Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association

What single marketing idea did you utilize in 2009 that gave you your best results?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:57:42 -0600

I was looking back over the past twelve months attempting to analyze what one marketing idea that I used that gave me the best results, (so that I could focus more on it...and less on other non-productive ones)

So, I wanted to survey my brother and sisters on ActiveRain and see what has worked best for them in 2009.

"What did you do in 2009 that gave you the biggest bang for your buck?"

P.S. By the way, I'll share my biggest "Ah-Ha" moment in 2009....when I bit-the-bullet and re-started by newsletter campaign to everyone that I met or came in contact with; it was by far my most profitable marketing that I did in 2009. Thanks to Jim Palmer for reminding me!

What are you most thankful for this Holiday Season?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 07:08:57 -0600

I just finished reading a great "Juggle" article by John J. Edwards III on the Wall Street Journal Blog titled

"A Season of Gratitude."

http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/11/23/a-season-of-gratitude-what-are-you-thankful-for/

The Juggle examines the choices and tradeoffs people make as they juggle work and family.

I know, I know, I know..locally, here in Charleston, SC, a lot of folks are out of work, others are being "furloughed", the economy still hasn't recovered,...but, my mentors have taught me to look for the "Positive" rather than the "Negative", ( Boeing just came to town, we just landed a Wind Turbine employer, etc. I am blessed with a supportive, healthy, and loving family!)

So, I am curious...

What are you most thankful for this Holiday Season?

http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/11/23/a-season-of-gratitude-what-are-you-thankful-for/

Happy Holidays!

Local Charleston Real Estate Investor Association Meets

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:40:28 -0600

Have you ever been to a seminar where the "Guru" (selling a high price course/
seminar) gave you just enough information to get you really excited...

but there seemed like there was a "piece of the puzzle" missing! You probably had at least one question ....but couldn't get thru the crowd at the "Sales Table" to ask the "Guru"....or maybe you were just too embarrassed to ask.

Well, now is your chance to get your questions answered by investors who are already doing
what you want to do....FREE!

Over the past 6 months, we have provided you, our members, with the best, most knowledgeable,
local real estate information that can help you build your real estate business, we have had the following
experts volunteer their time to speak to you:

North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt, talking with us about his plans for N. Charleston (& high
crime areas)

Family Services Director Debbie Kidd ,educating us about foreclosures and how they can help people
with loan modifications.

Local investor Frank Monroe sharing "inside info" about investing in Tax Deeds.

"How To Be A Real Estate Day Trader" Larry Goins shared his knowledge on wholesaling properties.

Short Sale Expert Tomi Dinkins, talked about the fastest & easiest way to to Short Sales.

The "Magnificent 7" Panel of Experts (Patrick Riddle, Mike Childs, Jon Chavis, Greg Cook, David Wertan,
Karen Rapchick & Ron Cox) who shared their real life experiences with us.

WOW!

As I look back over the past 6 months, I realize that our little Charleston Real Estate Investor's
Association has had some pretty awesome real estate experts share their experience and success
with us...without us having to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars in seminar fees
(PLUS airfare, hotel rooms, meals, etc)

I know what you're thinking:

"Yea, they were "Ok", why don't we just get another local expert to speak at our November 3rd,
2009 meeting?"

Because, we have "tweaked" our meeting system format and we have gotten away from one of the
very "BEST" meetings that we ever had:

The BREAK-OUT Sessions!

At our November 3, 2009 meeting, we will go back to the "System" of meeting that drew more
feedback, more positive response, and more comments like these:

Listen to what members have said about our previous "Break Out Sessions".

"This was a great time to network with the newbies and visitors. Thanks to all the table leaders for their
hard work! I learn something new with each meeting that has helped our business grow! Looking forward
to the next meeting!"[/i]

[i]"It's always great to be able to ask questions and share ideas. Brainstorming is used by great companies to brew ideas which create new products, resolve problems or streamline business operations. I view this type of meeting format as our brainstorming. The questions and comments made at the tables always get me looking at things from a different light."

