[Karen] My previous post on the Nebraska safe haven legislation had me thinking. Sometimes a person gets into a situation that can leave them with a feeling of desperation when they try to do everything right and it just does not work the way it is supposed to work.
You know what I mean.
Have you even gone to motor vehicle when you had a problem or tried to get help from city hall? Can you imagine the desperation when you need help and have no where to turn?
I have a neighbor who is new on the block. Actually, she is in the process of renovating a house on my block to move in as she also attempts to sell the house where she presently lives. Her problems began when a neighboring house that overlooks her back yard began having rock slides into her back yard. Pardon my error, I should say small boulders. She attempted to go to the other owner who did nothing to stop the damage. Her next trip was to city hall, who went to the owner to address the problem with threats and warnings. The neighbors response, "I don't have the money, take your best shot". I don't think the city is going to take another shot.
I have another neighbor, Sam, who lives next to a house. I should really say garbage dump but I guess you get the gist. My neighbor has been to the city. The city has fined the owner for the truck in the street overflowing with garbage and construction supplies. The owner has been fined for illegally paving his front yard and the list goes on and on. The city has threatened to tow the car and pile on the fines. Six months later and the over flowing truck is still sitting right in front of their two houses.
I understand that this is not the equivalent to dropping off children but feelings by anyone in despair are feelings of desperation just the same. Where do you turn?
Of course, returning to Nebraska, I am reminded that this is America and so the pendulum swings in the other direction. There was one father who dropped off his 9 children. The mans wife of 17 years had died about a year ago. The reason for the drop off, the kids are just too much work.
Like I said, there seem to be levels of desperation
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
[Shirley] I am experiencing burnout -- in fact my whole family is, I'm not sure if we're coming down with colds from the sudden change in weather, or the fact that I in particular have been exposed to germ carrying co-workers who can't afford to stay home because they've no sick days left, either way all of this has definitely contributed to the dull achy feeling I've been experiencing. Hubby's just as bad, he has threatened GBH (greivous bodily harm) to half of Queens motorists if he doesn't get a change of environment... and quick.
The list of things I promised myself I would get to by time of my next women's meeting has hardly been touched, and that old feeling of drowning in a sea of 'unfinishedness' and 'half-starts' has taken up residence in achy body. Still I know myself well enough to know, this is the time where I must take inventory and stock of all the things I have done to make sense of what didn't get done...
Like attending Laurie's gallery solo opening in Chelsea Market this past Thursday--had to go, she one of oldest and dearest friends. I had a great time sampling good wine and great gourmet food. Savoring the various snippets of conversations and discussions I entertained the notion of making blog entry about all this as soon as I got home. However, when I finally sat down to the computer there is a huge note on it with "Mommy you promised to help me with my science project, its due tomorrow". Laid out on the guest bed is a huge poster board with what I believe was collage of a cell. Strewn all over that were loose leaf scribbled handwritten pages each with page numbers in red felt pen from 1-12 in each corner, begging to be typed.
Well Ladies, I wish I could blog saying this was an easy task and that I knocked it out in 20 mins, then blogged for another 20 mins and was in bed just under an hour... but I can't. I was ankle deep in 4" books, including Webster (dictionary), and bitched and moaned between why this educational system does not make Handwriting, an academic school requirement and where on God's green earth did some of the money I spent on private school education actually go! So 3 hours later I drag myself to bed and pray Friday, I can accomplish something on my list. Goodnight.
The list of things I promised myself I would get to by time of my next women's meeting has hardly been touched, and that old feeling of drowning in a sea of 'unfinishedness' and 'half-starts' has taken up residence in achy body. Still I know myself well enough to know, this is the time where I must take inventory and stock of all the things I have done to make sense of what didn't get done...
Like attending Laurie's gallery solo opening in Chelsea Market this past Thursday--had to go, she one of oldest and dearest friends. I had a great time sampling good wine and great gourmet food. Savoring the various snippets of conversations and discussions I entertained the notion of making blog entry about all this as soon as I got home. However, when I finally sat down to the computer there is a huge note on it with "Mommy you promised to help me with my science project, its due tomorrow". Laid out on the guest bed is a huge poster board with what I believe was collage of a cell. Strewn all over that were loose leaf scribbled handwritten pages each with page numbers in red felt pen from 1-12 in each corner, begging to be typed.
Well Ladies, I wish I could blog saying this was an easy task and that I knocked it out in 20 mins, then blogged for another 20 mins and was in bed just under an hour... but I can't. I was ankle deep in 4" books, including Webster (dictionary), and bitched and moaned between why this educational system does not make Handwriting, an academic school requirement and where on God's green earth did some of the money I spent on private school education actually go! So 3 hours later I drag myself to bed and pray Friday, I can accomplish something on my list. Goodnight.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Pass it On -- Abundance
[Shirley] "The path that lies before you is one of unlimited abundance. And it begins by SEEING the abundance available all around you. As you begin to experience life through the new lens of abundance, you'll find that many of the problems you face today will simply disappear. As for the ones that remain, your relationship to them will have changed profoundly, empowering you to take actions that are congruent with and support abundance" -- Author Unknown.
