Happy Monday Guys and Gals!
I hope everyone had a fantastic Turkey Day, and gained between 5-7 lbs like I did. Holy crap I ate a lot! So did Jim. Here’s a pic of my brother Niko and Jim hanging out on the patio. Jim is giving me his best “Where the hell is my pumpkin pie?” look.
I did manage to make it to the gym both Saturday and Sunday, though, so that’s a good thing. I’m having a little contest with myself to see if I can run 3.5 miles/day until I leave for St. Louis on the 22nd of December. That will be 24 days x 3.5 miles, or 84 miles. Unless my back starts acting up again (hopefully not), I’m confident that I can get it done. You guys can all hold me accountable, eh?
Speaking of holding one another accountable, I had a great idea over the weekend while I was working on my goals for 2010. One of those goals is to read at least one personal development book each month. And that got me to thinking….. Hmmmm… hows about I start a Book of the Month Club where all of us read the same book, and then report back here on the first of the month to discuss? I figured I could do a book review once every month, but I think it would be more fun if all of us did it together, you know, as a group. What do you say? (Hint: you say YES!).
So, without further ado, I’d like to announce the first assignment for the Flip This Wholesaler Book of the Month Club (drum roll, please)….. Million Dollar Habits by Brian Tracy. I actually picked this up at the library a few weeks ago, and so far it is excellent. If you can’t find it at the library, that link there will take you to Amazon where you can get a used copy for $4.61. They also have the audio version available if you prefer to listen…
I think this is the perfect book to kick off 2010, don’t you agree? You have the whole entire month of December to read through it. Then we’ll meet back here on January 1st to talk about the book and how we plan to implement what we’ve learned moving forward. Most likely, we will all be millionaires by the end of the year. :)
So, what do you say? You in or out? (Hint: The correct answer is: I’m In!)
OK, it’s time for me to head out- houses to see, offers to make….
Later Alligators!
P.S.
If you have any suggestions for other books to read, feel free to post them.
P.P.S.
Nancy Williams- if you are reading this- I got your book in the mail this weekend…..Thank You!!! Can you please send me your email address?
On November 30, 2009 at 9:03am, Melanie said...
Great idea, Steph- count me in!
I actually read that book a few years ago, but think it’s time to dust it off and go through it again.
Another great book you might consider is The Power of Focus. I think it’s by Jack Canfield.
On November 30, 2009 at 9:40am, Stephani said...
Hi Melanie,
I read that one a long time ago. Good stuff, if I remember correctly…
Perhaps we’ll have to add that one to the list.
On November 30, 2009 at 4:50pm, Shae said...
Hey Steph, good idea! I’m in. I’m not familiar with this book but I love Brian Tracy’s stuff so it has to be a winner. I’m going to take that nifty Borders gift card you gave me and see if I can find this book this week.
The Power of Focus is an awesome one. Read that earlier this year and definitely worth a second (and third) read at some point.
Shae´s last blog ..An Attitude of Gratitude
On November 30, 2009 at 5:10pm, Stephani said...
It’s really good, Shae- you’ll like it.
Hey- I just had the best idea- maybe we can do a video or something about it when you come up here?? Did we set a date yet?
On November 30, 2009 at 5:29pm, Shae said...
I just ordered it on Borders.com. In fact, they have a buy one, get one 60% off sale today so I got two books! Yes, let’s do a video on it when I get to Tampa. We still need to close on a date – let’s discuss tomorrow!
Shae´s last blog ..An Attitude of Gratitude
On November 30, 2009 at 5:35pm, Stephani said...
Word.
On November 30, 2009 at 5:24pm, Erby said...
You know you can count me in! I’m always down to read good self help books.
Erby´s last blog ..3/1 Landlord Special Available! (((30K!!!)))
On November 30, 2009 at 5:35pm, Stephani said...
Yay! Glad to have you on board, Erby!
On November 30, 2009 at 6:00pm, Shae said...
Erby is the man.
Shae´s last blog ..Post-Thanksgiving Grind
On November 30, 2009 at 7:05pm, Chris Ranney said...