"I was able to connect with two individuals I would have probably never encountered anywhere else.
I was able to learn and share valuable information that will help me with a a rehab project I am working
on. Also, received a great crash course on HVAC systems."

We will have individual BREAK-OUT sessions on the topics that you have indicated that you
want to know more about.

* Rehabbing
* Foreclosures
* Building A Buyer's List
* Lenders & money
* Wholesaling
* "Subject To"
* Rent To Own
* Marketing for your first/next deal

Bring your questions or send them in early so we can add them the list and make sure that we get
them answered.

Plus, we will be having a "[b]Special Prize[/b]" for the Member bringing the most guests. Bring your "Guests" to this Meeting and you may qualify for a GREAT Gift!!

(Might want to get there early to get a seat at the table you want)

Meeting will start promptly at 6 PM sharp- end at 8 PM;

First meeting FREE - Repeat Guests $20 (and do not count in the Guest Contest)

No cell phones allowed - no texting! Please leave your cell phone in the car

This is an "Open Meeting"- Guests & Visitors Welcomed!

Event Date: November 3rd, 2009

Location: North Charleston Inn 2934 W. Montague Ave. N. Charleston, SC

Primary Phone: 843-200-5617

Primary Email: Charlestonreia@gmail.com

Hope you can join us!

Tomi Dinkins, Short Sale Expert with Weeks, Foti & Irvin To Speak To Local Charleston Real Estate Investors

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 20:23:58 -0500

Due to the enormously high foreclosure rate right now, foreclosures & short sales has been a "Hot" topic of great discussion over the past two years.

Recent statistic show that "shorts sales" & "Bank Owned Properties" are accounting for 50% of the properties for sale in the Charleston area.

"How do you "short sale" a property" is a question many new members ask....

but the question that they should be asking is..."How can I make money off of short sales?"

Tomi Dinkins, is considered to be one of the top experts in the state on the subject of Foreclosures & short sales.

Tomi will explain the process, why some properties are better than others, how long they normally take,
which lenders are easier to work with and how to "monetize" short sales.

If you are a beginning wholesaler, talking with a lot of Sellers..

If you are experienced investor who may need to short sale a troublesome rental...

If you are a Realtor and want to learn how to better help your clients...

(Did you know Realtors can get paid 3 ways from a short sale?)

You might want to make this a priorty-must-attend-event!

(You could attend $2500-$5,000 bootcamps and not learn as much as you would from this event!)

This will be an "Open" meeting - Guests are welcome!

The Member who brings the most Guests will win a "Special Prize"

This event is FREE for 1st time visitors..

Date: October 6, 2009

Event Start Time: 6:00 pm

Event End Time: 8:00 pm

Location: North Charleston Inn 2934 W. Montague Ave.

Primary Phone: 843-200-5617

Can Keller Williams Agent Brian O'Shea Defend His Title?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:48:32 -0500

"On a recent evening I bought into a limited partnership, flipped a bed and breakfast for a quick profit, tripled my money on "OK4U" pharmaceutical stock. I also got downsized from my teaching job, bought a duplex and had a baby. After all that, I managed to get out of the proverbial rat race."
- Sarah Max, CNN/Money Senior Writer

It's CashFlow 101 Time Again!

The Charleston Real Estate Investors Association will host their monthly CashFlow 101 Tournament on Tuesday, September 29^th 2009 at Shoneys on Rivers Ave.

CashFlow 101 is Rich Dad, Poor Dad's, Robert Kiyosaki's educational board game that teaches Accounting, Finance, and Investing at the same time...and makes learning fun!

Brian O'Shea, local Charleston Keller Williams Realtor, and defending champion will be on hand to attempt to defend his title as "Charleston's Cashflow Champion 101"!

Guests are welcome ~ Admission is FREE~ Sign in starts at 5:30 pm.

To register go to charlestoncashflow@gmail.com or call 843-200-5617.

Guests are welcome!

Game starts at 6 PM.

Hope you can join us!

