December 5, 2011

Real Estate Marketing Systems

It can feel overwhelming when you first decide that you want to take more listings. Regardless of economic challenges you will always find competition when targeting sellers to list their home. For many agents getting to 1-2 listings a month never happens. They provide the excuse of “that’s just sales” or “hey it’s feast or famine”. Instead of approaching the business like every other agent and struggling to take 1-2 listings monthly I invite you to consider a different approach.

Before diving in to making calls, sending letters, door knocking, or even setting up a new website, consider what your overall real estate marketing approach. To help you start in the right direction consider asking yourself the following questions.

1. What is my marketing personality?
2. Have I tried any seller marketing in the past with some success?
3. What can I put into action daily that will bring me leads?
4. What am I willing to pay to get a single listing? (consider having a rule such as 7% of your gross commission)
5. How can I make it easy to track my results?
6. How long will I stick with a marketing program before I make a change or cut it entirely?
7. How can I develop systems that will have automatic follow up to compliment my active marketing?

Before launching any marketing where you want to take more listings consider answering the above questions. Once you have the answers to those questions then you can put a marketing system into action. To take a serious volume of listings (30 or more a month) will require a minimum of 4 systems working for you all of the time. Most real estate professionals run one, referrals, which will tram them in survival mode.

Although each system can be different depending on your personality, consider a minimum of the following rules as you create your system.

1. Consistency – What can you have done daily (or do yourself) that will run your marketing? Can you send out postcards each day? Can you send out emails to prospects daily? Can you write an article? To bring in consistent leads requires consistent action. Have a system that allows you to put marketing into action each day of the week.

2. Active Marketing – While it would be nice to send out a few postcards or emails and wait for listings to come to you, that isn’t realistic. Part of your system should involve phone calls. You can call off of those who have requested information, the key is to set time aside each morning to call AND… you better call every morning.

When you can answer tough questions and create a real estate marketing system that has consistency and active marketing you will be on your way to taking 30+ listings monthly.

Get my power-packed free Real Estate marketing book today and start taking more listings now.

As a business and marketing coach he has helped over 15,000 clients in the last 20 years. His dedicated style of 1 on 1 coaching gets business owners and sales professionals the help they need, not like many of the “1 size fits all” programs.

To this day he is still the only top marketing coach that you can reach on the phone. With over 41 different marketing systems that he has personally developed he matches the personality of his clients to the RIGHT system for maximum success. Find the marketing that matches your personality and budget at http://www.ToddBatesSystems.com

Getty Petroleum Marketing Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
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October 24, 2011

The 6 Most Common Real Estate, Investment Errors

1. Not planning – have no exit strategy
New investors often lack a definite plan, reliance on guesses and buy real estate investment property without their exit strategy planning and the calculation of the income. You must first planning an investment strategy concrete taking into account your resources, financial expectations and current market conditions. Look for profits and a great passive income in the long term or fast resale profits property? You can combine these two strategies resale finally property to make a purchase, but your initial considerations must be a solid investment plan and exit strategy. This also means that you have to set and to calculate the numbers and potential cash flow.

2. Does it alone
Even experienced investors need legal and real estate advice. Building a team of good professionals can be a key to success, and you need a real estate broker, appraiser to probably and you will find home inspector, depending on the type of the investment property in.

3. Do not operate enough research
Building a team of professionals does not mean that you need to do your own research not. Due diligence and comprehensive research are crucial for a successful real estate investment. You must first consult consultants on property investment, and issues to the Council of property investment. You can then your own financial resources, expectations, and your desired investment result inventory. As a next step, you need to research market conditions and the current property market, popular locations, prices, calculate potential proceeds that you find the best property investment opportunities.

4. Do not buy the property in terms of the exit strategy
Buy a property that is suitable for your investment plan and exit strategy, and keep in mind that you buy the property for themselves. If you need to consider the appeal of the property from the point of view of the potential tenants such as a purchase to property purchase, let. So there should be close to local amenities and property should be in good condition. With the intention of quickly reselling buy, go short-term economic and infrastructural developments in the field be too important.

(5) Not buy at a low price
Buy investment property at the lowest possible price is a key to the success and results in much higher net income. If you pay too much for a property, your risks are also higher depends on his and much external market conditions. Enough time to devote to BMV properties sought is therefore worth and leads to a more lucrative business.

