Thanks to Michael Russell and his blog on the topic of "Fixing and Holding,' instead of fixing and flipping.

In a nutshell, in today's real estate market more investors have the opportunity of fixing, holding and renting.  And selling later.

I thought of this nifty Excel Rental Analysis Spreadsheet that I picked up in a class, and I'm willing to share it with you if you will promise to donate a Toy for Tots this holiday season.

That little bit of an idea was inspired by a report I heard on the radio this morning, where police in some city are giving Toys for Tots Tickets, instead of speeding tickets or other types of tickets.  The driver gets to donate a toy for a tot for Christmas instead of paying a fine.  (So if you're stopped anytime in the next several days, you might offer the officer this suggestion!  If that doesn't work, just cry.)

This spreadsheet has it ALL!  And if you're like me, on the sheet that says "Read me first," instead of plowing right into the stuff, you should really take the time to read it!  In fact save an original copy and make a work copy to plug your information into.  The numbers that you input on the appropriate pages populate to the other pages.  It really gives you a nice picture of whether a property will work for you as a rental and what your return should be when you sell.

That's just the first page "Assumptions."  Others are:

• Annual Property Operating Data
• Cash Flow Analysis Worksheet
• Cash Sales Worksheet
• Projected Internal Rates of Return

So act now!  Supplies are unlimited!  Operators are standing by!  You may never have this offer again!

Shoot me an e-mail to home@charlieharden.com, and take your Toy for a Tot (or some other worthwhile Christmas donation) to your local collection center!