Real Estate and Beyond Blog: Arizona

CONDUCTING LIVE WORKSHOPS OR WEBINARS

I have been conducting live real estate investment workshops for the last four years since I initiated my live radio program. I believe people like to be informed about real estate investing. People are spending billions of dollars on real estate education. However, over 90% of the people that spend money on real estate education never do a deal. Why? There is a lack of real estate mentors to teach live application in the real estate arena. This was my main motivation for starting the Real Estate and Beyond Team. I wanted to give people motivation, education, support and application when it comes to real estate investing.

I have witnessed the number of attendees to my live workshops continues to decrease. I have been trying to figure another way to reach more people. Now, I will continue to do live workshops for these main reasons:

• Able to meet my live audience
• Fresh information
• Be the local expert
• Gain relationship with the client after the workshop
• Present real live deals

I have been looking into putting on live webinars about investing in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area. It seems people are very busy with family, friends, work and other activities. I would think it would be far easier to spend an hour in front of ones computer at home compared to driving 30-45 minutes to get to the live workshop destination. I used this type of technology when I was in Corporate America. So, I am working on putting on my first live webinar in the upcoming months. I will keep you posted on the results.

I would love to hear your comments on live webinars. Do they work for you? Any suggestions on real estate related subjects to cover?

There are many people who have lost their homes in the last two years during this terrible real estate bubble. Families do not wish to rent an apartment. So, they search for a rent to own home so that they will be able to rebuild their credit in order to purchase the house in three yearss or more. However, many lease option candidates cannot identify a good deal or not. Please review the checklist below

Buyer Beware Checklist

• Ask the seller to review the mortgage note and to verify seller is in good standing with the mortgage company. Furthermore, please ask what type of mortgage is on the property
• Buyer to pay for an appraisal to verify current value of the home. Furthermore, I would advise to conduct a home and pest inspection before moving in to avoid any issues before moving into the property.
• Read over the lease option contract to ensure all details have been spelled out for both sides. We want to avoid any misconceptions as time goes on
• Always let a real estate lawyer to review lease option contract to ensure accuracy and good standing before signing any paperwork
• Conduct a thorough background check on the seller and be willing to pay for it. If seller disagrees with this request, then take it as a bad sign and move on.
• Verify that the owner owns the property by contacting a title company to do a title search
• Set monthly payments up via a third party service to ensure mortgage is being each month to avoid any negative information in the near future. Plus, record all documents at title to ensure one can exercise their option to purchase property under contract

 TOP 7 MISTAKES WHEN HIRING A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY INVESTOR BEWARE

Real estate is the buzz word around America. Real estate education classes are starting to be offered all over the Internet and in local cities. Everydody is cashing in on the real estate bubble that has busted. We are seeing many great deals here in Phoenix, Arizona. Acquiring the property and fixing it up is the easy part in my opinion. Next, the investor must decided to either manage the property on their own or hire a property management company. The majority of investors do not wish to deal with that part of the business. So, they outsource this part of the business to a property management company. How does one pick a property management company? Let's review TOP 7 MISTAKES WHEN HIRING PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY BELOW

1. Checking References-Choosing the correct property management company can make a world of difference. I would call upon fellow investors that use their service. Are they happy? Ask for references. Go drive some of the properties that they manage with them in the car. One can view if maintenance is being kept up. Make the effort to make a wise decision.  
2. Property Management Agreement-Make sure you read the entire agreement before signing anything. One must understand the fees involved in the contract. This is where many things get misinterpreted and can sour the deal after fully executing the contract with your signature. Most property management contracts are lengthy and often use language that a new investor may not be familiar with. The costs involved are usually not verbally explained unless you ask. Read the contract from beginning to end, and when in doubt, ask for clarification. The normal costs involved with hiring a property manager include a one-time set-up fee (normally around $100.00 per property), a leasing fee (6% percent of the yearly lease amount one time) and a management fee (10% percent of the rental income, paid monthly). The leasing fee is taken out of the first months rent and is charged to cover the advertising costs and time spent finding and placing a tenant. Some companies will charge an advertising fee instead of the leasing fee, but be sure that you are not being charged for both.
3. Long Term Tenant Lease-I would advise to do only one year contracts with all tenants. Otherwise, the property management company will collect all their fees if you wish to leave them based upon the contract. Signing the long term lease states that you will use them for the entire lease. There are no out clauses as long as they keep up their end of the bargain. It may seem innocent upfront. Again, just sign one year contracts on all of your properties. You have the choice to renew them or not at the end of the year. There is more incentive to earn your business.
4. Managers Location-Ask the property manager how ofte they will inspect the property. Do they have someone in that area that lives near the investment home? This makes a huge difference in the amount of attention your property will receive. This is especially true for the times when it is vacant and numerous trips have to be made to and from the location. Property managers are human and so they often neglect properties that are too far out of their way.
5. Trust Your Property is a Priority-Nobody cares more about your investment than yourself. I would ask the property manager to give you a weekly report when home is vacant. How are they promoting property? Showings? You have to show them that you want to be involved in the process. Take out a small ad on Craigslist to rent the property. Turn over all calls to the property manager to follow up on. Then, call the prospect if they were called. It takes a team effort when filling the vacancy. Communication is vital to both the investor and tenant.
6. Go With The Cheapest-Do not just consider cost when hiring a property management company to look over your investment. How is the service? The money you save on the fee could be lost from poor management.
7. Contract Pricing-Ask if the property management company if they have their own inhouse maintenance crew. This can be good and bad. Remember, they are in the business to make money. Quarterly inspections sound great. However, it is also a chance to spot things wrong with the house to fix. It might be better that they contract their maintenance out to a General Contractor without marking up the invoices. Always obtain a second quote from another respected General Contractor to keep all parties on the same level.

