How Would The California Real Estate Investor Describe Their Local Market?
Posted on June 7, 2008 @ 10:21 pm - Written by BawldGuy
Hat tip to Chris Griffith.
The CA market ain’t no friend of mine. Listening San Diego? 
When Does A Retirement Become A Fantasy Instead Of A Reality Waiting For The Right Time?
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.
You can improve what now may seem a harsh retirement. Read the rest of this entry »
Filed in Purposeful Planning, Check This Out, Retirement, 401(k)'s & IRA's, Goals | 6 Comments »
Please — Let’s All Show Our Appreciation Whenever We’re Blessed With The Opportunity
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.
Filed in Check This Out, Sez Me, Weekend Thoughts | 4 Comments »
It’s Both Incredibly Exhilarating And Humbling Being Around So Much Brilliance
Posted on May 18, 2008 @ 11:38 pm - Written by BawldGuy
As I wrote earlier this week, I’m in Phoenix for Unchained. Though I’m an ‘instructor’ here, their word, not mine, the opportunity to learn is almost overwhelming. I’m not a tech guy by any stretch of the imagination, but some of these folks? If I studied what they did for a year, I still wouldn’t no what they’ve forgotten. You can’t put a value on that, ‘cuz if you did, nobody could afford it.
It affects how I do business and the value I’m able to offer my clients. It’s a huge deal. Already there are folks showing me how to bring Brown and Brown’s service to higher and more effective levels — always a good thing. We’re always looking to improve what we deliver to our clients. Good enough, simply isn’t good enough, know what I mean, Verne?
Our main concern is always measured in terms of end results for our clients. Let’s just say I’m jazzed within an inch of my life after what I’ve seen and heard today. And there are still a couple days left. We’re gonna get even better.
Very cool.
Though I’m on the agenda for Tuesday morning, it pales in comparison to the learning I’ve been afforded here. I’d love to walk away after my turn in the barrel knowing I was at least able to match the Gold Standard set so far.
I don’t know who the smartest person in the room is, but it certainly hasn’t been me. Some of these tech people make me feel like Forrest Gump’s slow little brother. Geez.
Talk with you tomorrow.
Filed in Check This Out, Weekend Thoughts, Real Estate Brokerage, Off The Cuff | 2 Comments »
Friends & Followers — I’ll Be Twittering To Real Estate Investors Everywhere
Posted on May 15, 2008 @ 9:17 pm - Written by BawldGuy
For those of you out there who already ‘twitter’, you know what I’m talking about. I just embraced it today — as I’ve been badgered by friends and colleagues for months to hop on the twitter bandwagon. What’s twitter you ask? It’s a kinda sorta cross between using IM (instant messaging) blogging, and texting. Yer limited to 140 characters per twitter.
In other words ya gotta be pretty brief. People use twitter for many reasons. One is to ‘follow’ somebody’s messages. Let’s say yer a baseball player and want to follow whatever your coach says on twitter. You make yourself a follower, and whatever the coach says shows up on either your IM, browzer, cell phone, or all three.
Caveat: Twitter can become a distraction. Used for gathering solid info, it’s golden. Be aware of what side of that line yer on. It’s addicting to say the least.
I’m still barely crawling with it so what I’ve told you so far is probably less than many of you have forgotten already. Be patient, as I’ll be twittering during the day, making comments on various markets, interest rates, specific properties, and whatever else strikes me as important or interesting info.
Not surprisingly, my screen name is BawldGuy — Duh.
I hereby invite you to be my friend, as I would like to be yours. If you choose to follow me, all the better. If you haven’t heard of twitter yet, just go to their website and look around.
Here’s an example of a twitter I’ll probably be sending over the weekend.
@BawldGuy — I’ll be speaking at the Unchained conference in Phoenix. I’m up Tuesday morning.
OR
@BawldGuy — Ironically, twitter experts will be speaking during Monday’s lunch at Unchained.
Also, if you have a question, don’t be shy. Use twitter. If you have a question, yer probably not the only one. I may answer it here, or ask you to email me so as to do your question real justice. I’m looking at this as another tool.
Anyone out there have any experience with twitter they’d like to share?