How to Purchase and Manage an Investment Property in Japan

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By Priti Donnelly

Real estate investments in Japan continue to attract foreign buyers from around the world for high yield, affordable prices and cash flowing rental income. But, in a foreigner-shy country that speaks mostly Japanese, conducting due diligence, negotiating and making an offer can be almost impossible. To complicate matters further, properties in the Japanese real estate market are sold within days, sometimes hours, making it more difficult to compete against local buyers. So, how then do foreign buyers successfully manage to invest in the market?

Find a Local Proxy/Agent

The first step is to find a local bilingual (Japanese-English) proxy/agent who will help you familiarize yourself with the property market. Look for someone who is available to you, communicates well and who can provide you with information in a timely fashion. Consider your proxy as an extension of yourself. Expect transparency about their services, keeping you informed at all stages of the purchase process and clearly explaining the management process. Don’t hesitate to ask for client references.

Familiarize Yourself with the Market

There is no need to travel to Japan to scout the area, unless you want to. Your experienced and trusted proxy will work with you to familiarize yourself with the market. They should have strong knowledge of locations, in particular, areas with population growth to ensure tenant demand. Ask about properties close to shopping districts, schools and hospitals where tenant demand would be higher. Another factor to consider is the age of buildings. In 1981, the building standards act changed their policies to ensure earthquake resistant construction methods. This is the turning point that some buyers look to when purchasing an apartment, although many older buildings built prior to 1981, have been retrofitted to bring them up to code.  Next, you may have a certain size and features in mind – one room with a living room, kitchen and dining room, close to a train station is ideal for a student, single or elderly person. Two or more rooms could suit a family. Of course, your budget and yield are naturally of significance.

Analyze the Numbers

Once you have a good idea of the features you have in mind, your proxy will send you analyses of properties to suit your criteria and break down the numbers (price, costs, yield, etc.) For example, with the exception of Tokyo, investment properties across Japan range from $40K to $60K at 6% to 12% yield. In the center of big cities, or first tier cities such as Fukuoka and Nagoya you can expect a yield of 6% to 8%. In second tier cities such as metropolitan Sapporo, you will find properties with a yield of 9% to 10%. In the third tier are smaller townships, albeit with good profiles, 10% to 12%, all net pre-tax. With an occupancy rate of 93% to 94% in these areas, you will generate immediate income of $250 to $400 a month, on average.

Submit an Offer

It’s easy to see why properties are sold within hours or days at the most in this market. As soon as you see something you like, notify your proxy to submit an offer on your behalf. It’s a good idea to have your agreements with your proxy signed in advance to save valuable time. Because properties are sold so quickly, you won’t likely have time to perform thorough due diligence on any particular deal before submitting your offer, but you should have enough information on your deal analysis to determine whether or not you want to submit your offer.

Conduct Due Diligence

If your offer is accepted, you will receive due diligence information from the real estate agent. One of the key items to look for is the accumulated fund, also known in some countries as a sinking fund. This fund goes toward a renovation/repair pool. Due diligence should be able to determine if the size of the funds pool is sufficient for building repairs. If lacking in funds, then the building report should show substantial renovations to the building to justify the shortage. If not, an experienced proxy will advise you to forego this deal. If you do submit an offer and then discover that you are not satisfied with the due diligence including tenancy history, building renovations or accumulated funds, you should be able to pull back your offer.

Seal the Deal

Once you are satisfied with the due diligence, your proxy is there to help you with the contract and deposit, required documents, deposit and settlement. On the day of settlement, your proxy will pay the rest of the funds on your behalf and the scrivener will perform the ownership transfer from the seller to your name. Within a month you will receive the equivalent of a Title Deed. Congratulations! You just purchased property in Japan from around the globe.

Manage Your Property

You have successfully invested in Japanese property. Now it needs to be managed. Most foreigners do not have a local bank account, physical address or local phone number and therefore, the two challenges are communication and banking. Do not worry. On your behalf, your experienced proxy communicates with the property/rent manager, building management company, tax authorities, and insurance company. The right proxy can also act as your bank account to pay the bills, receive rental income, and provide you with a monthly balance sheet and remittance/acceptance of any funds from overseas.

Finally, what you may not know is that unlike many other countries, there are currently no laws or regulations in Japan prohibiting the purchase of real estate by foreigners. This allows 100% ownership of deeded, freehold property, registered to a foreign address. Currently Japan is the second largest real estate investment market in the world, only behind the U.S.

Priti Donnelly, Sales and Marketing Manager, Nippon Tradings International

Priti Donnelly – Manager, Sales and Marketing

Nippon Tradings International (NTI)

http://www.nippontradings.com

 

Luxury Portfolio – Million Dollar Houses are the Shortest Way to Riches

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By Laura Alamery

Luxury portfolio is definitely the quickest way to real estate riches. Have you ever heard the statement, “the surest way to make $1-Million in real estate is to invest in a $10-Million home?” There is definitely some truth to that. The great news about it is that you do not need to have one million or 10 millions to invest in a luxury portfolio – like most of the strategies I teach about real estate investing, it is a matter of knowing how to control real estate.

