Mike's Blog

What a great day. Today was the first day I would be  working for with the new Real Estate Investment Brokerage, and it fell on the day of the monthly Chamber of Commerce Meeting. Its a small town, and this morning meeting was very well  attended, with nearly 70 members showing up for the event.

Anyone who goes to Chamber meetings knows the meetings end with all participants getting a quick info-mercial about them selves and their business. The chamber has off-shoots of leads clubs, and I am the President of the Lady Lake Business Leaders, so I am expected to have a bit more to say anyway. ..I try not to disappoint anyone!!!

   Mike's Got  A Brand New Bag>>>>

But today, when I announced publicly that I had moved, there was a gasp thru the room. I am well known and have been a local club president, vice president, or board member for now nine years in a row. Thats a lot of volunteering, but public service is its own reward. My wife and I have sponsored or volunteered for more events over the last few years that I care to remember. We often remark that this is our social life.

SO when I announced the change to another local firm this morning, I saw a reaction to most every face in the room. Thru the years we have gotten to know each other from parades, fund raisers, beer tents, this booth, that dinner, this meeting, endless committees, downtown associations, youth foundations, and somehow found time to coach basket ball for 5 years at the Y and youth leagues. I had to keep this move a secret, and NO one in the room knew.

Lets just say my phone has not stopped ringing all day. It's nice to know I have made an impact on so many people. I am not bragging. Its actually a bit humbling to see that people care, but we (my wife and I) have worked untold hours for this community, its very nice to feel like we are a part of something. In fact, my wife and I went to dinner tonight and I had to turn the phone  off to get a quiet moment.

I have owned several small to medium sized businesses in this area over the last 22 years. Years ago I was involved in a team of buying, rehabbing,and owner financing over 60 homes here in this area. It was very tough the way we did it then, we were always stretched soooo thin. However, It was a very rewarding feeling, and I am back into that arena again!! This time with an investment strategy to finance the whole thing.   Nice!!!

We have set goals to do in a year what took nearly six years for us to do before. We plan on increasing the amounts even more after the structure is set into full operation. Our plan is so ridiculously complex that it has become absurdly simple. I am pleased to have gained a national insight on how thing are done by reading and posting here on Active Rain. Thanks to all here who have posted and commented on all the various subjects!!

There is always opportunity to do well by investing in Real Estate. I feel there is even more opportunity in a down market than in the Up market. If you as a Real Estate Professional are not actively pursuing increasing your own portfolio RIGHT NOW, I really don't know what you are waiting for.....