Category "Fixing"

9 Things to Know Before You Flip Your First House

- - Fixing, Flipping, Getting Started

Flipping a house is an AWESOME idea! You’ve seen the shows, you know someone who did it, or you check in with our blogs and social media often enough to see so many success stories.

Now, you’re ready to try it!

What could go wrong?

While I applaud your enthusiasm and believe that you should do what you’re passionate about, I also want you to be prepared. In addition to guarding yourself with as much education on the subject as possible, let’s kickstart your dreams with a few things you should know before getting started.

Curious about what kind of training you need to set yourself up for success?
You can jump on the line for a FREE conversation with a
Business Development Consultant today
to discuss the best strategies for your business.
Dial (800) 473-6051 NOW to set your appointment.

Knowledge and Confidence Go a Long Way

Do not jump into flipping houses blindly.

Though you don’t need a background in real estate to flip a house, you do need to make sure that the time and money you are investing (whether the money is yours or a lender’s like at Cogo Capital) is well spent and maximized.

Fix and flip education teaches you:

  • How to find funding
  • How to find, negotiate and close a great deal
  • Which materials are trending
  • Which high price items are worth the investment
  • Which materials can be low-cost
  • How to hire contractors for the lowest cost
  • How to manage contractors to meet timelines
  • How to market your property
  • How to yield the highest profit
  • And much more

Essentially, getting an education in the field minimizes your risk and maximizes your profit potential. You’ll go into the industry confident and knowing what to do, when to do it, and why.

If you’re interested in getting started, be sure to check out the Cogo Capital Funded “FUNDING TOUR.” Click Here for more information and to see if we’re coming to a city near you!

 

Learn How To Analyze the Deal

When determining how much to offer to yield at least a $20k profit, do you account for everything? Do you look at all the taxes? Can you adequately estimate repair costs, contractor cost, and understand how much you should put down versus borrow?

One of the BIGGEST mistakes people make in fixing and flipping houses is made during the deal analysis. Learn to make a sound deal to set yourself up for success.

 

Don’t Fudge Repair Costs

It’s easy to be optimistic, emotional and of course, unknowing when doing your first real estate rehab deal. Even with a complete inspection from the get-go, you always need a buffer in your costs as you never know what might surface (there are hundreds of investors who know this tale all too well).

Your projected repair costs are rarely ever too high.

When you learn to assess repair costs rationally and in a business-like manner, your first flip will bring you fewer surprises.

Which leads us to…

 

Don’t Get Emotionally Connected

You are spending money to make money. You’re not spending money to see your dream home come to fruition only to sell it to someone else. It doesn’t make sense to choose the flooring YOU like best or the landscaping as YOU would have, especially if it means more money spent.

Real estate investing isn’t about extravagance, but profit. Spend money ONLY on the deals that make sense, and not the ones that have somehow pulled at your heartstrings.

You can enjoy the process and have fun with it, but real estate investing should be data-driven, and going into your first deal with this thorough understanding is necessary.

 

Stick to Your Original ARV

You may think adding a swimming pool or another unnecessary amenity can boost your ARV and maximize your profit.

Do NOT give into this temptation. You cannot count on the market consistently appreciating. If the market shifts, ignoring your original ARV can eliminate your room for profit.

 

Time Is Money

The faster you flip, the faster you pay back your loan, earn your profit and can move onto your next real estate rehab. The most time-consuming elements of the process can range from hiring contractors, getting contractors to complete the project on time and even selling your home.

You must know how to manage your project from start to finish. Your comfort level with negotiating and project management will ensure you the profit you expect.

 

Know The Area

What sells in that stucco subdivision you grew up in may not sell in your up and coming neighborhood across the county. You need to know what the other homes are like in the area, what people expect in those homes and what’s trending. You can do this by attending a few open houses, doing some slow neighborhood tours, and becoming best friends with Zillow.

 

Supervise And Regularly Check On Contractors

It’s a hot time of year for the housing market, and contractors are using this opportunity to boost their prices on unsuspecting real estate rehabbers. Do you know what costs you should expect to pay? You need to. (See number 1.)

Contractors can also belabor the process, not only extending the time it takes for you to receive your paycheck but will decrease the size of your paycheck (i.e., more interest paid, increased time between flips). You must learn how to supervise and manage contractors so they are working on your timeline and you aren’t working on theirs. This single skill will catapult you faster toward being a successful, repetitive flipper more than most other traits.

 

Understand You Don’t Need to Be An Expert

No matter how much education you have, this is still your first fix and flip.

You will be a mix of nerves, stress, excitement, passion. No matter how much you know, you still won’t have the experience until you complete your first project from start to finish.

Don’t let fear stop you, either. You won’t be an expert, but hopefully, you can feel comfortable and confident enough in your knowledge to know you can make even your first deal an incredible success.

We provide options at the Lee Arnold System of Real Estate to not only educate you but to provide one-on-one coaching to guide you through the process. To learn more, schedule a call with a Business Development Consultant to day. (800) 473-6051

The benefits of flipping houses can outweigh the trials if you go in with an understanding of the process and your role in it. The key is to assure that you’re doing everything in your power to do your best. And if you make a mistake, learn from it.

“Success does not consist
in never making mistakes
but in never making
the same one a
second time.”
George Bernard Shaw

If you’re uncomfortable with your limited knowledge base, get the training you need.

If you don’t know how to get funding, attend a Funding Tour and learn all about it.

If you’re worried about negotiating your first deal, learn from those who’ve done it hundreds of times.

When you have the opportunity to make money, why wait? And why let your lack of knowledge stop you? Whether you’d do two deals a year or 20, you can have access to the extra cash and can rest assured you’re making the most out of every deal when you have the right education.

