Don't be that person...

It's Tuesday 8:00 A.M. and I am about to head out to good ol Down Town Houston for my first Tax Sale Auction. Now, I am no where near ready for bidding, but what better way to get familiar with it all than by going to one of these and trying to get more useful information? 

So far the extent of my Tax Sale knowledge can be summed up by having read the 16% Solution, called around to Law Firms, County Clerk & District Clerk while simultaneously researching and finding some "Clues" online.  I plan on attending 30 to 45 minutes earlier for registration and of course networking. It's all uphill for me at this time but exciting to see it all unfold. As long as I keep taking action in it. 

A few things I have figured out. I recommend doing the same if you are also in the process of learning all about the magical world of Real Estate and feel lost or not sure where to start.

1.) Do your own research and due diligence as much as you can. Don't fall for hyped up marketing ploys, to good to be true ads and products or stories of others that don't really have a tangible track record. It's called "Shiny object syndrome". It's always promises of great things but the middle most important meaty part that shows how it's done is never accessible. Hmmm I wonder why.... Just start, take notes, get your questions and keep moving forward. It won't all make sense but eventually those questions will get answered and the blur will become clear. 

2.) Have your questions and be ready. Seriously... I have seen so many that are just "feeling it out". Take time to do it right from the beginning, if not you are just meddling in it, cutting corners and doing yourself a disservice. In the end you feel empty and like you didn't really do or get anywhere, which makes it easier to give up. It's like skydiving... do you know how long you have to prep before you jump, only to experience 10 minutes of bliss? 3 to 4 hours. Would you be as exhilarated to jump if you didn't know what the heck you need to do?  If you are serious, get serious, do the work, be ready and show it. 

3.) Don't be the information sucking, fake smile " I like your shirt", compliment person that only does so to try to get answers for your benefit out of people. Help others even if you don't know what the heck you are doing ( Like myself in this current time). Still be of value in some way and keep doing your research... don't expect a handout. Reciprocate. Show appreciation. Invite for coffee or lunch. Send a thank you card. There are folks out there that will be willing to give some time, even 30 minutes if they see you are willing to do the right kind of work. Plus, who wouldn't be honored to see that they can inspire others along the way. 

4.) Get the excuses out of your head. I have been there. I start something that sounds exciting and then as I progress I find myself not fully being present in it because I would rather be doing something else. If this is the case then perhaps what you are doing isn't for you or you have the procrastination monkey inhabiting your mind. Make a decision and stop failing yourself. 

There is so much more that can be said, learned, applied etc... these are just the key things that have helped me that can be used for improvement and realization. The point is to keep taking action and it will fall into place. Even when you hit major road blocks. 

Andrea S.