Luxury Portfolio:

Many real estate investors have been engaged in luxury real estate investing for decades, keeping this as the best kept secret from the masses of real estate investors dealing mainly with “regular” real estate properties, unaware of the gold mine sitting right in front of them.

Mansions follow the same wholesaling principle as smaller homes: you can flip a mansion the same way as you flip a regular home, the only difference is the profit potential. Basically add a zero to your take home check.

There has been a surge in high-end and luxury flipping nationwide. Between 2011 and today, flips of homes valued at $1 million or more have risen almost 40 percent across the United States, according to RealtyTrac, the housing data company. Two main factors have contributed to this increase in interest on accumulating a luxury portfolio: the first one, with the real estate market collapse, Wall Street investors saw an opportunity in luxury portfolio investing and moved into the mid-market with so much money that they bought nearly every foreclosure in sight, mostly to rent out. The second factor has been the exponential increase of foreign investors in the US real estate market. Last year, Chinese investors spent $12 billion on U.S. real estate, making the country the second-biggest foreign investor, just behind Canada, according to the National Association of Realtors.

With so much money circulating in real estate investing from Wall Street to international investors, some areas are a sure bet for attracting high-end buyers either as owner occupants or investors looking to increase their luxury portfolio. These are some of the most popular cities for luxury real estate investing:

  • Beverly Hills, California
  • Manhattan, New York
  • Bel Air, California
  • San Francisco, California
  • Palm Beach, Florida
  • East Hampton, New York
  • Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
  • Miami, Florida
  • Malibu, California
  • Denver, Colorado

However all metropolitan areas offer luxury portfolio opportunities – from major cities like Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, to smaller up and coming cities like St Louis, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis, all have mansions and expensive homes flipping or investing opportunities.

Now the question is “how do I find luxury homes and buyers wanting these homes?” Like I stated earlier, the concept is the same: you can flip or own and rent out a luxury home the same way as you can flip or own a “regular” home. Motivated sellers are present in every type of real estate. However you have to be aware of a very important principle – motivated sellers of luxury homes do not place their houses in the newspaper, nor do they have “For Sale” signs posted in their yards, as do traditional sellers. The target audience of motivated sellers will most likely be experiencing one or more of what I call the “Five Major Motivators”: Death, Divorce, Loss of Job, Job Transfer and Illness.

Dealing with luxury homes involves a little of a shift in strategy thinking, although the concept of investing and flipping stay the same. Once you understand how to locate motivated sellers and high-end buyers, how to negotiate with them and structure the deals, even just one closing a year can yield more than most people can make on a regular job.

Would you like to learn more about Luxury Portfolio and Real Estate Investing? Check out my exclusive training at a very special price for a limited time only!

 

Laura Alamery

Laura Alamery has been a real estate investor and mentor for almost 30 years. She has been a pioneer of several real estate investing strategies before they became mainstream, from wholesaling to raising private money. Everything she teaches has been developed from personal experience.

She runs real estate clubs in several cities from Chicago to Atlanta and South Florida.

Her focus today is to streamline the real estate investing business by simplifying the process while exponentially growing the financial results. In other words, how to truly live a financially and active lifestyle, without trading time for dollars. Her signature program is Rapid REI Riches.

Read more about Laura and connect at Lauraalamery.com 

Seller-Carryback Note Terms

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By Bruce Kellogg

Introduction

It is well known among real estate investors that some of the best deals occur when the seller is persuaded to carry some, or all, of the financing. This article introduces the seller-carryback note, and provides a menu of terms that can be negotiated into the note. So far as drawing up the note is concerned, most closing agents ( i.e., escrow offices and attorneys) have what they call a “cookbook” of legally-correct note terms, so buyers and sellers need not be concerned with such details.

For reference, a sample installment note is attached. Additional terms can be added off the menu as desired.

Installment Note

1)        “Request for Notice of Delinquency” – This is actually not a term in the note. It is prepared in escrow and recorded, instead. Its purpose is for the senior lienholder(s) to notify the carryback seller in the event the owner is not paying them. It protects the seller by allowing them to jump in early to protect their interest.

2)        “Unsecured” – This also is not a term of the note. It should be inserted at the top of the note to indicate that there is no security instrument (i.e., mortgage or deed-of-trust) securing the note to the property. Its use is not recommended!

3)        “Late Charge” – Most notes have a “late charge”, such as 3% of the payment after 10 days past due. Some states have regulations for owner-occupied properties. Most investment transactions are not regulated in this way.

4)        “Due on Sale or Transfer” (“Alienation”) Clause

This term is included to protect the seller from the property being sold or transferred to a party other than the original buyer. After all, the secondary buyer might not be creditworthy.

This term has an enforcement feature wherein the seller can force a payoff or foreclose to recover the property. However, in order to be enforceable, this term must also be included in the security instrument (mortgage or deed-of-trust). Other note terms do not need to be included in the security instrument, but this one does.

