CONTACT US
How to find deals NOW!

How to find deals NOW!

How to Find deals Previously I wrote a blog on where to go and how to network with people who might help you find great real estate deals.  I find this an important topic because it is the people that I have developed strong relationships with who are bringing me the majority of my deals today.  Meeting the right people is the crucial first step, however you must nurture these relationships in order for them to be productive.  For this blog, I will assume for a moment that you have already met people who may be able to help you in your business.  Let’s now focus on how to rise to the top of the list for each and every one of those important people that can help you find a deal now. I have 3 golden rules that will help you succeed in most aspects of your life and business, and they certainly apply to developing strong relationships.  First, do what you say you will do. Second, be easy to do business with.  And last, help others succeed with no expectations.  Apply these simple guidelines to the people you meet, and they will serve you well.  Amazingly, following these rules will also make you stand apart from most others. Finding deals thru your “network” is simply about being “top of mind” with those people who are effective at identifying the deals you are looking for.  Staying in regular contact with people is pretty basic stuff, but most often it is where we fail.  The more you can prioritize and systemize your communications, the more likely you will succeed...
2015 Bay Area Real Estate Market forecast

2015 Bay Area Real Estate Market forecast

Today, I would like to share a video that was just produced by Brett Jennings, who is both a friend and highly successful real estate broker in the Bay Area.  Brett provides an easy to understand explanation about where the Bay Area real estate market has been recently and where it is headed in 2015.  There are several dynamics that influence the direction of the market and help predict whether it is becoming “over-valued”.  Given the pace of home appreciation over the past several years, it is reasonable to ask whether we are approaching another bubble.  Brett provides information that helps us understand the answer to these and many other questions.  Hope you enjoy his video!...
Ryan Smith interview-Bridge Equity

Ryan Smith interview-Bridge Equity

I am excited to report that I recently had an opportunity to be interviewed by Ryan Smith of Niche Agent, and discuss how real estate agents can work with investors and maximize their commissions.  The Niche Agent (www.thenicheagent.com) is an educational platform for real estate agents. Although the company is based in Canada, there are agents from all over N America that use the educational material on this site, including blogs, podcasts and a popular ebook.  I was asked to share how I successfully work with real estate agents in my fix and flip business.  It is all about helping agents win big financially, so they find more deals.  Real estate professionals can easily double and triple their earnings by learning how to work with investors that will reward them generously.  I hope you enjoy the tips and lessons I share…...
Private money lending for real estate

Private money lending for real estate

Private money lending for real estate Most people have been conditioned to believe that earning double-digit returns is only possible for those willing to take large financial risks.  I am here to tell you that it is not true.  I know this because my private money lenders earn these types of returns, while being exposed to risks far less than what I believe the stock market offers.  Our private-money lenders have their loans secured by actual real estate assets.  In the “worse case scenario” (the occurrence of a major, unexpected problem), the principal can be recovered thru the foreclosure process. How does the process work?  There are 3 steps we follow in California: 1.     Bridge Equity Group and their private money lenders come to an agreement on terms.  These are typically loans for 12 months with no pre-payment penalty.  In most cases, loans are paid back in less than 6 months. 2.     Once a house is in contract, the borrower signs a promissory note (legal document that defines all terms of the loan) and a deed of trust (legal document that secures the loan against the house).  At close of escrow, the title company records the deed, which places a lien against the property.  With a lien recorded against the property, it cannot be sold until the loan is paid in full. 3.     Property is the rehabbed and sold, at which point the lender is paid back their principal and all accumulated interest. The key is to work with borrowers who have a successful track record, experience, and integrity.  I recommend that you always check references.  In addition, there...
Networking to find real estate deals

Networking to find real estate deals

Your network equals your net worth.  It is true that the people you choose to be around will generally have a significant influence on you, either good or bad.  This is true for all areas of your life, including real estate investing.  To take it a step further, I believe that leveraging the knowledge, resources and good will of those people in the business of successful investing will not only help you get started, they will also be a critical source of the leads and opportunities that are the life blood of any real estate business.   I would like to explore the many ways of meeting the people who will help you on your journey to successful investing.  This is all about networking to find real estate deals. Joining your local REIA (real estate investing association) is probably the simplest and quickest way to meet like-minded investors.  Google “real estate investing association + your city” and you will likely find multiple groups.  These groups generally contain everybody from beginners to experts.  The 1st rule is not to be shy. Get out of your comfort zone and talk to as many people as practical.  To network effectively, you must show sincere, genuine interest in the people you are meeting.  Ask questions, be curious and most importantly try to figure out how you can help them.  The most important question might be ”how can I help you be more successful?”  If they are unsure how to answer the question, here are a few ideas: 1. Offer to help find deals (more on that later). 2. Help connect them with other resources...