Charles's Blog

33  Collect Contract ClausesOne can learn about real estate contracts by studying those used by others.  Collect useful contracts and clauses such as long-form contracts, skinny contracts, non-compete and non-disclosure contracts, land contracts, options, leases, letters of intent, etc.  To begin...

31  Crank Up an Offer MachineOne real estate investor named Will Phillips created an offer-making system he used to create enough profit to buy a Lear jet.  Through an agent, he made dozens of offers a week on listed real estate 20-30% below the list price subject to his inspection of the propert...

29  Retain a Buyer BrokerBuyer-Brokers identify and negotiate real estate opportunities on behalf of buyers.  Find an investor-friendly buyer broker at a local real estate investment club or office.  Ask for the top producer, or develop a motivated new agent.  Explain your objectives, and direct ...

27  Be a Card CarrierBusiness cards can create brand recognition and motivate people to take action.  Use them when introducing yourself, distribute them freely at meetings, leave them in doorways, telephone booths, restaurants, drop them in shopping carts, post them on bulletin boards, etc.  Sta...

25  Recruit Bird DogsLike a hunter's canine friend, a real estate bird-dog is someone who "scares up" leads for an investor.  Prepare a short agreement outlining the type of leads you seek and compensation.  Pay per referral, per hour, per acquisition, or by profit sharing.  Recruit your children...

23  Acquire Auction "No-Sales"Sometimes, despite the auctioneer's best efforts, auction property fails to sell because of poor or good weather (bidders went to the beach,) timing, advertising typos, poor advertising budget, bidder default, title issues, etc.  Find the results of local real estate...

21  Attend Auctions Frequently (and Bid!)Billions of dollars in real estate is sold yearly at public auction.  With preparation, anyone who can raise a finger or nod can profit, even several times a week!  Get pre-approved for financing, select an auction to attend, determine your maximum bid, th...

  19  Record Your ResultsTime is your most valuable resource, so make your real estate investment prospecting as efficient as possible.  Refine the effectiveness of your marketing dollars by continually testing your strategies.  Ask prospects, "Where did you hear about me?"  Use the answer to det...

17  AdvertiseAdvertising makes the phone ring with real estate opportunities.  1) Select your target audience, 2) craft your message, 3) select the appropriate media, and then 3) tune the frequency with which your ad appears.  Set a budget, and then consider advertising by Word of Mouth, Print, R...

15  Think like a Motivated SellerSeveral reasons could motivate real estate owners to sell.  They might need money to pay debt, for a business venture, to finance their legal defense or prosecution, or for personal purchases.  They might be disgusted with the property, the local government, maint...