Chasing the Dream Journal

Glad to see your journal is underway. I hope you have a better evening than your day. In any event the DG members are here to provide information and inspiration! Good luck with finding more deals as your "chasing the dream"! Believe and Achieve! - Joe

Thank you for responding to my journal. The site has been very helpful for me and I enjoy being out here. I am glad that so many people are able to have a place to go to talk about real estate.

Carpe Diem :0) Stacey

I am so thankful for your postive outlook, It is nice to find a site to encourage you when you fell discourage about something new.

How is your business going? What is new in your world of REI?

Thanks for your comments. Things are moving forward for me, still looking forward to finding more deals. Hope things are going well for you to.

It is great to find a place to go when others or even things get you discouraged.

Carpe Diem :0) Stacey

WOW! I can't believe that we are already four days into December. So that makes 21 days until Christmas....that sure came upon us quickly. I feel like I am rushing around trying to find all the decorations that I put away last year, but wont seem to find until the holiday is over. Isn't that the way it always goes, you put things away so well that you never seem to find them until after you need them. But I have decided instead of stressing about making sure all the decorations are up and in the places they were last year. To just enjoy the things that I have put up already and sit back, listen to some Christmas music, drinking hot chocolate and spending it with the ones I love. Now that is all the matters.

So happy today is Friday, we will do our weekend ritual of driving the area and looking for some new deals. I love seeing the houses for sale and seeing if we can guess what the price is, before we actually know the true price. It is a fun game that makes driving the area even more fun. Have some fun while you are learning your area.

How we play the game is, We both take a turn and guess what we think the house is listed for. Then once we have both said our price, we either get the information from the tube or call the number on the sign. It is rather fun and I can't tell you how many laughs we have had. But the great part of it is, you are learning your area and building courage at the same time. Courage to get out of that car and get that flyer and courage to get on that phone and prove to your other player your right. Remember this is just a fun game. Try to see who comes close to or is right on target with the actual asking price. If there aren't two players in the game, that is fine too, before you call the number or get out of the car to get information from the tube. Look at the property and say out loud (or to yourself, don't want the neighbors to think you talk to yourself) say the price you think the owner is asking for the property, then once you have done this, get the information from the tube and see if you were right. If there is no information tube call the number and see if you were right and don't forget to ask all the important questions about the house too. See it gives you several reasons to call now. You will be surprised at how it makes it easier to call someone and how quickly you start to know your area. Happy Game Playing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Carpe Diem :0)
Stacey

Well today was very cold in our area. But I just told myself that it added to the holiday atmosphere. For some of us that celebrate St. Nicholas day..hope you had a good one. It is a day when St. Nick comes and puts candy in your shoe or stocking, if you were a good girl or boy. (Maybe he didn't physically come to my house. But a nice box of chocolates that I gave myself was a nice way of reminding myself how good I was this year.) I don't care how old I have gotten I still celebrate the holidays from my childhood. Reminds me of the fun and freedom of a child. I hope that you can see things through your own child eyes and take those steps that you are afraid to take. Remember when you were a child you just had that can do attitude and you didn't question yourself. You always believed in yourself. Maybe take that approach right now. Maybe just say why not, instead of why. Be that kid again looking in their shoe on the morning of St. Nicholas day knowing that there is candy in it. Be the kid that just keeps trying and never gives up.
Good luck on your real estate deals.

Today, besides celebrating St. Nicholas day, I actually won the guess the price of the house game. Victory was mine. I wonder how many of you actually played the game and how many of you had fun.

I noticed that a lot of for rent signs have gone down in the area and a lot more for sale signs have gone up. Make sure you just call those numbers on the signs. Ask those questions to learn about the houses. It will help you learn your area. It just gets you comfortable with asking the right questions and you never know when you will find a good realtor that you enjoy working with.

Until next time...Keep on working on those deals and keep reaching for the stars.
Carpe Diem
:0) Stacey

Wow, where has the last few weeks went? As I prepared for the holidays they went by just as fast as they came. Being a Mom is a busy job, doing double (or even triple) duty at times. We had a nice holiday and are looking forward to this New Year of 2010.

Last year, we had several challenges and I was assisting a loved one with a major medical issue. You often have to pray and hope for the best. I always try to stay positive and keep a positive outlook on things. I hope to be able to post more on the DG website because I really enjoy reading and learning each day. I hope everyone is having a nice day and looking forward to finding their next real estate deal! Carpe Diem! (Seize the day) :0) ~ Stacey

From time to time I will share some quotes with all of you, some may come from me and then others will come from those people that came before me. So, here is a good quote that I found for today.

