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Kris Krohn: Creating a Real Estate Power Team

In Real Estate on October 18, 2013 at 4:27 am

Kris KrohnKris Krohn is a well-known real estate investor, investment coach and author. As a founder and President of Strongbrook Direct, Kris Krohn has developed real estate investment formulas that have helped people achieve financial stability by generating residual income. The Strait Path to Real Estate Wealth is his copyrighted formula for achieving real estate investment success.

Kris Krohn shares that the best strategy is helping clients identify and purchase very specific low-priced homes at a discount, hold them short-term, and convert the equity into additional homes at the earliest possible moment. Kris Krohn states that a key principle of achieving critical mass on the Strait Path to Real Estate Success is the principle of collaboration.

Kris Krohn is committed to assisting clients in turning their initial rental homes into a much larger portfolio in a few short years through profits, growth and gains. Kris Krohn offers an approach to real estate that is mostly passive for Strongbrook clients in which a team of more than 200 experts find, purchase, maintain, sell and do nearly all the work for their clients. Real estate is not a field where a go-it-alone approach is preferred, reports Kris Krohn.

Kris Krohn says, “Here’s my secret: I have learned that if you really want something done right, do not do it all yourself. If you assemble the right ‘power team’ and collaborate, you will find that you give up only a small part of the profits to do much less of the work. You can’t be a lone wolf.”

Kris Krohn calls this kind of collaboration leveraging, which means using other people’s assets to your own advantage, all offered willingly, of course. Kris Krohn reports that there are five forms of leveraging: other people’s money, other people’s time or labor, other people’s experience or knowledge, other people’s ideas, and other people’s systems.

Kris Krohn says that successful real estate investing requires a team of experts—what he calls a power team—that is committed to your success and that you can count on to spread the workload around. Kris Krohn recommends that clients fill the following roles on their real estate investing power team: realtor, mortgage broker, title officer, certified public accountant, attorney, banker and insurance broker.

Success demands a large team of real estate professionals, according to Kris Krohn. Let them help you grow your portfolio; don’t try to learn it all or do it all yourself. Kris Krohn and Strongbrook gives you access to their very own in-house power team.

Kris Krohn reports that the Strongbrook Group consists of the following teams: Strongbrook REIC, the educational and informational arm of the company that gets clients started, Strongbrook Realty, which finds the properties worth buying, and Strongbrook Lending, which helps clients obtain optimal financing from a variety of lenders that specialize in real estate investment lending. It also owns Strongbrook Property MGMT, the property management arm of the company, Strongbrook Financial Services, which provides overall financial strategizing on behalf of clients, and Strongbrook Direct, the sales arm that markets to consumers.

Kris Krohn is proud to have co-founded this group of companies that fill such a unique niche in the market and serve so many people. Kris Krohn and his associates personify the collaborative spirit that they promote and have made it their goal to teach others to do the same.

As a renowned public speaker, Kris Krohn has shared his successful Strait Path to Real Estate Wealth model with thousands of Americans.

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Scott Safadi Explains How Technology Makes Property Management Better

In Real Estate on May 16, 2013 at 9:39 pm
Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi

Scott Safadi is a young professional in the property management business in Palo Alto, California. Living and working in the heart of Silicon Valley, Scott Safadi knows his clients and their tenants are tech savvy and demand the same from service providers. Scott Safadi and his company, CBPM, employ technology tools to provide high-quality services to apartment owners and tenants alike. As Scott Safadi explains, gone are the days of the property manager running around collecting rent checks or renters waiting days for the plumber to arrive.

In this interview, Scott Safadi describes how technology improves property management.

Presentation Solutions: First, please tell our readers about CBPM.

Scott Safadi: CBPM is the property management company I started several years ago that is solely focused on apartment owners and tenants in Silicon Valley.

Presentation Solutions: Why is the use of technology so important in property management?

Scott Safadi: In today’s world, owners and tenants expect most services to be available 24/7; property management services are no different.

Presentation Solutions: How has the use of technology changed how property management operates?

Scott Safadi: Technology allows efficiencies that get property managers and their engineers out of the office and out solving problems.