5)        “Assumption” – If the parties desire for the note to be assumable, this can be included in the note. Usually, some criteria are included to protect the seller. Often, the note says that the seller’s approval “cannot be unreasonably with-held” when there are protections included.

6)        “Balloon Payment” – When a note is not “fully-amortized” such that a balance remains at maturity, this is called a “balloon payment”. If this applies, the note should be written to clearly include this feature to protect both parties from misunderstanding.

balloon payment

7)        “Option to Extend” – If a “balloon payment” is involved, writing an “option to extend” into the note could prevent a rough ending if refinancing or selling conditions are unfavorable. It could extend for a year or two with a fee paid to the seller, or a “partial-paydown” made.

8)        “Interest-Only” – describes the arrangement where the payments consist only of interest, and a “balloon payment” occurs at maturity.

9)        “Zero Interest” – involves payments of principal only, with no interest being charged. This term is a sweetie for buyers!

zero interest

10)    “Deferred Interest” – involves interest accruing to maturity, when both principal and interest are due. Although this helps cash flow, unlike zero interest it is very risky. Rapid appreciation will be essential for this to succeed, and losing the property is a realistic possibility!

11)    “Skip a Payment” – Sometimes, if the parties are relating well, it is possible to include a term allowing the borrower to skip a payment in the event of job loss, rental vacancy, or other misfortune. This can be made part of the note, or dealt with at the time. Including it ahead of time is preferable for a more stable transaction.

12)    “Substitution of Collateral” – Sometimes, an enterprising buyer will negotiate with the seller the right to move the note and secure it to a different property. This is usually done to sell, exchange, or refinance the property. There should be criteria stated to protect the note-holder, but approval “should not be unreasonably with-held” if the criteria are met.

13)    “Right of First Refusal” –Sometimes, an enterprising buyer will realize that the seller might decide to sell the note at a discount to raise cash in the future. Including this term gives the buyer first shot at buying their own debt back at a discount, effectively lowering the purchase price.

mortgage-4235937_1280

14)    “Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM)” – is a note engineered such that interest and/or payments start low, then increase gradually over the years. It makes for easier ownership but can become a trap in the later years. For this reason, the Dodd-Frank legislation prohibits this type of loan on 1-4 unit owner-occupied properties, but it is still legal for investment property transactions of all kinds.

15)    “Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM)” – is a popular note term when prices are high and still rapidly rising, or when interest rates are high. The note is written so that the seller receives payments that are “sub-market”, but also receives a percentage of the property’s appreciation upon sale or maturation of the note. It is useful, but not very common.

Conclusion

Clearly, these note terms are not appropriate for every transaction, nor would sellers agree to all of them. The objective is for buyers to negotiate as many that are advantageous as they can!

Good luck!

 Profile_Picture

Bruce Kellogg

Bruce Kellogg has been a Realtor® and investor for 36 years. He has transacted about 500 properties for clients, and about 300 properties for himself in 12 California counties. These include 1-4 units, 5+ apartments, offices, mixed-use buildings, land, lots, mobile homes, cabins, and churches. He is available for listing, selling, consulting, mentoring, and partnering. Reach him at [email protected], or (408) 489-0131.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program

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By Reggie Brooks

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, aka “Section 8” is a Housing and Urban Development Program that helps to insure that low income families, the disables and the elderly have access to safe and sanitary housing. These private market rentals would ordinarily be out of their financial reach but with assistance, these families can have access to housing where they can live with dignity.

Here’s How It Works…

In order to qualify for a Section 8 voucher, an applicant must apply to the program at a local public housing agency (PHA) that is an extension of the federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) agency. The PHA will determine eligibility based on the applicant’s annual gross income and family size. Once the PHA has verified the applicant’s information with other families and approved the applicant for a voucher, the applicant becomes eligible for a voucher. In most cases, the need for assistance is greater than the resources provided to HUD and the family is placed on a waiting list until funds become available.

The voucher operates as a rent subsidy. Individuals and families who are approved for a Section 8 voucher may select a rental from the private market including an apartment, a townhome, or a single-family home.  While the PHA uses the amount necessary to rent a moderately priced home in the local market, recipients can choose to rent a home above or below that cost. They must make up the difference between the subsidy and the home’s rent. The subsidy does not cover the entire rent; recipients must pay 30 percent of their income toward their own rent.

What Does Section 8 Mean to You as a Landlord?

As a landlord, you may question whether or not you should accept a tenant with a Section 8 voucher. The program requires that the landlord must provide safe and sanitary housing for the tenant and adhere to the terms of the lease that both parties agree on.  As a landlord, these should be criteria you are already meeting. Additionally, Section 8 requires that rentals pass a housing inspection to be eligible for the program. The landlord is expected to maintain the property throughout the duration of participation in the program.

