Real estate investing does not have to be complicated!

Real estate investing does not have to be complicated

Do you know what is the hardest deal to ever do in real estate?

Your first one!

The challenge is that most people will quit before ever getting their first deal.

I also feel that there is sooooooo much information available in the marketplace that even getting started is almost as challenging as getting your first deal!

I think one of the reasons for this is there are so many ways to invest in real estate!

Do I buy No Money Down?

Do I invest in Foreclosures or Pre-foreclosures?

Do I invest in “Fixer Uppers?”

Do I do “Flips”?

Do I adopt a “Buy and Hold?”

Do I Lease-Purchase or Lease option?

Do I buy “Subject to” the existing financing?

Do I buy Single-family homes? Condos? Mobile Homes? Apartment buildings?

You get the idea! There are so many ways to invest in real estate today!

Ok, let’s say you’re lucky to pick one way to invest in real estate, let’s say Foreclosures.

There seems to be a hundred ways to do a foreclosure deal!

Now, in addition to finding your first foreclosure deal, you then have to figure out which of the hundred ways to do that deal!

I still wince in pain whenever I see a real estate program that has anywhere from 12 to 36 CD’s or audio tapes!

Who really has the time to go through all of that information?

And even if you make time, can you say, “Information OVERLOAD”?

We always said that we did not want to learn 100 ways to do a real estate deal but one simple, proven way that would take us to the bank!

When we wrote “Buy With No Credit–How to Make Money This Month in Real Estate” it was with the belief that people would appreciate a course that simply “cut to the chase” and taught one simple method (no credit checks and $1-10.00 down) to invest in real estate.

Something so simple that anyone could read it in a day and begin contacting homeowners the very same night!

We appreciate people that do not “Mickey Mouse” around and are direct and to the point!

So our strongest recommendation is to find one way to invest in real estate and then pay the price and really learn that one method.

Vickie and I recently went to our first “bootcamp” (yes we believe in continuing education)

During this 3 day event, there were 7 “guest speakers” and these speakers all had an upcoming “boot camp” they were promoting. The thing that blew us away was all the people who signed up for those additional “bootcamps”.

We saw some folks that signed up for every one!

I wanted to scream out, “What about the information that was being presented this weekend?!”

When would these people ever have time to implement the strategies they were learning that weekend?

The reality is that most people would rather write a check then to take action!

So the only action they have in a year is going from Bootcamp to Bootcamp, a massive credit card bill, and to officially be a “jack of all trades” in real estate!

Do not try to be a “jack of all trades” in real estate!

Jacks of all trades in real estate never make the money that the specialist will!

Let me ask you a question: Who makes the most money in the health field? Is it the General Practitioner (Family doctor) or the Specialist?

The Specialist, of course!

Choose this day to become a specialist in one area in real estate and then apply yourself to becoming a Specialist in that one method!

Once you have mastered that one method, then and only then, you can diversify and learn another method.

A word of warning:

When choosing a course or training program on any real estate method, do not confuse the price of the program with the value of the program.

Just because a program is a lot of money does not mean that it has more value than a less expensive program.

Case in point: One of our students spent $12,000 with a “real estate mentor” and was frustrated because it was like he was spinning his wheels.

He ordered our course for the special price of $97 and within 4 weeks was closing deals on his first 2 properties!

Remember this and remember it well… The value a real estate course or training program has nothing to do with the price!

Just because it is expensive does not make it automatically better than a more affordable course.

The value is only determined by the impact the course or training program has on that person!

This is absolutely critical!

Truly caring for your success! TC and Vickie Bradley http://www.tcandvickiebradley.com

About the Author

TC and Vickie Bradley are authors of the #1 best selling course “Buy With No Credit, How to make money this month in Real Estate”.

It has maintained a #1 ranking in Real Estate at one of the Internet’s most trusted and respected web sites since it was released in April of 2003.

This dynamic and caring couple has a passion to assist others in walking into the greatness that is already within them!

