http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/707-creative-real-estate-investing Creative Real Estate Investing at BiggerPockets.com http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/707/blog_posts/3082-the-art-of-the-transaction-and-the-responsibility-of-trust http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/707/blog_posts/3082-the-art-of-the-transaction-and-the-responsibility-of-trust <p><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"> <div style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: #ffffff; font: normal normal normal 13px/19px Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; background-position: initial initial; padding: 0.6em; margin: 0px;"> <p>You would think that as a full-time investor, buying and selling deals everyday would become "routine" and that at some point you could just run your business by going through the motions, &nbsp;time and time again. &nbsp;I am sure there are some investors that operate like that. &nbsp;Even more so, I'm sure that this mindset is common among residential retail agents. &nbsp;But as I contemplate this idea, I realize how differently Robert and I operate our business.</p> <p>Every transaction that takes place is like a fingerprint, never exactly identical to another. &nbsp;Especially in today's market we've had to force ourselves to be creative with financing and structuring deals. &nbsp;Every renovation presents its own challenges and surprises, and each bank seller has its own guidelines and restrictions (however ridiculous and frustrating they may be).</p> <p>Most importantly (in our wholesale deals), every end buyer is different. &nbsp;Each one has his or her own expectations, questions, and fears - especially our novice investors. &nbsp;We aim to make sure that each deal is&nbsp;<em style="font-style: italic;">personalized</em>, ties in with the individuals financial goals,&nbsp;<em style="font-style: italic;">&nbsp;</em>and is a good fit for the investors who put their faith in us. &nbsp;An investor who has a good experience buying their first property, will call us again for another investment.</p> <p>I have heard my husband, in reference to some other wholesalers, use the term "slinging deals". &nbsp;One guy finds a foreclosed meth lab shot -gun house in a war-zone zip code that will NEVER rent for $5k &nbsp;and "slings the deal" to another guy 5 states away who doesn't know any better for a HUGE markup. &nbsp;First guy wins, second guy comes out a big loser. &nbsp;We see or hear about examples like this on a weekly basis.</p> <p>You can "sling a deal" and take your cash, or you can cater to your end buyers and give them and the attention and the honesty they deserve - then, you have your cash&nbsp;<em style="font-style: italic;">and&nbsp;</em>you&nbsp;keep a faithful client who will continue to invest with you time and time again.</p> <p>Client trust is our most fragile and most important responsibility. &nbsp;The profits come automatically when we establish the "win-win" situations. &nbsp;And then we move on to the next unique deal and undoubtedly the next great learning experience.</p> <p>View my complete blog at: &nbsp;<a href="http://sfeol.wordpress.com/">http://sfeol.wordpress.com</a></p> </div> </span></p>