Looking to start a new real estate career? Don’t let limiting beliefs hold you back! In this compilation of the best real estate podcast clips from May, we highlight our guests’ best real estate advice. Listen and learn about real estate team building, mastering the market, working as a buyer’s agent, and more!
Get 10+ hours of mastermind-level content 100% FREE. Register at Carrot.com/Rockstar today!
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Derek Tellier’s thoughts on limiting beliefs [4:17]
Geoff Zahler’s tips on mastering the real estate market [5:48]
Advice on starting a real estate team with Amy Florida [7:22]
How to stay positive and productive with Eric Bramlett [9:42]
Caleb Drake’s advice for new real estate agents [11:52]
How to handle cancellations with Sarah Knauer [15:58]
Elliot Hoyte and Kelly Carlson on buyer consultations [18:58]
Applying what you learn in real estate with Amy Rogers [22:09]
Related Links and Resources:
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
Robert Kiyosaki, Robert Allen, and Loral Langemeier would have you believe that in order to get rich all you need to do is throw your money into real estate, sit back, and let the profits come. It’s not that simple. There’s risk involved. You have to know what you’re doing.
Jon forwarded a link to what he calls “a personal finance trainwreck”. He writes: “If this guy is for real (and there appears to be some suspicion about that) then, wow. Unbelievable.” Casey at iamfacingforeclosure.com thought he could make a killing at real estate. He wanted to reach Financial Independence quickly.
I’m a 24-year-old aspiring real estate investor from Sacramento, California. After going to few seminars I bought eight houses in eight months across four states with no money down. I fixed and sold two and then ran out of cash. I am now facing foreclosure on six five houses. I’m learning my lessons, finding solutions and blogging about it.
Casey’s story is fascinating. Here’s a young man who read Kiyosaki and Allen, and who is trying to find riches by following their advice. He’s trying to make money quickly, and is struggling, but is willing to share the gory details. In one entry, Casey writes that he and his wife are running out of money. They’ve been living on credit cards, which are now maxed out. He’s afraid he might have to get a job.
I can’t just do a job. I do not want to give up my dream of financial independence. If I get a full-time job, I will continue doing my business and investing on the side. Finding time to do both will be hard (tried it before many times). If I must do that, I will. But it will probably take much longer to reach my goals.
An hourly job has limited earnings potential. Getting a 3% raise every year is not my idea of upwardly mobile. Making $25/hour writing code seems like a waste of time when I can sell a real estate contract for $5,000 after doing 5 hours of work = that’s $1000/hour!
So if I can work really hard for one month and find just 2 deals, I can make $10,000. That’s much better return on my time.
Casey received many responses (the comments are the best part of the site), some helpful, some angry, some flabbergasted. Some are all of these at once.
You’ve just nailed the difference between fantasy and reality. […] You are in the process of learning the difference between GAMBLING and INVESTING. Everything you’ve done so far has been gambling. Investing requires that one balance the risk with the rewards, diversify, and be dedicated. Some investments will fail, but a wise investor won’t have too much tied up in any single thing (like real estate purchased on a guru-drunken binge). Investments are made with money that one could stand to lose. Investing is not done by leveraging oneself up to the eyeballs and beyond, hoping for a miracle.
You can see television interviews with Casey (choose “House Flipper Part One” or “House Flipper Part Two” from the menu in the middle of the page). His story is also featured in two articles from the San Francisco Chronicle:
Langemeier, Kiyosaki, and Allen are inspirational. Some of their ideas may even be useful. (Prlinkbiz — who I’m sure will have something to say about this entry — is a huge Kiyosaki fan, and seems to be making his principles work for her.) But these folks preach that their methods are sure-fire ways to wealth and success. They overpromise in an attempt to sell books and seminars. Langemeier says she’s created 200 millionaires, and that she can make one out of anybody. Yet I can find no independent evidence that this has occurred. I’m not saying that it hasn’t happened, but I’m skeptical.
The only sure-fire way to wealth and success is to spend less than you earn, to save the difference, and to invest that savings for growth.
Follow-Up on Casey Serin, the Man Who Would Be Rich
Casey stopped by Get Rich Slowly yesterday and had this to say:
I don’t see why a person CANNOT get rich quick… but still do it in an honest and safe way. Whenever you hear “Get Rich Quick” you think somethhing bad.
And yes, if you read my story, it DOES sound like i’m just a big screw-up. AND YES.. I did do some stuff that I am NOT proud of (liar loans). However, I am learning my lessons and hoping to make a comeback.
I am determined to find a way to make an honest buck in real estate in a down market. My mentor “Rich Dad” did it. It took him only about 10 years. Now he has 20K+/mo in PASSIVE income from REAL ESTATE.
Is 10 years too quick? What about 5 years?
That’s an interesting question. How quick is too quick?
It’s not impossible to get rich quickly — the day before I wrote about Casey, I shared advice on how to handle sudden wealth — but it’s dangerous to focus on quick wealth as a goal. I’m convinced that people get rich quickly by chance, not by intention. If get rich quick schemes worked, more people would do them. You’d read and hear documented tales of success. But they don’t work. They’re mostly scams designed to transfer money from saps like Casey into the hands of others.
My advice for Casey is this:
If you have a burning passion to make these sorts of plans succeed, then pursue them with only a portion of your finances. Follow tried and true personal finance wisdom with most of your money. Take 90% of what you earn, and do the boring stuff with it: pay off debt, start an emergency fund, invest for retirement. You are so young right now, that if you would invest just $5000 each year until you’re 50, you could retire then as a millionaire. (Assuming 10% returns.) This is with almost no risk. Why try to get rich all at once? Why not ride it out?
If you’re dead-set on trying to get rich quickly, then don’t use all of your capital to do so. Do the safe stuff with 90% of your money. Save the remaining 10% to make real estate purchases. If you strike it rich, great. But if you don’t, then at least you haven’t mortgaged your future. This isn’t ideal for most people, but you have the drive and desire, so it gives you something to play with. But this means that you’ll have to work in order to meet your goals.
