Posted on July 1, 2008 @ 12:35 am - Written by BawldGuy
How many times have we been out to breakfast, looking at a menu showing mouth watering pictures of fresh squeezed orange juice? You know the one — a pitcher of juice surrounded by the most perfect oranges the Good Lord ever made? Then while leaving you pass the kitchen and see them mixin’ up another batch, throwing away the frozen concentrate. Hey, those oranges were fresh at some point, right?
It’s all about expectations, isn’t it? I’ve spoken to investment clubs, and the experience generally falls into three categories.
Newish club so mostly newbie investors — great questions, solid response
More mature club, a few ‘leaders’, one of which I inadvertently cross while talking
The ‘1 in 10′ club, interested only in real info, in depth detail, real expertise and advice
After a conversation yesterday with a long time client, I’ve decided what the heck, it might be time to revisit clubs. She recounted a recent trip outa state to her see her brother. They’re both seasoned investors, and he took her a meeting of the local club. She’d told them during a break about how we do things at Brown and Brown, and that we used to speak to clubs like theirs. Read the rest of this entry »
Posted on June 28, 2008 @ 11:58 pm - Written by BawldGuy
A few times yearly a positive perfect storm hits where I live. It happened today. Getting ready for a big family deal 60 miles up the 15, I messed around all day. The exception was a very cool conversation with a ridiculously smart young guy whose advice I’m considering. I say he’s smart, but he lives in the Phoenix area on purpose. I guess different strokes, etc., right?
Anyway, I went through the whole day gleefully anticipating the family deal — and never once, not even a hint of a thought about writing something semi-intelligent. Oh well. Life goes on, and something tells me your lives didn’t change ‘cuz I forgot to put on my real estate investment dude hat on. The family party? The best ever. Everyone had their sharpest double edged swords out. Haven’t laughed like that in a long time. I was cut to pieces, but got my share in too. The Glenlivet was smooth as always, and The Boss was lookin’ hot hot hot.
On an absolutely unrelated note, if you’ve heard of twitter.com you can follow me. I’ll be, ah, @bawldguy — duh. If you haven’t heard of twitter, check it out.
I’ll be back in spades tomorrow though, and that’s a promise.
Here’s some music designed to put a cool twist on the weekend, and smooth everything over. Blasts from the past. Even Lani’s gotta like these two.
Posted on June 22, 2008 @ 6:16 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Each year that goes by, more and more real estate investors holding San Diego income property are beginning to see the light. Information is so easily obtained these days, it’s hard not to, isn’t it? At what point do ya throw in the towel, asking yourself who to believe? Speaking for myself, I can’t look people in the eye and tell them San Diego is the place for their real estate investment capital. I need my eight hours a night.
Besides, how do ya think they feel when coming across a well located Texas property offering roughly the same income as theirs, but selling for half as much give or take? Not to mention the other property isn’t a fossil yet. In fact, most of what they’re seeing is new to only 5-10 years old. “Geez, I could own 2-4 times what I have now, and not have to manage it myself.” Yep.
Sounds good to me. Take some time and give a listen to some of podcasts here. Then, if the spirit moves ya, get ahold of me and we’ll figure out what your next move might be. Sometimes, even for San Diego income property owners, the next move is no move.
Next time a local guy tries telling you how super San Diego investment property’s gonna be again, think of this, ‘cuz they ain’t tellin’ ya true. Notice how the ‘go-go’ dancers have evolved over the years. Wow.
Posted on June 1, 2008 @ 10:57 pm - Written by BawldGuy
This question haunts me sometimes. It’s understandable ‘cuz the stories folks tell me can bring on a strong and unwanted sense of helplessness. When people find themselves in their 50’s and realize their retirement isn’t gonna come close to what they planned 20-something years ago, panic can set in. The Wall Street Journal published a story 3-4 years ago. Among other things, it said the average American man, at 57, had less than $60,000 in his 401(k), a home with a mortgage, and hope that Social Security wouldn’t be in the history books as an idea that failed.
Given decent health and a ‘can do’ attitude, you can significantly improve that picture. Does the above describe you? Don’t despair. But do act quickly, ‘cuz as you might have already surmised, time ain’t yer friend at this point. You need to muster up some good old fashioned gumption, and get into gear — overdrive would be preferred. Your original fantasy might not be in the cards now, but you can sure make a new one come true.