I came across this saying recently, during a period where I was questioning my motives for being at the church where I give service and help lead its basketball ministry. From church politics and personalities to dealing with 20 male teenagers age range 16-22, but who behave like 8-10 year-olds gone wild, I had to step back and ask myself how does this fit into my big picture -- "Financial Independence!!" Gratefully, in an instance these words soothed my doubts and I was soon able to see the 'abundance' of the situation as part of my path in my journey. I pass it on to you.
I came across this saying recently, during a period where I was questioning my motives for being at the church where I give service and help lead its basketball ministry. From church politics and personalities to dealing with 20 male teenagers age range 16-22, but who behave like 8-10 year-olds gone wild, I had to step back and ask myself how does this fit into my big picture -- "Financial Independence!!" Gratefully, in an instance these words soothed my doubts and I was soon able to see the 'abundance' of the situation as part of my path in my journey. I pass it on to you.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Integrity
[Karen] Integrity in a fellow human being is often a hard value to come by. When you do chance upon it, it is quite refreshing.
On Thursday, October 23rd I had to go out of town. I received a witness subpoena broke into one of my houses, stole copper pipes and fortunately, was caught in the act as he exited and was making his way down the street. No, this is not where the integrity was found.
After I left court, I met with my property manager. We talked about business and future plans. After a couple hours, it was time for me to leave. I pulled out of my space on the corner, drove through the intersection and 20 feet into the next block, it happened. A man and his passenger were pulling out of a space and hit me. It was as simple as that. I was stunned. I bought the car about two months before and it was immaculate. His SUV already looked as though it was held together with spit.
What happened afterwords has been very interesting. I took photos, waited for police and talked with my property manager who had come to my aid. The man who hit me, Chris, was apologetic but also said he was in a hurry. He read between the lines when I said that I wanted to file a report. I said "I don't live here and you are not going to disappear on me". Not today. Maybe he shouldn't have been in such a hurry in the first place.
I will try to keep this short but we were there for at least 2 hours. Apparently, the police were looking for someone because we saw about 20 police cars passing at various rates of speed but they all said the same thing, not now. During this time, we all began to talk. I had calmed down, the man realized I am getting my police report if it takes all night and he resigned to the fact that he had no choice. We began to talk about a home repair business that he and his passenger/partner were trying to get off the ground. Although he doesn't know it, I own properties. My property manager handles about 150 properties. The more he talked, the more we were impressed by his ambition and honesty.
The police finally arrived. The first thing that Chris said was "It was all my fault". As I mentioned, his car isn't a good specimen so he had to really insist that there was no fresh damage on his own car. After the police finished their report, we continued to talk. Eventually, Chris suggested that I should get an estimate for the work. I don't want to report an accident no matter who caused it so I was thrilled. Before we left, he had my managers business card. He still has no idea what it meant for her to hand it to him. She had listened to him and made up her own mind. We all parted company and I headed for the turnpike.
I was busy on Friday and Saturday and did not have time to get estimates. Chris had already called me twice on Saturday to find out the price. I had three estimates by Monday afternoon and they ranged from $950 to $2950. Big difference and I needed a tie breaker. Chris called me for the estimate twice on Tuesday to explain that he would be sending me some money on Friday and needed to know the cost of the damage to see where he stood financially. I explained the huge gap and that I was going out on Wednesday to a fourth shop. The tie breaker came out at $967. We had a winner.
A friend of mine was very angry. Why was I working so hard to get estimates? This guy had better not complain. Didn't I have any thing better to do? Was he going to take months to pay off the debt? Well?
Chris called me on Friday October 31st to clarify my name and address because he was sending a money order for $300. He would pay in three installments and the worst case scenario would be that he would be finished by November 28th. I say worst case because he said that if he gets any home improvement jobs between then and the end of November, he would take his share it give it straight to me. I can live with that.
Okay, I didn't get the money order on Monday. What is taking so long? People who know the situation are asking. Could you be wrong? You should have received it if he mailed it on Friday.
Chris called on Monday November 3rd to clarify my name again. He called me on November 6th to find out if the money was received. I hadn't checked my box. He called me again on the 6th and 7th. I hadn't checked my box.
I finally checked my box on the 8th and there it was. He had mailed it on the 3rd.
I called Chris to let him know that it was received.
Was there every really a doubt
Nah!
Integrity
On Thursday, October 23rd I had to go out of town. I received a witness subpoena broke into one of my houses, stole copper pipes and fortunately, was caught in the act as he exited and was making his way down the street. No, this is not where the integrity was found.
