Rock and Roll Marathon and Real Estate!

Today is the Rock and Roll Marathon and I have several friends running in it.  The reason I am choosing this as my blog subject today is because it is a microscosm of how real estate investing can be.

When we think of running a marathon, our feelings range from sweaty palms to paralyzing fear.  Some people feel the same way about real estate, especially the past 2 years.  Some marathon runners just want to be able to run the whole distance without stopping and are not concerned about their time.  Others train religiously, or atheistically (need to keep this Blog high on the Political Correctness scale), for 6 months keeping careful records of their improvement.

Still others stay out late the night before and make it a social event.  Real estate in the past 10 years has been treated the same way.  Some are up late at night watching Carleton Sheets or other real estate “gurus” and decide to “throw” some money into the pot.  Others are looking for a house to build a family in and still others meticulously research rents to find the best investment.

Well, from a performance perspective, which one of these groups will do best?  Yes, the ones who meticulously train and reserach, will get the best returns.  Now ever now and then -in the marathon -, one will stumble and twist an ankle, but if you have done yuour training, your injury will be minimal and you will be able to handle the iunjury.  In real estate, the same holds true; if you have measured all the options and are prepared for a downturn, you will be able to weather the cycle.

One of my friends who is running today has trained and stuck by a regimented program and is ready to set a new personal record.  If a banana peel finds its way on the course, she will be ready for it.  The runners who stayed out late drinking Martinis, will perhaps not see the banana peel and will be out of the race quickly.

This brings up another point, the “race” is only a race if you chosse it to be.  You can be in excellent physical condition and not have to win the race.  Just showing up is the key not only in the marathon but in real estate as well.  Once you show up, the energy will get your adrenaline going.  Even if you can only afford a $100,000 condo, buy it and hold it.  The key is to get it.

Now, once you make the commitment to run or to buy real estate, you have a responsibility to yourself.  This means you must us all your intelligence and fortitude to make the right decision.  This is where I come in.

As both a student and a practitioner of real estate (I sell it and buy it), you must use my experinece and opinions to help you make a sound decision.

To make things easy for you, just click on the following:  www.MichaelDunn.com or www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com or www.ThePelicanEstates.com . 

Or just call me at 949-533-2581 and HELP ME TO HELP YOU!

Best wishes,

Mike

Posted: May 31st, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Susan Boyle, Memorial Day and Real Estate!

This morning I woke up early ready to meet my Father, Ensign First Class Robert Dunn of the Unites States Navy, Class of 1943 . . . or my Dad!  It is a special day today for not only my father and all the veterans who have served to protect us and our amazing way of life, but for you and I!  We are the recipients of their sacrifice and it amazes me why they only get one day.  Every day should be Memorial Day; in fact all veterans sould have memorial Day off and WE, who did NOT serve, should work.

Yesterday, I spoke of Memorial Day, but wanted to add more today, since Memorial Day is today. 

I also wanted to say something about Susan Boye, the British lady who has stirred the Earth’s imagination thru the British TV show “Britain’s Got Talent”.  For those of you who do not know, she is the singer who did an amazing job singing “I Dream a Dream”.  Do you know why she has become such a sensation?  Are you ready?

Well, it because she is NOT sexy or glamourous!  To Miss Boyle, please accept my apologies.  But in a world where tall blondes with “performance enhanced” body parts are worshipped, Miss Boyle stands apart because of her talent.  No do not missunderstand, there are many beautiful people who are equally talented, but Miss Boyle has arrived just in time.  Here is why:

Real Estate!  Yes, real estate.  Think about it.  The past two years, real estate has not been the sexiest investment around.  But in reality, it is.  You see, we tend to jump on things when it becomes popular or because it is “sexy”, but now, when prices are down up to 50% in some places, is the time to invest.  When you are driving around on your way to work or to buy groceries, have you noticed that small condo building on the corner?  Yes, the one that has the sort of beige indescript color and the 12 yearl old car in front.  Well, my friends, the owner of that building gets about 50 percent return on his investment . . . EVERY MONTH! 

Like Susan Boyle, this building is not sexy or been “artificially enhanced”.  It just plain has talent!  In a talent show, you must be able to hit the notes as a singer.  In real estate, you must have cash flow or appreciation in order to win.

What I like about Susan Boyle is that she inspires people who otherwise would not think of themselves as having talent.  This is my goal with not only my blog but with my business in general.  ANYONE, can become a real estate investor and be succesful.  You just have to take that leap of faith. 

Whether you live in Austin-Texas, Bluffton-South Carolina or Irvine-California, you will be able to find great real estate investments.  So practice that yodelling and hitting that C note because if you take that leap of faith, you will be singing to high Heaven when you see your reale state investment pay you dividends. 

