Santafegal's Journal - Day #1 Sunday

Good for you Melissa. I too am just starting my journey. I know this system will work, we just need to BELIEVE!
I wish you well, and keep us posted on your success.

I'm sitting here listening to the next 3 audios while I write this, and I'm so encouraged by Dean's positive, enthusiastic cheerleading.

Had a bit of a restless night, so I appreciated watching Dean's blog #118 on how to organize using the yellow pad. And now as I listen to the audios, the message of just doing one thing today, to start rings clear. Specifics presented on the 3/17/09 conference call with Greg Murphy was really helpful, as well. He encourages us to build that buyers list first.

So,I will try to design my fliers today. Also, I must admit, I'm getting a little frustrated with website right now. I'm trying to get a feel for sniffing out foreclosures and all the websites want to charge me. I thought I had access to Dean's foreclosure finder as a person who has purchased his book, so I contacted the Help Desk. Hopefully, this will be resolved or if anyone has suggestions on approaching sites. Craigslist is also a little daunting. But I'll keep exploring.

Actions
Watched Blog #118
Listened to audios 3/17/09, 9/30/09, and 10/22/09
Researching websites

Thanks alisplace for your encouragement. We should keep in touch.

I am new also but I have been blessed I read and study deans meteial every day I don'tcare what anybody says about it this is my life I live it my way I prayed for direction then I saw dean on TV I told myself to believe no matter what was in the book I was determained to do what it said i have been doing that for the past 9 weeks or so I just got the backing from a family member to the tune of 25,ooo dollars to invest . just because they could see how seroius I am about this journey . DON'T BE AFRAID tELL THE WORLD you do good by the light of the day to me it isn't something to be afraid to show or tell dazle them with your insight you open doors you never even knew were there with your confidence JUst read the book listenand learn most important PUT WINGS ON YOUR DREAMS let them fly like dean said shoot for the moon even if you fall short YOU WILL STILL BE A STAR
BEST OF LUCK
YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU BELIEVE
STEVE

Hi Steve,
Thank you so much for the encouragement. Wow, $25K. That's great. I'll be posting my progress today, but I appreciate you reminding me about reading Dean's book. Incidentally, what do all the symbols mean near your username? I've always been curious. Have you developed your buyers list? That's what I'm concentrating on. Are you organized that you have business cards and have named your "investing business." I worry about the details to have business cards ready especially if I'm engaging people as to potential buyers. Am I over worrying?
Thanks,
Melissa

So happy that it is March 1, a hint of spring to come. I started my DG work with watching Dean's video from his Your Town Real Estate Profit promotion and the 3 specific ways to develop a buyers list. Then I got on Google to try and find REI clubs in my area. I found one and did sign up to attend a meeting next week - a bit scary. I also signed up on another REI club's website to listen to a free audio presentation. I've been too much in front of the computer, so I'm going to start my re-read of Dean's book. My biggest hurdle is focusing my energy on progress when I am also looking for a job. At this point, I'm unemployed and while it is providing me the time to do the real estate work, it's really frightening. But, I am encouraged by all the support of other DG members. I really want to give this a go and to avoid the rat race I've been in for 30 years.

You are amazing!!

We've missed you for almost 2 yrs. WoW, where have you and what have you been doing?

How have you been getting by without a job for 2yrs-must be tough.

Keep us updated and use this website for ALL the info you'll need.

Best Wishes,

Mike

Thanks Mike for your concern. Luckily, I have been collecting unemployment...and some side line work helping students find the right college.

I'm trying to stick with my commitment to write in this journal. I might be off the what day I did what but after my 3rd post I spent a lot of time researching on the internet. This is still a bit confusing because many of the links, foreclosures.com, etc. want you to pay a fee. I'd like to keep a bookmark list of the most productive sites that can help. In my area (CT)I found the internet version of public records which many of you probably know about, but this is free and did show me what was in foreclosure. I'm just trying to get acquainted with how to read all the information. I also found 2 REI clubs and signed up to go to their monthly meeting that is scheduled for next Tuesday. I also felt proud that I drove past one of the foreclosures which will go to auction on 3/12. I plan to attend just to get used to what it feels like. I hope to collect some buyer names. I will review Dean's approach shared on one of the videos.

Action Steps
-reading another chapter in Profits - it's raining
-checking into real estate agents - I had a realtor who dealt with the renting out of my property when I lived elsewhere. I don't believe he is hungry enough. I feel that I need someone who is not so bogged down by traditional ways.

My best to all. Thanks for reading my posts and giving encouragement. I also read through all of Jen Gray's journal. Excellent specifics. Wish I could be in her REI club.
Melissa

Confession - Didn't design any flyers and didn't get to Dean's book but I can't beat myself up. I'm proud that I told a girlfriend what my intentions are - real estate investing. She's a wonderfully supportive, positive person.

Action Steps
-Listened to Dean's weekly blog #119 - Falling off the tricycle
-Read a veteran's journal and a newbie's. I want to reach out to my fellow new investors
-OK, go read that chapter

A suggestion to all those starting. If you are a detailed person like me, try to record what blogs or audios you have watched. I found that I didn't list specifically what audio or blog I watched and couldn't remember where to go to hear them again - a lot of information to absorb. I sometimes find myself getting too into every detail, trying to be thorough, and it all balls up into "what do I do first?" People speak of going to REI club meetings (I am supposed to attend my first tomorrow night), then I worry that I don't have a company name or business cards. As I write this I realize that I have some Staples business cards and will do this now. Gotta go. Thanks for reading.
Melissa

You are going to do well with your journey.

Steve.

Thanks Steve and Veronica. You seem to give support to so many. How do you find the time?

Anyway, been away from DG site for a bit, but feel good that I went to foreclosure auction only to find out that it had been canceled. Eventhough I had hoped to make some contacts, the lawyer who I happened to know talked to me for some time. I told him that I was thinking about getting into real estate investing (my first mention to a professional). I even gave him one of my business cards. As many have said, be careful of naysayers. He recommended estate sales. At least he has my card and he was interested. I also shared my intentions with another friend whose husband is a contractor - trying to build my team. I need to build a buyers list because I'm still afraid of using any of my money.

Will read lots of entries on DG site today.
M.

Just wanted to say thanks to Rina. I read her entire 2nd journal today and now listening to audio 12/17. I need the suggestions on creating a buyers list.

Thanks for listening.
Melissa