Holiday Happenings

Attention to REI
I spent very little time this holiday break working with REI. I used the time mainly to spend with my family. The little time I did devote to REI was spent reading material I have and perusing web sites. I have still not made the first leap into actually making my first deal. I still have a few days before I have to return to work, but they will be spent mainly with family and guests.

Negotiating My Homewoner's Insurance
I received my HO's insurance statement a few weeks back. It is due the first week of January each year, and when I went to get it., I noticed I had misplaced it. I looked everywhere for the thing, but have not found it. So, I dropped by my agent's office to pay the bill and get a policy resent to me. Interestingly enough, it turned out for the good. While talking to my agent, I was able to negotiate $58 off my bill. How? I had asked the agent why my bill increased from last year, and she showed me how they calculated it. I told her that the dwelling amount seemed rather high, and asked if they could reduce the amount. She balked a little, but ended up reducing it a couple thousand. Using a technique I had read in one of my REI books, I then said, Is that the best you can do? She ended up taking another couple thousand off, and I walked out of there owing $58 less.

Some Leads for My Financial Team
During the process of talking to my insurance agent (well, really my agent's wife, who was sitting in for my agent), I asked if my agent deals with RE investors. She said 'yes', and she would set up a meeting with me and my agent to discuss it further.

My wife and I have also been talking about revising our wills, and have an appointment with a lawyer next week to go over it. The lawyer also handles RE, so I figure I can ask a few questions in the process about that, too. The initial consultation is free and is for one hour. I'm sure I can squeeze in some time to ask about REI with her on top of the main reason we will be there.