If you want further details, go to www.MichaelDunn.com , click on “Search MLS” and you will see what is available.  Or go to www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com for one of the greatest family neighborhoods on Earth.  If you are looking for the best custom homes and sites, go to www.ThePelicanEstates.com.

Or call me at 949-533-2581.

Mike

Posted: May 25th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Indy 500, Memorial Day and Real Estate!

This weekend is the beginning of much activity.  We have the Indy 500, the first weekend of the summer season and Memorial Day. 

This weekend has different meanings for different people.  To sports fans, it means time to relax and either play or watch their sports on TV.  To college students, it may mean graduation and time to go party and celebrate their end of school year.  To others who have served their nation, it is time to visit friends and family and be honored for their service.

For me, it is a combination.  Yesterday, I held open houses on my lsitings in www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com and www.ThePelicanEstates.com and then listened to the Lakers/Denver game.  Today I go to a friends daughters college graduation.  Tomorrow I spend the day with my father; a veteran of World War Two . . . yes World War Two!

My Dad is a fascinating man who has travelled the world and raised a family after serving in one of the most heinus wars man kind has ever known.  Out of the three choices this weekend, spending time with my father will be the most fitting.  You see, without him, I would not be here.  I think about him as a 17 year old scared Navy Seaman sailing and flying across the Pacific Ocean.  When I was 17, I was playing baseball in the safety of a small beach town called Laguna Beach, known more for it quaint shopping and artists.

What amazes me about my father and all the veterans who have served our nation, is their sort of matter of fact attitude of “that is what we had to do”.  When I was 26 years old, I received a letter from the government thanking me for registering for the draft and I was no longer needed.  I breathed a huge sigh of relief.  My Dads generation are an amazing group; as is the current one protecting us around the world.  The reason for this is that the values of the previous generation have been passed on.  Do not let the tatoos, the nose rings, the designer jeans, the belly piercings fool you.  It is what is inside that matters.

Materialistic symbols will change, but the inner human core, is timeless.  Where does real estate fit into this?  Well, it is timeless; like our heroes who we should remember not only this weekend but every weekend and every day.   Real estate has thoughout history, been the best investment and created more wealth for more people than any other invention.

The better news is that everyone has an oppotunity to gain from it.  It is all relative.  Whether you can buy a one bedroom condo (My first house was a one bedroom condo), or a small detached cottage, you can build a very comfortable investment portfolio.   Even if you are 40 years old, in 20 years your investment, on average, will triple in value.  Now it does depend on what you buy.  If you buy a one bedroom condo, it will not appreciate as much as a 3 bedrooms detached home, however there are ways to hedge yourself by renting a condo and have a tenant carry the property for you.

So on this Memorial Day weekend, be sure to take time to thank those who served so that we could sleep soundly at night and also take time to think about the other security that you can easily provide for you and your family, REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT!

Call me with specific questions at 949-533-2581.

Mike

Posted: May 24th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

American Idol and Real Estate!

Well we have another American Idol Wiinner . . . Kris Allen, the ultimate underdog, has made one of the biggest comebacks in television history!  After 620 million votes, 19 weeks, 100,000 auditions, an extra judge and a bikini girl, Kris Allen is your new American Idol.  The All-American, married boy next-door defeated the glammed-out, leather-clad rocker and is now the eighth champ in the “Idol” kingdom. 

What does this mean to the real estate market?  It means that anyone, yes ANYONE can make it big!  Yes, no matter what race, religion or sex you are, you can make it big time.  All you need is the following:

1. A sound mind to make good decisions - NOT go with fads or trends

2. A “no rules” attitude - In other words be open to ALL options

3. Sufficient down payment or ACCESS to someone with sufficiant down payment

4. A longterm view on your investment - Do not look for a quick buck or return - make a 10 year plan - MINIMUM!

Now here is the Million Dollar question . . . where do you find these deals?  Mike@MichaelDunn.com, yes send me an e-mail and you will get my sound advice. 

Become your won American Idol by investing wisely.  When you invest wisely, the rest of your life becomes very enjoyable because you do not have anything to worry about and you can focus on your hobbies, interests or your larger wants and desires.  As an example, I am really getting back into my workout routine of cardiovascular and body building.  I thotouhgly enjoy working out and getting the most out of my body.  Knowing my investments are growing, let’s me focus on working out much like I did when I was a teenager and my partents were paying for my food and shelter.

Who knows?  I may want to do other things like travel or pick up a musical instrument. 

Mike

Posted: May 20th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Sherlock Holmes and Real Estate!

In a few day, a new Sherlock Holmes movie will be released.  Sherlock Holmes is the famous British detective who solves mysteries.  Made famous by the 1930s movies starring Basil Rathbourne, the series continues with Robert Downey as Sherlock Holmes.  Mystery movies have always fascinated people and am sure they will continue to be popular.

