January 2009

Investment Exchange

An educational real estate newsletter

New Year Investment
Goals for 2009

Real estate investing is something that millions of people think about everyday ... and for good reason.

It's common to double or even triple your money in 90 days or less in real estate. You'd be hard-pressed to find a fund on Wall Street that guarantees that type of return on investment in such a short amount of time.

In fact, it's more than likely impossible.

So why don't more people take advantage of the seemingly endless opportunities around them and cash-in? It's simple: Potential flippers and investors don't know how or where to begin.

We're going to attempt to change that in this edition of "Investment Exchange," which we have dubbed "New Year Investment Goals for 2009."

In previous editions of this free educational newsletter, Foreclosure.com has explored the intricacies of numerous investment strategies, from foreclosures to shorts sales — and everything between — we've covered it all in great detail.

And if we didn't have enough space to explain it all we pointed you in the right directions.

To start 2009 we're going to go back to the basics, providing you and future big money earners with fresh starts. We want to remind you about the endless opportunities that are currently available right around the corner and at your fingertips (literally).

In addition, and perhaps more important, we want to ensure that we turn the "dreamers" out there — the ones who talk about starting lucrative real estate careers but never take the important first steps to get started — into "doers" who are familiar and comfortable with process.

That could define you!

And if that's the case then buckle your seatbelt ... we're about to take you for a wild real estate ride. This New Year, 2009, is teeming with opportunity — the likes of which we have not experienced in decades.

Let us show you how to capitalize on the amazing deals out there ... it's now or never!

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Site feature spotlight

Email alerts: Set it and forget it

In real estate, timing is everything.

Often just one day — or even a few hours — can mean the difference between huge profits and missed opportunities. This is especially true in today's market, which features several of the best real estate deals in a very, very long time.

It's possible, in fact, to now purchase bank-owned homes up to 70 percent off what they were valued at about two years ago. That's not a typo  ... it's the stone cold truth!

Lenders are being inundated with repossessed properties and will often accept rock-bottom prices just to get them off their books as quickly as possible.

This great news gets even better.

Foreclosure.com has direct relationships with many of the top lending institutions, as well as best data sources, in the nation. And we update our comprehensive database of more than 1.8 million distressed real estate listings at least twice each day.

What's that mean to you? It means that we are plugging fresh properties into our system constantly, giving you the very best investment opportunities from which to choose.

It's safe to say if you don't stay on top of all the deals and updates then you will more than likely miss out on incredible home prices.

Unless, of course, you sign-up to receive our FREE daily email listing alerts. We understand that it is sometimes hard to keep up with all the amazing bargains that we add to the site each day, including weekends and holidays.

Therefore, we want you to be the first one on the block to know about a hot listing as soon as it is loaded into the Foreclosure.com database.

Sign up to receive FREE email listing alerts today and let us do all the work — all you have to do is sit back and check your email inbox from time-to-time for incredible deals in your area.

It's that simple ... and there is no obligation. FREE email listing alerts are a critical (and important) step toward real estate investing because it will give you a daily update of all the activity in your target market.

Sign up now before it's too late. Email alerts take literally just a few seconds to set up thanks to our quick three-step process! Click here.

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Exclusive January
newsletter sponsor

williams & williams

worldwide real estate auction

Read more

Williams & Williams — a global auctioneer for all types of real estate — connects sellers and buyers direct to create value for both parties. The company focuses on increasing the net prices sellers realize while providing all buyers competitive bidding access, whether it's on location or online through Web-based auctions.

Williams & Williams has the ability to quickly facilitate the sale of real estate thanks in large part to separate sales divisions that serve the corporate, mortgage banking, employee relocation and trust industries.

In fact, Williams & Williams featured homes average a remarkable 35 days on market and just 30 days to closing with less than a 2 percent fall out for all transactions.

Home sales are held throughout the United States every month throughout all fifty states. Based in Tulsa, Okla. — with more than 100 years in the auction industry — Williams & Williams is a leader in sales volume and personnel.

Company co-founder Thomas L. Williams is the current President of the National Auctioneers Association, an organization that comprises over 6,000 of the nation's top auctioneers.

We are pleased to participate in a Foreclosure.com educational Webinar on February 26. Please register now for limited attendance. For more information please visit www.williamsauction.com.

Interested in sponsoring a future edition of Investment Exchange?
Email us today! Click here.

