G
M
NM
W
as CO it N w FE or th REN it? C E
COVER
PRIVATE LENDER
THE OFFICIAL EZINE OF AAPL MAY/JUNE 2014
(EMILY)
THE TRUTH ABOUT REAL ESTATE RECOVERY
+
LENDER LIMELIGHT FEATURING JASEN PORTERO
Also inside: Chairman’s Corner: Larry Muck
10 Tips for Successful Business Marketing
Why Invest in Real Estate
www.aaplonline.com
2
Private Lender
Private Lender May/June 2014
CONTENTS 4
Editor’s Note By Matt Benson
7
Chairman’s Corner Tales from the other side By: Larry Muck
8
Was it worth it? Yes, it was! The Got Money? Need Money? Conference Recap By: Ian McSevney
10
Private Lender Photo Gallery Got Money? Need Money? Conference Photos by Twilla Miller and Henna Sexton
13
Investing in Real Estate Find out why real estate investing may be the best choice for private lenders By: Bruce Silverman
14 Lender Limelight New talented programmer pioneers software to enhance investor relations 16
Are we being Told the Truth about the Real Estate Recovery? Things aren’t as rosy as the headline indicate By: Eddie Speed and Kevin Shortle
21
Selling Congress on Seller Financing A coaltion of lenders and note traders is trying to reverse over- regulation by educating elected officials. By James Hart
24
5 Social Tools for Small Businesses What’s the one thing that we never have enough of? By Chrissey Breault
27
10 Tips for Successfu Business Networking Want to make your business networking more effective? By: Stephanie Speisman
28
AAPL Member Directory
Editorial
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR A s the calendar moves into the summer, people often look forward to vacations. Meanwhile, here at the AAPL we are busy gearing up for the rest of our 2014 Conferences. On August 3-4 in Philadelphia, the AAPL will host an East Coast Regional Event at the Hyatt at Penn’s Landing. This two-day event will bring together the “best of the best” for networking and education. Eddie Speed from NoteSchool will host an entire day on Sunday, August 3. David Lang, our Sr. Director of Sales and Strategic Relatonships, just returned from attending one of Eddie’s events and for those of you who have never heard him speak, I guarantee that you will want to. His insights on Economic Conditions, as well as Notes and Private Lending are invaluable. On Monday, August 4 we will have a full day of Private Lending education. Among the topics that will be discussed are: Dodd Frank, Long-Term Financing and Servicing Your Note. Additional information about this event is available at: www.aaplonline.com. The Association will host one other event during 2014 – the Fifth AAPL Annual Conference in Las Vegas. Information on this event is available at www.aaplonline.com In this issue of Private Lender, you don’t want to miss Eddie Speed & Kevin Shortle’s article “Are We Being Told the Truth About The Real Estate Recovery?” Eddie and Kevin are longtime friends and partners of the AAPL. They have over 30-years experience in Private Lending & Note Trading and their piece gives an interesting perspective on current economic news. Finally, I want to once again thank all of our members and associates for their support of the American Association of Private Lenders. When I came to the AAPL last summer, I couldn’t imagine that we would be nearing 300 members just one short year later. That dramatic increase, as well as the momentum that it created is all due to your support. We are very excited about what the future holds and we have some very significant plans to announce in the coming weeks. Here’s hoping that all of you have a wonderful summer and safe travels.
4
Private Lender
PRIVATE LENDER May/June 2014 CEO Michael Wrenn Executive Director/ Matt Benson Editor-in-Chief Production Manager Chrissey Breault Art & Design Emily Bowers Henna Sexton Advertising and Sales Linda Hyde David Lang
Private Lender is published semi-bi-monthly by the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL). AAPL is not responsible for facts or opinions as presented by authors and advertisers. For Subscriptions: Visit www.facebook.com/aaplonline; email info@aaplonline.com, or follow at www.issuu.com For Back Issues: Visit www.issuu.com, email info@ aaplonline.com, or call 913-888-1250. For Article Reprints or Permission to use Private Lender content including text, photos, illustrations, logos, and video: E-mail info@aaplonline.com or call 913-888-1250. Use of Private Lender content without the express permission of the American Association of Private Lenders is expressly probibited. Copyright © 2014 American Association of Private Lenders. All rights reserved.
B2R
Finance
America’s Buy to Rent Lender
Financing
residential rental
properties
Loan Sizes $500K-$50MM
B2R Finance is a leading provider of buy to rent commercial mortgages for professional property investors.
Portfolios of 5 - 500+ Units Nationwide Financing Up To 75% LTV
We work with investors every day to help take control of their destination and create long-term wealth through their residential rental portfolios.
Non-Recourse Available Acquisition Lines Available (Minimum $10MM)
We offer a simple 3-step process and a fast closing. Call 844-435-5622 or go online today to get started.
Residential Rental Properties (SFR, 1-4 Family, Condos, Townhomes and Multi-family)
Recent Deals $590,000
6 properties located in New York
$1,090,000
13 properties located in North Carolina
$5,700,000
60 properties located in Arizona
Let’s Get Started:
844-435-5622
$4,500,000
97 properties located in Wisconsin
$37,000,000
850 properties located in TN, GA, NC, SC
www.b2rfinance.com info@b2rfinance.com
S D RTE
A T S ET
G O T S Y A OW
TW
Already a member of AAPL? Take advantage of great discounts and receive a business listing!
: G N AVI
Not a member of AAPL, yet? Save with a free 90-day trial ($99 value)!
Click here to enroll or go to communitybuyinggroup.com and redeem Group ID: 90dayaapl327
Click here to enroll or go to communitybuyinggroup.com and redeem Group ID: aaplmember327 Call 816.282.6310 (ext. 105) for assistance
www.communitybuyinggroup.com
Chairman’s Corner
TALES FROM THE OTHER SIDE By Larry Muck
A
fter taking a leave of absence from writing to you, the Private Lending community, I’m back. And I have a lot to say.