ANOTHER WINNING BID AT ARIZONA TRUSTEE SALE GILBERT, ARIZONA

Well, I just wanted to share another real estate investor winning the bid at the Arizona Trustee Sale. This will be his first fix and flip. My investor is a single man 26 years old part of the Generation Y. His parents think he is completely nuts and fell off his rocker. However, this investor is very excited to get started in his real estate investment career. He called me because he heard of my real estate mentor services. Yes, I take on clients one on one when preparing them to purchase homes at the court house steps. There are not too many real estate agents that do what I do in the state of Arizona. I pride myself in having a very efficient Real Estate and Beyond Team when it comes to fixing and flipping homes.

I know many of you watch the popular TV show "FLIP THIS HOME." We all loving watching other people making money. Not me! I totally believe in the application of real estate. This home was bought and paid for on 2/25/2010. Here is a time line to get it back on the market

• 2/25/2010 Closed on property with private money
• 2/26/2010 Locksmith re keys front door. General Contractor bids the job. Receive bid three hours later. Investor reviews home with the bid. OKs bid.
• 3/1/2010 General Contractor will start the project in the morning. Estimated three days to comlete job.
• 3/4/2010 Install carpet throughout house
• 3/5/2010 Home is on the market FOR SALE

We have a great system for others to invest in real estate. Please review information at www.960RealEstate.com for further information.

RENTER'S WAREHOUSE AND REAL ESTATE AND BEYOND TEAM MEET ON ACTIVERAIN PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I have created the Real Estate and Beyond Teamhere in Phoenix, Arizona to serve the local real estate market. We cater to real estate investors both in and out of state. Well, I have been researching and interviewing property management companies to team up who share my vision of having a one stop shop for real estate investors. The team consists of professionals who are experts in their fields. Then, we refer business to one another to support one another's business. It is a simple and straight forward model. However, there are few business owners that share this vision.

What do we do? Well, we assist real estate investors to fix and flip and/or buy and hold residential properties. Yes, we are bidding daily at the Arizona Trustee Sales to obtain real estate bargains. Real estate is a team sport. We have created a team like no other team that I have seen. So, the missing link for the team was a property management company that just does property management. Well, Renters Warehouse found me on ActiveRain through my blogs. They were attracted for the following reasons:

• Active Blogging
• Radio Show
• Focused on real estate investors
• Simple and straight forward
• Delivering excellent service to real estate investors

I am so thankful for ActiveRain. I started this journey last April. Wow, I cannot believe how much I have accomplished in less than a year. I have met some awesome people through ActiveRain. I tell everyone I know to join ActiveRain and start blogging. It will pay off. I continue to devote 90 minutes per day to social media. It works for me.

DO YOU HAVE TIME TO TAKE OUT A CLIENT LOOKING TO PURCHASE AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY PHOENIX, ARIZONA?

I received a phone call this Friday afternoon from my property manager who overees Renter's Warehoure Property Management. We started talking about our topic for Real Estate and Beyond RadioShow each Saturday from 12-2PM Phoenix Mountain Time. So, he asked me if I had anyone on my team to take a client who was in town from Minnesota for the weekend to purchase an investment property. He does not specialize in purchasing real estate. He specializes in property management. So, I said I would take her out at the last minute. I am always up for the challenge. Did Batman every turn down an opportunity to bash the bad guys when he saw the bat in the sky? Did he always answer the Bat phone? Grandpa said never give up work for today because it may not be there tomorrow.

