Escape the ‘Wealth Vampires’: A Smarter Way to Do Real Estate
I don’t ask banks for loans or permission to close on real estate transactions… and I’ve never had all cash. All purchases since 1998 have
I don’t ask banks for loans or permission to close on real estate transactions… and I’ve never had all cash. All purchases since 1998 have
Even agents who are excited to use seller financing strategies to help their clients can be blocked by their broker… can you relate? Why? Fear

Well, I guess this could potentially be a touchy subject… those of us who are agents don’t like the idea of people not using us!

Most people would probably be surprised to know how seller financing in 1031 exchanges can work. A seller wants to do a 1031 exchange, but

Real estate buyers don’t need banks… in fact, many can’t afford them. The biggest real estate lender in the country is a “conglomerate”, a “decentralized

So many people are facing difficult real estate and financial challenges. The rental (or rentals) that was supposed to set them free now feels like

I need to get over myself and make better seller financing offers. Unlike some of my peers, I’ve been squeamish about not offering a down

Svetlana made a decision to invest in notes and moved across the country to do it. That’s an action taker for ya… no ‘paralysis of

Sometimes you get to be the hero in this business and it feels especially good. I describe one such instance in this month’s episode of

Property owners who offer seller financing and carry back a promissory note can easily maximize their wealth by selling off a front end partial. This

How can you help your children buy an affordable home? Get seller financing. Sellers, to get their price, will sometimes lend their equity at 4-6%

When you work so hard to generate leads, why settle for only getting paid once? If you’re just buying a house to live in, why

This Gardnerville home seller gets it. He listed For Sale By Owner (FSBO) on Craigslist and is offering owner seller financing. If he sells for

Don’t miss this amazing event! I’ll be joining several other powerful women October 21, 2017 in So Cal at the Ignite Your Fire Within event

Just letting people know that I’ve started a local Meetup group in Carson City, and our first monthly meeting will be in just a couple of days:

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – December 2016 Is it just me, or are the years flying by faster and faster? I could swear it was

I’ve always been about helping people create win-win solutions, just one Mom n’ Pop to another, but sometimes ALL the financial reward, and NONE of the financial

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – November 2016 I’m filled with a sense of gratitude this month for another year filled with opportunities to connect with

It was that time of the month again… this morning we enjoyed another great mastermind call. We dove right into our monthly Virtual Coffee Q&A: Anything

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – October 2016 Another satisfying morning talking about anything related to owner financing (property) and notes (paper). We were able to

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – September 2016 Thanks, again, to all who participated, I really enjoy this time together each month where we talk about

I’ve been in Jim Ingersoll’s Investor Success Mastermind since returning from Walter & Quincy’s cruise last May. It’s helped me implement new systems & take new

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – August 2016 This was our maiden voyage on Uber Conference and I can already tell it’s going to be a

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – July 2016 Our first question was from Nancy, a real estate broker in Florida, who does a great job getting

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – June 2016 We had the pleasure of having Quincy Long, President of Quest IRA, on the call, and wow, what

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – May 2016 Tom from Wyoming started us off. He is selling two 4-plexes he owns free and clear to some

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – April 2016 So many great contributors this morning… John from Idaho was able to get owner financing on the purchase

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – March 2016 I always enjoy these calls where people from all over the country call in to talk about what’s

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – February 2016 I always enjoy these calls where people from all over the country call in to talk about what’s