My recent travels have found me more East Coast than West, in sweaty Boca Raton (stay inside) at the REO to Rental Conference and at the REI Expo in DC. As usual, I met many good people, many of which plan to rule the world at some point. The software solutions that are emerging and becoming part of the investment tool chest are becoming much more intricate and have further reach than what has been available before. New “crowdfunding” platforms with an eye to secured lending have been built. New property portfolio tools are out there and everyone seems to be wanting to stick a toe into the “deal flow” stream. While that stream looks placid and meandering, there are many obstacles underneath the surface. Just as with the large hedge funds and institutional investors, these platforms can catch the eye of large investors. It is the deployment of that capital that remains elusive. Each of these capital providers have very tight underwriting criteria and therefore, they have to spend a great deal of money on advertising to get sufficient opportunities to increase their portfolios. And, because of the tight underwriting, they are virtually intent on skimming the cream. That in and of itself isn’t bad. While driving down yields on the top five to ten percent of borrowers, they don’t have the local knowledge that enables them to be particularly nimble. The short term
nature of the bridge lending that we do doesn’t yet lend itself to the mass market. Some of these capital sources are funding long term investment property loans which is a perfect take-out product for those lenders not wanting to fund buy and hold operators. On the other side of the coin, outside of the money center funds, good borrowers exist looking for the right lender. When I talk to them about rates, I remind them that they should view Private Lenders as “capital partners” putting money at risk alongside of their business operations. While the Private Lenders hold the trump card in the relationship through a security interest in the property, contrary to what many people think, most don’t want the property back. It is expensive, time consuming, and fraught with risk. However, while they remain “loan to own” lenders, that doesn’t represent the majority. There remains a great deal of opportunity and frankly, I see this turning back to a more normalized situation after a period of settling in. But you have to do the right things:
• • • •
Provide great service, Develop a personal brand, Stick to your guns; and, Associate with those that share your vision.
aaplonline.com
7
Where to be
WAS IT WORTH IT? YES, IT WAS! The Got Money? Need Money? Conference Recap By Ian McSevney
I
think when people turn the open sign to close, put whatever else they can think of — all of it so you the “out of the office” greeting on their voice mail don’t realize that this is just the last conference you and head off to an event, conference, trade show or attended 2.0, a simple rebooted version! whatever else that takes them away from their daily The set-up and quality of exhibitors really allowed us routine, they always cringe with stress and worry. to swap stories about our backgrounds, careers and I know I do. With laptop in tow and mobile phone purpose for being at the conference. The cross-section charged, people are of exhibitors ranged all looking for that from all corners of the There were even attendees that as far as quiet corner they real estate and lending I could tell were total newcomers to one can duck into to world.Exhibitors side of the industry or the other. They keep on top of their ranged from software were welcomed with open arms by all... workload back at providers, insurance the office. firms, lenders, property However, not this time — not me. I, for one, unloaded managers, IRA trustees, fund managers, educators my laptop, plugged it in and placed it on the work and trainers. It was diverse to say the least, a virtual station in my room at the Marriott Hotel. Yet the smorgasbord of available information and experts to strangest thing happened: I never turned it on. Not speak with about that information. once! Plus, there were the two large booths manned by
Diverse exhibitors From the moment I wandered in to the Kansas City Convention Center at 7:30 a.m. on the first day of the Got Money? Need Money? Conference, I was immersed in the wonderful venue that the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL) and Professional Real Estate Investors and Manager’s’ Alliance (PREIMA) chose to host the event. The set-up was inviting, with spacious aisles to graze through while taking it all in. Seeing all the different exhibitors while having room to step to the side and have meaningful dialogue with the presenters manning the various booths was a change from so many conferences I have been to before. You know the ones that are all smoke and mirrors with no real substance, trying to distract you with music and
8
Private Lender
multiple representatives of the AAPL and Professional Real Estate Investors and Managers Alliance (PREIMA), who were ready, willing and able to assist you at every turn with whatever your question or concern may have been. They were simply great.
Chance to network One of the things that struck me about the conference over time was the willingness of not only the exhibitors but also the attendees to share ideas and talk about their own business. They would speak about their own unique take on their respective sub sector of the real estate and lending industry candidly. Some were on both sides of the equation, and others had very specific experience, skills and knowledge that they were happy to share with you. There were even attendees that as far as I could tell
Where to be
were total newcomers to one side of the industry or the other. They were welcomed with open arms by all, and through my discussions with them, it was clear that it was the education and training components that attracted them to the show, as well as the support that they clearly felt they received from both AAPL and PREIMA. What they also received but may not have expected was new contacts, new colleagues and perhaps even a mentor.
The betterment of our industry I personally had the opportunity to meet directly in an intimate brainstorming session with several of the AAPL executives, such as Matt Benson, Larry Muck and Mike Wrenn.They were engaging and genuine. Their motivation is pure and focused on the betterment of our shared industry of real estate and lending. They want to see all of us succeed at what we do. They want our industry to have a solid foundation that serves the needs of the public well, as well as contribute positively to the economy and the building of wealth in our communities. They see the connection that is played by a strong group that can represent our interests collectively and help us succeed individually in our own business. If you have not spoken to these executives directly or in person, I recommend that you take the first opportunity you have to do so. I am confident you will see what I see. Like me, you may have wanted to tread slowly into the depths of the AAPL’s waters, but honestly I recommend that you jump right in, feet first, of course, and tap into this great resource. As a Canadian who was really on a fact-finding mission, the conference was tremendous and informative and had many value-added aspects for me, a person who hasn’t worked a day in the Mike Wrenn, CEO U.S. markets. So it will definitely benefit you, providing a platform to advance your career and knowledge level. I am joining, and so should you.
