If you were to read any personal development book, then you would realize that many of the gurus in the world today and of the past would tell you that the best place to invest is in yourself.
Now, you may be putting $40,000 in securities or in stocks and you may think that it would increase by about 10%. But what really happens is this, you are putting in something that you have no control over because the market may change, anything may change. But one thing that you definitely have control over is how YOU are going to change. Now you are in total control of how you can grow as a person. So in my opinion, the best place to invest is definitely in your mind.
In the best-selling book called 'Master your mind, design your destiny' by Adam Khoo, he mentions that he invest in stocks and shares, but he ultimately spends most of his money investing in his personal development. He recounts to his participants that if he invest $4000 in a stock and it rises by 10% over the course of one year, he will be very happy. But as he did his calculations, he realized that 10% of $4000 is a mere $400. But if he were to put in $4000 into himself for education or in other words, if he were to invest himself, after a course of one-year, he's almost hundred percent sure that the amount of profits he'll make is definitely more than $400. So a 10% interest on a share is definitely not a good investment compared to investing in himself. So that is why the best place to invest is always in your own mind. When Adam makes the decision to study NLP or Nero Linguistic Programming, his life changed forever. At the age of 26 he was able to reach the goal of earning $1 million. He started his first business when he was only 15 years old. That was a very very clear calculated investment in himself. So as you are reading this article, you will begin to realize that the best place to invest is not in shares, in books or in real estate but really in this space between your ears.
About the Author
Perry is a trainer with Singapore's largest training company. Learning from his NLP master trainer mentors, he quit his dead end civil service job and now work as a platform speaker and intrapreneur. With his designed success system of the "Empowering Communicator", he helps others achieve success a step at a time. To find the success system that got him started, click here.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
6 Tips For the Safe Realtor
In the haste to make a sale, many realtors have forgotten that their safety is more important than any amount of commission. Realtors have been robbed, beaten, raped and murdered while showing homes. The isolated nature of an empty house makes it easy for people to be assaulted without the neighbors knowing. Here are a few tips to make your safety a priority while still closing sales.
1. Take a self-defense course
Good self defense courses don't generally teach you fancy moves to make someone wish they'd never touched you. The aim is to teach you to be more aware of your surroundings and more aware of your body and what it can do to protect you. Attitude is a big component of self-defense. Also, the course will teach you a few good strategies - holds, blocks and kicks that will get you free from someone's grip and RUN. Don't try to be a hero, just get away and out of the house.
2. Don't take anything at face value
Murderers and rapists are most often not slavering creatures hiding behind bushes and in scuzzy alleyways. They can be well-dressed, have a wife, have a husband, have kids, prefer their tea with lemon. In short, they're just as human as the non-rapist and can't be distinguished by looks alone. Don't trust someone just because they dress in an Armani suit. Do background checks and note their I.D. numbers, license plate numbers and other identifying characteristics.
3. Let someone know
Actually, let several someones know. Where you are going, who you're going with and how long you plan to be. Leave information with your office, friends and family. Let the client know that other people know where you've gone and who with.
4. Take someone with you
Would you rather deal with the awkwardness of having someone there who is obviously there for safety or end up being taken advantage of in the worst possible way? Would you rather risk being alone with someone you don't know in an isolated setting or delay a prospective sale long enough to get someone to go with you? If it makes you feel better, you can have them pretend that they're a junior realtor coming along for experience or whatever - just bring someone with you.
5. Choose defensive instruments carefully
Pepper spray only works if it's aimed in the right direction and has a directed stream. Some jurisdictions place limits on pepper spray possession and usage - be aware of your rights and responsibilities. A travel bottle of hairspray may also produce unpleasant sensations in the eyes of an attacker and it's legal just about everywhere.
On guns: Many law enforcement personnel recommend against carrying a gun because of the liability and in some places, it's illegal (Canada). If you decide to go this route, don't just go out and get a gun; learn how to use, clean, carry, and store it safely. Also, learn the laws of your area concerning gun usage for self defense. If you don't know how to handle a loaded weapon and when to use it, then you have no business carrying it around with you.
6. Trust your gut
It's been said a million times before, but it's still true. If something gives you a bad feeling, GET OUT. No sale is worth your life or your physical well being. Read Gavin de Becker's "Gift of Fear" for more information on trusting your instincts. Sometimes it may play you false, but most people have a decently developed sense of what is right and what isn't, even if their conscious mind isn't aware of that fact.