To Your Success;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal under contract that you would like a quote on? Let us know. You can fill out a quick questionnaire at CogoCapital.com to receive a rate quote via email or you can call us anytime at (800) 747-1104 to talk to a loan officer. With millions deployed and millions to deploy, we want you to get the capital you need for your real estate investing.

When you come to Cogo Capital® looking for a private money loan on a property under contract, we’ll assure you have quick turnaround, excellent terms, and millions to lend. Cogo Capital® serves both local and national real estate investors, real estate agents, and private money lenders in quality, multiple loans.

Should You Flip Houses? 5 Qualities You Need to be Successful

- - Entrepreneurship, Fixing, Flipping

Do you have what it takes?

A house flipper can come from anywhere, but not everyone is cut out for the gig. That might be shocking to read, coming from someone who teaches on how to do it, but I’ve seen enough over the last few decades to know.

There are a few basic qualities I believe one must possess to successfully take a home from distressed to full ARV, sell it fast, and make a profit.

And I don’t mean you must know your way around a table saw. Although it serves you to have a decent understanding of a house’s fundamental workings, you don’t need a background in carpentry if you hire right.

You shouldn’t, however, hire out your numbers. Which brings us to quality #1…

#1- Understand the Fundamental Formulas for Success

Even if you have a trusted team of number crunchers on your side, you should understand how to determine an MAO, be able to calculate your holding costs, and how to budget a project. If you get the numbers wrong, a good flip can turn bad fast.

Plus, we all know you make money when you buy; so, buy right.

So, if you’re not a natural numbers person, does that mean you’re doomed never to complete a successful flip? Should you give up now? (Pardon me while I suppress my laughter.) Absolutely not. Do you think I understood every line item on the contracts I signed in the beginning of my career? This “quality” can 100% be taught, and you only need to know the fundamentals to start.

Those fundamentals can be learned, and we’re here to help!

For more on how to understand the numbers and set yourself up for success from the start, check out the following links, or, better yet, give us a call to talk about what information you’re missing in your career and how to plug those holes with the most targeted education on the market. (800) 473-6051

Want a Better Auction Experience? CLICK HERE to learn to determine your MAO before jumping in with thousands of dollars

or

Avoid These Flipping Mistakes and don’t overpay on your MAO.

#2- Project Management

In addition to understanding the numbers, you need to be proficient in project management. If you couldn’t manage your way out of paper bag, you may want to consider some additional training or education before attempting to choreograph that contractor tango.

If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered. We teach this in our Project Management Home Study Course, as well as at several of our events. For more information on how to ensure a successful flip by managing a project the RIGHT way, give us a call at (800) 473-6051.

You can also check out this article on Project Management

or this Project Management Crash Course.

#3- Understanding Your Market

With a basic understanding of the finances and decent management skills, most anyone could successfully flip a house. But, to do it repeatedly, with multiple properties in the portfolio at any time, and with maximized profits, one must know this last element. One needs an understanding of the market.

A flipper without an understanding of the surrounding market is like a dentist void of cardiovascular training. You should understand how a neighborhood dictates the way you renovate a house–for instance; you wouldn’t over-design a home in a modest community or, if you’re working on high-end, you’re likely going to need the granite counter tops because buyers will expect them.

And having a deep understanding of the market? Well, I find that real estate professionals know the most about that.

There are many other accompanying benefits of flipping houses as a real estate agent. From easy access to information to the extra paychecks, you have a leg up on understanding the process. I encourage all my students to get their real estate license early in their investing career because a leg up is a good place to start.

(You don’t HAVE to be an agent to successfully flip a house, but it helps your career in the long run, and is worth considering.)

#4- Marketing

You need 3 things to succeed in ANY business.

First, you need SALES. If you aren’t selling something (a house, in this instance), you don’t have the income needed for sustainability.

How do you get sales? With LEADS. You can’t sell to nobody. And you can’t buy a house from nobody. (That’s a lot of double negatives; stick with me here!) If you want to acquire a property, you need leads.

How do you get leads? With MARKETING. You absolutely must market yourself if you stand a chance at getting a house.

For more on marketing, check out these articles:

The Art of Marketing

6 Marketing Blunders to Avoid

And finally, you need to have the most important quality for this business…

#5- A Why

Call it grit, passion, or just a REASON to do this; if you’re not motivated, you won’t get far.

Because of this, I’d say this is the most important quality you MUST have to flip real estate. You can learn the rest, but I can’t teach your WHY you want to do this. I can help reveal it, but your reason needs to be personal to you.

So, look critically at yourself, your goals, your finances, and your current career.

Are you where you want to be in life?
Are you making the money you know you deserve?
Are you challenged?
Are you bored?
Do you want to build a successful business that you can train your kids to take over, ensuring them a lasting, successful career?
Are you edging toward retirement, yet you’re scared to death about the money you don’t have?

Whatever your reason, you need to keep it in front of you, allow it to motivate you and spur you into action.

If you need guidance, we can help. Give us a call, and we can set you up with a FREE conversation with a Business Development Consultant to discuss your career. (800) 473-6051. We’re here to see you succeed.

To Your Success;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal under contract that you would like a quote on? Let us know. You can fill out a quick questionnaire at CogoCapital.com to receive a rate quote via email or you can call us anytime at (800) 747-1104 to talk to a loan officer. With millions deployed and millions to deploy, we want you to get the capital you need for your real estate investing.

When you come to Cogo Capital® looking for a private money loan on a property under contract, we’ll assure you have quick turnaround, excellent terms, and millions to lend. Cogo Capital® serves both local and national real estate investors, real estate agents, and private money lenders in quality, multiple loans.

Don’t Let This “Problem” Get You Down

- - Communication, Fixing, Flipping

Problems are just learning tools; each an opportunity to do better next time; each a tool you can sharpen.