I am definitely in. “Go to Library” is on tomorrow’s to-do list. 47 days. See ya !
On November 30, 2009 at 7:09pm, Stephani said...
W00t!
On December 01, 2009 at 8:33am, Torrie said...
I’m in too. I’m a self help junkie! ALso i think “Feel the Fear and do it Anyway” is a good one.
On December 01, 2009 at 5:45pm, Stephani said...
Cool- glad to have you on board, Torrie.
I’ve actually had that book on my list for awhile- will definitely have to check it out..
On December 01, 2009 at 4:30pm, Sage said...
Steph…I have another question! I’m interviewing Title Agents in my area right now and I need some help. When closing an REO am I looking for an escrow/closing agent only, or am I also looking to have them perform title searches and issue title insurance. As I understand it from previous posts, the bank’s title co performs the search and issues the insurance and then my company complete the deal with a courtesy close. Also, what about for the end buyers? In this case I would imagine my title co WILL do the search and issue the insurance as well. Is that all correct?
Thanks STEPH!!!
On December 01, 2009 at 4:50pm, Stephani said...
Hi Sage,
Your title co will be doing the search and issuing title insurance for the second transaction, as well as getting all of the documents signed for the first. The bank’s title co handles the search and the title insurance for the first transaction.
It’s a lot easier to ask some of the active REO wholesalers in your area for a title company referral as opposed to cold calling. Less headaches that way.
Steph
On December 01, 2009 at 5:08pm, matthew cook said...
Great idea Steph! I just read a great book that makes you think a bit . The name is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. It also is from the library and i think it is a very interesting book that keeps one kind of hooked.. It is about Success. Matthew
On December 01, 2009 at 5:46pm, Stephani said...
Thanks for the suggestion, Matthew- never heard of that one.
Will add it to my growing list.
On December 01, 2009 at 9:31pm, Bruce said...
I’m In!…I have a bunch of Brian Tracy’s DVD’s…he’s a great thinker and trainer…. so, I’ll buy the book and check it out. Perfect timing for this, too.
On December 02, 2009 at 5:27am, Stephani said...
Awesome- glad to have you Bruce! If you like Brian Tracy, you’ll love this book.
On December 01, 2009 at 9:34pm, Burt said...
book club? I’m in. I love Brian Tracy.
Ever heard of Og Mandino?
On December 02, 2009 at 5:28am, Stephani said...
Hi Burt- thanks for joining in.
Nope- never heard of Og Mandino- what’s the scoop?
On December 01, 2009 at 10:35pm, Julie Broad said...
I have a problem… normally this would be super duper awesome – I love books. But I also think there are only two things in this world that I have an unhealthy addiction to… the first is coffee and the second is books and probably not even in that order!!
AND I don’t have this book and I made a promise to myself that I can’t buy, borrow or otherwise acquire any more books until I cut my pile in half. That means in addition to this book I would have to read at least 8 books by January. Couldn’t we please start with a book that is in my pile?!!
Or… perhaps I can suggest one of the fine 15 or so titles waiting in my line for us to read together for January …. ??? 
Awesome idea by the way!! I like it a lot… and actually Power of Focus is going to be up in the next week or so… glad to hear it’s a loved one.
Julie Broad´s last blog ..Real Estate Investing Question of the Month – Renting a Vacant Unit
On December 02, 2009 at 5:32am, Stephani said...
Oh come on Julie- one more book ain’t gonna hurt ya! Hehehe.
Or maybe you could just substitute this one for one of the other eight (no one will know).
On December 02, 2009 at 12:57am, Chris said...
wait a minute…You mean that the first book for the Flip This Wholesaler Book of the Month Club isn’t FLIP THIS REO!????? say whaaaaat?
Coincidentally, I picked up Million Dollar Habits audio version at the library two weeks ago. Great minds think alike!
Chris´s last blog ..
On December 02, 2009 at 5:35am, Stephani said...
Hi Chris,
Flip This REO is going to be February’s choice. Hehe. Just kidding.