Real Estate Investing Alternatives

You’d like to invest in Real Estate, but you aren’t sure what to invest in (condos, apartment buildings, commercial properties, land), and you’re not certain if you have enough money available to make a suitable Real Estate investment.

It seems that everyone is investing in some form of Real Estate, but you consider yourself a novice and your risk tolerance is low. You don’t want to make a costly mistake, so you decide to wait. You may have even purchased tapes and books and videos extolling the virtues of Real Estate investing, and how simple it is to become financially independent.

The old saying, “If it’s so easy, everybody would be doing it,” is just as appropriate for the Real Estate market.

Also, you may think that it’s too late — the so-called Real Estate “bubble” is about to burst.

Are there any alternatives for the neophyte, or the conservative investor who’s very concerned about his or her life savings?

There are such alternatives, a method by which you can own real estate and have it managed, with the liquidity of the stock market. It’s called a REIT, or Real Estate Investment Trust.

For about fifty years, REITS have offered investors the opportunity to own a variety of Real Estate investments — commercial and private — without the aggravation, inconvenience, and time-consuming hassles of individual ownership.

On top of this, a REIT can be purchased or sold just like as common stock. Professionals who are experienced in buying, selling, and renovating properties manage them.

Because many REITS purchase several properties, their diversification often keeps the investment risk low. Within the REIT, the management team has the capability of divesting itself of unprofitable properties, and, if the timing is appropriate, the ability to purchase additional properties.

Many REITS also offer very competitive dividends, which make them an excellent alternative to bonds and preferred stocks.

Also, the value of the properties in the REIT can appreciate, giving the investor a very important investment advantage — total return (appreciation plus dividends).

This appreciation in value is rarely seen in bonds (unless interest rates drop sharply), and, unlike bonds, REITS do not have a maturity date.

REITS are not without their risks. The Real Estate market could weaken, apartments and mall locations could remain vacant for a period of time, or the REIT may not want to risk putting additional capital in certain properties.

If you don’t have the expertise to invest in individual Real Estate ownership, or, if you’re a conservative investor who demands liquidity in your portfolio, speak to your investment advisor regarding REITS. These trusts may give you the liquidity and the diversification you need and deserve.

As a final note: If you’re searching for appropriate vehicles for your IRA, REITS may be one of your best alternatives. Remember to do your homework. There are many different types of REITS out there.

Real Estate Investing: Know Your Stuff

Real estate investing involves purchasing real estate with the intent of making a profit on it. While there is some luck in doing this, most people will fail in this type of venture if they haven?t done their research. Knowing what the market will demand now and in the future plays a large role in successful real estate investing.

One type of real estate investing is called flipping. This involves purchasing a home for a small price and fixing it up. The goal is to sell the home making a sizable profit to cover your time and cost of the repairs. Then you use some of the profits to invest in another home. It is important that you purchase such homes in areas that have an excellent resell value as well as a market for homes. If the remodeled home sits on the market for a year or longer then your investment could put quite a financial strain on you.

Real estate investing in factories or apartment buildings is very common. Generally, you can make some profit on such investments. The key is to try to find property that you can purchase for a very low cost. This is easier to do in under developed areas that are anticipated to boom.

There is a great deal of risk in real estate investing. There is no guarantee your investment will allow you to break even, let alone make a profit. Taking the time to complete some research on market trends in the area will allow you to make better decisions about real estate investing, and hopefully result in your endeavors being a success.

Because of the amount of risk involved in real estate investing, it can be tricky to get financing. There are lends out there that specialize in loans for this type of venture. The internet is a great resource for helping you find the right type of lender. Other real estate investors use their savings or personal income to cover the investment.

Keeping Real Estate Investing Simple

In real estate investment, do you know what the hardest deal to close out is?

The first one!

The challenge is such that most people eventually quit even before ever getting their first deal completed; in fact some would be real estate investors quit even before getting started!

With the glut in available information and the numerous real estate investment options available, getting started is as challenging as getting your very first deal!