"Lunch & Learn" with HGTV Star Terry Haas at the North Charleston Business Builders Network

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:52:04 -0500

HGTV's "Designed To Sell" Terry Haas To Speak

Most people know Terry for her recurring role on HGTV's hit show "Designed to Sell." Now in her third season as one of the show's featured real estate agents, Terry shows millions of viewers how staging a home, improving curb appeal and making low-cost improvements can help to sell a property at top dollar.

By giving sellers a $2,000 budget and a team of experts, "Designed to Sell" demonstrates how to turn a tired house into a showpiece. When it comes to the houses she views, Terry relishes an open floor plan, up-to-date bathrooms and a house with good "curb appeal." And, when it comes to personal clutter, pets and dirt, she tells is like she sees it. Honest and critical without being cruel, Terry shows how a making a small investment before the open house can bring a big return at the closing.

Terry will speak at the North Charleston Business Builders Network meeting on Tuesday, September 8th, 2009 at 11:30 AM.

Guests are welcome! Admission is FREE! To R.S.V.P. call 843-200-5617.

The North Charleston Business Builders Network, a chapter of the Professional Network Connections, meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at the North Town Grille & Seafood, 2093 Eagle Landing Blvd. N. Charleston, SC 29418.

Go to www.pnconnections.org for additional information about Professional Network Connections

Who knows a Realtor that needs more referrals?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:32:39 -0500

The reason that I ask the question, "Who knows a Realtor that needs more referrals" is because the Professional Network Connections is holding their inaugural West Ashley Business Partners Networking meeting Thursday July 30th, at 12 Noon at the Sunfire Grill in West Ashley....and we need a Realtor!

This network meets twice a month to provide networking and educational opportunities for business professionals. Educational guest speakers and business roundtable discussions are scheduled monthly and these lunch meetings are open to the business community.

Since most networking groups only allow 1-person-per-occupation, the Realtor spot is normally one of the top 2-3 that gets filled first!

So, if you know of a hard-working Realtor that needs a few more referrals, mention our group to them.

Their first visit is FREE! and they can RSVP by emailing summervillepnc@gmail.com or calling 843-200-5617.

Professional Network Connections was founded four and a half years ago by Debbie Griffith-Brown as a business and industry specific networking organization. Charleston has 11 area networks planned currently with 4 active networks, 3 networks launching in August and 4 more launching soon. There are over 60+ networking groups across the East Coast that included business, medical, Christian, automotive, manufacturing, women, Hispanic, entrepreneurial, Holistic Health & Wellness, Education, and many others, which are all interconnected for maximum networking and exposure.

For additional information about this network or Professional Network Connections, please contact Area Manager, Leigh Thomson or visit the website at www.pnconnections.org

PROFESSIONAL NETWORK CONNECTIONS

P.O. Box 713, Mauldin, SC 29662

864.640.4144

www.pnconnections.org

Want To Learn How To Buy & Sell 7-10+ Houses A Month?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:59:32 -0500

Larry Goins, author of the Ultimate Buying & Selling Course and How To Be A Real Estate Day Trader , will be the guest speaker at the Charleston Real Estate Investors Association on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009.

Larry is not only a published author, he is also licensed as a mortgage lender and mortgage broker in North Carolina and South Carolina, plus he is also licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina as a Real Estate Broker and General Contractor.

He is a member of the North Carolina Association of Mortgage Professionals and a member of the National Association of Mortgage Professionals.

Over the past few years, Larry has served as President (2003 & 2004) of the Metrolina Real Estate Investors Association in Charlotte NC, a not-for-profit organization that has over 350 members and is the local chapter of
the National Real Estate Investors Association.

In addition to conducting his own sold out 3 day Dream Big & Wakeup Wealthy Boot Camps several times a year, he is also an active real estate investor and speaks at various Real Estate Investment Associations about investing and finance.

His new home study course, The Ultimate Buying & Selling Machine. has been a HUGE SUCCESS selling
out 4 times within a 7-day period and the orders and testimonies keep rolling in!!.

