All posts by John Peterson

Renovation Realities – WREIA Meeting Oct. 21st

I recently took a trip to the outer edges of Greece.

It was amazing to see building that were built hundreds of years ago.

Some of the most amazing structures were the monasteries built on the top of mountains using the most basic of tools amid terrifying conditions.

You will notice a few of these in the video we just posted about our upcoming WREIA meeting. here:

You can reserve your seat for the Oct. WREIA meeting at this link.

You can also pick up a WREIA membership at the same link. Remember, with your membership you will get access to the “Members Only” event this Saturday.

At this event we will be going over the strategies you can use to profit from the Billion dollars that will be poured in this DC area corridor over the next 9 years.

The meeting address will be given to WREIA members prior to the event.

We have an exciting few days ahead!

See you soon!

John Peterson

Spent A Few Minutes At A Current Renovation Today

I was out at a current renovation today, going over a few design decisions.

I needed a few minutes to go outside and research a few “competitive” properties that had recently sold. While I was out there, I stopped for a couple minutes to share with you a few more details about our upcoming Sept. WREIA meeting.

I thought one of the segments of the meeting is particularly relevant to anyone who is struggling to find deals.

First of all, it has always been difficult to find deals.

Real deals. The kind you can actually make a profit from and not stress about losing money due to tight margins and limited or overly restrictive budgets.

Some of you have skills that you think are unrelated to real estate.

Here is some news – almost anyone can take their skills and use them in the wide world of real estate investing.

Accountant – you might be very good with budgeting.

Photographer – you probably have an eye for marketing pieces to sell the property.

Plumber or electrician – obviously, you can put your skills to use.

Decorator – you can be useful when it comes to staging for sale.

Maybe you’re a web developer, painter, project manager, have great sales or soft people skills, analyst, landscaper and the list goes on, and on, and on.

And on.

And on.

  • So the question is this – how do you take your skills and use them to find a deal?

It may seem obvious, but use them to get into the market and start networking with people that are already where you want to go.

Learn from them by offering your skills first.

Prove you are competent in your field first – and then, time permitting, ask a few questions of your own.

  • How do you do that?

Our speaker will tell you how he used his skills to enter a handful of completely separate markets and instantly networked his way into dozens of active investors who openly invited him into their world.

Let me tell you – that closed network of active investors is where you find the location specific details and the deals that never see the light of day on the MLS or public markets.

Is it an unfair advantage?

Is it “shady backroom” deal making?

I will say unequivocally – NO!

Small minded people who don’t understand this business usually get discouraged quickly and think it’s a business only for insiders.

They don’t understand a basic law of business.

You need to give first – then, you can receive.

When you violate this law – nature will run it’s course and it will ultimately end in failure.

That’s how little ol’ you can compete against the large billion dollar hedge funds and companies like Zillow that are buying property all across the country.

One of my students use really struggle finding deals. When deals finally started to roll in for him he would call me and start with “John! I’m finally picking up what you’re putting down!”

He used his “blue collar” skills to get in. Once he was in, he leveraged a pleasing attitude and sense of humor, and started “asking for orders”.

If you understand what I’m saying here and want to hear more – join us Monday night at WREIA.

FYI – as a last note – this process works for any business. So if you know a small business owner or service provider, invite them to our meeting Monday night.

If that small business owner is struggling to grow their business and is saying things like “It’s harder than it used to be” or “There are no deals/clients/people in my market right now” they need to hear what our speaker will be putting down at the September WREIA Meeting this Monday night.

See you Monday!

Do you remember the McWhopper?

So we touched on this partnering concept yesterday. Working together will produce a great deal more business than working alone. Even in our real estate business.

It comes as no surprise that our speaker this month gave me a great story of working together – and then pulled the rug out from under my excitement with the conclusion.

Let me explain.

On many days I work out of my car. Sadly, fast food is no stranger to my routine. I am working hard to break the habit – but don’t be shocked if you catch me at a drive-thru – just sayin’.

So, back in 2015 an ad agency for Burger King suggested they team together with McDonalds for one day (World Peace Day) and create a McWhopper. Burger King loved the idea and suggested for that day only – proceeds should go the the non-profit Peace One Day.

The campaign was a huge marketing/advertising success. It got a TON of press.

Billions of impressions, $138 Million in free airtime on major networks – around the world!

Sadly – McDonalds took a pass on the offer.

The McWhopper never actually formally happened. It was never available for purchase.

But just the idea was so well received that people took it upon themselves to create the sandwich on their own. A DIY combo sandwich from two fast food titans!

My two cents – what a horrible mistake for McDonalds.

I know in my own business – working together, even with so-called rivals, can create winning situations for everyone involved.

What most people don’t realize – they are already doing it.

