real specialty is investors...which probably resulted from working with foreclosures...plus he has many many years of experience. He sends me daily lists...daily....meeting my criteria. When I find something....we just jump out there and go see it quick....and he is not shy about writing low ball offers either....cuz he works with investors.. Why not do a search in your area...ie...google...for realtors specializing in foreclosures. I would think they are more likely to work with investors. That might be a good place to start.

Hard Money Lenders: They are out there...and charge a lot....and want to lend. They cost...but I am just figuring that into my deal...I know how much I have to buy the property for....they are an added cost...just like escrow fees. I have good credit and good income...but lets face it...I don't have the money to buy all these properties...so I have to be creative. So I already have worked with a conventional lender...that has me qualified to refinace out of the property after I buy it cash...with private funds from my hard money guy.

I found a good local lender by accident too...when I was calling around looking for a good mortgage lender. I starting talking to a mortgage broker who I never met but was very responsive to my questions. He said...if I didn't have 25% down for investment property...then I could borrow from a hard money lender and then refinance the property. He referred me to someone...he met (at a real estate club years ago). I called him...we enjoyed each others phone conversation...so my husband and I took him out to dinner. He said, "my time, your dime" and that he would be happy to teach us about real estate investing...and truly...he has been great. A super great contact to have...and I think will actually become more of a friend than a lender in a short amount of time as we have stayed in touch....he follows the real estate circles...and loves real estate. We have that in common...he is so happy that I am "sticking with it". It is good to establish a relationship with a good hard money lender. After all, if you want to buy and hold...you only have so much money...and then it runs out....so you need assistance...this is just another way I figured out to do it. And...if you buy the property low enough...you can refinance to take money back out again after 6 months...up to 80% of appraised value. (You see...where there is a will, there is a way"...I have always believed that).

Coastal Funding. I have used their website to print up the proof of funds letter....I had an offer accepted using this technique. They fund back to back loans. I then started googling for back to back...etc...finding more info. Learn, learn, learn...and apply the techniques.

See, one thing leads to another. One contact to another. I am finding that there is another real estate world....very different than "Century 21, or HGTV". I like to think of it as the "underground real estate world" but there are a whole lot of people in it....people like us...investors...realtors...lenders...and people like Dean. I am still working on my contacts...but I am having sucess....just through phone calls and networking. Oh yea.....and let me tell you....my hard money guy....has been the most excellent resource for good roofers, tilers, etc....because all he has done is bought/sold/rented real estate himself for the past 30 years.

I plan to find a real estate club next. I think that will be great networking. Funny how you are looking for one thing...and that often leads to another.

Hope this helps.
Judy

Although I've called 10 REA without success. Everyone on DG is right when they say the nervousness and fear of embarrasment goes away. Plus the more you call the more confidence & assurance you have in yourself. Thanks for the support I look forward to networking with everyone here. Have a great day!

you don't have to look for agents at Remax and KW only; neither of my realtors are from there.

Networking with other investors at REI clubs will get you referrals-that's a great way to find someone for your team. When you get a referral, it's easier to start the conversation, because you can say that they were referred to you by X person... (it's compliment when someone is referred....)

Get in the mindset that you will be helping the realtors make lots of money! When you think this way, you will expect to get the best possible agent! You are interviewing them, not the other way around. You propose to them what you are looking for, and what you need; if they can provide that for you, and are willing to put in the hard work, then you would want them on your team.

Imagine what Matt Larson, or Rina, or Randy, or Andrea, or any of the successful investors would say to the agents...

Don't be intimidated by being new at this... everyone starts at the beginning, even the agents!

wishing you success,
Valerie

Hi All,

Ok, I have finished with Day 1 of The RBBP...

And the results are in...

I found (3) three excellent Realtors that were having no problems being on the same page with me...

#1 Has a specialty with investors and many relations with Bank's REO Officers. She has a partner with specialties in local home auctions (ie. Trustee, probate & tax). This partner actually has an office at the auction building. I will be going with the Realtor to meet with her on Monday.

I asked the Realtor to send me an example of her work, as instructed by the RBBP and she passed with flying colors. She is very eager to get started on some bids right away. She also has a re-hab team, a property management team and a home inspector that will do the work for me at highly discounted rates as they know that there will be many projects to work on.

#2 Has a specialty repo-HUD homes and other government entities with inside contacts to locate the best deals for me. He has sent me 5 properties on HUD repos that look very promising to say the least. I am very excited to be able to start with him this next week too.

#3 Has a specialty in finding pre-foreclosures and forclosures that are great deals and being offered well below FMV with only minor cosmetics needed before they hit the MLS Lists. She will be sending me 6 to 8 to review sometime later today.

With this part of my team now in place, I think that it's time to begin Day 2 of the RBBP...

I hope that Day 2 is about finding CASH buyers as I expect to have deals ready by the end of next week. I just keep saying to myself that, "I don't need to re-invent the wheel, just keep taking action every day." It is just so scary and yet wonderful the power Dean Graziosi has given to me!