Virtual Coffee Q&A Call – January 2016 I always enjoy these calls where people from all over the country call in to talk about what’s
I love our Virtual Coffee calls each month… they make me laugh, and I always get something valuable from sharing with people who tune in.
This is exactly the kind of thing I hate to see… someone preying on older people who have a lot of equity, and not a
I’ve had a couple of email inquiries about the use of owner financing (with the subsequent sale of the note) for high-end properties, and oddly,
It was enjoyable to spend the morning with several people over “Virtual Coffee.” Although I confess, I’ve switched to drinking tea made of freshly juiced
Just thought I’d invite you to join me for drinks and appetizers if you’re in the Southern California area. I’ve been running the Owner Financing
Frustrated with fix and flip exit strategies, many real estate investors wonder if they will do better by offering terms (owner financing) and then immediately
This is blatant advertising… just letting you know that I’m teaching my first one-day class on owner financing and discounted notes this weekend in LA.
Was having a bad hair day, but it didn’t stop me from this interview 🙂 This video illustrates a perfect reason to understand how to
Just thought I’d share a short snippet from a recent training session over at Owner Financing Club. With the way this deal is shaping up,
Some people wonder if they can make a fairly rapid transition into the note business and/or into becoming an owner financing consultant (these two naturally
Many investors look to buy lots of short sales and/or REOs, but then want to re-sell them on the market using owner financing, but want
I really haven’t been a fan of lease options for a variety of reasons, evidenced by the fact that I practically ignore them entirely in
So… The point I’m trying to make with this video is that real estate investors who focus on wholesaling, and/or buy-and-hold cash flow strategies can
Have you left your comment yet? You have until tomorrow 🙂 Here’s the REPLAY of the call.
From Bill’s email: “Because of the necessity of stopping the Federal Reserve from enacting a rule that could effectively prohibit seller installment sales of property
My favorite quote from my call with Walter last night: “Owner financing is a partnership between the lender and the borrower.” It’s always wonderful to
I was alone at my cabin a few weeks ago, and while I was basking in the solitude, I came up with a couple geometric
I’m not sure how many investments these days can offer the safety, return and low risk profile of discounted notes when purchased properly. Buying properties
When I ask high-end Realtors if they ever see owner financing used in putting their transactions together, often I’ll get some sort of offended scoff,
A month ago, I was at Robert Hall & Associates teaching a class on PAPER… well, next Tuesday, May 10th is the other half of
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivQ77SzBbfU[/youtube] [Watch video on YouTube] It’s been been quite an evolution over the last year. There’s more to be added, but for now, I’m excited
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdW_LLtSbE4[/youtube] It was a fabulous opportunity to get to speak with Gil Gross, the host of the National Association of Realtors’ radio show, Real Estate
Don’t we all wish we had a crystal ball? When to buy, when to sell properties, paper, stocks, bonds, Potassium Iodide… the list goes on.
Not exactly sparkly news to start off your day, but it’s even unhappier not to have a clue it might be coming whether you’re buying
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k-eoLTeSsc[/youtube] [watch video] Whether or not real estate professionals should be paid their full commission at the close of a transaction where the seller extended
Fannie and Freddie may be on their way out, like Mubarak out of Egypt. I’m all for it, and… just like there will inevitably be
I guess I’m no different than anyone else… I want to be first. I hope I’m the first person you’ll call when you’re putting an
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vxr6duZLw7w[/youtube] [Watch video on blog] I’m not sure why people use a contract for deed (CFD): it doesn’t get around the due on sale clause
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQphcoX8w2U[/youtube] [Watch video on blog] When you want to sell a real estate note and mortgage (or note & deed of trust, or a contract
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9M-4D1L8ek[/youtube] [Watch video on blog] Recently I was talking to a potential client who was wondering if there was any way I could help rescue

Economist Kenneth Rosen says “Money is easy, but credit is tight– many would-be home buyers have discovered during the downturn that while loans may be