HomesByLender.com is the elite source for FSBO financing and homes for sale by owners. Utilize our nationwide search to locate FSBO homes in any state or town. HomesByLender.com is your one-stop FSBO information source.
1. Take a self-defense course
Good self defense courses don't generally teach you fancy moves to make someone wish they'd never touched you. The aim is to teach you to be more aware of your surroundings and more aware of your body and what it can do to protect you. Attitude is a big component of self-defense. Also, the course will teach you a few good strategies - holds, blocks and kicks that will get you free from someone's grip and RUN. Don't try to be a hero, just get away and out of the house.
2. Don't take anything at face value
Murderers and rapists are most often not slavering creatures hiding behind bushes and in scuzzy alleyways. They can be well-dressed, have a wife, have a husband, have kids, prefer their tea with lemon. In short, they're just as human as the non-rapist and can't be distinguished by looks alone. Don't trust someone just because they dress in an Armani suit. Do background checks and note their I.D. numbers, license plate numbers and other identifying characteristics.
3. Let someone know
Actually, let several someones know. Where you are going, who you're going with and how long you plan to be. Leave information with your office, friends and family. Let the client know that other people know where you've gone and who with.
4. Take someone with you
Would you rather deal with the awkwardness of having someone there who is obviously there for safety or end up being taken advantage of in the worst possible way? Would you rather risk being alone with someone you don't know in an isolated setting or delay a prospective sale long enough to get someone to go with you? If it makes you feel better, you can have them pretend that they're a junior realtor coming along for experience or whatever - just bring someone with you.
5. Choose defensive instruments carefully
Pepper spray only works if it's aimed in the right direction and has a directed stream. Some jurisdictions place limits on pepper spray possession and usage - be aware of your rights and responsibilities. A travel bottle of hairspray may also produce unpleasant sensations in the eyes of an attacker and it's legal just about everywhere.
On guns: Many law enforcement personnel recommend against carrying a gun because of the liability and in some places, it's illegal (Canada). If you decide to go this route, don't just go out and get a gun; learn how to use, clean, carry, and store it safely. Also, learn the laws of your area concerning gun usage for self defense. If you don't know how to handle a loaded weapon and when to use it, then you have no business carrying it around with you.
6. Trust your gut
It's been said a million times before, but it's still true. If something gives you a bad feeling, GET OUT. No sale is worth your life or your physical well being. Read Gavin de Becker's "Gift of Fear" for more information on trusting your instincts. Sometimes it may play you false, but most people have a decently developed sense of what is right and what isn't, even if their conscious mind isn't aware of that fact.
HomesByLender.com is the elite source for FSBO financing and homes for sale by owners. Utilize our nationwide search to locate FSBO homes in any state or town. HomesByLender.com is your one-stop FSBO information source.
Friday, May 30, 2008
What the Real Estate Ads Really Mean
We’ve all read them and used them, in the search for the perfect house. My dad and sister have sold real estate and I once had a license. Crafting an ad is a challenge to promote the best features of a home. After reviewing thousands of newspaper ads, I think I’m qualified to decipher the words and phrases that are most used. Here they are:
Quaint: Really old without being historic
Picturesque: Hard to look at
Cozy: Small
Under Appraisal; Originally overpriced
Remodeled: Repainted
Close to Shopping: there’s a 7/11 on the corner
Owner Must Sell: Duh!
Gourmet Kitchen: Has a sink and oven
View Lot: View of the lot next door
Extra Security: Front door has a lock and key
Fixer Upper: Ready for Demolition
Family Neighborhood: Lots of screaming kids and barking dogs
Privacy: Overgrown bushes
Executive Home: Includes bathrooms and bedrooms
Three-Car Garage: If one of them is a motorcycle
Dream House: Because ‘Nightmare House’ would scare you away
Custom Cabinets: Handpainted by the previous owner
Upgraded Flooring: New area rugs from Walmart
Highly Desirable: The owner desires to get out
Model Home: If you happen to be Twiggy
Well-Maintained: They occasionally mowed the lawn
Working Fireplace: You can still smell the smoke in the living room
Water View: When the sprinkler is on
Needs TLC: It was totaled in a fire
Just Reduced: It was totaled in a fire
Ideal Location: If you like living near a toxic waste dump
Large Lot: Makes up for the itsy, bitsy house
Original Owner: The house is older than the Bible
Priced to Sell: (refer back to ‘Owner Must Sell’ above)
For Sale by Owner: Too cheap to pay a Realtor
Perfect for You: Are they really psychic?
