As a Real Estate Broker, migrating towards becoming a full-time Real Estate Investors, I have been doing my homework.  I discovered Platinum Properties, which I have blogged about already.  After reviewing this product, I have also decided to blog about it also.  It is a tool of the trade and it is quite user friendly.  It is web-based and very affordable.  I think I will be subscribing to this product, like I subscribe to Comcast, for their internet service.

For AR Members who work with investors, have them checkout this product.  I would appreciate your comments after you have get a chance to checkout the product. 

 here is the link:  https://www.propertytracker.com/tracker.php

Seldom do I use other people's work, but I wanted to bring ths to the attention of those who follow my posts.  GKim Woods, the author of the original blog does a great job in this five part series on How To Twitter.  This is a must read for anyone who is considering Twitter!

The real estate industry has been inundated with “gurus.”  I can’t recall a day when I did not receive an email from one of these so-called “experts.” They promise you the star in the sky; if only you would give them your credit card; their system promises to make you millions.  Does this ring true with you?

I got so sick of them, that I started reporting them to the FTC at www.ftc.gov.  In the process of investigating one such site I discovered Platinum Properties, LLC.  More to come!  Goes to show, if you seek, you shall find! 

Platinum Properties, LLC is a company owned by Mr. Jason Hartman.  In my opinion, this site has the most comprehensive body of knowledge for any beginning or seasoned Real Estate Investor.  I am not trying to make a pitch, but this is by far the best body of work that I have seen anywhere for Real Estate Investors. 

Why can I say this with certainty?  I have studied both Economics and Finance, so I think I should know a little about these subject matters.  Here is an example of the depth and breadth of information provided to the members of his group.  In the decision to invest most “gurus” talk merely about Return on Investment (ROI), but any student of Econ. Or Finance would know, that is only a small part of the picture.  Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is the correct standard method of comparison for two investment alternatives.  Mr. Jason Hartman does a great job explaining this hard to understand concept to all his listeners.

You might be wondering, what’s the catch, and how much does it cost?  The information provided on his website is free of charge to any visitor.  I am sharing this because I have joined.  I plan invest into some of the income properties that he has available for the taking.  But don’t just take my words for it,

Visit: http://www.jasonhartman.com/?id=159,

Recently, while I have been less involved with AR (spending quality time with my better half), I have developed a new found respect for the comedian, John Stewart.  Granted, I endeavor to verify everything I hear, but Jim Cramer not being straight up with the public?  I must say he is very entertaining, and there is something to be said about advising everyone to do their "homework" or due diligence.  I watched the coverage across the news media, then on youtube.  But then there was the subtext in the youtube video that encouraged viewers to see"the rest of the story." Before you dismiss this, I urge you to exercise restraint and patience.  Checkout each and everyone of these link.

The Lead Up:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=220535&title=bern-after-pleading

Jim Cramer vs. John Stewart Part 1:

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=221516&title=jim-cramer-unedited-interview. 

 Jim Cramer vs. John Stewart Part 2: (MUST SEE BY ALL AMERICAN)

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=221517&title=jim-cramer-unedited-interview

Jim Cramer vs. John Stewart Part 3: (MUST SEE BY ALL AMERICAN)

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=221518&title=jim-cramer-unedited-interview

Part of the solution:  Financial education MUST become an integral part of our school curriculum.

This afternoon I watched in dismay as President Obama expressed his outrage about AIG.  Have you heard what these clowns are doing?  Giving out $160M in bonuses to the derivative traders in an effort to keep them in the company.  I think the AIG spokesperson indicated that they are the best minds that we have.  Give me a break!  It is time for the american public to rise up an demand some action, because we are all in this together.

Am I to understand that they are demanding an additional $160 billion? Luckily the american taxpayer now has 80% majority ownership.  Couldn't we just go in an fire entire staff of the company?  What could be worse, nationalize ithe company for awhile, then turn it over to a more sensible group of people.  

OK I am outraged by this story.  What about all the great minds at Harvard, Wharton, MIT, Georgetown, Fairfield.  I could go on forever.  It's high time for Academia to get involved in this.  Apparently business ethics was not a part of their undergrad or grad curriculum.  What have they done to our Financial system? 

As our financial system goes, it will have a ripple effect on our economy.  I yearn for the day when stability is a part of our daily discourse again.

With all the foreclosures taking place these days, I wonder how many of you have given some thoughts to the challenges that this will present?  Let's take a closer look at the current crisis, December brought in a whopping 300000 plus foreclosures across the nation.  Currently there are over 3 million foreclosures.  How will banks manage all this inventory?  

