REIC Ends 2008 on a High Note

Announcing a New Format
For those of you that may have missed it, Wednesday night's Real Estate Insider Club meeting was outstanding. We have changed the format of the meeting and we're getting rave reviews on the new structure. That being said, Wednesday night marked our last meeting at the Orleans as we are updating our club venue to Tommy Bahamas Restaurant in the new Town Square Las Vegas on the south Strip (215 and 15 interchange at the Southeast corner) right near Fry’s Electronics. The address is 6635 Las Vegas Blvd. South.

The new format will take out the hour long sales pitches that have slowly creeped in to stagnate the club atmosphere. The new format will focus very heavily on networking along with a panel of featured speakers and a round table discussion on the night’s topic.

A Recap of the Evening
Last night's meeting featured the 2010 Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors President Elect Rick Shelton. Rick spoke for about 30 minutes and discussed such topics as the local market, inventory, price bottoms, and the current financial crisis.

Next, Kyle Sprague of Pre Paid Legal shared with us the very economical services that are offered thru his company and how individuals can use the service to protect ourselves against identity theft.

Local Realtor on the street Scott Meservey was on hand as usual to give us the local update on the Las Vegas market.

Author, rehabber and former financial planner, Rich Warren spoke about the economy and how the current data compares to historic figures.

Of course yours truly host and founder Glenn Plantone emceed the event and offered my opinions and observations regarding the foreclosures I am finding and selling to my investors. Over the last three months I have sold 15 properties in the northwest. These properties are all foreclosures and all cash deals with the exception of only two that were financed, and all to investors except one to an owner/occupant.

The meeting ran about one and a half hours and ended with a round table discussion with myself, Rick, Scott, and Rich answering questions and giving our thoughts and opinions on the real estate market. As usual there were prized and giveaways. Gary Crouch of Designer Hometending was our big winner taking home a custom Tommy Bahama shirt.

Join Us in 2009 in Our New Venue!
For those of you have may have not been to the meeting in awhile we encourage you to take a second look. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday January 14th from 6pm to 8pm in the meeting room behind the bar at Tommy Bahamas in Town Square Las Vegas. The cost is $25 to attend and that will include your dinner and the meeting.

November 12, 2008 REIC Meeting Summary

We had another successful turnout this month at the Real Estate Insider Club. After our regular pre-meeting networking session we kicked things off on time at 7 PM.

I began by discussing how I go about finding cash buyers for about 85% of my deals vs. 85% of most deals in town being financed with a mortgage put in place. Over the last couple of months I’ve been selling foreclosures in the northwest part of Las Vegas for somewhere between 35 and 50 cents on the dollar from highs of just 2 years ago. I followed that by providing an example of one bedroom condos going for $53,000 that were as high at $148,000 in 2006. With a 20% down fully amortized note in place these are cash flowing at about $250 a month. I’ve been able to get offers accepted for my investors because banks would rather take a discounted quick sure sale vs. waiting for a buyer that may not be able to get a loan in place because of uncertainty in the credit markets currently.

On the sponsor segment Keith Kinkelaar of My Wireless discussed the opportunity to get involved with a new network marketing company in which you earn residual income from your cell phone bills. Apparently this concept has not yet been tried in cellular phone service and has a huge potential for growth.

Our second sponsor of the evening was Mr. Rick Gross. Rick and partner Dan Fink discussed the new health drink Mona-vie the benefits of the drink along with the income potential of getting involved in marketing it to friends and family.

One of the staples of the club is that we always look at new and exciting concepts in real estate. This month was no different as we looked at a very exciting commercial real estate project in Salt Lake City, Utah. This commercial class A office building is getting double the returns of typical class A office rent. Qualified investors interested in this opportunity can get a hold of Glenn directly at 702.405.6481 or he can be emailed at gsplantone@gmail.com

In the “updates” portion of the evening, Tamara Bostrom, back from her European vacation spoke about a number of issues starting with the housing slump that caused the economic slowdown to the credit crisis on to the bailout and finished up with notes on how the recent Presidential election will affect the economy.

Our realtor on the street Scott Meservey discussed the current state of the Las Vegas housing market noting that investors are scared and believe there may be some more downside before we hit bottom. He noted that the inventory of homes on the multiple listing service (MLS) did shrink from last month but he also noted that banks are holding back a great deal of reo (bank owned) inventory that they have yet to put up for sale on the market.

Our monthly regular featured speaker Richard Warren author of “A Rehabbers Tale”Talked about the changing market and what a true real estate investor can do to take advantage of tools in acquiring real estate thru “buying subject to” and “lease options”. Rick talked understanding what tools are available and when to use them.