6. No risk mitigation
While thinking too much about potential risks and negative results is not useful, you need a risk mitigation strategy. This way you can come faster solutions with when unexpected events occur. Therefore, you should ask you to some of these questions: what happens when economic development not in the location of your choice to pick up? What is, if you do not find tenants for a long time? What if you planned the property as you resell can not? What happens when your property burns down or damaged it seriously? During these events can appear unlikely, if you buy the property, a sound risk-mitigation strategy can help protect your profits and you assure.

For more information, about the property in United States, you read about Belgrave group profitable Atlanta property and Detroit property investment opportunities.

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September 22, 2011

Still A Great Place To Invest – Bulgaria

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One country more than any other, took its moment to step out of the shadow from the iron curtain during the last property boom and regain its own identity. Bulgaria offers rich character fused by thousands of years of both east and west influences, combined with a new found confidence in its own value as a beautiful country that can offer skiing, climbing, countryside and horse riding, alongside first class beach holidays, great food, wine and a rich seasonal climate, all helping to ensure this country became the European runaway hit of the last decade.

It’s true that most tourists holidaying in Bulgaria are attracted to the Black Sea coast, which now boasts a similar allure that Spain once had during its initial days of growth, attracting tourists back in the 1970′s. There has been an infectious energy along the Bulgarian coastline due to a new found feeling of prosperity caused by the free market and like the Spanish, the commercial undertaking of catering to tourism is something that the Bulgarians do so naturally and very well indeed.

The property boom on the coast has been staggering, the expanse of building developments and construction work went from a standing start to the kind of speed of progress that has not been seen anywhere else in Europe for a long time. Managing to attract tourists and property buyers from all over Europe, due to the country’s proximity to both east and west, Bulgaria has now become a package holiday Mecca, as there are many huge purpose built resorts that cater for the one stop solution summer vacation.

The city of Varna is the maritime capital of Bulgaria and is unofficially also considered to be the capital of the south. Varna has undergone somewhat of a transformation over the last ten years, as much of the money made along the coastline has its business roots in this city. As such, this is one of the fastest growing cities in Bulgaria, offering both holiday resorts and a working port alongside much culture and nightlife.

For those travelers wishing to combine their sun and sea with more cultural leanings, there are many beautiful small beaches and bays, with idyllic guest houses off the beaten track. Also popular with the more discerning tourist are the Burgas Lakes, an attraction for bird lovers due to the many rare birds that are found there. There are many historic towns in Bulgaria, including the well loved towns of Nesebar and Sozopol. These old towns feel like stepping back into the past with their olde worlde charm and character. Here you will find wonderful traditional home made foods consisting of some tasty meat and vegetable stews such as Kavarma and Kyuvech. Kyufteta is Bulgaria’s answer to meatballs and hamburgers, also a Bulgarian spicy sausage kebab known as Kebapcheta. As you can imagine, there are many good beers to choose from and Bulgarian wine is now well respected around the world.

When going slightly inland, thankfully much of the country is still largely untouched and unvisited. There are some wonderful hiking trails and horse riding is very popular as a way to relax and discover the beautiful countryside and wildlife, including rare birds, lynx and bears. For those on a budget, thankfully Bulgaria has very good and affordable public transport to help travelers move between cities and into the countryside.

Also for those less interested in beaches, there is Sofia, the official capital of Bulgaria. Sofia is a wonderful city characterized by its various architectural roots, both classic European and communist style buildings. Well known for its beautiful scenery, Sofia boasts at least thirteen main museums, four major art galleries, plus many other historic buildings and ancient churches all open to the public. Sofia is a friendly city that feels somewhat more relaxed than Varna in the south. Yet still youthful and vibrant, Sofia is a more laid back cultural café society, where coffee can be enjoyed on the many sunny café patios and the hours can be whiled away with that ever popular pastime of people watching. Sofia is a city reinventing itself after many oppressive years of communist rule and makes for a superb city break destination.

Just 10km from Sofia is Vitosha mountain ski resort, the highest in Bulgaria at 1800m above sea level. Bulgaria is a popular European destination for skiing offering many various resorts for the discerning ski fan such as Borovets, Pamporovo, Bansko, Chepelare and Malyovitsa to name a few, with future planning for more developments along the Balkan mountain range.

Although Bulgaria has experienced an incredible ascent as a major tourist destination for both holiday makers and those looking to purchase property and stay in the country long term, that current rate of growth has lately been forced to slow down due to the worldwide recession. However, Bulgaria has no plans to rest on its laurels and development is continuing throughout the country. The combined forces of a country with both ski and sun, good infrastructure, central European location and very cheap property, are the elements that brought Bulgaria to everyone’s attention.