Presentation Solutions: Has technology improved building maintenance?

Scott Safadi: The time saved from entering data, making phone calls, and traveling allows me to plan for future improvements and upgrades to properties. And engineers are able to solve tenants’ problems more quickly.

Presentation Solutions: This service must satisfy renters, right?

Scott Safadi: Certainly. When I can get a drain unclogged within three hours, tenants are extremely grateful.

Presentation Solutions: What are some of the other advantages technology provides?

Scott Safadi: Renters can now pay rent and submit work orders online, saving them time, hassle and money.

Presentation Solutions: How does this system work?

Scott Safadi: Essentially, tenants have their own login portals that they can access from any computer with Internet access at any time.

Presentation Solutions: Do owners have this same setup?

Scott Safadi: While their information is a bit different, yes, owners also have their own login portals with access to their personal information at any time.

Presentation Solutions: Has this benefited property owners?

Scott Safadi: Owners are particularly interested in using technology to keep up with the status of their properties. With up-to-date, 24/7 reporting capabilities, owners can be well-informed and make strategic decisions based on the data provided.

Presentation Solutions: Is this reporting more accurate than in the past?

Scott Safadi: Yes, the technology system CBPM uses is very detailed and accurate, providing owners much better information about their properties than ever before.

Presentation Solutions: Is technology the key to happy customers?

Scott Safadi: Technology definitely helps, but the personal interaction is still very important.

About Scott Safadi:

Scott Safadi graduated from Dartmouth College in 2003 and began his career in property management. Scott Safadi and his family live in Saratoga, California, where he owns and operates CBPM. In his free time, Scott Safadi enjoys outdoor hobbies, including mountain biking, hiking and backpacking.

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Foreclosure Expert Travis Jones of Rush Properties Has Encouraging News for Homeowners

In Real Estate on May 4, 2013 at 12:05 am
Travis Jones Rush Properties

Travis Jones Rush Properties

Travis Jones, Rush Properties former president, points out that foreclosure is a confusing matter for many homeowners. After all, the Kansas-based real estate expert has been assisting homeowners with their foreclosure needs for more than 15 years. Today, Travis Jones of Rush Properties talks about property redemption, something he says everyone who carries a mortgage needs to understand.

According to Travis Jones of Rush Properties, RealtyTrac recently found that the number of new foreclosures is steadily decreasing. The foreclosure listing firm stated the country has seen an 11 percent reduction from the previous year. The decline in foreclosures is the result of several factors, says Travis Jones, Rush Properties’ former president.

Q: What factors contribute to the steady foreclosure decline?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: The economy seems to be improving. New jobs combined with low mortgage rates means that the worst of the recession is over and the real estate market is on its way to recovery.

Q: Were any states hit harder than others?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Yes, indeed. Florida and Nevada have the most foreclosures in the country. One of every 300 homes in Florida is in foreclosure. Nevada is second, Illinois is third.

Q: How are rising home values helping with foreclosures?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Rising home values help homeowners establish more equity in their house, which can lower foreclosure rates by helping them refinance their mortgage or help them sell their house at a higher price. Fewer foreclosed homes and higher prices are great news for all homeowners since the foreclosed homes won’t keep dragging down the value of nearby properties.

Q: Are we still in a buyer’s market?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: We are, but we’re slowly transitioning into a moderate seller’s market. Since the property supply is tight, many properties are starting to attract multiple offers, which ultimately creates a sellers’ market. A good indication is that bank-owned homes are now selling for higher prices, motivating banks to authorize more short sales that help homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Q: What about the homeowner who is still facing foreclosure? Does he or she have any rights?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Yes, he or she needs to understand about their redemption rights.

Q: What are redemption rights?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: In Kansas, the sale of a foreclosed process can move fast. But since a homeowner has redemption rights, a Sheriff’s Deed cannot be issues unless the property is not redeemed. That can be anywhere from 3 to 12 months after the sheriff sale. After the sheriff sale, the homeowner can stay in the home during the redemption period.