The most consistent problem we hear about when our borrowers renovate a property is finding a contractor that delivers on their promises, doesn’t do expensive and unnecessary work, and maintains both budget and timeline.

If you’ve ever done a flip, you may have encountered a less-than-stellar contractor or subcontractor.

Not all contractors are bad. There are some amazing people in this world. But, sometimes you discover a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Do you know what to do when it happens?

Do you know how to tackle problems? Do you know how to manage people the right way so that you keep as much profit as possible, build lasting relationships, and can consistently repeat your success?

The unfortunate truth is that there are too many dishonest people out there. We work with real estate investors from coast-to-coast, from the Rockies to the Appalachians, from desert to farmland. With most of the continental states, thousands of towns, millions of contractors, we can’t give specific recommendations or dismissals of anyone.

And, sadly, if you get stuck with a bad contractor, you could end up losing money, time, confidence, and belief in yourself. I’ve seen it happen, and it sucks.

In the wrong hands, you’re a number, a paycheck.

In our hands, you are a person.

What we CAN do is train you to manage anyone the right way; to minimize your risk and maximize results and profits. If you’re not familiar with The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate, a great place to start would be by attending a 3 day Funding Tour.

If you’ve been here more than 20 minutes, chances are, you’ve heard of Funding Tours before. And why do we talk about them so heavily? You may even know that if you go to FundingTour.com , you can get your tuition paid and have a guest ticket, too.

Well, the Funding Tours are part of the backbone of our business because we can train you on what to do, show you what to look for (we have an epic bus tour), and then lend you the money to get it done.

But what can you do in the meantime?

Well, the first thing to know about contractors is that the relationships between investor and contractor is vital to the success of any project, but can become trying when any of the following problems creep in:

  • Lack of communication
  • Poor communication
  • No communication
  • Misunderstood communication
  • Conveniently “forgotten” communication.

(Notice a trend?)

You must to be in continual and efficient communication with your contractors. No news is bad news.

You need to know what is happening, when it’s happening, what the costs and projections are, what the deadlines are, how closely the schedule is being adhered to, etc. If you don’t know, they don’t know, so start the conversation.

For more, check out some of these links:

A few weeks ago, we covered project management HERE.

For a tip on being HANDY, click HERE.

And finally, if you need a list of items to check for upon your contractor’s completion, CLICK HERE.

And if you haven’t been a part of a Funding Tour yet, well you can just give us a call at 800-473-6051 and explain why.

Or you can go to FundingTour.com

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out.

Planning Your Project

- - Borrowing, Entrepreneurship, Fixing, Flipping, Getting Started, Personal Growth

 

Planning Your Project

 

With each passing day, your loan costs you a little more.

Don’t get discouraged…get organized!

The best way to assure that you’re maximizing your profits on any given project is to make sure you’re maximizing your time. Well, okay. The BEST way is to buy the property at the right price–we make money when we BUY, after all, and we realize that money when we sell. But I digress…

Time is money, but unlike money, you can’t get your time back.

TIME IS UN-REFUNDABLE. USE IT WITH INTENTION.

Even the experienced investor may need his or her loan for the full term (6-12+ months). Even though an investor can get a project done in the recommended 45 days of renovation, there are many factors that could extend the project. Sometimes a home doesn’t sell right away once complete, sometimes you can’t predict that there will be mold that will need to be addressed or you could be stalled out on the process of permitting.

But besides the schedule crushers that you can’t control, there are steps you can take to assure that you’re making the most of your TIME investment.

If you’d like to read more about making the most of your time
and how time “management” is a myth, <CLICK HERE>

GET THE RIGHT FUNDING

 

You need a deal before you can get funding. But, if you want to make the most of your time on a project, find a few funding options before you stack and offer and write that contract.

First, you must understand more about what makes private lenders different from conventional bank loans, (For a comprehensive breakdown, <CLICK HERE>).

Then, shop around for what you need. When you have the right funding and understand the process (if you don’t, talk to your friendly loan officer today by calling (800) 473-6051. We’ll answer all your questions!), you can still expedite the process to assure fast funding and a more stably funded project by following a few guidelines.

Get the right funding, and get it when you need it! We’re happy to help.

DELEGATE

 

You can’t get everything done alone.

For each project, get bids from at least three contractors. Look for any discrepancies between the proposals and address them.  Look for someone both competent and honest.  When flipping multiple times, you can work with the same contractors, earning both discounts and loyalty.

But why delegate when you can do the work yourself?

If you’re a handy person, you may be tempted to lay the flooring on a project to save some money, paint the walls, or weed the backyard. Easy fixes, right? Why pay someone else to do them?

This is an object that comes up on the regular. I’m not going to tell you not to help out on your projects–we all need to roll up our sleeves sometimes and get in there to get it done right–but you need to look at the cost. If you can hire someone to come pull weeds and throw down a basic landscape for $14/hour, and you believe you’re worth more than $14/hour, then by doing the work, you’re giving yourself a massive pay cut.

It behooves you to hire out the elements of a project so you can spend your time focusing on managing the current project well and getting another deal under contract. If you can’t find another house to flip because you were too busy painting the basement, then you’re out more money than you saved.

You can hire people to do small jobs, you can’t hire people to run your business for you.

FOLLOW UP

 

Follow up- the most important part of delegating is following up. Following up isn’t just for acquisitions and contracts, you must follow up with your contractors and stay on top of their work and schedule, especially as it pertains to the schedules of others. If your electrician is running behind schedule, your drywall guy isn’t going to be able to get until the wiring is redone. And if your drywall guy is only available during a short window, you may have to hire someone else. If it takes you three days to find someone else, and they’re not available for another week, you could have to reschedule your painting and finishing.

You can prevent most of the headaches that arise by following up, confirming, and communicating with your contractors.

 

Key #1 – Communicate with Your Contractor.