Although prices have raised in some parts, on the whole Bulgaria is still very competitive for property prices. All across the country, rural houses can be bought for as little as ?5,000 however, most of these properties are in serious need of renovation. On a more key ready level, a 2 bed rural property, outside of the main cities can be purchased for as little as ?25,000. For the same price of ?25,000 new build coastal apartments can be found in Varna. There has been an effort to try and raise the prices of Bulgarian developments, however, due to the current stiff competition in the global property market, it’s the cheaper properties that are still attracting international property buyers.

Before looking for your perfect property its worth bearing in mind the following tips.

• When purchasing property in Bulgaria, it is the buyer who must pay the agents commission, which can vary from between 3% and 5% of the property value.

• It is important to clarify with the agent if there is a daily charge rate for their services, as is often common practice in Bulgaria. An agent’s daily charge rate can be between ?50 and ?100 euros a day, however, it is standard that this fee is deducted from the agents commission, should you purchase a property from them.

• If the property also has land, the buyer will need to form a limited company within Bulgaria as sole owner/director, as it is not permitted for individuals outside of the country to own land. This will cost ?1,800 for a deposit and a base level of ?2,500 into the companies bank account. Once the company has been set up, monies deposited can then be withdrawn.

• Lawyers fees usually cost approximately 1% depending on how much they are needed, but drawing up contracts and registering new ownership usually falls within this price.

• Notary fees for the witnessing of the exchange of title is approximately ?300.

• Land Registry or Property Tax is 0.15% of the property value.

• State or local tax will be between 2% and 4% of the value, depending on the properties location.

• Other costs are to be considered, such as surveyors fees and translation fees. Having said this, a good reputable agent will normally speak at least English as well, so considering their daily charges, it is to be expected that they should help as much as possible.

• Property agents are not required to be licensed in Bulgaria, so it is paramount that agents should be researched well before being hired. Enquire as to their qualifications and respectable trading history. During the last 10 years many fly by night agents have cropped up, but with a little common sense and due diligence, it is easy to distinguish a professional.

Although prices have risen since the original boom (their currency is pegged to the Euro) Bulgaria is still an affordable place to find a great holiday apartment or second home. As with anywhere, when purchasing property it is really important to go at your own pace and ensure you have a trusted team around you. The hiring of a good lawyer and estate agent is vital and can be the difference between a wonderful experience or a disastrous one.

Bulgaria is a fantastic country with rich history and geography, offering both sun and snow, incredible nightlife, cultured cities, beautiful countryside and rare wildlife. Truly a destination offering something for everyone and with such great value, Bulgaria is still a number one place to invest.

Tony Osust, director: Holprop.com

Search through our large international portfolio of properties for sale and rent. Holprop.com now showcases thousands of rental and sale properties, from single family homes, commercial and recreational properties including hotels, bars-restaurants, new build or off-plan developments for sale worldwide.

See our latest Bulgaria Property for Sale | Bulgaria Holiday Rentals

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March 19, 2011

Real Estate Sales – Create Your Own Website

Real estate sales is hard to do without your own website. Buying a house is one of the most precious lifetime goals and requires a large sum of money. That is why real estate has always been a serious business especially now that the values of real estate properties rarely depreciate. In turn, most real estate buyers are now more prepared mentally and financially.

For this reason, most realtors know that they have to do their best to attract more clients and to keep up with the growing competition in the market.

In one aspect, realtors value their leads the most. They know that real estate leads are the primary source to their success. They know that without leads, there would be no deals. And without deals, there will be no sales. That is why they try to find ways on how to generate more leads and boost their sales.

Consequently, with the advent of information technology, the Internet has always been the primary source of effective marketing tools and strategies. This is because the Internet has a wider reach that can generate millions of people in just one sitting.

Hence, experts contend that realtors must conform to the growing trend of marketing today, wherein most salespeople generate their leads using the Internet.

And how is that? They build their own web sites to generate real estate sales leads.

Alternatively, in a recent study, the demographic profile of the Internet users showed that 50% of it have college degrees, the typical earnings of Internet users is $52,500 and almost 42% earn beyond that, and the total frequency percentage rate of Internet users on a daily basis is almost 88%.

This goes to show that more and more people are using and accessing the Internet. And with the average income of most Internet users, the National Association of Realtors contends that 96% of the Americans who would buy houses will access the Internet to find their dream houses.