If you build it, they will come The measures that people often use to gauge events such as the “Got Money? Need Money? conference are typically things like the cost, the venue quality, geographic location, travel costs and accommodations. In this case, the event deserves an A+. The cost was fair, the venue was top-notch, and the accommodations at the adjacent hotel were first-class in quality and price. In addition, the location of downtown Kansas City was amazing and surprised me at every turn. The city was walkable with great restaurants and entertainment at every turn. Wonderful architecture both old and new co-existed side by side, and the streets were clean and felt safe. Kansas City is a testament to what a city can become again and serves as a great example of what smart and industrious redevelopment in urban centers is capable of creating for its citizens. The phrase “If you build it, they will come” is what came to my mind when I arrived in downtown Kansas City. Even the mayor himself noted that our industry played a direct role in the redevelopment of downtown Kansas City. This is something to be proud of among the negative things the real estate and lending community has been so often accused of. Again, was it worth it? Did I earn some interest on my investment? You bet I did! In fact, the ROI may be immeasurable to my business even though I never even turned my laptop on. Instead, I worked the old-fashioned way, shaking hands — a way I have not done in some time. Thank you AAPL, and thank you PREIMA. And, how about that Kansas City BBQ?! Ian R. McSevney B.A., AMP is president of Altmore Investment Corporation. He is currently practicing in both commercial and residential mortgage financing, as an MIC Manager, as well as the Principal Mortgage Broker of a boutique-style brokerage firm in Ontario that is steeped in the tradition of providing sound advice and professional service. For more information, contact McSevney at ian@altmoremic.com.
aaplonline.com
9
PRIVATELENDER
PHOTO GALLERY The Kansas City Convention Center was the home of the AAPL and PREIMA Got Money? Need Money? coneference, in April. Real Estate lenders and spenders from across the county were together under one very large roof for twodays of professional education and unprecedented networking opportunities.
Jillian Sidoti
Attendees don’t get to have all the fun! Emily Bowers and John Schmitt
Real Estate Shark Tank. No shark attacks were reported.
10 Private Lender
Terry Mock
Coast to Coast Radio Live Broadcast: Pete Asmus with Ivan Oberon
Kansas City Investors Funding Title Lounge
AAPL Executive Director, Matt Benson with Kansas City Mayor, Sly James
Tim Norris with Alex and Anthony Coffey
David Hansel
Ben Rao is hooked on CBG
Christopher, Anthony and Tony Shubert AAPL employees get goofy with sleep deprivation due to event planning! Chrissey Breault and Linda Hyde
aaplonline.com
11
12 Private Lender
Finance
INVESTING IN REAL ESTATE Find out why real estate investing may be the best choice for private lenders. By Bruce Silverman
F
orty-percent of all self-directed IRA money is in real estate, and there are several excellent reasons for this. First, it’s a safe and secure investment. Second, you are dealing with a tangible asset; people have to have a place to live, and mortgage rates are still at 40 year lows. Third, the returns can be quite attractive at 8 percent to 10 percent or higher. Fourth, for those already retired and needing a supplement to Social Security, real estate can provide a steady income stream.
Active or passive? The question you have to ask yourself is whether you want to be an “active” or “passive” investor. If you decide to become an active investor, know that you are taking on a job. If you are currently working, you will be taking on a second job. The answer for those who are looking to make money in real estate but are not willing or able to take on a job is to become a private lender. This is also known in many states as trust deed investing. There is a lot of money being made right now “flipping” homes. In many ways, it is much better than owning rental properties because the profits are realized in a short period of time. In fact, there are many TV shows that address this topic, such as “Flip This House” and “Rehab Addict.” There are professional rehab companies that are purchasing, rehabbing and selling these single-family homes all over the country. You can take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity by becoming a “passive” real estate investor. What I mean by “passive” is that you can make a good return as a lender and don’t have to be directly involved in the process of acquiring and holding real estate. Many of these rehab companies use private money to help them fund their projects, often from investors using their self-directed IRAs.
There are many levels of security with this type of investment, and you get the same security instruments that any bank would get as you indeed become the bank. You are provided with a Loan Agreement, Promissory Note and 1st Lien Deed of Trust for each specific property you lend on. This is not a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), and there are no commercial properties involved. There is no co-mingling of funds, and you are the lender on separate and specific single family properties. The borrower pays all costs associated with the purchase of the property, including closing costs, Title insurance and liability insurance, all to protect you, the private lender. Another advantage to this type of investment is that there is no long-term commitment. You can work with these established rehab companies on six-, 12or 18-month contracts, or on a project by project basis. It’s your choice, and you can invest in any way you want, with anyone you want.
Consider the area One other thing you may want to consider is the area that the rehabber is working in. You want to be in a stable area where prices have already bottomed out and there is a good job market. You can invest in trust deeds anywhere, and may have a comfort level in your local area, but some parts of the country are significantly better than others. Bruce Silverman is sales manager for Atlanta Private lending. To find out more information about becoming a private lender and using 1st Lien Trust Deeds as an alternative investment strategy, contact Bruce Silverman at 770-842-2015 or at bruce@ atlantaprivatelending.com.
aaplonline.com
13
Jasen Portman Photos (waiting on TMO/ABS)
aaplonline.com
14
JASEN PORTERO New talented programmer pioneers software to enhance investor relations
W
ith over 15 years of software development experience working with companies such as Universal Music Group, WellPoint, Warner Bros., and Ticketmaster, Jasen Portero has joined the Applied Business Software, Inc. team. Bringing a fresh perspective on the industry, Jasen pioneered and spearheaded the development of one of ABS’s newest addition to The Mortgage Office, the iPad app. Seeing the importance of good investor relations, Jasen revolutionized the way investors check, monitor, and update their investment portfolio. Through The Mortgage Office software, using the iPad app, ABS can now offer customers the ability to provide their investors with the same access to online information formerly only available through large banking institutions. When asked about joining our seasoned team of mortgage programmers, Jasen said, “I was very excited to have this opportunity to join Applied Business Software’s development team. I knew there were many things I could learn from them, but I also felt I had a lot that I could contribute.” You need only to view ABS customer’s testimonials to see his impact. “Our customers not only described noticeable
15 Private Lender
investor-management improvements but commented on being able to watch their investor base grow since the addition of our app.” Jasen said with a smile. Jasen explained the iPad app as an intuitive and clever product that works seamlessly with the Loan Servicing Software, “It allows investors to use their iPads to check anything related to their portfolios, payments, loans, delinquencies, and investments. No phone calls or paper reporting necessary, and the app is available to investors 24/7 from anywhere they have an Internet connection.” Whether at home, on vacation, or on route, the app provides the investor with the ability to control their investment and receive information anytime, thus increasing their loyalty to ABS customers. ABS is very pleased to have added Jasen to the team, but he insisted that he doesn’t want to be referred to as a hot shot programmer. “I am just one programmer here, but I do really enjoy innovating and making an already fantastic product even better.” His skills and talent have already improved the products and customer satisfaction, plus ABS customers have quickly learned that investors will also benefit from his future enhancements to The Mortgage Office loan servicing software.