Participation in Section 8 has numerous benefits to a landlord:

  • Pre-screened tenants with verified income. The PHA verifies your tenant’s income and employment to ensure they can pay their portion of the rent. Some PHAs will turn away applicants with criminal histories. Combined with your own tenant screening process, you should be able to find excellent tenants for your rental.
  • High demand for properties. Due to a shortage of properties and an overwhelming number of applicants, demand for Section 8 housing is high.  Your property will also be listed on the Section 8 website for your area, providing free marketing to your target audience.
  • Guaranteed income.  Getting rent paid on time is one of the biggest hassles that a landlord faces, but in the Section 8 program, the rent subsidy is paid directly to you. Additionally, most voucher recipients will pay their portion on time as non-payment can risk their continuation in the program.

While there are some drawbacks for landlords, such as continuing with routine inspections to ensure the property is being maintained and some restrictions on how much rent can be charged, the benefits for a landlord are significant.

Reggie Brooks, is an international speaker, author and educator, dedicated to inspiring others to achieve personal success through real estate investment. He is also the #1 Vacant, Abandoned & Distressed Property Specialist in North America.

Having risen above a life of poverty, he has achieved what many people consider to be impossible. He went from making $36,000 per year at the local telephone company, to making over $40,000 per month in his real estate business. Today, Reggie delivers his personal philosophies for success at major business venues and expositions throughout the United States. Reggie attributes his success to faith, dedication to success, and to the invaluable coaches he has had along the way.

 

Benefits of Diversified Portfolio Benefits in International Real Estate

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By Matt Malouf

When it comes to investing in real estate, people tend to be vigilant about their investments options. What they seem to ignore is how the profit and growth ratio investing in real estate abroad can provide them with great success.

The world is a global village now and so it makes sense that people have started investing in international real estate. There’s a certain charm to this move but more than charm, this smart move can help strengthen your capital flows. We understand the importance of global investment strategy and it’s time that you too understand what this option can offer to you.

Most people hesitate to invest in international real estate because of geography. Real estate is generally a long-hold investment strategy and it’s the long distance that generally makes people uncomfortable while investing in international real estate. But there are certain benefits for global diversification on a real estate portfolio. Let’s look at a few.

Investment Diversity

Being a secure and hard asset, real estate has always been a preferred investment choice for people all over the world. With many fast-growing international real estate markets, this investment opportunity is too good to miss. Investors can enjoy low interest rates and avail a variety of lending options. And with a professional team to back you up, these investment opportunities can be the perfect addition to your diversified portfolio.

With this new financial step, you can have another stream of income. That’s the best part about this investment. It can generate income and even appreciate in value over time. The exchange rate can help you make a hefty promise every time. If you are investing in countries with a higher currency rate than the USA, your investment portfolio is surely going to enjoy the benefits. The change in interest rate also has a significant impact on making international real estate investments a lucrative financial move. Since each property has an intrinsic value, your investment would never go to waste. This is just one of the properties that set international real estate apart from other investment options such as stocks.

Risk Management

So what makes investing in international real estate such a glorious option? The best part of this move is the diversification of risk. When you put all your eggs in one basket, there’s a higher risk of losing it all at once. By spreading your investment over several international real estate properties, you can significantly reduce the risk. The real estate market is dynamic and always in transition. Even the slightest economic change can have a drastic effect on your investment choices. These effects can either be extremely beneficial for you or leave you at the brink of bankruptcy.

By investing in international real estate, you can easily diversify your portfolio and give it a global edge. Since the international housing market tends to operate differently, a decline in one market can cause a significant increase in the other one. With this contrasting nature of the international real estate market, you are bound to gain great benefits.       

Ancestral Roots

When you are looking for some international real estate investment opportunities, why not try and connect to your roots? For many of our clients, the first option for investment is mostly their ancestral country. Their way of paying tribute to their heritage is by investing in their ancestral country. This way, they can always have a place to go back to when they want to experience the life that their ancestors lived.

For many people, this is a lucrative option because it gives their children a chance to know their heritage. People whose ancestors immigrated to the USA often go for international real estate investments in their home country. This is a great reason for choosing the right international real estate. As long as the real estate market in your home country isn’t in a steady decline and is showing great potential, including it in your investment portfolio would be a good call.     

Recreational Value

Investing in international real estate doesn’t just create new income streams but also provides you with the perfect vacation home. So when you are looking for opportunities to diversify your portfolio, make sure you go for an option that can serve well as a vacation spot. Even though the main reason behind this investment is purely financial, buying the right property can also add a recreational value to your investment.

If you love the great scenery of ice-capped mountains of a vacation spot, you can turn this passion into a great investment opportunity. There are some countries that allow foreigners to own property and you must be prepared to take full advantage of this prospect. Contact MyLifeWorldWide.com and let our professionals help you get a diversified portfolio for international real estate.   

Cultural Diversity

This is a great opportunity to experience other cultures. Become a local at the place and you’d be able to explore the region to your heart’s content. Your overseas property can provide you with new experiences, enabling you to explore some other parts of the world. If you have the desire to experience cultural diversity, your international real estate portfolio can help you with that.

Residency Eligibility

Owning a property in a country can often make you eligible for residency and/or assist you in a naturalization application. With this change of status, many doors in the country also open up for you. You can get access to the country’s banking and financial services industry. You can use this opportunity to divide up your fortune and taking advantage of the profitable banking prospects.

