James's Investment Blog

Get Thousands of Targeted Twitter Followers and Expand your Business!

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:02:10 -0700

Hello my online friends,

If you are online and use social media sites like Twitter for promoting and branding, I want to share with you some tips, tricks and tools to get targeted twitter followers and help you grow your business faster than you may imagine.

First Step, search on Twellow for people in your niche (for example: 'commercial real estate") with a lot of followers.

http://www.twellow.com

From there then go these top profiles and look at their followers.
A lot of People who follow this person are interested in network marketing, too. Follow their followers. You can follow up to 1000 people a day if you are following less than 2000 people. If you reach the limit, twitter blocks the following of more people for 24 hours. If you are following 2000 or more people, you can only follow 10% more people than the number of people who follow you. A part of the people you follow will follow you back.

Second Step, I would take is to use tools such as Twollow,

The main purpose of this site is to search out targeted ‘keywords' in your niche.

http://www.twollow.com (there is a limited free version)

for example, my seach would be for 'commercial real estate' to narrow down to a specific type of follower. So I would put in keywords like ‘investment property', ‘office for lease' or ‘warehouse for sale', etc....

This tool will then search for people that ‘tweet' about the keywords you have listed and you will start following them. Most people on Twitter reciprocate and follow you back.

Now wait about 48 hours.

Now go to a site called Twitter Karma:

http://dossy.org/twitter/karma.

Enter your twitter user ID and your password. Click on "Whack". Wait until the you can see the people. I have found that this works best with Mozilla Firefox (it does not like to be run in internet explorer). Then select "only following". Select all the people and click on "bulk unfollow".

This clears out all the people you are following that are not following you back.

Last Step:

Rinse and Repeat!

In other words keep doing these tasks consistently, and in a few weeks you will have thousands of ‘targeted' followers that you can tweet your message out to.

I got over 4,000 in 15 days, on one account.

A couple of other ‘productivity' tools I have found useful for Twitter.

There are several products out there - most have a free trial.

For those of us that are mostly going for a local crowd these tools have programs to help you scale down searches to find local followers.

http://www.tweetspinner.com

http://www.tweetadder.com

http://www.tweetlater.com

These all have tools where you can schedule out your ‘tweets'. So if you are going to be busy all day and do not have time to get on a computer. You can schedule out messages that will then be posted per your time request throughout the entire day. Hands Free!

The paid version has a repeat and shuffle function so you would never have to schedule your tweets again.

Also, an automatic direct messaging system so that when someone follows you. It automatically sends them a customizable direct message, thanking them for following.

Happy Tweeting, I hope this helps you to expand your circle in social networking and Web 2.0.

Do a little searching, experimenting and build a following of people that can help build and refer to your business.

To your online success,

James C. Johnson

Broker Associate

Legacy Real Estate

Sioux Falls, SD

(605) 838-6681

All Dollars Are Not Created Equal!

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 07:52:07 -0700

Have you ever asked yourself, "How come I earn so much income, but never seem to have any money?" It's a common problem and the answer might lie in the type of income you're earning. Let me show you what I mean.

Right now - reach into your wallet and take out three one-dollar bills and set them on the table in front of you. Look closely. Except for the serial number they're all the same, right?

Wrong!

Dollars are not all the same. As a matter of fact, some dollars - such as those earned from owning real estate - are twice as good as other dollars! I'll prove it to you.

Let's assume you earned each of these three dollars in a different way: the first dollar came from your job as a real estate salesperson, the second dollar came as cash flow from rental property you own, and the third dollar was part of the proceeds you received when you sold your house.

Take a closer look at the first dollar (the one you earned as a real estate salesperson). Think of all the effort that went into earning that baby: cold calls, listing presentations, offer writing, ad writing, driving persnickety clients around in your car, late nights and enough faxes to fill a bucket.

OK, now for a little magic. Wave your hand over all three of the dollars and chant these secret words:

Cold calls, late nights, clients and faxes...
That's ok, but what about taxes?

Dollar number one begins to shrink before your very eyes: 35 percent of it disappears to pay federal and state income tax. Then - poof! - another 15 percent goes for self-employment tax. You're now looking at a 50-cent dollar!

All that work and you've got a measly 50-cent dollar! That's right, 50 cents. The worst possible dollar you can earn is a dollar from your job. The reason: about half of it goes to pay taxes. It's no wonder most Americans retire with little or no wealth. They spend all their working days toiling for 50-cent dollars.

