real estate franchising

A:I found a spot one time for a fastenal store. I drove around and looked for "for rent" signs. I wasn't too high tech, but I was the decision maker. Now I'm in RE. I never overestimate the value of strategic marketing.

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A:Realty World Franchise is without out a doubt the best system out there for dollar value. Flat monthly fees, Lifetime Income and of course the new Wall Street 104 Plan. I recommend this program to every agent I meet. Check them out at www.realtyworld.com, your contact would be Tim Jones the Director of Franchise Development at 800-685-4984!

A:While there are no guarantees in life and not knowing your skill set to manage tenants, the fact that you are asking leads me to think that a franchise will be a better option for you. A franchise in general will provide you with training and guiadance and should have a proven track record for success. In terms of risk, it would depend on what stage of maturity that particular franchise was in. When was the last time you saw a McDonald's go out of business? Real estate doesn't have to be risky, but depending on how you buy things and manage them has some degree of risk. On the other side, real estate will provide you with more freedom and overall less staff to manage. For 90% of your properties, it will be hassle free throughout the year. Those 10% however can keep you up late and have you pulling out your hair. Real estate can provide a great return on investment. I actually have some folks like yourself who want the returns of real estate, but don't want to manage it. I provide them a guaranteed rate of return that is secured by a mortgage and manage the property myself. In terms of liquidy, most times you can sell real estate faster than a franchise. And if you have to take back the asset, it will probably be in better shape, even if the place is trashed. Building up a business after it has been mismanaged takes alot of energy. Having new carpet and paint is relatively easy and takes far less time. Hope that helps.

A:I suppose the only reason I want to respond to this question is that an outlandish suggestion was submitted just now. Don't (that means DO NOT) go near the Swiss Mutual Fund with yours or your worst enemy's money. I nearly ignored the entry until I saw "20% per month guaranteed". This kind of investment return is impossible to achieve unless it is funded beyond the principles of ethical finance. If the return was guaranteed on a YEARLY basis, it would still be unreasonable. I felt it necessary to submit my argument to the previous respondent. Readers of this forum might find the blog listed below of some interest. With regard to the questions you ask (they sound academic, by the way), I think the numbers dictate the investment. Any amount of capital that is less than $300,000 should be put into stocks, bonds and mutual funds - collectively. How much should go into each asset class? That would depend largely on your tolerance for risk as well as the investment term. Investing in real estate and home ownership are two different concepts. Purchasing an "investment" property with appreciation potential can be considered with a capital sum of $300,000 or more. Franchises are risky. The good ones are too inflated. The rest are too speculative. Here's hoping you will make the right decision - or get a good grade on your exam. Hawk