All Forum Posts by: Ali Samana

Ali- I've posted before about 2 areas I deal in. SO TX and SWFL. I've seen tightening of both markets. I see lots of negative reports for many areas like vegas, phoenix etc., but I don't deal there.
In so TX, I have 100% occupancy in my sfrs9 about 40. I also have a subdivision that I just received an unsolicited offer to purchase. I've started 4 new Model Homes and have interest from buyers. That is the reason for the bullish on TX.
In SWFL, I bought a good size self storage facility almost a year ago. For those to do well, people have to be MOVING. Buyer or seller, doesn't matter. I've seen 3 months straight with good increase in occupancy and net gain on income. Last month was a 7% increase, which is amazing.
In SWFL, I've also been attending the foreclosure auctions on line. Have yet to "win" a bid. The lenders are buying most of them back and then selling on the market for higher prices. Selling prices are up probably 10-15% (est.) over last year in some areas with lower priced homes.
For these reasons, I'm bullish on both areas, although I'm bearish on the economy in general. Rich

Thanks for the reply Rich. I love being in TX for the reasons you stated above. Although, we are feeling the downturn this time around. The home buyer tax credit expiration hit us pretty hard here.

Are you having to do anything different as far as marketing for your homes (sales)? I used a L/O to broaden the buyer pool.

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Joe,

I get exactly what you are saying. There are a couple of deals that I have walked away from this year because of my gut feeling.

If I have a negative gut feeling I sleep on it to make sure that its not just jitters or cold feet. If it persists than I walk away.

Hope it works out.

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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Sales-of-previously-occupied-apf-3783620294.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=main&asset=&ccode=

Home sales fell 5.1% last month and they are likely to continue falling. How are things in your market? Do you see any improvement in the near future?

What are you doing to market your properties more effectively in this market? Any strategies?

1 Vote

I would do it. The information that you learn hands on could be priceless. If it is going to be a waste of your time, you would find out fairly shortly.

1 Vote

http://money.cnn.com/video/fortune/2010/07/19/f_forever_stamps_sloan.fortune/?source=cnn_bin&hpt=Sbin

A funny video about an "investment" vehicle giving a better return than the stock markets. Watch and enjoy!

1 Vote

Thank you all for the nice comments. It has definately been a change in lifestyle and I am enjoying every bit of it :)

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Originally posted by Financexaminer:

Hi, we do still exist. It really ticks off many who are trying to charge for mentoring or coaching, especially those with limited experience, when someone has maybe over thirty five years of experience and they offer to help newbies for free....lol, but there are some out there.

I suggest you never pay anyone for services up front, no matter what they claim. Many are simply working the students instead of the market themselves.

Think about it, why should someone who has been in the business for 7 years or less go beat the bushes when they can get newbies to do it for them, split deals when a deal does come along and have the newbie pay them to boot?

But, I must admit, these types of mentors might be retired, just paying it back and they can't really be with you 24/7, or even 8 for 5. People starting out need to find someone local to work.

Pal around with a Realtor who knows the ropes, trade his time for yours, put signs out for them, take pictures for them and help them while you learn. Knowing what a Realtor must do is not a bad thing for a newbie investor to know! Good luck finding one! Bill

Excellent Post Bill! Mentors are not meant to be "bought". Mentors are someone that takes a vested interest in your success. A person that wants 25k up front (because law school costs more) is unsure of your future otherwise he would want a small piece :)

Consultants can be hired. It might be beneficial to hire consultants but you have to know their limitations and know that they are always going to try and sell you their next level "mentorship".

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Tom, thanks for the feedback. I do disagree with you because I have seen instances of the opposites. I have never bought a real estate course for a 1k. I have read many books and buy alot of audio CDs. I have never paid for a "mentor" and I am doing deals. I have also met/talked with people who have spent over 25k+ in "education" and never do a deal.

At the end of the day, I would say that if a person is not motivated enough to seek out the information he will not be motivated enough to go through with a deal. Education takes time, and so does Real estate.

Just my .02

1 Vote

Mark Great thread:

1. Golf (I don't go too often, and I stink at the game)

2. No Limit Hold'em. Typically I am up so this does pay me a little bit. Planning on playing in the main event in either 2011 or 2012.

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All Forum Posts by: Ali Samana

Ali Samana has started 38 posts and replied 334 times.

Post: An "investment" better than stocks?

Post: Home sales falling...and to continue falling

Post: Gut Instinct?

Post: Home sales falling...and to continue falling

Post: Looking for a Mentor? (this is not a solicitation)

Post: An "investment" better than stocks?

Post: Re-defining my "Why" for success...

Post: So-called mentors

Post: Talk me out of this course

Post: Hobbies you enjoy that DONT get you paid