After I left court, I met with my property manager. We talked about business and future plans. After a couple hours, it was time for me to leave. I pulled out of my space on the corner, drove through the intersection and 20 feet into the next block, it happened. A man and his passenger were pulling out of a space and hit me. It was as simple as that. I was stunned. I bought the car about two months before and it was immaculate. His SUV already looked as though it was held together with spit.
What happened afterwords has been very interesting. I took photos, waited for police and talked with my property manager who had come to my aid. The man who hit me, Chris, was apologetic but also said he was in a hurry. He read between the lines when I said that I wanted to file a report. I said "I don't live here and you are not going to disappear on me". Not today. Maybe he shouldn't have been in such a hurry in the first place.
I will try to keep this short but we were there for at least 2 hours. Apparently, the police were looking for someone because we saw about 20 police cars passing at various rates of speed but they all said the same thing, not now. During this time, we all began to talk. I had calmed down, the man realized I am getting my police report if it takes all night and he resigned to the fact that he had no choice. We began to talk about a home repair business that he and his passenger/partner were trying to get off the ground. Although he doesn't know it, I own properties. My property manager handles about 150 properties. The more he talked, the more we were impressed by his ambition and honesty.
The police finally arrived. The first thing that Chris said was "It was all my fault". As I mentioned, his car isn't a good specimen so he had to really insist that there was no fresh damage on his own car. After the police finished their report, we continued to talk. Eventually, Chris suggested that I should get an estimate for the work. I don't want to report an accident no matter who caused it so I was thrilled. Before we left, he had my managers business card. He still has no idea what it meant for her to hand it to him. She had listened to him and made up her own mind. We all parted company and I headed for the turnpike.
I was busy on Friday and Saturday and did not have time to get estimates. Chris had already called me twice on Saturday to find out the price. I had three estimates by Monday afternoon and they ranged from $950 to $2950. Big difference and I needed a tie breaker. Chris called me for the estimate twice on Tuesday to explain that he would be sending me some money on Friday and needed to know the cost of the damage to see where he stood financially. I explained the huge gap and that I was going out on Wednesday to a fourth shop. The tie breaker came out at $967. We had a winner.
A friend of mine was very angry. Why was I working so hard to get estimates? This guy had better not complain. Didn't I have any thing better to do? Was he going to take months to pay off the debt? Well?
Chris called me on Friday October 31st to clarify my name and address because he was sending a money order for $300. He would pay in three installments and the worst case scenario would be that he would be finished by November 28th. I say worst case because he said that if he gets any home improvement jobs between then and the end of November, he would take his share it give it straight to me. I can live with that.
Okay, I didn't get the money order on Monday. What is taking so long? People who know the situation are asking. Could you be wrong? You should have received it if he mailed it on Friday.
Chris called on Monday November 3rd to clarify my name again. He called me on November 6th to find out if the money was received. I hadn't checked my box. He called me again on the 6th and 7th. I hadn't checked my box.
I finally checked my box on the 8th and there it was. He had mailed it on the 3rd.
I called Chris to let him know that it was received.
Was there every really a doubt
Nah!
Integrity
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Desperation
[Karen] It is a sad state of affairs when you begin to be apathetic towards all the bad that happens in the news. Could it be that after a while you have just heard it all and nothing can surprise you?
I was just reading an article that surprised me. It was in regard to Nebraska's take on creating a new law to prevent "dumpster babies". If you are not familiar with this, there are laws in all states. These other states have created safe havens for infants to be left (abandoned) at hospitals when the parents think that they have no other choice. Remember this key point, in every other state the laws specify infants.
Apparently, in Nebraska, legislators have no idea what their constituencies are going through on a day to day basis. They don't understand their own citizen's level of desperation. Did I say their constituencies? Well, I meant to say the nation.
Parents began dropping off their children and as of November 13th, there have been 31 children dropped off from 1 year old to 17. The reasons vary but a common thread was in parents with troubled children who claimed to have sought out help to no avail and who out of desperation made decisions to turn their children over to the state. As I read one particular article, there is one story that illustrates this issue very well. According to the article a "Lincoln mother who dropped off her 18-year-old daughter said she was repeatedly turned down when she sought help from police, state social services authorities and the girl's school. The woman said her daughter had been diagnosed with a mental illness when she was 12 and had deep psychological scars from childhood abuse and from being left alone with her dead biological mother for a week."* In this case, the mother left with the child because the law only covers up to 17 years old.
The mother still does not know where to turn.
*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/safe_haven;_ylt=AuHh7gxUNVY_ZGonNazaNBRsaMYA
I was just reading an article that surprised me. It was in regard to Nebraska's take on creating a new law to prevent "dumpster babies". If you are not familiar with this, there are laws in all states. These other states have created safe havens for infants to be left (abandoned) at hospitals when the parents think that they have no other choice. Remember this key point, in every other state the laws specify infants.
Apparently, in Nebraska, legislators have no idea what their constituencies are going through on a day to day basis. They don't understand their own citizen's level of desperation. Did I say their constituencies? Well, I meant to say the nation.