Investment Security

Unfortunately, retirement funds in the USA are subject to some strict laws and many people have already bore the cost of these policies. Your retirement fund can come under the threat of lawsuits and creditors, hence leaving you vulnerable at the later stage of life. For availing the ultimate retirement fun with security, it’s imperative that you invest abroad. Your diversified portfolio of international real estate can’t be subjected to the laws of USA and even the IRA can’t attack them in any way.

Your properties in the USA might be at risk of lawsuits but your international real estate is insulated from this risk. This is one of the best reasons for you to consider investing in international real estate.

Your international real estate investment would never go to waste if you work with a professional. With their expertise in the industry and years of experience, MyLifeWorldWide.com can help you make some sound financial moves. With a diversified international real estate portfolio, you can yield great profits, without the usual risk that other investment options pose.

So make the best of this opportunity and make some sound investments overseas. Contact us at MyLifeWorldWide.com for more information and custom solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Matt Malouf, International Real Estate Consultant

MyLifeWorldWide.com

Clarity.fm/mattmalouf

Feel Like Your Branding Sucks? 5 Ways to Cure That Now!

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By Sharon Vornholt

Have you ever felt invisible in your marketplace?  If you can honestly answer yes to that question, I’m 100% sure it’s because your branding sucks.

Does this sound like you?

  • You feel like the best kept secret in town
  • Maybe you have a good reputation, but you’re not well known (we’re not counting your friends and family.
  • You’ve been at it a while and the customers you have are happy, but you just don’t have enough of them
  • You’re doing okay, but you know that’s just not good enough
  • You’re losing out to competitors because their marketing is better or they’re well known
  • You know something needs to change, but you have no idea where to start when it comes to branding

When someone has a strong brand it’s because they were in charge of building their brand.

What Are the Major Components For Up-leveling Your Brand?

There are a lot of components to a brand, but when you think about up-leveling your brand, there are 5 things to focus on first.

Remember that your brand is how people feel about you.

Here are My Top 5

#1.Your Compelling Story

People might not remember much about you, but at the end of the day, they will always remember a great story.  Crafting your compelling story is critical.  You want to put together your story in a way that compels people to want to work with you rather than your competitor.

Before you even say it….everyone has a story.

Maybe you didn’t live on the streets or have a near fatal illness, but YOU have a story.

#2.Your Customer Avatar

What exactly is this?

Your customer avatar represents the person that is your ideal customer or your dream customer. When you get clear on exactly who your ideal customer is, you stop trying to attract “everyone”.  Everyone is NOT your ideal customer.  When you are just marketing to the masses, what happens is you end up attracting the wrong customers.  You know – the ones you hate working with.

#3. A Great “About Me” Video on Your Website

You probably know that you need a great about me page on your website.  This page should also have your compelling story on it.  But did you know, that having a professionally produced “about me” video on your page can dramatically increase your credibility?

Now I’m not talking about a quick iPhone video. I’m talking about a quality professional video. (These can be quite pricey at times, but in this series you’ll find out how to get one.)

#4. Professional Photos

Don’t we all hate this one?

Most of us would rather have a root canal than have a professional photoshoot, however this is essential.  If you check around you can find someone to do this for you pretty reasonably when you consider the huge impact it will have on your brand.

#5.Your Authority Book

So, you think you don’t have enough expertise to write an authority book?

I want to tell you that just simply isn’t true.  If you have been in business for any length of time, you have a book in you.  Writing an authority book is the ultimate credibility piece.

Take a look at your competitors for just a minute.  Who in your immediate area has written an authority book?  I’m pretty sure that answer “almost no one” no matter where you’re located.

 

Sharon Vornholt

Sharon Vornholt is the owner of Innovative Property Solutions, LLC in Louisville, KY.

Sharon owned and operated a successful home inspection company for 17 years. She began investing in real estate in 1998 and became a full time real estate investor in January of 2008.

Sharon specializes in wholesaling, and is also an experienced landlord and rehabber.

In addition, Sharon is an internet marketer and also writes articles for several national real estate sites. Sharon is the author of a popular real estate blog called the “Louisville Gals Real Estate Blog”. For your FREE REPORT “Probates and Absentee Owners: Your Fast Track to Real Estate Riches”, stop by her blog at: http://LouisvilleGalsRealEstateBlog.com.

 

The Greatest Real Estate Investment

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By Jimmy V. Reed

Your Local Real Estate Investment Club could make you RICH!

By Jimmy V. Reed

I want to make money in real estate, but “I just don’t know how.”  Let me tell you, I cannot count how many time in 20 plus years of investing I have heard that.  I would always respond every time the same way: have you been to your local real estate club?  And the answers would vary from; I didn’t know I had one, to yeah but all they ever want to do is sell me more training.

