Real Estate Listing Syndication

Real estate listing syndication technology has been around for a little while, but now Agents and Brokers are becoming aware of how to leverage this fabulous technology for their internet advertising campaigns. Even if you've heard of real estate listing syndication, you probably don't know all of the reasons to use the free service.

Real estate listing syndication technology is a huge benefit to an agent's marketing arsenal.

Listing syndication will:

1. Save you time, a ton of time.

2. It's free.

3. Allows for many photos and full property detail.

4. Allows you to add links back to your main websites.

5. Easily post to your blog.

6. Can help with search engine optimization if you write your ad correctly.

7. Can drive qualified leads right to you, not to your company's phone number or someone else....exclusive leads!

8. One lesser known secret fact is that the National Association of Realtor's site does NOT display income property. So if you're listing 2 or more units, you must use real estate listing syndication along with Loopnet. That's a fact you won't read about on any site or get from an old traditional real estate trainer.

As I continue to look for new companies and technology to help agents achieve profitable success, there are two syndication companies I've used for a while, Postlets and Vflyer. You say "toe-may-toh" I say "toe-mah-toh", right? Wrong!

Not all syndication technology is created equal. Postlets was first started without a revenue model, but has now added Google AdSense ads and a few up-sell features. I respect that all companies need to make a profit and the way Postlets has added AdSense ads to the site, doesn't detract from a good user experience. Postlets makes it easy to set up an account and also offers unlimited flyer ads.

Vflyer offers a similar technology and seems to have started the company with a revenue model in place which offers many up-sell options. There are restrictions on how many free ads Vflyer offers, currently they offer 5 active flyer ads before you have to upgrade $$. Vflyer does have several other technology offerings, but this article is about listing syndication.

Here's a short blurb on Postlets taken from my book:

Postlets is a new site I discovered recently. It's such a good idea and a huge time saver. On my first visit to the site, I immediately input one of my listings. I quickly saw the power of Postlets' technology saving me tons of time and ability to drive high quality leads to me via e-mail and my cell phone.

Your thoughts and comments are always welcome.

To your online success.

Scott Thompson, Realtor
510-410-2003 direct

"Your Trusted Advisor"
http://www.AgentWisdom.com
http://www.ScottThompson.biz

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Scott_J_Thompson

Syndication Investing is the Ultimate Way of Closing Real Estate Deals

There is a secret to successful real estate investing most successful investors would not want you to find out about. I know that you have heard about so called 'secrets' that professionals working in their fields would not want you to know about many times before. So have I and I fully share your sentiment that each time you look at the 'secret' closely it turns out to be a dud.

This is why the secret I am about to reveal you is something that is obvious and yet something which few investors really know. Let me explain. I have been actively involved in real estate for nearly a decade. I have worked in putting together creative deals, I have fronted syndicates, I have bought and sold houses and I have invested in apartments and apartment blocks.

I am now at a stage where I have a name real estate investors recognize and instantly respect, I am a sought after after-dinner speaker and lecturer and I front courses, workshops and boot camp weekends. I own over 4,000 apartments and have over a million dollars in the bank. In getting here I have worked from the bottom up and in the process have made almost every mistake in the book. This is exactly the reason why I am so superbly qualified to tell you the secret of succeeding in the real estate investment and why I already know that first it's not as secret as you may think and second, because it is so obvious many investors have not thought about it.

The secret, in two words, is risk management. Investing in real estate is not without risks and if you really want to be successful you need to be able to find creative ways to minimize the risks which action then, automatically, increases the rewards.

This is exactly the part in which syndication comes into their own. Basically the idea of a syndicated deal is pretty simple. The syndication is usually made up of investors who have money to invest in the real estate market but have not got the expertise required to close deals. They want to limit their exposure and minimize their risk and they do so by spreading their money amongst a number of deals and in a number of syndicates rather than just one.

