Press Release - SJREI 7th Anniversary

Popular Real Estate Market Timing Expert to Speak at the 7th Anniversary of Highly Regarded Investor Group.

On Thursday, May 7th, at 6:30pm, economist and real estate timing expert Robert Campbell, will be the Guest Speaker at the 7th Anniversary meeting of the San Jose Real Estate Investors Association (SJREI). For over 25 years, Mr. Campbell has examined which market factors play a significant role in moving property values, providing the real estate investor a reliable 6 month pricing forecast, and most importantly, he says, helping them "avoiding disaster".

SJREI Association founder and president, Geraldine Barry, established this organization seven years ago with the goal of creating an organization to help others become more effective investors. The monthly meetings are atypical in that they specifically focus on the business of real estate investing - rather than selling expensive books and programs. SJREI provides current information, cutting edge market analysis, trend identification and opportunities so that the average investor can benefit from this critical information to minimize risk and maximize profit. This is a very active Association with all levels of investors participating which makes it interesting and informative for those who attend.

Prior to the meeting a wine reception is planned at 6:30pm, providing an opportunity for attendees to network, with one of SJREI's most popular speakers on a very timely topic. Tickets are $20 and are available on-line by visiting the web site: www.sjrei.net.

Foreclosure Radar

Sean O'Toole from Foreclosure Radar presented to the SJREI Association last night in Foster City. He shared some facinating data surprising us with the news that we should not expect an avalanche of foreclosures, ultimately turning into REO properties. That does not mean there will be very few, just a continual stream over several years. His thoughts were that banks would rather hold on to defaulted loans than defaulted properties as government intervention is assisting to keep them afloat. If they hold on to these inventories they can get more assistance long-term (at tax payer expense!) and have no reason to panic, and release large inventories fueling further declines in prices.

His suggestion that all loans should be modified thereby eliminating the need for people to walk away because they are upside down, or because they could not afford the payment. This would simply wipe out a ton of equity, but would leave the market open for a recovery without having so many home owners displaced. Additionally, no more tax dollars would have to be spent and we could move forward to recovery. Interesting but banks could never feel safe again with loaning money and capitalism is not allowed to thrive...food for thought.

Here is a link for the Power Point that Sean used last night. Enjoy!

Motivation Test

Take this motivational test to determine in a couple of minutes what drives you, or the people that work for you, or even those in your family.  If you have ever taken the Myers-Briggs personality test it is time consuming, and really requires interpretation by an expert. That is not the case with this test.  It was developed by Tamara Lowe who puts on the very popular Success Seminars in cities throughout the country, with her husband Peter Lowe.  She recently hosted one here  in San Jose.  This test is featured in her newly released book Get Motivated!

I will not hire anyone again without having them take this so I can have a impartial party tell me the strengths of the individual.  People can do a great job interviewing - this is a second opinion a little insurance policy. Some people are motivated by money,  other flexibility, still others want to freedom to manage their own projects, some value time off.  It is important to understand what motivates people if you manage teams, work mates, family members etc.  I found it interesting and informative, I hope you do also.

http://www.getmotivatedbook.com/bookbonuses/

SJREI 7th Anniversary in May

We are celebrating our 7th anniversary next month. Given that so many real estate investment organizations have gone belly up, we are happy to be, not only alive, but thriving during this time. Our members have continued to support us despite the current turbulent market. Fortunately, we have affiliated with an incredible line-up of speakers and have focused on hosting locals that know our market, and our members have responded well to this. Our speaker will be Robert Campbell, investor, author, and market timing expert who will share some insights on where the market is headed and where the opportunities are.

The SJREI has provided a wonderful opportunity for investors to connect with like-minded people and to share insights and information that is current and relevant to investors. We have developed friendships and a comraderie between our attendees, and we watch out for one another. I would never have anticipated when we started this orgaization seven years ago that we would grow this way or touch so many lives in a positive way.

What I have learned during the last seven years from investing and interacting with hundreds of investors.

• What goes up must come down.
• Don't follow the crowd
• When everyone wants to buy, it is time to take your chips off the table
• Cashflow is king
• Appreciation is not guaranteed
• Flipping is very risky except for the seasoned investor 
  
• Fundamentals are key to investing and they don't change
• Speculation is a highly risky endeavor
• It is painful to lose money
• There are plenty of opportunities for those who buy logically
• Real estate is still a wonderful investment and is something that is less risky than the stock market...

Jack Shea Seminar

Jack Shea was our guest speaker at the SJREI on Thursday night last, and it was a pleasure to host someone with such vast experience in the real estate field. Attached is the handout from Jack's presentation.

In addition, Jack is the owner of a 1031 Exchange company (a tax code that can be used to defer taxes on the sale of real estate). His company has implemented some excellent measures to ensure that the money is safe during an exchange transaction. This is key to us investors, as a member of the SJREI lost over a $1,000,000 during an exchange when the 1031 Exchange company declared bankruptcy after her funds were deposited with them. As it turned the principals in that company were using tax exchange funds of other people to fund their investments (cars, houses, toys and the like!) Even though our member lost that money through bankruptcy - a taxable event occured she was liable for the taxes on the gain from the funds that were on deposit with the 1031 exchange company. As investors we have to be very carful not to be victimized like this. Jack shared how his company ensures that the money they hold is safe for the client.


1. They have double signature access - client plus Jack's so the money cannot be accessed without the approval of both.


2. The money for the exchange is held in a trust account with a bank - this means that even if the bank fails the money is secure.


Keep this in mind as you do your exchanges - it could save you a lot of heartache and pain.


Lease Option Seminar:


This is a great tool for investors to control property, and to ride out a down turn. Jack is not the smooth, fast-talking speaker, which we do not like anyway; but his experience and knowledge on the topic is immense. As an investor who has done hundreds of these - the kernals of knowledge that he has to share are insightful, and very helpful for all level investors. His book Secrets of Lease Option Profitstalks about the strategies involved with this system and how this type of market we are experiencing right now is very appropriate for this method of controlling real estate. See my previous post for a recorded conversation with Jack on lease options. It was great to spend a day in the company of an investor who has proved time and time again that he can effectively implement the tools that he is promoting. The cost of the book and cd is $55 - Jack is not making money selling books and cd's...