So first up; I didn’t know I had one.  Well let’s go back about 22 years ago as I sat in my first LIVE Real Estate training class.  Let me tell you I was pumped and ready to go make my first million.  But as the class came to an end my mind started to instill some fear tactics.  Now of course I was the one in control of these infiltrations to my mind, but what starts to happen after your weekend of pumped up steroid training is reality starts to set in.  You start to question what if I cannot find a deal, or any cash, or even a buyer?  What will I do?  Well on the last day of my training the company that was teaching us allowed the local Dallas Real Estate Club Aireo to come in and give out a free pass to their next meeting.  I knew then this was the blessing I was looking for.  They actually talked to the students for about ten minutes, telling us we needed to come because there would be all kinds of investors, money lenders, title companies and even CASH Buyers!

So a few weeks went by and I went to this meeting and let me tell you it was the best thing I ever did.  That first meeting though was really scary for me; I was in a world I didn’t feel very comfortable in.  Then about ten minutes after I was there I saw a familiar face from my training class.  I went up and we started talking about our training and this club we were at, and all the folks there.  A little later we saw someone else from our class. Soon we started all forming a little Networking group, and talking about what we had learned and what our concerns were about investing.  Then we talked about the current situation we were in, the club, how we felt like the little fish in a big pond with some really Big Fish.  We really believed the seasoned investors were going to swallow us up.  Soon the meeting started and there were different folks coming up to the front and one I remembered the most was this guy named John Zarrella.  Man, he was loud and funny and was throwing out ideas I never had even heard at my LIVE training.  I thought this guy knows a lot.  What I really liked is he didn’t look like an investor.  In fact, he had long hair and even an earring in his ear.  But then I found out he was one of the guys who created the club.

Over the years I would go hear him speak and he had his own local trainings.  I attended one of the club sponsored Saturday trainings where they taught me how to fill out my local contract.  I was so happy because this was one of those things that really worried me in the beginning.  Anyway, I learned a lot in that one day training.  In fact,  there must have been a hundred people in it that day. Then I realized there were other newbie investors out there just like me.

Well let’s bring in the Second topic folks are concerned about at clubs: Sales!  At the end of the training that day I felt very sure of myself that I could actually fill out a Texas contract with no problems, especially since they gave me four examples of some already filled out.  As my wife and I started to leave we were talking with other investors who had taken the class and to my surprise they were unhappy with the class.  They were upset that the class cost what it did, and that they had already been spending too much money with all these trainings.

I was thinking to myself yeah I have spent some money but, I also knew that I needed this training if I wanted to get paid in real estate.  I saw the value of someone who already made money doing this business showing me how to do it also, and faster than me trying to do it on my own.  In fact I was sure it would have cost me more and taken longer if I would have tried to do it all myself.

A few months went by and I finally did my first deal and got paid.  I was so happy it had actually worked.  I have to tell you it did not even go as I had planned but it did work.  Years later I started doing my own trainings.  I knew if I taught people what I knew I could multiply my efforts and do more deals.

Twenty something years later that club Aireo had always been there for me to go and network with other investors, learn from the guest speakers they had, and even allowed me to put my deals I had for sale on their Deal Table.  It was still allowing me to make money, in fact in 2002 that club founder John Zarrella and I became partners in the Fort Worth real estate club.  Who would have guessed that one day I would be partners with a great investor, friend and Christian Brother, and all because I went to a real estate club?

Now I write you this story on how you can make money at your local real estate club.  Keep in mind some investors are not really investors. What I mean is they got into this business to get Rich Quick.  They really did not have the right attitude from the beginning.  They just did it for the CASH!  In fact many newbies do not support their clubs; they only go when they think there is something in it for them.  That the guest speaker is going to reveal something they have never heard before.  They seem to forget the basics, and that is the ability to network regularly with like-minded individuals who are interested in real estate.  They tell themselves I will save the money this month by not going since I really already know how to do the topic of the night.  In fact a lot of seasoned investor say the same thing.  What they forget is; one you might learn something you did not know in regards to the topic of the meeting that night. Two, who you might meet at that meeting that could change your business forever.  Oh yeah, remember they know so much that they want to skip the meeting to save the money.  First clue would be if the meeting is going to tap your wallet dry, you may not know as much as you thought.  Well I don’t mean to be harsh but think about how the rich in this country do things.  They are always looking for ways to get together to brainstorm ideas with each other.  They Network all the time, they know the value of it, it’s why they’re RICH!

In closing, that club Aireo had to finally close its doors after some 24 years of teaching and helping investors.  A few days after they did I heard from a lot of folks saying wow! how could it be? Why did it happen? Simple; you have to support the things that mean the most to you in life.  You usually won’t know what you had till it’s gone.  I hope everyone reading will go to www.Nationalreic.org , look under Real Estate clubs for your local meeting, then go to it.  Who knows, someone at that meeting may just change your life, teach you something new, and Oh yeah; make you RICH!

 

Jimmy V. Reed         

Jimmy V. Reed of Fort Worth, Texas has been investing in real estate since 1987.  In 1991, he started conducting full-day training sessions on Wholesaling.  He then began teaching and mentoring others throughout the country. He is currently the founder of the Fort Worth R.E. club www.1REclub.com and has his own real estate training company that includes Wholesale, Probate, Mentoring & a Biblically based Debt Free training course and more!