I thought this was a great email addressing concerns that real estate professionals sometimes have when dealing with owner financing situations: “Hi, I was just
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUcn6-dhdPQ[/youtube] Another strategy to add to “Flip With Owner Financing“! Thanks, Matt.
This is super last minute, but just letting you know I’ll be speaking at Southland Regional tomorrow: Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 11:30am: 7232 Balboa
More and more sellers (and their agents) are realizing that to be able to sell their properties in today’s market, they’re having to reduce prices
I often tell sellers that the only way to get their price is to offer terms (owner financing). Sometimes it’s the only way to get
Traditional (and even private) financing is almost impossible to get for mobile homes… especially older ones. So, it’s very common for people to offer terms
[Watch video]Holding a note can be a great investment, but if keeping on top of payments, property taxes, insurance, and the condition of the property
[Watch video]One of the reasons it can be so hard for people to understand what seller financing is and how it relates to the mysterious
[Watch video]Selling now and offering terms (owner financing) will probably get the retired owners of a 37 unit apartment building what they want… much more
OK, so here’s a minority trend in the realm of seller financing that I’ve recently heard about, and it majorly offends me… The perfect set
*** [watch video] Help protect your personal property rights: the ability to use owner financing to sell your property, the ability to buy a property
Investors are looking for ways to squeak profits out of fixing and flipping by using owner financing (with subsequent note sales) if they can. My
This post explains why, if you own a high-end home, you shouldn’t necessarily “wait for the economy to recover” so you can get your price,
Hey, just a quick note to let you know that after Raven (Careers from the Kitchen Table, and Women Power Radio) interviews Lisa Nichols from
My online training course is only a few weeks away from being ready to launch, but because I feel there are just too many juicy
Hey . . . sometimes you have to buy votes 🙂 I’m going to send a gift to everyone who “likes” my new page by
In Q1 2010, Fannie, Freddie and FHA backed 96.5% of all home loans . . . government backed loans are expected to decrease by 17.2%,
A coaching client of mine, Brian Gibbons, turned me onto an article in USA Today that I hadn’t seen when it first came out: Upscale
When banks say NO, I say YES! Read updated and expanded info on Title Holding (Land) Trusts Wanna do what I do? Check out my
Just wanted to let you know that instead of the usual FAQ call this Thursday (April 1st), I’m going to be doing a class on
Sheesh… annoyingly long title. Wonder what Google thinks about it 🙂 This is my first ever trade show, and my first ever CYBER trade show…
OK . . . we have a breather, but if you haven’t acted already, it’s time to put in your two cents. I copied this
Some people just have a way of inspiring you . . . If the Safe Mortgage Act isn’t preparing to destroy his business model as
You need to act now. It’s an unfathomable attack on personal property rights, and will literally shut down entire sections of the real estate market
Hey, you might want to listen in on this call tomorrow . . . I highly respect and admire both Bill’s knowledge and integrity, so
I’m just about to close a note deal where the Buyer’s/Payor’s credit score is below 600. Why can I even work with this thing? Because
Just a quickie blog post about my first ever teleseminar I’m hosting this Thursday evening . . . I’m taking some of the Questions that
A note in Alaska, consultation on seller carry backs in Wisconsin and Dallas . . . this is all fabulous, but I really enjoy the
Here’s an email that floated in this morning . . . “Hi, I just did a google search and found your site, so much info!
Hey, I just got this audio file put together, and I think anyone interested in preserving their real estate asset by transferring it with the
A few days ago I was talking to an agent that was trying to put a commercial real estate transaction together . . . His
I had an especially exciting conversation with a Realtor recently . . . one of the few that totally gets how a little knowledge of
CONVENTION ODDS AND ENDS Here’s a webinar with Lisa Moren Bromma of The Entrust Group and Clint Hinman of NoteWorthy. Clicking the link below will
As a mater of fact, I would like to buy your note, or find the best buyer for your note (broker it), depending on where
Many sellers of commercial properties and high end homes are turning to seller financing in today’s market. The financing just isn’t as available for these
“We just don’t want our property any more . . . it’s too much stress. We’re tired of being soaked by the bank, and we’re
Knowing about, and being comfortable with, seller financing is increasingly becoming an important skill set for real estate professionals. Here’s an email I received and
This week I got a call from a woman and her husband out in Palm Springs. Her 60 day escrow was turning into a 90