Q: What can the homeowner do during the redemption period to avoid losing his or her property?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Well, the homeowner can keep the house by paying the full amount of the successful bid at the sale in cash which is referred to as redeeming. If amount is not paid into the courts by the end of the redemption period, the property will go to the winner also known as the holder of the certificate of purchase from the sheriff sale.

Q: Do they have a responsibility to maintain the property in any way?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: Actually, yes. They should also maintain the property to prevent waste, keep utilities’ active, and keep the yard mowed. If the homeowner does not, the redemption rights could be extinguished.

Q: What happens if the homeowner refuses to vacate the home?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: The homeowner will become subject to eviction, which would lead to additional costs and fees.  The holder of the certificate of purchase will need to file a court action to have the sheriff assist in removing the previous owner.

Q: You mentioned that the redemption period varies from 3 to 12 months. What is the length of the period based on?

Travis Jones, Rush Properties: It all comes down to how much the homeowner pays toward the original mortgage debt. If he or she pays more than one-third of the loan’s principal balance, he or she has 12 months to redeem the property. But if he or she pays less, there are only three months to redeem.

Travis Jones of Rush Properties is recognized in Kansas and Missouri as a leader in the real estate industry. Through his two companies, Travis Jones, Rush Properties founder and a partner in Cherry Park Properties, has served clients by providing assistance with various mortgage issues. Travis Jones of Rush Properties and Cherry Park Properties assists individuals seeking to purchase and improve distressed properties for resale.

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Larry Starr, Sarasota Owner of AutoXotic, Offers Exotic Vehicle Rentals

In Real Estate on February 22, 2013 at 11:14 am
Larry Starr Sarasota

Larry Starr Sarasota

Larry Starr, Sarasota area resident, brings the ultimate fun to vacationers in Southwest Florida and beyond through AutoXotic, a new exotic and luxury vehicle rental and ownership company. In an interview with Presentation Solutions, Larry Starr, Sarasota vacation rental expert and entrepreneur, discusses this exciting new company.

Presentation Solutions: AutoXotic, now that name implies a lot! Tell us about the company.

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: Yes, it sure does! AutoXotic combines the thrill of fast, gorgeous exotic and luxury cars offer, but with affordability. Larry Starr, Sarasota area vacationers now have the opportunity to drive cars that normally only the rich and famous can through renting or owning part-time.

Presentation Solutions: Owning part-time – what does that mean?

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: This is an ideal set-up for someone looking to drive an exotic car without being encumbered with a year-round price tag. Through this innovative ownership model, Sarasota-area seasonal residents can own and have access to a luxury car for 90 days each year. AutoXotic takes care of storage and maintenance. While Sarasota is our Headquarters, we provide cars on a nationwide basis.

Presentation Solutions: How long a period of time can someone rent an AutoXotic vehicle?

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: People can rent cars for a day, a week, or months; it’s really up to the customer.

Presentation Solutions: Does AutoXotic rent to just anyone?

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: No, there are several rental criteria. Drivers should be ready to provide proof of age 25, proof of insurance, and should be ready to put down a credit card or cash as a damage deposit.

Presentation Solutions: Tell readers about the types of cars they can rent or own through AutoXotic.

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: These are the exotic cars seen in movies, and include Aston Martins, just like James Bond drives, Lamborghinis similar to the one featured in the latest Batman movie, as well as Ferraris, Bentley, and McLarens, to name a few.

Presentation Solutions: Sounds thrilling! What types of customers has AutoXotic attracted?

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: This is a tremendously fun business, and vacationers, seasonal guests, business people, and professional sports stars are all customers. For people that live in areas with cold-weather climates, owning an exotic car part-time is appealing and our innovative ownership provides any thrill-seeker with a jolt, but not to the wallet.

Presentation Solutions: It sounds like AutoXotic serves people outside of the Sarasota, Florida area, too. Explain how that works.

Larry Starr, Sarasota, FL: While AutoXotic is a Sarasota based business; the company will deliver vehicles outside of the 25-mile radius of Sarasota for an additional fee.

Larry Starr, Sarasota area resident and businessman, is the owner of AutoXotic and President of Rental Vacation Accomodations. Larry Starr ’s Sarasota properties and businesses have been pleasing southwest Florida vacationers and seasonal guests for 25 years.