More info available at www.JimmyReed.net

 

Understanding Japan’s Counter-Intuitive Real Estate Market

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By Priti Donnelly

You may think real estate investing is solely about property growth as you would find in Australia, U.K. US, Singapore and similar markets. The Japanese property market is not ripe with prospects for increased property value. So, why then is the market saturated with foreign investors?

Creating Opportunities Beyond Capital Growth

The Japanese property market suffered at least 25 years of declining/flat-lining prices. Although capital growth made a quiet entrance from 2012 to 2016, it was too soon to for investors to comfortably speculate growth. Instead, investors found a new opportunity. Because of the decline, properties became quite affordable while rental rates remained stable. The result, steady and higher yields across Japan– the ideal cash flow market from high yield rental income.

To put it in perspective, for as little as USD $30,000 at 7.5% yield net pre-tax investors can earn monthly rental income of approximately $170/month. As an added benefit, in a prime location you might also gain property value, but that is not the focus of property investing in Japan. This market is about common sense investing without the speculative nature.

Overcoming the Language Barrier

This is not your typical internationally friendly business market. On one hand, you will experience the most reliable and honest professionals in Japan, while on the other, foreigner-shy professionals who likely cannot speak English. Furthermore, to invest in Japanese properties you will need a local address, phone number and a local bank account, impossible without communication and cooperation. To get around this barrier, savvy foreign investors use a trusted local Japanese/English speaking proxy or representative to act on their behalf for both communication and access to the required information.

Understanding Old Structures

Some novice investors shy away from the Japanese property market believing with a huff and a puff, structures could be blown down. It is true that structures built before 1981, including smaller steel-frame buildings, and even wooden frame houses, were not built to last and require major renovations and repairs over time. However, a major change to the Building Standards Act for earthquake resistant construction methods for buildings (reinforced concrete blocks) occurred in 1981. This became the turning point that investors often looked to when purchasing property. That being said, there is still a niche market for older properties because of the higher yield. In truth, regardless of age, with due diligence, if the property has proof of regular maintenance, renovations, repairs to the interior and exterior, as well as sufficient funds for ongoing repairs, and is tenanted, an older higher yielding property could prove to be a diamond in the rough.

Accepting Foreign Real Estate

Today, the best real estate opportunities do not have to be in your own back yard. JPMorgan Chase says the Japanese real estate and infrastructure is becoming more attractive particularly with no more than 50% of leveraged funds. Above that, real estate doesn’t become the driver, but the leverage becomes the driver of your return.

Japan provides opportunities for stable, monthly cash flow from rental income with yields from 5% to 11% net pre-tax. Add to that, currency exchange and the yen’s role as a safe-haven currency and it’s easy to see why this is a booming market for foreign investors, contrary to the standard real estate investment approach.

Priti Donnelly is the sales and marketing manager at Nippon Tradings International, a proxy and buyers’ agency representing foreign investors with purchasing, selling and managing real estate in Japan. She focuses on Japanese Real Estate, an alternative to speculative real estate investment —  steady monthly rental income, high yield, and affordable properties – a market worth considering.

 

Priti Donnelly – Manager, Sales and Marketing

Nippon Tradings International (NTI)

 

$30,000 Flips in Your Own Backyard!

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By Reggie Brooks

Whether it’s quick cash that you need right now, or long term wealth that you’re looking to build, it can be done fairly quickly, and Vacant Property specialist Reggie Brooks is the expert to teach you how to do it.

Reggie’s going to teach you the steps he took to go from making $3,000 per month at the telephone company, to over $42,000 per month in his real estate business. And he did it doing exactly what he’s teaching – Vacant, Distressed, Abandoned Properties!

Here a smidge of what Reggie’s teaching…

  • Make Easy Profits from Money-Making Flips In Your Own Backyard
  • Why the banks won’t lend on these properties, making owner financing easier than ever! With owner financing, you don’t need money, credit, or a job
  • How to make serious money with properties that are upside down, meaning the value of the property is less than what’s owed against the property
  • How to use Reggie’s “Secret Weapon” which will speed you toward finding those owners who’s mailing address is the same as the vacant property address
  • How you can easily make $10,000 within the next 2 weeks with vacant properties
  • How to get 100% funding for your profitable vacant property deals – You’ll be amazed!
  • How to get all the money you need for you investments “chasing you”, instead of you chasing it. And there’s No Qualifying!!!
  • How a blind student easily made over $14,000 on his 1st deal. He’s a rich man now!
  • And Much, Much More!

Reggie is a dynamic speaker/educator. Come prepared to take lots of notes. You don’t want to miss out on golden nuggets like very creative ways to find motivated owners of vacant properties, or the various case studies of people who have used Reggie’s system to make big profits buying and selling these unwanted properties.