Our featured speaker of the night was David Seymour with the Dave Lindahl group that focuses on investing in multifamily real estate. Dave entertained us teaching us not only how to invest in multifamily but where to invest and the income potential that it has.

The Real Estate Insider Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at the Orleans Hotel and Casino 2nd floor meeting room area and is open to new attendees. The first meeting is free and annual membership is only $100 for a 13 month time frame. Membership includes the ability to market to the rest of the club (about 800 members) and attend all annual meetings and periodic weekend events free of charge.For more information on the club please feel free to contact Glenn Plantone at 702.405.6481 or email him directly at gsplantone@gmail.com

How to Invest in Foreclosures Safely & Effectively

When investing in foreclosures, understanding the lifecycles and different types of foreclosures—as well as knowing which type is hot at the moment and why—is crucial to choosing the right time to buy in order to maximize the potential of your investment and reduce risk. Within the circle of foreclosures there are three basic categories to recognize: 1. buying before the foreclosure auction, 2. buying homes directly at the auction and 3. buying from the bank or auction after the auction is over. These bank-owned properties are referred to as real estate owned (REOs). Let us take a look at each of these types of foreclosure so that you can focus on the best segment of the foreclosure market.

Buying Before the Auction
When home owners are having trouble but are not yet foreclosed on, the property can be sold before auction. Such distressed properties include those from the multiple listing service (MLS), short sales, notice of defaults (NODs) and notice of trustee’s sales (NOTS). Because of the excess inventory of existing foreclosures on the market, the restriction of lending and the anxiety of home owners and investors willing to sit on the sidelines till something breaks, this could be one of the worst times ever to sell a house retail. Many sellers cannot compete against foreclosures, so unless they too enter foreclosure they have no viable way to sell their home for a fair price. This means that investors have no way to buy a home with equity in it at this stage of the foreclosure process. However, short sales are worth discussing.

In a short sale, the prospective buyer negotiates with the bank to let the home go for a value less than the amount owed on the home. This is but one solution for the home owner and a method for an investor to get a home at below market value. Note that home sellers may suffer tax consequences by selling their home in a short sale. In general, short sales take far too long to complete (4-6 months on average). The banks are too understaffed to handle the huge volume of short sales at this time (with many more coming in the future) and investors who are impatient for a good deal are dropping out of deals before they close. Some figures show that only 20% of short sales actually reach the closing stage. Though there are many companies, realtors and investors who are quite successful in short sales, it is a specialized niche in which most do not find the returns that they expect.
Buying at Auction
The second category of buying a foreclosure involves buying directly at the auction. Note that some states have judicial proceedings while others like California and Nevada have trustee’s sales that are held on the courthouse steps. Though there is little competition at these sales, the trust deed requires that the buyer have cash or the equivalent at the time of the auction to be the winning bidder. This eliminates a huge majority of potential buyers as most people do not have $100,000 or more in liquid assets. Because REO properties are now selling for less than the amounts owed on comparable properties in the notice of trustee’s sales (NOTS) stage, buying at the trustee’s sale is not as effective in most situations. Most properties are reverting back to the banks and becoming bank owned REO’s. Again, while there are professionals that are buying good properties at this stage, it is not an easy way for a beginner to break into the foreclosure arena and it is a very small segment of the market at this time.

Buying After the Auction
By far, the best, easiest, safest, and most lucrative way to buy foreclosure properties at this time is at the third and final stage of the process: buying bank-owned properties (REOs) after auction. Because of the record volume of foreclosures now on the market and the huge number that will be coming in over the next 12-18 months, banks are lowering their prices daily just to move inventory. Banks are placing homes with listing realtors that specialize in listing REO homes. If homes do not sell in the 60-90 day period after being discounted, they return to the bank and are relisted with an auction company or sold in a bulk portfolio to much larger investors that can buy packages of $5 million and up. This secondary auction scenario has major issues that make it an undesirable way to buy real estate at this time. One should be very experienced before attempting to buy homes at any type of auction.

Markets like Southern California, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Florida are seeing prices that could drop to 50% from highs just 2 years ago. The new lower prices will once again result in positive cash flow for investors with 20% down fully amortized investments. As many first-timers are out of the market or sitting on the sidelines, the pros are preparing for tremendous appreciation on homes acquired in the slump.
Why Foreclosures are Less Risky
Buying a bank-owned property is also much less risky than trying to buy at a trustee’s sale auction. The process is much faster than that of a short sale and negotiations are generally done within a week or two versus the 4-6 months required for a short sale. Bank-owned properties are almost always vacant so it is easy to get inside, inspect and run the numbers to see what amount of time or money the home may need to be brought up to speed. I would encourage every investor to get a good home inspection on any property they are looking to buy. Every good investor should gather as much information as possible before making a decision and always have an exit strategy in mind.