People try to save for future expenditures like a new car, a house or college tuition. Sadly, they'll probably never reach their goal because they're saving 50-cent dollars. When they begin to realize this, what do they do? They work harder to earn even more 50-cent dollars. That's nuts!

Think about the real estate magazines you read. Every month there's a profile of some agent who's a phenom. The interviewer asks, "How much do you work?" And the answer is always 60, 70 or even more hours per week. Sixty hours per week chasing 50-cent dollars? That's nothing to brag about!

Now look at dollar number two, the cash flow from your rental property. This dollar has not shrunk - it's still a whole dollar. Why? Because a dollar earned from your rental property can be tax sheltered. The depreciation shelters this dollar from federal and state income tax. In addition, there's no social security or self-employment tax.

But, don't lose your head. It's true there's no tax due on that dollar - at this time. However, there might be tax due in the future because the tax shelter created by depreciation is great while you own the property, but it's not a one-way street. That's because when you sell your rental property, your taxable gain is made up of appreciation and depreciation. (Keep in mind there are several ways to reduce or eliminate this tax, depending on how you dispose of the property.)

Even if you end up having to pay tax on this dollar someday, you'll have had the use of the entire dollar while you owned the property. This makes it a much better dollar than the one from your job.

OK, now look closely at the third dollar - the one you received when you sold your house. This is the king of all dollars. It hasn't shrunk and it will not shrink. Dollar number three is twice as good as dollar number one. And what did you have to do to earn it? Nothing, but live in your house! The tax rules greatly favor this dollar over any other dollar. If you've owned and occupied your house as your primary residence for any two of the most recent five years prior to the sale, you can receive profits up to $250,000 tax free. Not tax deferred. Not tax sheltered. Tax FREE. If you're married filing jointly the amount becomes $500,000!

Key point: the dollars people get from selling their house are twice as good as those 50-cent dollars from their job. If you're in the business of selling homes, you should be telling your clients this. People ought to concentrate on buying and selling homes...and forget about their jobs!

Well, that's a bit extreme but not totally bonkers. Since the current tax rules became effective there are people who have become serial homesellers. They buy a house, move in, fix it up, live there a couple years, then sell, and all the profit is tax free. Sure beats having a job!

So, what does this all mean?

Well, if you're one of those hard-working people who earns a lot of income but never seems to have any money, buck up! Instead of working harder to earn more 50-cent dollars, try working smarter to earn different dollars. Because as you know, all dollars are not created equal.

Tom Lundstedt, CCIM, is known as the funniest investment and tax guy in America! His programs for residential and investment real estate have entertained and enlightened more than 2,500 audiences from sea to shining sea.

He's a former Major League Baseball whose striking combination of humor and real world examples makes powerful subjects spring to life. Visit Tom on the web today at tomlundstedt.com!

Copyright © Tom Lundstedt Seminars

This article is designed to provide helpful information about the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that neither the publisher nor the speaker are engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal, accounting or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Care has been taken to provide a clear and accurate presentation of the subject matter; however, the publisher and the speaker do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for any loss or damage alleged to be caused by the information in this program.

Reprinted with permission from the Author

Does your Investment Property Still Measure Up?

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 14:04:42 -0700

Posted with permission:

Tom Lundstedt Seminars

Tom Lundstedt, CCIM

www.tomlundstedt.com

The purpose of this article is to give a friendly whack upside the head to people who own rental property. You probably made a good investment when you first bought the property. But have you owned it too long?

Depending on how long you've held your property, it might not be a good investment anymore. I didn't say not a good property; I said not a good investment. Read on to find a simple way to determine if your property is still measuring up. You may be in for a surprise!

First, let's quickly review the four financial benefits of owning investment real estate:

CASH FLOW: After you pay all expenses and loan payments, cash flow is the money left over.
PRINCIPAL REDUCTION: The loan is paid down with money collected from tenants.
INCOME TAX SAVINGS: IRS rules allow property owners to take depreciation deductions, which shelter the cash flow and principal reduction. Any leftover depreciation creates a paper loss, which, in many cases, can be used to shelter other income - such as salary from your job.
APPRECIATION: Over time, the property increases in value.

These four benefits are powerful! You earn tax-sheltered cash flow, your tenants buy you the building, you get to tell the IRS you're losing money, and all-the-while, the property goes up in value. What a country!

So why am I challenging you to reconsider whether your property is still a good investment? Simple! Your "return on equity" is probably low - and getting lower by the year!

Let me show you an example. Don't get all tangled up in the numbers. Just concentrate on the big picture and how it applies to you.