You, as the real estate expert, get to front the group for a share of the profits and you use your real estate knowledge and negotiating skills to drive the whole thing forward and close the deal. The beauty of it is that by operating this way you can become a major player in the market without risking any of your own capital and you can build a formidable reputation as well as fortune playing with other people's money.

It is exactly this that makes syndicating investing the ultimate way to close real estate deals and make money fast. Add to it the fact that you can drive several different deals this way and you begin to understand the potential of it and why seasoned real estate investors would not want you to find out about it.

David Lindahl, also known as the "Apartment King" has been successfully investing in single-family homes and apartments for the last 14 years and currently owns over 7,000 units around the US. David regularly shares his secrets and experience on the same stage as Tony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, and Donald Trump! For two FREE copies of his highly recognized newsletter Real Estate Insights, please go to http://www.davesoffer.com/ezine

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Lindahl

Real Estate Wholesaling - Success Through Refinement

Wholesaling real estate is one of the best ways that I have found to make loads of cash in real estate investing without needing cash, credit, or handling risk. Successful real estate wholesalers know that they much constantly change their business as the real estate market changes.

Throughout my life I have been a person who never accepts the status quo. I have always sought out better and more efficient ways to do everything. As a real estate wholesaler I have experienced a tremendous amount of success because I am always refining my business. I treat my wholesaling business like a Nascar pit crew would treat the engine of their driver. Constantly tweaking it to add just a little more horsepower. The more horsepower that I can add to my real estate business the more cash I put in my pocket.

The key to refining your real estate wholesaling business is to ask yourself the following questions at the end of every week that you have been doing business:

1. In what ways could I have run my business more efficiently this week?

2. What problems have I encountered over the past week, and how could I better handle them next time?

3. What did I do well in my business this week, and are there parts of my real estate wholesaling business that I could carry the same ideas over to?

4. If I had my week to do over again what would I do differently?

As you can see these questions are the foundation for just about any business including wholesaling real estate. These same questions can be used to improve any other aspect of your life as well.

Eric Medemar is a Realtor/Real Estate Investor out of Grand Rapids, MI. Eric currently owns 35+ rental properties, and is the creator of the ultimate Wholesaling Real Estate system the programs that enables you to duplicate his exact real estate system. You can view Eric's Blog at Free Guide To Wholesaling Real Estate guide also, be sure to check out Erics Ultimate Real Estate Bird Dog System

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Medemar

An Overview of Wholesale Real Estate Investing

Wholesale real estate investing is all the buzz right now and rightfully so it should be. These types of investors make the residential real estate world work. In this overview you're going to learn exactly what wholesale real estate investing is and you're going to learn the steps involved so you can decide for yourself if this is a strategy you should pursue.

Let's get into it...

In it's simplest form someone wants to sell a house and someone wants to buy a house. As a wholesaler you bring the two together and profit from the deal. This type of business exists and these types of transactions take place all day long on any and all goods you see in a retail store, we're just apply the same concepts and strategies to real estate investing.

Instead of dealing with small items you would find in a store we're talking about real estate. The ante is upped and the profit is huge and the money you can make from one successful wholesale deal can be life changing.

Here's How It Works

As a wholesaler you're usually looking for properties in distress, a property that your average homeowner isn't going to want to buy and live in. The competition is low and the sellers motivation is high because the property has become a burden.

For whatever reason it may be the house has been neglected and the seller needs the house sold so they can move on with their life. Working with these types of sellers is where you want to be. You're not going to be able to wholesale a house where the seller is in no hurry to sell and they're looking for full retail price.

Through your marketing and advertising efforts you come across this type of property after conducting your research to see what the property is worth after it's fixed up you negotiate with the seller a purchase price.

This is done after you've taken into consideration the fixed up value of the house, the estimated repairs, the purchase and your wholesale fee (we'll cover this in a second)

You sign a contract showing your intentions of buying the property and also locking up the property so no one else can buy it and take the deal away from you.