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Web site search tips

Saving for a
richer day

Foreclosure.com has developed a laundry list of neat and convenient Web site features that are designed to help you enhance your budding real estate business and/or alert you to the very best home deals in your area.

Our "Saved Listings" tool is among these brilliant resources because it allows you to conveniently highlight and save a significant amount of your favorite real estate listings for future reference.

Indeed, "Saved Listings" allows you to search our site quickly for the best deals in real estate without having to stop to write something down or bookmark a URL.

We track your preferred listings — all you have to do is highlight the properties you want to pursue with one simple click of a button. Foreclosure.com handles the rest, storing all of your potential leads in one convenient location.

And when you are ready to view all your "Saved Listings," just click on the "Saved Listings" link, which appears in the upper right-hand corner of your screen on the Foreclosure.com homepage.

From this location, you can also write notes about select listings and save them to your account. These can also be edited, updated and deleted at any time as the situations change for each listing.

Of course, this feature is designed for subscribers who are logged in and searching Foreclosure.com. The good news is that if you sign up for our FREE 7-day Trial you will be able to take advantage of this helpful feature, as well as enjoy complete access to our nationwide database of more than 1.8 million real estate listings.

We know ... some things in life just sound too good to be true. "Saved Listings," however, is the real deal.

To sign up for a Foreclosure.com FREE 7-Day Trial and see for yourself just what kind of difference "Saved Listings" can make click here. It's fast, simple and easy-to-use.

And while you're at it, set a goal for yourself to save a certain amount of listings each day during the free trial period. This will help you maximize your time on our site and give you a real deep pool of prospective properties to pursue when the time comes.

The more the better!

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Hot off the press

Foreclosures
are HOT — Find
them FREE!

Last month, the Associated Press ran a high-profile article that appeared all over the place, saying that Internet searches for foreclosures are hitting some insane levels.

That's of course a result of the defaults that are surging nationwide, which has created a massive amount of unbelievable real estate deals that have not been seen in a very long time if at all.

Smart homebuyers and investors are on the hunt for discounted real estate now more than ever. It makes total sense ... especially because the savings today are absolutely through the roof!

That hunt often begins online — more than 80 percent of homebuyers begin their homes searches on the Internet. And, according to the special report, Web surfers are riding their cyber waves right to the Foreclosure.com funnel of more than 1.8 million distressed real estate listings located throughout the United States.

Here's an excerpt:

"If popularity is any indicator, Foreclosure.com ... in the four weeks ended Dec. 13 received 26.5 percent of all online traffic visits after users searched Web sites for the word 'foreclosure.'"

That's a healthy chunk of a very big pie, considering there are sites that crop up everyday that claim to have the best data and foreclosure information.

The cream, however, always has a way of rising to the top.

Our success is the result of years of hard work — the Foreclosure.com family of companies has been around since 1999. In fact, we were among the first to offer distressed real estate listings online and have been the best ever since.

Put simply, we provide you with the very best property data and have since Day One, which is more than likely the reason behind our popularity and longevity.

We also offer first-time customers a FREE 7-Day Trial to let them test drive and experience the Foreclosure.com difference. Several find deals right away and unsubscribe without ever paying a single penny. Most, however, stick around for a very long time after finding their first investment homes or foreclosure bargains.

That fact is what speaks to the true value that Foreclosure.com and the unrivaled services that we provide investors and buyers everywhere.

The road to real estate riches can only begin if you get on it. So hop on once and for all. You'll be glad you did ... just like all our other satisfied customers.

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Our success stories

Than is the man

If pictures were literally worth a thousand words then Than Merrill would have an entire library of encyclopedias to his credit thanks to the minor miracles he is responsible for as a distressed property rehab specialist.

The funny thing is real estate wasn't always on his radar — he just decided to tackle it head-on when he saw the enormous upside to investing in and then flipping houses for big cash returns.

Than — star of A&E's hit television program "Flip This House" — is a graduate of Yale University. He originally had dreams to compete on the gridiron of the National Football League, playing two years of professional ball with the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

But with the average length of an NFL career at around just three and a half seasons, Than knew that he had to have a back-up plan. That's when he answered his true calling, transitioning to a career in real estate development.

His life hasn't been the same since.

Several years ago Than founded CT Homes, LLC and FortuneBuilders, Inc. with two of his childhood buddies. The trio set out with a modest goal of flipping a few properties to earn some fast cash.