Unless you nail every board, paint every stroke, do you own title work and finance every penny of your own projects, you are already “partnering” with other people to make your property business thrive.

Our speaker at WREIA this month is no stranger to partnering on projects.

In fact, at one point he realized that he could expand his business if he found a local builder that he could negotiate terms with to build for his development. Instead of doing just one home at a time, his company quickly went on to build 8 and even 16 homes at a time.

Would you like to have “all” the profit from one house, or would you like to share the profits on 16 homes?

Do you think you get bigger discounts when you order sets of 16 toilets or shower heads, or siding or insulation? Of course!

In fact, when the dust settled, the profits were actually larger when building at scale vs. trying to do everything on his own.

This is a perfect example of working together leading to more success and profits for everyone.

I know, we shared these details already, but if you missed it here is a little more about what will be happening at our next WREIA meeting.

Join us next Monday, Sept. 23rd for the food, the network, the learning and expand your belief that other people are out here in the DC area making money in Real Estate.

The topic this month is “MARKETING”. Our speaker this month is going to show you how he has grown his personal business by helping me and other clients across the country uncover hidden real estate investment gems in our local areas.

Let me tell you – This stuff works.

His low key, under-hyped and personalized mix of online and offline marketing strategies has helped my business, and I know it will help yours too.

We will be talking about a variety of online and offline strategies you can mix to create a wildly successful company that few people outside of your list of clients will even know exists!

Why would you want to keep your business quiet? There are a variety of reasons, a few of which we will be discussing next Monday at WREIA.

One of the interesting parts of next Monday is going to be a quick section on the placebo vs. nocebo effect on your marketing. It’s eye opening and I know you’re going to enjoy this part.

Get ready to take some notes and bring your questions as well! If you are struggling with some aspect of your marketing here is your chance to ask a professional who has spent 20 years marketing various businesses online and offline.

After starting with classified ads in the Washington Post, radio ads on NY and DC area stations, our speaker discovered and ran his first ads online back in 1999 on a little site called Goto.com.

He soon went in search of and implemented automation tools to help assist with the hundreds of ads he was running. To this day he still uses tools to make the marketing side of business much easier, effective and more profitable than I ever thought possible. He has even taught me how to use some of these tools “on the fly” when I’m out looking at properties and projects.

From very modest beginnings, his passion for automation helped him build a solid business of his own and helped other companies grow to $30 Million and more in annual revenues.

Let’s put it this way – if you want a historical look at what has happened and a peak into where advertising and marketing is headed, you should join us at WREIA next Monday.

You can reserve a seat and join us at the September WREIA meeting at this link.

Kick off next week by learning and growing your business at WREIA!

John

P.S. I have been lending here in the DC area and beyond for a long time, as a hard money lender, private lender and partner. If you need to talk over a deal, let me know by giving me a call, text or email. Or, meet me at the September WREIA meeting and lets go over some details in person! WREIA meetings are a great place to get deals done!

P.P.S. WHOLESALERS – BRINGS YOUR DEALS TO SHARE WITH THE ROOM!

P.P.P.S – Be an action taker and take the next step up in your career, put it on your calendar and plan on attending WREIA this Monday.

Sept. 23rd WREIA Meeting – Marketing Your Real Estate Business (or any business)

If you have been out there in the real world and have had marketing success in the past in real estate investing, or in any business, the September WREIA meeting is for you.

You can take these techniques and use them in any industry – but our speaker specializes in the real estate industry. It’s why I turn to him when I have questions and need to cut through the hype about what is really working and what will lead to profits.

Join us next Monday, Sept. 23rd for the food, the network, the learning and expand your belief that other people are out here in the DC area making money in Real Estate.

The topic this month is “MARKETING”. Our speaker this month is going to show you how he has grown his personal business by helping me and other clients across the country uncover hidden real estate investment gems in our local areas.

Let me tell you – This stuff works.

His low key, under-hyped and personalized mix of online and offline strategies has helped my business, and I know it will help yours too.

We will be talking about a variety of online and offline strategies you can mix to create a wildly successful company that few people outside of your list of clients will even know exists!

Why would you want to keep your business quiet? There are a variety of reasons, a few of which we will be discussing next Monday at WREIA.

One of the interesting parts of next Monday is going to be a quick section on the placebo vs. nocebo effect on your marketing. It’s eye opening and I know you’re going to enjoy this part.

Get ready to take some notes and bring your questions as well! If you are struggling with some aspect of your marketing here is your chance to ask a professional who has spent 20 years marketing various businesses online and offline.

After starting with classified ads in the Washington Post, radio ads on NY and DC area stations, our speaker discovered and ran his first ads online back in 1999 on a little site called Goto.com.

He soon went in search of and implemented automation tools to help assist with the hundreds of ads he was running. To this day he still uses tools to make the marketing side of business much easier, effective and more profitable than I ever thought possible. He has even taught me how to use some of these tools “on the fly” when I’m out looking at properties and projects.

