Facebook Target Audiences - A Basic Introduction and Overview

Discover the ability to unlock the door to your target market by using the key of Facebook audiences.

One of the most powerful tools available to a marketer today exists inside of Facebook audiences. And while there is this misconception that “organic reach” is the holy grail of advertising, the truth is that using paid advertising and the right specific audience has the ability to exponentially grow your business. Both options have the ability to reach your perfect prospect but only the paid advertising is predictable, scalable and duplicatable in any reasonable timeframe.

I’ve included a 15 minute video that introduces some of the options available  through Facebook to laser target your specific target market. The idea is to introduce some ideas and to get your mind flowing with ideas of how to identify the right people for your brand, product, opportunity or message.

(In the video I make the assumptions that you already have a fan page and an ad account with Facebook. If not, I plan to make a couple of videos to explain, step by step, how to create a fan page and set up an ad account. When those videos are prepared I’ll include them here.)

I’ve included a written summary of some of the ideas that I’ve included in the video to make it easier to take notes.

When targeting your audience you have several criteria to choose from.  You can use location, age, and gender as basic criteria.  Facebook gives you more options including demographics, language, and additional behaviors.

Location – when targeting by location you can be as general or specific as you want. You can choose entire countries (or multiple countries), states, cities (near cities, within 1, 5, 10, 25 or 50 miles), and postal zip codes.

Age – you can choose any age range that makes sense for your situation.

Gender – you can target males, females or both.

Interests – Facebook has already created some broad categories for interests. Inside of each of these broad categories are sub-categories and broad niches that you can use to generally target your audience. These include:

Business and industry

• Advertising


• Agriculture


• Architechture


• Aviation


• Banking (with additional subgroups)


• Business


• Construction


• Design (with additional subgroups)


• Economics


• Engineering


• Entrepreneurship


• Health care


• Higher education


• Management


• Marketing


• Nursing


• Online (with additional subgroups)


• Personal finance (with additional subgroups)


• Real estate


• Retail


• Sales


• Science


• Small Business

Entertainment

• Games (with additional subgroups)


• Live events (with additional subgroups)


• Movies (with additional subgroups)


• Music (with additional subgroups)


• Reading (with additional subgroups)


• TV (with additional subgroups)

Family and relationships

• Dating


• Family


• Fatherhood


• Friendship


• Marriage


• Motherhood


• Parenting


• Weddings

Fitness and wellness

• Bodybuilding


• Dieting


• Gyms


• Meditation


• Nutrition


• Physical exercise


• Physical fitness


• Running


• Weight training


• Yoga


• Zumba

Food and drink

• Alcoholic beverages (with additional subgroups)


• Beverages (with additional subgroups)


• Cooking (with additional subgroups)


• Cuisine (with additional subgroups)


• Food (with additional subgroups)


• Restaurants (with additional subgroups)

Hobbies and activities

• Arts and music (with additional subgroups)


• Current events


• Home and garden (with additional subgroups)


• Pets (with additional subgroups)


• Politics and social issues (with additional subgroups)


• Travel (with additional subgroups)


• Vehicles (with additional subgroups)

Shopping and fashion

• Beauty (with additional subgroups)


• Clothing (with additional subgroups)


• Fashion accessories (with additional subgroups)


• Shopping (with additional subgroups)


• Toys

Sports and outdoors

• Outdoor recreation (with additional subgroups)


• Sports (with additional subgroups)

Technology

• Computers (with additional subgroups)


• Consumer electronics (with additional subgroups)

This is an incredible list of interests that Facebook is tracking on every single account. Some of the information comes from affiliate partners who collect their own amazing databases of information which I’ll point out shortly. 

In addition to the list of broad interest categories that Facebook has already put together, you have the ability to focus on specific interests as well.  By searching for a specific interest you can access Facebook’s massive database of interests to get very specific for your targeting. And as you search for specific interest Facebook will offer you additional suggestions that may help you focus or broaden your search to include those additional interests.

Languages – Facebook will choose the language for you based upon the location you’ve chosen to target. However, if you want to narrow your audience by language you can choose a specific language (or languages). On the other hand, if there is a language that is not common to the location you’ve chosen you can choose that specific language.

For example, maybe I want to target the Chinese speakers living in North Dakota. If I just choose my location as North Dakota my automatic language preference is English. But maybe my audience speaks Chinese. There are 1,400 Chinese speakers in North Dakota (on Facebook). That is a small audience but my ads will be focused to my audience.