In the process, they happened to create their own money-making empire.

Today, Than is one of the most successful and sought-after real estate investors in the nation. He is also a highly entertaining and informative national speaker who teaches investors around the country how to make more money in today's real estate market.

Than is known as the "king of marketing" when it comes to finding under market value properties. He currently buys about 10 properties every single month with an average profit margin of $27,000.00 each. He has bought and sold more than 350 properties throughout his successful career.

That's a pretty simple math problem to calculate ... you more than likely get the idea!

Than's strength lies in his unparalleled knowledge of real estate marketing, wholesaling and rehabbing, as well as his unwavering dedication to building business systems. As a result, his company is a multi-million dollar business with over 17 professionals under Than's leadership.

Than's systems are some of the most advanced in the industry and his students around the country are experiencing unheard of success by using the systems he teaches. Than's mantra is derived from the belief that "Business Process Automation" is the key to ensuring guaranteed success in any marketplace.

He is totally committed to helping you obtain financial freedom by teaching them the principles of smart investing. And he often shares his thoughts and strategies in Foreclosure.com interactive online workshops!

That's right ... you get to listen and learn from Than right from your own computer! To check out Than in action right now watch his Foreclosure.com Webinar presentation entitled, "Make $20,000 While You Sleep." It's a powerful presentation.

Than currently resides in New Haven, Conn., where he runs his real estate investment office. In addition, Than is a national speaker for many real estate investment clubs around the country and has shared the platform with some of the top speakers in the country.

We could talk about Than until we are blue in the face, telling you just how dynamic and innovative he really is when it comes to real estate. Fortunately, we don't have to do that because his track record speaks volumes.

And you can check out the shocking transformations for which he is responsible for on Foreclosure.com right here. These are some of the most drastic "before and after" results you will ever see.

Worth a thousand words each for sure  ... and much, much more.

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Real estate tips

What property type is right for you?

Foreclosure.com has incredible real estate deals that can save you up to 50 percent or more on a future home or investment.

That means that you can save BIG on foreclosures, preforeclosures, sheriff sales, bankruptcies, tax liens and FSBOs across the country every day on Foreclosure.com. And you can do it all with our FREE 7-Day Trial.

But what is the difference between these various property types? More important, which of them should you spend time pursuing?

The simple answer is that there is no best type of foreclosure to buy. All three types (i.e. foreclosure, preforeclosure and sheriff sale) in the process have great profit potential. Therefore, the decision has to be based on what type foreclosure investing best suits your personality or investment preference.

Bankruptcies, tax liens and FSBOs — the other listing types featured in our database — are a little more involved. So, for the purposes of this newsletter, which is to get you familiar and comfortable with distressed real estate, we will focus primarily on the "Big Three" foreclosure opportunities available to you.

Below are descriptions of the three different foreclosure stages, as well as several key points to consider when interested in them.

Preforeclosure

This is the phase when a homeowner defaults on his or her mortgage payments and the lender initiates legal action to begin the foreclosure process. A property is considered to be in preforeclosure until either it is sold prior to a sheriff sale, at a sheriff sale or the default is brought current by the homeowner.

Key points to consider in this stage:

• You must work directly with the homeowner
• All existing debt remains on the property
• You can buy these properties with a $10 deposit
• You could profit even more by buying junior liens at a discount

Sheriff Sale

This is the phase when homes in default are scheduled to be auctioned off by the respective lenders at public sales. These are often held either at the local courthouse, in front of the property or at an auctioneer's office. The actual location varies by county and state. It's one of many methods that lenders leverage to liquidate their real estate inventory to get it off their books as soon as possible.

Key points to consider in this stage:

• You must work with the foreclosure attorney
• You may have to compete with other bidders at the sale
• You must have a large cash deposit (up to 10 percent of the winning bid) or all cash

Foreclosure

This is the phase when a property that was not sold at the sheriff sale to an investor or homebuyer is taken back by the lender. Since lenders are not in the business of managing properties, they are usually very interested in selling them as quickly as possible. A foreclosure is also referred to as a Real Estate Owned (REO).