As Low As Possible!

Of course you want to buy as low as possible because the lower you buy the more you'll make when you turn around and wholesale the house to a house flipper - someone who's in the business of buying, fixing and flipping houses.

Now that you have this property under contract you show this property to house flippers. These are the investors you as a wholesaler need to network with. They have the cash and the experience in buying, fixing and flipping houses.

They will pay you a wholesale fee and then you bring them to the seller and present them as one of your house buying associates. They purchase the house from the initially agreed upon price with the seller and the house is sold and you get paid.

They look for your type of deals all the time and will pay you a wholesale fee for bringing them these kinds of deals. This wholesale fee isn't some small fee like $250 but is in the thousands. Depending upon the circumstances as each property is different you can expect to earn $5,000 - $10,000 - $20,000 or more on each and every wholesale deal.

The more potential profit there is in the deal for the house flipper the more you'll make.

Here's Exactly What You Do

Here's the overview of real estate wholesaling...

1 - Market for and find properties in distressed conditions

2 - Evaluate your deals and conduct your research

3 - Negotiate and secure your deals with a contract

3 - Collect your wholesale fee by assigning your right to buy to the house flipper

Join me as I uncover the secrets of how you can get started today with little to no risk, money and investing experience and how you can make $5,000 - $10,000 - $20,000 and more every wholesale deal.

You can learn the secrets of Wholesale Real Estate Investing by visiting my tell all wholesale investing website http://www.WholesaleRealEstateSecrets.com where I'm giving away a free Success Plan that covers everything you need to know about wholesaling your first house in 30 days or less.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brandon_Modrov

Real Estate Wholesaling Tips - Income Generating Activities

A common reason that many investors struggle, especially when they are starting out, is that they don't realize that real estate investing is a 100% commission sales job. This statement may come as a shock to many of you, but you are selling: you are either doing it well or poorly (your opinion here doesn't count: your bank account is the final arbiter of your skill level).

If you have mixed feelings about selling, you have to get additional training to resolve those mixed feelings or you need to get out of real estate investing. We know that sounds harsh but if you consider selling sleazy or manipulative, you will not succeed, period.

Many investors fail not because of their technical abilities (i.e., marketing, structuring offers, etc)-they fail because they think that selling is simply presenting a house to a prospect and the sale should naturally happen.

That may happen in some fantasy-land, but we have worked with thousands of investors and we have been mentored by some of the most successful people in the world. Here's a timeless truth: all the successful people consider themselves excellent at selling.

Here's another distinction that you need to be aware of: there's a difference between selling and marketing. Marketing is the set of activities designed to generate qualified leads. Selling is the set of activities designed to convert those leads to cash. Selling is a lot of easier when you are working with highly qualified leads.

As a Real Estate Wholesaler, you need to be focusing your efforts on the things that will make you money. There is no way around it. In Real Estate, Marketing and Selling are the "King and Queen" of the business.

Learn More About Real Estate Wholesaling Download the FREE Wholesale Manifesto Now: http://www.wholesalingmanifesto.com/members/

Alex Nghiem is the co-founder of several Real Estate investment websites and is a well respected coach. His latest project is the just completed Wholesale Manifesto. Learn All about Real Estate Wholesaling Here.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Nghiem

Never Let Go Of Your Dreams

August 28, 2009: I wrote these exact words on my daily journal --- I WILL BE MENTORED BY TRACE TRAJANO. When I wrote that, I didn't know how it will happen. I signed it and worked on it.... How? I sent Trace an email. I told him I have been following his blogs and websites since I started reading his book entitled "Think Rich -- Quick!". But for someone who has been through a lot of financial setbacks during the past year, I cannot imagine how I can possibly afford to get him as my mentor. For someone as busy as Trace, I was grateful for the prompt reply. He offered one option --- easier payment term (sorry to broadcast that Trace!). I was thankful and told him I will work on it. Though at the back of my mind, I knew I still cannot afford that (hmm, limiting thoughts!). That was how broke I was. And I have to be brutally frank about it. But I will not sleep on that dream! I looked for my daily journal, opened it and read out loud, "One day, I WILL BE MENTORED BY TRACE TRAJANO!"