As an investor and licensed realtor that has bought homes in all stages of the foreclosure process, I am directing my clients to take full advantage of what could be one of the best foreclosure buying markets we will ever see. Based in the Las Vegas market for the last several years I have seen this market go from the number one hottest market in the nation in 2004, to one of the slowest in 2007, and back to one of the best and busiest markets in the U.S. this year. All because of something we call the foreclosure.

Brand New Oceanfront Golf & Spa Resort in Nicaragua

Jack Nicklaus, legendary golf professional and world renowned golf course designer, recently visited his signature course in progress at Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort in San Rafael Del Sur, Nicaragua. Seaside Mariana is a 923-acre oceanfront resort community on Nicaragua’s pristine Pacific Coast, and is quickly becoming the most exclusive and most desired resort community in the country.

Nicaragua offers some of the most pristine beauty in all of Central America, much of it remaining in an untouched, natural state. Developers have recently discovered the beauty of the country and have begun to construct oceanfront, lakefront and mountain developments to accommodate the large demographic of people seeking warmer climates and a lower cost of living. Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort will cater to the luxury homeowner and oceanfront adventure tourist: Those seeking a premiere destination, complete exclusivity and an investment with a high rate of return.

ABOUT SEASIDE MARIANA
Seaside Mariana Spa & Golf Resort offers a five-star luxury resort experience, steeped in authentic Nicaraguan culture. Located on 923 acres of undisturbed Pacific coastline, Seaside Mariana will feature luxuriously designed ocean view homes, beach front condominiums, and golf villas, Nicaragua’s only 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the country’s first Destination Wellness Spa, a Boutique Hotel, private oceanfront Beach Club, an Archeological Museum, a resort Medical Facility, and a Lifestyle Plaza complete with shops, restaurants, cafes, and a cultural and performing arts venue. Located on a dramatic natural slope that rises 70 feet vertically and 600 feet horizontally from the beach, the property will afford owners and guests breathtaking views of both the ocean and surrounding countryside.

For more information on this exciting international opportunity please contact Glenn Plantone at (866) 447-2033 or email him at gsplantone@gmail.com.

Listen to Glenn on the Radio

Recently I was invited to be a guest on Financial Lifeline, a nationally syndicated radio talk show hosted by Carl Lacey and John March. I was thrilled to update listeners on what is happening with the housing market, primarily here in Las Vegas. With foreclosed homes hitting the market at 50 cents on the dollar now is the time to get in on amazing foreclosure opportunities in the Las Vegas area. For the first time in years rental properties will once again produce positive cash flows in Las Vegas. During my interview I also touched briefly on the new housing bill that was passed recently in July which offers several benefits including a $7500 credit for first time buyers. Click here to listen to the entire interview. I also invite you to contact me with any questions you may have about foreclosures or real estate investing in general. You can reach me at: 866.447.2033 or email me at gsplantone@gmail.com .

Multi-faceted Investment Opportunity in Fabulous Cancun

Attention Investors, Realtors, Vacationers, Golfers and Recreation Enthusiasts:

I just returned from Cancun Mexico and am thrilled to be a part of and bring to you an exciting new project that is being introduced.

This multi-faceted concept has three primary elements that are quite attractive. The first element includes an investor side to it (profit, equity gain, and positive cash flow), the second element involves an income stream aspect (for you), and finally a travel element (savings) with very low risk.

The project is a brand new resort called Monarch Cancun and is currently being developed. It is the first of 5 major resorts slated to go into major Mexican markets over the next five years.

As part of a special offer, you have a chance to take advantage of pre-construction pricing and incentives. This resort is being developed from the ground up and will feature 3 bedroom 3 bathroom villas (2000 sq ft.) that you can own for a fraction of what they will be worth when the project is completed in 5 years. The equity is projected to be over $100,000 by completion.

The project will feature a beach club; pools; tennis; scuba; archery; kid’s camp; water park and much more - including 12 Lanny Watkins designed golf courses with FREE greens fees for life for any original owner!

How about the ability to stay at your own villa up to 4 weeks a year or rent it out when you are not there for a nice positive cash flow?

There will be more information in the coming weeks as we will be offering webinars and personal one- on-one meetings with any persons that are interested in taking part in this terrific opportunity. In the meantime you can click here for an audio description of this project.

Please contact Glenn Plantone at gsplantone@gmail.com or 888.447.2037 for more information.

Charlotte, NC: Hot Market - Cool Deal!