Business Strategy
ARE WE BEING TOLD THE TRUTH ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE RECOVERY? THINGS AREN’T AS ROSY AS THE HEADLINES INDICATE BY Eddie Speed and Kevin Shortle
Stock Photo
16 Private Lender
Business Strategy
aaplonline.com
17
Business Strategy
There is a significant opportunity to invest in this industry at these prices for the next five to seven years. Those who get in early will do exceptionally well.
FOCUS
on your core business and let us
handle your accounting. Get virtual accounting solutions for private lenders, mortgage pools, and real estate firms tailored to your specific needs. You’ll have accurate and up-to-date financial information on demand. Your sensitive data is always confidential and secure.
a no-risk offer
Does your business meet all compliance requirements? Industry rules are constantly changing. Find out with our free compliance review analysis done by an experienced CPA. Call to get all the details.
PHONE : 386-562-3016 WWW.ROLLINSCONSULTINGGROUP LLC.COM
18 Private Lender
Accounting solutions for private lenders and mortgage funds
CALL FOR
TOPICS
aaplonline.com
19
Powerful Lending Solutions
Private Money Lending Software Powerful, Flexible, and Easy to Use Used by most CMA Members DRE and RESPA Compliant Service multi-lender loans or pools with ease Automate budget and draw process for rehab loans Handle ARM, Construction, and Commercial loans Built in Trust Accounting Enhanced reporting and forecasting Online investor access 24/7 Increase productivity and accuracy
800 . 833 . 3343 | www.The Mortgage Office.com 20 Private Lender
Legislation
SELLING CONGRESS ON SELLER FINANCING A COALITON OF LENDERS AND NOTE TRADERS IS TRYING TO REVERSE OVER-REGULATION BY EDUCATING ELECTED OFFICIALS. BY JAMES HART
W
hen Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Act and the SAFE Act, the stated goal was to protect the average homebuyer and rein in the bad actors who helped cause the financial crisis of 2008. Unfortunately, those regulations have had a major impact on private lenders, note traders and others who work with seller-financed mortgage notes — people who didn’t have anything to do with the economic meltdown.
about the industry and push for legislation that could reform or eliminate burdensome rules.
‘We don’t have any false impressions’ In addition to Repass, the other founding members of the Seller Finance Coalition include Scot Campbell of SR Campbell Properties, Glenn Lee of Texas Funding, and Eddie Speed of Colonial Funding Group and NoteSchool.
The coalition formed in early 2014 and hired the Keelen Group, a Washington, D.C.-based firm, “We just got kind of sucked up into the vacuum,” to serve as its lobbyist. said Bob Repass, managing In February, coalition director at Colonial Funding “We’re following the same rules that members traveled to Capitol Group in Dallas. “We’re some of the big banks have to follow Hill and met with 16 following the same rules that and we’re not part of that world.” different representatives or some of the big banks are their staffers, including both -Bob Repass, having to follow, and we’re Republicans and Democrats. Seller Finance Coalition not part of that world.” Under the SAFE Act, for example, seller-financiers must now pass a difficult national licensing test if they want to do more than a few deals per year. The test covers Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA and similar loans, which people in this sector don’t originate. Frustration over the new rules — and a growing concern that overregulation could force them out of business — has led Repass and several colleagues to form the Seller Finance Coalition. The organization is working to educate elected officials
“Those conversations served a dual purpose,” Repass said, “Obviously, coalition members wanted Congress to know how Dodd-Frank and SAFE had hurt their operations.” But Repass and his colleagues also explained that, if the rules drive sellerfinanciers out of business, the public is ultimately going to suffer. The coalition’s members provide financing that most banks won’t touch, usually less than $100,000, for people in inner cities and rural areas
aaplonline.com
21
Legislation
Glen Lee, president of Texas Funding; Scot Campbell of SR Campbell Properties; and Bob Repass, managing director at Colonial Fund Group formed the Seller Finance Coalition to educate policy makers about the important role that seller financing plays in our economy that are traditionally underserved by institutional lenders. “I think the light went on for a lot of people,” Repass said. The coalition is working on legislation to reverse some of the worst new regulations. In fact, by the time you read this, their first bill might have already been introduced in Congress. Despite the early positive feedback from elected leaders, Repass is realistic about the path forward. They’re not going to be able to repeal entire laws; chipping away at them is more likely. Even that can take time, especially during an election year. “I think it will be relatively easy to get bills introduced,” Repass said, “but we don’t have any false impressions on how hard it is to get bills passed through both houses of Congress and signed by the president.”
Across the aisle, across the country Besides pushing for regulatory changes, the coalition’s other immediate job is to add more members. So far, about a dozen people from across the country are part of the group, and more are
22 Private Lender
joining all the time, Repass said. That can only help the coalition as it tries to convince Congress to pursue policies that don’t hurt seller-financiers. One of the first things that elected officials ask is whether the organization has any members in their state. “We’re going to take this thing across the aisle and across the country,” Repass said. Even if Dodd-Frank and SAFE magically disappeared tomorrow, there would still be a need for the Seller Finance Coalition to exist. Somebody needs to be around to represent the industry’s interests and fight the wrong-headed regulation waiting around the corner. “You’ve got to have a coalition or an association in place to handle whatever regulations come down the pike,” Repass said. James Hart is managing editor of Community Investor magazine. For more information about the Seller Finance Coalition, visit www.sellerfinancecoalition. org.
aaplonline.com
23
Tech Tools
5 Social Tools for Small Businesses What’s the one thing that we never have enough of? TIME! By Chrissey Breault
T
hose of us who run small businesses, the one thing that we never have a lot of is time.
