When I talk to people for the first time about the possibility of buying their note, I usually say something like "The note business is this small niche in the real estate industry." Most folks don't even know this business exists. Most folks who sell a property and carry back the note don't know this business exists, even though they just became a part of it!

Those of us who make a living in the note business feel proud to be a part of this small "niche group." We are all independent business people, doing our own thing, and trying to do it the best way we can.

One of the ways we stay connected to our industry is by meeting other folks who do what we do and face the same challenges and problems. And a man by the name of Bill Mencarow plays a vital role in helping us sort through those problems and challenges.

For years Bill has authored The Paper Source - The News of the Note Business. This is a monthly publication Bill writes that is filled with "stuff" we need to know - ideas from practitioners in our business, new rules/regulations that affect our business, and loads of information that is vital to running a successful note business.

Once a year, Bill takes Paper Source on the road and presents The Paper Source Note Symposium. The key players in our business gather together and present/share what they are doing, how they are doing it, and essentially teach how to buy and broker seller financed notes and other cash flows. It is an invaluable opportunity for veterans and the curious to meet face to face with folks in our little niche business in a friendly, comfortable setting.

This years Symposium takes place April 30-May 2 in Las Vegas. If you are curious about the note business or just want to learn more about what you already may be doing, you owe it to yourself to attend. You can call Bill at 800-542-2270, or register online at www.PaperSourceSeminars.com. It is a low key event, no-one will ask you to buy anything, and you will learn a lot.

Check it out.

"Success is not owned - it's leased. And the rent is due every month. " Annonymous.

   Renting is Now Twice as Expensive as Buying Homes in the U.S.

Interesting article from January 26, 2015 Real Estate Investor. Read it all at www.USIhomes.com/renting-now-twice-expensive-buying-housesd-us/

                              God, Creation and Pennsylvania

My sister is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, the state where I grew up. She sends this short story. Author unknown:

God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael the Archangel, found him resting on the seventh day.

He inquired, "Where have you been?"

God smiled deeply and proudly pointed downwards through the clouds. "Look, Michael, look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, "and I've put life on it. I'm going to call it Earth and it's going to be a place to test balance."

"Balance?", inquired Michael, "I'm still confused."

God explained, pointing to different parts of Earth. "For example, Northern Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while Southern Europe is going to be poor. Over here I've placed a continent of white people, and over there a continent of black people. Balance in all things."

God continued, pointing to different countries. "This one will be extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The Archangel, impressed by God's work, pointed to a land area and said "What's that one?"

"That's Pennsylvania, the most glorious place on Earth. There are beautiful mountains,

rivers and streams, lakes, forests, hills and plains. The people from Pennsylvania are going to be handsome, modest, intelligent and humorous, and they are going to travel the world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high achieving, carriers of peace, and producers of good things."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then asked, "But what about balance, God? You said there would be balance."

God smiled. "Not very far from Pennsylvania is Washington D.C. Wait till you see the idiots I put there."

"Make sure your people know you care!"..... Dick Vermeil, ex NFL Coach, Vermeil's Seven Common Sense principles of Leadership.

                        Homeownership Rate Falls to 63.9%

Despite the housing recovery of the past few years, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that homeownership is at its lowest level in 20 years. Why? Housing prices are advancing faster than incomes. Lending standards remain tight.

The peak for homeownership was 2004 at 69.4%. Then the bubble popped.

Experts say that job growth last year was the strongest since 1999 and mortgage rates remain low. Plus, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced a new program last month with down payments as low as 3%.

3%???

Would you sell a property and carry back a note when your buyer has only 3% to give as a down payment?

Stay tuned.

"If the wine tastes good to you, it is good wine!".....Robert Parker.

                                             Shooters Grill

If you happen to be driving through the Western Slopes of the Rockies in Colorado, you may want to find the small town of Rifle and stop for lunch at the Shooters Grill. The waitresses "pack heat", carrying 45 pistols on their hips. This small town of about 9500 people is elk hunting country, and guns are a part of the community fabric. It is legal to openly carry a firearm in most of Colorado.

A big seller at lunch is the Swiss & Wesson burger.

A sign reads " Please keep all weapons holstered unless need arises. In such case, judicious marksmanship is appreciated."

Looks like they have created an atmosphere in which people enjoy working!

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