I look at real estate in much the same way.  Real estate can sometimes be a mystery.  Many people today are shying away from real estate because they do not know what will happen with the economy . . . it is a mystery for them!

Well, that is why Special Agent Dunn is here!  I am here to testify to the fact that I can not only solve the mystery for you but also shine the light of riches for you on whatever real estate goal you have.

You see, for whatever your budget is, there is always a way to make an investment work form you.  You just have to have discipline and think longterm.

I can write about 50 pages on specifics, but I want to keep the blog short and to the point.  So, if you want specific help in achieving your goal, send me an e-mail to Mike@MichaelDunn.com with your specific needs and I will make it happen.

Mike

Posted: May 18th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Earthquakes in California and Real Estate!

On Sunday night at 8:39PM local Los Angeles time, a magnitude 5 earthquake struck the city of Lennox about 4 milres north of LAX airport.  I noticed that 9 of the top 25 Google searches were for this earthquake.  WOW!  Nice to see Southern California at the top of the search list!

Now I know people are thinking: “See, those weirdos in SoCal are going to fall into the ocean!” 

Folks, take it from me, as a man who lived in Texas and endured countless tornado and thuderstorm warnings, the earthquakes are much easier to deal with than tornadoes and massive thunderstorms.  The earthquekes get more publicity because they are better news fodder.  The truth is that storms, tornadoes cause more damage and human injury that earthquakes every year. 

I was sitting at home typing when it hit and it did get my attention and I admit I stood up and got under the door way; my high school earthquake preparation paid off!  Did it affect the value of my property?  Absolutely not!  In fact, the way I look at it, the sooner the trembler comes the more time before the next one.

The fact of the matter is Calidornia has the most stable weather on earth and unless some drastic changes occur in the world wide weather patterns, it will continue to be the envy of vacationers throughout the world.  I just received 3 calls this week from Saudi Royal family members who wish to come in July and August to get away fom the scorching desert temperatures of the Middle East.  A vacationer from India said Newport Beach is the best place to live on earth and guess what is next to Newport Beach?  Yes, Irvine!

So gather your self and know that the place you invested in is well positioned to keep going up in value even higher as soon as the global economic crises subsides.  In the meantime go to www.MichaelDunn.com or www.ThePelicanEstates.com and search for some great investment opportunities.

Mike

Posted: May 17th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Waymon Tisdale and Real Estate!

When I heard about the passing of Waymon Tisdale, I read about him and after learning more about him, I had to write about him.  I usually keep my blog somehow centered around real estate, but I felt a need to say something about this.

I suggest you go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZcCtzU-e6Q and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ4DaBVn4Uk&feature=related to get a better insight not only into this amazing human being, but also the story behind the story.

I realize there are many other brave souls who have overcome cancer and other diseases, but I wanted to use Waymon Tisdale as an example.  Before I became a real estate agent and investor, I was a baseball coach.  One year when I coached at Chapman University, we had a player who went through a similar situation.  Bob Skapic was a 21 year old pitcher I coached who passed away from Hodgekins Disease. 

While I blog about the greast monetary returns one can gain from real estate investing, the greatest return is gained from human interaction.  Do not ever underestimate the power of a fellow human being.  The energy we display and give to others is very powerful.  Bob had that energy and I shall never forget the day I visited him at St. Josephs Hospital in Orange.  While battling for his life, he smiled at me.  Never underestimate the power a smile can give.

Today while running, a mother with her 4 children was walking along the track at Laguna Beach High School.  Her youngest daughter, probably 2 years old, was walking along the track as I was passing.  I noticed her and smiled at her and held it long enough for her to see.  Slowly she smiled back and I literally felt a warmth come over me.  You see a child has no pretence, nor agenda or inhibition.  It made my day.  The next lap I looked for her again, but she was off to her next adventure. 

 So, watch the links I sent and see the smile Waymon Tisdale flashes.  It is the smile of a man who came to this Earth and left a positive legacy for others to learn from and more importantly, to pass on. 

So whether you get that great foreclosure deal or not, whether you get the price you are asking for your home or not, flash a smile at your fellow man or woman, for you will undoubtedly lift a spirit.  Who knows, it could be the buyer for your house or the seller for the one you are going to buy!

Go to www.MichaelDunn.com , www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com and www.ThePelicanEstates.com .

Mike

Posted: May 17th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: 1

Preakness Horse Race 2009 and Real Estate!

Ah yes, Spring is in the air and this means the second of the BIG THREE in horse racing . . . The Preakness!

In real estate, this also means the prime time of the real estate selling season.  Like horse racing, home owners are adding their final touches of clean up and upgrading before they display their wares to the buying public.  Like a good horse, a house must be in good shape and have constant up keep. 