His latest software, Ultimate Property Analyzer, has already been released and has rapidly gained
popularity as a valuable tool for new and experienced investors alike.

Between speaking engagements and mentoring other Investors, he oversees the daily operations
of Investors Rehab, Inc., of which he is a co-founder and officer.

Investors Rehab, Inc. is a real estate investment company that buys and wholesales 10-15 houses
per month to other investors at 70% of ARV.

On a personal note, Larry and his wife, Pam, have two children, Linda and Noah. He is a member of
River Hills Community Church in Lake Wylie, SC and plays guitar in the Church Praise Team.

As a Husband, Father, Business Man and Real Estate Investor, Larry holds true to his core values and moral integrity. His personal and business motto is, "People & Principles before Profits"

If you would like to learn more about wholesaling properties, this is your opportunity!

Charleston REIA is a group of real estate investors from throughout the tri-county area who meet on a regular basis to share information, leads and contacts, and to help each other learn more about real estate investing through bi-monthly educational meetings, subgroup meetings and other events to maximize their success.

If you are looking for "like-minded" people ...this is the place!

Since this is Larry's first visit to our Charleston REIA, we are expecting a big crowd, so please, get there early so that you can get checked in and get a good seat before he starts..Sorry, late arrivals will not be allowed in.

First time guests are FREE!

The Charleston Real Estate Investors Association meet at the N. Charleston Inn, 2934 W. Montague Ave. N. Charleston, SC 29418.

Our meeting starts at 6 PM sharp...

Seating will be limited. To R.S.V.P. go to http://www.charlestonrein.com or call 843-200-5617.

Hope you can join us!

Bring plenty of business cards!

As a Real Estate Professional, how many times do YOU look at an advertisement before YOU are ready to buy?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:18:03 -0500

I came across an interesting article about advertising and after reading it,

I thought about how it applies to the real estate business; take a look at

the article below and think about if (and how) it applies to you.

(Don't cheat and look at the date that it was originally written)

The first time a man looks at an advertisement, he does not see it.

The second time, he does not notice it.

The third time, he is conscious of it's existence.

The fourth time, he faintly remembers having seen it before.

The fifth time he reads it.

The sixth time, he turns his nose up at it.

The seventh time, he reads it through and says, "Oh brother!"

The eight time, he says, "Here's that confounded thing again!"

The ninth time, he wonders if it amounts to anything.

The tenth time, he asks his neighbor if he has tried it.

The eleventh time, he wonders how the advertiser makes it pay.

The twelfth time, he thinks it must be a good thing.

The thirteenth time, he thinks perhaps it might be worth something.

The fourteenth time, he remembers wanting such a thing a long time ago.

The fifteenth time, he is tantalized because he cannot afford to buy it.

The sixteenth time, he thinks he will buy it someday.

The seventeenth he makes a memorandum to buy it.

The eighteenth time, he swears at his poverty.

The nineteenth time, he counts his money carefully.

The twentieth time he sees the ad, he buys what it is offering.

Written in 1885 by Thomas Smith, London England

My question is:

Has the public's perception really changed any in the past 124 years?

Personally, the photo below is my motto when it comes to advertising/marketing:

(They will give up before I do!)

Charleston Real Estate Investing Association offers free foreclosure class and home tour

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:52:05 -0500

Home buyers view four pre-screened homes in one morning?

In the past, buying a foreclosed home was a very

challenging process. This was because of the limited supply of foreclosures. In many

cases, it took several weeks, if not months, to find a good foreclosure. Next, you had to

win the bidding war to buy it. And finally, you had to have a bank-truck-full-of-money to

repair the home.

Well, this has all changed with the recent foreclosure crisis. Today, there is a large

supply of great foreclosure opportunities. In fact, you can find these homes very quickly,

banks are accepting lower offers because of the supply, you don't have much competition

which means no bidding war and believe it or not, the homes are in much better shape. In

fact, there are even brand new homes which have been foreclosed upon.