Twelve (12) days ago, Trace gave his 10-day challenge. The Prize? Free mentoring! Again, I opened my daily journal and read out loud, "Ten days from now, I WILL BE MENTORED BY TRACE TRAJANO". This is my chance. I don't have to raise any money. Just invite and invite and invite to get that 1000 sign ups! Did I invite the most people? During the last update, I did! Did we meet the challenge given by Trace? Uh-no. We did not! That means, I will not get the CDs, the mentoring...... I opened my daily journal and read out loud, "I WILL STILL BE MENTORED BY TRAJANO". Inspired by everything that I learned from the challenge, notwithstanding that we were not able to hit our goal, I wrote a blog. I just needed to let everyone know how much I appreciate the effort of EVERYONE who helped in getting that 1000 members. Because that "everyone" helped me get closer to my dreams. Everyone here is a team! And I believe that we absolutely did a great job! I am still holding on my dream…… will I get that?

After a few minutes of publishing my blog, Trace wrote me this: “Think Big, I like the way you write. It's very sincere and it comes from the heart. I like it so much I am going to hire you as my Article Marketing/ Writer and in exchange I will give you free mentoring. You'll get memberships in the Real Estate TV and my Think Rich Quick Gold Coaching Program.” ---- Now, didn’t I say “things happen just at the right time”? and didn’t I say, repeatedly that “I WILL BE MENTORED BY TRACE TRAJANO!”?

Thanks so much Trace. I don’t consider myself a good writer. Haven’t really tried it. But you were right, that one really really came from the heart. I never gave up on my dreams of being mentored by one of the best. And it was worth all he wait…….

(by the way, I am using THINK BIG to constantly remind me of all the big dreams I have. May all of us start to dream big and never ever let go of that dream…… because before you know it…… )

Ondoy and Trace' 10-day Challenge

It’s been a busy week. My husband and I were among those who were stranded on the streets last Sept 26 because of the floods brought about by typhoon Ondoy. We came from the Jomar Hilario's workshop, which was cancelled before lunch time because the mall, where the seminar was conducted, had to close down. Luckily for us, everything happened "just at the right time".

That morning, we didn't park on the slot where we used park our vehicle. It was a convenient location because that slot was near the mall and that meant we only had to walk a few distance to reach our venue. By some stroke of luck, we arrived a little early on that day and i asked my husband to go around the parking area first so we can kill some time while waiting for the mall to open. I was quite unhappy when he chose to park farther from the usual but he said it was okay. A little walk won’t do us any harm anyway. When we were sent home before lunch time and went back to get our car, we were shocked to find that those vehicles who parked on our “usual” location were already filled with flood water up to their windows. Our car was parked safer and we were able to get it out of the floodwater just in time.

Going back home was no easy decision either. We left our 2-year old baby at home and all we wanted was to get back and find her safe. But the flooded roads, the heavy rainfall, stormy winds and the crowded streets made everything so difficult. But we went ahead. Several times, when we became intimidated by the flood and the traffic, we stopped --- to rest, to observe, to listen to the news, to plan what to do next. We were just a small car anyway. We couldn’t risk charging ahead only to get stuck in the middle and waste the opportunity of being able to get back home. At some point, I found myself on the verge of tears. All the news we’re hearing on the radio were not so promising. In fact, one need not listen to the news at all --- we only need to look around to see that we’re into a great challenge!

