08
Feb
10

Do You Have an Attitude Problem?

Check out this article on “attitude”…

Why do we often think we have it worse than the next person? Why is it so easy to get discouraged when markets change and actions that were working for us suddenly become ineffective?  Most people tend to always look for the worst in every situation and instead of adapting, they wait for things to go back to the way they were before the changes.  The reality of life, economic cycles, and change in general is this:  those who wait are left behind and those who adapt are ready to take advantage of the moment and the future.

The history of the world is the story of men and women who took adversity and created success.  The worst diseases were cured at the height of epidemics, and the greatest advancements in technology were made during wars.  What makes some people victorious during times of adversity and others hopeless?  In a single word: “attitude.” Attitude is a confusing word to many people. It is often viewed as something that comes from the outside created by positive situations, good fortune, or even luck!  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Attitude comes from within and it is created from the fierce determination not to be defeated.  People often say that attitude is a choice, but it is more than that.  Attitude is a conviction.  It works independently of most choices and comes from a far deeper place-  a place that says to us, “I will not be defeated, I will not give up, I will not fail!”  The results of the “right attitude” are an unrelenting focus that seldom varies from day-to-day.  It is so deeply ingrained that nothing will stop it and nothing will change it.  It is this “right attitude” that will carry you through your darkest hours.

Attitude is not deterred by sadness, tragedy, depression, anger, or obstacles.  In fact, there are only two things that can defeat the “right attitude:” lack of consistent action and loss of hope.  In fact, failing to take unrelenting action will eventually lead to a loss of hope.  My definition of hope is the belief in what has not happened and has not been seen. It can be mystical or logical but what is hoped for exists beyond the present and current conditions.  America’s renowned psychologist William James said, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”

Is there a formula for the “attitude shift” necessary to change our lives?  There is and it is this:

1.  Whatever it is you want, you must want it with intensity and passion.

2.  Once you know what you want, focus on it with positive thoughts and affirmations.  Negative thinking will produce failure.

3.  Determine the daily actions that must be taken, break them into small actions, and simply do them!

4.  When you are faced with obstacles and failure, take more action and remain focused and hopeful of your success.

5.  Never quit and never surrender.  Nothing that can defeat persistence!

Helen Keller overcame more obstacles than any of us can even imagine.  Blind and deaf since early childhood, she achieved worldwide admiration and unimagined success.  She once said, “Science may have found a cure for most evils: but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all-the apathy of human beings.”  Helen Keller was right.  Science cannot cure a poor attitude.  It is up to you!  Live to laugh, live to learn, but most of all, live to win!

The above article was written by Ken Taylor.  Ken is President of Kent Taylor & Associates, Inc., a training and consulting firm. I came across it and shared it with you because I care about your success.  Contact us call today and let’s discuss all the ways that we can help grow your business. Email us at info@thefernandezgroup.com or visit us at http://thefernandezgroup.com.

05
Feb
10

Building Rapport

In nearly every market across the country sales volume is down significantly.  Many markets are off by over 25%.  That means there are over 25% less commissions to be earned.  The pie is smaller.  How can you ensure that you get your piece of it? It’s a Buyer’s Market.  Buyers have an advantage and they know it.  To capture the serious motivated Buyers, to have them take you seriously, to have them want to meet with you and work with you, you need to have a captivating interaction with them by phone or e-mail.

There is only one way to have that interaction.  I recently read an article written by Rich Levin that really had some good tips on that initial interaction.  I hope you enjoy it!

“The Interaction: If the person you are talking to is in your Sphere of Influence, a personal referral or a repeat customer, start by asking questions that show you are interested in them and their move.  You then ask questions about what they are looking for and where.  As you answer their questions, you then proceed with the script below.

Provide the information they want regarding the property they are inquiring about and immediately ask a follow up question that indicates that you are knowledgeable and interested in what they want.  Like this: “That one is $279,900.  Is that the price range you were considering or are you looking higher or lower than that?” Then follow up with similar information and questions about location, number of bedrooms, and square footage.

You then ask, “Tell me all the things you are looking for in a new home and I’ll make some notes.” If you have gotten this far and they have answered all your questions, follow this process to make the appointment (if you want it).

As they offer their desires, acknowledge them with comments like: “great,” “sounds perfect,”  “I like that too,”  “mmm hmmm” to indicate your sincere attention and interest.

Next, ask this: “Do you have a copy of all the latest documents and contracts used during the purchase process?  I find that if you are familiar with the paperwork ahead of time it adds to your confidence and reduces stress when it is crunch time and you want to make a decision on a home that you like.  Has anyone gone over a copy of that paperwork with you?”

And ask this: “Hmm, has anyone sat down with you and gone over the whole process of buying, like when you will need legal counsel, what inspectors and inspections you may want… really everything from now until you are happily moved in so you can be more comfortable and confident through the whole process?”

And finish with: “Let’s do this.  Let’s get together.  I don’t bite.  I promise. I’ll go over all of that with you.  I’ll give you a copy of all the paperwork and I’ll walk through the whole process with you.  If we hit it off, I’ll help you buy your next home.  If not, we’ll go our separate ways and I promise you will be a lot more informed, confident and ready to buy.  Although, I think we are going to like each other.  What afternoon this week would be best for you?”