Key points to consider in this stage:

• You most often must work with the lender
• It is not as easy to flip REOs nearly as easily as preforeclosures
• Banks sometimes will want all-cash and require proof of financing
• Banks sometimes will offer special financing on the properties
• Banks sometimes will not let you assign contracts

Armed with this information, let's now determine which type of foreclosure is best for you, which, as stated above, really comes down to personal preference, as well as time commitment.

For example, if you feel that there is no way you could approach homeowners to offer to buy their properties because you are just too uncomfortable, then you should focus on sheriff sales and foreclosures.

If you prefer not to compete with a bunch of investors (or homebuyers) at the auction, or if you don't have a flexible enough schedule that allows you to attend auctions, then you should focus on preforeclosures and foreclosures. Also, if you don't feel comfortable negotiating with banks for their properties then you should consider preforeclosures and sheriff sales.

The bottom line here is that the decision is really up to you. And over time as you begin to pursue and close deals you'll soon realize which investment strategy works best.

Still not sure or need a little more guidance about what path to travel down?

We've got you covered ... as usual.

Most of this information was taken from "Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures," which gives you all the tools you need and step-by-step instructions on how to find, analyze, negotiate and purchase real estate foreclosures at discounted prices with little or no money.

The comprehensive six-CD audio course is packed with educational information and resources that ensures first-time and experienced real estate flippers alike pocket as much cash as possible investing in foreclosures.

To learn more about "Get Rich Buying Real Estate Foreclosures" click here.

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Linda's Learning Lane

Be Proactive, Get Energized

"The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them."

— Denis Watley

Each January, you probably hear a lot about goal setting and new resolutions. That's because a new beginning is always a great way to jump-start your motivation in every aspect of your life.

Here's a fact: If you write down your goals the propensity of them getting conquered actually goes up more than 50 percent.

Those are fantastic odds.

Even if you take 30 minutes out of your life to think about what it is you want to achieve and accomplish — and write it all down — you will be amazed at what goals you will be able to complete.

In short, being proactive energizes, while being reactive sucks energy away!

So what is your first real estate-related resolution for 2009 and beyond?

Foreclosure.com already provided you with a great possibility earlier in this newsletter, which is to sign up for our FREE email listing alerts.

This is such a great way to stay up on the available inventory in your neighborhood — we can't stress enough just how much of a difference the alerts can make.

To sign up without obligation right now click here.

Networking is another great way to increase your opportunity, connecting with others to achieve your personal and professional goals. It is also a great way to kick-off your real estate investing goals.

There is an old saying that if we look for ways to meet others' needs often our own are met threefold. I also read once that networking can add 40 additional years to our lives.

Once again, while not scientific, those are fantastic odds.

It's in our nature to interact with other human beings. However, for some reason, the thought of networking can be scary to some.

The good news is that if you are proactive and practice in every new situation you enter you will begin to feel more comfortable. Accordingly, by communicating to others what type of real estate deals you are interested in the likelihood of more opportunities will arise.

Indeed, the more personality types you encounter and can connect to, the more successful you will be in all aspects of your life, including real estate.

So as you set goals this year also be sure to create a scorecard. List out the following areas:

• Mental — What can you do to stimulate your mental capacity building a positive attitude and an open mind?
• Physical — What can you do to improve your diet, exercise, sleep patterns and activity level?
• Spiritual — Are you experiencing personal gratitude in your life and, if not, what steps can you take to go about fixing it?
• Family — Does your family feel your devotion and are you active with their individual lives?
• Career — Are you experiencing satisfaction and growth? Do you take time for vacations?
• Financial — Are you saving or are you debt free? If you were to experience a change in your financial environment would you be able to weather the storm?
• Social — Do you have the reputation you want? Are you happy with the friendships you have? Are they positive and uplifting?
• Lifestyle — Do you laugh daily? Are you experiencing a healthy stress-free life? Are you joyful?

Yes, there are a lot of balls that we have to juggle to experience a balanced life ... especially when you write them down. But that is the key because it ensures that you don't leave something out or neglect it altogether.

If this list is overwhelming then take time to list out what is most important for you to accomplish and achieve first and foremost. Once you have achieved this goal, cross it off and make new ones.

Your list should never be complete!

Keep in mind that you don't have to wait for the beginning of a new year to create goals and evaluate your life. The most successful people in the world are always evaluating where they are at, where they want to be and what it will take to get there.

And so should you!

I know that if you commit to you, life will amaze and new real estate opportunities will arise that you could have never imagined before.

Good luck on this journey!

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