Real estate books are a mixed batch. There are those that I recommend, such as Eldred and McLean’s excellent Investing in Real Estate, now in it’s fifth edition. On the other end of the spectrum is Robert Kiyosaki’s bestselling fable Rich Dad Poor Dad, a dangerous and misleading book if ever there was one.

Continue reading The Black Swan :: The Highly Improbable and Real Estate Investors

So… you’ve done your time in the city…the big smoke as we Aussie’s call it, and you’re looking for the next step. Well, one of the biggest catch phrases around, along with the one of the most popular Australian real estate investment moves these days is the “sea change”.

The term “Sea Change” came about a few years back, giving a bankable “tag” to the thousands of people that each week move to coastal towns along the perimeter of this beautiful land. While it mainly refers to the older generation, younger investors are flocking to the beaches, east and west, north and south.

Continue reading Real Estate Investing in Australia?Sea Changers See Gold!

In the last few weeks, I have had several e-mails and a few phone calls asking me to show a home. These requests are from people who have come across a home on my website and call me. While this is very cool and the goal of my website, it is not something I am open to. Why, you ask? Isn’t that what I am supposed to do? Well, yes and no. I am happy to provide general information as well as send a list of homes to people who ask. When I am asked to just show up and open a door for someone, I am not willing.

Continue reading Do I Know You? Opening Doors For Strangers!

I received an email this morning and the subject line was “Do you think he regrets following the gurus?” Yes, it was about Casey and I usually just delete these now without reading them but I read that one. It was talking about Casey’s latest blog entry.

I haven’t kept up with the Casey saga over the last week but apparently there has been lots of activity. Don’t know the details, don’t intend to take the time to find out, if you know the details, I don’t really care.

But…

I did read his post from last night and I am going to discuss the advice he gives. Casey is not an expert and the theory of someone who knows all the wrong things to do is a source of advice is just stupid. If I am seeking advice, I don’t want to know how to do it wrong or in an unsuccessful way. If I am seeking someone’s help it is to avoid failure, not embrace it.

Continue reading Now Casey Is Giving Advice? Seriously?

Dear Prospective Client:

I must tell you up front there is a new form attached to  the Indiana Residential Real EstateContract I do not understand. Oh, I will try……..but even with these boots, I’m not sure I can trudge through the uncertainty of the current “new” form (2007 Property Tax Rebate Disclosure Form) I must have you sign. One thing is certain, I won’t be alone!

Continue reading Indianapolis Property Tax Rebates ~ Clear As Mud

Are you facing foreclosure on your Indianapolis home? Do you feel like you’re losing the race against

time in your effort to keep your home? Who Ya Gonna Call? Since you are unlikely to find a foreclosure busting trio to assist you in the fight, the first person you should call and be in contact with is your mortgage company. 

There are some calls you may want to avoid!

Continue reading Facing Foreclosure in Indianapolis, Who Ya Gonna Call?

Here in the Midwest, we have a familiar saying, ”the calm before the storm” when tornado season is in high gear. The sky turns a strange gray blue color, the wind stops howling and the eeriness of the calm is anything but calming. These are the times the sirens wail and the entire family heads for the basement or interior closet, seeking refuge in case a tornado would strike.

Luckily, we have never personally been exposed to the damage a serious tornado can cause. Oh yeah, we have had trees uprooted, extensive hail and wind, but not total destruction.   

Continue reading The Calm After the Storm~

Well, now that I’m back in Far north Queensland, I had time to catch up on some emails and came across some interesting facts…

Totally oblivious to these facts before now, I though I’d share them with you. They show that, “greed is bad karma” and no matter how rich and famous you may be…being humble is the better option!

SOME WARREN BUFFET FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW

• still lives in the same house he purchased when he was 28 for US$31,500
• receives 250 - 300 letters per day and he answers them that same day
• plays online bridge 12 hours per week
Continue reading Real Estate Investing, Advice From Above?

The property assessment and tax system in Indianapolis is in dire need of an overhaul.

This is a sign in front of many homes I have seen all over the city this weekend, while out showing homes.

I noticed something I find very disturbing. I’m not sure if it was just the areas of town I was showing homes in or if is an actual happening.

These signs were apparent in many of the revitalized areas of Indianapolis. I thought it rather odd. As a city and as homeowners, we take great pride in the revitalized districts around town.

Continue reading Indianapolis Property Tax Crisis ~ A Solution

Forclosure rates in the State of Indiana have been the subject of many opinions and news stories. National ranking has thestate placing in the top ten most months. While it is better than the first place rank we held, the moniker is one which we would like to place elsewhere.

We have all heard the stories where greed and corruption within the industry has left entire neighborhoods with vacancies and lower property values. Mortgage Fraud and fraudulent loan broker practices have contributed to many of these transactions which have resulted in foreclosure.

Continue reading Forestall Future Foreclosure in Indiana