Parents began dropping off their children and as of November 13th, there have been 31 children dropped off from 1 year old to 17. The reasons vary but a common thread was in parents with troubled children who claimed to have sought out help to no avail and who out of desperation made decisions to turn their children over to the state. As I read one particular article, there is one story that illustrates this issue very well. According to the article a "Lincoln mother who dropped off her 18-year-old daughter said she was repeatedly turned down when she sought help from police, state social services authorities and the girl's school. The woman said her daughter had been diagnosed with a mental illness when she was 12 and had deep psychological scars from childhood abuse and from being left alone with her dead biological mother for a week."* In this case, the mother left with the child because the law only covers up to 17 years old.
The mother still does not know where to turn.
*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/safe_haven;_ylt=AuHh7gxUNVY_ZGonNazaNBRsaMYA
Sunday, November 2, 2008
NYC Marathon 2008
The NYC Marathon runs right past our door in East Harlem at around the 20th mile. The first women and men to run by are going SOOO fast you can hardly see their legs. So every year, I go out on the fire escape and watch from there. This year, 2008, the shadows were amazing and I took this cool photo, among others. Inspiration in action!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
What did they say?
[Karen] In case you are interested in the Ron Clark Academy and the great video, I simply don't blame you. They are a group of 6th and 7th graders simply saying get out and vote, whoever you vote for, just get out and vote. If that is the case, you must want the lyrics so here they are.
“You Can Vote However You Like”
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
(McCain supporters)
John McCain is the man
Fought for us in Vietnam
You know if anyone can
Help our country he can
Taxes droppin low
Dont you know oils gonna flow
Drill it low
I’ll show our economy will grow
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
McCain’s the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They’ll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might
(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama’s new, he’s younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He’ll bring a change, he’s got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq’s a shame
Four more years would be insane
Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won’t
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won’t!
Have enough experience - you know that they don’t
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won’t
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you’re going to have some drama
We need it
HE’LL BRING IT
He’ll be it
YOU’LL SEE IT
We’ll do it
GET TO IT
Let’s move it
DO IT!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
I’m talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice
But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
“You Can Vote However You Like”
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
(McCain supporters)
John McCain is the man
Fought for us in Vietnam
You know if anyone can
Help our country he can
Taxes droppin low
Dont you know oils gonna flow
Drill it low
I’ll show our economy will grow
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
McCain’s the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They’ll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might
(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama’s new, he’s younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He’ll bring a change, he’s got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq’s a shame
Four more years would be insane
Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won’t
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won’t!
Have enough experience - you know that they don’t
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won’t
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you’re going to have some drama
We need it
HE’LL BRING IT
He’ll be it
YOU’LL SEE IT
We’ll do it
GET TO IT
Let’s move it
DO IT!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
I’m talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice
But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay
I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick with McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!
Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah
Friday, October 31, 2008
I Just Couldn't Help It
[Karen] Okay, I admit it. I couldn't help it. I saw this video and election day is around the corner but it is great because it doesn't matter who you vote for, you have to appreciate the spirit behind the video.
Have you seen the kids from the Ron Clark Academy singing "You Can Vote However You Like"? If not, turn up the speakers and check this out
By the way, get out and vote because
You Can Vote However You Like
Sunday, October 26, 2008
The Rules Have Changed
[Karen] Yesterday, Rosa and I attended a real estate investor meeting. Although many of my friends and fellow investors are at different levels, I thought that I would post some information that is not good news in any way but something that as real estate investors, we need to know.
The rules for how many mortgages an investor can have has changed drastically. Two years ago when I began investing, the rule was that a person could have 10 personal mortgages before there would be a challenge from the bank. Even then, this could be worked out one way or another.
Times have changed and not for the best.
Granted, the subprime market is a serious issue. There are way too many who have been put into homes simply because they had a pulse. Now, the time has come and the bills are not being paid.
As is always the case, the government now wants to close the barn door. The problem arises because there are also those responsible individuals who have chosen real estate investing to provide affordable housing and supplement their incomes.
The new rule is that individuals can not have more than 4 mortgages and this is a problem. If you are an investor with more than 4 mortgages, the bank will simply say that's all folks. From our side, the investor side, that simply is not good enough.
Next time I post, I will point out a few options for life after 4 but for now, just remember that 4 is the new magic number.
The rules for how many mortgages an investor can have has changed drastically. Two years ago when I began investing, the rule was that a person could have 10 personal mortgages before there would be a challenge from the bank. Even then, this could be worked out one way or another.
Times have changed and not for the best.
Granted, the subprime market is a serious issue. There are way too many who have been put into homes simply because they had a pulse. Now, the time has come and the bills are not being paid.
As is always the case, the government now wants to close the barn door. The problem arises because there are also those responsible individuals who have chosen real estate investing to provide affordable housing and supplement their incomes.
The new rule is that individuals can not have more than 4 mortgages and this is a problem. If you are an investor with more than 4 mortgages, the bank will simply say that's all folks. From our side, the investor side, that simply is not good enough.