Whther during good economic times or bad, invest in your home and it will reap rewards later.  A prime example is 22 Canyonwood in the Mahogany neighborhood of Northwood Pointe.  This home built by Taylor Woodrow homes, was meticulously maintained by the owners and cared for despite having two dogs and two teenagers.  It did not necessarily have the greatest upgrades in the world, but it was very clean and showed very well for potential buyers.

It also felt like a home in that it had warm colors and the decor reflected a warm and inviting feeling.  This home sold for $445 per square foot; an unheard of price considering the current market conditions.  This price also refelcts the popularity of the general neighborhood as well.  Despite the economic downturn, good schools, good neighbors and a tremendously positive living environment, www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com has remained strong in the face of the world economic crisis and will continue to be a destination point to families who want the best of all aspects of a great envirnoment to live.

Mike

Posted: May 16th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Biggest Loser Winner and Real Estate!

Congratulations to the Biggest Loser Winner,

DETROIT (AP) — Helen Phillips is half the woman she once was — and her 140-pound weight loss was just enough to win her the $250,000 grand prize on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples” television show.

That is quite an accomplishment.  Very impressive. 

I must say that the same quiet discipline that Helen Phillips exhibited in her weighloss goal, can aslo be accomplished with real estate.  No, I do not mean losing over 50% of the value of your home!  I mean making yourself and your real estate investments run in a smooth and lean fashion which will ensure your long term health.

The first way to make your real estate portfolio run smoothly is to purchase your real estate in an appreciating area.  Now in this market, it is hard to find an apprciating area.  In fact, an area that has the least amount of depreciation, is a good sign that when the market changes to an upward direction, this area will be the first to rise and rise faster.

To me there is no better area than Orange County, California.  Specifically the Irvine Ranch, which stretches from the Pacific Coast of Laguna Beach and Newport Beach to the foothills of Tustin Ranch and the award winning community of Northwood Pointe.

This area boasts everything a family will want; award winning schools, convenient access to recreational facilities such as swimming, tennis, and shopping.  It also boasts an incredibly committed real estate representative.  This real estate agent has been working this area for 10 years now, since the community’s inception and each year has made more of a commitment to ensure that the values of this amazing area, keep going up.  He has a history of focus and dedication as evidenced by his baseball and college educational careers.

Thoughout his life, he has seen the benefits of committing to something whole heartedly and without reservation.  The return is priceless because one finds out not only about the material rewards one gets from discipline but also, and more importantly, what happens to the inner core of one’s being.

This man, is me . . . Mike Dunn.  Through my work habits, I have learned much more than real estate investing.  I have learned about my soul, how important friendships are, how work is not as important as the material world teaches us.

My commitment has presented opportunities that otherwise would not be there.  You see by being a student and constantly learning about market changes, one will always stay a step or two ahead of others.  If you own real estate, you should constantly study the market; not obsessively, but for a few quiet hours a day.

Come visit me at an open house on the weekend or just pick up the phone and call me with any questions.  949-533-2581.

Mike

Posted: May 12th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none

Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC and Real Estate!

Hey!  Did you hear the news?  Oprah Winfrey and Kentucky Fried Chicken are given you a free meal!  WOW!

Now, at first glance, this looks very tempting.  I mean, we get a FREE MEAL.  Let’s examine this further.  Kentucky FRIED chicken, yes FRIED chicken.  We all know FRIED foods are not good for us and especially FAST FRIED foods. 

How does this relate to real esttae?  Well, we all know we can buy really cheap properties in Las Vegas, Phoenix, practically the whole state of Michigan, but does it make sense.  Does it make sense to eat fast fried foods?  I mean for the short term, yes, you will have energy, but after prolonged exposure your organs will start rejecting this food.

Same goes for real estate.  You may think and brag to your friends about how cheap of a deal you got, but when you find that the tenants you have are using your investment as a drug haven or stop paying rent and you have to evict them, your investment starts breaking down.

 Just like your nutritional habits, do not skimp on your real estate buying habits.  Do not go for the cheap stuff.  Do your reserach and buy the good stuff.  The best place to buy, even if you have to buy a one bedroom condo, is on The Irvine Ranch.  Specifically, www.NorthwoodPointeIrvine.com or www.ThePelicanEstates.com

You CANNOT go wrong with egg whites, broccolli, lentils and blueberries.  If you eat the forementioned every day, you will grow to be healthy, wealthy and wise.  If you eat Kentucky Fried Chicken everyday, you will shrink to be sick, poor and mentally lazy.

So remember to use healthy choices in real estate just as you do in your daily nutritional habits.  If you want some specific examples of healthy real estate choices that will build your portfolio to be tall, strong and return great dividends, call me at 949-533-2581.

Mike

Posted: May 6th, 2009 under Hot Tips, Real Estate News.
Comments: none