Some variation of this is the only way to capture Serious Motivated Buyers.  With Internet leads you do exactly the same thing in an e-mail exchange.”

I hope you found this information useful.  We are trusted advisors  focused on helping YOUR business.  To find out more about what we can do for you, email us at info@thefernandezgroup.com or visit us at http://thefernandezgroup.com

26
Jan
10

Motivated Seller-Turn-Key Project for the Right Investor

Senior Housing is in Short Supply…

This project for sale is a 4.85 Acre Senior Housing Development Project in Gilroy, CA. One of the more valuable assets of the project is the Approved Tentative Map. The project owners have already invested over $500K for the approval process. Now the owners are retiring and wish to sell to an experienced investor and or developer.

TENTATIVE MAP APPROVED

Overview:

  • $6,750,000 REDUCED to $4,500,000
  • 4.85 acres
  • 16 Duettes – 1 story (Planned)
  • 20 Apartments – 1 story (Planned up to 28)
  • 18,000 Sq Ft Commercial Building – 2 story (Planned)
  • Seller Financing Available
  • Development Financing Available
  • 4% commission to selling broker / finder fee

Seller Financing Available

General Description
Gilroy is best known as the “Garlic Capital of the World,” and home of the annual Garlic Festival in July. But the City is also known for its peaceful residential environment, its award-winning parks, golf course and recreation programs, and for its “urban forest,” for which the City has won Tree City USA awards annually since 1979.

Community Resources
A variety of superior community facilities and resources have placed Gilroy high in recent surveys which have attempted to measure the “quality of  life” in Bay Area cities.

Major community facilities unveiled in the last decade include St. Louise Regional Hospital along U.S. 101, Wheeler Manor (senior residence) and an expanded Senior Center complex at Sixth and Hanna streets. The Gilroy library is also newly refurbished and computerized. Gavilan Community College in Gilroy is known for the beauty of its campus, set in the foothills which surround the City. Downtown, new vitality and a healthy respect for history make for a lively and interesting town center. Mature neighborhoods blend with newer homes to create an ambient atmosphere for residential areas, served by nearby schools, parks and churches, and just the right combination of rural and suburban amenities.

Population
Gilroy is a growing community with a population of about 40,153 (State Dept. of Finance, 1/1/00), representing over 2 percent of Santa Clara County. Gilroy serves as the center of a rural area of about 45,000. Projections have shown a potential population growth to 50,000 by the end of the century (ABAG Projections ‘96).

The 1990 ethnic breakdown of the City’s population is 47.7% Caucasian, 47.3% Hispanic, 3.4% Asian, 1% Black, .4% American Indian, and .3% other. The school-age population, however, shows the Hispanic student population to be over 50%.

Development Financing Available

Government
Gilroy, a charter city, is a center of government activity for the region. The Gilroy City Council is made up of seven members with four-year terms, including a separately elected mayor, who can serve any number of terms.

Climate
Gilroy’s climate strikes a pleasant balance between hot and cold, wet and dry, making it perfect for agriculture and recreation. Nestled between the Diablo and Santa Cruz mountains in the Santa Clara Valley, Gilroy residents enjoy mild temperatures, while missing most of the coastal fog. A state climatology report says up to 70 percent of Gilroy’s days are sunny, with average rainfall of about 19.11 inches. The proximity of the Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures uniform. The average annual temperature is 62.8 degrees, although it is not unusual for summer readings to top 100. The average July high temperature is near 90. Winter temperatures drop to an average of 57 degrees in January. All-time winter lows have plunged into the 20s, with the first freeze usually coming in November. The average date of the last freeze is around March 1.

The agricultural growing season ranges from 300 to 350 days a year. The average relative humidity readings reach 90 percent or more at night during the winter, but drop to around 60 percent during the day. In the summer and fall, humidity reaches 70 percent at night and 40 percent during the day. Winds out of the northwest are usually light to moderate, up to 20 miles an hour.

Earthquake activity is not uncommon, as Gilroy sits between two active faults. The Calaveras Fault runs through the eastern foothills, and the Sargent Fault runs along the western edge of the valley. The Loma Prieta quake in October 1989 was centered 15 miles northwest of Gilroy, registering 7 on the Richter Scale. A 6.2 quake hit Morgan Hill in April 1984.

Industry and Economy
Historically, Gilroy’s economy has been based in agricultural products and processing. Over the years, prunes, tomatoes, flowers, onions and, of course, garlic, have contributed to the economic health of the agricultural industries. Food processing centers have also established themselves in Gilroy, and government centers also employ many local residents. The Outlets at Gilroy, a five-phase retail complex, draws shoppers from all over the Bay Area and Central Coast regions.

The modem era has also seen an increase in interest in Gilroy as a site for expansion of “Silicon Valley.” About a thousand acres remain available for industrial growth.