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Tiffani Von Alvensleben | Why Mothering and Motivating Are not Equal Opportunity Encouragers

In Real Estate on January 22, 2013 at 1:37 am
Tiffani Von Alvensleben

Tiffani Von Alvensleben

Real estate and direct sales expert Tiffani Von Alvensleben says that when you’re in a management position it is easy to mother your employees. However, she warns that this type of motivation only serves to create failure and missed opportunities.

Often after completing a training meeting, Tiffani Von Alvensleben has reflected on her wish to be able to wave a magic wand and make every person in the room successful. Tiffani Von Alvensleben often wonders what the one thing is that will inspire them to be the best they can be.

According to Tiffani Von Alvensleben, when a woman is a mother–as she is–she wants the best for her children. Unfortunately, it is not possible to be with them every day 24/7 to fix the scraped knees and hurt feelings. All a mother can do is be the best parent and person she can be and inspire her child to do the same.

Sometimes this can be the toughest job, points out Tiffani Von Alvensleben…always doing the right thing even when the wrong thing will produce an instant result; being self-motivated when others around you aren’t. This kind of discipline, says Tiffani Von Alvensleben, comes from a decision you make for yourself–to not settle for anything less than excellence.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben explains that she and Rich, her business partner and husband, made this decision a long time ago and it was probably the defining factor to their success. They have worked with hundreds of people who started the same time they did, attempted the same trainings, utilized the same compensation plan and products, yet never reached their goals.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben says, “I used to ask myself what I could do to help them succeed. Now, I ask myself why don’t they want to as bad as I do?” Tiffani Von Alvensleben used to believe that she could create each representative’s success – that maybe if she facilitated all of their meetings and paperwork and held their hand through it all, she could make them see and feel what she did. And, according to Tiffani Von Alvensleben, when the reality bites, it hurts: no matter how much you want to, you can’t make others successful. Success is something each individual has to earn for him or herself, Tiffani Von Alvensleben emphasizes.

As a parent, if you continually make it easy for your children, you’re going to have a 30-year-old still living at home, claims Tiffani Von Alvensleben. If you’re a businessperson constantly doing work for your fellow workers, you’ll have employees who collect paychecks they didn’t earn. If you’re a trainer at gym, your real job is to show your client the exercise plan that you think will help them the most based upon your experience, says Tiffani Von Alvensleben. If you have to call them every morning to make sure they are up and at the gym, pump them up to get motivated to work out–and lift weights for them–why should you waste your time?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben asks, how many other people could you have helped by not wasting your time babysitting this person? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if every person you trained respected him or herself, and you, and simply lived up to their commitments?

 

About Tiffani Von Alvensleben

Tiffani Von Alvensleben is a real estate professional in Sacramento, California, area with over 20 years of residential property experience to her credit. She is a cofounder of the real estate investment firm Von Vesting, Inc., cofounder of TKL Home Designs, and founder of Madison Holdings, Inc. As well, Tiffani Von Alvensleben, as Manager of TKL Home Designs is also the General Partner of American Redevelopment Fund, LP along with Rich and fellow entrepreneur Kale Flagg.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben counts interior design and home remodeling among her passions.

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Setting Goals with Frankie Bordeaux

In Real Estate on January 10, 2013 at 3:56 am
Frankie Bordeaux

Frankie Bordeaux

Frankie Bordeaux is a husband and father of five who served with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for over two and a half decades before retirement. In this brief interview with Presentation Solutions, Frankie Bordeaux answers questions about teaching children goals, responsibility, and work ethic.

Presentation Solutions: In what ways can we teach young children responsibility?

Frankie Bordeaux: Starting at preschool, you can teach young children responsible behavior. One way is to offer them a “chore chart” with pictures of what they should do for themselves. You can “reward” them by using colorful stickers to check off their responsible behavior.

Presentation Solutions: What kinds of things should a 4 or 5 year old be able to do for him or herself?

Frankie Bordeaux: Get dressed, brush their teeth, put laundry in the hamper, pick up their toys, etc.

