You've got to lie

[EquityHunter]

Oh, that's bad. I would never do that. Well, I'm here to tell you as a newbie or a seasoned investor you have to. Why? Because it gives you credibility.

Everyone else is doing it in some form or another. I say, kick it up a notch and go for it. If you are going to lie, really lie. Yeah. It can't hurt you but can only help you win over a seller to do your deal. Lie. Lie, Lie.

What am I talking about here? Your experience and level of business. Nobody wants to do business with someone who isn't successful. Just tell them you are! Whether you are or not. It'll keep you in the game. They want to find a way to eliminate you. Don't give it to them.

Tell them you bought 3 houses last week and would they like you to buy yours this week? Deal from a position of strength.  You are an active buyer. You buy homes houses all the time. Don't get into what you do with them. That's your business.

Get that out of the way and you will be amazed at the results. You're giving yourself and your buying program credibility. Anyone that says not to lie, tell them to put food on your table, pay your bills and you won't. Otherwise go for it.

EH

 

[rhm76384]

Hey,
     So, if you lie to me about that what else are you going to lie to me about? Where are you going to cut corners, fudge here or there, or back out of a deal on me in the last minute because you lied about having the financing? No integrity is no credibility. No intergity (dishonesty) is lack of self-worth and if you aren't worth much to yourself you aren't worth much to others. It may get you a few deals but the cost isn't worth it. You overcome lack of credibility by sincerity, service and impeccable honesty.
Richard

[TMCG]

honesty is your best policy.

do you have to tell people you're "new" to it all.  "new" is a relative term.  

if you've put months of preperation and done a ton of networking with other investors.  spoken to over 20 realtors, contractors, brokers, etc.  and you've looked at over 250 properties in the past 6 months...

i wouldn't  consider that "new".

if you haven't done the above few things - it's probably not too wise FOR YOU to be investing in real estate or running a business.

but if you've done no preperation, no consulting with others and just read a few pages of a rei book and you're telling people you're a successful re investor - chances are, you'll say something or do something VERY STUPID that will blow your "cover"....your lies.

as for lying on applications for loans and such - that's the ultimate stupidity.

if you can't be honest and successful, then why do it?  and again, being honest doesn't mean telling people you're "new" when you've done a ton of preperation.  if they ask you if you've invested in real estate, think that answer through....ever buy any real estate or been involved in any business transactions?

if not, tell them the truth and be done with it.  have some good qualifyers that note your accomplishments and project a positive and intellectual frame of mind.  confidence is important.  draw from your strengths, not your "weaknesses."    

[kdhastedt]

"Success is always temporary.  When all is said and done, the only thing you have left is your character."  -- Vince Gill

"Character is like a tree and reputation its shadow.  The shadow is what we think it is; the tree is the real thing."" -- Abraham Lincoln

You reap what you sow...no good ever comes from untruthfulness.


Keith

[fadi]

Selling skills has nothing to do with lieing. I got my first few contract with no problem and I did not have to lie. I simply presented them with an offer and they accepted it. If they need too much convincing to the point where I have to lie, then they are not motivated enough.

[EquityHunter]

Oh please I'm going to barf at all this sanctimonius driville after reading these responses.  All I am referring to is positioning your Image to the seller. Sellers want to sell to successful people.  If you have to lie to convey that, what's the harm? I said nothing about anything else so where are all you're heads at?

Sure you may get lucky thru dumb luck and a get a deal thru being at the right place at the right time but it's better to have an image of yourself as successful in the biz and project that even if it's false: rather than one as  a weekend warrior who does a couple deals a year when the stars are in alignment and doesn't have a ready answer to a question or objection. Make it up if you have to! Or get shot down and walk away sheepishly.

Do you think sellers don't lie? HA HA
And anyone that says they themselves DON"T lie about something is even a bigger liar than I!

I meet with several sellers a week, not to mention the ones I talk with on the ph. I tell them what they want to hear. Why would they want to sell to someone without experience who isn't buying a ton of houses?

I also lie to get around objections. I love to make up stories to get my point across. I don't give a seller any reason not to do business with me unless it's just because they are not agreeable to my OFFER. Even after I just told them about every other deal I did where others accepted the same exact deal I offered them.

They are not going to reject me for any other reason than they want to sell THEIR way only. Once that is out in the open I say goodbye. They are not motivated enough for me.  I want them to feel badly about refusing my great offer that many others accepted; rather than having them feel good about rejecting my offer.