Next time I post, I will point out a few options for life after 4 but for now, just remember that 4 is the new magic number.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Gifts from the Universe
[Shirley] I have a Spiritual Sister, who when asked, 'How d'ya feeling?' She always answers "I'm Blessed and Highly Favored". That's how I feel when I reflect on my experience at Big Apple Real Estate Investment Association (BA-REIA) and what it has done for me in the space of 1 short year. In terms of personal growth, it has been best thing to have happened to me, and continues to be. I love re-telling the story of how I found this particular REIA.
I had just finished reading "Who Moved My Cheese", and knew real estate would be the best avenue to seek out 'new' cheese as it were. A group of friends and I were planning to attend a workshop in Manhattan with Robert Kiyosaki. However, that weekend before the workshop, I had returned a rental car back to Enterprise, the driver who drove me back started asking questions about my neighborhood. It turned out he was a real estate agent, and he spoke candidly about the business, and I about wanting to be an investor. He told me it was very important that I joined a Real Estate Investment Association, and took out one of his business cards, the kind with his photo and wrote "Big Apple REIA" on the back. He suggested I go there, which I did and have never looked back.
The family welcome I received at that first general meeting was great, it was what I needed to get my can off the fence and finally do something about my dreams and goals. I signed up that very night, and within a week was on the bus tour to Baltimore, to educate, enjoy, and empower myself in the world of real estate investing. I've was overwhelmed by all that was happening around me -- meeting new people like myself, learning of opportunities, listening to educational tapes during the ride, asking questions, etc., it was great. On the way back from Baltimore, the conversations in the van was light, the President of Big Apple, Al Johnson asked how I found the REIA, I told him the name of the guy from the rental car company, but he'd never heard of him. Still I had no worries, I was happy to be there, because I could see my life taking a whole new direction.
Funny though, months later would I learned that no one within the REIA had ever seen this person who gave this card, and when I finally got around to call and thank this person, the receptionist said no one by that name worked there...
Blessed and Highly Favored!
I had just finished reading "Who Moved My Cheese", and knew real estate would be the best avenue to seek out 'new' cheese as it were. A group of friends and I were planning to attend a workshop in Manhattan with Robert Kiyosaki. However, that weekend before the workshop, I had returned a rental car back to Enterprise, the driver who drove me back started asking questions about my neighborhood. It turned out he was a real estate agent, and he spoke candidly about the business, and I about wanting to be an investor. He told me it was very important that I joined a Real Estate Investment Association, and took out one of his business cards, the kind with his photo and wrote "Big Apple REIA" on the back. He suggested I go there, which I did and have never looked back.
The family welcome I received at that first general meeting was great, it was what I needed to get my can off the fence and finally do something about my dreams and goals. I signed up that very night, and within a week was on the bus tour to Baltimore, to educate, enjoy, and empower myself in the world of real estate investing. I've was overwhelmed by all that was happening around me -- meeting new people like myself, learning of opportunities, listening to educational tapes during the ride, asking questions, etc., it was great. On the way back from Baltimore, the conversations in the van was light, the President of Big Apple, Al Johnson asked how I found the REIA, I told him the name of the guy from the rental car company, but he'd never heard of him. Still I had no worries, I was happy to be there, because I could see my life taking a whole new direction.
Funny though, months later would I learned that no one within the REIA had ever seen this person who gave this card, and when I finally got around to call and thank this person, the receptionist said no one by that name worked there...
Blessed and Highly Favored!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Colin Powell Endorses Barack Obama
[Alison] A respectful, thoughtful and just plain great conversation with Colin Powell about the candidates, culminating in his endorsement of Barack Obama. Enjoy!
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sarah Palin on SNL Was So Funny
[Alison] HILARIOUS! I have now watched this clip about ten times, laughing every single time. Sarah Palin handled it with fairly good poise, although I noticed her lips thinned out significantly at times. Outstanding...
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Selling That First House in North Philly
[Alison] I wanted to sell the North Philly house, the first property I ever bought, in the worst way but it felt like giving up and I was prideful. I did not want to admit that I made a mistake and needed to admit it, take my losses, and move on. Above is a picture of the first floor stripped down to be rehabbed. So I dithered. I put it up for sale on Craigslist and with my REIAs and did not get good offers so I pulled it down and looked for another solution. I did this twice, not wanting to give up, to fail. Every time I went, I had to round up a friend to go there with me because I was afraid. Not a good situation.Finally I got serious, placing online ads and reaching out to my networks to sell the house. About 25 people looked at it and placed pitiful non-serious offers. Some included taking on the taxes and water bill, as I had. Others did not. I was starting to look at other solutions again (rehab, private lender, pay down the taxes and wait until the neighborhood improved and the house value went up).