I don’t want to kick Casey’s dreams. Dreams are good, and I think people should pursue them with gusto. Too many people make a practice of telling others why their plans won’t work instead of lending support. But when your dreams are at odds with reality, you need to re-evaluate.
$2 Million in Debt in Two Years
Casey Serin of I Am Facing Foreclosure held a two-hour conference call to take questions from readers and to explain his situation. I didn’t hear the call, but I did read the entire transcript (part one, part two).
For those of you unfamiliar with him, Casey Serin is the Napoleon Dynamite of real estate investing. He took real estate seminars from Russ Whitney and read books by Carleton Sheets. He bought into the “get rich quick” mentality. In October, the San Francisco Gate wrote:
After spending a year and upward of $15,000 (borrowed on credit cards) going to real estate seminars and buying home education courses from everyone from Russ Whitney to Bruce Norris and, of course, the aforementioned Robert “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” Kiyosaki, Serin embarked on his brilliant career as a real estate flopper, er, flipper. “I wanted to move toward financial independence,” he told me by phone from his home in Sacramento, referring to “passive income,” a key tenet of the “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” scriptures (“Don’t work for money, allow money to work for you”).
Most people take these seminars and read these books but never do anything. Serin heeded the advice of these gurus. In his own words, he “bought 8 houses in 8 months in 4 states with no money down looking to fix ‘n flip.” He bought these houses between October 2005 and May 2006, after the U.S. real estate market had already begun to decline. He ended up $2.2 million in debt, and he’s been blogging about it ever since.
Serin’s story bugs a lot of people. He made many mistakes. He lied on his loan applications (and continues to rationalize this by saying it’s “industry standard policy”). He exhibits no regret. He continues to live a normal (even lavish) lifestyle despite being deep in debt. He refuses to pay anything on his debt because he doesn’t think it’ll make any difference. He refuses to take a job. He doesn’t take any action to improve his situation. He seems to be a publicity whore. Despite his failures, he believes that he can still get rich quick in real estate if he only finds some sweet deals.
I don’t get angry at Serin. I just think he’s dumb. He continues to pursue a way of life that is just not tenable. He’s trying to bypass the “hard work” portion of the American Dream. I consider his story a stark counterpoint to my message of “get rich slowly”. (Trivia: Casey went to high school with Ramit of I Will Teach You to Be Rich. The former tried to get rich quickly and failed. The latter teaches sensible entrepreneurship and personal finance advice, and has succeeded.)
As I said, I read the entire transcript of Serin’s two-hour conference call. It’s an amazing glimpse into the mind of a young man who wants wealth now. Since I know most people don’t have the time to wade through the entire thing, I’ve culled the best parts to share here.
The first thing that strikes you when reading Serin’s stuff is that he doesn’t seem to have learned his lesson. He’s two million dollars in debt, but he’s still convinced that there’s a quick fix for this mess.
Besides real estate, I’m also looking at other opportunities. With this exposure I’ve had, I’ve made a lot of interesting contacts in different industries, not just real estate. I’m talking with a gentleman in Southern California who’s a silver broker, for example. The silver and gold and precious metal market right now is on the rise, and whenever there’s turbulence, or any kind of a war, or anything crazy with the economy, that’s a good place to put your money. I’m definitely looking at that. I’m looking at stocks, but individual stocks, not mutual funds — the performers, the companies that are about to take off, that you’re able to make some money; for example, with penny stocks.
I want to mail Serin a box of personal finance books. I want to send him Dave Ramsey, Your Money or Your Life, the words of John Bogle. I want him to read real personal finance advice that works. But I’m afraid the books would go unread. (Does anyone have his address or know how to get it? Maybe I really will send him some personal finance books.)
At times Serin seems to have learned something. Regarding “no money down” deals, he says:
If I was putting my own cash down, I would have been a lot more careful. That’s what happens when you have a real down payment. Anybody out there who’s looking to do a no money down deal, I say, you have to be careful. Don’t treat the no money down as just a free deal for you.
But other times it seems he hasn’t learned a thing:
I love those no doc loans, they’re the best because you’re never stating anything so no one can ever go back and say you were lying on your application.
One caller tried to explain the concept of “buy low, sell high” to Serin, but he didn’t want to hear it.
CS: Well, you know, if you’re going to do flipping in a down market, here’s the biggest thing. Buying is going to be easy. There’s tons of people giving houses away, including myself. You come to me; I’ll give you my houses away. Just take them over, or whatever; save me from foreclosure. So, buying is not going to be the hard part. Selling is the tough part. You have to get really good at selling your properties, and in a down market, you probably don’t want to buy anything that’s not a first-time-buyer home. […] SC2K2: I just can’t handle how brainwashed you’ve been by all those seminars. CS: Oh, yeah? SC2K2: The way you make money in a down market, is you wait for the prices to bottom; you buy in paying very little; and then you sell when they’ve gone way up. Yeah, your Rich Dad probably — CS: That’s the long-term strategy. Are you saying you can’t do quick flips on the way down? SC2K2: You know, Casey, there’s no way you would be able to handle quick flips.
Serin isn’t interested in a long-term strategy. He wants his money now. He doesn’t see that this is precisely where he’s going wrong. While he’s focused on quick riches, he’s neglecting basic personal finance. For example:
I thought at the beginning it would be such an awesome story, a comeback story and show so much success to be able to pay everything back, but at the same time I think I had a bit of a wishful thinking going on, because I didn’t realize when I first started what kind of a hole I was in. The hole’s so big that at this point, I’m really out of options.