Return on Equity Drops from 18 to 7 Percent

Assume you bought a rental house 16 years ago for $70,000. You invested $10,000 and borrowed the rest. Your goal is to retire in another 15 years and use the rental house to provide retirement income. (A great plan!)

So, how good was your investment 16 years ago? Let's total your benefits. Assume the cash flow, principal reduction and tax savings added up to $1,800 that first year. You were earning 18 percent ($1,800 divided by $10,000) on your investment. Not bad. Plus the rental house was appreciating. You're an investment genius!

Fast-forward 16 years to the present. Let's assume the following: Your yearly cash flow has increased to $5,000 and the principal reduction is $2,000; a total of $7,000 - just from the first two benefits! In addition, let's assume the net value of your rental house has appreciated over the years so it's now worth $120,000 and your loan has been paid down to $40,000.

However, because you've owned the property so long, the depreciation deductions (assume they're $3,000) are no longer enough to shelter the $7,000 of cash flow and principal reduction. That leaves $4,000 of unsheltered (taxable) income. Instead of saving tax, you have to pay tax. If you're in a 35-percent bracket, (combined federal and state), you pay $1,400 tax.

So, your benefits from the rental house now look like this: $5,000 cash flow, plus $2,000 principal reduction, minus $1,400 tax paid. A total of $5,600.

This is all summarized on the "Return on Equity Worksheet" below. (The blanks in the right column are for you to use on your own property.)

It's no wonder you consider yourself an investment genius if you measure the $5,600 against your original $10,000 investment: that's a 56 percent return. But that's where most people go wrong!

Your Original Investment Has Nothing to Do with Today's Rate of Return!

Your investment is not the amount you originally invested years ago. You've got way more than $10,000 "tied up" today! Your investment is the amount you could get out of the property if you sold it today. That's called your "net equity."

Over the past 16 years, your property has increased in value and your mortgage has been paid down. The current difference between the property's net value (after selling expenses) and your mortgage balance is $80,000. In other words, if you sold the property today, you could walk away with $80,000.

However, if you keep the property, in effect you're re-investing the $80,000 into the property. Now, how does your investment look?

Not so good. You're earning $5,600 in benefits on an $80,000 investment - that's only 7 percent! What if a REALTOR® called you up and said, "I've got a great real estate investment for you. You'll earn a measly 7 percent." You'd hang up on them! Well, you already own it!

If you wouldn't buy a property like that, why would you continue to own it?

What if you did this instead? Use your $80,000 equity as the down payment on a different property - one that produces 18 percent again? With that down payment you could probably afford a $400,000 rental property. Once you've owned that property for a few years, your equity will have grown again (and your rate of return fallen), so you repeat the process. The goal is to maintain the highest possible rate of return, which will make a huge difference in your future wealth.

You'll maximize your wealth by wisely moving your equity from your current property to another as soon as your rate of return would be greater in the next property.

Just for fun, take out your calculator and figure how much money you'd have in 15 years if you leave the $80,000 invested at 7 percent. Then calculate what $80,000 invested at 18 percent grows to in 15 years. I could give you the answer but you might not believe me - check for yourself...it's gigantic!

Three Ways to Move Your Equity

Here's a key point. If you decide it's time to "move your equity," be sure to explore all your options. There are three common ways to move equity:

SELL: You could sell your current property and buy another. The problem with selling is you have to pay capital gains tax.
REFINANCE: You could refinance your current property and use the loan proceeds to buy another property. The problem with refinancing is you're probably not able to borrow the entire $80,000 equity.
EXCHANGE: The third, and best, way to move your equity is to exchange. Exchanging allows you to move your entire $80,000 net equity to another property without paying tax. It's wealth building's most powerful tool.

So, what does this all mean? Well, if you own rental property, congratulations. Your investment brilliance shines brightly. However, the longer you own that property your glow begins to fade.
The wise thing to do is re-evaluate your property every year. In essence, make the decision to "re-buy" the property. As soon as the rate of return on your equity could be higher in another property, it's time to take action.

Tom Lundstedt, CCIM, is known as the funniest investment and tax guy in America! His programs for residential and investment real estate have entertained and enlightened more than 2,500 audiences from sea to shining sea.

He's a former Major League Baseball whose striking combination of humor and real world examples makes powerful subjects spring to life. Visit Tom on the web today at tomlundstedt.com!

Copyright © Tom Lundstedt Seminars

This article is designed to provide helpful information about the subject matter covered. It is provided with the understanding that neither the publisher nor the speaker are engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If legal, accounting or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought. Care has been taken to provide a clear and accurate presentation of the subject matter; however, the publisher and the speaker do not assume any legal liability or responsibility for any loss or damage alleged to be caused by the information in this program.

