OfflineAnd “they” said that I would never do it! That it was just another one of those things that I started, and just never finished. A pie in the sky dream that would never ever, ever come true!! “They” never told me to my face, but you can read the eyes; if you know what I mean….
One night about 6 months ago; my wife came to me in the office asking if I was gonna stay up all night. I told her that if that’s what it takes; then that’s what it takes! That I was determined to finally make this work. That I was going to set/make my Daily Goals/To-Do list diligently, re-writing them each day; over and over again to ensure that I did not get off-track! She bends over and kisses me on the forehead and says, “Baby, you’re my horse; even if you never win a race”. I never let her know…. that did NOTHING but **** ME OFF and lit the fire that’s burning at this very moment!!!!
Of course, I wasn’t mad at her, but at myself for letting things get to that state of disbelief and contentment; of trying gallantly, but….. Honestly; she has been the one Rock that I’ve needed by giving unfaltering love, support and CONSTANT encouragement which actually pushed me to carry on….even when I felt I couldn’t! Believe me; I’ve had my share of disappointments and properties under contract that I could NOT move! The number’s probably at least 6-8, and for various reasons. What I have found is that they were ALL just plainly NOT DEALS!!! Many lessons learned in the process!
Anyway; about this deal…..
This is actually deal #2, but #1 is delayed in closing due to an out of state Seller, etc.
This was a bandit sign lead from a sign that has actually been in place for over 3-4 weeks! A lady called and said she and her husband bought a foreclosure about a 1 ½ years ago. Fixed it up with paint and new carpet, but really didn’t like the area and wanted to move back “home”. They are from a rural community just south of Birmingham.
It is a small 3/2 around 1300SF in one of the hottest Buy & Hold areas in town. Note that I have at least 10 Buyers screaming for properties there!! When questioning her motivation further; I find out that her mother is in the early stages of dementia and she wants to move closer to home. Her initial asking price was $25K, but made it clear that she was serious about being open to less and would not be offended.
Made the appt for the next day and took my new partner; a very experienced “struggling” wholesaler that’s been in the business since ’98….more on that another time. Man, this house was more than Rent/Move-In ready! All it needed was a roof fairly soon and gutters!!! They had done an excellent job fixing it up!
While inspecting the outside, the only other thing we could find “wrong” was the AC unit was fairly old, but still working fine and a fuse box that needed upgrading in the storage room. I asked my partner if he thought that she would accept $18K. He told me to offer $15K and I said “There’s no way she’ll take that; look at the condition of the house; it’s great”! He told me to trust him, so in I went; alone.
I told her the roof and gutters needed replacing, electrical upgrade, and the old vinyl and tile flooring in the kitchen/DR and LR would have to be replaced before we put tenants in. I offered the $15K with a 7-14 day CASH closing so they could be on their way back “home”! She told me that she would discuss with her husband when he got home from work and let me know later that evening.
We took off to go look at a few vacant properties in the area. We had gotten about 3-4 blocks away and my phone rang. It was her saying that she just got off the phone with her husband and they would accept the offer; as long as we would give them 14 days after closing to move! What a feeling!!!....I almost hollered before I got the phone hung up!! lol
Forgot the vacant house hunting and immediately went home to do my email blast!. Decided to market it at $23,900….should be easy to get! Only one issue though; I did not want them to know I was not the end buyer and knew I’d have to try and cut down on the “traffic” with prospective buyers.
I called a guy I’ve been trying to find a Rental for about a year and offered it to him at $22.5K….lesson learned; a bad move! He did his walk-thru the next day and ended up offering $17K. I told him there was no way, as I had a partner, etc. Guess he also, knew there wouldn’t be much competition due to the situation with Sellers still living there! I got him up to $18K and ended up renegotiating with the Sellers at $14K. Closing was this past Friday afternoon (total of 10 days) and total assignment fee was $4K; split 50/50 w/partner.
I know $2K’s not a lot, but to me was the AIR that I needed in the worst way!!!! I’ve been unemployed since early September and living “on the dole” is not something I’ve ever done before! I have to thank God as my ‘Co-Pilot’, as ALL glory must go to Him. There is just NO WAY we would have been able to make it (or this deal) without His grace!!
So, on to the next and it should close the end of next week, if all goes well. I’ll post details when complete. I’ve got a lot of irons in the fire, but I don’t want to jinx anything. If all works out; #3 could be by the end of the month!?!?
Sorry to ramble on, but I couldn’t help myself. I’m so abso’FREAKIN’lutley stoked! My efforts are finally starting to pay-off. Those of you “old timers” that know me; know that I’ve been at this a very long time and I just had to get serious about success and quit drifting in and out!!! I got backed into a corner and knew I had to fight my way out! Give up~~~~~NEVER!!!!!!!!!