If you’re a real estate agent and I have offended you by any of these terms, get a life. However, if you are in the market for a home, I happen to have a beautiful, inviting, open floor plan, 3 bedroom beauty…
Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, "Pursuit of the Phoenix," available at amazon.com. His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages." Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.
Quaint: Really old without being historic
Picturesque: Hard to look at
Cozy: Small
Under Appraisal; Originally overpriced
Remodeled: Repainted
Close to Shopping: there’s a 7/11 on the corner
Owner Must Sell: Duh!
Gourmet Kitchen: Has a sink and oven
View Lot: View of the lot next door
Extra Security: Front door has a lock and key
Fixer Upper: Ready for Demolition
Family Neighborhood: Lots of screaming kids and barking dogs
Privacy: Overgrown bushes
Executive Home: Includes bathrooms and bedrooms
Three-Car Garage: If one of them is a motorcycle
Dream House: Because ‘Nightmare House’ would scare you away
Custom Cabinets: Handpainted by the previous owner
Upgraded Flooring: New area rugs from Walmart
Highly Desirable: The owner desires to get out
Model Home: If you happen to be Twiggy
Well-Maintained: They occasionally mowed the lawn
Working Fireplace: You can still smell the smoke in the living room
Water View: When the sprinkler is on
Needs TLC: It was totaled in a fire
Just Reduced: It was totaled in a fire
Ideal Location: If you like living near a toxic waste dump
Large Lot: Makes up for the itsy, bitsy house
Original Owner: The house is older than the Bible
Priced to Sell: (refer back to ‘Owner Must Sell’ above)
For Sale by Owner: Too cheap to pay a Realtor
Perfect for You: Are they really psychic?
If you’re a real estate agent and I have offended you by any of these terms, get a life. However, if you are in the market for a home, I happen to have a beautiful, inviting, open floor plan, 3 bedroom beauty…
Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master's Degree from Monmouth University. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He has authored 6 books and a novel, "Pursuit of the Phoenix," available at amazon.com. His latest book is, "Inside the Yellow Pages." Currently, he is the Marketing Director for thenurseschoice.com, a Health Information and Doctor Referral site.
Luxury Properties for High Net Worth Individuals
High net worth individuals are investing in properties of a varied nature. There are those that serve them for their living purposes, while there are others to earn them major yields. These could be resorts and holiday homes to hotels and the like, where holiday makers throng during vacations. The high net worth individuals are also investing in racing cars, horses, jets for private and commercial use, yachts and boats.
Along with on-line financial research, the high net worth individuals are constantly tracking information on shares trading, travel, news and technology advances. They are becoming more and more net-savvy, according to the real estate professionals. The reason behind this is their tremendous capacity for investing. Luxury real estates continue to grow on the strength of the purchasing capacity of the high net worth individual.
Financial management tools now available in the market enable the high net worth individual understand the value of his high-end, real estate holdings which run into multiple properties. Today, high net worth individuals are glancing in the direction of luxury properties on islands.
With the number of high net worth individuals increasing, the right properties are running short. Properties that high net worth individuals try to locate are falling short of meeting with the expectations of the buyers. Properties have been selling out like hot cakes when the right kind of property is available or identified. The criteria for locating luxury properties for the high net worth individual are different from those for the common person.
Time is one of the criteria for high net worth individuals for who distance or proximity, accessibility and convenience are a priority. Prestige and lifestyle are two of the other criteria which are taken into consideration when locating luxury properties. Hence, to remain ahead of the common crowd, the high net worth individuals are constantly on the look out for properties approachable by private jets and more so on islands which are away from the 'madding crowd', yet approachable by them at short notice and for short periods of visit.
Properties that meet with the criteria of the high net worth individuals should be in close proximity to the mainland of residence. The house should be so architectured that the occupants should be able to capture the surrounding view from each of the rooms. These properties are created with the most luxurious of interiors, having sourced material from different parts of the world, like roof tops from India, doors from Sweden and windows from the US, granite from China and fireplaces from Holland.