Explode your Online Marketing with the FIRST Internet Marketing School!

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 08:47:27 -0700

Subject Line: The 7 Figure Marketing School Just Launched! Have You Seen It Yet...

Hello Active Rain!

Have you heard the buzz...?

The Most Powerful, One-Stop, LIVE, World Class Coaching Program
For ALL Online Marketers has just launched!

I'm talking about LIVE DAILY Coaching with The Top Internet
Marketing Experts as well as Top Mindset Coaches in the World!

http://www.doublecommaincome.com

It's NOT a business opportunity...

In fact, this is something that EVERY online marketer
MUST have in order to REALLY be successful promoting
ANY business opportunity online!

If you're struggling and failing right now trying to make m0ney online,
Then you MUST SEE what you're missing...

http://www.doublecommaincome.com

Average online marketers could not afford to have this type
of training, until now...

It absolutely blew me away when I saw what they got!

Someone has to be crazy NOT to be a part of it!

You Must Look at This ==> thank me later :-)

Regards,

James Johnson

P.S. There is absolutely nothing that comes even remotely
close to what they've put together here:

http://www.doublecommaincome.com

Fantastic Customer Service

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:56:23 -0800

I got this email from a friend - a great story we can all learn from

By Harvey MacKay

A Duck or An Eagle?

> > > No one can make you serve customers well.
> > That's because great service is a choice.
> > > Harvey Mackay, tells a wonderful story about a cab driver
> > that proved this point.
> > > He was waiting in line for a ride at the airport. When a
> > cab pulled up, the first thing Harvey noticed was that the
> > taxi was polished to a bright shine. Smartly dressed in a
> > white shirt, black tie, and freshly pressed black slacks,
> > the cab driver jumped out and rounded the car to open the
> > back passenger door for Harvey .
> > > He handed my friend a laminated card and said: 'I'm
> > Wally, your driver. While I'm loading your bags in the
> > trunk I'd like you to read my mission statement.'
> > > Taken aback, Harvey read the card.
> > > It said: Wally's Mission Statement:
> > To get my customers to their destination in the quickest,
> > safest and cheapest way possible in a friendly environment.
> > > This blew Harvey away. Especially when he noticed that the
> > inside of the cab matched the outside. Spotlessly clean!
> > > As he slid behind the wheel, Wally said, 'Would you
> > like a cup of coffee? I have a thermos of regular and one of
> > decaf.'
> > > My friend said jokingly, 'No, I'd prefer a soft
> > drink.'
> > > Wally smiled and said, 'No problem. I have a cooler up
> > front with regular and Diet Coke, water and orange
> > juice.'
> > > Almost stuttering, Harvey said, 'I'll take a Diet
> > Coke.'
> > > Handing him his drink, Wally said, 'If you'd like
> > something to read, I have The Wall Street Journal, Time,
> > Sports Illustrated and USA Today.'
> > > As they were pulling away, Wally handed my friend another
> > laminated card, 'These are the stations I get and the
> > music they play, if you'd like to listen to the
> > radio.'
> > > And as if that weren't enough, Wally told Harvey that
> > he had the air conditioning on and asked if the temperature
> > was comfortable for him.
> > > Then he advised Harvey of the best route to his destination
> > for that time of day. He also let him know that he'd be
> > happy to chat and tell him about some of the sights or, if
> > Harvey preferred, to leave him with his own thoughts.
> > > 'Tell me, Wally,' my amazed friend asked the
> > driver, 'have you always served customers like
> > this?'
> > > Wally smiled into the rear view mirror. 'No, not
> > always. In fact, it's only been in the last two years.
> > My first five years driving, I spent most of my time
> > complaining like all the rest of the cabbies do. Then I
> > heard the personal growth guru, Wayne Dyer, on the radio one
> > day.
> > > He had just written a book called You'll See It When
> > You Believe It . Dyer said that if you get up in the morning
> > expecting to have a bad day, you'll rarely disappoint
> > yourself. He said, 'Stop complaining! Differentiate
> > yourself from your competition. Don't be a duck. Be an
> > eagle. Ducks quack and complain. Eagles soar above the
> > crowd.''
> > > 'That hit me right between the eyes,' said Wally.
> > 'Dyer was really talking about me. I was always quacking
> > and complaining, so I decided to change my attitude and
> > become an eagle. I looked around at the other cabs and their
> > drivers. The cabs were dirty, the drivers were unfriendly,
> > and the customers were unhappy.. So I decided to make some
> > changes. I put in a few at a time. When my customers
> > responded well, I did more.'
> > > 'I take it that has paid off for you,' Harvey said.
> > > 'It sure has,' Wally replied. 'My first year as
> > an eagle, I doubled my income from the previous year. This
> > year I'll probably quadruple it. You were lucky to get
> > me today. I don't sit at cabstands anymore. My customers
> > call me for appointments on my cell phone or leave a message
> > on my answering machine. If I can't pick them up myself,
> > I get a reliable cabbie friend to do it and I take a piece
> > of the action.'
> > > Wally was phenomenal. He was running a limo service out of
> > a Yellow Cab. I've probably told that story to more than
> > fifty cab drivers over the years, and only two took the idea
> > and ran with it. Whenever I go to their cities, I give them
> > a call.. The rest of the drivers quacked like ducks and told
> > me all the reasons they couldn't do any of what I was
> > suggesting.
> > > Wally the Cab Driver made a different choice. He decided to
> > stop quacking like ducks and start soaring like eagles.
> > > How about us?
> > > Smile, and the whole world smiles with you... The ball is
> > in our hands!
> > > A man reaps what he sows. Let us not become weary in doing
> > good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do
> > not give up... let us do good to all people.
> > > Ducks Quack, Eagles Soar