These facts, in turn, require a realtor to create his or her own web site to gain the profit they wish to obtain. Most realtors just do not understand the potential of the Internet in generating the sales that they need. They do not realize that the generation of leads through the Internet can significantly increase your real estate sales.

However, creating your own web site is a lot of work. There are a lot of various expertise and flairs that need to be mastered especially if you do not have a basic knowledge on web designing and developing. It entails the use of graphic designs, programs, search engine optimization tools, different software, etc.

On its total concept, it is really hard to incorporate all of these things on an instant. Actually, it is not a requirement that you have to create superfluous designs and features on your web site, but keep in mind that the Internet market has more fierce competition when compared to the outside world.

Hence, it is relatively important that you pay attention to your web site and come up with something that will generate leads for your business. The trend of the market today is based on the fact that the more proficiency and skill you can incorporate on your web site, in any aspect, the tougher your competitive spot in the market.

Therefore, the important aspect that you should focus more when creating a web site is on how you can generate your leads, work on it and turn it into prospects, and convert prospects into deals. That is basically how you can generate your income.
Here is a list of some of the benefits you can derive from creating your own web site:

1. You get to connect with other web sites that have greater flow of traffic where they generate almost 60,000 of visitors a day.

2. You get to create your own listings, which can significantly add usefulness to your website.

3. You can use email marketing to get hold of individuals in the target market, who are more than willing to gain updated information on real estate listings.

4. You can participate on virtual tours such as Yahoo virtual tours and on other web sites and provide links that can generate traffic to your web site and generate your leads.

5. You get to advertise your properties without the expenses that the typical advertising can give.

Indeed, creating one’s own web site to generate real estate sales and leads should be the primary marketing tool of every realtor. Realtors should grasp the growing potential of the Internet in increasing their sales. The drift of the market today is based on the fact that the money is in the Web.

Return to Real Estate Sales and Real Estate Leads

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December 8, 2010

Real Estate Investing | Time To Invest In Your Real Estate Investing Business

The similarity involving most persons in real estate investing is that they treat it like it is a hobby. Something that is to be complete on the weekends or in their extra time, but they rarely take it sincerely. They do not perform like they are starting a brand new real estate investing business. This is a important blunder and we don’t want you to put together this mistake.

Do Your Examination / Consider / Exercise / Study
As with any corporation, you have to do your segment of studying and rising. This should not be an concern since it is verified the more you be aware of and be familiar with this business, the more expected your likelihood of huge accomplishment. With this small bit of insight, you would imagine that people would be flocking to the real estate investing training events and the like, but they are not doing it cause they don’t utilize this business gravely. You cannot afford to do this if you strategy on being triumphant.

Your education is paramount in every phase of life and this one is no different. The truth is, you ought to be a real estate investor of education.. You have to retain information that there are some unsavory people in these waters that will steal you for everything you have if you are not responsive of the diverse laws and the strategies you have in place. I know we don’t like to think about unscrupulous people, but trust us, they are in this market of real estate investingand there are a lot of them. Guard yourself with instruction.

Write Your Business Plan
Staying on task is your major goal. And having a real estate investing business plan is critical.. And, being in this business means treating it like a business.. A good number triumphant business proprietors have a company plan and so should you. It doesn’t matter if it is on note pad paper or in a ring binder, just have one to hold you on task.

To get a loan for your business or take on partners, you will need to have a business.. This is a technique of cutting out individuals that are not serious to guard their time, but it also supplies big insight into the direction a person or business is planning to move in the future and if they are eager to loan or make investments in that track.

Treat your Real Estate Investing like a Business
You are a professional. This is your professional enviornment. It is time to act that way. You must manage risk as a real estate investor. How can you protect yourself from it Well, incorporation is one way to get this done.. Your risk exposure is locked into this business entity. Your personal possessions are protected from decisions you might make in the real estate business..

At the end of the day own your own business is your desire, take care of business and not joke around with it like a game. Take attention of your company by doing the things that victorious companies do on a recurring basis. Take care of yourself and your real estate investing business.

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Real Estate Sales | Understanding Commercial Real Estate Desirability

For those who are looking for an excellent way to generate outside income, the commercial real estate industry is a great way to go. Many people have begun to invest in commercial real estate, and since this type of real estate is continually being purchased and sold, it has become an excellent way to invest money for a guaranteed return. Before one becomes involved in the commercial real estate market, it is highly important that they understand the commercial real estate industry and its many surrounding components.