Many small businesses don’t want to or don’t think they need to spend time finding or learning how to use the right tools to achieve your goals. The reality of today’s social world is that there isn’t a point in having a social presence if you don’t have any goals or even know who you want to reach. Every situation is different, so I’m starting off by assuming a social media plan has already been drafted. I am also going to assume that you have a presence on at least one of the Big 5 (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTube) and that you already have a website, maybe even with a blog. The biggest advantages in social media for business is in driving traffic back to your website. It’s a key strategy in proving or showing that you are the expert in your field. You’ll need to decide which social managment tools you want to use. It can be a difficult choice due to all the decisions you will have to make, for instance; how many people are going to manage your social channels and what’s your budget? I’m not including those tools in today’s lesson. Besides, I may mention something that will be so effective at managing your channels that you might be able to get away with not using tools such as Hootsuite, TweetDeck, SproutSocial, or Sendible. (I’m not knocking them. I’m an avid TweetDeck user myself.) Alright, are you ready? Here we go! 1. GOOGLE ANALYTICS! (Yes, I’m yelling that.) Anybody who has a website and/or a blog NEEDS TO
24 Private Lender
HAVE INSTALLED GOOGLE ANALYTICS. It had a complete overhaul in 2011, and now includes custom dashboards and real time statistics and it even has a very powerful social media analytics report built in. If you don’t track your visits and visitors on your website then how can you tell if your social media presence is making a difference? 2. bit.ly A URL shortening service. There are several shortener services available but bit. ly is my go-to. Historically, the limited number of characters would make using full URLs a giant space-waster. Now, Twitter has it’s own shortener - t.co. Great shortcut, right? NO! (Yes, I’m yelling again.) Most URL shorteners don’t just shorten your URLs- they offer analytics and tracking. AND, if you shorten all your URLs across all your social network with the same URL shortener you can track all of your social networks from one dashboard. I prefer bit.ly because it is very widely used and has great analytics. You can easily see how many times a link in a tweet had been clicked as well as from what network was being used. 3. MailChimp MailChimp is an email marketing and newsletter service with a proven track record - they’ve been going since 2001! We are highlighting the importance of socal media today - but the point of all social tools is to meet your
Tech Tools
customers where they are. That means you can’t forget email. The stories about younger generations not bothering with email any more should be dismissed. Think about it; what do you need to sign up for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like? A VALID EMAIL ADDRESS! My favorite perk of MailChimp-beside their fun marketing and phenomenal customer service - is that most of the features are free! Even better? That phenomenal service doesn’t change just because you opted for free services! 4. Commun.it This is a great social media relationship mangement tool. It helps you find out who is in your Twitter community and those who are influencers. Instead of getting notifications for every mention or retweet and stopping everything else you could be doing to send “thank yous,” take about 10 minutes on Comm.it and reply to all your outstanding mentions, thank people for retweeting, thank those who are in your community, find those who have linked to your blog and engage, thank any new followers and dig deeper to interact with those on your local lists. It also takes it to the next level; you can find out who has unfollowed you and decide whether or not you want to unfollow them too! Sounds a little high schoolish, huh? Still, it’s a necessary evil - social breakups. Core features of Commun.it are free (catching on to how much I love free things?!) but even the plans are reasonably priced and can give you access to all kind of reporting features, as well as unlimited monitor items, engaged members and custom groups for up to four Twitter accounts. 5. Feedly I joked about unfollowing people above, but there are actually good reasons. One biggie is that the posts
are ‘ME ME ME,” - not caring about others. If you are only posting about yourself then you are missing the point of social networking. It is about sharing others’ content, too. People are more likely to invest in you if you invest in others - particularly if you are sharing their content. There are some websites and bloggers that consistently produce awesome content - I like to share all kinds of random tidbits. But, how do you keep an eye on it? How do you find it? That’s where feed reader apps come in. Feedly is my favorite. Things start to become difficult to keep an eye on after five websites for me - it’s probably 10 to 20 for most people - a feed reader takes the RSS feed from all the blogs and websites you want to keep on top of, then lists them for you in an easy to read way. You can save an article for later or instantly share to other social networks. There you go. Five social tools that small businesses could...should be using. Of course, there are other great tools that have been omitted, maybe they will pop up in another article. A Pittsburgh native, Chrissey started a part-time photogprahy and design business in 2008, while working full-time in local government communications. She currently is the Director of Marketing and Education Services with the American Association of Private Lenders. Follow Chrissey @CBExpressions on Twitter.
Are you
Passionate? Experienced? Compentent?
WRITE FOR PRIVATE LENDER! Contact Chrissey for more information. 913-888-1250
aaplonline.com
25
The American Association of Private Lenders serves as a catalyt for professional growth by: • Fostering education • Providing networking • Promoting best practices
Don’t end up like this guy. Join Today!
.com
www.aaplonline
Manage and Lead
10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS NETWORKING WANT TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS NETWORKING MORE EFFECTIVE? HERE ARE TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND BY STEPHANIE SPEISMAN
E
ffective business networking is the linking together of individuals who, through trust and relationship building, become walking, talking advertisements for one another. Keep in mind that networking is about being genuine and authentic, building trust and relationships, and seeing how you can help others Ask yourself what your goals are in participating in networking meetings so that you will pick groups that will help you get what you are looking for. Some meetings are based more on learning, making contacts, and/or volunteering rather than on strictly making business connections. Visit as many groups as possible that spark your interest. Notice the tone and attitude of the group. Do the people sound supportive of one another? Does the leadership appear competent? Many groups will allow you to visit two times before joining.
remember to turn to you for suggestions, ideas, names of other people, etc. This keeps you visible to them. Have a clear understanding of what you do and why, for whom, and what makes your doing it special or different from others doing the same thing. In order to get referrals, you must first have a clear understanding of what you do that you can easily articulate to others. Be able to articulate what you are looking for and how others may help you. Too often people in conversations ask, “How may I help you?” and no immediate answer comes to mind. Follow through quickly and efficiently on referrals you are given. When people give you referrals, your actions are a reflection on them. Respect and honor that and your referrals will grow.
Hold volunteer positions in organizations. This is a great way to stay visible and give back to groups that have helped you.
Call those you meet who may benefit from what you do and vice versa. Express that you enjoyed meeting them, and ask if you could get together and share ideas.
Ask open-ended questions in networking conversations. This means questions that ask who, what, where, when, and how as opposed to those that can be answered with a simple yes or no. This form of questioning opens up the discussion and shows listeners that you are interested in them.