Wish you all the best - and remember - Give First!

Santa Claus is within us all

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:35:46 -0800

No Santa?
Author Unknown

I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit my Grandma on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered. "Even dummies know that!"

My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been. I fled to her that day because I knew she would be straight with me. I knew Grandma always told the truth, and I knew that the truth always went down a whole lot easier when swallowed with one of her world-famous cinnamon buns. Grandma was home, and the buns were still warm. Between bites, I told her everything.

She was ready for me. "No Santa Claus!" she snorted. "Ridiculous! Don't believe it. That rumor has been going around for years, and it makes me mad, plain mad. Now, put on your coat, and let's go" "Go? Go where, Grandma?" I asked.

"Where" turned out to be Kerby's General Store, the one store in town that had a little bit of just about everything. As we walked through it doors, Grandma handed me twenty dollars. That was a bundle in those days "Take this money and buy something for someone who needs it. I'll wait for you in the car." Then she turned and walked out of Kerby's.

I was only eight years old. I'd often gone shopping with my mother, but never had I shopped for anything all by myself. The store seemed big and crowded, full of people scrambling to finish their Christmas shopping. For a few moments I just stood there, wondering what to buy, and who on earth to buy it for. Suddenly I thought of Bobbie Decker. He sat right behind me in Mrs. Pollock's grade-two class. Bobbie Decker didn't have a coat. I knew that because he never went out for recess during the winter. I fingered the twenty-dollar bill with growing excitement. I would buy Bobbie Decker a coat. I settled on a red corduroy one that had a hood to it. It looked real warm, and he would like that.

That evening, Grandma helped me wrap the coat in Christmas paper and ribbons, and write, "To Bobbie, From Santa Claus" on it - Grandma said that Santa always insisted on secrecy. Then she drove me over to Bobbie Decker's house, explaining as we went that I was now and forever officially one of Santa's helpers. Grandma parked down the street from Bobbie's house, and she and I crept noiselessly and hid in the bushes by his front walk. Then Grandma gave me a nudge. "All right, Santa Claus," she whispered, "get going." I took a deep breath, dashed for his front door, threw the present down on his step, pounded his doorbell and flew back to the safety of the bushes and Grandma. From there we watched Bobbie come to the door and pick up his present from "Santa."

Forty years haven't dimmed the thrill of those moments spent shivering, beside my grandma, in Bobbie Decker's bushes. That night, I realized that those awful rumors about Santa Claus were just what Grandma said they were: ridiculous. Santa was alive and well, and we were on his team."

I still have the Bible, with the coat tag tucked inside: $19.95.

****************************************************

Wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Please remember the true meaning and pass it along to others!

I am Thankful for:

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 16:21:06 -0800

1. God

2. Wonderful, beautiful, intelligent children

3. Gorgeous, funny, putting me on right path Wife

4. America and the freedom we enjoy

5. Friends and Family that keep me grounded

6. Bountiful opportunity to succeed

7. Postive attitude - anything is possible!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Enjoy your family and friends over the holiday and be safe.