If you are thinking of buying a home or investing in a foreclosure, you might want to

you'll learn:

* Why all foreclosures are NOT great deals.

* Why you should never buy a home at sheriff sale.

* How to Avoid Costly Repairs When Buying a Foreclosure

* A little known negotiating secret that will save you thousands when buying a foreclosure.

* When The Bank Gets MOTIVATED To Sell Their Foreclosed Homes, and when they

Decide to Lower The Price of Foreclosed Homes They are Selling.

At the end of the class, attendees can participate in a special foreclosure tour. You'll be

able to walk through 4 foreclosed homes to see as group.

The Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association will host the free 60 minute class

and tour and will have a real estate attorney, home inspector and mortgage specialist

available to answer questions. The class and tour is scheduled for Saturday, July 11^th, 2009

at 9 AM. Only 10 seats are available. To register for this free class, call 1-800-896-0402 or visit:

http://www.FreeForeclosureListCharleston.com

Local Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association Host Debbie Kidd, Director of Charleston Family Services

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 09:40:45 -0500

"Are you...

...afraid to answer the phone?

...afraid to open your mail or bills?

...receiving harassing calls from creditors at work or at home?

...using one credit card to pay off other credit cards?

...paying the majority of your bills late each month?

...behind on payments on your house or auto?

Take the first step toward financial freedom and contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Services division of Family Services, Inc. We offer:

Service and support like this, is why Debbie Kidd, Director of the Charleston Family Services, is considered the best friend to local Charleston, SC homeowners who are victims of the current economy, and she will be the guest speaker at the Charleston Real Estate Investors Association on Tuesday, July 7th 2009.

Kidd will also highlight her agency's Employee Assistance Program.

Guests are welcome.

R.S.V.P to charlestonreia@gmail.com or visit their website at http://www.charlestonrein.com

Local North Charleston Business Partners Network - opened to the business community

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:35:56 -0500

The North Charleston Business Partners Network, a member of the Professional Network Connections, will host their inaugural meeting Tuesday, July 23^rd,11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. meeting at the Smokey Bones Restaurant, 7250 Rivers Ave. North Charleston.

The North Charleston Business Partners, a division of Professional Network Connections, offers small business owners and professionals the opportunity to network, exchange leads & referrals, educational topics and exclusivity by having only 1 member per profession/classification in each network.

R.S.V.P. is required as space is limited. Please call 843.200.5617 or email: ncharlestonpnc@gmail.com

Professional Network Connections was founded two and a half years ago by Debbie Griffith-Brown and has continued to grow. With over 38 networking groups across the State of South Carolina networking groups included business, medical, Christian, automotive, manufacturing, women, Hispanic, evening, which are all interconnected for maximum networking and exposure.

The North Charleston Business Partners is our newest PNC Network and they meet twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. This PNC Network is for professionals and small business owners who are trying to reach the next level of their career.

For additional information about this meeting or Professional Network Connections, please contact CEO, Debbie Griffith-Brown at 864-640-4144 or visit the website at www.pnconnections.org

Is your present peer group giving you the support you need?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 18:07:43 -0500

Hey everyone!

We are planning on starting a mastermind group in the Charleston area within the next week or so. ...

So far we have three members total and

wanted to invite anyone in the Charleston

area who is interested in prosperity.

We're really excited and would love to take on

another member or two! Send me a message or reply to this if you're interested.

I appreciate you!

Bobby Wallace

Charleston Real Estate Investors Association Hosts Evening With The Experts!

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:42:16 -0500

Our "Evening with the Experts" returns with a two of our Members showcasing what they do..
and how they can help you!

Anita Wright, owner of Figures4You will talk about

* What kind of business structure do you need?
(C-Corp, Sub-chapter S, LLC, Partnerships, etc)

* How to get a Tax ID number

* The three biggest mistakes that new investors make
...and much, much more.

David Floyd, owner of Stanley Steemer, will showcase
his carpet cleaning, Emergency Water Damage, & Flooring
service and will share:

* The biggest mistake that homeowners make when they
have busted pipes.