But we wanted to go back home. We wanted the comfort and safety of our home --- with our daughter. With that in mind, we dared to cross floodwaters and muddy, slippery streets. When there were obstacles ahead, we were lucky to have some people point us to new directions and alternate routes. We passed by places we have never been to. It didn’t matter if the road was not familiar to us. We knew it will take us closer to home. We had to rely on the kindness of people whom we didn’t know to give us the right directions. We had to take their word that it was the right path.

Sure, even when we followed their directions to the letter, there were still obstacles. It seemed that floods, and rain and traffic were everywhere ---- and I mean everywhere! At one point, we were confronted with a flood – only buses and big vehicles could cross. All the cars stopped. Drivers went out of their vehicles to observe. Some even had to measure the depth of the water to help them decide if they should go ahead and cross. We were among those who stood by. It seemed like hours. Should we cross? Could we? There were several cars behind us who dared. Probably they got tired of waiting and just had to see for themselves. They were able to cross! For all of us who stayed behind, I knew that the same thing was running through our heads--- “Can we also do that?”. I heard others urging each other “if that car was able to cross, that means we can too!”. But guess what? That was just it. Nobody made a move. Everyone was waiting. Waiting for another proof? Finally, there was a much smaller car that came from the long line of traffic. The driver stopped in front of the flood, made a sign of the cross, took a deep breath, prepared his accelerator for the dive, and slowly made his way to the flood. That was my husband’s wake up call. He boarded the car and told me “we can do this mommy”. I think I stopped breathing for a few minutes while we were braving that floodwater. The car didn’t feel like a car anymore. I was like riding on a boat! I couldn’t close my eyes. We were laughing nervously, encouraging each other, singing our favorite gospel song….. And then, the tears couldn’t help but fall when it was finally over. The scary flood was behind us. We made it. There were just a few cars that followed our suit. I know we left a lot of drivers out there still undecided and needed more time to make up their minds. Probably they were not at all in a hurry to get to their destination…. they can afford to take their time.

I wanted to think and believe that was the last challenge, but it was not. We made several detours again, faced more floods. But we were a little wiser. A few more floods can no longer intimidate us easily. We knew we were able to overcome “bigger ones” back there. And after almost 12 hours on the road, we were safely home.

We couldn’t help but be thankful for what we have gone through. We are blessed. We are safe. We learned a lot of lessons out there. And I have to admit it’s not just lessons about floods and typhoons. It’s more than that. It’s more about life. It’s more about what we want in this life. And what we are willing to go through just to get that!

With just a few hours left, this 10-day challenge is about to end. Will we meet the challenge? I hope so. Just like the feeling of wanting to get back home, I will keep hoping and continue working up to the last minute. This kept me awake for most nights in the past 10 days. Come to think of it, the last 10 days (or 12 days, because we were shut down for 2 days) were like braving the typhoon as well. All of us had the desire within us. I am sure that for most of us, we had our moments of indecision and realization. During the challenge, we had to rely on Trace and in each other for directions. We were led to do unconventional things to try and find out for ourselves which will work best. We had to learn to trust the directions and instructions of some unknown people, knowing in our hearts that they mean well and would want us all to succeed. Along the way, there seemed like insurmountable challenges. Another glance and it will surprise all of us that a 16-year old kid with a big, big heart could stir up that passion within us. Remember that small car that gave my husband the wake up call? We learned from that small car. That led us to dare cross the flood. Red is like that (how’s that Red? Can you imagine yourself now in Mr. Bean’s car? ). And we have to thank him for that. My hat’s off to you Red!