Thoughts for the Day

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:18:45 -0800

"A noble idea without action is as pointless as a spear without a tip." Unknown

" The world has the habit of making room for the man whose words and actions show that he knows where he is going."
--- Napoleon Hill

" The reality of life is that your perceptions - right or wrong - influence everything else you do. When you get a proper perspective of your perceptions, you may be surprised how many other things fall into place."
--- Roger Birkman

"A man with ability and the desire to accomplish something can do anything."
--- Donald Kircher

I Believe

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 18:25:20 -0800

I Believe

I believe-
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a
while and, you must forgive them for that.

I believe-
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I believe-
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe-
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them

I believe-
That you can keep going long after you can't.

I believe-
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe-
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe-
That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there
had better be something else to take its place.

I believe-
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe-
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time!

I believe-
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe-
That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've
learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
That our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-
That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, And just
because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe-
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe-
That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe-
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe-
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a
friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe-
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe-
That the people you care about most in life are the essence of life.
Tell them today how much you love them and what they mean to you.

Sioux Falls South Dakota Real Estate August Report

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:27:13 -0700

Sioux falls continues to be a stable and strong market compared to many other parts of the country. Foreclosure rates remain relatively low, and we continue to maintian a strong economy including a low unemployment rate. I would like to share with you some recent monthly statistics according to the REALTOR'S Association of the Sioux Empire (RASE).

New listings have increased -19.9% since the same time last year. But are only down -8% year to date from the same point last year.

The average sales price for the month of August has decreased 1.4% to $173,453. But down 6.6% over the last year averaging $160,384.

August was a great month for the average time that homes were on the market prior to selling. Averaging 78 days for those that closed this month. This is down 15.3% percent from last year. But so far this year the average has stayed around 95 days on the market for homes, which is an increase of 12 days from the average at this time last year. Median sales price remains as $144,000 in almost exaxt proximity to the same time last year.

No current data on the inventory compared to last year.

Mortgage rates recently dropped and now is a better time than ever to purchase a home or investment property.

Brought to you by:

James C. Johnson

Broker Associate

Legacy Real Estate

I Specialize in Quality Investment Property in Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. If you are looking for investment real estate or commercial office space in the area you can contact me at 605.366.0980, or jjohnson@legacysiouxfalls.com. Also check out our website www.legacysiouxfalls.com, or www.investsiouxfalls.com.

Fully Leased Medical Strip Center For Sale

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:51:56 -0700

Investment Property

Property Description:
Fully Leased Medical Strip Center. (Regional Clinic, Regional Drug Store and Optometrist)
10 year leases, with escalators.
Prime location at south gateway to Windom.
Good traffic count 11,700 cars per day.
Owners are Licensed Real Estate Broker in SD.

$2,100,000 7.5% CAP

Great investment especially for 1031 exchange!

James C. Johnson

Broker Associate

Legacy Real Estate

605.366.0980

jjohnson@legacysiouxfalls.com

Pheasant Hunting Lodge and Ranch for SALE!

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 16:44:57 -0700

Land for Sale! in central South Dakota. I have listed a trophy pheasant hunting lodge, "Gann Valley Ranch" located just north of Kimball, SD.

Features include aproximatly1683 acres of the best pheasant hunting in South Dakota. There are 1200 acres currently in crop production with the balance in trees, rolling hills, native prairie, stock dams, wetlands and food plots. The 3500 sq/ft lodge/house has been recently renovated and will sleep up to twenty people. There is a 60' x 40' metal building, 15 dog kennels with outdoor runs and indoor houses, and an indoor game processing center. All of the farm and guiding equipment (suburbans, pickups, tractors, etc...) will go with the property.

One other aspect I would like you to be aware of, is the current owner does have an existing caretaker that would be interested in staying on for general maintenance plus hunting and guiding. As well as approximately 2000 acres of adjacent land leases in the surrounding area for extra hunting ground.

James C. Johnson

Broker Associate

Legacy Real Estate

605.366.0980

jjohnson@legacysiouxfalls.com

Sioux Falls South Dakota Real Estate July 2008 Monthly Reports

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:11:23 -0700

Sioux falls continues to be a stable and strong market compared to many other parts of the country. Foreclosure rates remain relatively low, and we continue to maintian a strong economy including a low unemployment rate. I would like to share with you some mid year statistics according to the REALTOR'S Association of the Sioux Empire (RASE).

New listings have increased 6.8% since the same time last year. But are still down 4.8% year to date from the same point last year.

The average sales price for the month of July has increased 7.1% to $178,272. But down 8.5% over the last year averaging $159,055.