* Easiest way to clean tile & grout

PLUS! A "Mystery Expert" that you will hate yourself if
you miss hearing!

This is an "Open Meeting"- The person who brings the most
guests will win a very special door prize!

Event Date: June 2, 2009

Event Start Time: 6:00 pm

Event End Time: 8:00 pm

Pssssst...Looking For A Local Charleston Networking Group?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:31:53 -0500

Need more referrals?

Need more business?

The Inaugural North Charleston Professional Network Connections

meeting will take place Tuesday, June 9^th, 2009, 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

at Smokey Bones Restaurant, 7250 River's Avenue, North Charleston, SC.

Professional Network Connections offers small business owners and professionals

the opportunity to network, exchange leads & referrals, educational topics and

exclusivity by having only 1 member per profession/classification in each network.

RSVP to Bobby Wallace at 843-200-5617. For more information about Professional

Network Connections, email: ncharlestonpnc@gmail.com or visit www.Pnconnections.org

Who is the best CashFlow 101 player in Charleston, SC?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Tue, 26 May 2009 07:48:17 -0500

The Charleston Real Estate Investors Association will host their monthly

CashFlow 101 Tournament on Tuesday May, 26^th 2009 at Shoneys on

Rivers Ave. North Charleston, SC

CashFlow 101 is Robert Kiyosaki's educational board game that teaches

Accounting, finance, and investing at the same time...and makes learning fun!

Our current CashFlow 101 Champion, Ramiro Murguia, will be on hand to see

if he can defend his title.

Guests are welcome ~ Admission is FREE~ Sign in starts at 5:30 pm. To register

go to http://www.charlestonrein.com or call 843-200-5617.

Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association to host Guerrilla Marketing Expert, Kevin Drum!

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 04 May 2009 21:43:36 -0500

The Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association invites you to learn from local marketing professional and guerilla marketing coach, Kevin Drum with Titan Coaching, LLC. on Tuesday, May 5th 2009.

Kevin will discuss successful case studies of guerilla marketing efforts as well as ways to use guerilla marketing tactics for Realtors, Investors, and small business owners.

For reservations call 843-200-5617 or visit http://www.charlestonrei.com

Guests are welcome!

Charleston REIA To Host North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 16:45:40 -0500

The Police Chief of the 3rd largest city in South Carolina,

North Charleston Police Chief Jon R. Zumalt will be the keynote

speaker at the April, 21st, 2009 Master Mind meeting.

Chief Zumalt began his career in law enforcement in 1980 when

he joined the Wichita Kansas Police Department as a reserve officer.

This was the beginning of a 21 year career with the Wichita Police Department

where he held command positions in Patrol, Training, Special Operations,

Technical Services, Internal Affairs and Special Investigations.

In 2001 following a nationwide search, Chief Zumalt was hired by

Mayor Keith Summey to lead the City of North Charleston Police Department.

Under his leadership, Chief Zumalt has reshaped the police department and

brought back a "sense of pride" with his innovative management style he describes

as "democratic police leadership."

Chief Zumalt leads his agency through an Executive Staff form where the

Deputy Chiefs work along with him to problem solve, develop policies and plans,

and manage the daily activities of the agency.

Chief Zumalt believes all employees should have the ability to be creative and

bring solutions to the table for consideration. His philosophy is to treat employees

as the department's number one customer with the belief that by doing so they will

be happier, more productive and will treat external customers well.

Chief Zumalt credits the city's crime control success to the department's use of

intelligence to monitor and track violent offender; adjusting resources daily to

emerging crime trends; an attack on drug trafficking and drug related violence;

educating the community on crime problems and crime prevention; creating

problem-solving partnerships with the community; and improving traffic safety.

In addition, the department works as a team member with other city departments

focusing government resources in troubled neighborhoods improving livability and

quality of life which has proven to be a sound crime reduction strategy.