This is a typical scenario for FSBO’s and if they’re willing to be flexible, they can often create a winning transaction in today’s market: Hi,
I just got back from Seattle. A client of mine decided to pay for a ‘platinum’ consultation, my plane ticket, and excellent wine. Why? Because,
Seller financing strategies work especially well for non-U.S. residents wanting to buy property here. I recently received this email: “Hello, We’re Canadians interested to purchase
Here’s a short clip of a recent conversation with one of my clients: To hear the entire recording, be sure to sign up for Seller
It’s hard to keep covered against the chill winds of the market sometimes. Perhaps it’s possible to get a nice, thick sheepskin warming the front
I’ve been working on developing an ezine (‘Seller Financing on Steroids’) as well as a simple decision making guide for people to use. I finally
Have you noticed the banners across Las Tunas between Kauffman and Golden West? There are two, side-by-side: ‘Wednesday Concerts in the Park,’ and ‘Rabies Clinic.’
Seven billion people! And I’m quite certain that 99.999% of them would gladly trade places with you … no matter what’s happening in your life
Does seller financing give you the willies? There are usually a couple of reasons the average seller (or even real estate professional) is uncomfortable when
This one of those random posts that doesn’t have anything to do with creative financing. Creative real estate strategies empower you to achieve desired benefits
Remember that dream you had? The one where you woke up excited, inspired, alive, and ready to claim the day as yours alone?! Dream it
Seller financing is a great way for foreigners to pick up property in the U.S., as getting a traditional loan can be even tougher for
As good as the financing can be these days, there are still good buyers who fall through the cracks. Here is an email from one:
How are you being today? If you’re reading this (and I’m pretty sure you are), you’d better get down on your knees and thank All
Yes! It’s very common for business owners to carry a portion of the sale when selling a business, and frequently, the note can be sold
It’s a fantastic day! Because YOU are a part of it! And YOU have the capability of making someone’s day/week/year/life! … by how you think,
I recently received this email from someone who saw a post from last year: Seller Financing and Mobile Homes in Parks, and wanted to know
You’ve got the power! The smallest of our thoughts, feelings, and deeds can have a profound effect on anything and everything around us. The ripple
There’s been a lot more interest in seller financing and the discounted note business these days, but people generally tend to feel kind of lost,
Buying my first commercial building from an owner offering terms several years ago made me an instant fan. I was reminded that the technique is
I recently got a call from a gentleman who is selling a duplex here in Temple City, and the first words out of his mouth
What are you waiting for? You have the power to change your life into anything you choose … You’re the writer, producer, director and star
This is a post I’ve been wanting to write for a while now, because I get so many questions from investors and builders like the
You deserve a life that’s unbelievably wonderful and fulfilling. If you’re not doing something everyday that touches on these two things, you’re doing yourself a
I’m going to be watching for Mike’s new movie . . . the YouTube trailer is below. I was introduced to him in person several
There’s a natural rhythm and flow to things … The sun comes up in the east, and sets in the west; birds fly south in
“Our loan broker suggested we talk to you,” she introduced herself, “he said you would have some interesting ideas about how we could pull cash
From the department of “Keep it Simple!” … Know what you want … keep focused on it … feel good about it … and take
Turn off the TV … drop the magazine … put away the iPod … And discover the most fascinating topic this side of Paris Hilton
Our judgment of things is the source of all our suffering. The newspaper headline – “Democrats Win!” is just ink on paper till someone reads
Sometimes I forget that the concept of seller financing can be confusing to people at first. This is a seller financing 101 spot in under
Sometimes buyers are not very good sports when they lose in a multiple counter scenario, but this takes the cake! . . . or should
Too many people fail to get the buyers to fill out a 1003 (loan application) and run their credit. News flash… if you want to
Believe this like your life depends on it … because it does! Whatever you want to achieve is nothing compared to what your true capabilities are.
Let’s admit it . . . as a nation we’ve been partying very hard for a very long time, and now, in the midst of
We’ve got all the answers. If we’re still enough, and quiet enough, and we listen enough, we can know what to do in any given
Lots of people are exploring whatever it takes to get their properties sold in today’s market, even considering low down payments, or a small option
Who’s the most influential person in your life? Here’s a clue … it isn’t the guy who sells lottery tickets. If it’s important to do