Reggie Brooks, is an international speaker, author and educator, dedicated to inspiring others to achieve personal success through real estate investment. He is also the #1 Vacant, Abandoned & Distressed Property Specialist in North America.

Having risen above a life of poverty, he has achieved what many people consider to be impossible. He went from making $36,000 per year at the local telephone company, to making over $40,000 per month in his real estate business. Today, Reggie delivers his personal philosophies for success at major business venues and expositions throughout the United States. Reggie attributes his success to faith, dedication to success, and to the invaluable coaches he has had along the way.

 

HANG IN THERE!

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By Kathy Kennebrook (The Marketing Magic Lady)

I recently read that the definition of an Entrepreneur is someone who jumps off a cliff and builds the plane on the way down. I would have to totally agree with this sentiment.  Jumping off into “Never-never land” is almost “par for the course.”

When we first started our real estate investing business my husband used to say I would go out and make the mess (find the deal) and he would clean it up (get the inspections done and get the rehab going).  But, my Friend, HANG IN THERE!

The second deal we ever did in our real estate business was a subject to deal. The seller just wanted us to take over the mortgage payments on his house so he could walk away. There was $145,000 of equity in the deal that I didn’t want to lose out on even though I had no idea what I was doing. Heck…I had no idea what taking a property subject to even was at that point. So we just wrote down on yellow legal pad paper what we had agreed to with the seller. I then went back to my local real estate club and found someone to help us do the deal. He charged us $10,000 for his help in creating the paperwork to legally do the subject to deal. Ultimately our paycheck was $51,000. So yes we built the plane on the way down and it was very profitable for us to do so.

Getting started as a Real Estate Investor requires you to at least jot down your “TO DO” list and begin making a plan as you go!

I have always been one of those people who has to jump in first and do it and then fix it later. You need to be able to tame the fear monster and jump in and get some deals done. You will want to get some education in order to do the real estate investing business, or work with someone who already has the education until you figure things out. Working with a partner or a mentor is one good way to get started. I have a mentoring program available and I have many students who have done a ton of profitable deals.

However, your own education is going to be an ongoing process and you need to do it. If you try to do deals without having any idea what you are doing, you’re going to get burned out quickly. You will not get offers accepted, you won’t know what to do if you do get an offer accepted and you may not make nearly as good a deal as you could with a little education under your belt.

Remember:  Your real estate EDUCATION is a process!

There are several things you need to do in order to become a Real Estate Investor.

Sitting in front of the television watching re-runs or playing video games isn’t one of them. You will be able to find lots of reasons to put off getting started in the real estate business. My personal favorites were “my job is keeping my too busy” or “the kids need me” and “What if I mess up?” Once I started making a specific plan and put it in writing, things started to happen. I started keeping a detailed planner outlaying what I have to do the next day, the next week, the next month, etc. This helped to keep me very focused and moving ahead in a specific direction. This will make your business grow faster than you know. You will be able to track tasks, deals, and you can keep your appointment schedule organized as well.  Always remain FOCUSED!

Even after all the years I have been investing in real estate, I still go to seminars and read books to learn even more ways to do great deals.  Continued education is the KEY.  In the beginning, I learned enough in a very short time to do a lot of profitable deals and you can too. But I wasn’t afraid to just jump in and get a deal under contract. Once you get active in the business you will run into a lot of different kinds of scenarios concerning sellers and situations. This is one of the reasons I offer a mentoring program to my students. If they get stuck on a deal or an offer, they know where they can get their questions answered. So, they know they are “building their plane” on the way down.

Please understand that continued education is a key to YOUR success.

A “Hang in there” mentality must always be maintained.  You will initially make mistakes.  We are human.  But eventually, YOU will be very successful.  So, HANG IN THERE!

For all the information you need on adding mentoring to your business so you can “build your plane” check out my website at www.marketingmagiclady.com or call my office directly at 941-792-5390. I offer an amazing six month mentoring program for my students. Many of my students have done many deals and made huge profits in their real estate business by working with me as their mentor. I look forward to working with you too!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kathy Kennebrook is the ultimate success story. She spent over 20 years in the banking industry before discovering the world of real estate. After attending some real estate seminars this 4 foot 11″ mother of two got really excited and before you know it she’d bought and sold hundreds of properties using none of her own money or credit. Kathy holds a degree in finance and has co­authored the books­ The Venus Approach to Real Estate Investing, Walking With the Wise Real Estate Investor, and Walking With the Wise Entrepreneur which also includes real estate experts Donald Trump, Suze Orman, Robert Kiyosaki, and Dr. Wayne Dyer. She is the nation’s leading expert at finding highly qualified, motivated sellers, buyers and lenders using many types of direct mail marketing. She is known throughout the United States and Canada as the “Marketing Magic Lady”. She has put together a simple step­ by ­step system that anyone can follow to duplicate her success. Kathy has been speaking throughout the country and across Canada for over 14 years and has shared the stage with Ron LeGrand, Donald Trump, Dr. Phil, Dan Kennedy, Mark Victor Hansen, Ted Thomas and Suze Orman to name a few.