Presentation Solutions: And what about teaching a work ethic at this age?

Frankie Bordeaux:  Young children can and should be expected to perform certain duties.

Presentation Solutions: Many children look at work as the thing that takes their parents away. How do you advise combating this negative association?

Frankie Bordeaux: Unfortunately, in today’s two-income households, many children do not get the one- on- one adult time they desire. If being a stay-at- home parent is not an option, make sure that the time you give to your child is good quality time. Often, it’s the quality of time sent with children that matters most and not the amount of time.

Presentation Solutions: The Boys and Girls Club really fills a need here, correct?

Frankie Bordeaux: Absolutely, the Club is a safe and nurturing environment where parents can leave children when they do have to be away for work.

Presentation Solutions: What would you advise parents of teens who are trying to get their children to set their own goals for the future?

Frankie Bordeaux: I say to start small and then work on larger goals.  Parents should explain to teens how accomplishing small goals can better enable them to accomplish larger goals.

Presentation Solutions: How do you prepare a teen for independent living, such as going off to college?

Frankie Bordeaux: I encourage part time employment, if feasible. There are countless options for gaining work experience – for example, as a lifeguard at the YMCA or as a bagger at the local grocer.

Presentation Solutions: How would you teach a teen to set goals for his or her adult life?

Frankie Bordeaux: There is no better teacher than experience. Again, part time employment while still in school can be a great way to teach them balance. Also, if they want a big ticket item, like a game system or vehicle, have them save for at least half of it.

Presentation Solutions: What about children who seem to have no interest in working or caring for themselves?

Frankie Bordeaux: Kids of all ages should be encouraged by example. Parents should expect children to work and care for themselves

Presentation Solutions: Meaning…?

Frankie Bordeaux: Make sure your child sees you doing the things you ask them to do…making your own bed, for example.

Presentation Solutions: Any other advice before we have to close?

Frankie Bordeaux: One thing I believe is important above all is teaching children how to be responsible.  You teach them how to be responsible by demonstrating responsible behavior yourself.  We must also teach our children that there are consequences for your actions.

Presentation Solutions: Thank you for your time today, we look forward to hearing from you again.

Frankie Bordeaux: My pleasure.

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An Interview with Peter F. Spittler on Sustainability

In Real Estate on December 22, 2012 at 5:09 pm
Peter F. Spittler

Peter F. Spittler

Today, Presentation Solutions was privileged to have a conversation with architect Peter F. Spittler, regarding sustainability and green-building initiatives in building design. Peter F. Spittler has been key to many green-building projects both in the United States and abroad. Here is a brief excerpt from the interview.

Presentation Solutions: Thanks for taking a little time with us today!

Peter F. Spittler: Absolutely, glad I could join you.

Presentation Solutions: Explain to us a little about what sustainability means…

Peter F. Spittler: Well, that’s a pretty broad subject. First, sustainability looks at the big picture. It’s more than just architects involved–we generally pull together a team of people like planners, architects, engineers, ecologists, financial experts. The industry calls this the “Triple Bottom Line” and that’s a term corporate America understands.

Presentation Solutions: Does it take into account existing neighborhoods?

Peter F. Spittler: Oh, no question. Nobody likes seeing a big-box store or office park move in and stick out like a sore thumb. Sustainability incorporates a respect for what’s already there from a contextual perspective and sensitive planning and design approach. Sustainability balances the ecology, economy and cultural aspects of a project.

Presentation Solutions: What is driving the move toward sustainability?

Peter F. Spittler: A lot of city planners are taking a hard look at the space that’s available within urban boundaries. Smart land use like walkable neighborhoods, bike trails, mixed retail/residential and moving away from sprawling subdivisions or office parks.

Presentation Solutions: I understand that sustainability makes sense financially…

Peter F. Spittler: Yes, investors and builders have to look beyond the construction costs at the front end and think about the savings that can be realized with energy efficiency and good design.

Presentation Solutions: That’s where LEED comes in, right?
Peter F. Spittler: Yes, LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It’s a market-driven movement that supplies benchmarks for sustainable building methods and certifications for good designs.

