Friday, January 04, 2008

New Year, New Look, New Goals

It's the new year, so what better thing to do than change my blog's template and add my goals for the year. I decided to go with the new template as it shows more of my post's content than the old one. It's the same template I use for my other blog, so I hope it doesn't get confusing.

I also decided to jot down some of my goals for the new year:

Sell House #1 - I really, really like this property, but I want to sell it and use the proceeds to buy one or more multifamily properties. It's been a good house and I hate to see it go, but I need to move on to bigger and better things. I also am not fond of landlording SFR's that much any more.

Buy (or partner to buy) at least one multifamily property - I have been actively looking for a multifamily property in and out-of state. Hopefully, my persistence will pay off with a lucrative deal that will put some cash in my pocket each month. I want to wring my hands of landlording (at least for now), so it will be a lot more hands-off for me. I plan to use (some of) the proceeds from the sale of House #1 to purchase it/them.

Finish writing and publish at least one book - I am actively writing two books, but it's hard to say at the moment which book will get done first. Everyone seems to have a book on real estate investing, and I am writing one, too. Mine has a slightly different angle than almost any other REI book I've seen, so maybe it will differentiate itself from the others in the marketplace. The other book has nothing whatsoever to do with REI, or even real estate itself.

Build a web site - I've also been actively writing this as well. I have the infrastructure written, but may need to outsource some of the design as I am not graphically artistic at all. I'm still thinking through some of the design issues to see if I even want any heavy graphics in the first place. I won't say much about the web site's purpose at this point other than it will provide a free service to the public. I'm hoping to have it operational before the summer, if all goes as planned.

Move clothing apparel idea from 'concept' to 'reality' - This was my #1 endeavor a few months ago, but I've let it slip down the priority list, unfortunately. I think it has a lot of potential, but I need to create a few proof of concepts and test the market first. It also involves 3rd-party branding, which I must say has been why I have procrastinated so much.

Create at least one other business endeavor - Actually, I've already started the initial stages of this idea. I've talked with one person who owns their own web hosting business and he agrees that it could be successful. I also have done some research the past year and feel that this industry will blossom over the next few years.

Buy at least five domain names and sell at least three domain names - This is a really low priority, but it's something that seems easy and profitable that I just can't ignore doing it sometime this year. I already have a list of about 15 names that could earn some money (nothing huge, but profitable just the same), and maybe I'll buy some/most/all those names and try selling them.

Whew! Lot's of work to do this year, and I need to get started on some of these now.

3 comments:

Trisha#1 said...

Hi, Steve! I really like the new format!

Are you focusing mainly on multi's in Texas, or are you branching out? Forgive me if you wrote that and I missed it somehow. I'm just wondering where the latest "hot spot" is these days.

Steve said...

Hi Trisha - Not sure where the current "hotspot" is, but have heard the central Texas is supposed to be in the top-10 or so. Judging by the influx of out-of-area buyers the last 1-2 years, I believe it. Although, from my viewpoint I am not seeing much hoopla in the area. House #1 sat for sale for almost 4 months at just under market value last summer, so it's definitely not "hot" in my opinion. I'm looking nationwide at the moment for multis. I've found a few properties already, but am a little hesitant after that 4-plex nightmare I went through last year. I've looked in OK, too, and noticed a few properties, but it's hard to say if they are worth it without actually being there in person. I'll send you a PM with some more info when I have a few minutes.

Unknown said...

Hey Steve,

Long time no talk! I'm still around, but waiting on the sidelines before buying more realestate.

Anyway, a comment about you goals. This is my 2 cents and it may be worth that (lol), but I think you are trying to do too much.

Your a family a guy like me and your time is valuable. Its fun starting websites and looking at houses, but you have stick with a few things and get real good at it.

Is this a hobby or are you trying to insure your families financial future?

Taka care!