Chief Zumalt holds a Masters Degree in Administration and is a graduate of

FBI-LEEDS Seminar, session 47. In 2005 he was elected to the Executive Board

of FBI LEEDA a national organization of 4000 police leaders. He is a member of

the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP),

South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, and Chair of the Regional Advisory Council for

the NIJ National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center - Southeast Region.

Chief Zumalt chairs a committee of Public Safety Leaders that are consolidating Charleston

County 9-1-1 emergency dispatch operations.

If you have property in North Charleston or thinking about buying property there,

you might want to meet Chief Zumalt and learn how his department is helping property owners.

As is customary, sign in starts at 5:30 PM; Meeting starts promptly at 6 PM; ends at 8 PM.

North Charleston Inn 2934 W. Montague Ave. N. Charleston, SC 29418

This is a "Mastermind Members Only" Meeting ~

SORRY, NO GUESTS ALLOWED (Bring them to the May meeting!)

Please R.S.V.P. if you plan to attend so that we will know how many chairs will be needed.

Hope you can join us!

It's finally here ~ the 23rd Annual World Grits Festival!

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:43:48 -0500

If you don't have any plans for this weekend, you might want to take a little drive

to St. George, S.C. (population 2,104) where they are expecting tens of thousands of

grits lovers, (and a few strange curiousity seekers) to help them celebrate their

23rd annual World Grits Festival.

Have you ever seen a "Grit Rolling Contest"?

C'mon..really?

Let me see if I can explain what you have missed: first, they fill a kiddie pool with with

cooked grits and then contestants (boys, girl, men & women) dive in and coat themselves

with as much grits as possible in 10 seconds!

Contestants wear multiple layers of clothes, big hats and baggy pants with lots of pockets

because the person with the most pounds of grits on his or her body wins the $75 first prize.

(It's the most fun that you can have with your clothes on....check it out!)

http://www.worldgritsfestival.com/index.cfm

Huh? "Rolling in the grits" not your thing?

Well, you still may want to get out and watch the parade making it's way down down the

main street of St. George, enjoy the great weather, the live music, watch the cloggers, and

be sure to try the Deep Fried Grits-n-Cheese, Country Ham, Red Eye Gravy & Grits,

Gooey Butter Grits Cheese Cake, Syrup 'N Bacon Grits, Hot Tomato Grits, Grits and

Cheese Biscuits and my personal favorite, Low Country Shrimp & Cheese Grits!

I guarantee that it will be a "memory" that you won't forget!

Have a great weekend!

"What do you think of Donald Trump's comments?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 07:46:42 -0500

Last night on Larry King, Donald Trunp was promoting his newest book, "Think Like A Champion"

and was asked by King, the same question that hundreds of people ask every day:

"What if you want to buy and you can't get the mortgage?"

"The Donald" never blinked as he responded:

"Larry, this is a great time to buy real estate. And as far as financing is concerned, the only financing -- the only financing you should be thinking about is seller financing. If the seller won't give you financing, don't do it, because the banks are not doing their job. They're not providing financing for deals!"

See transcript : http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0904/15/lkl.01.html

What do you think of Donald Trumps comments?

Is he right? Is he wrong? Is he just being "The Donald"?

What do you think?

Local Charleston Real Estate Investing Association offers free foreclosure class & home tour

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:34:01 -0500

The Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association will host the free 60 minute class

and tour and will have a real estate attorney, home inspector and mortgage specialist

available to answer questions.

Only 20 seats are available.

To register for this free class, visit: FreeForeclsoureTourCharleston.com or call 1-800-896-0402.

Life Is Good In Charleston!

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 13:45:33 -0500

Today is an especially GREAT day to be above ground!

My kids came by to see me...

My Grandbabies are getting ready for an Easter Egg hunt...

The Braves are playing pretty good baseball..

The final round of the Masters is about to come on.. (Let's see if Tiger can make a charge!)

Have a neice and her new 3 month old baby, (that we haven't see) on their way to visit..

Life is good in Charleston!

I am as happy as a hog in mud.

Hope you enjoyed your Easter weekend as much as I did!