So, I made contact with the client. It has a husband and wife in town for the weekend. She explained to me that they were looking to purchase an investment home. She asked if I had time to look at homes. We made an appointment to meet Saturday afternoon. Did I mention that it was pouring rain here in Phoenix, Arizona? I met up with the couple. I introduced myself. I met them at a house they were interested in seeing.

One must be a master at their profession. I love real estate investing. So, I informed them of the Phoenix real estate market. Then, I proceeded to inform them about protecting themselves by putting each property into limited liability company and obtaining $1 million umbrella insurance policy to create two layers of protection. Also, we went over out of pocket expenses when it comes to acquire an investment property that includes appraisal, home inspection, llc set up fee and travel expenses. I sent them an Excel spreadsheet to breakdown the expenses. They had a lot of questions in which I had an answers. So, I proceeded to show them homes in different areas. I explained the plus and minus of each house. I very much enjoy my profession.

Now, it was time to ask that favorite question as a Realtor-Would you like to make an offer on this home? They said agreed it was time to make an offer on the home. I spent four quality hours with them. I have created the Real Estate and Beyond Team as a one stop shop for real estate investing. We make investing in real estate very easy for people who live out of state or country. We are here to serve the client.

TOP 10 TOOLS WHEN INSPECTING ARIZONA TRUSTEE SALE HOMES GOING TO AUCTION

Yes, this is a picture of me driving to view homes going to auction that day. There are hundreds of homes going to auction on a daily basis. How do you know which ones to bid on? Well, that is why you hire me for my expertise in the Phoenix, Arizona market. I have been doing this for a very long time. I have my team in place to take down the property in 24 hours or less. Then, we fix the property to get it back on the market in a week. Most homes only need paint, carpet, landscaping and few minor repairs. We have the Real Estate and Beyond Team to assist you in all of your real estate investments. I have created a one stop shop for real estate investors to start investing in Phoenix real estate. Power Team is in place.

TOP 10 TOOLS NEEDED WHEN VIEWING ARIZONA TRUSTEE SALE HOMES GOING TO AUCTION THAT DAY

1. GPS is a must
2. Clipboard for inspections
3. Head lamp
4. Pen
5. Keys
6. Screwdriver
7. Blackberry to take photos and send to clients
8. Digital camera
9. Hand Sanitizers
10. COFFEE

There are my top ten tools needed when viewing properties on a daily basis. I must have these tools in order to be successful on a daily basis. I have some other tools that I use now and then. However, I just wanted to share my top tools with you.

The Real Estate and Beyond Team is here to assist you in your real estate investment needs in Phoenix, Arizona. We have created a one stop shop to handle all of your real estate investments. Please visit our main web site for further information www.960RealEstate.com

TOP 10 REASONS CANADIANS ARE INVESTING IN AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PHOENIX, ARIZONA

Canada has been a long time friend with America. We share a border that has been peaceful for a very long time. The Canadian dollar has always bee inferior to the American dollar. I grew up in Buffalo, New York, which is very close to Canada. I am very familiar with the country. Canadians have always shopped in the United States of America for household goods because it was always a better price in America. Now, the Canadian dollar is very strong against the American dollar. Now, they are purchasing real estate in America because America is on sale.

 HERE ARE MY TOP 10 REASONS FOR CANADIANS INVESTING IN AMERICAN REAL ESTATE

1. American real estate is on sale. Canadians love Phoenix, Arizona for the sun
2. The Canadian dollar is strong. 
3. Man opportunities to make money by fixing and flipping real estate in Phoenix, Arizona
4. House prices are the lowest since 1970 values
5. No investment today offers the stability, simplicity and excellent returns offered by property investment in the U.S.A.
6. While the Stock Market offers high returns, many investors have found it to be a volatile and dangerous place. This is especially true for the non-professional investor as there are many hidden external factors that can effect a financial investment. Added to this, the major Stock Markets have been under performing generally, and many investors are now turning to property as a far better option than other forms of investment
7. You can purchase property with other peoples' money (the bank's)and pay this back with other peoples' money (the rental income from tenants)
8. If you own property, you can release equity against this. Although there is no law that states that your property will increase in value each year, it is generally accepted that a well maintained property in a reasonable area will appreciate in value
9. There has never been a time when you can get so much assistance with cross-border investing. Experienced Canadian real estate investor's are offering training and joint venture opportunities that have never existed in the past
10. Access to the U.S. wholesale market through experienced Canadian real estate investor's

The Real Estate and Beyond Team has noticed this change in the Phoenix market. We have developed an excellent program for Canadians to invest in Phoenix real estate opportunities. We have joined forces with Canadian real estate consultants in Canada to better prepare you on the How To's to better invest. Please avoid spending $10,000 or more on real estate education. We are here to assist you in all rea estate investing services. We have everyone in place to ensure you have the best real estate experiences while in America.