Theo T.
CogniWorld-LV

Just had a meeting with a younger agent with 10 years as a licensed REA. It was a very good meeting. He asked how I'm funding it, and I replied with "cash". He said no more on the issue, which made me happy. He did ask if I was new to investing, and I feel more obligated to tell the truth than to make something up. I did say I was new to investing, and he didn't seem to care too much about this. He was very helpful in making many suggestions, since I am new, such as starting with lower-priced houses in the area than higher, joining an REI club I hadn't already heard of or checked into locally, making sure I have a full-house inspection on every house to make sure there are no "hidden" surprises, and that the 3 bedroom 2 bath are actually the best selling in this general area (Northern Indiana)...preferably with attached garage and full basement(general consensus from all of his clients). Might be something to consider, as I'm passing the info over to everyone here. This particular office is very aggressive in working for their investors, so I believe I found a good agent and office to work with. I can't say much for the other office across town (also Re/Max) that basically blew me off saying all the agents are too busy to take on another investor (whether it is true or not).

I did let this agent know that I am going to continue calling other agencies in other areas to further develop my working area. He had no quarrels with it. I think if you get an agent that has a problem with it, you may not have a good one. They need to be flexible with us, just as long as you aren't stepping on his/her toes or undercutting their work. I made sure to let him know that I am first and foremost looking for him to make a profit, as well as myself on every deal. That made him happy to hear. Just make sure you are sincere and keep your word. This agent was very open to what I wanted, good listening, very suggestive and helpful, and eager to start finding deals for me....so I definitely want to make sure I return the favor. I will be sending him my email request for the list of all Cash Sales in the last 90 days. We'll see what his response is. This seems to be the hurdle most are hitting, as I read above messages. I will not be asking for a "buyer's list", as was mentioned by someone else, but instead making sure I ask for a list of "Cash Sales". I'll let all know how this goes.

The only problem right now is that I have no buyer's list, so I need to get busy with section 2 of the 30 Days To Quick Cash as quickly as I can. It sounded like he wanted to move immediately with sending me a list of houses and possibly even visiting them as early as either this weekend or beginning of next week (couple day delay since he'll be out of town this week).

In any case, I feel I have a good start. I won't stop calling all agencies I can get my hands on in and out of my area. It's a numbers game, and making sure you are using the hints and tips everyone (especially the Superstars, REA's and other profitable investors) is giving here to learn from, and going full-force to reach every agency that has an agent that will work with you. As mentioned in another posting... When you get a handful of agents that will work with you, then you can pick the agents that are the most eager and are actually producing information you can work with. The agents of that list that don't do much, or anything at all regardless of their verbal intentions, put to the side until they actually come through on their end. Follow up on occasion with them. If a considerable amount of time passes, and they still haven't produced, drop them. I added a little there to the existing, and is only my personal opinion. You make your own call of what you feel you should do.

One last thing... JBird, I read up that you and possibly others were having some trouble with different agent responses to the script used to speak to the agents you get on the phone. Here is the original script in the Rock Bottom Blueprint:

"Hello, my name is_________ I am an investor and my strategy is to buy, fix and sell a property where I can turn a $20,000 to $25,000 profit. I am looking to be in and out of deals quick."

I am finding that almost every agent I speak to, for some reason, converts the profit numbers into the actual price of house I am looking for. I've had to repetitively correct each one. So, I deviated from that script and just started with something simple to begin with:

"Hello, my name is ________. I am an investor, and I am looking for an agent to assist me in finding investment properties."

They will, I have found, accept this introduction much better without it sounding like a script. It's not really re-inventing the wheel, since it is still hitting the point and not shoving too much information at them in the first breath that they are confused with the numbers and what you want. They will begin to ask you questions about the rest, such as "What are you looking for?", "What price range of properties would you like to look for?", "How will you be funding your investments?", "What type of investments will you want to look at? (such as estate sales, short-sales, home owner sales, foreclosures, etc), and "Are you looking to do fix and sell homes, rentals, etc?". This agent suggested that when I purchase a house, I do spend "some" money to fix it a little...at least new carpet and a new paint job inside. He said it makes a whole world of difference in what you can ask for the selling price. If the house down the street is selling at a higher price, is comparable to the house you have, and they have a new kitchen and yours has an outdated kitchen, he advised you either put a new kitchen in or sell at a lower price that is more to the actual marketable value for the house. If you want to sell higher, put a new kitchen in. He said the kitchen is about 68% of the value of the house.

Ok, I know I ventured off there. This is for the first page of the RBB, so I'll stop. I hope some of the information I posted from my first day experience at the agency helps someone. Rehearse what you might be asked, and what you might say to the questions. You will be asked questions you didn't plan for. I was, so you just need to adapt on the fly and think about "what do I want to do with my business" when asked those questions. I was nervous, but feel I handled it well and didn't show my nervousness to the agent. I'm not good with getting asked "Do you have any questions for me?". You will get asked. I paused for a moment in thought, and came up with "How long have you been an agent?". Come up with relative questions to what you are doing, and to inquire about the agent who you are building a relationship with.

Thanks for reading this book. I'll keep it short(er) next time.

Anyone else has first experiences, continue to weigh in on them. I've read all of them and used a lot of the information I've read. It's really helped me to get through this first meeting with the agent.

SO after everything you have been able to get three calls that have to be an awesome feeling.Take that energy and go with the same excitement and ask for the other stuff that you need from the agent.We are all here for each other on the good days and the not so good days, there will always be someone to cheer and encourage each other.