When most people think of seller financing, they think of carrying a second. Buyer puts down 10% cash, gets a 75% traditional loan, and asks
What’s around the next corner? I don’t know … let’s look! In your journeys from here to there, you’re going to run into potholes, bad
Well, the first thing you do is sit down and try to have a friendly conversation, maybe over the drink, or a game of poker.
Def.: Trust – confident expectation of something; hope. Many luxury residential and commercial sellers don’t have a lot of trust in the real estate market.
Who’re you going to “be” in 2009? Just honor and allow all that you already are … and enjoy the best year of your life. Be you. Jerry
The quick answer to this question is “As much as possible.” The more money someone puts down, the more protective equity you have, and the
I won’t even bother to tell you how long it took to finally settle on this clip, which still contains a lot of flaw and
Six billion people … and YOU! How do you set yourself apart? As special as you are, Baby, you don’t have to! Even though we’re
This seller is representative of many sellers of smaller and mid-sized commercial buildings these days: “Dear Dawn, I read with great interest the 10/3/08, Investor’s
Recently, LA Times writer Peter Hong published an article about the new interest mortgage interest rates: Mortgage rates fall, but many borrowers will have trouble
Last week I talked about looking for that something that would get me jumping out of bed . . . excited about the day and
This is the time for note professionals to shine. Our expertise can make a meaningful contribution to the economy. I got an email from Kay,
I forgot to mention that I will be having a couple of guest authors from time to time that will make contributions to this blog.
Do you even want to? Or would you rather pull the blankets over your head and forget about facing that big bad world out there?
There’s a Canadian buyer I’m working with that has purchased over 30 homes this year alone . . . and he’s never qualified for a
In honor of Halloween, I was trying to come up with something scary to write about. And then it came to me . . .
Answer: “Well, because I can.” Question: “Why do you write totally random quirky posts sometimes? Don’t you want us to think that you’re a respectable
Once in a while, I really get a head scratcher. The other day I met with a seller and the buyer he had found for
Unfortunately, too many people assume that if there is seller financing involved, there is no underwriting (qualifying) whatsoever . . . that it’s a “free-for-all.”
Some home sellers are lenders too With mortgage money harder to get, sellers provide financing Here’s another interview that I really enjoyed. I absolutely love
It’s great to see that the media is increasingly picking up stories about my favorite topics. I had the privilege of being interviewed by IBD
When you’re having a bit of a melt down, like a mini personal subprime meltdown, emails like this really make a difference in your day:
It’s my privilege to speak to the agents at Keller Williams in Pasadena this Friday. The management is very supportive of every possible strategy to
Yeah, sounds kind of fancy, doesn’t it? The reason I’m so excited is that I really love talking to people about investing in (or divesting
“Hello Dawn, You really are the note queen! I am a buyer and I am interested in finding owner financed properties. The only way a
If you’re a buyer right now, it really behooves you to know how to structure a seller financing offer. In the live deal that I’m
Bummer . . . well, I found out that my nice little seller financing strategies don’t work on mobile homes in parks when there is
A common buyer’s lament: “Now that prices are coming down and it’s finally a buyer’s market, there’s no more 100% financing, and even though I
“Will the seller take 5% down?” the agent asked me. “FHA is the only possible thing out there right now for my first time home
These 10 spiritual principals were received by James M. Allen in 1993 on top of Mt. La Jolla, California. Originally created for the edification of
I was recently speaking with the managing editor of Inman News, exploring the possibility of becoming a columnist for them around the topic of seller
The whole “Note Queen” idea was sort of an accident . . . a mere nickname in the office that somehow stuck. Instead of fighting
Trying to close a real estate transaction these days can be like trying to swallow an ice cube . . . it hurts a little,
Well, it IS Friday, what do you expect? Plus, I feel it’s my duty to warn unsuspecting citizens of how incredibly wild and dangerous Old
Oh I hope, I hope, I hope . . . I really want that $100 gift certificate to Vertical, my favorite upscale wine bar in
What if we could get around the troublesome mortgage industry and put real estate deals together without bank participation? Seller Financing, OWC (owner will carry),
Below you’ll find a few snippets of just-released, juicy information that sound fairly bearish, but there is opportunity everywhere. Sellers and buyers can adapt to
These are really exciting times in real estate, especially if you’re an investor. I learned so much and was very inspired by the things I