Yeah, but here’s what’s going to happen. I pay a credit card — even fifty bucks — that doesn’t do anything to the collection process. Here’s what happens: it’s going to go and get discharged, and then they’re going to try to sue me and try to get that money. So that fifty bucks could have been used better in something where I can actually make money, perhaps doing another deal —
And:
GDS: What’s your FICO now? CS: I actually don’t know because I haven’t logged into Washington Mutual in a while and I probably should have done that before this call, but last time I checked it was in the high 400’s, 490 I believe or something along those lines. It might be lower now because I’m going to have two official foreclosures showing up on my record any time. GDS: Well, it doesn’t go below 450, so it doesn’t get much — CS: It might be interesting to see if I might be a person that actually gets a 450 FICO score. I might be one of the few amongst some of my friends. I’m hoping other people don’t do the same thing I did.
The end of the conference call is the best part. A caller named Nacho tries to push Serin to think about his situation, about the things he’s done.
CS: Not everyone’s going to be successful and self-employed. But don’t you know self-employed doctors or lawyers or successful realtors or anybody who doesn’t have a W-2 but still makes money? It’s not like W-2’s the only… NACHO: But you haven’t been successful! So isn’t it time to try something else? Supplement your side jobs with a real job. CS: Well, you know, I never said I’m not going to get one. I’m definitely considering that, and since I do still have money coming in through some of those other sources, it allows me to stay flexible so I can still kind of be in real estate a little bit, and other opportunities. NACHO: Do you understand that the real estate market is tanking? Do you have a grasp of that? CS: Oh, yeah. That’s why I’m looking at other investing opportunities, not just real estate. NACHO: And do you understand that you bought in at the worst possible time? You do understand that, right? CS: It’s not like you can’t make money in a down market. My local Rich Dad, he made his fortune in the last downturn in California. But of course he had a lot more experience. NACHO: Did he have decent credit? Was he able to secure loans? CS: Well, he could secure loans. He had money partners. He had mentors. See, I kind of started off without any mentors guiding me, and that’s kind of one of my problems. And I didn’t have any construction experience. NACHO: You know what, Casey? I don’t think mentors is your problem. I think you’ve got enough with these guru mentors. I think that that’s the last thing you need. What you need is a swift kick in the ass, from somebody who’s going to tell you the truth. Seriously. Someone who’s going to tell you the truth. CS: I appreciate you being upfront and giving me a little dose of reality, as you said. NACHO: Well, that’s how I roll. I’m always trying to keep it real. I’m just trying to let you know, man, that you need to start looking at things differently. You’ve been going a certain way and it’s not working out for you, and you really need to change the way you’re viewing life. CS: Well, I appreciate it. NACHO: Because everybody that you owe money to is going to get shafted, and then, in turn, taxpayers are going to have to pay — you know, foot the bill. NACHO: Are you worried about going to jail? CS: I’ve already kind of addressed it, but the thing is, if I live my life in fear, what good is that going to do? NACHO: And you don’t think that you deserve to go? You don’t think that what you did was basic thievery? CS: Well, the thing is I wasn’t out to rob banks, I was out to make a business, and I screwed up. NACHO: But Casey, you got everything fraudulently. Come on, you knew in your heart that that was the wrong thing to do. CS: Part of me was thinking that maybe I shouldn’t be doing stated income loans, because even though everyone seems to be OKAY with it, I had a little bit of a gut instinct. I should have listened to it; you’re right. NACHO: And you understand that when you do things wrong like that, sometimes you have to pay the piper? CS: Oh, yeah. And do you think I’m paying the piper? NACHO: No, not yet. Not by any means, no. CS: You don’t think that all the financial stress and the issues I’m going through is not enough? NACHO: Absolutely not, Casey. I think you should be out there working your ass off — two jobs if necessary — paying five bucks a month on every single bill if that’s what it takes to pay this stuff down. I think you should be calling your creditors and making some sort of payment arrangement for you to — CS: You know what? Check this out; put yourself in my shoes. Even if I get three or five or ten jobs right now I’m not going to be able to catch all my loans up, so they’re going to go to collections, and they’re going to start suing me. So if the only good thing I can really do right now is bankruptcy protection or refinance all those loans. NACHO: If you pay five dollars a month on any bill, they can’t send it to collection, Casey, do you understand that? CS: Sure, they can. NACHO: No, they can’t. CS: If I don’t pay the full monthly payment — I can’t just keep letting them go… That means I can just pay a dollar on all my loans and they’ll just keeping indefinitely. They’re not going to do that. NACHO: I’m not talking about the foreclosure loans, I’m talking about the credit card bills. CS: Even the credit cards. NACHO: Casey, you have to do something to try and right this wrong. Who’s the guy who has the blog – I am [$334,442 in unsecured debt. I am 23. Will I make it ?] dollars, whatever the hell it is, in debt. CS: Yeah, the guy eating Ramen and stuff. Yeah, he’s eating Top Ramen; he’s doing all this other stuff. NACHO: He’s doing the right things. If you would do those things, people would be behind you. People would be giving you suggestions and telling you what to do. Do you understand that? CS: Well, you might have a good point there. But I wonder if that guy’s really for real, though. Do you think a person can survive on Top Ramen for six months? NACHO: Oh, yeah. Sure. CS: Do you think he can eat that crap and still be healthy and still be safe? NACHO: Yeah, throw some vegetables in there. Casey, the last thing you need to worry about right now, seriously, is eating your vegan — your mildly vegan — seriously, you throw some vegetables and a little bit of whatever, some chicken in the Top Ramen, and it’s fine. Have some beans and rice; that’s fine. Buy a big-ass bag of beans and a big-ass bag of rice and cook it up. Have oatmeal for breakfast —
Casey Serin may or may not be a good guy. I can’t tell. He seems likeable enough. But he has succumbed to the idea that the best way to make money is through tricks and games. I’m not saying that you have to be a wage slave all your life in order to get money to save for retirement. But there are clear, safe paths to wealth and happiness. They take time. They take effort. My goal is explore these paths with you. It’s too bad Casey’s not along for the journey.