In that moment an offer came in, still low, still taking a significant loss, but I could live with it. The prospective buyer promised to bring in a deposit to the lawyer liaison, then served up four days of excuses, including why he could not close on the date he promised. By this time, I was fed up and feeling like I was being played. I told the lawyer that the price was about to go up because the low price was contingent on a very fast, easy close. The day of the close came and went. The buyer failed to come through with the money. I took a day off work for nothing. I was VERY disappointed.
In the eleventh hour, at 5 pm on the day I was supposed to close, the lawyer called me to say that another buyer had surfaced, a man who was interested before but had made a lower, unacceptable offer. He told her he would come in with a deposit and firm offer and DID. Eureka! The new buyer asked the lawyer to pull title work on the property to make sure there were no surprises I had not already revealed. As far as I know, this could all be the lawyer's manipulations of my eagerness to sell. At the same time, I am convinced that only someone from the neighborhood can get that house sold. I don't like it but I don't care. God willing, we close this week. Keep your fingers crossed on my behalf, please.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Sad History of the First House I Bought
[Alison] I bought a single-family house (3 BR, 1 BA, 1015 sq. ft.) in August 2007 in North Philadelphia from a woman with 7 children, one in her arms. It was pretty cheap but there were tax liens and a water bill I agreed to take care of when I closed. An agreement of the sale was that the appliances would stay in the house (no stealing). The day after I became the owner, the previous owner's boyfriend broke in and out they walked with the water heater, a couple of ceiling fans, the electric panel and some other stuff. They even left the door open! So that was discouraging...I stripped the house to rehab, hired a dumpster, discovered garbage sealed into the walls and welded security bars on many of the windows. The problem is that I am not comfortable in the neighborhood (small white woman in tough, mostly black, drug-infested neighborhood). I bought the house because I could financially and it was my first. In retrospect, not a good enough reason. I had an idealistic notion of making a nice home in this rough location for a family. After the stealing, I had to confront the fact that, during the rehab, supplies could very well walk out of the house. So it sat... and sat.
I made an agreement with the city to pay down the taxes and turn on the electric. I put in another water meter. I got an assessment on a rehab which was very high and with no specific figures for the different aspects of construction, just a total number, useless. So I have been stymied about what to do for over a year. Now the market is more difficult and it's a challenge to get out but I must.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
The Second New Accountant
[Karen] The saga continues. I am very happy to announce that I have come full circle and have met the accountant that I should have been using in the first place. Why, you may ask, well I will tell you. About two years ago I was out of town attending a real estate investors meeting. I had been invited by my real estate agent and she introduced me to quite a few real estate professionals. Of the group, many were wholesalers but I also met Anthony, an attorney and Rich, a CPA. The attorney stood out in my mind because I needed an attorney but at the time, I was working with another accountant so unfortunately, Rich was out of site out of mind. Later on when I decided to replace the accountant that I had at the time, I thought of everyone except Rich from out of town.
Some may recall that I mentioned that Fred, the Loser from Harrison,(did I say that? Yes!) was not sure how to handle my particular form of asset protection. I had gone back to the out of attorney A few weeks ago when that highly recommended loser decided that after going back and forth for months discussing my taxes that he now did not have time to actually do my taxes. At this point, I called Anthony and asked him for a recommendation and lo and behold, he points me back to Rich. We have since sat down and I am pleased to report that we are moving ahead. Unfortunately, not full steam, but that is because of me. Can you believe I still can't find some documents and don't even get me started on why I haven't completed my spreadsheet.
Fortunately, this time it is me. Yes, Rich is waiting for me. This time it is all on me.
Some may recall that I mentioned that Fred, the Loser from Harrison,(did I say that? Yes!) was not sure how to handle my particular form of asset protection. I had gone back to the out of attorney A few weeks ago when that highly recommended loser decided that after going back and forth for months discussing my taxes that he now did not have time to actually do my taxes. At this point, I called Anthony and asked him for a recommendation and lo and behold, he points me back to Rich. We have since sat down and I am pleased to report that we are moving ahead. Unfortunately, not full steam, but that is because of me. Can you believe I still can't find some documents and don't even get me started on why I haven't completed my spreadsheet.
Fortunately, this time it is me. Yes, Rich is waiting for me. This time it is all on me.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Where is everybody?
[Karen] Thinking back, I begin to wonder, where did all the people go that were in my new member orientation class at the real estate investor association? We were all so excited and ready to learn. The class ended and we moved on. Some went back to watching TV. After all, it is more fun and much easier. Some people moved on to learn even more and are still professional real estate students traveling from one boot camp and workshop to another and never stopping to actually do a deal. There are people like this in every field of interest. Think about your friend who keeps signing up at the gym or buying the latest and greatest piece of exercise equipment only to use the treadmill as a clothes hanger. Of course, there are still others who are trying every day to take their first step to the investor side. Some know what I mean, it is the step where you go from theory to a real life situation where you sign your name on the dotted line and suddenly you are a real estate investor. It doesn't matter if the person is going to assign properties, wholesale, property manage, etc, it all just takes the first step.