Now, we know that the homes that could not be sold at the auctions are taken back by the banks and classified as Real Estate Owned (REO).  And this is where the correlation is most dramatic.  Banks, all across the country are experiencing massive increases in their REO inventories.   What will the lawmakers do?  Will they hold banks to the established standarsds?  If they do, the banks will definitely need to get these inventories off of their books. This, my fellow AR members will provide countless buying opportunities for buyers.    

Three years ago when I got into Real Estate, I made the comment that the Albuquerque market was a good buy. Today I still feel the same way, but obviously, things are very different.  The market has declined, but the list price of homes have not changed very much.  Many sellers are oblivious to the fact that the price of the home definitely impact the demand(buyers).  I work predominantly work with buyers, so we are constantly looking for bargains.  Unless the seller is flexible, we do not spend much time with them.  

Now, moving forward, I think there will be more opportunities for buyers.  I urge all my buyer clients to be prepared for the opportunity.  Today's market presents the kind of opportunity that corroborattes with one of the primary principles of Investment 101, Buy Low and Sell High.  Are you out there waiting for that opportunity? Iwould like to hear your comments.

There is the saying, if someting seems to good to be true, it might just be.  There are many scam artists out there waiting for the unsuspecting individuals...both REALTORS and homeowners.  They come in many variations:  Trainers, Loan Modification Experts, Short Sale Lead Expert, you name it.  Just remember, you are REALTORS.  Do not team up with anyone who promises the stars in the sky!  They are crooks. They are hoping that you will team up with them to ripoff homeowners.

For those homeowners who get into trouble, and many of you will, your first order of business should be to call your lender.  The Feds do have Housing Counselors to assist you, but one program called the HOPE Program has not been very productive.  Hopefully the incoming OBAMA administration will provide the impetus to stabilize the market, and eventually save the housing sector.

If I can impart one thing on homeowners, it would be that you do not sign over your home to anyone, unless you understand what's going on.  If you  are approached by a REALTOR, make sure that he/she provides you with more options than just short sale.  Short sale should be the last resort, short of foreclosure.

There have been quite a few changes since last, I visited AR.  Where have all the REALTORS gone?  Did I say something wrong to scare away everyone?  I hope not.  But then again, I have been away for so long, I kinda feel out of place right now.  I need to keep my composure here. 

Can somebody explain the SEO stuff to me?  And how about the $19 or $79 per month subscription?  I must have missed a lot of changes.  I am going to relearn this entire system.  I can recall the good ol' days, when there was an outpouring of support, when you need help.  I guess I miss seeing thousands of people online at the same time.  It was working. Did someopne fixed it? 

Just Wanted to touch base with all AR Members.  I lost access to my Active Rain Account for a period of about 2-3 months.  Thanks to my son, today I was finally able to logon, again.  I actually contacted the folks at AR, and they were of no help.  It was very frustrating.  I am so happy to be back!  There is so much going on in the world these days.  Barak Obama won the election, there is a big financial crisis, terrorism is in the headline again, the housing market is on the verge of collapsing, the commercial market looks very bad, the big 3 auto makers visited and revisited Capitol Hill; Foreclosure continues to rise in unprecedented numbers, and a few days ago the President announced that we are in a RECESSION...WOW!  There is so much that I could write about, but I will reserve the option to do so at a different time.

Instead, I would like to write about two things:

1.  Fareed Zakaria at GPS

2.  Some of the things that I am thankful for 

Fareed Zakaria is a serious journalist with impeccable credentials: BS form Yale, PhD from Harvard. His bio speaks for itself.  Check him out at the Global Public Square on Sundays on CNN. 

He provides a breath of fresh air to the ever disintegrating media world.  I am sure most of you heard about the terror attack in Mumbai, India...that's his hometown.  Now, Mumbai is new to me, I was familiar with Bombay, India.  As a young lad growing up in Jamaica, West Indies, I played cricket.  At one time it was my dream to become a professional cricketer.  Jamaica played against other Caribbean countries in the Shell Shield Competition; this is the pool of players from which the West Indies Cricket team was formed.  We then played against other British Commonwealth Countries, like Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and England itself.  Needless to say, the West Indies dominated the world of cricket.

I have not read any of his books yet, but he is touted a very good writer...Check out his website

Now regarding the things that I am thankful for:

1.  I am currently in a relationship with a beautiful woman...2.5 years and going strong. 

2.  My two sons are both in college, doing well and are both very healthy

3.  My extended family members are all doing fine

4.  My Real Estate Plans are on track

5.  I am living in a country where there is clean air, water, and food to eat

Thanks for reading my blog!