“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.” quoted by Mark Victor Hansen

Happy Tuesday!!!!

Carpe Diem
Stacey

just wanted to stop by and say hello!!enjoy hearing about your journey and LOVED your video!! that was so neat seeing you two pop up and down at the end how did u do that?? cool........thanks for all the info and hope to meet you guys at the edge!!!!
jay

Thanks for stopping by. I am so glad you enjoyed our video. We thought the end part where we were chasing after Dean was pretty cool ourselves. We had a great time doing it, a lot of laughs. We looking forward to the Edge and can't wait to meet the DG members. Can wait to see you there.

Carpe Diem :0)
Stacey

The weather started getting rough, the winds were coming strong and not for the struggles of the fearless crew the deals could be gone......well that is another story, don't you think.

Today we had more snow and cold weather, but that didn't stop me from going out there and looking at perspective deals. Met with an owner on their 3/2 and made an offer, we will see where this leads. Had some showings with perspective tenants today and more set up for tomorrow. One of the many fun things that I love about this business. I love being able to provide housing for the people that otherwise couldn't afford to live in a certain area. It brings a smile to their faces and one to mine. Priceless.

Well off to take care of other business for this evening.
Keep on riding the wave.
Carpe Diem :0) Stacey

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it, January will be over on Sunday- so I am still having a hard time writing 2010 on things and January is over already...

Your friday quote:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

.....As Dean's Gain the EDGE event 2010 is fast approaching, it makes me think of the life changing experience we had at Dean's live EDGE event in April 2009. Each day we are getting one step closer in chasing the dream and having a great adventure! I believe Winnie the Pooh says it best.....

“If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus 1 day, so I never have to live without you.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.” ~ Winnie the Pooh

You are amazing!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for those Winnie the Pooh quotes- I hold them dear to me forever.

The best day of my life was the day you came in it. You have made me be an extraordinary woman.

I am so glad that there are so many people on this site that get to see the person you are. You always put everyone first and you make sure that what is right is the way to go. You are the real thing- I appreciate what you are and what you have yet to become.

No matter what this life has in store for us, we can do anything as long as we have each other.

Gain the Edge 2009 really helped change our lives and I can't wait for Gain the Edge 2010 in May. I remember the laughs and I remember the tears but most of all I remember that we did whatever we had to- to find a way to get there. I am so glad that we did. ;0)

Carpe Diem :0) Stacey

Well I have to say that I had an incredible time this weekend. Gain the Edge Event 2010 was great! It was really wonderful to meet so many people and know that we were able to help so many as well.

It was a great honor to speak at the event this year and thank you to all those that attended that stopped us after our presentation to ask questions and really thank us. It means a lot to know that we are helping you. Dean helped change our lives and knowing we can help change so many other lives, is awesome.

Keep on chasing the dream and for those of you that attended, don't forget a great tip we gave you.....you never know what you can get unless you ask.

Carpe Diem. :0)
Stacey

....Glad to see your journal updated. I enjoy reading it to keep up with the daily adventure. Believe and Achieve! - Joe

I love that you write in each other's journal here and that the last few entries were back and forth encouraging each other, appreciating each other, and reminiscing about the past year and all you have accomplished together! What role models you are in all aspects of your lives! Congrats!

And the Winnie the Pooh quotes are AWESOME and so very sweet. That one about
" there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.” ----that one is a quote I recently found that I'm considering putting up on a wall in our baby-to-be's nursery...it is so great!

Cheers to your continued success!!
Louisa

Thanks for stopping by my journal. Also, it was very nice meeting you this past weekend.

I am truly blessed and lucky to have Joe in my life. We have gone through so much recently, not to mention all that we have dealt with in the past. I don't know how I could have made it through the past, or with what I am going through right now, without him. He really is my rock. I often see that at his job he has to be the manager and no one gets to see the amazing caring side of Joe. But I am so glad that the DGers all get to have a small look at the man with the big heart. He gives so much to everyone here and he just inspires me and amazes me daily. He rocks!

I also love that quote from Winnie the pooh. I think that would be really special to put it on the wall in your babies room. When you have a child it is like your heart is walking outside of your body and you never knew you could love this little person as deeply and completely as you do. Every moment of every second of everyday you will always remind them and tell them that you love them. Trust me, you wont be able to get enough of them. So hold on tight to all the memories that you will have. Even if you feel tired or stressed, take a deep breath and know that this is the greatest gift in this world. God Bless.

