S.E.C. Real Estate Observer

Welcome to the 2009 spring issue of the S.E.C. Observer. Tom Langel, S.E.C. President, encourages us to seek opportunity and find the “silver lining” in these challenging times…

It is my right to be uncommon—if I can. I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

Last edition, I wrote about being positive, communication with your lenders and partners, brainstorming at S.E.C. meetings and with your acquaintances, figuring out what works in a recession and upgrading your skills. This edition, I want to concentrate on personal development, focus, and time management.

As we all know, it’s hard to fly like Superman not only when your cape is on fire, but when you have a portfolio filled with Debt laden properties that are ready to hit the proverbial lender graveyard. Historically, Debt has undermined many great fortunes. Among our founding fathers, Jefferson, Adams and Franklin, (and most of the other founding fathers) experienced the continual and unrelenting anxiety associated with maddening Debt.

Some of us remember quite clearly the economic collapse of the 1980s. We all need to recognize that we are facing a similar time. Some of our clients, friends and maybe we personally could face some huge financial issues. What knowledge might be timely?

Jim Keller, a fellow S.E.C. Member, and I read western lore avidly, and have been doing so for more years then we care to remember. We both agree that the Western world of old, which we have grown to love, accurately depicts the true meaning of Americana.

The recently well attended S.E.C. meeting in Carefree, Arizona, was the epitome of a selfless collaboration of problem solving professionals. The treasure trove of experience, knowledge and creativity highlighted a most productive marketing session.

If you own a piece of land and would like to receive the highest value, but you are currently unable to sell it for that value, consider adding some cash to your land and exchanging it for some existing or to be created notes.

As the new S.E.C. Education Foundation Board has been going about the work of organizing programs and tasks in support of Ed Foundation goals, we have not lost sight of our ongoing responsibility to schedule timely and pertinent education for our Sunday education forums held in conjunction with S.E.C. Marketing Meetings.

The S.E.C. National Invitational Marketing Session will be held in Louisville at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel, 500 Fourth Avenue, Louisville, KY 40202. Visit www.seelbachhilton.com to learn about the hotel and visit www.gotolouisville.com to learn about the Louisville area.