Stephanie Speisman is a Success Coach who coaches groups and individuals in business networking skills based on her booklet “99 Tips for Successful Business Networking.” Contact info: (301)469-8015, successcoach@erols.com.
Become known as a powerful resource for others. When you are known as a strong resource, people
aaplonline.com
27
Highlighted memembers are AAPL Board of Advisors
ARIZONA
Company Name
First Name
Last Name Phone Number
Type
American Financial Corporation
Byron
Allen
(480) 420-2545
Lender
Avana Capital
Sundip
Patel
(623) 486-0183
Lender
Metropolitan Finacial
Dave
Franecki
(480) 763-8376
Lender
Private Loan Store
Scott
Ferguson
(480) 331-1379
Lender
Tiger Property Investments
Curtis
Stohr
(480) 269-2770
Lender
CALIFORNIA 5 Arch Funding Corp
Gene
Clark
(949) 387-4458
Lender
AAA Investments
Gloria
Woodley
(619) 300-0370
Service Provider
Applied Business Software
AJ
Poulin
(532) 426-2188
Service
Armanino McKenna, LLP
Jason
Gilbert
(925) 790-2600
Service
Armanino McKenna, LLP
Josh
Nevarez
(925) 790-2600
Service
Asset Ventures LLC
Tom
Boren
(310) 798-1400
Lender
Asset Ventures LLC
Tony
Martinze
(855) 798-1411
Lender
BofI Federal Bank
Joel
Kodish
(858) 764-2928
Lender
BofI Federal Bank
Taylor
Osborn
(858) 764-2902
Lender
Bolour Associates
Elliot
Shirwo
(323) 677-0550
Lender
CPR Pacific
Aaron
Chan
(831) 406-1616
Lender
CSRE Investment LLC
Marifrances
Kudla
(818) 326-4307
Lender
Elares Capital Partners, LLC
Robert
Woodcock
(858) 254-2318
Lender
Elite Mortgage Loans
Constance
Griggs
(559) 436-6880
Lender
Elite Mortgage Loans
Tom
Jarrell
(559) 436-6880
Lender
FCI Lender Services
Gordon
Albrecht
(800) 931-2424
Service
Full Throttle Ventures
Haider
Nazar
(925) 272-4597
Lender
Genesis Capital Partners
Trixy
Weiss
(818) 661-1778
Lender
28 Private Lender
Geraci Law Firm
Anthony
Geraci
(949) 379-2600
Service Provider
IRA Services Trust Company
Belinda
Savage
(650) 591-3335
Service Provider
Jeff Smallowitz
Jeff
Smallowitz
(310) 750-5969
Lender
Live Green Lending
Brian
Derisay
(760) 822-4072
Lender
Main Street
Tyler
Happe
(916) 844-7150
Lender
Main Street
Krissie
Jones
(916) 844-7150
Lender
Mardavsco, LLC
Alan
Weinstock
(800) 266-9094
Lender
MICON Properties LLC
Michael
Vavricek
(916) 525-8240
Lender
MOR Financial Services, Inc
Ajay
Mehra
(213) 784-0731
Lender
MOR Financial Services, Inc
Sean
Morsi
(213) 784-0733
Lender
MPact Wealth
Asa
Patterson
(775) 690-3839
Lender
Nationwide Reconveyance LLC
Jason
Tatman
(844) 252-6972
Service Provider
Pacific Private Money
Lisa
Hanf
(415) 850-5555
Lender
Pacific Private Money
Mark
Hanf
(415) 850-5555
Lender
Presidio Realty Trust
Steven
Flippi
(401) 744-2230
Lender
PrivateLenderLink.com
Rocky
Butani
(415) 513-4400
Lender
PrivateMoneyRadar.com
Michael
Emens
(408) 580-6366
Lender
Rama Capital Partners, LLC
EJ
Chanin
(818) 914-3000
Lender
Rama Capital Partners, LLC
Alim
Kassam
(818) 914-3000
Lender
ReCap Advisors
Cecil
Chan
(650) 219-7607
Lender
Richard Urias
Richard
Urias
(408) 813-1495
Lender
SBS Trust Deed Network
Rory
Cambra
(800) 678-7171
Service
Silver Arrow Investments
Damon
Prouty
(530) 748-9385
Lender
Spinnaker Loans Inc
Guillermo
Nunez
(909) 563-8612
Lender
Spinnaker Loans Inc
Juan Carlos
Quirozi
(916) 844-7150
Lender
Spinnaker Loans Inc
Raul
Ramirez
(909) 563-8612
Lender
Spotlight Lending
David
Bacon
(831) 704-6125
Lender
aaplonline.com
29
Sterling Pacific Financial
Joshua
Fischer
(831) 786-1980
Lender
Tempo Funding LLC
Mike
Zlotnik
(917) 806-5029
Lender
Top Dekk & Associates
Carolann
Dekker
(858) 245-4349
Lender
The Norris Group
Aaron
Norris
(951) 780-5856
Lender
Tremco Services
Patricia
Hughes
(415) 218-4704
Lender
Trillion Capital
David
Weiner
(858) 530-2251
Lender
Trust Deed Capital, Inc
Ken
Meyer
(949) 481-3266
Lender
COLORADO Company Name
First Name
Last Name
Phone Number
Type
Bridge Capital Resources LLC
Greg
Osborne
(303) 475-5873
Lender
Colorado Federal Savings Bank
Jonathan
Banks
(877) 484-2372
Lender
Colorado Federal Savings Bank
Randy
Ilich
(877) 484-2372
Lender
Forrest Financial Group
Charles
Townsend
(303) 778-0309
Lender
Heritage Capital
Ryan
Parson
(866) 210-0158
Lender
Investors Choice Funding
David
Williams
(303) 500-7088
Lender
Principal Parners Lending
Troy
Blessing
(303) 398-7007
Lender
Redemption Company LLC
Michael
Rosenberg
(970) 259-7501
Lender
Resolve Funding
John
Marshall
(303) 495-3414
Lender
Thousand Hills Capital
Stephen
Ahokas
(701) 212-8757
Lender
David
Griswold
(303) 799-3745
Lender
Michael
Bonn
(888) 876-6732
Lender
TNS Loans
30 Private Lender
CONNECTICUT AJTM Financial Group Inc.