Behaviors – this allows you to reach people based on purchase behaviors or intents, device usage and more. (Some behavior data is available for US audiences only.) The better you know you ideal client, customer of prospect (referred to as an Avatar) the better you can target your message to them. The behaviors (and subcategories) that Facebook tracks include:

Automotive

• Motorcycle


• New vehicle buyers


• New vehicle shoppers


• Owners


• Purchase type


• Used vehicle buyers

B2B

• Company Size


• Industry


• Seniority

Charitable donations

• All charitable donations


• Animal welfare


• Arts and cultural


• Cancer Causes


• Children’s Causes


• Environmental and wildlife


• Health


• Political


• Religious


• Veterans


• World relief

Digital activities

• Canvas Gaming


• Console gamers


• Event creators


• FB Payments


• Facebook Page Admins


• Internet Browser Used


• Operating System Used


• Photo uploaders


• Primary email domain


• Small business owners


• Technology early adopters


• Technology late adopters


• Unity Plugin

Expats

• Bazil


• China


• India


• Indonesia


• Ireland


• South Africa


• US

Financial

• Banking


• Investments


• Spending methods

Job Role

• Administration and managerial


• Blue collar and craftsmen


• Corporate executives


• Educators


• Farmers


• Financial professionals


• Homemakers


• Legal professionals


• Medical professionals


• Professional and technical


• Religious


• Retired


• Sales and service


• Self-employed


• Student


• White collar and clerical

Media

• Radio


• Television

Mobile Device Users

• All Mobile Devices by Brand


• All Mobiel Devices by Operating System


• All Mobile Devices


• Feature phones


• Network Connection


• New smartphone and tablet owners


• Smartphone Owners


• Smartphone and tablets


• Tablet Owners

Purchase behavior

• Business purchases


• Buyer profits


• Clothing


• Food and drink


• Health and beauty


• Home and garden


• Household products


• Kids products


• Pet products


• Purchase habits


• Purchase types


• Sports and outdoors


• Store types


• Subscription services


• Technology

Residential profiles

• Length of residence


• Likely to move


• New mover


• Recent homebuyer


• Recent mortgage borrower

Seasonal and Events

• Baseball


• Basketball


• Cricket

Travel

• All frequent travelers


• Business travelers (US or International)


• Casino vacations


• Commuters


• Cruises


• Currently traveling


• Family vacations


• Frequent International Travelers


• Frequent flyers


• Leisure travelers


• Personal travelers (US or international)


• Planning to travel


• Returned from trip (1 week ago or 2 weeks ago)


• Timeshares


• Used travel app (1 month or 2 weeks)

This list still boggles my mind how they can know so much about us as Facebook users. A lot of this information comes from outside affiliate partners who also collect immense amounts of information about us.  But let this list percolate through your brain as you consider the possibilities.

Connections – this filter allows you to reach people who have a specific kind of connection to your Page, app or event. This will narrow your audience to include only people with that specific connection who also meet all the other targeting categories you’ve selected. This way you can decide if you want to remarket to people who already know you, find new people or just market to everyone you can choose. This is an especially powerful option for those people who understand email marketing and creating lists because this option gives another way to present you message to your list without spamming their inbox and it gets your message read.

There are endless possibilities with the combinations from Facebook to laser target your ideal audience.  I wanted this to be a brief introduction but I also wanted you to be able to grasp the insane amount of information that is available to you to use to find the right people for your message.

Facebook Target Audiences - A Basic Introduction and Overview

MAP PSA Last Chance Event

Strongbrook’s MAP PSA SALE ends March 31, 2015!

This Friday Night, March 27^th at 7pm

Strongbrook helps you purchase Cash Flowing, Turn Key, and Investment Grade Real Estate. Your access to purchase one of Strongbrook’s Investment Homes usually costs $5,499, but until March 31you can get the same access for only $499 plus $99/month. SAVE $5000 by getting in before March 31^st!!!

At this event you will:

• Meet Strongbrook’s most successful Real Estate Investor, Shanna Stubbs. Shanna and one of her partners will be closing on their newest property in one of the HOT MARKETS on Friday at 12:00 pm.  This program really works – come find out how it can work for you!