Consider some of options that you can choose from if you want to invest in real estate.

Buy and Hold

Commercial space rental

Subject to the existing financing

Fixer Uppers

Flips

Foreclosures or Pre-foreclosures

Lease-Purchase or Lease

No Money Down

Single-family homes, condos, mobile homes or apartment buildings

Confusion arises when you are undecided which of the profitable and popular options as enumerated above you want to engage in.

Unless you are a very liquid and well-financed organization, you can engage in all of them. However, for ordinary investors, engaging in one or two investment options at the most is the preferred method.

If you are lucky enough to make up your mind in which real estate option you want to engage in, the next step is then to systematically search for and close your very first deal.

Again, there are several options open to you on how to close your deal and get to the bank in order to deposit the check of your deal.

The best way to invest in real estate is to find the option you are comfortable with and specialize in it! Learn everything all you can about your particular investment option.

If you have to, take informal courses related to it so that you will become knowledgeable and on the road to becoming a specialist!

Once you have mastered your specialization, take the necessary action in order to get and close your very first deal.

Then and only then, and only if you are serious in making money in real estate can you diversify and learn another real estate investment method.

In learning the ropes of real estate investing, either you choose to undergo a training course or do it on your own.

If you choose to take formal lessons, do not confuse the price of the program with the value of the program.

The cost of a training program is not related to the value it has and the methodologies and techniques you will learn.

About the Author:

Download A Free Ebook That Shows You How You Can Make $50,000 Per Deal From Real Estate Preconstruction: Free Preconstruction Ebook

Real Estate Investing - Should You Ever Use Credit Cards?

Over-using credit cards can lead to financial disaster. Alternatively, careful use of credit cards can jump-start a successful real estate investment program. Under what circumstances should you use credit cards to fund real estate purchases? When should you leave your credit cards alone?

Perhaps I should tell you the story of my first home purchase. I purchased my first piece of real estate in Chicago during the late 1970s. At the time, the city was in the midst of a relatively new real estate phenomenon. Real estate developers and investors were feverishly purchasing large and mid-size apartment buildings, renovating them and converting them to condominiums. I had recently arrived in Chicago from college to start my first job. Arriving at the beginning of this condominium craze, I was immediately attracted to what appeared to be an excellent ground-floor opportunity. Houses in the Chicago area were well beyond my means, but the cheaper two-bedroom condos were within reach.

While I was otherwise qualified to purchase a very nice condominium in a turn-around Chicago neighborhood, what I did not have was money for a down-payment. I stayed awake at night trying to envision a way to pull together what was needed. An older buddy at work told me the story of how he purchased his first house using credit cards. This information was just what I needed to put together my first down payment. I used my only credit card and one that my parents had to put my plan into action.

The plan worked well for me because: my credit was very good at the time and drawing down the maximum under my card did not dissuade the mortgage lender; I had full access to my card and was able to tap my parents’ card; I had a stable job and earned enough to service the credit card debt, the mortgage loan, and still be able to repay my parents within a year; and lastly, I am a bit of a risk taker, and fortunately the risk paid off.

Using credit cards as a tool to help finance real estate can be useful. Credit cards are convenient, versatile forms of financing. Usually, you can borrow and re-borrow up to the cash advance limit as needed. Finally, you have already been approved to use them.

There are, however, some big negatives.

The repayment requirements are fairly stiff. Most credit cards require repayment of the outstanding balance within as little as 42 months. This short time frame may not fit your cash flow circumstances.

Another negative is that high card balances will negatively impact your credit rating. If you have great credit and you can afford the credit card payments, it might be worth taking this risk to buy good real estate.

Using credit cards and other consumer credit can be addictive. If you have little self-discipline in this area, it is probably best not to use your cards for real estate. You might be better served by ridding yourself of credit cards altogether.

Lastly, the interest rates charged by the credit card companies are relatively high. Rates can range from 12% to well over 18% per year. These high rates will eat into your real estate gains.