Anthony
Tomasi, Jr.
(203) 539-6080
Lender
Maple Bridge Funding
Tim
O’Shea
(203) 831-0601
Lender
Rehab Cash Now
Erica
Lacentra
(860) 533-4049
Lender
Rehab Cash Now
Jeff
Mallus
(860) 533-4049
Lender
Steal Water Holdings, LLC
Layna
Haitsch Palumbo
(203) 788-8764
Lender
DC FutureGen Capital
Martin
Lundgren
(202) 540-9978
Lender
FutureGen Capital
Lawrence
Schmidt
(202) 540-9978
Lender
RevitaLending, LLC
William
Lansing
(703) 407-6886
Lender
DELAWARE Wilmington Investments
Ralph
Marshall
Lender
FLORIDA Realiquidators, LLC
Jason
Moding
(855) 873-7325
Service Provider
Rollins Consulting Group
Jack
Rollins
(386) 562-3016
Service Provider
Trowbridge, Taylor & Sidoti, LLP
Kim Lisa
Taylor
(904) 584-4055
Service Provider
Dell
Miller
(407) 340-1227
Lender
aaplonline.com
31
GEORGIA
Copper River Funding
Michael
Peart
(561) 596-2866
Lender
Equinox Capital Partners
Terrence
Drakes
(678) 591-9009
Lender
Renu
Clark
Cordner
(770) 639-8615
Lender
SMCC Capital LLC
Steve
McCondichie
(678) 673-0321
Lender
IDAHO Secured Investment Corp
Dean
Hutchins
(208) 209-7185
Lender
ILLINOIS Financial Momentum
(312) 894-1046
Service Provider
Financial Momentum
(312) 894-1046
Service
HK Creative Investments
Harry
Kunelis
(855) 355-3278
Service
IRA Club
Dennis
Blitz
(888) 795-7950
Service Provider
Skinner & Associates Financial Services Inc
Mars
Skinner
(630) 800-1619
Lender
KANSAS Diversified Equity Advisors, LLC
Mike
Dyer
(913) 402-2513
Lender
Keystone Property Investments
Craig
Walton
(913) 687-7025
Lender
Make it Move! Properties
Adam
Doran
(913) 735-5673
Service Provider
32 Private Lender
MASSACHUSETTS Grand Coast Capital Group
Randy
Winters
(857) 206-6464
Lender
Wallace Capital
Robert
Wallace
(617) 423-2003
Lender
MARYLAND Advance America Property
Guy
Cook
(443) 946-1289
Lender
MidAtlanticIRA
Scott
Blair
(240) 575-3880 x260
Service Provider
MidAtlanticIRA
Jack
Kiley
(240) 575-3880 x260
Service Provider
RealInvestors, LLC
Sherman
Ragland
(301) 218-4333
Lender
Specialty Lending Group
Jeffrey
Levin
(240) 959-2060
Lender
MAINE Amberfields Capital
Marshall
Hughes
(207) 460-2471
Lender
MICHIGAN Dusek Network, Inc
Brenda
Dusek
(248) 760-7612
Lender
Dusek Network, Inc
Rich
Dusek
(248) 760-7612
Lender
E3 Funding
Todd
Burk
(248) 330-1070
Lender
Global Real Estate Services
Terry
Mock
(248) 508-2420
Lender
Metro Street Capital
Mark
Nagy
(248) 660-6518
Lender
MINNESOTA Bortnem Services LLC
Roger
Bortnem
(612) 978-5569
Lender
REAL FIC REALTY, INC
Federico
Amaya
(763) 286-0814
Service Provider
aaplonline.com
33
MISSOURI Kansas City Investor Funding LLC
JJ
Pawlowski
(816) 877-8230
Lender
Natioanl Real Estate Insurance Group (NREIG)
Mike
Wrenn
(888) 741-8454
Service Provider
John
Duffy
(816) 785-5258
Lender
Larry
Muck
(816) 448-5581
Lender
Springboard Capital
NORTH CAROLINA Connvisions Capital Group
Alex
Arriaga
(919) 244-1007
Lender
Heilstein Lending, LLC
Kimberly
Palmer
(910) 366-0192
Lender
Valley Song Capital Management, Inc
Meg
Winberg
(415) 730-9584
Lender
NEW JERSEY Alpha Funding Solutions
David
Hansel
(732) 657-2014
Lender
Asset Based Lending, LLC
Paul
Ullman
(201) 942-9090
Lender
Toll Bridge Capital Partners
Darin
Haft
(561) 705-7740
Lender
(505) 344-4734
Lender
NEW MEXICO Kate Southard Real Estate
Kate
Southard
NEVADA Premier Mortgage Lending
Rick
Piette
(702) 485-6600
Lender
Inspired Capital Partners
Alia
Ott
(866) 887-0986
Lender
Investors in Action
Alia
Ott
(858) 774-2542
Service Provider
NEW YORK 1839 Asset Management
Vincent
Spreuwenberg
(917) 797-3452
Service Provider
Credit Circle
David
Shimko
(917) 705-5640
Lender
Credit Circle
Herb
Williams
(917) 705-5640
Lender
34 Private Lender
Gamma Funding LLC
Jonathan
Kaiikow
(212) 922-9471
Lender
Gemini Capital Managers
Jack
Krupey
(917) 414-7880
Lender
General Service LLC
Bernardo
Torres
(718) 417-6800
Lender
JG Funding
Jeremy
Goldzal
(718) 502-6012
Lender
JG Invests LLC
Jonathan
Gould
(212) 769-3644
Lender
Northern Atlantic
John
Quartararo
(917) 671-8983
Lender
Private Lender 4 U
Steven
Nye
(646) 459-4301
Lender
Range Capital Partner
Marcelo
Spulveda
(845) 418-3912
Lender
Red Cardinal Capital Asset
Marucia
Rella
(888) 813-8577
Lender
(888) 382-4727 x306
Service Provider
(877) 296-4557
Lender
(419) 841-7503
Service Provider
(405) 512-5626
Lender
OHIO Equity Trust Company
John
Bowens
Real Estate Private Funding Regis Park
Jacob
Lipzyc
OKLAHOMA Red Dirt Lending
Scott
McLain
OREGON Fairway America, LLC
Matt
Burk
(503) 906-9102
Lender
Fairway America, LLC
Darris
Cassidy
(503) 906-9100
Lender
Fairway America, LLC
Lance
Pederson