Hear from seasoned successes and rapidly rising new agents in this special episode highlighting January 2022’s best real estate podcast moments. Guests share strategies, market predictions, opinions, and more. Listen and learn what these Real Estate Rockstars are doing to make 2022 their business’ best year yet.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Why agents must add value [4:37]
How to get an offer accepted right now [5:43]
Advice on starting a real estate team [8:26]
How to succeed in today’s competitive real estate markets [8:39]
Stop looking at list price like it even matters [9:02]
Advice for people who are considering a career in real estate [9:51]
Why Karen likes FSBO leads [12:56]
Smart real estate investment strategies for the younger generation [15:03]
Giving clients extra value [17:36]
The business-owner mindset ness [19:08]
Leading with your core values to build a quality team [20:54]
Blake’s first real estate deal [25:08]
Planting seeds with potential clients as a new agent [26:27]
Advice on accomplishing your goals with visualization [30:29]
What Real Estate Rockstars taught Chaz about winning business [30:54]
Why new agents need to be intentional about their business [33:23]
The stock market crash and how it could impact real estate [34:31]
Don’t rely on headlines to make financial decisions [35:33]
The secret to successfully selling new builds [37:08]
Three things Robert wishes he knew as a new agent [39:09]
Related Links and Resources:
Thank You Rockstars! It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email. -Aaron Amuchastegui
Are you tired of being asked why you’re still single? It can be one of the most draining and uncomfortable questions out there. But fret not—being single doesn’t need to mean being alone! In this blog post, we’ll provide tips on how to respond when someone asks why you’re still single, teaching them (and reminding yourself!) that it’s more than okay to be unattached for now. So whether it’s your first time facing such an inquiry or the 50th, get ready to take back control with these simple responses from Redditors:
1. I have Personality Flaws I’m Unwilling Fix
One user shared, “Because I have raging personality flaws that I’m unwilling to work on. Usually prevents any follow-up questions.”
Another user replied, “This is good. The first step is accepting that you have problems you’re unwilling to fix.”
One commenter added, “… I’ve never seen myself described in a single sentence before.”
Another Redditor said, “And you don’t even need to lie this time! Yeah, I see the issue here.”
2. Have you Seen the Economy!?
One Redditor posted, “Have you seen the economy!?”
One replied, “In this economy???? Hahaha, but I know people that live together ‘as a couple’ just because it is cheaper than separate. I live in Brazil, but I know Brazilians in Portugal that live in 3 couples in a small three-bedroom condo, just because six people working to share rent is the only way to make the month.”
One user added, “The economy is in shambles.”
3 My In-laws were Unable to Conceive
One user commented, “My in-laws were unable to conceive.”
Another added, “That’s really creative.”
One Redditor commended, “That’s the best reply I’ve ever seen. I wish I had enough brains to remember it.”
Another user said, “Excellently clever. I’m envious.”
One commenter added, “I had to think about this for a moment.”
“Imma use this next time,” one user concluded.
4. You See how Picky I am about Shoes: They only go on my Feet!
One user posted, “Go full-on Cher from Clueless: “You see how picky I am about my shoes, and they only go on my feet!”
One commenter replied, “That movie was amazing.”
Another shared, “My go-to answer at this point is, ‘I really don’t know.’ Because I really don’t.”
5. Because I have a Radio Face
One user shared, “Because I got a face for radio work.”
One replied, “…and a body for Standard Def.”
Another one responded, “…and a voice fit for silent films.”
One commenter said, “Objection! Radio work would not be a viable career choice if that were the case!”
6. Look at my Face and Take a Guess
One online user commented, “Look at my face and body and take a wild [hecking] guess.”
One responded, “‘But you don’t look bad at all.’ ‘If that’s so, would you date me?’ ‘Eww, no.’ ‘So you think I look bad.’ ‘I already told you that you don’t look bad at all.’ ‘So it’s me you don’t like.’”
One user commented, “Unironically correct, lol.”
7. I didn’t Pass the Beauty Standards
One Redditor stated, “I didn’t pass the beauty standards of my country.”
One replied. “You pass the beauty standards of Antarctica.”
Another added, “Sounds like a compliment … until it isn’t. Also, how dare you assume that the ten or so scientists that are stationed there aren’t super hot.”
One commenter added, “They’re, at the least, very cold.”
Another user shared, “Penguins are really attractive.”
8 I Don’t Meet Eligible People
One user posted, “I don’t meet people (who could be potential partners), and I think more and more that I am not a ‘date’ type of person.”
One user replied, “You missed the arranged marriage era. It might have worked out for you. Perhaps you could borrow someone’s overbearing mother to find you a match.”
One Redditor added, “I have a couple of coworkers. One is Bangladeshi, the other is Indian. Their parents were like ‘Times are changing, you can marry for love if you want, and we’ll support you,’ and my coworkers were like ‘What the heck, you mean I’d have to DATE? [Forget that], please find me a husband.’
“Anyway one is now happily married and the other is constantly roasting her dad because he keeps offering her deadbeats riding on their dad’s coattails.”
Another commenter added, “No joke, arranged marriage sounds better and better, these days.”
“Yes, yes, I didn’t consider that. Tnx,” another user replied.
9. Why not?
One of the Redditor commented, “Why not?”
One user then added, “That’s basically my response when my extended family asks this. They all have that small town, hurry up and settle down mentality, and are ALWAYS on my case about being single with no kids whenever I visit. Took me far too long to realize some of them are actually jealous. My money is MY MONEY. My time is MY TIME. I don’t have to confer with anyone before making a decision.”
Another user responded, “Misery loves company. They’re jealous…”
One Redditor added, “Do what you want whenever you want and indulge yourself and no sacralfices.”
Another user stated, “I’ve got a lot of friends from my hometown like that. I see how miserable some of them are and that’s repellent enough. Some of em got married way too young and didn’t vet their SO enough and realized they were crazy after they already got married.”