You need to know what is happening, when it’s happening, what the costs and projections are, what the deadlines are, how closely the schedule is being adhered to, etc. If you don’t know, they don’t know, so start the conversation.

Key #2 – Be Seen by Your Contractor.

Be a constant face on the job site. Show the contractor that you are hands on, that you will be there when you say you will and pop in unannounced to keep them on the job.

Key #3 – Don’t Bulldoze.

If you don’t want to get bulldozed by a contractor, return the favor and maintain a professional relationship. You can assert your stance as a professional AND be flexible to their advice regarding the project. That doesn’t mean you take every suggestion they make, but you should’ve accounted for appropriate changes in the budget and schedule when applicable.

Key #4 – Be Honest.

This is especially necessary to set up at the beginning! For instance, if you’re going to use a draw schedule, make sure your contractor understands up front how it’s going to work, when they will receive draws, how much, and what you are expecting. Then, don’t deviate from your word once the work begins. Don’t promise to give more than you can, and don’t give less unjustifiably. Remember, this relationship goes both ways.

Key #5 – Make Sure They Complete the Job!

There is little you can do to persuade a crooked contractor to finish a job—and you probably don’t want them to! If you’ve had a contractor abandon a job, your best move is to hire someone reliable to finish the job.

But, that’s not what I’m talking about. I’ve seen people make the mistake of paying the contractors when they’re “done” without doing a final punch list.

This is your job.

Do a final walkthrough with a roll of blue tape and a notepad. Mark up things like chipped paint, unhung towel bars, poorly done calking, or missing trim. Even the best contractors miss things, so get in there, create a punch list, and get the items knocked out as quickly as possible. Don’t pay the contractor’s final payment until this is all done!

Key #6 – Incentivize.

Time is money. You know this. I know this. Contractors know this. If you want a job done on or ahead of schedule, offer them an incentive.

It is possible to build lasting, cooperative, mutually beneficial relationships with contractors that last for the duration of your investing career. Don’t get discouraged if you find a dud. Network with other investors and with multiple contractors. Connect with a mentor or coach when things get sticky. And, most importantly, keep going!

NETWORK AND BE PREPARED

 

Things come up.

Maybe the chimney needs repair and your regular mason broke his foot and can’t work. If he’s the only mason you know, it’s naturally going to take you longer to find, vet out, meet with, get estimates on, and decide upon a replacement.

Keep your rolodex  (or you cell phone directory) full of reasonable and reliable contractors of all varieties.

How?

Well, the more projects you do, the more people’s numbers you’ll have handy. You’ll also be able to live and learn, kicking the duds who aren’t doing their jobs to the curb. All of this takes time, thought.

The fastest way to fill your back pocket with good contractors is to network with other people who are doing what you’re doing. This is why I have the RULE OF 56. Just be aware that if you get the name of a good contractor,

No contractors available for smaller things? Take a page out of Deepa Quadir-Alam’s handbook and have a good handyman to fall back on. To read more of Deepa’s latest success story, <CLICK HERE>

EXIT STRATEGY

 

Have a strong exit strategy. I can’t emphasize enough how much a good exit strategy WILL change your investing career.

If there’s any one thing that stalls a process more than anything else in the world, it’s a project that isn’t working out the way you planned and now you can’t get out.

If you don’t have an exit strategy, a project that takes a turn for the worst could become a money pit and fast. If you’d like to learn more about how to create an exit strategy for each stage of your project, join me on Monday, March 5th for my CEO Fireside where I’ll discuss this and much more. <CLICK HERE> to register!

By anticipating the needs of a potential project, you can assure that your project is scheduled properly, that your funding ducks are in a row, and that you have a plan for anything that could happen.

And when you effectively and efficiently manage projects, you can do multiple ones, do them quicker, and snowball your investing career.

If you’d like to dive deeper into becoming the best project manager you can be and how that will impact your investing career, talk to one of our Business Development Professionals about taking the Project Management Specialty Class. If you’re going to invest in fix and flip properties, it doesn’t make any sense not to learn how to best manage your projects. Call us at (800) 473-6051

To Your Planning;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!

A Decade Since the Housing Crash

- - Entrepreneurship, Fixing, Flipping, Getting Started, Property Evaluation

It’s been a decade since it happened.

Is there still a glutton of inventory in the marketplace after the real estate fall out of 2008?

Last week we talked about how flipping houses affects the economy and visa versa (to read more <CLICK HERE>). This week, let’s take a look through a different lens.

The effects of the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression still impact our world a decade later. An article put out by USA Today stated, “By one Federal Reserve estimate, the country lost almost an entire year’s worth of economic activity – nearly $14 trillion – during the recession from 2007 to 2009.”

In many ways, the country is still struggling to recover.

On February 2nd, 2018, “The Dow closed down 666 points, or 2.5%, its biggest percentage decline since the Brexit turmoil in June 2016 and steepest point decline since the 2008 financial crisis,” according to CNN Money.

Additionally, Economy and Markets made a strong argument that another upset is coming, and with it, more single family residences will return to the investor market.

But what does this mean for you and the inventory of distressed and abandoned homes left on the market today?

After all this time, are there really enough properties left for every real estate investor to make money on with buy, fix, and resell opportunities?

Each market is different. Some have fully bounced back while others are recovering slowly with a large number of distressed homes existing as a residual from those events. But the key is to realize that the current amount of investor properties is not based solely on the remnants of the housing crisis, but rather an ongoing depletion of care given to individual properties by a wide variety of owners in a multitude of situations.

Essentially, we’ll never have a shortage of potential investment properties as long as rentals aren’t being uncared for, family homes go neglected, owners that move out of state can’t sell their old homes, and folks fall victim to foreclosure.