• Learn how Strongbrook can help you get a mortgage, find the right property for you, facilitate buying the property, rehab the property, find a tenant, and manage the property for you. Everything is in your name, but Strongbrook helps you through the entire process.


• Conscious Creator Mentoring Network. Do you have the right mindset to be a successful investor and create a successful life? Get Thousands of dollars’ worth of coaching and mentoring for all aspects of Personal Development all in one network.

Can’t make it? No problem. Just head over to the Strongbrook Investor’s Site for more information about the amazing Strait Path Investing system that Strongbrook is using to help people just like you.  Or visit the all new Mentor Vault to learn about all of the phenomenal personal development options available to you and discover how to get this remarkable service for FREE!

MAP PSA Last Chance Event

Jahari's Window

If you don’t know what you don’t know, listen for techniques of how to ask for the answers.


Unlock the vault, reach your true potential with the Conscious Creator Mentoring Network.

Jahari's Window

Real Estate Investing 101: How to get started in today's market

A lot of people know that investing in real estate in where the wealth hold their money and that it’s a great place to make money too.  But with the craziness of the market how do you start and where do you invest?  Here is one opinion:

A lot of industries suffered from investment decreases during the Great Recession – but New York City real estate doesn’t seem to be one of them.

For those who didn’t lose their money during the downturn, real estate remained an attractive and exciting business, while others who wanted to up their income found that kind of investing to be lucrative if they played their cards right.

Patrick Lilly, a senior vice president at Corcoran, said, “When push comes to shove, you always need something to eat, you always need something to wear and you need some place to live.” But, “it’s kind of hard to invest in food, it’s hard to invest in clothing, but it’s not hard to invest in real estate.”

For those who aren’t familiar with the real estate business, investing may seem pretty difficult. But we spoke with Lilly and a few other experts to put together a guide to investing for beginners.

What you need
“A lot of money,” not just for the down payment, but also as protection against delinquent tenants, said James Famularo, managing director at New York Commercial Real Estate Services.

When President Barack Obama raised the capital gains tax to 18% last year it made real estate investing even more expensive, Famularo said.

Lilly, who also has an associate broker’s license, agreed that investors need to prepare for larger down payments due to property values in the current market.

“Let’s say you wanted to spend $100,000. That’s hard to do in Manhattan. Property’s just not that cheap in Manhattan,” he said.

Lilly advised trying to obtain the most you can in a loan from a bank, adding that most lending establishments require investors to put at least 20% of their own money down on a property up front.

Famularo said lenders also want investors to have a source of income so they know mortgages will get paid, and that he’s seen them ask for 25% to 30% down payments from those who have good credit, and up to 50% from those who do not.

Where to look
Our experts advised starting with the outer boroughs before investing in Manhattan, especially if you don’t have a big bankroll.

However, for those with experience who want to look in Manhattan, Famularo said pay attention to the dead areas that have major businesses lined up to move in.

“You can’t go to Fifth Avenue and 59th Street and expect to buy a bargain,” he explained.

But, he said a strip around 2nd Avenue and 30th Street that was dead when he first bought into it experienced a boom when national retailers came in.

“I had stores there that I couldn’t give away for free,” he said. But recently, national names such as Fairway, Staples and T.D. Bank opened in Kips Bay, making the neighborhood more attractive and resulting in dozens more stores coming in.

Alex Karalanian, a senior sales associate at Citi Habitats, said that Harlem is a good place to look right now, noting that prices in the uptown neighborhood are up 25% – the highest in the whole city.

In addition, values will continue to rise there in the next 20 years, he said.

“You have to think in the long term.”

What to know
Lilly said smart investors do a lot of homework in advance.

“To figure out what’s the best property to buy, you need to look at about 100 properties in order to put two offers in,” he said, referring to the advice as an investor “rule of thumb.”

But Karalanian said working with a broker makes things easier.
“If I’m a good broker,” he said, “I’m going to take you to see the five best apartments in your price point.”

A real estate agent will ask you where you want to invest and show you properties in those areas. He or she should give you a list of available mortgage brokers and attorneys.

A broker will also get an idea of your financials, gauge your level of seriousness, and ask key questions beforehand, such as whether you’re able to shell out a down payment and, if not, how you plan to get the money together to do so, Karalanian explained.

Real Estate Investment Trusts
If you don’t want to invest on your own, there are options to go into the market in a group.