When we got back home last Saturday, the challenge did not end. The “much bigger challenge” was all over the news, in the radio and in the television. We were lucky to get back home safely --- but the others do not even have a home to go back to. That’s where the real challenge starts. Like, where do we go from thereon? Do we turn our backs and resume our normal life? Or do we brace ourselves to face the bigger challenge of helping each other make a new start? If we meet the challenge as it ends today, we will undoubtedly be very, very happy. But if we do not, let’s still be proud of ourselves. We did our best there (right guys?). And Trace, as usual, taught us valuable lessons along the way. Ones that were never really taught in the school. I thank you Trace for your unending desire to help each one of us. You stirred up the passion and that’s what matters. For someone like me, reaching this 10th day is not the end of it all. I had a nice time going through those 10 days. It was rough, it was unfamiliar and everything new. We were helping each other reach the goal because we all wanted the same thing. I was not competing with anyone. I was competing with myself. I pushed myself beyond the limits and I will never ever regret doing that. But of course, for a while I will be sad because I will not get what I initially wanted (the CDs, the add-on prizes and mentoring!)…… but then, I will have to go back to what I said when I started writing this --- that I have to be thankful for the things that happen and believe that they do happen “just at the right time”. And to end that, let me add that they also do happen “for the right reasons”. Now I wouldn’t elaborate on that one. I still have to try and invite more people to this site…….


------
This Blog was published on http://BuyFirstDeal.com .

And just when I thought I have to say goodbye to my mentor's prizes, I got this as a reply:
"Think Big, I like the way you write. It's very sincere and it comes from the heart. I like it so much I am going to hire you as my Article Marketing/ Writer and in exchange I will give you free mentoring. You'll get memberships in the Real Estate TV and my Think Rich Quick Gold Coaching Program." How's that for a Bonus?

Learn How to Acquire Your First Investment Property

On September 21,2009, my mentor Trace Trajano launched the "1,000 members in 10 days challenge". If we can get 1,000 members to this site in 10 days (by September 30), Trace will give away his audio CD - "How to Acquire your First Deal" - FREE.

What's the big deal about this audio CD? This is what Trace has to say:

I interviewed 2 of my students who recently acquired and completed their very first deals in a webinar (online seminar). Their stories inspired my other students. One of them acquired his very first investment property 2 weeks after listening to this webinar. Because of this, I decided to record this webinar on a CD and just give it away. My hope is it will inspire YOU as well so you will finally acquire your very first investment property.

And what's more over the next 10 days, while we are all doing our best to take on this challenge, Trace Trajano will give away valuable information to inspire and educate ALL OF US. So I am inviting you to visit this website -- http://BuyFirstDeal.com -- everyday and invite all your friends to join. Don't worry, it is absolutely FREE.

This is for everyone.

You have nothing to lose but you have everything to gain. For those who are not so keen on starting a career in real estate business, this is a good venue to meet new friends. Who knows, after reading their stories and getting to know other members, you might learn some very valuable stuff.

For those who have been in the real estate business for quite some time already, I am pretty sure you will learn that there's no such thing as " having enough knowledge". You can pick up bits and pieces of information from Trace (and from other members too!) that can further boost your career.

And of course, for newbies like me, this social network site is absolutely priceless!

For those who would like to join us and if want to know how to get more of your friends to sign up, there's a powerpoint presentation on the site for your guide. Please click here to view. See you there!!!

P.S. In the next couple of days, I will share with you my own learning and experiences in taking up this challenge.

Club Balai Isabel

Club Balai Isabel is an idyllic lakeside resort in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines.

Relaxing and tranquil. These are the words that describe the lakeside retreat that is Club Balai Isabel. While cocooned in a balcony-fitted room, enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the Taal Lake, the softness of a cozy bed, and the convenience of a private bath. The resort also has villas for large groups and families.

Upon entering our spacious, fully air-conditioned rooms, suites, and villas, you’ll find yourself sighing in contentment. And why wouldn’t you, when each one is fitted with a balcony/ deck that opens up to panoramic views of the Taal Lake and Volcano?

But you’ll get more than great views, because the accommodations are also furnished with cable TV, coffee/ tea maker, iron & ironing board, Internet access, and telephone. The en suite bath features a toilet, shower, and bathtub.

As tempting as your quarters are, you’ll find more enticing delights outside. Invite friends to a fun event at the Balikatan Obstacle Course, go for a swim in the floating pool, or head to Nanay Unyang’s Wellness Village for a rejuvenating massage.