I actually ordered Million Dollar Habits on audio from the library so I can listen while I’m driving around the hood looking at houses. Should be here early next week…
On December 02, 2009 at 8:58am, Scott Costello said...
I’m In! I need some things to listen to on my way to work in the mornings. The Radio Sucks and I’m sick of hearing about Tiger Woods and all those things that don’t matter in life that seem to be the lead story every day. Why do people waste their time??
Scott Costello´s last blog ..Probate Monday #6 – What to say when they call?
On December 02, 2009 at 9:11am, Scott Costello said...
Can anyone confirm if this is actually the entire book? If so and you dont mind reading it on the computer (it looks to be free)
Book Link
Scott Costello´s last blog ..Probate Monday #6 – What to say when they call?
On December 02, 2009 at 10:29am, Stephani said...
Hey Scott- I just flipped through it. I think there’s only a certain number of pages you’re allowed to view, and then it locks you out..
On December 02, 2009 at 11:27am, Scott Costello said...
Darn! you are right, there is a 250 page limit on that book I think. I’m gonna hunt it down in my library I guess. Maybe they have it in audio
Scott Costello´s last blog ..Probate Monday #6 – What to say when they call?
On December 02, 2009 at 3:41pm, Brandon said...
Hey Steph, hi everyone…
I am new to the group, I came over from Biggerpockets… is there any initiation?? =)
Your idea for the book club is a great! You’ve got a new member Steph, Thanks!
On December 02, 2009 at 3:49pm, Stephani said...
Hi Brandon- welcome to the party! Hehe.
Don’t worry- there’s no initiation.
On December 02, 2009 at 5:11pm, Bill said...
GREAT idea!! I’m up for the book club. Though I’m much like Julie in that books are an addiction…I have a pile of them by my sofa that I need to work on. Super choice for our first read
On December 02, 2009 at 5:42pm, Stephani said...
Welcome aboard, Bill!
Don’t worry- one more book added to the pile won’t hurt ya.
On December 02, 2009 at 9:14pm, Bill Lassiter said...
Oh most definately count me in on the book of the month club Steph! Like a lot of folks, I’ve got a bunch of books to catch up on.
Bill Lassiter´s last blog ..Pardon our Dust!
On December 02, 2009 at 9:16pm, Stephani said...
Sweet!
On December 04, 2009 at 8:14pm, Dave Peniuk said...
Steph,
Absolutely GREAT idea…but after further debate with Julie, she says “no way….jose”! “We have too many to read already!” So, I may sneak….sssshhhh….a read of some of your books as we go along in 2010, kay? I am just finishing Garrett Gunderson’s “Killing Sacred Cows” and about to start Sean Stephenson’s “Get off your Butt”. Again, don’t tell Julie….ssshhhh.
On December 05, 2009 at 6:54am, Stephani said...
Don’t worry Dave- your secret’s safe with me…
Hehe.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:19pm, Sabrin Dutta said...
Steph,
Great idea. I haven’t read any of his books, so I’ll start with your recommendation.
On December 10, 2009 at 6:22pm, Stephani said...
Hi Sabrin- glad to have you joining in.
Hope you are doing well.
On January 03, 2010 at 3:12pm, Lynn&Eugene said...
We would really appreciate your input.We were going to start flipping homes but later decided to wholesale instead(less risk involed).We want to make sure that we get started the correct way.What is the best way to get started?Should we start with adviestising in the local paper to get properties? and once we get one that we are interested in what is the best way to find an investor?Thanks for any input….
On January 04, 2010 at 8:01am, Stephani said...
The local paper will work. or Craigslist. You can also use “We Buy Houses” signs, or you could focus more on getting your leads from internet marketing. It’s really up to you, and depends on how much time and money you have.
As far as finding investors, here’s an article I wrote on the BiggerPockets blog that should help:
http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2009/08/06/easy-ways-build-wholesale-buyers-list/
God luck,
Steph
On January 31, 2010 at 4:34pm, bill peeler said...
Steph,
Please send your email address
Bill
On January 31, 2010 at 4:35pm, bill peeler said...
Steph,
Please send your email address. Thanks, Bill