I know wine goes well with a lot of things like cheese, crackers, fruit, dark chocolate, love . . . it’s just that I didn’t
You may not be able to sell your note if you can’t produce the original. The original note is the “green stuff,” it’s the currency,
The subprime meltdown forced many dealers/rehabbers to sell their properties using some form of owner financing. People just couldn’t get the bank financing, so to
Sometimes you just have to get off the topic of business and have a little fun. Here are some words of “wisdom” I picked up
I would consider Temple City fairly immune to the general downward pressure facing the overall real estate market. The demographics and good public school system
So, it feels really enlightened to have bought a car that can run on vegetable oil from the Japanese restaurant down the street, but there
The simultaneous closing is a little-known, but powerful strategy for getting real estate transactions closed in difficult markets. Wouldn’t you like the competitive edge if
Question: “How do you handle the homeowners insurance on a seller carry back? Whose name? Who pays? Thanks for always taking the time to answer
It was so great to meet someone who is just as big a dork as I am! 🙂 You gotta love her bold and unique
You have to change your thinking. When you take back a note (carry paper, provide seller financing) on a property you already own, you need
On Cinco de Mayo I was on my way down to San Diego for a real estate radio show when I got a call from
I’m glad to be going back on the air with Exeter Real Estate Radio next Monday to continue our conversation about Seller Financing. Last month
As the housing market continues to “evolve” with tight credit, increasing foreclosures and downward pressure on prices, sellers are turning to owner financing in order
Are short sales and REOs a great way to pick up cheap property? Sometimes, but not the way most people generally think. There are 76
As you can see from the above market statistics, home sales have not changed much since March of last year. The number of closings is
As you can see from the above market statistics, home sales have slowed considerably since March of last year . . . the number of
Sellers who are willing to offer terms and carry paper can really give themselves a nice seller financing advantage in today’s market, but sometimes they
Learning to use public transportation (the metro) was really a stretch in the beginning, but now it’s a cherished aspect of travel for my whole
Now, some people might think it’s a bit strange for a real estate broker to be writing a post like this, but for where I’m
OK, so I am sorry that the last business in this location didn’t make it, but I am really happy to have a new Mexican
And you thought you needed capital gains strategies before . . . Both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama have called for an increase in the
I met someone for lunch today who decidedly shuddered at the idea of seller financing. “Aren’t there so many things that can go wrong?” Her
Increasingly, sellers are becoming more flexible and carrying paper (taking back a note) in order to close escrow on their investment properties. So, how does
One of the things I love about Pasadena is the intelligence, creativity and fun-loving nature of the trees. These palm trees behind Pasadena’s Gold Shell
I follow the work of guys like Bill Bonner, publisher of The Daily Reckoning: “While U.S. business still seems fairly solid, generally, the financial sector
Notes are often created in the image and likeness of their Creator . . . sometimes we can look and call that good. Sometimes the
When I was growing up in a neighboring city, something that was topnotch was deemed A-1 by my mother. Alhambra is certainly A-1 in many
Although I always associate this important Pasadena landmark with parking tickets (I never seem to have enough quarters), there’s a little more to it. For
Trying to get a loan funded can be incredibly frustrating these days. Are we really at the mercy of the lending institutions? Are there other
I smile every time I pass the chamber on Las Tunas here in my home town. I love the quaint, craftsman style architecture, and someone
Recently, a seller called me wondering if she should accept a seller carry back offer. She and her sister had inherited a residential property after
Do sellers carry paper on purpose? Actually, yes, they do. About 5 years ago I bought a small commercial property from an older couple who
I’m new to the blogging world, which means I only recently discovered this funny little icon. The thing I like about it is that it’s
When buyers with FICOs of 800+ have a hard time getting a loan, what’s the world coming to? Are we going to be able to
It’s great to wake up in a city that has pride and distinguishes itself from the others. A few years ago, the City of Alhambra
Seller carryback financing can be an attractive option for the reasons listed in the last post; however, it is important that the transaction be structured
Many sellers of real estate automatically think they need an all cash buyer, but do they? What many people need is a steady flow of