Leisure Card Plus





Club Balai Isabel’s privilege card program, the Leisure Card Plus, is all about options and exciting possibilities. Get hooked on adventure-laden activities or simply relax and unwind… you choose!

Perks & Privileges

For only $163 (PhP 7,500), enjoy

* One overnight stay on a weekend, with breakfast for two
* One overnight stay on a weekday, with breakfast for two
* One hour massage
* 30% off on published rate on weekdays, and 20% off on weekends & holidays for succeeding bookings for one year from date of purchase
* Late check-out at 02.00 PM (subject to room availability)

Plus!

FREE shuttle service to Casino Filipino in Tagaytay
FREE use of amenities such as swimming pool and grounds during daytours for groups not exceeding five (5) pax
Other Discounts!

* 20% off on MobiDeep Passes
* 20% off on Volcano Trek
* 10% off on massage services and other available spa services
* 20% off on food & beverages at the Clubhouse Restaurant
* 10% off on room service
* 10% off on sports equipment rental
* 10% off on water sports activities
* Upgrade privileges during lean season (subject to availability)
* 30% off on published rate on weekdays, and 20% off on weekends & holidays for succeeding bookings for within the validity period
* Late check-out at 02.00 PM (subject to room availability)

Card Features

* The Club Balai Isabel Leisure Card Plus is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase
* Since the card is a VISA electronic card, the card holder has the option to load any amount in the card through UnionBank and may use it as a debit card or an ATM card and enjoy the VISA advantage worldwide
* The Leisure Card is transferable, provided that the card holder gives full consent and trust to the person to whom the card is being transferred. Club Balai Isabel and its personnel will not be held liable for any fraud or mishandling of your Leisure Card.

What Are You Waiting For …


For Only $163 (Php 7,500)

GET IT NOW!
CLICK HERE

Why I Want To Be Truly Rich

This is my story.

I was an honor student. Graduated at the top of my class in College. I worked with several multinational firms as head of my own department. I later on ventured to several businesses. I was able to provide jobs to some close friends and unemployed relatives. I drove a 2-door sports car. I was able to buy a brand new van. I changed my cellphones as soon as a new model comes out in the market. I enjoyed the coolest gadgets around. I was surrounded with many friends. I had connections everywhere. That was more than a year ago.....

I lost everything since then. The businesses, the car, the van, savings, cellphones, laptop, and even the "friends". I made the wrong business moves. Everything fell apart. Suddenly, all that's left are the piles of obligations, bills to be paid, demand letters and business partners who could not be pacified.

For those who have been in the same shoes, you know how desperate one can be when confronted with the realization that you have nothing else left! No money to start your life all over again (assuming you still have the drive to do that!). No friends to offer their shoulders to cry on. Not to mention the hurt and betrayal you felt knowing that these were the same people who ate at your dining table, who regularly collected their salaries even when the businesses they were running were no longer earning, who turned to you when they needed you. Pardon the tinge of bitterness you heard there, but I am just a hurting person after all.

Now why I want to be rich?

That should be easy. Because I choose to be. That is the only way I can live this life peacefully again. No, I don't want to be rich so I can get back all the things that I have lost. No, I don't want the gadgets, the expensive cars and the luxuries to be the motivating factors. I want to get out of this very lonely place that I am in right now. It's a small, dark world where one feeds only on self-pity, doubts and fear. I've lived here for more than a year. I do not deserve this. My husband does not deserve this. My daughter does not deserve this. NO ONE deserves this kind of life.

And I am writing this not only for myself but for everyone who, up to this point, have stopped dreaming of big dreams.

I must have been so caught up in building my own prison that I never really noticed how God walked with me during the past year. Looking back, I realize He never really left me. He gave me time to read books to ponder about. He gave me the luxury to spend more time with my family -- the only treasure that was left and for sure, the most valuable of all! He gave me the time to be with myself and really think about what I want to happen in my life. And in the process, I got to know and appreciate Him more. And for that, I am so thankful!

