Posted on 17 November 2008

I remember the day that Orlando and Aminah were married. I have always admired them because they are young, hardworking, educated, and they don’t care what the Joneses do because they are focused on their plan. Buying a home and creating sweat equity for themselves was also a part of the plan.
We have been in a contract on three different properties in Bronzeville and we went to the closing table once. Every property came with its own set of issues not to mention city liens that the City of Chicago wasn’t willing to subordinate first lien position on which is why we didn’t close.
No matter what the obstacle my clients never gave up on their vision. Ironically with every property there came huge price reductions. The first property they were willing to spend $255k, the second property $202k, and finally the one they bought was $162k and the sellers paid 6% towards their closing cost. That is a major savings. My clients will have to wait several months before they can move in due to the renovations but they will make it through that hurdle as well.
The current market will make the next set of millionaires. You don’t want to kick yourself in the butt because you set on the fence.
Posted on 10 October 2008

Coffee or Not, the Bronzeville Coffee house has become my favorite spot to meet with clients and discuss the abundance of REO properties in the area which if managed properly can turn into gold mines. Why? The Bronzeville Coffee House you ask. Well it’s located in the heart of some of the most sought after Single Family Homes, Multi Unit Buildings, and Condo’s. I’ve never had a problem with parking, and the muffins and smoothies are delicious.
I don’t really go for the coffee but, I do buy something because I use their storefront as a regular meeting spot to discuss and show (Free Wi-Fi) what’s HOT-Foreclosures. I love the facts that with a little sweat equity my buyers are making out like bandits. They say it’s a depreciating market but my buyers are amassing a 100k (+) in equity once they complete the renovations on the numerous properties they are acquiring.
Next week we will close on yet another 203(k) loan where my first-time home buyers will have a 135k in equity after they convert a foreclosed three unit brownstone into their single family dream home. Talk about happy clients.
Looking to Buy or Sell in the Bronzeville, North Kenwood, Oakland, Grand Boulevard, Woodlawn, or Hyde Park area my team is here waiting to serve you. Now is an excellent time to buy.