Please visit our web site at www.960RealEstate.com for further information. Drop me an Email to have our real estate consultants call you directly in Canada.

REAL ESTATE AND BEYOND RADIO ON AIR FOUR YEARS ANNIVERSARY TODAY PHOENIX, ARIZONA

I just wanted to share with everyone that this weekend marks my four year anniversay of my popular real estate talk radio show. Yes, it is hard to believe that I have been on the radio for four years. Saturdays are my favorite day because I get to share my real estate knowledge with the public. I have two hours to talk about real estate. What do you talk about? It is amazing how fast two hours goes each Saturday. There are times when I can talk three hours. There is so much to share each Saturday. OK-Do I have a face for radio? The vote is out on this one.

Many times in the local market people do not know who to call when it comes to real estate. I wanted to separate myself from the rest of the wolf pack. So, I decided to start a real estate talk radio show. I started off with one hour. I did not receive any business for the first six months. My partner at the time was becoming impatient. I said let's give it one more month. Well, the rest is history. We discuss the following items on the show:

• National real estate trends
• Local real estate trends
• Foreclosures
• Arizona Trustee Sales
• Mortgage programs available to primary home buyers and investors
• Fixing and Flipping
• Property Management issues
• General Contractor issues
• Real Estate investing
• Using retirement funds to invest in real estate
• Short sales
• Home inspection process
• New Home sales
• Insurance on investment homes
• Private money

These are just a small list of topics that we discuss on a weekly basis. People love my show because I am a real person who they can call at any time. I DO ANSWER MY PHONE. Plus, I meet every client in person. I am old fashioned that way. I like meeting them at their kitchen table. Yes, there are times when it becomes very personal. Real estate is a tough business. I have always said that real estate is a team sport. I have created the Real Estate and Beyond Team to be a one stop shop for people who wish to invest in real estate. I am here to serve.

I have a motto on my show.

• MAKE THE CALL
• SET THE PLAN
• DO THE DEAL$

I just wanted to share my successes with you this morning. I am preparing for my show this morning. It is going to be another action day on the radio. I know there are people I will reach today via radio who will need my real estate expertise. MAKE THE CALL

PLEASE VISIT WWW.960REALESTATE.COMTO HEAR THE SHOW LIVE OR LISTEN TO MY PODCASTS.

ENTERING INTO NEW MARKETS IN YOUR LOCAL AREA

I developed my business plan for 2010. One action item on the plan was to recruit bilingual agents that speak both Spanish and English to enter into the Hispanic real estate market here in Phoenix, Arizona. Why? They represent a huge population not being catered to in this market. Do you see opportunity in your local market? Anyway, I have recruited one agent who shares my vision. The biggest challenge for me to recruiting agents is that they share the same vision. We want to assist people to purchase real estate and sell real estate.

Many of you know that I am not your average real estate agent. My skill sets continue to develop more towards real estate investing and marketing properties on the Internet to obtain exposure. So, I have a lot to offer agents when they join the Real Estate and Beyond Team. My current broker offers classes on a daily basis. Education and application is big with me. I encourage people to go to classes. Then, I follow up with them on what they have learned about real estate. They hop into the car with me to receive practical application. I can tell you how to ride a bike. However, one must fall of the bike several times before they become an expert bike rider.

I have always believed in the team approach. So, we had a meeting with our local mortgage banker with bilingual loan officers. I shared my vision about the Hispanic real estate market. Well, great minds do think a like when doing business. The Team Leader became very excited. So, we have scheduled a First Time Home Buyer workshop at the end of the month to include Hispanic home buyers. I am big on education. We are looking forward to this event. We will be scheduling workshops every three weeks throughout the Phoenix market. The Real Estate and Beyond Team is ready to assist you.

Furthermore, our team will be here to assist people through their short sales. Many bilingual people do not know who to call when they are in trouble. We want people to call us. Also, we want to assist people to invest in real estate the correct way. This does include fixing and flipping homes. I have many people calling more about this opportunity.

Opportunity is right in your own backyard. Are you taking advantage of it right now?

OPEN YOUR EYES TO OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR LOCAL MARKET