Posted by phil fernandez on March 17, 2005 at 18:25:02:
I’m sure I’ll be there again next year. It really is quite a Convention. I always end up doing some super deals after each Convention. I think it’s the energy and inspiration that I get from it. See you next year.
3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by phil fernandez
Posted by phil fernandez on March 17, 2005 at 15:47:42:
Well I’m starting to get real excited and it’s still 3 weeks away. I’m talking about the CREOnline Convention. But what I’ve never seen discussed on the board is the Thursday, the day we all arrive and what fun that day is. So I thought I’d comment on that day of the Convention for those of you that are going this year for the first time and for those that have never been to one of these CREOnline Conventions.
Throughout the day on Thursday, this year it’ll be April 7th, we all arrive. 600 to 700 of us strong, thirsty for knowledge, networking and fun. Well we are never disappointed. We get to talk to old friends and to find out how they have been doing throughout the past year. What has worked for them and more importantly what has not.
It’s also fun to see how the newer folks who attended last year’s Convention have been doing. Many of them have knocked my boots off with their successes which were launched from knowledge gained from the previous years Convention.
Then there are the first time attendees all wide eyed and some disbelieving. By the end of that Thursday, I doubt if any of them now think it can’t be done. And the Convention does not officially begin until Friday the next morning. By the time the newbies heads hit the pillow they have probably talked to KenSC or DaveD, or our 7 strong contingent from VT or Terry Vaughan or Ed Garcia or IB or Redline and the list goes on and on. Listen to those guys and than tell me it can’t be done.
It’s one thing to ask questions on this forum. It’s another thing to talk face to face with the people you see on this board at the Convention. Talk about an education. I’m still learning from them all.
Hope to see you all at the Convention. I’m getting excited.
First timer - Posted by Kevin IL
Posted by Kevin IL on March 18, 2005 at 10:45:55:
I can’t wait! This is my first REI convention and I’m looking forward to kicking my investing into high gear. I’m also looking forward to meeting all the great participants on this web site. Even though it’s my first convention, it feels like I’ll be visiting with old friends! See you all soon.
Yes, time to get excited - Posted by ken in sc
Posted by ken in sc on March 18, 2005 at 07:09:16:
As usual, I can’t wait. And Phil is right for you Newbies - Thursday evening is as important as the “real” convention which starts Friday AM. You can start meeting people and listening and learning. Every year, I learn new things which help my biz, as well as recharge my batteries by being around such go getters.
Advice for Newbies:
Forget about sleep, you can do that at home. Be the last one to go to bed, some of the best things come out late at night when the experts have had a few adult beverages.
Keep a small notebook with you at all times. You can write down little notes when you here something you want to remember.
Don’t be shy. I have never met anyone at the convention who would not want another person to “join the group” at lunch or in the bar. Just step right up and introduce yourself. We do not bite.
Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Ken
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by afaa
Posted by afaa on March 17, 2005 at 21:43:08:
First time attendee from Florida and newcomer to the RE world. I’m both excited and nervous about the whole thing. Just hope I’ll be having fun and learn a few things along the way.
Cheers to all,
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by DaveD (WI)
Posted by DaveD (WI) on March 17, 2005 at 20:48:40:
Phil’s right. You haven’t been corrupted until you’ve hung with this group. Super event. Gets in your blood. Really, it’s the only place to be if you are serious about this business. You cannot help but learn something.
It’s kind of like going home week. Wouldn’t want to miss it for anything. Phil can teach me what he can about improving my RE investing process, I’ll teach him about what good beer tastes like. He could use some help. LOL. Looking forward to seeing you, pard.
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by Michael – Hawaii
Posted by Michael – Hawaii on March 17, 2005 at 18:43:18:
I am making this trip from Hawaii!@! Where else are folks coming in from. And finally…anyone further than 4500 miles like me??
Aloha and see you in St. Louis!!!
Michael
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by Dick Chelten
Posted by Dick Chelten on March 17, 2005 at 18:22:25:
I haven’t been to the CRE convention for several years. However, in 2002 ( I think it was 2002) in Atlanta, I attended my first convention. It served as the platform for my real estate business today.
We now operate a very successful Rent to Own company that seeks bruised credit buyers, takes them shopping for the home of their dreams, buys it, then leases it to them on a rent to own basis. Together, we work on improving their credit so within 24 months, they can own the home they have been living in the last 2 years.
We recently created our Silver and Gold Investor programs that should allow us to purchase 70 homes in wonderful neighborhoods on behalf of our Tenant buyers and our Investors seeking “net leased investments”.
You can check out our website, www.marketplacehomes.com for more information.
I am writing today because I plan on attending next months CRE convention and I look forward to meeting many of you new comers as well as old timers. We’re excited about our success, and willing to share with anyone interested how we do what we do. Along the way, I look forward to hearing what you are doing and how its working out for you.
Finally, there just so happens to be a Real Estate Education Seminar in the Detroit area the week following St Louis. Instead of attending here, I chose to make the trip to St. Louis so I can hear from others across the country, not just across town.
I hope anyone on the fence as to whether you to attend makes the decision to meet me in St. Louis. I can’t wait.
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by nik
Posted by nik on March 17, 2005 at 17:21:29:
Hi phil f. I am relatively new to this board but the tons I have learned–thanks to all of you seasoned pros who so willingly contribute–just can’t be expressed. I’ve been reading about the convention coming up and read about all of the speakers. I can only imagine how incredible it would be to actually speak with you all face-to-face!! How fun! But this year I will be sitting on the sidelines waiting to read the board AFTER the convention. We–husband and I) can’t go. I announced to him, however, about a week ago that we WILL be there next year!! Have fun, Everyone! We will see you next year–FOR SURE!!!
Thanks to you all, again!
Re: First timer - Posted by phil fernandez
Posted by phil fernandez on March 18, 2005 at 10:54:55:
It’s neat to put the faces with the names. One woman once told me at one of the Conventions that I didn’t look at all as she thought.
I asked what did you think I’d look like. She says a little scrony guy with a mustache and slicked back black greasy hair. LOL.
If you don’t do both… - Posted by JT-IN
Posted by JT-IN on March 18, 2005 at 01:30:58:
afaa:
You’ll do Both have Fun and Learn Lots of New Things… if not, then you should get you pulse checked… LOL. You can’t help but do both at the CRE conventions… I’ll look forward to meeting you and having some fun at the same time…
You’ll be glad you came, and come Sunday night, you’ll be sorry that the weekend is over so soon…
JT-IN
People travel from far and wide! - Posted by Jeanne
Posted by Jeanne on March 17, 2005 at 21:26:37:
Hi Michael,
We have a gentleman from the UK and two ladies from Holland on this year’s list. In the past, we’ve had plenty of Canadians, a man from Mexico City, Australians, Malaysians, and Brits.
Glad you are making the trip.
Jeanne
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by DaveD (WI)
Posted by DaveD (WI) on March 17, 2005 at 20:25:17:
We are doing something wrong here. You need to convince JP to do the next one in your neck of the woods! Looking forward to seeing you.
-Dave
Re: 3 Weeks Till The Big Event - Posted by phil fernandez
Posted by phil fernandez on March 17, 2005 at 18:51:22:
Michael,
Looking forward to meeting you. Last year I was talking to a couple that came to the Convention from Hawaii. Back in 1999 thru 2001 there were people that came to the Convention from Australia. I sat with them during one of the morning brunches. Nice people.