To learn more about this project contact The Fernandez Group at info@thefernandezgroup.com or call our offices 1(888) 890-2416. Visit us online at http://thefernandezgroup.com

21
Jan
10

Severe Shortage in Development Financing?

A recent article today suggested an upcoming shortage in the apartment market. Industry experts have predicted that because of limited resources for development financing, the demand for apartments will exceed supply by 2011. They also mentioned that shortage of rental and condo properties will continue to increase throughout 2014.

80,000 units will be built this year, 220,000 short of what is needed for the increase in demand. As a result of the shortage, NAHB (National Association Home Builders) is forecasting market rents to rise 8% – 10% through 2012 and 4% – 7% through 2015.

Due to the lack of development financing, some developers are shifting their focus from developing to now buying. For developers that are seeking debt and equity financing, for development or acquisition, The Fernandez Group is still funding.

Here are some general guidelines:

  • Normal construction loans to 65% loan to cost (LTC) for most commercial projects up to $10 Million
  • Hotel construction loans to 70% LTC in major metro markets to $8 Million
  • Strong development loans above $10 Million with a combination of debt, equity and mezzanine can get up over 80% LTC
  • A Trade Program that is sourced and vetted which can net a project up to $40 Million for $10 Million on deposit that never leaves the clients’ control
  • Rural development construction financing out West up to 85% LTC up to $5 Million
  • FHA construction financing up to 90% LTC from $2 Million to $5 Million
  • And,  SBA build out financing nationwide

To send your project financing scenario contact The Fernandez Group at info@thefernandezgroup.com or visit us online at http://thefernandezgroup.com

12
Jan
10

Commercial Mortgage Lenders and Commercial Mortgage Brokers, a Partnership

Here is a great article I found regarding how commercial mortgage brokers and lenders are partnering to successfully close transactions…

In today’s economic environment its difficult for commercial mortgage lenders to find a good commercial mortgage broker. Given the economic recession and the reduced commercial mortgage activity in the real estate capital markets, commercial mortgage brokers are under pressure to generate commission income and may not be advising their client as objectively as in the go-go days. Furthermore, it is typically taking 3 to 4 times as long to close a transaction as compared to before the recession began. These characteristics of today’s commercial loan market make it important for a borrower to do their homework prior to engaging a broker.

Commercial lenders rely on skilled brokers to carefully analyzes the transaction and surveys the capital markets for a mortgage or financing that best meets the client’s needs, and processes and closes the deal. Both commercial mortgage lenders as well as business owners can have a mortgage broker identify which lenders are active in the market, and desired loan product, and negotiate on the lenders and borrowers behalf.

It’s important to the capital providers for all their finance brokers they work with to maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethics in their business practices and maintain a steady analytical approach and keen market observation. Experience and relationships in the lending market are important aspects of a solid partnership between commercial loan brokers and lenders. A competent loan broker is well skilled to handle the needs of the real estate borrowers and commercial lenders, and begins by carefully analyzing the client’s needs and the characteristics of each transaction. They underwrites and package a financing request for the lender and confer with the borrower regarding its content and financing request. Strong commercial brokers are often able to structure a creative solution derived from their extensive knowledge of the capital markets. Oftentimes a commercial loan lender is used to structuring a loan in a certain way. A proficient finance broker is able to help both parties arrive at a structure which works best for both the borrower and commercial mortgage lender.

Capital providers offer cutting edge terms to skilled brokers with a prove track record of success and assign senior level professionals, oftentimes the decision-maker, to work with the broker because of their large business flow and technical expertise. Some brokers can work quickly and place a transaction within hours if necessary, and can close institutionally priced loans in little as eight business days and ‘hard money’ loans in two days.

Read more about Commercial Mortgage Lenders and their working relationship with commercial mortgage brokers

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._Schwartz

05
Jan
10

Big City Funds for Smallville USA

For 2010, I have promised myself to get into the best shape of my life physically, spiritually and financially. Every morning I make it a point to get a little excercise before I start my day, at least 1 hr. It’s a habit of mine, a lifestyle that has made an impact in my daily productivity levels. Fortunately, the local gym is about 2 miles from where I live.

Not yet quiet ready for the 2 mile jog to the gym, I get into my car and drive through the 1 stop light and 3 stop signs before I reach the gym. I never imagined that living in a smaller town of 47k could be so eye-opening. I actually take my time driving. Coming from a bigger city of  1 million+, there is constant traffic, honking horns, cars screeching donuts in in the middle of the night, along with other distracting events. Although I’m just 25 minutes away, I can’t say that I miss it.

After my workout I usually drive around town, discovering more and more about the real estate and businesses. As I drive around this town I see so much opportunity. With the town just south of Silicon Valley within county limits,I believe this area is poised for more growth and development in the near future.

Collectively,  the surrounding areas including South San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Hollister, Watsonville, Salinas, Santa Cruz, and Monterey, is where I will be focusing my efforts in bringing real estate project financing and business funding resources to the local investors and business owners.

Teaming up with one of the largest commercial lending companies in the country, we will provide hundreds of funding sources to compliment the local banking institutions.

Our vision is to be a partner within these areas supporting local communities and their growth objectives.




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