A personal big ‘Thank You’ to Michael Mangham, Karen Griffin, Jen Gray, and several others who have listened, advised, mentored, motivated, supported and inspired me to keep PUSHing! know I’ve been a pain in the a__; asking too many questions, making too many calls, or sending too many emails! Your ‘giving back’ efforts are SO much appreciated, and I just can’t thank you enough!!!! How can I NOT pay it forward?!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
Way to stick it out and get that first one done. I just completed my first deal and it's the best feeling in the world. Keep up the good work and I know this is the first of many for you!
Bryant
So happy for you!! I've read many of your posts...just goes to show you/everyone that if you hang in there long enough, it will happen for you!!
Way to stay focused!
Take care--
Teresa
College Station, TX
**********************************************************************************
"Declare that you will prosper despite every difficulty that may come your way. Don't just survive; thrive!"
-Joel Osteen
I didn't know you hadn't done a first deal. That is so awesome and still not a bad payday to start! Congratulations again!
www.tw4homes.com website
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/reigirl/ FREE SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS, REHABBERS AND AGENTS! Present professional looking deals to buyers and lenders as well as run your numbers and get the ROI.
on your first deal John. Way to go and stay in the game. Could really relate to the first few under contact "just not being deals". Still moving forward for deal one myself, but thanks to people sharing their experience here and the help from the people you mentioned, I also know not to quit. Thanks and congrats again. Louis
Yep, first one down and MANY to go!
I read your bio and find it ironic that we both took up the Think A Little Different course at almost the same time! Paths very similar with an almost identical timeline....
Let's go get another!!!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
Thank God this day has come!!!
Yes, you have been a pain in the a**, but what are friends for!?!?
As I told you once, I'm just glad I'm not married to you! (You know I am kidding you! Sorta!)
It's true. You just never, ever give up and keep on pushing and the Universe gives in!
You have made it happen! You had times where you wanted to quit, but you didn't! Good job, my friend! Keep on rollin'!
Karen
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
I feel your excitement and am totally stoked for you! Keep the momentum going!
Thom
I am a Professional Real Estate Investor! And I see a whole army of my countrymen, here in defiance of the J.O.B. You've come to fight as free men/women... and free men/women you are! What will you do for that freedom?? Will you fight?!! Lets fight for it together!!!!
@ Teresa - Yes, I've made many posts, but haven't been on here that much lately. Been busy trying to get 'er done and staying focused, like you said! "Long enough" is right!....5 years (is that a record? LOL!), but it doesn't seem like it and I can't think of it like that. There were some VERY long "droughts" of non-action during that time.
@ Tammy - So, I guess that I did a good job at "Fake it till you make it", huh?? That $2K's like $200K to me right now!!!
@ Louis - That 1st deal is there for you! I had to learn the hard way that you can't "force" a deal when it's not there, but still get tempted to try. You ARE taking action and good things will come; just keep PUSHing!!!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
I've only talked to you a couple of times, but I knew you would pull it off and get it done one day. Now keep moveing forward.
Coast To Coast Property Investments
Congratulations, I new you would get it done because you were out there looking at properties and making offers. Learning by taking action!!
Now if we can just get the fire house under contract you will make over 10 times as much on that deal!!
On to the Next One!!
Michael Mangham
Mentoring/Team Building Nationwide
MD Home Acquisitions LLC
Knowledge is power, but execution trumps knowledge. Tony Robbins
http://www.mdhomeacquisitions.com Seller site
http://www.mdhomeacquisitionsbargainhouses.com Buyer site
http://www.mdhomeacquisitionshousehunter.com Bird Dog Site
http://www.mdlodeals.com Tenant/Buyer site
Thanks for making this post, story's like this is what keeps me pushing on getting my first deal done. And John like dean says it doesn't matter what you make on your first deal, it's about gaining the confidants and building momentum.
Good job!!
Reynold Orozco
It's a well deserved reward for the work you have done.
I think John Knows you are kidding! Yes, John you did a good job of fake it til you make it! Congrats again! So happy for you!
www.tw4homes.com website
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/reigirl/ FREE SOFTWARE FOR WHOLESALERS, REHABBERS AND AGENTS! Present professional looking deals to buyers and lenders as well as run your numbers and get the ROI.
Yes, and thank God....I have definitely done that!!!
This doesn't mean that I will "leave you alone" though! LOL!
Gotta go make it happen again, you know and find out where my next deal/meal is coming from!! Time to get on the ball; or on the bus!
Thanks again, my friend!!!
Hey, I forgot....You think Admin will finally come off of one of those little "shiny" things and put it under my pic???