Real estate investment trusts, known as REITS, are a hedge fund in which individuals invest their money and a team of people acquires and manages the properties and the leasing.

“If you walk through a building that’s controlled by a good REIT,” Famularo said, “rest assured that when you walk through the lobby, it’ll be shiny, the doorman will be well-dressed, the bathrooms will be well-cleaned.”

He noted that most of the high rise buildings in midtown and downtown Manhattan are controlled by REITs.

Adelaide Polsinelli, Senior Director at Eastern Consolidated, a successful REIT in New York City, said if you’re doing your own homework, go online and look through REIT portfolios: their financials, track record, and whether they stick to traditional investing or take more risks.

“The higher the risk, the higher the return,” she advised.

Another helpful tip from Polsinelli is to reach out to the customer affairs departments for individual REITs and ask specific questions.

A broker will give “recommendations of which REITs they suggest based on the tolerance of the individual investor for risk,” she added.

Investment groups
Investment groups, on the other hand, usually consist of around four people who pool their money together to make investments.

However, sometimes these plans result in lawsuits, Famularo warned, “because some real estate investors have different ideas on how to grow the company.”

“Sometimes it’s great, sometimes it’s a big mess,” he said.

Co-ops/condos
Co-ops represent about 85% of New York City’s housing stock, according to Citi Habitats.

Investors generally take stock in co-ops or condos when dealing with single units, or renting out or flipping single apartments. They will usually start with one and then acquire a few more depending on their success.

Although co-ops are more abundant, Karalanian said he recommends investors look at condos since they don’t require board approval. While condos might be more expensive up front, maintenance and taxes are usually cheaper in the long run.

“You can get in and start renting it out right away,” he explained, adding that condos usually have stronger resale values than co-ops.

The goal
The goal of real estate investing should be to turn a profit. A good rate of return, Lilly said, is 5 to 10%.

But a fixer-upper might earn you 1% until it appreciates in the next five to 10 years, he said.

via Real estate investing 101: How to get started in today’s market – am New York.

I’m not into investing in New York at this time.  There are other markets that make more sense right now.  I prefer to invest in Las Vegas or Phoenix or even in Orlando.  These markets are still undervalued and there are some great deals for investments.  Of course, there are good deals in any market, but right now they are easier to find in these three markets.

The other tips from the included article make sense: 1) you need a 20% down payment and some money in a “sleep well” account so you don’t have to worry about the incidental expenses of investing; 2) you need to do your research before you invest to understand the market and to understand how to invest in real estate; 3) you need a good real estate agent and I would suggest an entire team of real estate professionals if you really want to be successful.

Good luck investing.  Please comment below if you have any other good tips for getting started investing in real estate.

Real Estate Investing 101: How to get started in today's market

The Entrepreneur Economy

America was built by entrepreneurs and small business owners. The American dream wasn’t to come here to get a good corporate job. It was the opportunity to be whatever you wanted, to build your own business and truly be successful. Many in America have forgotten what this country was founded on. But Strongbrook has developed a system that (almost) guarantees that you can be a successful entrepreneur. You should check out Strongbrook and see the amazing system the have in place to make someone just like you a success.

The Entrepreneur Economy

SEC Investigation of Kris Krohn and Strongbrook

In 2010, the SEC conducted an investigation into the companies that are today known as Kris Krohn and Strongbrook. The following should serve as a summary of the investigation, and includes both the SEC findings on Kris Krohn, and Strongbrook’s position.

Orem, Utah (PRWEB) March 21, 2013

Nearly three years ago Kris Krohn and Steve Earl, and a number of different business entities, were included as part of an SEC investigation that began in 2010. In 2010 when the SEC investigation was initiated, Strongbrook was operating under the name of The Companies (TC) LLC, a group of entities that included REIC. Today The Companies (TC) LLC does business as Strongbrook, and will be referred to as Strongbrook in this press release. This press release contains a brief summary of the investigation, complaint, settlement, and outcomes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2jbUdNtxq4

While SEC investigations are confidential and Strongbrook is cannot be certain as to what triggered this particular investigation, many SEC investigations are prompted by complaints from disgruntled former employees and Strongbrook believes that is possibly what happened in this case.

