Hi World!
As I reflect on the past 5 years of my life I wonder what I could’ve done differently as it relates to business and the life choices I’ve made. A lot of “what ifs” tend to run through my mind: How would my life have been different if I’d formed the relationships I’ve formed this past year, 5 years prior? God and these new relationships have been instrumental in the success I have had this past year in Real Estate. After all, they say your network determines your net worth! My hope is that this blog will not only help educate you on the benefits of real estate, but also empower you to be your best self and see success as the only option.
I am Justin Smith. Those who know me can attest to me being a regular, down-to-earth kind of guy. Some may know me to have dabbled in numerous business ventures and others may call me a serial entrepreneur. At some point in life, I may have tried to get you to a seminar or meeting to pitch an idea that I thought could “change your life!”
It’s funny how life comes full circle. ..
My cousin recently sent me an email dated October 1, 2008 with the subject line “Real Estate Training Manual.” Six years ago, I created and gave him this manual, providing a step- by- step blueprint on how to identify and flip houses in Ohio. I know many of you have heard of the A&E television show “Flip this House.” On this show, real estate mogul Than Miller purchases run down homes, rehabs them, and then sells them for double the money he purchased them for. The success of Than’s television program coupled with his success in real estate, has piqued the attention of everyday Americans looking to flip homes and invest in real estate. Than created a curriculum aimed at doing just that. As I sat looking at Than’s real estate curriculum a few weeks back, all I could do was shake my head. Some of the same programs and trainings Than Miller is selling worldwide, was created by little ole' me 6 years ago. The difference between Than and I is that he executed his plan, and I did not.
A funny thing happened to me this past year. I know my mother has always been a praying woman and I could only have done these things with God’s help. Now your higher power may be different than my higher power, but you get the point. You see, I completed my first wholesale deal in 2009 and was able to make $13,000 in roughly 30 days. I thought it was sweet and immediately invested thousands to do more marketing. I said to myself if I could do just 2 of these deals a month I would be on my way…lol. I was able to get 3 more properties under contract and then it happened. The mortgage industry crashed and my “Cash Investors” were unable to take these properties off my hand. I must say I got discouraged and did not stick with it long enough to see it through. Having a comfortable and secure job complete with benefits and a 401K plan, made it easy for me to walk away.
Fast forward to September of 2011, I decided to leave corporate America to pursue another business venture. In December 2013, I finally jumped back into real estate after speaking with my mentor who has been investing in real estate for over 30 years in Philadelphia. I think he was a little surprised at how fast I acted. I have always been a risk- taker and am not big on talking but rather acting. This time I was going to rehab a home. We drove around to see a few and finally settled on one. I must say I was nervous about spending all this money to acquire and rehab this home myself so I called up another gentlemen who had the same aspirations to invest in real estate. This rehab was quite a learning experience. I surely learned a lot about myself, contractors, and business. To make a long story short, we were able to sell the home 6 months later and made a good return on our investment. 70% return to be exact and that is with over paying on repairs. I told you, it was a learning experience.
During the time I was waiting to sell the home, I obtained my real estate license, and when that property was unloaded it was game time. You see, over this past year, little ole’ me was able to increase his net worth well over 100k in real estate. I have done everything from rehabbing, wholesaling, and selling real estate and have the deeds and checks to support it. I don’t say this to try to impress you but rather impress upon you that if a regular guy like me from Norristown, PA did it, than you can too! It only takes action and a little heart. I must say I am truly blessed and hope this blog provides you with the motivation and encouragement to accomplish whatever it is you want to do in life. I’m a firm believer that everybody has potential, so don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t accomplish something. I’m a living testimony! Cheers to a prosperous 2015! #letswin #YOLO #deathtoslumlords #JESCapitalInvestments #0to100