Circa: June, 2008...

Ring... Ring... Hello, this is Gary!...
...And so starts another adventure in my office. A couple times a week I get calls from people who think it's a good idea to buy a house at these super cheap prices, hold it for a couple years, and hope to make a nice profit. In fact there are many smart investors buying up homes now. How do you Get Started? I always give my callers this Most Basic Advice:

Planning is the Most Important Part of Any Investment...
It is easy to find cheap homes these days. The real question... is it the right investment for you, and your particular financial goals. Buying a property for investment follows a different set of rules than buying a home for your family to live in. Investments are primarialy a financial decision. You need to consider how much money you have to invest initially, and how much is available for monthly support, and immediate improvement or repair if necessary.
... Do you have experience with fix-up? Do you have Management Experience?
... Don't forget to include the additional Tax Benefits that may improve your cash flow.

Your best approach is always to be well informed and understand your options.

Financing your Investment.
Loans for "non-owner occupied" property are available, but require a more substantial down payment than a Residential Loan. "You can get loans with as little as 10% down, but 20% or more down, gets you better rates and a managable cash flow"...according to Rebecca Skelton, a Mortgage Banker experienced in Investment Property Financing.

Rebecca can be reached at: Rebecca Skelton, First Mortgage Corporation
(209)956-1220, or eMail Here.

Locate the Best Homes for Investment.
Many homes are similar, but if the property will be rented, you need to make a selection based upon the most income per dollar, projected maintence/repair cost, and Resale Value in the future. You need to analize several properties to see how each compares to others. One of the factors to consider is the "Cap Rate" which calculates the return on your investment based on the net operating income. This calculation removes financing from the equation to reveal the raw income producing characteristice of the property. Of course, the Future Value will depend primarialy on Location, Condition and Style of the home. Oh... did I mention Location?
Ask Gary about Counseling and Investment Services

Owning and Operating your Property.
If you have carefully planned your investment, and selected a home based on income producing characteristics, your property should rent quickly to a qualified tenant who will care for it as their own. The most important part of managing your property is selecting a great tenant.
I highly recommend professional Property Management as part of the plan. For a minimal expense, you can have all of the advertising, showing, lease negotiation, rent collection, maintenance, and accounting done for you.
Ask Gary about Rental Management Services

Hello, I'm Gary...
My business is to provide you with expert Real Estate services. Tell me your situation. Maybe I can help. Consultation is free, and there is never any pressure. Ask a question or schedule a consult. ** Meet Gary here ...Find out more about my practice.

==================== More Links! ==========================

Good Deals Coming Up!
I have been following the progress of homes in foreclosure. Several have been taken by the bank, but not yet on the market. Let me know which Lourence Ranch Models you are looking for and I will find one!.
Be sure to see Gary's 1 page lesson about How to Buy a Home ...

Homes in Foreclosure:
Nearly all of the homes For Sale in Lourence Ranch are in some stage of foreclosure. Both Buyers and Homeowners have many questions. This is required reading! 
About Foreclosures....

Thinking about renting your home?...
If you can afford to hang on, do it! Prices will go back up soon, after the storm. I can quickly rent your house to qualified residents. It will be well preserved, maintained, and provide income. I currently managing 20 homes in Lourence Ranch and nearby.
Ask Gary about Rental Management Services

Learn More about Lourence Ranch and our beautiful homes. 
** Featured event: Tour of Homes previously featured on the website. 

Thanks Again... for being a loyal Lourence Ranch fan. I hope you find this info useful and informative. Please forward this message to your neighbors. Feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions or if I can help you with anything...

Lourence Ranch Homes
A Service of McDaniel & Associates Real Estate
Gary L. McDaniel, CA Real Estate Broker
CA. Real Estate License No. 00483204 ... 523 General Lane, Tracy CA 95377 ... Phone: (209) 835-8010