During a 14-month investigation, the SEC found no misuse of investor funds. SEC regulators focused on two problems: One concerned the way Strongbrook had raised private investment capital and the other concerned how Strongbrook had valued a particular bulk purchase of properties. Neither complaint had any bearing on Strongbrook’s core business of helping its clients invest in real estate. The complaints were about how Strongbrook had raised capital for operations, and had raised capital for the company’s own real estate purchases.

Strongbrook settled with the SEC regarding these two complaints. The settlement required Strongbrook to neither to admit nor deny any violation. Strongbrook and it’s principles agreed to pay the minimum fine required by law. According to Strongbrook’s SEC counsel, Brent Baker, “The complaint filed by the SEC does not even allege any intentional wrongdoing by any of the companies, nor by Kris Krohn or Steve Earl.” No additional restrictions were placed on future business activities by Strongbrook, Kris Krohn or Steve Earl, other than restrictions that apply to any other company.

Strongbrook cooperated fully with the SEC investigation, because according to Strongbrook Principles, “We believe appropriate regulations and oversight are essential to protect clients and investors in the real estate market. Strongbrook has always been, and remains, committed to adhering to the spirit and the letter of the law in all our business dealings.”

The Investigation

The investigation lasted for 14 months. Regulators examined a large volume of documents and conducted interviews of Strongbrook’s founders, employees, investors and clients. Strongbrook cooperated fully with the investigation, which in the opinion of the company’s Principles, “was conducted fairly and thoroughly by a highly professional team from the SEC.

The SEC did not find any fraudulent use of funds. However, they did find two issues that led to the filing of a complaint against Strongbrook (then The Companies) along with Kris Krohn, Steve Earl and Michael Krohn.

The Complaint

The SEC complaint alleged two violations by Strongbrook. The first concerned the method of raising capital for the company. Companies seeking to raise capital through the sale of securities must either register the offering with the SEC or rely on an exemption from registration. Most of the SEC’s exemptions from registration prohibit companies from engaging in a “general solicitation” or “general advertising” about the investment offering – this included, among other things, advertising in newspapers or on the Internet. The Obama administration and Congress have since passed a law requiring the SEC to do away with this restriction for offerings similar to those at issue in the SEC’s investigation. The SEC issued “guidance” in August 2012 but has yet to create a new rule and the old rule remains in place.

The second complaint concerned the way that Strongbrook had valued a group of properties they had purchased in bulk. The valuation was included in a document that they used to raise private investment capital. At that time, like many much larger operations, Strongbrook was engaged in the bulk purchase of REO (bank owned) properties. Strongbrook conducted three forms of valuation: one known as BPO (broker price opinion), one from an external valuation service and one based on an analysis of county records. There were huge variations in the valuations, and they selected the middle one from the external valuation service. The service was provided by RealQuest, a company that obtains its data from a NYSE listed company used by many title agencies for valuation. The SEC objected to the decision to use this valuation method without disclosing the lowest valuation as well.

Neither complaint had any bearing on Strongbrook’s services to clients. Regarding the valuation issue, Strongbrook no longer purchases properties in bulk and have completely overhauled their valuation process.

Strongbrook today acquires only individual properties. More than three years have passed since Strongbrook has made any large bulk home purchases. They currently conduct no bulk purchases. Their valuation policy, which is strictly enforced, requires a professional on-the-ground inspection of each property, along with extensive contextual market research before any property purchase is made.

The Settlement

Confronted with the SEC complaints, Strongbrook faced a choice. In consultation with their attorney (himself a former SEC regulator) they made a decision to move forward with their core business and settle with the SEC.

The terms of the settlement were as follows:

−    Strongbrook agreed to neither admit nor deny the SEC’s complaints against them.

−    Strongbrook agreed to a 3rd party audit.

−    Strongbrook agreed to pay the minimum fine required by law.

−    Strongbrook agreed to notify all of their investors of the outcome of the investigation.

−    Strongbrook agreed to provide a copy of the 3rd party audit to their investors and inform them that they have the right to seek rescission of their investment.

The settlement did not find Strongbrook guilty of any intentional wrongdoing and it did not place any additional restrictions on their future business activities.