I spent time and effort making that offer. I want to leave with something. I want them to have DOUBTS about their decision to reject my offer. Sometimes they call me back. I never call them back.  

As far as backing out, or not living up to my word, that's totally different. I don't practice it or condone it. I do what I say I will do. I've done many dozens of deals over the years without any legal problems or soreheads. I'm ethical. I have found that by being creative with the extraneous, subjective facts closes more deals, that's all. And it doesn't hurt anyone. It also keeps me in a positive frame of mind to make that next call or visit.

EH

[kdhastedt]

Here's some life advice:

"If you can't stand the ANSWER, don't ask the QUESTION!!!"

It's not "sanctimonius driville" (the word is 'drivel', BTW), it's how I live life and, moreover, how I do business...I give a day's work for a day's pay.  I don't knowingly lie, cheat, or steal and don't tolerate those that do...if that offends you, perhaps you need to do a "gut check"...

Keith

[EquityHunter]

Oh wow, that is such a bunch of nonsense. I guess you're the kind that likes to be negative and put others down and get into a personal thing. I don't have time for that buddy boy.

I do this for a living. I know you probably don't so it's easy to preach. I just had a seller today tell me my offer was "illegal".  I assured her my re atty who has been practicing for 30yrs and myself feel otherwise.

I also made sure she knew before I left that the only thing keeping her house from being sold (it's been on the mkt since July) was her. My offer to her was legitimate, and outside of a miracle, is the best she can hope for. The fact is, she's not motivated. Doesn't know where she wants to move. Blah, blah blah. Unless she gets her price and her terms of course.

She called me, I didn't even market to her. That's why I went out. You never can tell. But you knew that. Cause you know all.

You don't seem to get my purpose in posting. It is to HELP others get going and not put them down like you seem to like to do. Maybe you get off on it. Who cares?

EH

[kdhastedt]

I got your "buddy boy"...

What does your little story have to do with telling the truth?  Did you have to lie to try to get this deal, too?

You can do as you please...it's no skin off my nose...but my integrity just isn't for sale.  I didn't say anything negative  -- you did.  You don't like being called to the carpet, eh, Scooter?

BTW - what's the going price for your integrity?  Will you lie for a dollar...?

If sellers lie, that makes it OK for you to?

[EquityHunter]

You know what? You're right. Everything you say is absolutely correct. How could I even begin to try and fool you? You are God! I bow to you.

EH

[kdhastedt]

OK...that being the case, what is your price...?  I might want to just buy you...

[EquityHunter]

Let me ask you a question. Are you going to heaven or hell? And why?

EH

[DeeinAustin]

I got your "buddy boy"...

What does your little story have to do with telling the truth?  Did you have to lie to try to get this deal, too?

You can do as you please...it's no skin off my nose...but my integrity just isn't for sale.  I didn't say anything negative  -- you did.  You don't like being called to the carpet, eh, Scooter?

BTW - what's the going price for your integrity?  Will you lie for a dollar...?

If sellers lie, that makes it OK for you to?

I'm with you, Keith. I'd rather sleep well at night than cheat someone. It's not about being better than others.

The top investors in my area are honest and trustworthy. They've been doing investing for over 20 years and have great reputations. A few liars are still around, but most people hate working with them and will only resort to it if they've exhausted all resources.

[kdhastedt]

Let me ask you a question. Are you going to heaven or hell? And why?

EH

Now, there'a question for the ages...if this were a theology or a philosophy board, it would entertain you with an answer but in that it's a REI board, I will hold with my position of honesty in all business dealings.

I think it's sad that you would come in here and make a stance like you did --  it might give new investors the idea that this is a viable business model -- and it's not.

But whatever blows your skirt up.  I've read some of your more recent posts and you seem like a "real piece of work"

Excuse me -- I need to go wash my hands.

Keith

[DannyTheGreat]

EquityTheif-

If you are so successful, why do you find yourself making up stories to impress sellers? I don't think showing up in a Bentley rented by the hour to a seller's $100k fixer upper who is going through foreclosure is the best way to make a deal. I'm sure sellers always feel like they get taken advantage of when dealing with you. If you got rid of your over inflated ego perhaps you could make the sellers feel like they got the best deal and took advantage of YOU, which would leave them happy and eager to finish the deal even though they don't walk away with much.

I have found that by being creative with the extraneous, subjective facts closes more deals, that's all. And it doesn't hurt anyone. It also keeps me in a positive frame of mind to make that next call or visit.

Essentially, you lie because it's the only way you can feel good about yourself.