Sure, a decade later, we could still have properties on the market that have investor potential left over from the deep persistence of the financial crisis of 2008, but if you’re banking on the lingering effects, you’re not looking hard enough at your own neighborhoods.

 

HOW DO I FIND THEM?

Finding prime investor real estate usually comes with a preconceived notion that it has to be done at auction and you must be loaded down with cash in order to get in the game.

 Auctions

While auctions can be great a place to find properties, even auctions come with predetermined biases that can be largely untrue. If you’re interested in learning how to make the most of your auction experience, <CLICK HERE>

And to learn more about good auction practices, <CLICK HERE>

 

REOs

What happens if no one bids on a property at auction? What happens to the house and how can you benefit? If you’re unfamiliar with the process of REOs, <CLICK HERE> to read more.

 

Short Sales

This is not a new strategy. It’s been a buzz word since the recession of 2008, but many investors are beginning to shy away it thinking that it’s an outdated strategy. They’re wrong!

To read more about what a Short Sale is and how you can find homes using this strategy, <CLICK HERE>

 

Equity Deals

There’s a way that you can get homes before they go to foreclosure auctions, save money, put money in the homeowner’s pocket before they lose their home AND you don’t need your own cash to do it!

Sound too good to be true? <CLICK HERE> to find out more!

 

Buying Distressed Homes

Sometimes, finding homes to purchase is as easy as knocking on a few doors. If you’d like to bypass your competition by doing something that most people find uncomfortable, read how I do it with ease, <CLICK HERE>

But don’t work with distressed home owners blindly. To maximize your chances, <CLICK HERE> to read the Dos and Don’ts of working with these homeowners.

 

Buying Vacant Homes

You can also find the owners of vacant properties without having to break the bank or pretend to be Sherlock Holmes. We’ve got the steps for you, <CLICK HERE> to learn them all.

 

Nuisance Homes

I’ve saved the best for last.

A nuisance house is a condition of use of a property that interferes with neighbors’ use or enjoyment of their property, endangers life, health, or safety, or is offensive to others.

Under the Abandoned Property Rehabilitation Act, abandoned properties are presumed to be nuisances because of their “negative effects on nearby properties and the residents or users of those properties.”

More important than what a nuisance home is, is the opportunity such homes create for investors like you. As a newly developed strategy to unlock your buying potential of these properties, the Lee Arnold System of Real Estate has begun teaching the acquisitions strategies that are pulling investors to the top of their markets in a single bound.

To read more, <CLICK HERE> or call us at (800) 473-6051 to sign up for the next Master Lein Abatement Specialty Lab to find out how you can be the “go to” investor in your area to get these properties for pennies on the dollar.

 

HOW DO I FUND THEM?

So the real question remains: how do you fund these deals when you find them?

Banks won’t lend on these properties–they don’t want to lend on properties that are in disrepair and are typically looking to lend to the owner-occupant. Most people don’t have enough liquid capital lying around to pay for the property and renovations. I’ve certainly seen people try to fork all the bills on their own, only to tap out in frustration and never see the project fully complete.

That’s where we come in.

If you’re an investor who needs to get money for a property, your answer is Cogo Capital where we provide the funding solution for investors like you.

We identify what a good deal is, we vet out the loan, order the appraisal and the title of the property. Then, we make the loan available to our investors, and they get to put their money into your deal. It’s the quintessential peer-to-peer lending platform, which, in the ever-calming (hopefully) wake of the banking crisis has become mainstream.

Now, some companies lend this way from a consumer lending standpoint – think credit consolidation and the like – but the trouble with using lending like this for real estate is that it’s unsecured.

Lending through Cogo Capital is secured against first position on real property, which has proven successful for not only the investors lending the money (it’s the CIRCLE OF WEALTH) but also for the real estate investor like you who are borrowing money to purchase and fix more properties.

We also don’t care about your credit score and past financial history as much as banks do because we do what’s called “Asset-Based Lending,” where we look at the value of the property and the amount your paying for it. Then we determine if this is a safe loan and if you’re going to make money. We want to help you buy 8, 10, or even 12+ properties this year.

We want to help you get in and out with money in your pocket so you’ll come back and do it again and again.

Your risk timeline is also reduced compared to a traditional bank loan. We essentially loan you enough money and give you enough time to fix up the property, market it for sale, and sell it, at which point our loan is paid off, the investor gets their money back, and you make a profit.

The best part? You now have money to do it again, and we’re going to give you better rates as a returning borrower.

“But what if I can’t sell the property in the time frame of the loan?” you ask?

Well, that’s a great part! We’re not in the business of owning real estate; we’re in the business of facilitating resources to those who want to invest in real estate.

So if we provide a loan to an investor who isn’t moving a piece of property on the market as quickly as they expected, then we do our due diligence. We assure that the investor has done well with their payments and have improved the value of the property, and reevaluate the terms of the loan based on that. At the Lee Arnold System of Real Estate, we also teach and strongly encourage various exit strategies.

To learn more about the Circle of Wealth, <CLICK HERE>

Yours in Success;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!

Are Flipped Houses Bad for the Housing Market?

- - Borrowing, Entrepreneurship, Fixing, Flipping, Property Evaluation

Do Flipped Homes Dramatically Change the Housing Market?

When it comes to investing in distressed homes, I’ve heard it all.

You probably have, too, especially if you’ve been in the industry long enough and have explained what you do to enough of your friends and family.

Most recently, I had the opportunity to tackle a concern from an upset buyer who claimed that the rise in renovated houses was ruining the housing market. Coming to Spokane, Washington from a larger market where home prices had risen steadily over recent years, he noticed a correlation between the higher number of area investors and associated the two. According to him, flipped properties forced surrounding housing prices up so high that he could no longer afford to live in his desired neighborhood.

But does his concern hold water?

Do increased home values affect the economy?

Or is this a chicken vs. egg argument?