July was a great month for the average time that homes were on the market prior to selling. Averaging 61 days for those that closed this month. This is down 22.2% percent from last year in July. But so far this year the average has stayed around 93 days on the market for homes, which is an increase of 11 days from the average at this time last year. Median sales price remains as $144,000 in almost exaxt proximity to the same time last year.

Current inventory of listings for single family homes is 889 for the area. With closed sales at 301 for the month. Closings down 16.6% from last year.

Mortgage rates have also remained steady just slightly increasing from 6.9% last year to 7% in July for 2008.

Brought to you by:

James C. Johnson

Broker Associate

Legacy Real Estate

Sioux Falls South Dakota Real Estate June 2008 Monthly Reports

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:39:22 -0700

Information Courtesy of RASE (Realtor Association of the Sioux Empire)

June 2008

New listings down 5.1% from a year ago and down 7.2% from 2 years ago

Pending Sales down 7.4% from a year ago and down 8.6% from 2 years ago

Closed sales down 8.9% from last year and 5.1% from 2 years ago

Average days on market 107 up 20.5 days from last year and 48.2 days from 2 years ago

Median Sales Price $135,000

- Down 6.6% from last year but even with the market from 2 years prior

Average Sales Price $157,945

- down 6.2% from last year but up 1.1% from 2 years ago

Sales price compared to origional list price = 96.3%

- down .6% from the last two years

Mortgage Rate Average 6.9%

Bad Day

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:25:05 -0700

James Johnson - Fw: Bad day
<NDL>
<REPLICA 85256E2B:005061E8>
<VIEW OF37B341DC:49A0F832-ON85256B09:00635008>
<NOTE OF5DF86FD5:A27ACF3F-ON8525748A:005134EE>
<HINT>CN=Camp-Mail-11/O=Progressive</HINT>
<REM>Database 'James Johnson', View 'Inbox', Document 'Fw: Bad day'</REM>
</NDL>

http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d184/gysM715/?action=view&current=camera21.flv

You thought you were having a bad monday - check this out! It will make you feel much better about your current predicament. Definetly brighten your day.

Remember heads up! and Watch out! OOPS!!!

I feel sorry for this guy. This was not ment to offend anyone, just some light humor, and thankful you are not this guy.

Cost Segregation

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:17:58 -0700

Cost Segregation
HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS in tax savings you would normally wait years to realize can be realized TODAY! In one sentence, that summarizes what cost segregation does for a property. Cost segregation uses highly complex engineering methods to achieve the simple objective of pulling cash out of your property. This is fully endorsed by the IRS. One needs only to work with your own CPA to ensure it
maximizes your tax benefit

Definition: (per Wikipedia.com)

Under United States tax laws and accounting rules, cost segregation is the process of identifying personal property assets that are grouped with real property assets, and separating out personal assets for tax reporting purposes. A cost segregation study identifies and reclassifies personal property assets to shorten the depreciation time for taxation purposes, which reduces current income tax obligations. Personal property assets include a building's non-structural elements, exterior land improvements and indirect construction costs.

SO any of you out there that own investment property or are looking into investment property for clients need to look into cost segregation and save your clients thousands, which will in turn bring you new business.

If your accountant has not heard of cost segregation - or bifurcation of depreciation - you need to find another accountant!

TREX GLOBAL

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:37:55 -0700

Have you guys heard about this free tax service - I am just looking into it and wondering if anyone has had good or negative feedback on the service and if it brings more business

I am looking for creative ways to prospect and wondring if this is worth my time - I am a believer internet presence and think this sounds like a good idea

any thoughts

Top 10 Reasons to Invest in Real Estate over the Stock Market

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 18:27:35 -0700

Top 10 Reasons - Benefits of Investment Property over Stocks:

•1. Leverage - mortgage allows to by more property for the money

•2. Cash Flow - money left over after expenses and loan payments

•3. Principal Reduction - tenants pay down your mortgage

•4. Income tax savings - due to IRS rules, depreciation allows for income to be tax sheltered

•5. Appreciation - over time the property increases in value

•6. Insurance - you insure your property against catastrophic events

•7. Local - can drive by your property to look in on in whenever you want

•8. 1031 Exchanges - deferring capitol gains when sell to roll into a purchase of something bigger

•9. Can buy investment property with your IRA - still taking advantage of the tax benefits

•10. Add value - simple updates, or an increase in the rent will increase the value of your property

10 Rules for eating healthy

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:15:16 -0700

Eating healthy is important. Eating healthy:

1. Ditch the Soda - drink water Take a bottle wherever you go.

2. Eat Eggs for breakfast - cheap - protein - vitamins

3. Protein like Beans and/or Meats. (Lean or Fatty) Fat doesn't make you fat, excess calories do

4. Veggies. make as 1/2 meal - use as snacks

5. Fruits - that sugar fix in the afternoons

6. Multivitamin. Pesticides lower the vitamin levels of your fruits & veggies.

7. Make a Plan. A classic, but worth repeating. Everything starts with a plan.

8. Take Food To Work. Ever counted how much money you throw away buying food at work daily? Start preparing your food for the day on waking up:

Get up earlier
Eat a solid breakfast
Prepare your food for work in the meanwhile

9. Eat Less. This one is obvious. The less you eat, the lower your grocery bill. If you're overweight, get on a diet.

10. Don't Buy Junk Food. Empty Calories - make you fatter and add little to no nutritional value

Alphabet Soup

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:23:44 -0700

When seeing some ActiveRain members out there reminds me about a query I have had for years. All the letters for certifications that run, sometimes stream off the back of a name on a business card or letterhead.

Maybe its just jealosy that I don't have the same yet.

But I have always wondered does this matter to the most important people - Customers!

Don't get me wrong - I think they are a great thing. To obtain a certification one has to educate themselves and become an expert in there field which benefits the customer. But does the customer know this??

What are your thoughts out there in AR land?

Time is on your side

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:49:29 -0700

I just saw a recent post and thought I would put in my two cents.

Everyone is always complaining they do not have enought time to do this or do that.

Awhile back I had a friend that taught me a very powerful tool.

Get a journal - a note book - what ever and spend a week tracking your time during the day

-write down everything:

lunch 1 hour -

email - 30 minutes

active rain - 30 minutes

stood in line @ bank - 15 minutes

-you catch my drift - you will begin to see that if you cut out - standing by the water cooler and many other items (or just scale them back) you will have plenty of time to work on those little things you never had time to get to

Contest

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:22:52 -0700

Sorry no prizes.

What is the best advice that all of you out there can give a fairly new broker on what steps, habits, etc...

to obtain to become the best we can be.

remember - your comments will help all others who read this.

Thanks for any and all information - it will really help.

Ice Breakers - Networking and Making New Friends

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:55:44 -0700

I have found that the key to getting close to others is to get them to talk about themselves.

Question 1. Where are you from? Lived there your whole life? If not how long have you lived there and where did you move from.

Question 2. What do you do for a living? That sounds interesting.... How long have you done that ...

Also if you are following up and asking more detailed questions, use a phrase like, "I was just curious...." that way it is less strait forward and does not put pressure on he other person.

Do you guys have any other thoughts. Can always use some fresh material for Chamber of Commerce Socials, etc.....

Cold Calling - Why are we so scared to pick up the phone?

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 14:18:41 -0700

Tips on breaking down barriers and setting that appointment!!

1. Keep it short - if you speak for over 20-30 seconds you will loose them.

2. Get to the point - tell them what you do and who you are and why you are calling.

3. Show Value - tell them why you taking up their valuable time is worth it.

example: "I have a proven strategy that I have used to help, X people/companies to do ______"

4. Ask - ask for the appointment "Mr/Mrs. Prospect - when is a good time this week to sit down and discuss this further."

5. Smile, Smile, Smile - Yes you are on the phone but your smile will carry thru in your voice

6. Be respectful - if they do not have time - don't take it personal and ask when the best time to call would be

7. Remember - 1 out of 10 calls will probably be successful - so when you hear no - no big deal you are that much closer to setting the next appointment.

8. Objections - yes people will object - think up the most common - figure out the answers and have them ready so that when objections occur you can answer right back and keep moving toward that appointment.

Now - go out there and make some calls!!!!!!!

James C. Johnson

Legacy Real Estate

"Specializing in Quality Investment Property"

Books for the Top Producers

James C. Johnson (Legacy Real Estate) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:58:36 -0700

I am fairly new to the business and trying to educate myself with anything and everything so that someday soon I will be a Top Producer.

This is a list of books I have read and was wondering if other had a great book to share.

"Millionaire Real Estate Agent" by Gary Keller

"Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill

"The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino

"Success Principles: How to get from where you are to where you want to be" by Jack Canfield

"The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne

"The Complete Guide to Buying and Selling Apartment Buildings" by Steve Berges

"How to Succeed in Commercial Real Estate" by John L. Bowman

This is just the main core of what I have read to get started and wondering if anyone had other ideas that will really teach me strategies or principles on what great habits to form to reach that next level.