10. I’ve got the Personality of a Spoon
“I’ve got the personality of a spoon,” one user shared.
Another asked, “Big spoon or little spoon?”
The OP answered, “The one you can never find a purpose for.”
Another user replied, “Salad spoon.”
11. Because I’d Rather be Alone and Happy
One online user commented, “Because i’d rather be alone and happy than dealing with someone else’s work drama and emotional problems lol.”
One replied, “Being in a relationship seems so exhausting, I’ve been single for several years now and have absolutely no urge to date.”
Another user commented, “too real.”
12. Because I Tell the Truth
One Redditor shared, “I tell the truth. I’m shy and don’t really meet new people. I’ve not added to my friend group, aside from partners of existing friends, in about 20 years. At work I have acquaintances from work—they’re nice people but I don’t communicate with them outside of work. I live alone, I work mainly alone, I don’t have any hobbies or interest groups.”
One replied, “Same.”
13. None of your Business
“None of your business… that’s my usual response,” said one of the users.
Another user replied, “‘It’s because of Narnia.’ ‘Narnia?’ ‘Narnia business.’”
One also added, “It’s even cooler to turn it around on them: ‘Why would you think that’s your business?’”
Finally, another replied, “If they don’t know you that well, try weeping excessively. That discourages follow-up questions.”
14. I’m not Single; I have a Motorcycle
One of the users said, “I’m not single. I have a motorcycle.”
Another user replied, “My cat takes up most of my free time.”
Another one responded, “What kind?”
One user added, “….and her name is Betsy and she lets me ride her all day and night, whenever I want.”
15. I’m Happy Single Right Now: Don’t Want to Ruin It
One Redditor also shared, “I’m happy single rn. I wouldn’t want to ruin it.”
Another added, “When I was still single my response to this question was always ‘because I’m in a happy relationship with myself.’ I wasn’t, but it’s the thought that counts.”
One also confirmed, “I got out of a relationship a few months ago, it’s been rough but I really love my personal freedom. I’ll jump back in when I get tired of myself.”
Source: Reddit.
Who is one actress you can never stand watching, no matter their role? After polling the internet, these were the top-voted actresses that people couldn’t stand watching.
10 Actresses People Despise Watching Regardless of Their Role
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
We’ve all heard the famous adage that “no publicity is bad publicity,” and while it tends to be accurate, there are certainly exceptions. But what about those few stars who stay out of the limelight and get along without a hint of trouble?
These 7 Celebrities are Genuinely Good People
Have you ever known someone and thought you liked them—until you learned about their hobbies? Then you get to know them and then you’re like, “Wow, red flag.” Well, you’re not alone.
These 10 Activities Are an Immediate Red Flag
Some celebrities definitely seem to enjoy the limelight and keep working to stay in the public eye. While others quickly move out of the spotlight. Many of these actors and actresses stepped out of the spotlight to live a more private life without constant media pressures.
10 Celebrities That Made the Big Times Then Disappeared Off The Face of the Earth
We’ve all been there – sitting through a movie that we can’t help but cringe at, but somehow it still manages to hold a special place in our hearts.
These 10 Terrible Movies Are Still People’s Favorites
When deciding which applicants to accept, colleges and universities typically look for the best of the best. But, that doesn’t always mean the “best” is the person with the highest grades in high school.
Yes, a student’s grade point average, or GPA, is a good metric for measuring just what and how successfully they completed their high school course, but how much does a student’s GPA really matter for college admission? It depends.
Keep reading to find out when it matters, when it doesn’t, and all the other factors college admissions take into account beyond a student’s GPA.
Weighted vs Unweighted GPA
Traditionally, high schools measure a student’s academic performance on an unweighted GPA scale, meaning the number only goes up to a 4.0 for an A in a class. This measurement method does not take into account the difficulty level of classes, so an honors English class will be measured in the same way as a non-honors class.
On the other hand, weighted GPAs do take into account the difficulty level of a student’s coursework. Most weighted GPA scales measure from a 0 to a 5.0. This means, an AP-level or honors level class could earn a student a 5.0, while a lower-level class will only reward A work with a 4.0.
A weighted scale can offer students a little more flexibility when it comes to their overall GPA. Say a student is taking four classes, one is an honors level course and the three others are typical classes. The student receives an A in the honors class, which accounts for a 5.0; an A in two other courses, denoting a 4.0 and a 4.0, and a B in the last, at a 3.0. Despite receiving a B in a course, that would still end up with a weighted 4.0 GPA. 💡 Quick Tip: You can fund your education with a low-rate, no-fee private student loan that covers all school-certified costs.
Do Colleges Look at Weighted vs. Unweighted?
For the sake of looking at all applicants equally, colleges generally look at unweighted GPAs. They will typically separately consider how rigorous the coursework was. So, for example, if you took all AP classes and have an unweighted 4.0 GPA, you would be seen as a stronger applicant than someone who took less challenging courses and also got an unweighted 4.0, even though your GPAs are the same.
Colleges also look at unweighted GPAs (as well as standardized test scores and other factors) for merit-based scholarships. The more successful students are more likely to receive tuition funding.
College admissions staff may also look into other things when it comes to a student’s GPA, including grade trends. If a student didn’t start out high school on the best note, but performed well during their junior and senior year with a strong GPA, admissions may see that as excellent growth and perseverance in a student’s academic career.
Recommended: How Do Grades Affect Your Student Loans?
A “Good” GPA
Again, it’s important to remember that your GPA isn’t everything and that college admissions staff will likely look at much more than just your grades. However, it’s also always nice to know where you stand amongst the pack.
The average high school GPA is around 3.0 (or a B), including students who do and don’t apply to college. However, the average GPA for students applying to college is closer to 3.5 to 4.0, and the average for students applying to Ivy League schools can be even higher – 4.00 or close to it.