The entire place is made to exude an impression of luxury with its number of rooms, spaciousness and lighting, the landscaped gardens and the driveways. The floors are richly carpeted, with a mix of modern and antique furniture and artifacts. The drapes too are rich and lend individuality and character to each room. A rich collection of books goes to make up a much treasured library to complement their home. Many of these properties are sea facing or on beaches from where the high net worth individuals are able to sail out on their private yachts. Author Resource:- Real Estate Investments in 2008 are a bargain for high net worth individuals who can afford to buy and hold properties. This Real Estate Investment Company specializes in finding wholesale investment homes for investors at no extra cost. Their website is http://www.realnetusa.com
Along with on-line financial research, the high net worth individuals are constantly tracking information on shares trading, travel, news and technology advances. They are becoming more and more net-savvy, according to the real estate professionals. The reason behind this is their tremendous capacity for investing. Luxury real estates continue to grow on the strength of the purchasing capacity of the high net worth individual.
Financial management tools now available in the market enable the high net worth individual understand the value of his high-end, real estate holdings which run into multiple properties. Today, high net worth individuals are glancing in the direction of luxury properties on islands.
With the number of high net worth individuals increasing, the right properties are running short. Properties that high net worth individuals try to locate are falling short of meeting with the expectations of the buyers. Properties have been selling out like hot cakes when the right kind of property is available or identified. The criteria for locating luxury properties for the high net worth individual are different from those for the common person.
Time is one of the criteria for high net worth individuals for who distance or proximity, accessibility and convenience are a priority. Prestige and lifestyle are two of the other criteria which are taken into consideration when locating luxury properties. Hence, to remain ahead of the common crowd, the high net worth individuals are constantly on the look out for properties approachable by private jets and more so on islands which are away from the 'madding crowd', yet approachable by them at short notice and for short periods of visit.
Properties that meet with the criteria of the high net worth individuals should be in close proximity to the mainland of residence. The house should be so architectured that the occupants should be able to capture the surrounding view from each of the rooms. These properties are created with the most luxurious of interiors, having sourced material from different parts of the world, like roof tops from India, doors from Sweden and windows from the US, granite from China and fireplaces from Holland.
The entire place is made to exude an impression of luxury with its number of rooms, spaciousness and lighting, the landscaped gardens and the driveways. The floors are richly carpeted, with a mix of modern and antique furniture and artifacts. The drapes too are rich and lend individuality and character to each room. A rich collection of books goes to make up a much treasured library to complement their home. Many of these properties are sea facing or on beaches from where the high net worth individuals are able to sail out on their private yachts. Author Resource:- Real Estate Investments in 2008 are a bargain for high net worth individuals who can afford to buy and hold properties. This Real Estate Investment Company specializes in finding wholesale investment homes for investors at no extra cost. Their website is http://www.realnetusa.com
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Setting Up Passive Income in Real Estate
Anyone that knows anything about business, wants to make passive income. Many folks would like to have a primary, or secondary source of passive income in real estate. I am one of those people. Currently, my passive income in real estate is around $500-$550 per month (including signing a lease agreement just this past Tuesday). Not much, huh? Well what could you do with an extra $500 per month? Today, I would like to present a high level overview of my plans for passive income in real estate. But first, let me define "passive" as I see it, for you.
There are lots of definitions out there, but to me, passive income is "hands off" or "almost hands off" income streams. The real estate investing that I do, coupled with property management, has great potential for current and future benefits. However, investing in real estate takes a lot of initial work, with some additional work down the road. Likewise property management requires a lot of startup effort, with a lot less in the future. I don't believe there are too many highly lucrative, true blue, do nothing type income streams, unless you are planning to hire someone else to manage your businesses (BE CAREFUL!).
Bottom line, the income streams I am building should prove to be low maintenance in the future. So now, I want to give you a guide that I am using to create passive income in real estate:
1. Finding and negotiate excellent buys on single, two, three, and four family homes. See my Real Estate Analysis Spreadsheet and Simple Guide to Real Estate Investment Property Evaluation for help in the most important part of real estate investing -- BUYING RIGHT!