I for one think it feels really good and can't wait to see more and more take the step from employee to investor, no matter how long it takes, it is worth the ride. We know, there is never a point of no return so what's holding us back? We owe it to ourselves to try something new. The government wants us to start businesses, so why not get into real estate. If necessary, we can sell the house and go right back to watching TV as if it never happened. This is all just another form of life's education. We should all try to learn something new every day and if it just happens to be something that can build wealth, why not. We just have to remember that sometimes we just have to take that step away from the comfort zone and take a chance in life.
I for one think it feels really good and can't wait to see more and more take the step from employee to investor, no matter how long it takes, it is worth the ride. We know, there is never a point of no return so what's holding us back? We owe it to ourselves to try something new. The government wants us to start businesses, so why not get into real estate. If necessary, we can sell the house and go right back to watching TV as if it never happened. This is all just another form of life's education. We should all try to learn something new every day and if it just happens to be something that can build wealth, why not. We just have to remember that sometimes we just have to take that step away from the comfort zone and take a chance in life.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
A New Kind of Life
[Karen} Someone asked me what I gained from my volunteer service with the real estate investor group and I had to think past the usual "it feels good to give" and when I did I realized how much I have learned. I really had started to take it for granted because the truth is that it does feel good to give a hand to those trying their hand at investing.
In the last two years I have met some extraordinary individuals, a small group with which I am involved on a regular basis and many great people who have come and gone. As I have learned, real estate investing has a great deal to do with relationships. You have to get out an network. You might walk into an event and meet someone new only to find a year later that you have partnered with each other on that four family property that you just could not pass up but could not swing on your own.
I know I said that it is work. After all, real estate investing isn't for everyone. It is hard work. As with any type of business, for the most part, it is harder to get up every day and work for yourself than it is to get up and go to work making someone else rich but isn't that the whole point. If you work for yourself, aren't you worth it? For me, I think about what I hear from those going to work every day and what I usually hear is that they are comfortable. I was too, to a point. Fortunately I have seen the light and I don't want to go back. A friend asked me, will I go back to the corporate arena and I can easily say, not if I can help it. There are no guarantees but I love it much better, even with all of the work, on the other side of, dare I say, Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quadrant. I have tried employee for way too long, I want to try my hand for just as long and an investor and business owner. To me, a job is a place to kill time until you can leave and go do things that you really want to do for you and your family. I don't want to go back. If I click my heels, I guarantee, it won't take me back to a 9 to 5 job.
As a real estate investor, I have gone through my fair share of tenant issues. Usually, it comes back to the only real issue, which is where is the rent. Although I don't get the calls from tenants in the middle of the night, I have had a potential tenant call my office on a Sunday night at 11:00 PM looking for a place to live. Not exactly a broken toilet bowl but...I guess the early bird catches the worm. Or was she really late?
In the last two years I have met some extraordinary individuals, a small group with which I am involved on a regular basis and many great people who have come and gone. As I have learned, real estate investing has a great deal to do with relationships. You have to get out an network. You might walk into an event and meet someone new only to find a year later that you have partnered with each other on that four family property that you just could not pass up but could not swing on your own.
I know I said that it is work. After all, real estate investing isn't for everyone. It is hard work. As with any type of business, for the most part, it is harder to get up every day and work for yourself than it is to get up and go to work making someone else rich but isn't that the whole point. If you work for yourself, aren't you worth it? For me, I think about what I hear from those going to work every day and what I usually hear is that they are comfortable. I was too, to a point. Fortunately I have seen the light and I don't want to go back. A friend asked me, will I go back to the corporate arena and I can easily say, not if I can help it. There are no guarantees but I love it much better, even with all of the work, on the other side of, dare I say, Robert Kiyosaki's Cashflow Quadrant. I have tried employee for way too long, I want to try my hand for just as long and an investor and business owner. To me, a job is a place to kill time until you can leave and go do things that you really want to do for you and your family. I don't want to go back. If I click my heels, I guarantee, it won't take me back to a 9 to 5 job.
As a real estate investor, I have gone through my fair share of tenant issues. Usually, it comes back to the only real issue, which is where is the rent. Although I don't get the calls from tenants in the middle of the night, I have had a potential tenant call my office on a Sunday night at 11:00 PM looking for a place to live. Not exactly a broken toilet bowl but...I guess the early bird catches the worm. Or was she really late?
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Freedom into Wealth
[Karen} I can't wait. I know that there will be a time when my time will be just that, mine. Right now, I look back at the last few years and think about all of the time that I spent volunteering with my local real estate investor group. I had a ball, I really did but I think that the time has come to take a step back and put more of what I have learned into action. I know it's time. I was buying properties and then stopped. Something is definitely wrong. I know there is too much on my plate and as has already been posted on this blog by one of my colleagues, it is time to stop, regroup and spend more time on me.