Presentation Solutions: You’ve been involved with several LEED focused projects…

Peter F. Spittler: Yes, Yankeetown in Florida, Flats East Bank in Cleveland, the Chronicle-Telegram building in Elyria, Ohio…those were all LEED focused projects.

Presentation Solutions: Tell us about the Free Lance-Star building in Fredericksburg, VA.

Peter F. Spittler: The Free Lance-Star building was laid out as an LEED-compliant newspaper plant, with room to grow into the future and add more buildings or elements that would be in keeping with the original design. The focus was on design solutions that minimize energy consumption through intelligent design and engineering of materials and building systems.

Presentation Solutions: That’s some very forward-thinking stuff. Peter F. Spittler, thanks for talking to us today!

Peter F. Spittler: My pleasure.

Peter F. Spittler is an accredited member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Boards. Peter F. Spittler graduated from the architectural program at Kent State University.

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J. Kale Flagg on Von Vesting’s Investment Strategy

In Real Estate on December 7, 2012 at 5:40 pm
J. Kale Flagg

J. Kale Flagg

Von Vesting continues to wow investors. Kale Flagg explains how and why.

Presentation Solutions: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us today. Let’s cut to the chase; Von Vesting has a reputation for earning more than favorable yields for investors. How do you do it?

J. Kale Flagg: Our investment strategy is simple—“steal ’em, so we can give ’em away.”  In other words, buy ultra-wholesale so we can rehab to 2012-2013 standards and amenities (so the properties will move quickly) and offer for sale at sub-market rates (again, so they’ll move quickly) while making a minimum 10-15% cash-on-cash return.

Presentation Solutions: Moving properties quickly–that explains why you are so diligent with ensuring the paper trail is clean with the title, liens, etc.

J. Kale Flagg: Exactly. Also, we have an entire department dedicated to knowing what to improve and what to leave alone.

Presentation Solutions: You tend to market aggressively, does that help the property move?

J. Kale Flagg: Yes it does. More importantly, accurately forecasting the sales price that the improved property will sell at quickly once we’ve completed the improvements is the most important decision we make on a property. We don’t market before we know these numbers.

Presentation Solutions: How do you determine profit on a sale?

J. Kale Flagg: Profit equals sales price minus disposition, carry, improvement and acquisition costs—everything works backwards from sales price so we measure our improvement budget and sales price projection accuracy on a daily basis

Presentation Solutions: It sounds tough to compute…

J. Kale Flagg: Our business model is simple—we won’t pull the trigger on a property unless we know we can earn a minimum a minimum of 10-15% cash on cash in 90 days.   People often think that high returns connote high risk—but the reality is that we’re only averaging approximately 10-15% cash on cash per house flip.

Presentation Solutions: If you are “only” averaging 15%, why are your annual returns so hefty?

J. Kale Flagg: The reason for the Fund’s high annual returns is that we’ve been completing the transactions quickly (98 day average for 2011 and a little quicker then that, to date, in 2012)— which means we can use the same money 3 times in one year to buy, sell; buy, sell & buy, sell again.  If the Fund can make a minimum of 10-15% on a property, and use the same money to do so three times in one year—the total return comes out to 30-45% or more annualized profit for those who can source and secure product.

Presentation Solutions: Tell us a little about the structure of Von Vesting…

J. Kale Flagg: Von Vesting Inc., under its management contract with the Fund (the American Redevelopment Fund, LP), sources, acquires, improves and re-sells single family residences on the Fund’s behalf.   Von Vesting contracts LKT Construction (d.b.a., OneUP Construction), a California Licensed General Contracting Company (owned, directed and operated by Rich Von) to facilitate the property improvements; and one of several third party brokers to sell the properties via MLS.

Presentation Solutions: What exactly is the Fund?

J. Kale Flagg: The Fund is a California limited partnership, formed August 3rd, 2011 for the purpose of investing in real estate assets acquired directly or indirectly by the Partnership.  Investors in the Fund become Limited Partners and hold 100% of the Fund’s equity.

Presentation Solutions: So, who controls the Fund?