A Basic Definition of Commercial Real Estate
First and foremost, it is imperative that one understands a basic definition of commercial real estate. Essentially, commercial real estate includes various real estate properties that have the potential to be able to generate outside revenue or even income for the owner. Whether the property has immediate potential for generating income or revenue immediately, or perhaps in the future, it can still be labeled as commercial real estate.

A Desirable Investment
Commercial real estate is an excellent choice for investors for a variety of different reasons. One of the main reasons that investors find commercial real estate to be such a pleasing investment is that is brings about both long term and short term financial benefits. In the short term, commercial real estate can help you bring in a better cash flow from the use of the property, and at the same time, in the long run the property will only appreciate in value, which will result in long term benefits should you choose to sell. Most investors also find that there is a lot less risk involved with commercial real estate than there is when dealing with other types of real estate. If you purchase apartment buildings or a strip mall, the risk of your investment will spread out among those who are renting from you, and even if you lose one of your renters, you still will be making money and seeing a return from your investment.

Commercial Real Estate Properties
Another positive benefit of commercial real estate is that the scope of properties that you can invest in is quite large. Commercial real estate includes various different properties that make excellent investments. As long as the building consists of more than four units, it can be considered a commercial real estate property. Commercial real estate also includes other properties such as strip malls, apartment buildings, RV parks, industrial parks, mobile home parks, and commercial centers.

Jobs within the Commercial Real Estate Industry
There are a variety of different jobs that are included within the commercial real estate industry, and all of them benefit from this excellent market. The investors have a very important job within the industry, since it is their money that is being used to make the property develop and become prosperous. Builders too have an important job, and many times they work within the commercial real estate industry to build new structures on commercial property such as apartment buildings or shopping malls. The lenders have a very important job, and they work to make sure that investors get the loans and mortgages they may need to be able to purchase commercial real estate properties. Also within the industry are the brokers who represent the owners and deal with the sales and property transfer issues. Last of all, but certainly not least, are the users who actually put the money in the investor’s pocket.

Financing Commercial Real Estate
Those who are planning on being involved in commercial real estate need to consider how they can finance any commercial real estate purchases. While few people can actually just purchase the property with money they already have, most people are going to be turning to other methods of financing the property. More than likely you are going to need to go to a lender to be able to finance any commercial real estate that you want to purchase, but there are a few things that you can do to make the process smother.

First of all, you will want to make sure that you have a business plan. You need to be able to show the lender why you want the property and how you plan on making it a successful investment. It is also important that you have at least a portion of the money needed for the property saved up so you can show that this is a serious venture and you are ready to make a personal investment in its success. Also helpful is a current appraisal of the property you are considering. This will help show the value of the property to the prospective lender. Having an attorney to help you and to check out legal issues will also be important, and in the end you should always compare several lending offers before making a final decision.

Getting Started
For those who are interested in commercial real estate and the financial benefits that can be enjoyed, there are many ways to get a start in the business. One of the keys to getting started is to glean all the information about the business that you can, whether from reading books, searching the internet, or speaking with friends and business colleagues that may have experience in commercial real estate investing. Checking into the area you live in and getting a look at what kind of commercial real estate is available and what the prices are running can help you begin to get a closer look at the costs and the availability of commercial real estate in your area. Attending zoning and city planning meetings may also give you insights and ideas for getting started as well. Lastly, one of the best things you can do is to start building a network of friends and business acquaintances that already have their foot in the door of the commercial market. Learning from their successes and mistakes can help you on your way to becoming a successful commercial real estate investor.

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November 23, 2010

Real Estate Investing | Real Estate Investment Classes

If you plan a career in real estate investment, the current conditions in real estate may be just right for you to start. But, do you have the mind frame to undertake investment entirely on your own? If not, then it may be a good idea to take up real estate investment classes. These classes will make you aware of the various factors related to investing in real estate, right from how to invest in property to how you can protect it. If you plan to appear for an exam, then real estate investment classes would be the right choice to pursue. Besides, you could even obtain a license, and then you could start your career as a broker or an associate, after completion of the course with real estate investment classes. Such classes may even be compulsory in some states.

As a new investor, you may not be aware of the essential requirements to handle in the real estate market. It is necessary that you understand the finance, laws, practices, principles, terms etc that have to be followed, when you invest in real estate. Depending on your interest, you may venture to specialize in a certain area of real estate. You have the opportunity to select a course or classes, which are offered, in order to help you to invest in the International Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Appraisal and even Residential Real Estate. These classes are the best bet for you to start with your real estate career. There are different rules and regulations in various states that govern these planned classes. There are different schools and colleges, which impart such training to students of all ages. Even if you have selected real estate investment as a retirement option, the need for such classes may be required.