From this day on, I take full responsibility for the things that happened to me and for those that are yet to come. I own my dream of becoming rich --- truly rich in all aspects of my life.

I am not writing this post as an expert. I am writing my affirmations. I am writing to share. I am writing to learn. Because as I write, as I express what truly comes from my heart, I am also learning more about myself. And it is my deepest desire that others will learn as well.

Ultimately, my motivation for wanting to be truly rich comes from the belief (thanks to Bo again for this one) that the Ultimate Purpose of Wealth Is to Love. It's not about greed. It's about wanting to have so much so that there could be much more to give to everybody. After all, I owe it to my family and some very, very, very few friends who stayed around and patiently waited for me to heed my wake up call.

Let me share with you this short prayer found in Bo Sanchez' book (8 Secrets of the Truly Rich):

The True Millionaire's Prayer
Today, I ask You to bless me so that I may become a blessing.
Lord, I commit myself to enrich others.
But because I cannot give what I do not have,
I commit myself to become rich.
I commit myself to serve You and to serve the poor with my wealth.
Today, I open myself to the abundance of Your universe.
Use me as Your channel of love.
Give me the ability to create wealth that will bless the world.
Increase my financial wisdom and expand my territories.
I place my life in Your hands. Amen.

Interview with Author of Think Rich Pinoy - Larry Gamboa

I am starting my journey TODAY!

Today, for the second time, I read the "Think Rich - Quick!: How to become a Pinoy Real Estate Millionaire" book by Trace Trajano and Lary Gamboa. I bought the book last July 12, 2009 because Bo Sanchez, one of my favorite authors (and also my "virtual" mentor! oh yes, i don't know if i used the right term though. but his talks and books inspired me so much that I appointed him to be my "virtual" mentor without him really knowing it! ), highly endorsed it. He even wrote the book's Foreword entitled Are you Big? wherein he said:

"if you're looking for actual, real-life Pinoy millionaires who can teach you how you can become one, then this is it."

I was not disappointed. In his very first book, the US-based Pinoy millionaire, Trace Trajano, shares his expertise in real estate business to help the readers achieve financial success. Together with Think rich, Pinoy! series author, Larry Gamboa, they discussed million-building techniques they have mastered about wholesaling in real estate, retailing formula and starting out in the real estate business with nothing.

After reading the book for the first time, I was motivated to attend Larry Gamboa's Think Rich Pinoy! seminar on August 1, 2009. That's where I got to see my "virtual" mentor - Bo Sanchez - in person! And if only for that, the seminar fee was worth it. The rest of the talk are bonus, bonus and more bonus. We met (i attended the seminar with my husband) people who have already made it big in the real estate investing industry. Most of them are really very young people whom i couldn't help but admire. How I wish I also started to venture in this field at the same age. But the good news is, it's never too late. Given the situation that I am in right now, I am just as motivated, passionate and driven as they are --- and perhaps more desperately so.

And after months of reading more information about the business, not really knowing how and where to start, (in short I was not really doing anything at all!) , I decided to re-read the book that started it all. This time with new enthusiasm and real desire to learn the ropes. I had my pen and highlighter ready for important things to note in the articles. And I made my action plans. This time, they are written plans. Not the usual kind that you just keep in your head. The book specifically said that every successful investor has goals --- written ones, not just objectives bouncing around in his head. And he works toward those goals everyday.

This day will definitely make a mark in my history! Because today, I am starting my personal journey to Financial freedom. It's just a small step, a single step among the many more that I need to take. It could take a hundred miles. It might take many months. I will never know. But I have to believe that Life is always about choices. And I want to exercise that freedom of choice TODAY.

Join me. We have a lot to learn and discover.... starting today!