2. Rehabbing the property(ies).
3. Renting Out Your House
4. Seller Financing Agreement
5. Residential Lease Option
6. Residential Lease Purchase
7. Later down the road find, negotiate, buy, and develop land projects.
8. Develop my Business Plan for Property Management on a part time basis (for now).
Now these all seem to be active streams of income, but I assure you that once you have a portfolio of properties that you own yourself or manage for others, the workload will decrease dramatically. I have a property that I manage in a neighboring town that I setup a few months ago, and have never heard from the renter a single time after the initial signing of the lease, I only collect a check! Author Resource:- Get more great finance and investing tips at Jeffry Evans' personal finance blog. Passive Income in Real Estate is just one of many great articles you will find at Personal Finance Resources.
There are lots of definitions out there, but to me, passive income is "hands off" or "almost hands off" income streams. The real estate investing that I do, coupled with property management, has great potential for current and future benefits. However, investing in real estate takes a lot of initial work, with some additional work down the road. Likewise property management requires a lot of startup effort, with a lot less in the future. I don't believe there are too many highly lucrative, true blue, do nothing type income streams, unless you are planning to hire someone else to manage your businesses (BE CAREFUL!).
Bottom line, the income streams I am building should prove to be low maintenance in the future. So now, I want to give you a guide that I am using to create passive income in real estate:
1. Finding and negotiate excellent buys on single, two, three, and four family homes. See my Real Estate Analysis Spreadsheet and Simple Guide to Real Estate Investment Property Evaluation for help in the most important part of real estate investing -- BUYING RIGHT!
2. Rehabbing the property(ies).
3. Renting Out Your House
4. Seller Financing Agreement
5. Residential Lease Option
6. Residential Lease Purchase
7. Later down the road find, negotiate, buy, and develop land projects.
8. Develop my Business Plan for Property Management on a part time basis (for now).
Now these all seem to be active streams of income, but I assure you that once you have a portfolio of properties that you own yourself or manage for others, the workload will decrease dramatically. I have a property that I manage in a neighboring town that I setup a few months ago, and have never heard from the renter a single time after the initial signing of the lease, I only collect a check! Author Resource:- Get more great finance and investing tips at Jeffry Evans' personal finance blog. Passive Income in Real Estate is just one of many great articles you will find at Personal Finance Resources.
Luxury Real Estate - Is it Impervious?
If you are interested in purchasing luxury real estate, you likely have a great many questions about what options are available to you. Beyond trying to make a decision about what options are available to you today, you may also have concerns about how the volatility of the real estate marketplace may impact your interest in purchasing luxury real estate. Through this article, you are provided with an overview of both what is available to you when it comes to luxury real estate as well as how the current state of the real estate market generally is impacting the luxury market.
In looking at the luxury real estate market, the pinnacle of that marketplace may include water view homes. Many people traverse the country – indeed, the world – in order to obtain luxury real estate in the form of water view homes. Simply put, people are drawn to the sunny states to obtain such residential properties with water views.
Overall, the ticket price attached to water view homes will be at the higher end of the property valuation scale. Obviously, residential properties with water views are in solid demand – even in this time when the real estate market on other levels and in other locales are experiencing dips. However, with some effort, a buyer might be able to find some price reductions on these homes.
Beyond water view homes, there are also luxury homes and condos that do not have a water view but that are located on prime locations. These types of luxury real estate options allow for many different housing options. For example, a Snow Bird who desires an elegant and idyllic condo can find such an option in the state of Florida.
As mentioned at the start of this article, many individuals are wondering how the overall state of the real estate market in the United States is (or is not) impacting the luxury real estate market. Of course, at this point in time it is hard to find any segment of the real estate market that has been immune from the struggles, problems and issues that are becoming prevalent all of the more often.
With this in mind, while the luxury real estate market is holding its own, there are occasions in which a buyer can obtain a better than expected deal when it comes to the purchase of a high end. In short, by taking the time to shop around and take in the larger luxury real estate market, a potential buyer may have the chance to obtain the proverbial dream home for an unexpectedly lower cost.
Lance Mohr is a full time, full service licensed broker associate with Keller Williams Realty. He has many years of experience helping families buy and sell Tampa Real Estate Please feel free to copy any of his articles as long as you credit the author and retain the link to his website above. Don't forget to add our Tampa Real Estate Blog to your favorites section of your browser.
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