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
Thanks! I read your bio and your story is VERY motivating and inspiring!!! I'm sure you too, will soon find success. It's obvioius that there is no "quit" in you and I look forward to reading about your triumphs!!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
Yes, taking action is FUN!!!! Days of just sitting and staring at the computer screen are DONE!....I get fidgety after a while and just HAVE to go do SOMETHING!!
I'm still SO green, but every experience is another notch on the belt!
Hope we hear something soon on that deal!
John
Quitters NEVER win - Winners NEVER quit!
"P.U.S.H. = Persevere Until Something Happens" Dean
“Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas A. Edison
Check out my Road to Redemption journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/88171/...
www.windfall-properties.com
Congrats. Reading all your comments just gave me that extra boost I needed.
Thank you all.
What a great story. You have cleared a major hurdle. IT WILL GET EASIER. I am convinced you learn more from your first deal taht from all others.
Your dedication and work ehtic have paid off and will continue to do so. Before you know it you will have to decide if you will keep your job or not. It is always exciting to see individuals taking control of their own financial lives.
Best of luck in the future.
Roy Voeks
Official RE Coach
I knew you would get this done, Really. You have had some rough times thrown at you and you never gave up, which I ADMIRE most about you. Take some time, feel good about yourself, pat yourself on the back and then get back in the trenches and repeat your success. You deserve it...Jan
Way to hang in there! I remember reading about a multi-deal you struggled with. I hoped then that that would be your 1st, but this or that one - doesn't matter. If you hadn't hung in there, this one wouldn't have happened. So, hanging in there (with intelligent due diligence) is what matters. Great work!
This doesn't mean that I will "leave you alone" though! LOL!
Gotta go make it happen again, you know and find out where my next deal/meal is coming from!! Time to get on the ball; or on the bus!
Thanks again, my friend!!!
Hey, I forgot....You think Admin will finally come off of one of those little "shiny" things and put it under my pic???
I would be very sad if you "left me alone".
I would have absolutely nothing to do!
I actually PMed Jeremy when I got my first deal! I did not have time to wait for them to "get to it" and award my diamond. I am not sure how they go about it otherwise. There are some people who have had deals forever and never received them!
See you soon, when I come rollin' thru Alabama!
Karen
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Way to go John, this is just the beginning. We all knew you could do it.
Jean Maestre
The Maestre Property Group, LLC
"Our deepest fear is NOT that we are inadequate, Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure"
"Do or do not, there is no try"
"Every adversity, every failure, every heartache, carries with it the seeds of an equal or greater benefit"
Thank you for sharing your story. We, who are still trying to put "the first deal" together NEED to hear about how things work. These stories are motivating and ignite the fire. Very exciting!! Congratulations!!
Denise
~ "We must set intentions for who we are, for what roles we wish to serve, for how we'll relate with the world." ~Brendon Burchard
Hi John what a great start, its not how fast we climb some times its how we climb the mountain to make it that what counts and as Dean said this week we cant compare ourselves to others that only gets in our way and puts undo restraints on us. Who cares what those others said, they have alot of time on there hands so all they do is talk, on to the next, Jim
jbischoff
Way to go getting your first deal completed. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. It helps those of us still trying to get that first deal done to know not to give up but keep trying and eventually it will happen.
Bruce
"Success is overcoming obstacles on the way to achieving your dreams"
- Karl Mecklenburg(former linebacker for the Denver Broncos)
Get out and about.
On to the NEXT one- you're on the ROLL now!
Good job!
Mike
https://tvallc.isrefer.com/go/RehabLite/renvestr/ Free tools
Congrats!!! So happy for you!!! WoooHooo!!!
I know you've been working so hard, and have persevered for a long time, but what a sweet outcome!!!!
Well deserved buddy!!!! Looking forward to hearing about your next deals!!!
Val
Valerie
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed!” ― Dr. Seuss
"I believe in angels, the kind that heaven sends; I am surrounded by angels, but I call them friends" - Unknown
My journal: http://www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59110/...
So happy for you on your deal! Very nice. Your story helps motivate me to keep on, don't give up!
I have yet to make my first deal. Had a couple of contracts done, but they all fell thru. Done a dozen offers but none were right. I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one lol.
Once again, congrats! I look forward to getting to share in that revelry with you someday soon!
~Rose'lani~
I am proud of you. Way to go, congratulations that is awesome. Call me when you get a few minutes and let chat about it. Excellent Job!
Dan
www.danbuyshomesfast.weebly.com
I just talked to you on the phone and you had this in the works. Congratulations you paid your dues now it's time to get it. Let the wife know we love her and thanks for keeping you strong. And don't forget your badge LOL!