Posted on May 26, 2008 @ 11:47 am - Written by BawldGuy
I’ve seen spontaneous welcome home airport scenes like this three separate times. Everyone of them had me wiping tears. The looks of surprise, gratitude, and pride in the soldiers’ faces was beyond powerful. There’s not a uniform in my field of sight that’s ever allowed to pass without a simple, “Thanks for your service.”
Wanna make your year? The next time you see a small (large?) group of soldiers in a restaurant, quietly pick up their tab. Do it anonymously, ‘cuz it’s about them, not us. Every opportunity to show our heartfelt appreciation should be acted upon.
You may never know the impact a simple act of appreciation might have on a returning soldier. They’ve more than earned our respect and admiration. Openly demonstrating our appreciation for the sacrifices they’ve made is, in my mind, an obligation we share as Americans, as we benefit from the freedom for which they put their lives on the line.
The first video is a much viewed airport scene of a spontaneous response to soldiers returning home.
The next video is, in my opinion, the all time best rendition of our Star Spangled Banner. At the end, when she’s walking off, watch and listen to the sound of freedom in a fly over. I’ve never heard it done better, and I’d like to hear your thoughts — on both videos.
Thanks you to all the military folks out there, and the veterans who’ve made my life of freedom possible. I’m forever in your debt.
Posted on May 25, 2008 @ 9:11 pm - Written by BawldGuy
A new Federal report is out, and the bottom line is — Texas rocks, Big Time.
I screamed from the mountain top last year that real estate investors should be following me to Austin. While most of the country is a net negative on values, they’re up nearly 8%. Clients who bought there are up over 2% since December for Heaven’s sake. Same goes for the whole Dallas-Fort Worth (known as the Metroplex)
You may have missed Austin, but you don’t have to miss what’s happening in a handful of other regions, and not only in Texas. Kansas City has some stellar opportunities, two of which I’m poring over now.
Once the holiday fun has worn off, get hold of me and let’s talk. This is the best buying opportunity I’ve personally seen in my career. It’s not even close.
Now, for today’s theme music. You gotta pick yerself up and roll on. Crank it up.
Posted on May 24, 2008 @ 8:24 pm - Written by BawldGuy
This past week, and throughout all of the coming week or two Brown and Brown clients have been and will be closing escrows. Every single client is acquiring multiple properties with 10-20% down payments — with a fixed rate of 6%.
Wait just a doggone minute here! Real estate investors can’t do that any more, can they? Ah, yeah, they can. I keep tellin’ you. Stop drinkin’ MSM’s (mainstream media) Kool-Aid. While from every corner we’re being told what we can’t do, we’ve been doin’ it.
I’ve had clients tell me right up ’till they get confirmation of closing, that the loan won’t materialize. “Hadn’t I been following the news lately?” Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on May 23, 2008 @ 11:23 pm - Written by BawldGuy
I have an appointment Saturday morning, then off for the weekend. When someone flies in from a couple thousand miles away, you make time for ‘em. Being from the Old School, I’ve always kept in mind that it’s about our clients, and not about us. Few things in life are more important than the successful outcome of a client’s Purposeful Plan for retirement. It’s at least on the A-List.
Since the NASDAQ tumble several years ago we see several people a year who’ve finally decided to move forward and make up for lost time and lost savings — sometimes a lifetime’s worth. I empathize with folks facing the challenge of traveling roads they thought they’d never see again. But like the bumper sticker says, (kinda sorta) Life Happens. We can either pick ourselves up, scream at the injustice and win bigger and better than ever, or wave the white flag and slink away.
I’ve met so many good people who’ve raised themselves higher than they were when Murphy struck. The next time out they changed three very important factors.
They created a Purposeful Plan instead of just investing ‘cuz it was better than not investing.
They funded a Sominex Account with a serious attitude of generosity — might’ve saved ‘em last time.
They brought on a knowledgeable, experienced real estate investment pro who’d already seen the movie a few times.
The best part is, we’re nearing the end of this latest market correction to end all market corrections. (Aren’t they all?) Our finds in Texas (Dallas area, Austin) and Kansas City (new stuff maybe) are superb opportunities to build the retirement for which you’ve always planned.
Take the first step toward makin’ that retirement a reality and contact me. Use the widget saying Contact BawldGuy — you can’t miss it. I’ll get back to you and your retirement will be that much closer to becoming the reality you’ve thought it could be — should be.
Meanwhile, back at BawldGuy Ranch, after my appointment tomorrow I’m comin’ home to make one of my famous three-day weekend sandwiches and kickin’ back. First the sandwich then the theme song for the next few days.
Posted on May 22, 2008 @ 10:06 pm - Written by BawldGuy
I was due for the conversation that transpired recently. A friend of a currently inactive client was a few days from entering into a tax deferred exchange. My client called me to ask if I’d talk with their friend about what they were doing and why. Not a problem.
After the conversation with her investor buddy, it occurred to me she had an immediate problem which was easily remedied, but a much larger problem that was systemic. Her tax pro was allowing her to enter into a classic delayed exchange when there was another obviously superior option.
In a nutshell, the investor had unused depreciation in an amount sufficient to offset a pretty impressive hunk of the capital gain she was deferring. In plain English? She’d be able to take out over 1/3 of her net proceeds in cash — without ever paying capital gains taxes. She’d accumulated massive unused depreciation as a result of being barred from using any of it against her ordinary income. (read: job income) Hence, the unused accumulated tax shelter.
By executing a tax deferred exchange (1031) sans the huge tax free cash exit, she’d have been penalizing herself. Read the rest of this entry »