The economy is cyclical, with natural periods of expansion and recession. As such, one can assume the housing market is, too, and that anything that drives up the housing market—such as increasing home values—affects the economy. But does it?

In this business, we work off percentages and margins. In a volatile economy, those margins shrink, and when the economy is good, we have more opportunity to profit.

If the economy is doing well and unemployment is low, the demand for housing increases, and in turn, so does the cost of housing. Conversely, when the economy drops, and budgets tighten, the money allocated by the average American family for general upkeep on a property is shortened to cover the basics, like the mortgage, and housing values decline. Stretch this out long enough and extreme enough, and neighborhoods values reflect the dropping home values.

It is fair to say that the economy influences the housing market more than the housing market influences the economy.

Regardless of how simplified we’ve made the economic cycle here or how many details we’ve left out, the real issue is why anyone would believe flipped houses in any neighborhood would affect their buying power. It sounds to me like we’re dealing with a potential homeowner who would rather avoid bringing value and motivation to his market rather than live among distressed homes.

Instead, flipping breathes new life into communities by giving qualified buyers a chance to live in their dream home and adds value to the hardworking homeowners in the area who don’t want to live among run-down properties.

For investor lending, Cogo Capital offers quick turnaround, excellent terms, and millions to lend. Cogo Capital serves both local and national real estate investors, real estate agents, and private money lenders in quality, multiple loans.

Let’s make our communities stronger, increase values, and make real change in this oscillating world.

If you want to make a difference in your area’s communities, join us at the Lee Arnold System of Real Estate’s Master Lien Abatement specialty lab. To learn more about acquiring houses for pennies on the dollar, becoming the go-to investor in your town for nuisance properties, and flipping for huge profit, <CLICK HERE> or call NOW at (800) 473-6051. 

Your Neighbor;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!

Small House, Big Payoff

- - Borrowing, Fixing, Flipping, Getting Started, Testimonial

Nathan Brown had always watched the flipping shows on TV and talked about one day doing a project, but it wasn’t until he returned from a vacation when he realized it was time to do something about it. With instruction and guidance from Lee Arnold of the Lee Arnold System for Real Estate Investing, Nathan took the plunge.

“After so many HGTV, DIY Network and Do It Yourself home shows, we knew it was time to take the plunge. Calling COGO capital was the first step in a great decision. Talking with Lee and his staff, they helped me choose a property, line up financing, establish remodel goals, stage the finished rooms, list and ultimately sale the house. Our first real adventure out in the house flipping world was a little scary, but they put at ease with some guidance and direction from Lee. It was just the shoulder we needed to lean on. I have to say, we went over budget, but still made 6-months of income in 6 weeks. Thanks again COGO Team!”

After finding a small property to start on—540 square feet to be exact—Nathan purchased the property at the wholesale price of $50,000.

Construction took about 7 weeks and $14,000—a little higher than he originally budgeted, but with the project done in plenty of time, the experience went smooth. Other than having to jack the floor up a few inches in the bathroom and raise the height of the roof, the only major rehab cost went into rewiring the entire electrical system in the house. Big ticket items aside, the rest of the repairs were cosmetic, and none of the rehab went over schedule.

He was able to get the house on the market in the 3rd week of October. By December 3rd, he received an offer, and they closed on January 4th for a total of $99,900.00.

After all the holding and closing costs, Nathan pocketed a net profit of $25,031.

When asked if he had any “Aha!” moments, Nathan replied by explaining how he’d never do a house with one tiny bedroom again! He realized it was too small for his big dreams (540sq. feet, remember?), but with the total profit he earned, Nathan admitted, “I’d take those projects all day long!”

After taking a small break, Nathan plans to do more projects and implement what he learned in a larger property.

Nathan raved about Cogo, saying the loan process was “easy and seamless.”

His experience with the Lee Arnold team was instrumental in his success, too. “It was nice to have staging help and to bounce rehab ideas off the team. Any questions I had I was able to pose them and get real-time answers. I’d always wanted to do a flip, but when the rubber met the road, I still had a lot of things to learn and was grateful for my support.”

We can’t wait to see what Nathan Brown does next!

Have a deal under contract that you would like a quote on? Let us know. You can fill out a quick questionnaire at CogoCapital.com to receive a rate quote via email or you can call us anytime at (800) 747-1104 to talk to a loan officer. With millions deployed and millions to deploy, we want you to get the capital you need for your real estate investing.

To Your Success;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!

*definition provided by our friendly and comprehensive friends at Wikipedia

 

To learn more about attending a Funding Tour near you, visitFundingTour.com

 

10 Questions Your Potential Buyers Are Asking

- - Fixing, Flipping, Property Evaluation

Do you know what potential buyers are asking themselves when they look at your property?

We can anticipate the basics: Will they like the kitchen? Are there enough bathrooms? But what about the underlying questions every homeowner wants to know?

By now, we know that you make money when you buy and you realize that money when you sell. Easy. If you want to fully actualize all the money you can, consider some of the questions your potential buyers will have in mind when touring all the hard work you’ve made happen.

The more you can anticipate a buyer’s needs, the better you can work those into your repair plans.

But with so many various needs and demographics to consider, how do you cater to the desires of others in a way that helps you sell a house faster without going over budget and cutting into profit margin?

Can you have your cake and eat it too?

There are a handful of questions that most buyers will consider regardless of the neighborhood, ideal buyer, and price point.

Let’s count them down!

10. What about the seller’s disclosure?

Despite how a house looks, many buyers will want to know if there’s anything they need to watch out for. An inspection will show off all the properties flaws, but you may run into a buyer who wants to know what you know as soon as you know it. For instance, if there was an old septic system buried in the backyard that doesn’t affect the house’s current operation but may impact the buyer’s decision on putting in a pool someday, they may want to know.