Given the advantages and disadvantages, do credit cards make a good choice for financing real estate investments? This method certainly is not an ideal one because of its high risk. It would not be my first choice. I would tap other assets like life insurance cash value or money from a 401-K plan ahead of using credit card debt.

I would only recommend this financing method as a short-term arrangement, if you have run out of other alternatives. Additionally, it probably makes little sense unless: you have a stable job; you can afford to service the credit card debt; you can afford the real estate mortgage and can manage the related real estate expenses; and you will still have money left over to live fairly comfortably.

Notwithstanding the benefits and risks, the credit card option is one worth noting.

About the Author

George Parker is a Director and Executive Vice President of Leasing Technologies International, Inc. (”LTI”). Headquartered in Wilton, CT, LTI is a leasing firm specializing nationally in equipment financing programs for emerging growth and later-stage, venture capital backed companies. More information about LTI is available at: www.ltileasing.com.

Best Real Estate Investing Program - Monopoly Theory

Everybody has a different theory about how best to win at Monopoly. Some say The Railroads are the answer, others the Utilities. For some it?s crucial to own Boardwalk and Park Place, and for others it?s the green and orange properties. When it comes to deciding on the best real estate investing program, you can learn a lot from Monopoly.

If you?re actively looking for the best real estate investing program, and you?re trying to decide whether to invest in houses or apartments, you could try approaching investing like you would approach a game of Monopoly. If nothing else, it will make for an interesting exercise.

When you own property in Monopoly, your primary goal is to acquire all of a particular color group, and your purpose is clear- to be able to build houses and, ultimately, hotels. The more houses, the higher the rents, and hotels allow rents that are higher still. This remains one of the best Monopoly strategies, and I believe it?s also the best real estate investing program for many people.

I consider a hotel in Monopoly to be roughly the equivalent of an apartment building.

Following the Monopoly logic, you would begin by acquiring houses, both single family and duplexes. Using a combination of creative financing, rehabbing, and wholesaling, and being very careful to buy value, you would build up your cash and equity reserves. This is the first phase of the best real estate investing program.

In the second phase of the best real estate investing program, you would leverage this equity and cash into larger 3-5 unit apartment houses in appreciating neighborhoods. At the same time, you will be acquiring topnotch property management skills, and learning the ins and outs of 1031 exchanges and financing strategies.

Phase three would find you trading some of your mid-size apartment houses for large apartment buildings and multi-unit complexes, letting the economy of scale and the cumulative power of depreciation, appreciation, and cash flow make you a very wealthy Monopoly player. Can you see why this may be the best real estate investing program of all?

Over a 5-10 year period, making allowance for a mistake here and there, there?s no reason you couldn?t wind up controlling several million dollars worth of property, and several hundred rental units. Then your toughest decision may be whether to sell Connecticut Avenue and buy Park Place!

For more on getting started right, see The Best Real Estate Investing Program

Now, go make more offers!

5 Killer Tips to Successful Real Estate Investing

1. Always do comparisons on property values and rents.

Do not rely solely on statistics. The best way to gauge a property’s market value is to check the sales prices of similar properties in the vicinity.

The same goes for the value of rents in the area. If the price is low, you can justify it with a decent rental value as tenants who can afford to pay high rent may well opt to purchase the property themselves.

Thus be reasonable on the rental prices.

2. Stay alert as tax laws may change

Don’t bet on current tax laws for your tax investment. The tax code is always evolving and regardless of the tax code, a great investment will remain just that; a great investment.

As a real estate investor, you should look for the right property with the right financing.

3. Be a specialist

Begin in a market segment you are familiar with. You can focus on one of the following:- Fix-uppers, foreclosures, low down-payment homes, starter properties, small apartment buildings, condominiums, etc.

By being a specialist in one of the market segments of real estate investing, you’ll surely benefit from the experience.

This is important for a successful real estate investing.

4. Find out all the costs involved

You must know the financial statements very well for example, operating expenses, loan payments, vacancy costs, taxes, etc.

