There are many aspects of the art of negotiation that increase the odds that a person will make a better deal. One of these is called "The Power of Credentials". It is derived from a level of confidence and trust that one party has in another. As a buyer, you'll be listening for inconsistencies in the seller's "story". The seller will certainly be trying to judge just how much he can trust what you're saying to him; particularly when you're explaining how the market has changed and just why his house isn't worth as much as he was led to believe.

Continue reading “When All Else Fails, Try the Truth . . .”

Someone has to be the first to do anything. As logical as that sounds, it amazes me how many people don't want to be first. They want to be certain that any course of action or idea has been first tested by someone else. That automatically consigns them to the ranks of those who come in second or lower at everything they want to achieve.

Continue reading “Don’t Be Afraid To Be First”

If you didn't get turned off by the last post, let's see if we can amplify it a little. Can you look back at anything you've ever created, whether it were a completely new idea, or a new application of an old idea? If not, why not? Is it because you are afraid that your ideas are no good? Is it because you're lazy? Is it because you realize that you don't know enough about what you are doing to stray off the path that was beaten down by others who were more knowledgeable, more energetic, or more courageous than you?

Continue reading “Innovation Sets Your Apart From Your Competitiors”

When it comes to generating income and paying down loans on houses, the results can be determined with a fair degree of accuracy so long as the loan interest and payments remain constant. On the other hand, over the long term, there is always one more factor to take into consideration; Inflation.

Continue reading “Using Real Estate to Offset Inflation”

The house business is a con game; con being short for confidence. I'm not talking about this in a bad way, but in a good way, because success in the house business directly or indirectly is based upon confidence. Let's dissect this to see how it applies to brokerage:

Continue reading “Real Estate Is A Confidence Game”

Confidence can't be bought, taught, or based on by some guru whose book, tape, video, website, or class you've bought. It must be earned, one step at a time. That's the bad news. The good news is that you can be in charge of every step in the process to be sure that you acquire the confidence you need as you need it.

Continue reading “Real Estate is a Confidence Game Continued”

Don’t tell this to those who are struggling in the trenches trying to survive the current economic cut back, but ultimately, wealth represents less opportunity than obligation.  If you think being responsible for the care of a pet dog curtails a lot of fun, try being responsible for taking care of the life savings of someone who relies upon you.  I’m not talking about some doddering old aunt; I’m talking about your immediate family.  If you suddenly became dependent upon your parents, or your kids, for food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, and personal care, this could be a crushing blow for your family to sustain.  That’s what portfolio strategies is about; protecting your family from needing to support you.

Continue reading “Financial Security Means Having What You Need When You Need It”

“There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”  Ultimately, you’ll pay a price for almost everything you acquire.  This can be as obvious as the number on a price tag, or as subtle as unconventional credit terms that can affect value; as has been demonstrated.  Calculation of profit can be equally obvious or obscure depending upon the timing of receipt of payment.  When everything is bought and sold for cash, estimating profit can be pretty simple; but when the cash is borrowed or loaned over time, time greatly impacts cost and profitability.  What you pay, and when and how you pay it versus what you get back - and when and how you get it - control profit.

Continue reading “Number Crunching Is the Name of the Game”