The classes that are conducted, mostly will train you, what to look for in properties that you plan to invest in, to find the right opportunity and how to invest. They may also cover as to how to make an offer to the seller, what all documents may be required from your end, what documents should be taken from the seller and other relevant documentation necessary to invest. Sometimes, they may even train you, how to invest with a small amount in hand or even without it. The financing needs and options that you have and the benefits that you would gain are also a matter of discussion in such classes. Such classes may even assist you to spot the weak or even phony or fraudulent deals. The trainers or coaches are experienced in the real estate field, and they share their good and bad experiences in real estate. Sharing such real life experiences can help you to understand the actual scenario and become alert, when investment matters most to you. You can put to good use these shared tips and tricks, when you invest.

There are some online courses, which are offered by some schools. They are beneficial for those investors, who are unable to squeeze in some time for classes in their daily schedule. The flexibility to learn at any time of the day, at any location over the Internet is a very good option for such investors. For those planning to sit for the real estate exam, such online courses could be the perfect option. Such online courses can be beneficial to comply with the licensing requirements of the state, where you plan to relocate.

Real estate investment should be taken seriously as a business, if you want to make good money. To observe the market trends and learning from your classes and experiences could make you a successful real estate investor. Real estate investment classes could boost your career and reward you with fruitful gains.

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November 22, 2010

Real Estate Investing | Real Estate Investing II ” 5 Mistakes You Should Never Make

The last time you had read about real estate investing, you had discovered that there are 5 steps to make profit while playing the real estate game. Although the whole process seems quite easy, it really isn’t so. The real estate market is so unpredictable, thus you can easily lose your money rather gain profits.

After having explained what should be done to gain in the real estate market, here are some statements you should never believe in if you want money flowing in your pockets rather than out of it.

Statement 1:”Real Estate Investing Is Just My Hobby.”

So you may have ventured into real estate investing because of the opportunities it has in store, however, you must remember that this is a business, thus you should take it very seriously. Investing isn’t just buying and selling properties, it extends way beyond that to investments in improvements, assuring regular maintenance and more. Treat this venture as a small business, not as a hobby.

Statement 2: “I’ll Be Rich In No Time!”

If you believe that you will make money fast through real estate investing, think again. Investing in real estate is usually a long-term project, thus you shouldn’t dream of becoming rich very quickly. The process isn’t easy, because there is always a lot of competition and a lot of hidden expenses that you may have skipped had you not done your research properly. In addition, there is a lot of work which has to be done, and that itself needs a lot of time.

Statement 3: “I Can Do This Alone.”

This is one of the misconceptions many new real estate investors have. Real estate investing requires that you be in contact with others in order to find deals that can produce the most profit. In addition, a single person can’t be everywhere at the same time, therefore assembling a team of professionals is a good idea. The team doesn’t need to be a large one, however, you will need the following individuals to help you out:

A real estate agent: If you are not a licensed real estate agent, having a professional real estate agent guiding you will help you gain more money and experience.

An appraiser: You need someone who can give you an accurate estimate for the property you plan to invest in.

A home inspector: You need one in order to help you evaluate the costs you will have to spend in order to make the home you invest in attractive to future buyers or renters.

An attorney: You need a lawyer to help you with all the legal paperwork.

A lender: This member of the team will help you out with your deals, plus, you can outsource his services to potential buyers to make sure that they will pay you on time.

Later on, you will require the services of remodeling and maintenance workers like a plumber, an electrician, a contractor and many more. So, unless you plan to lend yourself money and fix leaky faucets afterwards, never believe that you can handle real estate investing on your own.

Statement 4: “How Am I To Offer Such A Low Price? I Guess I’ll Pay More.”

Most real estate investing rookies tend to pay extra because they are too embarrassed to state the price they believe is right for a certain property. In the real estate market, you should put away all your feelings and stick to hard, cold facts. Plus, once you pay for a property, all your funds will be locked in and you won’t be able to gain the profit you are expecting.

Statement 5: “I Am Cautious With My Money, Thus I Invest In Less Properties At A Time.”

If you believe that you will earn more by being cautious with less investment deals, then you are wrong. By now you know that real estate is a business, thus you need a healthy volume of transactions to run it. More deals will provide you with more profit as most pioneer real estate investors believe that a larger volume will take out the marginal deals and allow the good ones to outshine the rest.