The Outcome

For a growing company engaged in transactions totaling multiple millions of dollars, regulation is a fact of life. Naturally, the experience of a 14-month investigation and official complaint is costly in terms of dollars and time, however, Strongbrook believes that appropriate regulation is essential to protect clients and investors in today’s business world. Strongbrook principles have said of the investigation, “We found the SEC both fair and professional throughout this process, and we did our best to cooperate with them fully from the start. We have emerged from the experience stronger, wiser and even more meticulous in our adherence to the regulations that govern our fields of operations. For Strongbrook, it is not enough to obey the letter of the law, essential though that is. We are committed to a mode of business that is transparent and truthful in every respect, so that we can make a tangible contribution to the lives of our clients and our community.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2jbUdNtxq4

Looking Forward

Strongbrook is a company with a big purpose. In the words of founder Kris Krohn: “We believe in America. We exist to help people from all walks of life realize their own American dream. We give them access to a proven system of personal entrepreneurship, while teaching the principles of conscious creation and the laws of success. Our task goes far beyond providing real estate opportunities. By launching tens of thousands of new entrepreneurs, Strongbrook can help fuel the recovery and growth of the greatest economy on the planet.”

Read more: http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/13/03/p3437988/kris-krohn-sec-and-strongbrook-a-summary-of-the-facts#ixzz3RwVYUnAy

Original article found at: http://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/13/03/p3437988/kris-krohn-sec-and-strongbrook-a-summary-of-the-facts

SEC Investigation of Kris Krohn and Strongbrook

Strongbrook for Real Estate Brokers

I have a concept here that will enable you to create a permanent retirement for yourself and for your agents doing what you’re already doing, working with the people you’re already working with, and using the systems that you already have in place, by incorporating this program into your present system.

Real estate agents have the worst retirement program in the world, meaning, we don’t have one. The vast majority of real estate professionals don’t have anything in place as far as a permanent retirement program. But that can change with the program utilized by a company known as Strongbrook.

You can take Strongbrook and incorporate it into your present business model. Using Strongbrook for Real Estate Brokers, by teaching the other agents in your office how to utilize this concept, you are going to be (by default) doing the following things:

1. Creating a retirement program for yourself,

2. Creating retirement program for the other agents,

3. Increasing everyone’s revenue outside of their immediate real estate business with a new income stream and,

4. (for brokers) Removing the fear that your star agents might eventually leave your brokerage.

Brokers have the constant concerned that their start agents will eventually be leaving their brokerage and becoming their own competition. However, using the Strongbrook concept, brokers no longer have to fear their star agents becoming competition because, If there star agents are using the Strongbrook concept, the more successful the agent becomes the more income comes back to the broker, the one who introduced them them and taught them about Strongbrook.

If this is enough to pique your interest then I’d like the opportunity to share the Strongbrook concept with you. It’s super simple, easy to incorporate and has all the benefits I just mentioned. Comment below or email me at Khayyam@RevREI.com for more information.

Image courtesy of Renjith Krishnan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Strongbrook for Real Estate Brokers

Best Way to Save for Retirement

What do you think is the best way to save for retirement?  Most people choose the IRA or 401(k) retirement plan based in the stock market.  But there is a growing movement that is breaking away from the mainstream and they are using conservative real estate investing as a way to plan for retirement.  While most people remain unaware of the opportunity and potential for investing in real estate using your IRA or 401(k), the fact remains that all of the benefits of real estate investing are within the grasp of the average working American.

Here are just a few reason why people are beginning to switch from the traditional retirement plan to the real estate retirement plan:

Stock Market

Accumulation Mindset

No Cash Flow

No Inflation Hedge

No Control

Penalties

Less Tax Advantages

Fear of Running Out

Real Estate

Residual Income Mindset

Perpetual Cash Flow

Financial Freedom in 5-10 years

Natural Inflation Hedge

Solution to Market Volatility

No withdrawl Penalties

Maximum Tax Advantages

Best Way to Save for Retirement

Investing in Real Estate with No Money Down

There are a lot of ways to invest in real estate and there are a lot of investing strategies to choose from. Some of these tactics are very sound and some of them are very risky. Since I’ve lots a lot of money investing in real estate I like to stick with more conservative yet profitable strategies.

So why would I introduce a “no money down” strategy for investing in real estate. Because this strategy can be used and still be a very conservative investment. I’ve included a short 6 minute video where Kris Krohn shares how he started his investing career with just 1 home and $3,000 (almost no money, especially in real estate) and has turned that investment into hundreds of homes.

