We had a family crisis last weekend. A Red-Alert-level crisis. We were on our first solo family camping trip in the Waterloo State Recreation Area out past Chelsea. First time camping without a big group like the cub scouts. Aside from forgetting my trusty Swiss Army knife and a lighter for my cigars we did pretty well with the packing. We had great weather – the lake temp was perfect and it had a sandy…
Yes But Why THAT One?
As I move between the worlds of residential and commercial real estate I’m realizing more and more that the fundamentals of both are a lot alike. Having spent the last few years building up a portfolio of single family rental properties, I’ve developed some very strict and specific criteria to use in my screening process. It’s interesting to note in retrospect though, that my criteria has gotten more and more specific, and therefore more narrow,…
Upgrades Outnumber Downgrades!
Just read some good news in the Wall Street Journal this morning regarding commercial real estate.  They reported that in the first half of 2008, the bond rating firm Moody’s had 234 upgrades, 123 downgrades, and 1452 decision of “no change” with respect to bonds and other instruments backed by commercial real estate mortgages.  While this was certainly good news with everything else happening in the economy, Moodys of course took great pains…
It’s the Same Old Story, Same Old Song and Dance, My Friend.
Because I continue to be so bullish on real estate in metro Detroit, I’m constantly talking to people about buying rental properties here. Day in and day out, all kinds of people in all walks of life with all different backgrounds.  I have to say that the most common reaction that I hear is this:  “Ooooh Nooooo – I DON’T want to be a landlord. Then you have to talk to tenants all…
Off-Topic Friday: Social Networking Meets Real Estate Investing
What if I could show you a way to easily find, meet, and network with a few dozen out of state real estate buyers and investors? Â What if I could show you a way to network with national business reporters and get exposure and possibly get slotted for interviews? Â What if I could show you a way to network that is nearly effortless, but still completely effective? Â Would any of that get…
Of Course You Realize, This Means War!
Unbelievable. AGAIN.  I kept hearing how this commercial property stuff was different. But it seems like every time I turn around it’s gets more and more bizarre.  As you have read in some of my prior posts, I’ve been pursuing my first apartment building since the beginning of April. The seller has been a compete flake every step of the way.  He dragged his feet so much that I drew a line…