J. Kale Flagg: Per the Fund’s Partnership Agreement, the Fund is managed by a General Partner—myself and Tiff Von Alvensleben are the Managers of the Fund’s General Partner.

Presentation Solutions: How do the Fund and Von Vesting coordinate financial transactions?

J. Kale Flagg: The Fund pays Von Vesting, via their management contract, a flat 3%-per-property acquisition fee to purchase, rehab and sell Fund properties.  As an example, if Von Vesting sources 100 properties and does not purchase any of them; then the Fund doesn’t pay Von Vesting any money.  The Fund only compensates Von Vesting for successful purchases that meet the Funds pre set criterias.

Presentation Solutions: What is the general area that Von Vesting tends to focus on?

J. Kale Flagg: The 1,700+ properties that have been flipped over the last 12 years by the Operators of Von Vesting have all primarily been located in the San Francisco South Bay area (where Rich and Tiff both grew up and have family in the business) or the Greater Sacramento area (where the Vons currently reside).  And there have been more then a few in Nevada and Arizona as well.

Presentation Solutions: But how do you choose since there are so many properties for sale at any given time?

J. Kale Flagg: Since flipping is about velocity, picking the neighborhoods with low average days-on-market, the right schools and minimal competitive product is key.  Our advantage is that nothing replaces local experience when it comes to residential real estate, but it is our due diligence and knowing how to comp intelligently on the front end (so the product moves quickly on the back end) that makes the difference between profit and loss.  After 12 years and over 1700 properties, streets in our target market are recognizable and most new product is in close proximity to past projects.

Presentation Solutions: This is all very interesting but we are out of time for today. Thank you, Mr. Flagg, for your time this evening. We look forward to speaking with you as Von Vesting Inc continues to grow.

J. Kale Flagg: The pleasure was mine. Thank you.

J. Kale Flagg is the COO of Von Vesting Inc. His sales and marketing experience lends Von Vesting a unique perspective to property rehabilitation and sales. For more information about Von Vesting, contact the firm directly at 916.625.0235

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Texas Lending (TexasLending.com) Home Equity Loans

In Finance, Real Estate on July 18, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Texas Lending

Texas Lending

Texas Lending (TexasLending.com) has spent more than a decade in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, building a reputation for providing quality, one-on-one service to homeowners. Each step of the process in securing a home loan through Texas Lending is made easier by the company’s focus on convenience. Texas Lending recently spoke with Presentation Solutions about a topic of concern to many consumers in today’s economy: home equity loans.

Presentation Solutions: Dallas-Fort Worth offers many solutions when it comes to home equity loans. What sets Texas Lending apart from all the others?

Texas Lending: We give each client a completely customized experience, from start to finish. Securing a home equity loan can be a complicated, overwhelming process and we’ve found that by breaking it down for our clients, we make it better for everyone involved. We’ve even taken some of the strain out of all the closing paperwork.

Presentation Solutions: Closing paperwork is definitely complicated. How does Texas Lending help with that?

Texas Lending: We’re one of the first mortgage lenders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to offer e-signature capabilities. No more signing your name a thousand times in a row.

Presentation Solutions: I’m sure that’s a relief for your clients! Is Texas Lending seeing an increase in home equity loans due to the economy?

Texas Lending: Yes. The number of clients coming in for home equity loans, as opposed to traditional mortgage loans, has seen a marked increase. We’ve found that many homeowners are opting for major home renovations in lieu of moving, since many homes have not increased in value in recent years.

Presentation Solutions: What types of home loans are available to homeowners who visit Texas Lending?

Texas Lending: For those who qualify, we offer fixed term loans, as well as variable term loans.

Presentation Solutions: What will a homeowner need to qualify for a home equity loan?

Texas Lending: Several factors are taken into consideration starting with a good credit history  and your loan-to-value ratio. There are also closing costs associated with most home equity loans.

Presentation Solutions: How will a homeowner know which type of home equity loan is best?

Texas Lending: Since each person’s situation is different, we sit down with each customer and review his or her individual needs. In some cases, a home equity loan may not be advisable at all.

Presentation Solutions: What about balloon payments?