9.What inspections do we need?

Speaking of inspections, many buyers will do multiple checks on a property; anything that the original inspector recommends. If there’s an issue in the fireplace, an inspector will recommend a professional opinion. Any problems could result in a delayed closing and further inspections. Though these things happen, and you can’t anticipate every problem, it’s worth considering what could result in future repairs for the home buyer before you put the property on the market.

This is especially true if your home buyers are using a picky lender (such as a VA loan) who requires certain items to be fixed before securing the mortgage. Have a basic understanding of codes–what height should porch steps be? Where do you need handrails? Does the bathroom vent go through the roof or stop in the attic creating possible mold problems in the future? It never hurts to know.

8. Has the home ever had mold?

There are some states where the question won’t even cross the home buyer’s mind. But in areas of heavy moisture or storm history, people will want to know. It’s assumed that a real estate investor who has flipped a property will know better than anyone whether there is mold or not. After all, very few people see behind the drywall. But what if the job requires only a few lipstick patches like new carpet and fresh paint? You may not know if there’s a problem.

It is also assumed–because there’s a rotten apple in every bunch–that some investors cut corners. Though you and I would never dream of doing unsafe, less-than-quality work, some people have been burned and word gets around. If a potential buyer asks for an inspection or the home’s history, be prepared. Buyers may also ask about radon, so be prepared if with any applicable reports you may have.

7. Why is this house for sale?

There are so many ways a potential buyer will know the house they’re viewing looked different before. It’s possible they know the neighborhood and saw the house in its distressed condition, or perhaps they’ve pulled buyer history. And usually, the beautifully staged home gives away that the property isn’t lived in at the time of sale. But buyers often want to know a little about the house’s history and why it’s for sale. This will often work in your favor as the desire for fresh upgrades is always on the rise.

6. Have all the safety features been installed?

With new builds and gutted properties, you or the contractor could overlook small details like working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in all recommended places. Though this should never make or break a sale, you should catch the missing devices in the BLUE TAPE INSPECTION.

https://cogocapital.com/blog/blue-tape-inspections/

 

Want a checklist of all the Blue Tape Inspection points to look for before paying your contractor’s final bill?

CLICK HERE for a detailed list!

 

5. What are the zoning guidelines?

Although this may be more clear in some neighborhoods than others, buyers will often want to know if it’s possible to split the property into a multi-family home in the future or whether other houses down the street have been turned into insurance offices. Although this won’t be as important to some as to others, it could be a factor in the purchasing decisions of others. Because this effects other aspects–such as the home value and comps–you should already know the zoning and be prepared to answer any questions that arise.

4. Who are the neighbors?

This is one of the most important non-home related questions a potential buyer will ask. It’s also a question they won’t likely ask YOU directly (or the real estate agent); they’ll observe. Although you can’t control who lives next door or behind your investment property, you can make improvements to the property to compensate. If the neighbors breed dogs that are thought to be aggressive, you may consider putting in a privacy fence.

3. Does this house have everything I need?

It’s true that you can’t anticipate the needs of every buyer; that’s why houses vary so vastly. What a young couple just starting out in life needs is different than what a large family with an aging parent to care for does. You don’t have a magic ball, but you can look at trending desires; wider hallways to support both strollers and wheelchairs, a master suite on the same level as the living space on to avoid regular stair use, outdoor space in warm areas and additional parking for boats in lake towns. But how do you know what demographic will purchase your property?…

2. What neighborhood factors should we consider before making an offer?

If the neighborhood is nice but has mediocre schools, you can assume the street draws an older demographic and can plan your design and features accordingly. If the community has a plethora of trendy shops and startup tech companies, you’ll likely be selling to millennials buying their first or second home. There isn’t much you can do about the whole area, but you can make the property work for those who are most likely to purchase the property.

Understanding factors such as where the nearest stores are, if there’s public transportation or highways nearby, and what the local parks are like can help you understand what your ideal buyers look like. Though we live in blended societies, buyers will want to know what the area has to offer, who lives down the street, what the noise levels will be, and most importantly…

1. What’s the crime level?

Safety is vital! An interested buyer will look this up online or have their agent pull reports. Finding out the crime rate, area registered offenders, and more is just a click away. Although you can’t control these factors at the time of sale, you can consider them at the time of purchase and decide if the current quality of the area crime rate will affect your selling potential.

Remember the cliche that “crime has no zip code.” Anything can happen anywhere. Fortunately, most buyers won’t look at a house in a neighborhood they wouldn’t want to live in, so it’s safe to assume most of the leads you have touring the home will already be okay with the community in which it resides, but it’s always a factor to consider.

When you can anticipate the needs of the buyer and work any plans you have for the house around the most important ones, you have a better chance of selling a property fast.

However, none of these factors will matter as much as doing a quality job without cutting corners, hitting all the safety requirements, and pricing the property right. When you do your best to create a house that anyone could call home and provide a neutral slate upon which anyone could build their life, you’ll sell as well as the market allows.

Want to increase your odds of selling faster? We can help! Call us at (800) 473-6051 to learn what program will best fit your needs. Not everyone is ready for a coach or one-on-one training, but with events, home study courses, and certifications at your finger tips, why struggle along on your own?

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!

For our latest success stories, click HERE to read how others are finding, funding, and making money on their deals.

 

Attend a FUNDING TOUR to receive a $250,000 pre-approval letter for your next property. To learn more and claim your seat today, visit FundingTour.com or call us at (800) 473-6051.

2018 Predicted Real Estate Trends

- - Borrowing, Fixing, Flipping, Testimonial

2018 Predicted Real Estate Trends; and How it Impacts You

As we roll through Christmas and prepare for the New Year, let’s spend a few minutes discussing the real estate trends you should prepare for.

WHY?