Take care and keep in touch.
Stacey

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't believe that August is here already, where did that time go. I was laughing today, I have eraseable calendars that I have on my fridge, (it is a great way to remind yourself of all the to do's that are in your planner and a good way for everyone to know what is going on and keep you on track) Anyway, only four calendar months can fit on my fridge and right now I am looking at Aug, Sept, Oct, and Nov. I can't believe it, when I see these months on the fridge I know this time will be flying.
Soon the summer will be over and the fall will be here.....
What is on your to do calendar, have you started one yet, have you done your to do's? Sometimes we have a calendar and put our to do's on it but never do the to do's that we set forth for ourselves. Make sure you do one thing a day that makes you happy, one thing a day that makes you one step closer to your dream, and do one thing a day you thought you wouldn't be able to do, but surprised yourself and did it. Call that real estate office and find that realtor to put on your A-team, call that owner, drive and look at properties, open houses, etc... Don't be afraid to take action- you will be surprised at what you can do.

Happy Saturday!
Carpe Diem :0) Stacey

I can't believe how fast 2010 has been passing us by. I know the older we get the wiser we get but it sometimes seems like the calendar is on turbo drive. The past few months have been a whirlwind. I often would come to the DG.com late at night watch Dean's video blogs and read the information and inspiration on almost every page. Dean has a way to always make you see the brighter days ahead. Sometimes in life things just happen and it can make us stronger as each day passes.

Each year we experience love and loss / joy and sorrow. Each of us have things we can control and things that are unfortunately out of our control. We just have to focus on tomorrow as a new day and a brighter tomorrow. We may never forget those that have been special in our lives (parents, family, friends,etc.) and they make us who we are as adults.

Sometimes life can be the same as a roller coaster, you never know what might be around the next curve or bend. You may be thrilled and scared all in one. Real estate investing can be the same way but you need to keep going down that track. Just keep on track and you will reach your desired destination.

I know 2011 will be a better year for all as we continue on this journey. Good luck to all this Fall season. Hopefully the real estate deals will fall your way. Be sure to take action and make plenty of offers. Live each day to the fullest and have no regrets. Carpe diem! :0) - Stacey

"Carpe Diem" — Horace

"Carpe diem. Seize the day." — John Keats

"The future starts today, not tomorrow." - Pope John Paul II

"Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin." — Mother Teresa

The new year has started and January is moving fast. I know this will be a better year than the last. Each year is a clean slate and a fresh start to have those chances of doing over or doing better than we have done before. I hope everyone is off to a terrific start this year. Carpe Diem! :0) - Stacey

Yes,i believe this yr will be zn amazing yr for all of us that keep learning and striving to reach that next goal.With a network that is at our hands and the wonderful people on this site such as you and joe,how can we fail .Thanks for all you and joe do for so many on here and I Am looking forward to doing a few deals with two awesome people this year !!
HERES TO A SUCCESSFUL YEAR !!
Jay

Good Morning to all, I am a newbie with lots of goals in life. I really think my mission is to help people find house thats suitable for them in the future or right now. My question to share is How do i explain to my Buyers what to do first. I am amazed at the rank you have by bing successful "Chasing the Dream".

If anybody can help please feel free to contact me anytime on here. I am always searching for new plans and ideals in life to be where successful people has been last or even this year.

Brandon Boswell
Trump Jr.

Looking forward to this year as well. The EDGE is almost here and getting a chance to hang out with everyone again, is going to be great. Deals in the future, can't wait for that.
It is always great being on DG.com and helping people, it is a great joy and honor to me.

Take care and Happy New Year!
Carpe Diem
Stacey

"Life's not always fair. Sometimes you can get a splinter even sliding down a rainbow." ~Terri Guillemets

This is true. Life is not always going to be fair and things are not going to always come easy. It is how you deal with the situations that make you stronger. You can choose to let things get the best of you or you can choose to get out there and kick some butt.

Today was one of those days. It seemed as though everytime I turned around I kept getting hit with something. I felt like one of those inflatable punching bags, just bobbling back and forth. But the key to that was, I kept standing and I kept fighting. It would of been so easy to just say, oh forget it and walk away. But I didn't.

The day ended up getting better and I was able to get answers to what I wanted. Sometimes having a middle man is not worth it. I had to do it myself.

Go out there and don't let anything or anyone stand in your way. Happy Tuesday everyone.
Carpe Diem - :0) Stacey