Texas Lending: With a balloon payment, the homeowner pays only the interest for the term of the loan, but at the end of the loan, the full amount comes due. Often the homeowner refinances at that point. We make sure our clients know the full terms of a balloon loan before making that choice.

For more information, visit Texas Lending online at http://www.TexasLending.com

TexasLending.com
4100 Alpha Rd. Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75244
NMLS# 137773

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James Stuckey | Growing Populations Equals Diminished Resources

In Real Estate on May 9, 2012 at 6:25 am
James Stuckey

James Stuckey

James Stuckey, former NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate Dean, says that as the world’s population increases, so does our use of natural resources. Stuckey says it’s up to world leaders to plan effectively.

In this exclusive one-on-one with James Stuckey, the real estate developer answers questions about the rapid population increases seen globally and how green and sustainable building practices can help preserve what resources are left.

Presentation Solutions: Good evening, James Stuckey. We appreciate your time today.

James Stuckey: I am certainly glad to be here.

Presentation Solutions: Let’s begin, shall we? How fast is the world’s population growing?

James Stuckey: Right now we’re seeing an increase of about 1 billion people every 13 years. By 2025, the earth is expected to have a population that exceeds over 8 billion people; currently, there are about 6 billion people across the globe.

Presentation Solutions: Why is this information of interest to developers like yourself?

James Stuckey: Think about it: these people will need homes, jobs, schools, hospitals, libraries…

Presentation Solutions: Yes, that’s true. But what impact will building all of these new structures have on the environment?

James Stuckey: Unless it is done responsibly, it will have a huge negative impact. That is why there has been such a push lately for green and sustainable development.

Presentation Solutions: Like reusing materials, utilizing natural heating and cooling cycles, and improving indoor air quality, correct?

James Stuckey: Yes, that’s right, but there are also many other components such as increasing energy efficiency and building in a way that works with the land instead of against it.

Presentation Solutions: What impact does an increasing population have on the Earth?

James Stuckey: First, humankind is using our resources at an alarming rate.

Presentation Solutions: But aren’t certain resources like water infinite?

James Stuckey: Most people mistakenly believe so but there actually is a limited amount of freshwater available. Clean water is a very serious problem in many nations around the world.  Using green building practices can help slow our consumption rate.

Presentation Solutions: What about naturally replenishing resources like trees?

James Stuckey: Demand for lumber is increasing more quickly than newly planted trees can grow into maturity.  Types of trees are a significant factor.  For example, bamboo replenishes quickly.

Presentation Solutions: Do the buildings and infrastructure that we create affect wildlife?

James Stuckey: Absolutely.

Presentation Solutions: How so?

James Stuckey: The more land we develop for human use, the less that is available for other species.

Presentation Solutions: Is that really a big issue?

James Stuckey: Yes, it is. Having proper biodiversity – that is, varied plant and animal life – is important to humans because we use these resources in agriculture and even medicine.

Presentation Solutions: What effect does an increasing population have on food supply?

James Stuckey: That is a whole other issue but as far as real estate development goes, there becomes a shortage of agriculture areas when cities overbuild residential, commercial, and industrial areas.  Fortunately, there are advances in greenhouse technologies, hydroponics, and urban farming.

Presentation Solutions: Changing topics for a bit here: What can a real estate developer do to help ease issues of public health associated with a growing country?

James Stuckey: If you look at the global picture, we can start by creating developments in undeveloped countries that would offer suitable shelter, and things that westernized society takes for granted like running water. We can also put forth efforts at creating educational facilities.

Presentation Solutions: What steps do you suggest are taken globally to help ensure that the Earth is available for these future generations to enjoy?

James Stuckey: The people responsible for the health and safety of their constituencies need to ensure that our cities are planned appropriately.

Presentation Solutions: Anything else?

James Stuckey: There are many, many things that leaders across the globe can do to help combat the impacts of overpopulation. Again, specific to real estate development, I think that the areas of the world with the best infrastructure and most accommodating overall design will have the best chance at sustaining their growing numbers.

Presentation Solutions: Well, James Stuckey, we appreciate you time and again thank you for chatting with us today.

James Stuckey: It was my pleasure.