Each year, the market looks different. As much as you can, you should spend some time evaluating the professional predictions, looking at your local market, and working the trends into your annual goals to see faster, more effective growth.

According to Zillow, inventory shortages will drive the housing market. With 12% fewer homes on the market nationwide than a year ago, 51% of them are in the top 1/3 of home values. Not only are these properties out of reach for first-time homebuyers, but the average buyers looking to upgrade won’t likely move to get them.

Because of this trend in real estate, it is expected that builders will focus on building entry-level homes, giving more inventory to first-time and lower- to middle-income buyers. According to Realtor.com, housing starts are predicted to rise 3% over the year, but single-family home starts will increase 7%. This increase in residential housing on the starter-home level, according to economists, is the key to leveling out and bringing down home prices. Home prices will still climb, and even with new construction on the rise, economists call this increase nearly “unstoppable.” Home prices are expected to rise 4.1% in 2018, 1.1 percentage points higher than the average appreciation of 3%, but slower than the current annual pace of 6.9%.

The millennial generation is also expected to move further out from urban centers where many of them rent, giving up their preferred ’round-the-corner entertainment and shopping options in favor of affordable housing. As these 25-34-year-old homebuyers have families, they will also look for wider halls to accommodate strollers, as well as larger communal spaces. Homeownership rate will stabalize at 63.9% (according to Realtor.com) after having hit bottom in the second quarter of 2016.

Another Zillow predictions for 2018 shows that instead of buying new homes, existing homeowners will invest in remodeling to make their current home feel and look brand new. The baby boomer generation will also drive home design as the need for wheelchair accessibility, step-in bathtubs, extra handrails, and stair mobility access is needed.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?

Since housing prices are still on the rise, the current methods you are using to acquire properties may not be as effective in 2018. You would be wise to have more than one strategy to find cheap properties in which to invest.

While working with the city to improve neighborhoods by doing what we do best, I’ve discovered a way to acquire properties that are hidden in plain sight. These houses have highly motivated sellers and offer a huge profit. And I’m teaching it to you in the Master Lien Abatement Certification.

With our first class under our belt, here’s what attendees had to say:

To read more about what this program is, what we’ll teach, and how to take advantage of this wildly untapped market in your area before the competition takes it over, CLICK HERE TO READ MORE. And then READ THIS ONE. This is not the kind of stuff you want to just skim over. This new strategy can change your business!

Why are we teaching this new method at the Lee Arnold System of Real Estate? In 2018, Cogo Capital is deploying more money than ever. We need that money to go somewhere, and we’d like that money to go to you.

If you’d like to get involved in the Master Lien Abatement, call is now at (800) 473-6051. Space for the next available class is very limited.

UPDATE!: Demand for the new Master Lien Abatement Course is very high. Our first 2018 class has already filled and is closed. Please be advised that the next available class is scheduled for April 16-19, 2018.

To Your Success;

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!

For our latest success stories, click HERE to read how others are finding, funding, and making money on their deals.

To learn more about how to get $497 tickets for FREE, go to FUNDINGTOUR.COM or call (800) 473-6051.

Handy?

- - Fixing, Flipping

I heard about a conversation recently with a client who was out to lunch with a team of other rehabbers. The server said something the effect of, “Looks like you’re having a work lunch” to which our client said, “We’re taking a break from a workshop. We’re real estate investors who rehab homes.” The server, with the understanding that I see from so many, said, “Oh, I’ve always wanted to do that, but I’m not handy at all.”

I know where this preconceived notion came from…TV programs that show people getting their hands dirty on a job site. And I’ll never tell you not to help out on your projects, but you don’t have to make the mistake I made early in my career by believing you have to do the work yourself!

Even if you don’t know a wrench from a pair of pliers, you don’t have to let that stop you. You have the same opportunity and potential to make good money in this industry.

How?

Stick to your strengths and follow a direction based on your skill level. I recommend that everyone gets a little education before you start building. In fact, I believe this so strongly that I will pay for your ticket to my next Funding Tour–a 3 day, intensive study with on-site training and more information than you can shake a finger at!

And once you’ve had your training on the basics, you can hire your contractor (the professional to do the handy work you can’t do) and jumpstart your rehabbing business without being a contracting expert.

For each project, get bids from at least three contractors. Look for any discrepancies between the proposals and address them.  Look for someone both competent and honest.  When flipping multiple times, you can work with the same contractors, earning both discounts and loyalty.

If you’re still hesitant, convinced that you don’t even know enough to lead a contractor, I recommend one of 2 things (in this order):

  1. Get a mentor. A coach. A leader. Walk alongside someone who has done this successfully dozens of times over. Need help finding a mentor, give us a call. 800-533-1622

or

  1. Work with a partner. I won’t always recommend this, but if you find a partner who has successfully completed several profitable rehabs, consider yoking yourself with them for a single project. Once you have one under your belt and know the process start to finish, you’ll not only see that it is possible, but that you could have done it yourself! Just be careful; research and understand your partnership before signing on the dotted lines.

No matter your skill level, there are things you can do to save more cash.  Know the cost of items: dishwashers, toilets, molding, sinks, paint, ceiling fans, etc.  This will help you budget, and know what you are talking about when working with someone. Have and stick to a budget and schedule.

You can still participate in real estate–the number one millionaire producing industry–even if you have limitations. I’ve seen people who have never picked up a hammer become highly successful.

It takes 2 things: consistency and the decision to start.

If you want to start today but don’t know where to begin, give us a call (800-533-1622).

We can help.

Lee A. Arnold

CEO

The Lee Arnold System of Real Estate Investing

Follow me on Twitter: @CogoCapital  and @LeeArnoldSystem 

Have a deal? Visit us at www.cogocapital.com to fill out your fast and easy quote. Want to learn more about COGO first? CLICK HERE to get to know all the ins and out!