The average weighted GPA is 4.15 at Harvard and MIT.
While GPA isn’t everything, it’s a good idea to keep it in mind when deciding which schools, or how many, to apply to.
Recommended: How to Get Into College With a GED
What Else Do Colleges Look At?
Yes, colleges will take into account a student’s GPA. However, colleges and universities also take into account a complete picture of who a student is. That means they look into trends in a student’s grades throughout their education and likely look at a student’s test scores on the SAT or ACT.
College admissions officers also look at a student’s involvement in extracurriculars, sports teams, their involvement in their community through organizations and volunteer work, and any relevant work experience.
Admissions staff will also likely weigh a student’s application using their recommendation letters, which speak to a student’s merit far beyond their grades. Admissions will also read a student’s complete application and read any required essays.
Again, a lot goes into the admissions process, and grades aren’t the end all be all. This all means when you are preparing for college, even in your early high school years, you may want to prepare by diversifying your interests and pursuits to ensure they can tell a larger story in their application.
Colleges That Don’t Take GPA Into Account
There are schools out there with low or no minimum GPA requirements for applicants. These include many for-profit schools, as well as community colleges. In fact, if your GPA is on the lower end, you might consider attending a community college for a year or two and then transferring to a four-year university or college.
For example, California Community Colleges do not have a minimum GPA or testing requirements for incoming students. Attending a community college could be a great way for students to learn and grow personally and academically, and to increase their academic performance before transferring.
No Matter a Student’s GPA, It’s Good to Have a Plan
Being financially prepared for college can help take some of the stress away from worrying about how your GPA will affect your chances of admission.
While filling out applications, you may want to also look into all your financial options as well. This begins with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you are eligible for federal student aid, which include grants, scholarships, work-study, and federal loans.
If you still have gaps to fill, you may also want to consider a private student loan via a bank, credit union, or private lender. Unlike federal student loans, this involves a credit check. Students who have strong finances (or have a cosigner who does) stand to get lower interest rates and more favorable loan terms. Keep in mind that private student loans don’t come with government protections such as forbearance and forgiveness programs. 💡 Quick Tip: It’s a good idea to understand the pros and cons of private student loans and federal student loans before committing to them.
The Takeaway
GPA is one factor in the college admissions process. How heavily GPA is weighted as a factor in admissions decisions will vary from school to school. Many schools will list the average GPA of admitted students, which can help give you an idea of how your GPA stacks up to students at that school. Other factors for admission might include a student’s transcript, letters of recommendation, and personal essay.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
Cover up to 100% of school-certified costs including tuition, books, supplies, room and board, and transportation with a private student loan from SoFi.
SoFi Loan Products SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
SoFi Private Student Loans Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student Loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. You should exhaust all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Private Student Loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, and applicants must meet SoFi’s eligibility and underwriting requirements. See SoFi.com/eligibility-criteria for more information. To view payment examples, click here. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Depending on budget and location, you must select an apartment with less square footage than you dreamed. How small is too small? What about a 200-square-feet apartment?
Micro-apartments are becoming more popular as rents go back up in major urban spots like New York City. It might be all you need if you hate clutter and love a minimalist aesthetic. You can make it work as a single person or a couple.
But how big is 200 square feet, really?
How to calculate 200 square feet
When you’re touring the apartment complex, the leasing agent will let you know the square footage of every unit you see. But, what if the community isn’t as formal, you’re looking into a smaller complex or a garage apartment?
Knowing how to measure the square footage of your future home is incredibly helpful. Here’s how to do it.
You’ll need a pencil, paper, your phone’s calculator and a long tape measure (100-foot or more)
Start with the first room in the apartment. Look at the room’s shape — is it a rectangle, triangle, trapezoid or another shape? This will help record the dimensions of the room.
Use the tape measure and measure the width and length of the room in inches, rounding up to the nearest inch (or feet if your tape measure has it). You want whole numbers for this.
If you measured inches, divide each number by 12 to convert it to feet.
Use this square footage calculator to input the width and length of the room in feet. You’ll get the square footage of the room you’re in. Do this in every apartment room and add the square footage together at the end of all rooms.
Can you live in 200 square feet?
You’ve seen the headlines, “Can you believe this person lives in 200 square feet?” How big is 200 square feet, really? For example, a 400-square-feet apartment is about the size of a standard two-car garage. At the same time, a school bus equals a 300-square-feet apartment.
The best way to visualize 200 square feet is to think about a one-car garage with an average-sized car with little room on the sides. It will be a small studio that you’ll have to furnish strategically and keep low on clutter.
This studio floor plan from Nora Apartments in Seattle, WA, is an example of what an apartment close to 200 square feet looks like.
Source: Rent./Nora Apartments
Tips for living in 200 square feet
You don’t have to sacrifice your style or your sanity to live in 200 square feet.
Go monochrome
Paint can take you very far in a small space. A cool bright white from floor to ceiling and cohesive finishes will instantly make the space look bigger. Choose a neutral color palette that you’ll carry from your furniture to your linens and accessories to create a calm space.
Too much color can quickly overwhelm the senses in a 200-square-foot apartment. For example, keep your bedding crisp white with subtle stripes if you need a pattern. It will open up the space and make it look more together.
Have a place for everything
Having a place for everything means no clutter. Decide what you need to display and what doesn’t in each room and put it away.
If you need more small space storage, go vertical with shelves above the couch, the toilet or your desk. It will clear the floor and make the space look bigger. Get clever with your space usage. Use baskets or the inside of your oven for your pots when not in use.
Embrace dual-purpose furniture
Can a desk function as a work spot and your nightstand? How are you using your closet for clothes and homewares?
Have a big suitcase? Use it to store your blankets and bedsheets when not in use. Maximize your space by using the space under your sofa, bed and coffee table to store, display and organize any of your things.