From very modest beginnings, his passion for automation helped him build a solid business of his own and helped other companies grow to $30 Million and more in annual revenues.

Let’s put it this way – if you want a historical look at what has happened and a peak into where advertising and marketing is headed, you should join us at WREIA next Monday.

You can reserve a seat and join us at the September WREIA meeting at this link.

Have a GREAT and PROFITABLE week!!!

Kick off the week by learning and growing your business at WREIA!

John

P.S. I have been lending here in the DC area and beyond for a long time, as a hard money lender, private lender and partner. If you need to talk over a deal, let me know by giving me a call, text or email. Or, meet me at the September WREIA meeting and lets go over some details in person! WREIA meetings are a great place to get deals done!

P.P.S. WHOLESALERS – BRINGS YOUR DEALS TO SHARE WITH THE ROOM!

September WREIA Meeting – Marketing Your Real Estate Business

 On Monday Sept. 23rd, 2019 at our next WREIA meeting we will have a  powerful info-packed presentation. 

We will include updates on :

  • Email Marketing  (This can still be a cornerstone of your business.)
  • Direct Mail Marketing (Low Cost Tactics to reduce your mailing expenses.)
  • Social Media Marketing (What really works?)
  • Mobile Only Marketing – Why this is extremely effective and how to target your audience.

 Our guest speaker will also be sharing some insight into other topics including:

  • Advanced marketing strategies and tools to use in today’s market that will blow away the other investors in your area
  • Why Is Video Marketing Effective?
  • How to measure your results and track leads so you can stop wasting time and money on ineffective campaigns.
  • …. and a lot more.

Grab your seat and register for the September WREIA meeting here….

Truths #2 and #3 After 18 Years Of WREIA

Re: Two More Truths I’ve Learned From WREIA

As I mentioned in my last e-mail, I want to share with you two more TRUTHS that I have learned and adopted in my life from running Washington REIA Network for the past 18 years.

Here we GO!!

TRUTH # 2

Spend the majority of your time locating profitable deals and raising capital.

In my opinion, this truth applies to any business, but especially real estate
investment.

Take a minute to think about this…

You can be the most skilled craftsmen in the entire DMV.

Your ability to transform an abandoned house or building is unmatched.

You are organized, have an MBA from Wharton School of Business, and you have been voted most outstanding salesperson in your office for two straight quarters.

But… you cannot find a house to renovate or lease.

You can find deals, but you run out of capital to purchase and renovate, which means you are unable to create a sustainable business.

You see where I am going with this narrative? Having extraordinary skills are great, but if you cannot find a deal or raise the investment money, you are FINISHED.

If your goal is to be a long term, successful real estate investor, focus on the
following:

  • Create marketing campaigns to identify consistent opportunities to find real estate deals. Hint…. (Review TRUTH 1 in our last email)
  •  Learn how to raise private and institutional capital to fund your projects and operate your business

Whether you are a full time or part time investor, focus the majority of your time on lead generation and follow-up. 

The next important event on your schedule is to meet with potential investors to raise capital. Once you have mastered both elements of lead generation and raising capital, you will see your business take off.

TRUTH # 3

Flipping = Income vs. Holding = Wealth


Real estate investing has come out of the shadows. 

The numerous flipping shows on television, hundreds of meet-up groups in the area, and major media exposure on real estate investment has created an enormous interest in our business.

A major misconception is that flipping houses will lead to vast riches. Most people need to not only create income (see Income Suggestions below), but invest their resources into assets that will create passive income and true net worth over time.

STEP 1
Choose a path under the umbrella of real estate investment that will create a majority of your income.

Income Suggestions
– Buy, Renovate and Sell Distressed Houses

– Wholesale Real Estate (If this term is unfamiliar, please call me to join
our Summer class)

– Generate Real Estate Commissions

– Buy and Sell Notes

– Lease Commercial Property

There are many different income options, and you will need to choose one or more based on your interests. Your decision will be the main driver of your business income, and with hard work each avenue can be very lucrative.

STEP 2

Take a portion of your income generated and invest in long term, income producing assets. You can choose stocks and bonds, income producing real estate, performing notes, or businesses.


There is no wrong decision and your choice is based on your risk tolerance and interests. The main point is to diversify and to think longer term, so your income will not always be solely reliant on your next deal.

Stay tuned for the LAST TWO TRUTHS…

Let me know if I can help you with your real estate needs.
My Direct Cell/Text is 301-943-5535 or email at ProfitableProperty@gmail.com

1. Call, text, or email me with questions you might have on real
estate, I am a valuable resource and glad to help.
2. If you need funding for a project, we have very competitive rates.
3. If you need a partner on a project to help you leverage your business, I am always looking to expand my partnerships.
4. If you are looking to wholesale a property under contract, I have cash and I can close quickly.