Investing in Real Estate with No Money Down

Seniors in almost every state are struggling to afford retirement

While it is sad the numbers are not surprising. The US government posted an article from the data analysis of the 2010 census which states that 2 out of 3 Americans will rely on Social Security for at least 50% of their incomes in retirement and 1 out of 4 Americans will rely on Social Security for 100% of their incomes! So when I see this article from CNN Money that says seniors are struggling in 49 states it pulls at my heart strings but doesn’t surprise me anymore.

Fortunately there is something that can be done to help. The investing team at Strongbrook have put together an amazing system to help people reach a comfortable retirement in less than 10 years. That should be extremely good news for our seniors. It should be great news for all of us.

Starting with a nominal investment, for some that means that they start with nothing, the folks at Strongbrook can put together a financial gameplan that will get you to retirement in just 10 years or less if you follow their advice. Check out this short presentation by Kris Krohn which explains the basic components of this amazing system.

To see the article from CNN go to:

http://money.cnn.com/2014/10/09/retirement/retirement-income-gap/index.html?iid=TL_Popular

Seniors in almost every state are struggling to afford retirement

What is Your Retirement Game Plan?

People everywhere are discovering that a lifetime of accumulating 401Ks, IRAs, and paying off their house may not be enough to create the retirement they deserve. In fact, for many people it’s not even close! Society’s standard financial Game Plan is broken.

Our partner (Strongbrook REIC) has engineered a new financial Game Plan – one that has been proven time and again by over 1000 investors to date. Let Strongbrook show you how their Power Team can help lay a foundation for creating the residual income you desire.

Request Your FREE Personalized Game Plan

What is Your Retirement Game Plan?

Game Plan Request Submitted

You just submitted your request for a FREE Game Plan.  But before we call or begin sending information by email we want to be certain we have your permission to do so and that it was actually you that submitted the information online.  Please go to the email you just submitted to confirm your game plan request. We look forward to working with you.

Khayyam Jones

Game Plan Request Submitted

Journey Begins

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

- Chinese Proverb

Journey Begins

Improving Communication Skills

“Communication is a skill that you can learn. It’s like riding a bicycle or typing. If you’re willing to work at it, you can rapidly improve the quality of every part of your life.”

- Brian Tracy

Improving Communication Skills

Can You Break Up With Your Real Estate Agent?

The relationship with your real estate agent — whether buying or selling a home — is more complicated than most business relationships. For starters, it’s rare that one of your employees, your boss or a business associate would come into your kitchen to talk shop. Also, a real estate agent comes in and out of your life at an emotional and vulnerable time — one of transition and change. It’s a very different relationship on many levels.

But sometimes the relationship just doesn’t seem to be working out as you expected. Maybe the agent is too slow, not available as you much as you’d like, or is too pushy. It could be that you and your agent just aren’t a good match.

For whatever reason, there may come a time to call it quits. Can you “break up” with your agent? And if so, how?

Buyers: Take the high road

Real estate agents rarely require buyers to sign a written agreement. Usually, you, as the buyer, simply work in “good faith.” This handshake agreement means you agree to work exclusively with the agent. You should never engage more than one real estate agent.

And that’s fair. Agents often work long hours for buyers with no real guarantee of a payoff since they only get paid (by the seller) when a buyer buys. In some situations, a buyer may tell an agent, after months of working together, that they’ve decided to rent or move to a different town. It’s part of the job description.

When working with an agent, start slowly if you can to get a better feel for the agent and the home buying process. The further down the road you go with an agent, the more awkward and difficult it is to end the relationship.

If you’ve worked with an agent for some time but things aren’t going well, have a heart-to-heart talk. Take the high road. Give the agent constructive feedback about what’s not working for you. When possible, give your agent a chance to reverse course. If they still aren’t performing, tell the agent you have to move on.

Sellers: Ask for a “divorce”

Breaking up with an agent may not be so easy for sellers because they are contractually connected via a listing agreement. They are obligated to work with their agent’s company throughout the term of the agreement. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to have the property publicly listed the whole time, but that they can’t work with anyone else during that term.

If things aren’t going well early on, voice your concerns to your agent. If it’s not working out or isn’t a good fit, a good agent will simply let you out of the agreement. But sometimes, being “divorced” will infuriate a real estate agent and they may hold you through the term.

A seller can always wait it out and refuse to show the home or entertain offers. But, that doesn’t do anyone any good. It is negative energy and not good for the agent’s reputation. If this happens, call the agent’s company (the real estate brokerage firm).