It isn't that I don't have enough time in the day, I think that it is more that there are too many things that need to be put on the back burner. Everything can not be that important or at least that is what I have to start telling myself. The houses are there just waiting to be picked up. The banks will wise up and this credit crunch will eventually cease to be an issue.
After all, as an investor, whether equity or real estate, we can’t build a strong house of wealth if we don’t start picking up some more bricks.
It isn't that I don't have enough time in the day, I think that it is more that there are too many things that need to be put on the back burner. Everything can not be that important or at least that is what I have to start telling myself. The houses are there just waiting to be picked up. The banks will wise up and this credit crunch will eventually cease to be an issue.
After all, as an investor, whether equity or real estate, we can’t build a strong house of wealth if we don’t start picking up some more bricks.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Fear and Hate As Political Strategy
[Alison} Watching TV, I am appalled to see the Ayers connection and Arab, Muslim characterizations dominating McCain's campaign. The Republican tactic of dusting up fear and hate to try to win again rears its ugly head. I can only hope Americans have become more interested in the issues this time around. The question is who can get the job of President done best, not all this other garbage. Nobody wins this way.
In this country, we need someone who can bring people together, not drive them apart. That's Obama. These divisive tactics are despicable. McCain is now backtracking to mend the divide which is honorable of him. He may pay from the conservative right. Good for him, anyway.
In this country, we need someone who can bring people together, not drive them apart. That's Obama. These divisive tactics are despicable. McCain is now backtracking to mend the divide which is honorable of him. He may pay from the conservative right. Good for him, anyway.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Ebay Anyone?
It seems like forever since I last posted anything here, for the simple reason that the time and energy it takes to get my family (all of 'TWO') in agreement to actually and physically do something in the house leaves me completely depleted of all energy. Besides, I view this blog as a place where I share with my comrades the baby steps of I've made in my goals and accomplishments, you know -- forwards and onwards, not giant steps backwards.
Initially, the proposition to detox the basement was met with the usual groans and moans, all of which I had expected, but I was armed Ladies, with pictures, ideas and possibilities this unused space of 13 years held, and welcomed all their suggestions. "A 42" flat-screen would really go great down there", says Hubby; "so would one of those pullout couches for sleepovers", my daughter chimes in. Great they were on-board. Still it would take several failed weekend attempts, before Hubby and I actually descended into the basement, leaving my daughter at the top of the stairs to hand off those precious pieces we'd keep. We were so surprised at the amount of 'stuff' that was down there, it took us a few minutes to take it all in, undeterred, we started under the stairs, and uncovered a red Radio Flyer go-cart, a snow-sled that resembles the one from the Orson Welles movie "Citizen Kane" -- Rosebud; An old wire basket that held eggs in its former life, a Milk Maiden Can in pretty good condition, three old wooden Printer's Boxes all these were buried beneath seven picnic lounge chairs, picnic tables, an antique mahogany bed headboard, a Shabby Chic window framed mirror, and several pieces of wood that once held the promise of an ambitious project. Hubby relished this time recalling how most of these items made their way into our household by my say-so, and since this was one of those rare occasion where he is absolutely right, I let him have his fun. We had been detoxing beneath the stairs for almost two hours, when Hubby finds a large oval gold-leafed mirror (I swear that was there when we bought the house), he stops laughing for minute "You know, I bet we've got enough stuff here to help fund our 401K!"
Ha! You see Ladies, I know what I'm doing -- Craigslist, Ebay here I come!!
Initially, the proposition to detox the basement was met with the usual groans and moans, all of which I had expected, but I was armed Ladies, with pictures, ideas and possibilities this unused space of 13 years held, and welcomed all their suggestions. "A 42" flat-screen would really go great down there", says Hubby; "so would one of those pullout couches for sleepovers", my daughter chimes in. Great they were on-board. Still it would take several failed weekend attempts, before Hubby and I actually descended into the basement, leaving my daughter at the top of the stairs to hand off those precious pieces we'd keep. We were so surprised at the amount of 'stuff' that was down there, it took us a few minutes to take it all in, undeterred, we started under the stairs, and uncovered a red Radio Flyer go-cart, a snow-sled that resembles the one from the Orson Welles movie "Citizen Kane" -- Rosebud; An old wire basket that held eggs in its former life, a Milk Maiden Can in pretty good condition, three old wooden Printer's Boxes all these were buried beneath seven picnic lounge chairs, picnic tables, an antique mahogany bed headboard, a Shabby Chic window framed mirror, and several pieces of wood that once held the promise of an ambitious project. Hubby relished this time recalling how most of these items made their way into our household by my say-so, and since this was one of those rare occasion where he is absolutely right, I let him have his fun. We had been detoxing beneath the stairs for almost two hours, when Hubby finds a large oval gold-leafed mirror (I swear that was there when we bought the house), he stops laughing for minute "You know, I bet we've got enough stuff here to help fund our 401K!"
Ha! You see Ladies, I know what I'm doing -- Craigslist, Ebay here I come!!
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