Understand your layout
Understanding a small apartment’s main paths and overall layout will help determine the main spaces to decorate and prioritize. It’s not enjoyable to keep tripping over something because it’s not in the right place.
Identify the paths you take the most to the kitchen, bathroom and bed to mark them off-limits when buying furniture. This will quickly bring a little peace to the chaos and make your apartment look more put-together.
Clean windows
This seems small, but keeping your windows clean will bring more natural light into the space and make it seem brighter. Place a mirror nearby to reflect all that good light to other spots in your small apartment.
Only use thin, light-colored curtains to maximize the light for those windows.
Make your 200-square-foot apartment mighty
It all comes down to your lifestyle — 200 square feet is more than enough for someone with a minimalist personality that doesn’t need too much. Just because you are going minimal, it doesn’t mean you can’t make that apartment a home.
You can make this small apartment beyond cozy while being intentional about what you bring into it. Don’t get too stuck in the “how big is 200 square feet” and more in the potential for you.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
Take action on your real estate career and start making progress toward your goals! On today’s podcast with 30 Under 30 Honoree Dhaval Patel, we discuss why you shouldn’t wait to start working on your real estate career. We also share how to get over the fear of rejection when prospecting, offer our real estate predictions, and cover the benefits of joining a real estate team as a new agent.
Listen to today’s show and learn:
Dhaval Patel’s start in real estate [2:35]
Why Dhaval wanted to become a real estate agent [4:49]
What prospecting looks like for a first-year real estate agent [6:44]
Getting over the fear of rejection [8:23]
Dhaval’s favorite real estate script [9:19]
Dhaval’s favorite real estate CRM [10:54]
How to get the results you want in real estate [12:45]
Aaron’s best office experience [14:44]
Dhaval’s first real estate deal [15:40]
The key to succeeding in real estate as a new agent [16:38]
Dhaval’s real estate goals for 2024 [19:17]
NAR’s 30 Under 30 Application process [21:40]
Finding balance between growth and action [23:40]
The value of mentorship and training [26:44]
The benefits of joining an experienced team [29:30]
How to beat turnover with company culture [31:03]
The No.1 real estate market in the nation [33:10]
Why buyer consultations are so important right now [35:42]
Real estate market analytics [36:42]
Real estate market predictions [39:13]
Dhaval’s advice on analyzing opportunities [42:08]
The best predictor of a real estate bubble [44:05]
The best way to connect with Dhaval Patel [46:10]
Dhaval Patel
Dhaval has lived in MA/CT for the past 10 years and has helped nearly forty families buy/sell their homes in the past 18 months. He looks forward to helping guide you on your real estate journey!
Their team @ ROVI Homes has over 100 years of combined real estate experience, and they are proud to be the #1 Real Estate Team in Massachusetts, in both Sales & Volume for 2021!
Dhaval’s mission is to relentlessly serve your best interest and add tremendous value, leveraging their key partnerships to give you a world-class real estate experience!
Related Links and Resources:
It might go without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway: We really value listeners like you. We’re constantly working to improve the show, so why not leave us a review? If you love the content and can’t stand the thought of missing the nuggets our Rockstar guests share every week, please subscribe; it’ll get you instant access to our latest episodes and is the best way to support your favorite real estate podcast. Have questions? Suggestions? Want to say hi? Shoot me a message via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or Email.
Neil Surgenor: I was a financial advisor in the late 1990s through early 2001, working for a top 10 investment firm. I was also a trader for the largest short-term trading company in the world at that time. I enjoyed Wall Street, but there was some volatility in the financial markets at the time, making … [Read more…]
Achieving success as a real estate agent requires more than simply understanding the mechanics of the job. Yes, you should certainly be able to post an impressive listing and understand the ins and outs of closing, but helping buyers and sellers means cultivating a diverse set of skills to navigate a complex and ever-changing real estate market. Here are 10 essential skills every real estate agent should possess.
1. Solid understanding of the market
It doesn’t matter if you specialize in investment properties, second homes, condos, or single-family homes for first-time buyers. The first skill you need is the desire and drive to stay current with market conditions. This includes understanding:
This knowledge helps you find the best properties for your buyers and ensures that you price a seller’s property appropriately.
2. Skillful communication
Communication is one of the most critical skills a real estate professional can cultivate. These skills help you to be both a better listener and a better speaker. And why is this so important?
Real estate professionals who listen carefully better understand their clients’ wants and needs. They won’t waste time on mismatched properties or investments beyond a client’s reach. And when it’s time to wade through complicated contract language or explain the benefits or drawbacks of a property, agents who communicate better have a leg up on their competition.
3. Talent for negotiation
Negotiation isn’t easy. There’s a delicate balance between being assertive and pushy compared to compromising and capitulating. Real estate agents who work hard to refine their skills are better at reading a buyer or seller so they can negotiate the best deal possible, even under challenging circumstances.
4. Dedication to service
Real estate is, in the end, customer service. So how does your customer service measure up?
Do you promptly return emails and phone calls?
Are you available to show properties during high-demand times (weekends and evenings, and, yes, sometimes holidays)?
Are you ready to go above and beyond to meet a customer’s needs?
If you answered “no” to any of the above questions, chances are good your customer relations need some work. This does not mean you should allow clients to walk all over you. But ultimately, if you want to close the deal, the customer (with a bit of hand-holding) is always right. It can be challenging to deal with needy clients, but they can also be the most loyal when you demonstrate your commitment to their happiness.
5. Ability to network
As with many jobs these days, you’re only as good as your team. Real estate agents may seem like lone wolves, but they are just the leader of a tight-knit pack of professionals. These include:
Contractors
Inspectors
Loan officers
Closing agents
Real estate attorneys
Real estate professionals who can call on a trusted network to make the deal move through the channels smoothly are more successful and sought after than those who struggle to make or keep contacts.
6. Marketing skills
Real estate agents are a little of everything: teacher, counselor, and financial adviser. Another hat to place on your head? Marketer.
