

Whiners Vs. Winners
As banks fail, markets crash, and heads roll, it becomes all too easy to get wrapped up in finger pointing and blame finding. As a young child, my father forbade me from using the "F" word....Fault. His reasoning was simple; it just doesn't matter. I cannot think of a more important time to remember this than right now. If you click through enough forum posts in our own beloved Bigger Pockets you will find our share of fear mongering and self doubt.
I suspect that this is the exact point in time when Mr. Buffet would encourage us to be greedy, as the vast majority are fearful. It felt really good to buy real estate in 2005. Unfortunatley, those "feelings" were erroneous. To many, it feels really strange to plunge in and invest, given the current market conditions. The lesson to learn here is that feelings will lead you astray. Simple math and action will lead you to profits.
As a specialist in distressed real estate sales, I can assure you that for the first time in recent memory, I can readily find real estate investments that actually make sense. Long gone are the days of buying for "appreciation". Property can again be purchased for 75-80 times rent. Opportunity is plentiful and true investors are poised for success. All that is needed is a basic understanding of valuing cash flows and a winning attitude.
As we speak, the Senate just voted in favor of the "Bail Out Bill". I am not certain that this Bill will really fix anything. However, I would be willing that it will provide opportunity. I believe the winners will seize the opportunity and the whiners will continue to point fingers.
Comments (4)
I am reading old posts today. This one will be valuable again soon. The market is sprinting towards another crash
Josh Caldwell, over 8 years ago
Jordan, The deals are out there, if you know how to buy. It seems as if you are acting fearful when others are acting fearful. If you have a formula for purchasing properties that cash flow and debt service, then why do you need to "time" the market? You should never invest without having reserves, even in a "good" market.
Dave P., over 16 years ago
Thats absolutely bad advice to say we should be acting like Buffett right now. Warren has a cushion of safety that equals all of our networths combined. if the market continues to decline (which it will) he wont be afraid of impending margin calls/ house foreclosures. there are only deals relative to last years prices. wait till after Christmas for the true sales....
Account Closed, over 16 years ago
Great post, Dave! Buffett is buying like crazy right now, and so should the rest of us. Like you said, now is as good a time as I can remember to be buying investment real estate . . . there are great deals all over the place!
Joshua Dorkin, over 16 years ago