by Rupe | Feb 3, 2005 | Mad Musings
Lots have happened since December. Left Bahrain Nov 6th, came back here to the States and settled in Ocala. Have been using the last few months to determine whether I want to settle here in Central Florida. Purchased a house over a year ago here so that’s sort of a pro factor. Also have a house in Jacksonville, may go there too, but after some careful consideration, not really sure we will go that route.
One think for sure is that I am/we are going to do the Real Estate thing. Have been using the last few months to study the industry in a whole and Ocala in specific. There are opportunities here, but cronism is rampant and been black is definitely a mark agains t yo ass in this lilly-white place. I suppose one would wonder, why would one want to go thru the bullsh**, but in some things you have to maintain a steadfast approach if you want to succeed – and we are steadfast and determined in this approach.
We have looked at about 50 or so houses already, we have made offers on 2. The first one was back in Nov-Dec. It fell thru at the last moment – there was a bit of regret there, but we have pretty much gotten by that. Basically, we trumped it up to learning the ropes. And we are still learning.
The second house we bidded on last week 3rd Feb. It is a nice piece of property close to the commercial district downtown in close proximity to 200. The structure on it is crap, but as far as we are concerned it is a diamond in the rough. A big plus is that it is currently rented out to some folks who really don’t take care of it. Now the downside is this – the listing agent is a weasel and a lying ass. She is working on behalf of an elderly couple who are up in Maryland. The couple asked to put the property on the market for 49,900. We offered 38,000. First we got no response and then after calling everyone and their son, we eventually got a response refusing the offer and saying that the seller will not accept anything less than full price. We then said ok, we will pay full price to which she (the listing agent) is throwing all kinds of roadblocks. I went over to her office last evening to ask her what’s up, her latest is that some Realtor called her a week ago, prior to my bid and offered to buy it above the asking price. She did not take his phone or any other information, but she told the seller about it (one of many lies). Anyway, I gave her until tomorrow to let me know what’s going on. I am meeting with a Real Estate lawyer tomorrow to see what recourse we have against these underhanded acts.
And yeah, for the record, I contacted the Broker at Foxfire Realty, the agency I am working thru to get this deal, and he was most unhelpful. All I was getting from him was, this is the nature of the real estate market. Even during our conversation it was clear that he had very little interest in tending my concerns – oftentimes conversing with other individuals while I was explaining my situation. I got the impression that not only was he not interested in helping me, eventhough he mouthed – “I will do what I can to help Diane (my incompetent agent from Foxfire) in this situation.
These realtors are underhanded, unscrupulous and downright nasty. I am gonna bust this wide open and I am gonna bust into this market like a mug. Yeah they will know me and know me well by the time I am done. That’s all for now.
by Rupe | Feb 1, 2005 | Workout Log
Today’s run – 2.59m/30 min
Mood: Not too bad …..a bit eager to get up and go, but have to hold back, don’t want to burn out too quick right now. Did 29 min @ 5mph pace, then 6mph for the final min.
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Week 1: 2.59m [this week] – [Phase I- 2.59m / (All – 2.59m)]
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Back at it again bud. Had my sep physical – cholesterol at 249. Stopped working out for a while and not really hitting the Zocor as should. Anyway, have been hitting the Zocor on the regular and now that it is my month again – Feburary, I am putting it all together again. Like I said last year….aint gonna fuck around with blowing a gasket dawg. So here goes it.
by Rupe | Jan 16, 2005 | Not So Recent Reads
Author: David and Tom Gardner
Date: 16-Jan-05
From the Wall Street investment banker to the single working mom, from the Silicon Valley venture capitalist to the Main Street small business owner, from the baby boomer fast approaching retirement to the unemployed 20-something software engineer, everyone wants to know the same thing: What should I do with my money now?
In their trademark amusing style, David and Tom Gardner answer this critical question and recommend steps listeners can take to survive economic uncertainty, secure their personal finances, and fortify their portfolios. The Gardners offer a snapshot view of the business and money world in early 2002. They take us through the rise and fall of the American markets and economy, offer lessons to act upon now, and provide a look ahead to the future with some timely and perhaps more timeless thoughts on the right perspective to take as an investor and businessperson.
No matter what life stage you are in or your level of investing expertise, The Motley Fool’s What to Do With Your Money Now has important investment advice for you.
My Thoughts:
by Rupe | Jan 16, 2005 | Not So Recent Reads
Author: Marc Allen
Date: 16-Jan-2005
The Millionaire Course offers a vast array of powerful principles, truths, and exercises that will lead inevitably to a career and life path that feeds your soul. The lessons within are filled with advice and practical suggestions that are simple, clear, and easy to follow. You’ll discover that you can improve the quality of life, and in the process improve the quality of the world around you.
My Thoughts: A few bright spots, but by and large not a good read. Sort regret buying this.
by Rupe | Dec 21, 2004 | Not So Recent Reads
Author: Jennifer White
Date: 21-Dec-04
If you’re tired of holding your breath, waiting for exactly the right moment to arrive before you can start living the life you really want, wondering when it will be safe for you to stop working so hard and feeling stressed out, burnt out, and generally dissatisfied with life, this audiobook is for you.
It’s time to stop waiting and start living. As renowned success coach Jennifer White proves in this amazing book, you can have it all: more time, more money, and more fun on your own terms, starting today!
Based on White’s popular courses and seminars through which she has helped thousands of people nationwide live more fulfilling and productive lives, Work Less, Make More is an easy-to-follow 10-step program for overcoming your fears, unblocking your passions, channeling your energies, and managing your time more efficiently.
My Thoughts: Didn’t really enjoy this book too much. It had some limited success making a few points here and there, but for the most part didn’t do too great a job. I didn’t feel like I could work less and make more after reading it.