Nothing draws more potential buyers than a beautifully crafted listing with eye-catching photos and tantalizing text. That doesn’t happen all on its own. And once you get that perfect listing assembled, it’s time to blast it on social media to get even more eyes on it.
Skillful marketing is also about understanding who’s buying and selling. A change in the target demographic means adjusting your marketing strategy appropriately. Some old-school realtors need help to adapt to marketing methods beyond paper advertising or direct mail. Don’t let that be you.
7. Comfort with new technology
Marketing is another area that has seen massive change in the last decade. These days, buyers and sellers complete complex real estate transactions from their couch, never visiting a property or setting foot in a closing agent’s office. So how comfortable are you with new real estate technology?
Can you:
Send and receive documents for electronic signatures?
Set up virtual property tours and respond to questions from them?
Manage tour scheduling on a website?
Decipher property valuation software for clients?
Realtors who are not comfortable with the latest technology in real estate will not be as successful in the years to come.
8. Time management
There’s an old saying: There’s no such thing as being on time — only late or early. It’s common for people to juggle full-time work, family, and volunteer activities, but how do you get it all done?
Time management. It doesn’t matter what your system is for being on time and meeting deadlines, so long as you have one. No client wants to feel like they are last on your list, even if you have a sick toddler or an overdue project for a night class. Use online planning tools or a paper notebook: whatever it takes to ensure your clients get the attention and service they need right on time.
9. Emotional intelligence
Buying and selling a home can be a complex and emotional process. Maybe a family is selling the home of a loved one who has moved to assisted living and needs to liquidate this asset. Perhaps a first-time buyer is realizing the dream of their first step to generational wealth building.
It’s not just a simple business transaction for these sellers and buyers. It’s personal, and you need to have the emotional intelligence necessary to honor their experience while still serving the needs of the transaction. It’s a delicate balance, but it’s essential to ease people through sometimes-challenging transitions.
10. Integrity
Integrity is doing the right thing even if no one is looking, and it can be a difficult skill in a profession with its fair share of dubious loopholes and quasi-legal transactions that nevertheless feel a little “off.”
Don’t be that real estate professional who goes for the deal at any cost. Too many people get so blinded by the possibility of lucrative commissions that they neglect to act ethically. This compromises the respect of the profession overall and can undoubtedly damage your reputation locally.
Act in a way that feels ethical and honorable to maintain personal integrity and achieve a successful career you can be proud of.
Luke Babich is co-founder and CEO of Clever Real Estate.
In our latest real estate tech entrepreneur interview, we’re speaking with Raj Dosanjh from Rent Round.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Raj Dosanjh, founder of property manager comparison site Rent Round that saves landlords & property owners money. I began the business in 2019 and growth has been amazing since (at times hard to keep up with!)
I also run a regulatory consultancy that works with banks such as Bank of New York & Deutsche Bank. Somehow, I find time to also manage my own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu martial arts club as well.
What problem does your product/service solve?
Finding a property manager is often difficult for property owners & landlords. There’s a lot of ambiguity on costs, services and regulations the property managers adhere to. It’s sad to say there’s also a lot of jargon used that can be extremely confusing for those not experts in the rental market.
This is the actual reason I started the business. I was looking for property managers for my own properties in the U.K. I was perplexed at how hard it was to find a well-rated property manager and a reasonable price.
Landlords use our platform to scan property manager fees and ratings in their local area. This enables them to pick the property manager that’s right for them and at a fair price.
On the flip side, Rent round helps property managers get leads, i.e. people who need their services. The property manager market is highly saturated so, for the best property managers, we increase their income substantially.
What are you most excited about right now?
I’m excited about the current levels of growth, even during the current covid-19 pandemic.
It’s difficult in the current environment for property managers to take on new business. People aren’t buying property and tenants aren’t moving. This gives them a lot of time to look into how to grow the business and get ready for the post-pandemic future.
We’ve seen a large uptick in property managers joining our platform which is amazing to see.
We’ve got a host of new functionality just released that makes it easier for landlords to find their property manager. For example, we’ve reduced the time it takes to run a comparison and contact a property manager to 30 seconds. Aside from the benefits this brings to the business, I get excited about creating ‘nice’ things. RentRound’s polished and seamless platform is for sure one of those.
What’s next for you?
When I started the business, I set myself two growth areas for when the current model sees success. Now we have over 300 property managers listed in the UK, the ball is now rolling for the expansion of Rent Round.
First, we are expanding our service into the U.S. It’s obviously a larger market than the U.K and will have a different set of challenges, but I’m confident it will be successful.
The second area the business will grow into is the real estate selling market. The problems that resulted in me starting Rent Round are also apparent when people are looking to sell their property.
Separately, I’m also excited to be onboarding a new director into the businesses. My time is spread across many ventures so the extra support will no doubt provide more focus on the areas we need to grow into.
What’s a cause you’re passionate about and why?
As mentioned previously, I run my own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu club. This martial art has been a great passion of mine for over 8 years and I’ve competed many times. I’m ecstatic that my passion has become a business.
My daughter is now 4 years old and as that’s the earliest stage to start, she cooercing me to start kids classes. We’re going to be doing them differently and not part of income generating businesses. Classes will be offered to underprivileged children for free.
Martial arts develops great focus & discipline. I hope that with the mindset children get from my classes, they’re able to implement that in the studies & future career.
I’m also passionate about animal rights (yes, I’m an annoying vegan). I’m proud of my contributions to animal welfare societies and attendance at various organised protests. With the covid-19 pandemic linked to animal farming, it’s a crucial time for the world to look at sustainability and our future as a species.
Thanks to Raj for sharing his story. If you’d like to connect, find him on LinkedIn here.
We’re constantly looking for great real estate tech entrepreneurs to feature. If that’s you, please read this post — then drop me a line (drew @ geekestatelabs dot com).