Do not forget the cash flow statement. You must do this before taking the plunge and investing.

5. Find out where your tenants come from and their plans for the future.

Your tenants may consider moving if you increase your rent recently. If your tenants are renting for a short-term, it could be that they are staying there to attract unsuspecting buyers.

Do not forget to collect at least 2 months deposit as a security measure.

In summary, taking action is key to a successful real estate investing…

Real estate investing does not have to be complicated!

Real estate investing does not have to be complicated

Do you know what is the hardest deal to ever do in real estate?

Your first one!

The challenge is that most people will quit before ever getting their first deal.

I also feel that there is sooooooo much information available in the marketplace that even getting started is almost as challenging as getting your first deal!

I think one of the reasons for this is there are so many ways to invest in real estate!

Do I buy No Money Down?

Do I invest in Foreclosures or Pre-foreclosures?

Do I invest in “Fixer Uppers?”

Do I do “Flips”?

Do I adopt a “Buy and Hold?”

Do I Lease-Purchase or Lease option?

Do I buy “Subject to” the existing financing?

Do I buy Single-family homes? Condos? Mobile Homes? Apartment buildings?

You get the idea! There are so many ways to invest in real estate today!

Ok, let’s say you’re lucky to pick one way to invest in real estate, let’s say Foreclosures.

There seems to be a hundred ways to do a foreclosure deal!

Now, in addition to finding your first foreclosure deal, you then have to figure out which of the hundred ways to do that deal!

I still wince in pain whenever I see a real estate program that has anywhere from 12 to 36 CD’s or audio tapes!

Who really has the time to go through all of that information?

And even if you make time, can you say, “Information OVERLOAD”?

We always said that we did not want to learn 100 ways to do a real estate deal but one simple, proven way that would take us to the bank!

When we wrote “Buy With No Credit–How to Make Money This Month in Real Estate” it was with the belief that people would appreciate a course that simply “cut to the chase” and taught one simple method (no credit checks and $1-10.00 down) to invest in real estate.

Something so simple that anyone could read it in a day and begin contacting homeowners the very same night!

We appreciate people that do not “Mickey Mouse” around and are direct and to the point!

So our strongest recommendation is to find one way to invest in real estate and then pay the price and really learn that one method.

Vickie and I recently went to our first “bootcamp” (yes we believe in continuing education)

During this 3 day event, there were 7 “guest speakers” and these speakers all had an upcoming “boot camp” they were promoting. The thing that blew us away was all the people who signed up for those additional “bootcamps”.

We saw some folks that signed up for every one!

I wanted to scream out, “What about the information that was being presented this weekend?!”

When would these people ever have time to implement the strategies they were learning that weekend?

The reality is that most people would rather write a check then to take action!

So the only action they have in a year is going from Bootcamp to Bootcamp, a massive credit card bill, and to officially be a “jack of all trades” in real estate!

Do not try to be a “jack of all trades” in real estate!

Jacks of all trades in real estate never make the money that the specialist will!

Let me ask you a question: Who makes the most money in the health field? Is it the General Practitioner (Family doctor) or the Specialist?

The Specialist, of course!

Choose this day to become a specialist in one area in real estate and then apply yourself to becoming a Specialist in that one method!

Once you have mastered that one method, then and only then, you can diversify and learn another method.

A word of warning:

When choosing a course or training program on any real estate method, do not confuse the price of the program with the value of the program.

Just because a program is a lot of money does not mean that it has more value than a less expensive program.

Case in point: One of our students spent $12,000 with a “real estate mentor” and was frustrated because it was like he was spinning his wheels.

He ordered our course for the special price of $97 and within 4 weeks was closing deals on his first 2 properties!

Remember this and remember it well… The value a real estate course or training program has nothing to do with the price!

Just because it is expensive does not make it automatically better than a more affordable course.

The value is only determined by the impact the course or training program has on that person!

This is absolutely critical!