Have a GREAT and PROFITABLE week!!!
John

My Direct Cell/Text is 301-943-5535 or email at ProfitableProperty@gmail.com.

I still have room for a few more at our Summer Class. Call or Email me
today for details.

This is why I’m not afraid of Zillow – Yet.

Re: Zillow’s IBuyer Program

So the numbers are finally in on Zillow’s IBuyer program.

Zillow bought and sold – are you ready for this? – 414 homes last quarter.

For a national company, that is barely a blip on the radar.

But the real news is just how much money they lost…….

According to a recent article, and based on their quarterly earnings call:

Zillow lost $109,190 per flip on average.

Of course, due to the miracle that is Wall Street – these numbers caused the stock price of Zillow to jump 19%.


https://wolfstreet.com/2019/05/10/house-flipper-zillow-lost-109k-35-per-flip-net-loss-triples-shares-soar/

So, long term, we will see if this magnitude of losses will continue. I think some of the companies that are getting into our mom and pop flipping business are going to have monumental failures.

The numbers for these IBuyers have never added up for me and the people I work with – we know what goes into flipping a property the right way.

To sum it up – these guys don’t scare me. Especially in the DC area. They just won’t be able to make it work.

Who know. Maybe some of these companies will fail so horribly we will start to see their homes show up at the local courthouse as part of the foreclosure process.

So, there is a reason we started talking about foreclosures last month and will conclude the conversation this Monday at our May WREIA meeting.

More than 20 years in this business has taught me a few things.

One of the major things – this is a cyclical business. Right now, we are in the part of the cycle where it is prudent to be careful and not overextend on projects.

But even more so – this is a great time to put your head down and focus on profits.

The next couple of years could be very interesting in the world of real estate.

Especially here in the DC area.

The DC area is unique and provides an interesting mix of opportunity for us as investors. A lot hinges on the job market and the typical job profile has changed dramatically in the last few years.

When you understand the DC area job market and couple that with a deep understanding of the foreclosure process you can make better decisions on the properties you want to focus on when you go “shopping” for foreclosures.

We will be discussing a few key points for investors in an interactive WREIA meeting this month.

  • How will the DC area real estate market respond if we do dip into another national recession?
  • What should you do as homeowners or renters to prepare for a change in trends?
  • Are online auctions as good as “real life” auctions?

Let’s cover a few of those questions and more this Monday at our May WREIA meeting.

As always – we will focus on the DC real estate market and how we as investors can best help people and make a profit at the same time.

Come out this Monday, May 20th, and hear what is working (and not working) across the DC area.

Join us at WREIA this month and you can learn from REAL PEOPLE having REAL SUCCESS in Real Estate.

Happy May and come join us on Monday at WREIA!

John Peterson
Founder, Washington Real Estate Investors Association

Wholesalers – bring your deals to share with WREIA members!

Home Values Drop – First Time In 7 Years.

Re: Price Drop

I hinted at it this month at our WREIA meeting.

I hate to say I told you so…. but here it is.

Our friends at Zillow just reported on the first price drop in 7 years.

You can find a quick analysis posted on Curbed.com here.

Keep in mind – this data is only representing one month.

It could be the start of a trend, or it could just be a blip.

That said – there is a reason we started talking about foreclosures last month and will conclude the conversation this Monday at our May WREIA meeting.

More than 20 years in this business has taught me a few things.

One of the major things – this is a cyclical business. Right now, we are in the part of the cycle where it is prudent to be careful and not overextend on projects.

But even more so – this is a great time to put your head down and focus on profits.

The next couple of years could be very interesting in the world of real estate.

Especially here in the DC area.

The DC area is unique and provides an interesting mix of opportunity for us as investors. A lot hinges on the job market and the typical job profile has changed dramatically in the last few years.

When you understand the DC area job market and couple that with a deep understanding of the foreclosure process you can make better decisions on the properties you want to focus on when you go “shopping” for foreclosures.

We will be discussing a few key points for investors in an interactive WREIA meeting this month.

  • How will the DC area real estate market respond if we do dip into another national recession?
  • What should you do as homeowners or renters to prepare for a change in trends?
  • Are online auctions as good as “real life” auctions?

Let’s cover a few of those questions and more this Monday at our May WREIA meeting.

As always – we will focus on the DC real estate market and how we as investors can best help people and make a profit at the same time.

Come out this Monday, May 20th, and hear what is working (and not working) across the DC area.

Join us at WREIA this month and you can learn from REAL PEOPLE having REAL SUCCESS in Real Estate.

Happy May and come join us on Monday at WREIA!

John Peterson
Founder, Washington Real Estate Investors Association

Wholesalers – bring your deals to share with WREIA members!