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November 4, 2010

Real Estate Investing | The Importance Of A Marketing Plan In The Real Estate Investing Business

One matter to hold onto and take serious perspective when working in the Real Estate Business:

Are you executing just a small bit of marketing and promoting and just hoping and wishing that a good deal will flow in your hands, or are you maneuvering and operating your Real Estate Investing Business in a mode that makes certain that a good Real Estate deal will materialize. If you do not have a cognitive process for making sure Real Estate deals materialize, you do not yet understand the importance of possessing a marketing plan. A without a marketing plan isn’t.

The pitiful fact is that even after all their conditioning, less than one percentage of all real estate businessmen and investors actually possess a marketing plan. Even though it’s very simple, do not underrate the power of a good marketing Investing plan.
The most crucial matter regarding Real Estate Investment Marketing is to posses a Marketing Plan to begin with.

1) It is a substantial attitude you have for your intellect to grab on and strive to achieve. Attitude determines your altitude.
2) It allows you to clarify exactly what you want to achieve in the coming 30 days.
3) It allows you to map out the activities needed to excute the Real Estate Investing Marketing plan.
4) It allows you to plan in advance to delegate off the lower paying activities, so you don’t end up doing them.
5) It allows you set time deadlines, to hold others accountable so everything gets done and done well.
6) It results in you being free to concentrate on your highest payoff activity: Making Offers on Great Deals.
7) You have a business that operates consciously, not by accident. Real Estate Investing requires consistent concous effort and work.

More people fail in real estate investing because they simply do not have a plan or goals. You should have a detailed real estae marketing plan of what you want to accomplish and how you are going to accomplish it.

And, don’t be vague, either. Things like, I want to make more money than I can ever spend is too vague, and I want to be rich, and I want to make $20,000 a month, are not plans. They are too vague, unclear and they won’t help you in getting there in the Real Estate Investing Business. Be as specific as you can possibly be to insure your Investment Business’s success.

In planning for monthly revenue, try to put your money goals in cash income, not gross revenue. I know gross revenue is what you’re used to thinking in, but cash in the Real Estate Investing business is obviously more important. It’s what you take to the bank, and it’s what pays bills and in fact keeps your Real Estate Business going and growing.

First, examine your current numbers. More than 80 percent of all real estate entrepreneurs and real estate investors know how many houses they are buying each month or quarter, but they don’t know where those houses came from and how many leads they had to process to develop them into the single deal. And, this is very dangerous and can put an end to your real estate investing career.

You Simply Must Know How Your Business is Currently Doing

You should know:

1) The total leads that call each month (each week is more manageable though you can experiement with different time periods ),
2) Where those leads come from. In any business, not just the real estate investing business, you need to track markteing efforts.
3) How many “qualified” seller prospects (i.e. those that you are willing to invest follow-up in if they don’t sell now; they have motivation, you are interested in the house.) you get each month.
4) The ratio of total to qualified leads is another factor.
5) The number of deals you close in your Real Estate Investing endeavors.
6) The ratio of closed deals to qualified leads – for each real estate lead source
7) How much you make from each seller of the real estate investment transaction.
8) How much it cost you to acquire a new seller. A very important aspect in any investment business. Not just Real Estate Investing.

With this information you can look at your current resources, look ahead, and then plan out what you want to have happen. The number of deals you want to do, the amount of money you need to make in your real estate investing business month by month.

For example, let’s say for instance you are bringing in around $12,000 a month or so your average deal gives you about $6,000. Yes, I know that’s low, but for the sake of example let’s use these figures. That’s two Real Estate deals a month. These are cash proceeds and after expenses you net 50 percent of your gross or $6,000 a month. And let’s say that you want to double your net income next month.

You will have to get twice as many deals to double your investment business. Goal? Four deals a month, or one a week. Sounds like planning doesn’t it?

Let’s say you currently get one deal a month from a classified ad, and one deal a month for mailing expired listings. But, you get ten qualified calls a month from his classified ad and 10 qualified prospects calling a month as a result of mailing expired listings. So, you currently close ten percent of your sales and investment prospects. Again, keeping track of the business aspect of marketing.

First, you can improve on this situation by improving that twenty percent closing ratio. By improving your closing ratio by things like more precise targeting, the present lead-flow would stay the same; you’ll get your same twenty real prospects and achieve your goal of doing four invesment deals next month.

But assuming that’s not something you have control over right now, the other way to double your gross income in the next month is to double the number of qualified transaction prospects that you talk to and make offers to. So instead of getting 20 qualified leads to call, you would need 40. This is of course, providing that you utilze the fory leads just as efficiently, if nor more, than the twenty.