Let the manager know how your agent responded and ask to be released from the agreement. Most brokerage firms will want to keep a good reputation, so they’ll try to find another agent in the office that would be a better fit or perhaps release you from the listing agreement.

Avoiding the break up

The best way to avoid the real estate agent “break up” is to do your homework up front. Begin slowly and keep your distance at first. While you may be excited to enter this next stage of life, it’s prudent to tread cautiously. Don’t engage a buyer’s or seller’s agent without first getting referrals, vetting candidates and having a few preliminary discussions.

via Can You Break Up With Your Real Estate Agent? | Zillow Blog.

A real estate agent should be your best ally when buying or selling real estate.  But like any business decision, you need to do your homework before you start working together.  Don’t just sign up with the first agent you talk to or the first person to send you a listing to look at.  \

Make sure that you talk to at least 3 different agents before you settle on the best agent to work with.  I would recommend getting referrals from people in your desired neighborhood (if you’re looking to buy), from friends and neighbors who’ve had good experiences with agents and from a mortgage broker.  You may choose to talk to more but 3 is the magic number for you to get a good understanding of what to expect from an agent and what the agent will expect from you in this business partnership.

With this preliminary understanding you’ll be able to work through the rough parts of this real estate business, either buying or selling.  And you’ll be less likely to feel like changing agents in the middle of the transaction process.

Can You Break Up With Your Real Estate Agent?

Two Pains

“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.”

- Jim Rohn

Two Pains

The 6 Worst Types of Real Estate Investments

As any experienced real estate investor will tell you, not all investment properties are created equal. Homes that might be perfect for a primary residence, for example, might not yield positive cash flows — and without positive cash flows, you’re losing money, not making it.

Here are a few things to think about and properties to avoid when you are ready to invest your hard-earned cash equity capital.

1. Anything that doesn’t generate rental income

These include second homes and land investments. Too many people invest in properties hoping that they will go up in value. But there is an opportunity cost to having money sit in real estate that doesn’t pay any income. Even if the property goes up in value, you’ve got to reconcile and account for all the money you would have earned if your money had instead been in the bank or in stocks and/or bonds.

2. Anything with negative cash flows

If you buy a “prize property” — such as a fancy downtown fancy condo, beach property or vacation rental — it’s probably going to be 20+ years before you get your first dime of positive cash flow. And that’s just no way to invest your hard-earned money. Pencil out any potential deal ahead of time, and buy properties that pay cash flow from day one — the moderately priced properties in non-prize areas.

3. Tenant-in-common (TIC) investments

These were popular from 2005 to 2007 as a way to diversify a portfolio without having to deal with the hassle of owning and managing real estate. But few people ever earned a dime because of all the costs and fees associated with the agreements.

4. Development deals

Development of land is extremely high risk. There are entitlement, construction and market pricing risks, plus countless others. These investments are best left to the extremely wealthy and experienced investors who can take the chance that they’ll never see their money again.

5. Condo-hotels, intervals & time-shares

These aren’t even investments. There’s no ability to predict cash flows, rental income or future value/sales prices. And they are very hard to resell and typically only at a fraction of the original cost.

6. Foreign real estate

You might be OK buying real estate in Canada or Britain – however don’t forget about the foreign currency risk — but foreign countries generally have different real estate laws, protections and fluctuating currencies, making these properties extremely high risk.

via The 6 Worst Types of Real Estate Investments | Zillow Blog.

So these are 6 investments to avoid, but what should you plan on investing in?  I prefer to invest in single family homes that are below the median price (for the area) that are purchased at a discount and start with an actual positive cash flow.  Then I plan on a short-term hold (maybe 2-5 years) and then sell and reinvest the equity into a new investment and start the process again.  For me, simple is safe.  It won’t knock the investment ball out of the park but it can be predictable and eliminates most of the risk in real estate investing.

What do you type of real estate investment do you prefer?  Please comment below…

The 6 Worst Types of Real Estate Investments

The Difference Between Intelligence and Education

“The difference between intelligence and education is this: Intelligence will make you a good living.”

- Charles Kettering

The Difference Between Intelligence and Education

Recognize Your Own Self-Worth

“The most delightful surprise in life is to suddenly recognize your own worth.”

- Maxwell Maltz

Recognize Your Own Self-Worth

The Chains of Habit

“The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.”

- Samuel Johnson

The Chains of Habit