Will 259 Local Charleston Families Get Another "Band-Aid"?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 06:25:05 -0500

Some of us have trouble remembering what got for a Christmas gift :)

so, I am not be surprised if a lot of folks will recall back in

October 2008, when Presidential candidate Barack Obama called for a

"90 Day Moratorium on Foreclosures" http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27163985/

Obama's plan was that banks who participated in the $700 billion Wall Street

bailout plan would "temprarily postpone foreclosures for families making good-faith

efforts to pay their mortgage.

"We need to give people the breathing room they need to get back on their feet,"

he said, adding that families living beyond their means share some of the

responsibility.

Why am I bringing this up?

Because the "90 Day Moratorium" is over!

Huh?

That's right...the "band-aid" is about to come off and I am afraid that what we are about to see

is going to be really ugly!

Hopefully, homeowners across the country used this "breathing room to get back on their feet"

but the reality is, with the penalities, interest, attorney fees etc. that Lenders have added on

in the past 90 days, it was just too big a load and they most likely couldn't catch up.

Locally, in Charleston, South Carolina, we have 259 families and homes that range from

$21,953.44 to $2,330,872.96 and are scheduled to be auctioned starting on April 1st, 2009!

Where will they live?

How long will these 259 additional properties sit on the market

(a market that is only selling 4% of it's inventory each month?)

How will the reduced prices of these foreclosures affect the rest of the market?

Ouch!

Mr. President, "May we have another band-aid?"

Do You Know How Paris Hilton's Family Made So Much Money?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 17:15:59 -0500

Unless you have been living in a cave, you know who Paris Hilton is...

but what you may not know, is how her family became so filthy rich.

Towards the end of the Great Depression, Conrad Hilton, Paris'

Great Grandfather bought up many hotels that were in or on the edge

of foreclosure...for dimes on the dollar!

When the economy recovered, and business travel boomed...

Conrad Hilton became one of the wealthiest men in America.

All around him, other investors bought all kinds of real estate

and got rich when they re-sold..

(They bought very, very low, and sold very, very high)

The same market factors that allowed Conrad Hilton to

lock in massive wealth are available now in today's real estate

market.

It has been estimated that as many as 66,000 homes are

being foreclosed upon every month...and this current real

estate market is creating massive equities for home buyers who

capitalize on real estate depressed prices...

In other words, this foreclosure "crisis" could be your opportunity

of a life time!

If you'd like to learn more about how you can receive a FREE list of local bank foreclosure,

HUD, estate sales and other distressed properties, we'd like to invite you to attend our

call our real estate information center at 1-800-896-0402 and leave a message with your

mailing address or you can attend our upcoming Foreclosure Seminar.

To reserve your seat, just call Toll FREE 1-800-896-0402.

You might not want to be the next Conrad Hilton...

but if you do nothing else but buy a home for your family to live in

you can save thousands of dollars!

Who Else Wants To Learn How To Get Out Of The "Rat Race"?

Bobby Wallace (Charleston Real Estate Investor's Association) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 09:09:51 -0500

With the news that defending two-time Cashflow Champion, David Ravnikar would not be on hand to defend his title, speculation has begun on who would take over the prestigous crown...

Will John Hill be able to win his second title?

Can former champ Tim Dorst overcome Valerie Singley and James Harrison?

Or will we crown a new champion?

Cashflow 101 is an educational tool in board game format designed by Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, which aims to teach the players concepts of investing by having their money work for them ...instead of working for their money.

There are two stages to the game. In the first, "the rat race", the player aims to raise his or her character's passive income level to where it exceeds the character's expenses. The winner is determined in the second stage, "the fast track". To win, a player must get his or her character to buy their "dream" or accumulate an additional $50,000 in monthly cash flow.

Would you like to learn how to get out of the Rat Race?

Come join us on March 31st and see who the best Cashflow player in Charleston is!

Guests are welcome ~ Sign in/dinner starts at 5:30... Game starts at 6 PM.

Hope you can join us!

To R.S.V.P. visit www.charlestonrei.com