As you all know Charlotte, NC is one of the few hot, viable markets left in the United States for growth, cash flow, and appreciation in real estate. It has a great mix of job growth and according to United Van Lines, it is number one in the nation for people moving into the area.

Because of our relationship with the builders, our track record of sales to investors who are buying in the Charlotte market, and the advantage of having my brother on the “inside” working for one of the area’s top builders, we are able to have the first crack at the model lease back homes that are offered by local builders and developers in Charlotte.

A model lease back is one of the safest investments in one of the safest markets in the nation. The way it works is, the builder builds the home, sells it to the investor and then leases it back for a minimum two year period (with periodic 1 year options to renew the lease). The builder covers the utilities, HOA (home owner’s association dues), insurance, and taxes during the lease back period. It is not only a safe investment but one with guaranteed positive cash flow during the lease period. The builder will be using the home as a model to sell new homes to home buyers in the community. Investors know that this type of investing is a rarity and it is often called the best answer to long distance investing as it is virtually hands off. Click here to learn more!

Models homes are the first homes built in the neighborhood. Builders always build in price increases as the neighborhood is selling and the model homes generally have the best of upgrades and amenities. As the community is built up and the homes appreciate you are locked into the original lower pricing from the time the community begins.

Feel free to contact Glenn Plantone of National New Builds at 866.447.2037 or email at gsplantone@gmail.com for more information on these outstanding investments.

Las Vegas Foreclosure Bus Tour - Homes 50% Off!!!

From 2002 to 2004 prices for homes in Las Vegas were low and properties cash flowed. Prices skyrocketed into 2006 and have since come back down between 30 – 50%. If you are a real estate investor investing in single family homes once again you can get positive cash flow in Las Vegas. If you are looking to buy as a first time buyer or owner occupant you can get a home for near 50% of what it was only 2 years ago. Las Vegas is now on sale.

Las Vegas has lead the nation in foreclosures for over a year now and the prices have come down to levels that we all can afford to buy.

On July 12th and 13th we will be hosting the first “Foreclosure Buying Bus Tour” in Las Vegas. Please contact us as soon as possible if you plan on making it to this event. We will be touring approximately 30 reo (bank owned) foreclosed homes in the Las Vegas area with values ranging from 50 to 70 cents on the dollar. Once pre-qualified you will be able to put in offers on the spot and get great properties that will cash flow. Click here to learn more!

In Las Vegas over the next 5 years over 40,000 new hotel rooms will be built. At approximately 7 jobs per room this will require over 280,000 new jobs for the area within those same 5 years. Analysts predict a major housing shortage within the next few years in Las Vegas as builders have nearly stopped building. Las Vegas continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the Nation. Now is the time to buy. Rents have steadily been increasing in the Las Vegas market and prices could be as low as they will ever be.

Local specialists will be on hand to cover every aspect of your purchase of a home in Las Vegas. Along with local foreclosure specialists and real estate investors we will have property management and lending personnel on hand to help to make the process effortless. Join us for a weekend of fun in the sun in beautiful Las Vegas.

Please call Glenn Plantone at 1.866.447.2037 or email at gsplantone@gmail.com for more information or to sign up for the event.

Than Merrill of TV's "Flip This House" Coming to the R.E.I.C.

Than Merrill founder of CT Homes LLC and star of A & E's hit T.V. show "FLIP THIS HOUSE" is the king of marketing when it comes to finding under valued properties. Than is one of the most successful investors in the nation and is currently buying around 10 properties a month (both single family and multi-family). Over the past 3 years Than has purchased over 260 homes and multi-family properties.

The key to his rapid success and his company's exponential growth is the unique marketing and wholesaling systems he has developed which currently bring in over 200 leads a month. His systems are some of the most advanced in the industry and he works tirelessly at helping others implement similar business models. Investors around the country are experiencing unheard of success by using the systems. He has built a user friendly platform that others can follow to ensure a smooth running operation that consistently makes money each and every month. Than is totally commited to helping other investors obtain financial freedom by teaching them the principles of smart investing.

Than is a graduate of Yale University and currently resides in New Haven, CT. where he runs an investment office with 9 employees. After a very successful college football career he went on to play in the N.F.L. for 2 years with the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before moving his career into real estate development.

Than will be speaking Wednesday July 9th from 6pm to 9pm at the Orleans Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. The presentation will be a part of the monthly "Real Estate Insiders Club" meeting that meets in Salon "G" on the second floor meeting rooms up the escalators past the casino cashiers. Please contact the clubs founder and president Glenn Plantone at 702.405.6480 to make a reservation to attend. The event is free for first time attendees so plan on bringing a friend.