Your plan to get forty qualified prospects for a residental or commercial transaction would need 10 to come from expired listing mailings, 16 to come from flyers in target neighborhoods, 4 from business cards handed out everywhere, 6 to come from signs placed in the ground at high traffic count intersections, 10 to come from classified ads that drive people to the website. Total 46 real estate investment prospects. Cool! That’s six to spare.
With this number of leads coming in you have what is needed closed four good real estate deals and reach your goal of doubling your net income. Actually, it’s more than doubling because your fixed expenses don’t increase with the income.

You should have a monthly plan. Schedule thirty or forty minutes out of one day to make upyour monthly plan and see how you did last month. Schedule this time and keep to it. Don’t do any work or take any calls during this time. Keep it strictly for planning. If you do this and you allow yourself to get into the whole spirit of planning, and making things happen on purpose, you will easily double your income in twelve months.
Your Monthly Plan Should Include The Following

1) A goal for total net income from your investment transactions. Either foreclosures, short sales, regular sales or other wise.
2) A goal for number of residential or commercial deals signed up
3) A goal for number of appointments made for potential real estate transactions.
4) A goal for number of qualified, interested residential or commercial property sellers.
5) A goal for total number of leads in commercial, residential, foreclosures, flips, short sales or other deals.
6) Average net income from each real estate deal.
7) The number of prospects you have to generate to reach your financial investment goal.

A detailed plan to generate the number of prospects you need. Your plan doesn’t have to be typed out or put into a computer. It can be handwritten on paper. It doesn’t have to be a work of art, just useable.

Simple note – pad plans are good enough. The important part is that you do a plan every single week and keep on top of things and not get behind in your real property investing marketing plan.

Setting up a a marketing plan is a simple thing to do, but it is just as easy to not do, and this you need to be aware of it. Blowing it off is the equivalent of you absolving yourself of responsibility for your real property investing business. On the other hand, taking the time to think through your goals each month, both for income, and marketing activity, then committing them to paper will make things start happening by plan and put you in control of your real estate business.

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October 31, 2010

Real Estate Investing | Private Real Estate Investment Firms

Real estate is all about “Location, Location, and Location”. Once you are sure of what you want you can easily get investors to help you with investing in real estate. Investing is real estate is at low risk unlike in other fields like share market etc. Once you are you of what you want and the quality of what you want, you can always expect positive returns. You can get take the help of mortgage loans, etc and make an investment into real estate. With a short fall in demand and growing incomes, there is a boom in the real estate sector because of which the private real estate investment firms are coming forth to invest in real estate.

The private real estate investment firms will benefit with the exponential rise in the demand for real estate funds. The main investment objective of these firms is to produce long term capital appreciation for those who are investing in real estate’s by providing them with the required capital. If you want you invest in real estate and you do not have the required funds for it then you can opt for a private real estate investment firm which will help you out. They provide investment for investing in real estate at affordable interests.

Now whether you are rich or poor, you can invest into real estate and experience the benefits with the help of private real estate firms. But before you step further it is necessary you consider few things first. Start saving some money so that you will be able to pay the interests on time without any problem, check your credit reports and credit scores which you can easily get from AnnualCreditReport.com & some bureaus and make sure they are not below the required level, and finally establish your monthly budget so you will be clear of what you can afford.

The private real estate investment firms will carefully study your case to make sure whether they can invest money on you or not. They will check your credit scores, debit levels (current), and the down payment that you can make and will sanction you the right amount to invest into the real estate. It sometime so happens that when all these things are not properly checked in advance, you might be unnecessarily qualified for a large amount of loan which you cannot afford to pay back. This will put you in a disaster, so it is very important that you realize what amount of loan you qualify for. Most of these things will be taken care of by the private real estate investment firms themselves.

There are many private investment firms who are looking forward to capitalize your investment into real estate. Most of the private real estate investment firms work as non profitable organizations trying to help people out with their services. While some take real estate as a serious business and work to get you the best deals. While some private organizations invest in real estate just to escape the corporate income tax that they have to pay. By investing in the real estate they can help the people who are looking for capital to invest into the real estate and at the same time escape the corporate taxes.

Whatever the reason may be you can always get the required loan from the private real estate investment firms. They come at reasonable interest rates and they can be easily repayable. The real estate investment firms are angels who will help you when you are thinking of investing into real estate. With no problems finding funds for investment, you can easily get into the real estate business and enjoy the long term benefits.

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