(503) 906-9108
Lender
Bennu Funding
Court
Trevillyan
(503) 701-2452
Lender
Hill Law PC
Jeff
Hill
(541) 848-4500
Service Provider
aaplonline.com
35
Iron Bridge Lending
Gerard
Stascausky
(503) 522-5600
Lender
Matinos Financial, LLC
Curt
Hugo
(503) 784-0841
Lender
North By NorthWest Funding
Dante
Salvati
(503) 702-5992
Lender
Pacific Capital Solutions
Bob
Cox
541-973-2444
Lender
Private Lender
Donald
Burdick
(503) 635-3935
Lender
ScanlanKemperBard Companies
Ian
Formigle
Silverado Funding, LLC
David
Scott
Lender (503) 545-8229
Lender
PENNSYLVANIA Conquest Funding
Jeff
Cella
(610) 509-5350
Lender
GMA Factor
Jacob
Sacks
(412) 206-3810
Lender
The Binstead Institute
JT
Binstead
(610) 213-0278
Lender
US Mortgage Resolution
Walt
Breslin
(610) 205-1562
Lender
US Mortgage Resolution
Joe
Downs
(610) 205-1562
Lender
US Mortgage Resolution
Tom
Dunkel
(610) 205-1562
Lender
US Mortgage Resolution
Rob
Hytha
(610) 205-1562
Lender
SOUTH CAROLINA Carolina Hard Money, LLC
Bill
Fairman
(803) 831-2262
Lender
TENNESSEE Heritage Capital
36 Private Lender
Shelley
Mosher
(866) 210-0158, x1
Lender
TEXAS B2R Finance
Tim
Herriage
(972) 755-1880
Lender
Bay Mountain Capital
Wayne
Corley
(214) 402-0874
Lender
Bay Mountain Capital
Dean
Lontos
(214) 402-0874
Lender
Bay Mountain Capital
Phillip
Sanchez
(214) 402-0874
Lender
DHLC Mortgage, LLC
Rob
Barney
(972) 467-6547
Lender
DLM Family Investments, LP
David
Fenoglio
(940) 894-2000
Lender
HB Equity, LLC
Stephen
Howard
(512) 663-1430
Lender
Invesmark Mortgage
Mike
Hanna
(214) 219-0360
Lender
Karlan Capital
Tina
York
(214) 722-6972
Lender
L2JL Capital
Larry
Long
(214) 269-9217
Lender
Longhorn III Investments LLC
Michael
Hoffman
(214) 420-7304
Lender
NoteSchool
Eddie
Speed
(817) 410-4103
Lender
Pride of Austin Capital Partners, LLC
David
Owen
(512) 687-3456
Lender
Pride of Austin Capital Partners, LLC
James
Rincon
(512) 587-3456
Lender
Private Mortgage Financing &
Mitchelle
Vicknair
(832) 577-8838
Lender
Properties Minerals
Paul
O’Dwyer
(940) 257-4282
Lender
Transformation in Progress
Frank
Packard-Reed
(972) 738-8545
Lender
(512) 219-5558
Lender
Stallion Funding US Private Lenders
Cynthia
Wall
(254) 722-9814
Lender
Win-Win Investor Lending, LLC
Derek
Feldman
(309) 706-8465
Lender
(917) 705-5940
Lender
The Aclaime Group
(801) 836-5985
Lender
Private Money Lending Group
(435) 565-1768
Lender
(801) 244-0312
Lender
UTAH Credit Circle
WDB Funding LLC
Perikles
Jennifer
Konstantinides
Watkins
aaplonline.com
37
VIRGINIA Asset-Based Wealth and Capital, LLC
Jennifer
Skeete
(877) 666-4745
Lender
BG Real Estate
Jerry
Bouchard
(703) 477-9211
Lender
Blue Ocean Mortgage
Jim
Sexton
(540) 353-7077
Lender
Christina
Dangler
(703) 405-5438
Lender
WASHINGTON Anderson Legal, Business &
Clint
Coons
(800) 706-4741
Service
Legacy Group Capital LLC
Brent
Eley
(425) 818-2225
Lender
Nemo-A Investment Corp
Annie
Liu
(425) 772-0328
Lender
Rain City Capital, LLC
Fred
Rea
(206) 355-4969
Lender
Glenn
Froehlich
(206) 818-0388
Lender
Kirk
Sperry
(206) 396-8559
Lender
Sperry and Sons Capital Investment
WISCONSIN The Fresh Corp
Eric
Jones
(414) 334-5766
Lender
(304) 345-2694
Lender
WEST VIRGINIA TIC Investments
Terry
Moore
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA Biddle Lawyers
Russell
Biddle
+61 417578879
Service Provider
Biddle Lawyers
Stacey
Davidson
+61 417578879
Service Provider
Biddle Lawyers
Stephanie
Murray
+61 417578879
Service Provider
(905) 481-3674
Lender
ONTARIO, CANADA Atlmore
38 Private Lender
Ian
McSeveny
Professional Training for Private Lending Professionals AAPL’s East Coast Regional Event offers professionals in the private real estate and peer-to-peer lending industry opportunities to gain valuable insight on improving their business practices. This two-day seminar is packed with multiple education opportunities presented by industry experts, including a day with Eddie Speed for just $350!
The bonus day, August 3, 2014, with Eddie Speed is included FREE with your paid registration.
The American Association of Private Lenders reaches the most tightly targeted audience of Lenders, Fund Managers, Brokers, Investors, Property Managers, and Service Providers in the peer-to-peer lending community. It is the voice of the private lending industry. As such, advertising with the American Association of Private Lenders is an excellent investment and the ideal medium to reach anyone in the private lending industry. Contact us today for more information!
s U with
m o c e . e s n i t li n r O e L AP dv
A .888.1250 | A 913
40 Private Lender