Truly caring for your success! TC and Vickie Bradley http://www.tcandvickiebradley.com

About the Author

TC and Vickie Bradley are authors of the #1 best selling course “Buy With No Credit, How to make money this month in Real Estate”.

It has maintained a #1 ranking in Real Estate at one of the Internet’s most trusted and respected web sites since it was released in April of 2003.

This dynamic and caring couple has a passion to assist others in walking into the greatness that is already within them!

Some Basics in Real Estate Investing

Investing in Real Estate has been a very lucrative business for decades dating back to the great depression and possibly longer if it was documented. A person with knowledge about land and property has a great chance to earn big in real estate ventures. Real Estate investment isn?t easy but you?ll get a lot of perks later from experience and understanding the nature of the business. Like most start-up businesses or even doing it part time, initially it will require a lot of research, will power, and persistence in order to succeed, gain knowledge and allow your investment property to grow into a profit. Investing in real estate is risky because it involves a external factors beyond the investors control such as tenants and as of late natural disasters. With the proper planning these can also be overcome.

When we?re talking about investment real estate, the first thing that comes to mind is a rental property or an apartment building, whereby the owner is receiving income on the property they own. This income is used to offset the debt payment the owner has on that property. In addition, to having someone help pay your mortgage, your investment property may increase in value. Typically, the increased value in real estate has exceeded the rate of inflation. But real estate as an inflation hedge varies from locality to locality. Also, leverage exists with real estate since a high percentage of the investment may be made with a mortgage.

There are two major categories in real estate and these are residential and commercial. Usually, real estate owners invest in rental properties like apartment buildings which are still considered residential if under 5 units. The purchase of commercial properties is mainly for leasing to others or to start up a business. But these days, people also want to invest in commercial properties such as fast foods restaurants, markets, small office buildings, or retail shops. Usually commercial investing is riskier because it requires more initial capital and interest rates are higher than residential properties. Residential income property is high in demand because it?s one of the primary needs of the people especially those who live in or close to the city.

Purchasing real estate requires researching the subject property. Firstly, you must consider the location of the investment property because every locality has different characteristics that attract people. One can usually get answers from a local realtor or city planner in the desired area on the development of the area. As a general rule, property that has close access to businesses, good schools, stores and recreation areas is usually in high demand. Additional research involves inspecting the property title report to make sure it is transferable, physical interior and exterior inspection from a professional and a projected financial report on the property. This is one reason why an investor needs a good real estate agent and mortgage broker who have expert knowledge to find you the right property, to put you in the proper mortgage program and have these related professionals available. It?s their line of expertise and that?s why real estate investors contact them in terms of real estate matters. So, are you ready to invest?

Real Estate Investing: Know Your Stuff

Real estate investing involves purchasing real estate with the intent of making a profit on it. While there is some luck in doing this, most people will fail in this type of venture if they haven?t done their research. Knowing what the market will demand now and in the future plays a large role in successful real estate investing.

One type of real estate investing is called flipping. This involves purchasing a home for a small price and fixing it up. The goal is to sell the home making a sizable profit to cover your time and cost of the repairs. Then you use some of the profits to invest in another home. It is important that you purchase such homes in areas that have an excellent resell value as well as a market for homes. If the remodeled home sits on the market for a year or longer then your investment could put quite a financial strain on you.

Real estate investing in factories or apartment buildings is very common. Generally, you can make some profit on such investments. The key is to try to find property that you can purchase for a very low cost. This is easier to do in under developed areas that are anticipated to boom.

There is a great deal of risk in real estate investing. There is no guarantee your investment will allow you to break even, let alone make a profit. Taking the time to complete some research on market trends in the area will allow you to make better decisions about real estate investing, and hopefully result in your endeavors being a success.

Because of the amount of risk involved in real estate investing, it can be tricky to get financing. There are lends out there that specialize in loans for this type of venture. The internet is a great resource for helping you find the right type of lender. Other real estate investors use their savings or personal income to cover the investment.

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