First full day

Well, overall I think I make it through the day pretty well. I got up and worked out so I think that helped. Breakfast at the hotel is really nice. Things are defiantly different but since it was a buffet I just tried a bunch of different things. Lunch was the adventure! The people I'm working with took me to a traditional lunch location downtown as kind of a welcome lunch. It was as traditional as I think you can get. I couldn't tell you what the name of anything was but I made sure it wasn't dog or cat. It was all home-style so I got to try all kinds of things: Shrimp dumplings, Seafood something (about the size of sushi but wrapped in a rice sheet, Fried egg and pork (looked like an omelet) and something like beef stew over greens. All and all it was really fun and I had quite the challenge with my shop sticks. I wish I would have taken pictures but I didn't want to be that dorky tourist.

Trip over

Well, this is my first trip over a few hours that I flew business class. I must say, it’s pretty impressive. From Chicago it’s a 14 ½ hour flight so I'm glad I have it. I’m not sure it’s worth the additional cost because I’m not sure how much more it costs but the seats alone might be worth it. The food was also great and they pretty much give you anything you want to drink. I took this opportunity to try my first Chinese beer. It wasn’t that much different than beer in the states. The fun part was the old school pull-tab.


It turned out another person from Cat was a few rows back and noticed my Cat shirt. She was supper nice and it turns out some of her family will be in next week to visit. Of course I invited myself to hang out with them after work for some tourist type things. Anyway, sure hope my posts get better than this.

On my way to China

Just finished my first leg and waiting for the next 14 1/2 hour flight. Can't wait till it's over.

White House to veto foreclosure bill

Read full story for latest details.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/241754379/index.htm

More signs of home sales weakness

The new year picked up where 2007 left off, as sales of existing homes fell in January to the lowest level in nearly a decade, according to a reading by an industry trade group released Monday.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/240929522/index.htm

Fixed mortgage rates up as adjustable rates drop

Adjustable-rate mortgages could become more popular as the difference between long-term fixed rates and adjustable rates increases, Freddie Mac reported Thursday.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/238871462/index.htm

China

I'm off to China in less than a week. Everything will be running like clock work why I'm gone but I thought it would be fun to post pics why I'm there. So, look for them to start next week.

Fed sees economy slowing

The Federal Reserve cut its growth forecast for the economy and said it sees higher unemployment for the rest of the 2008.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/238347925/index.htm

Wall Street Journal discusses bank-owned foreclosures

The Regular Riches Buy Low Real estate investment strategy got an
unplanned endorsement last week from the Wall Street Journal. Please
enjoy the attached article which discusses how bank-owned foreclosures
represent one of the best opportunities for investors in today's
market to acquire properties below market.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120275539042859517.html?mod=todays_us_personal_journal <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120275539042859517.html?mod=todays_us_personal_journal>

Learn to Be Rich 1/2 day class in Peoria (Rich Dad Poor Dad)

I can't make it but in case someone would like to go:
Thursday, February 28th at The Radisson Hotel
117 North Western Avenue
Peoria, Illinois 61604

Disclaimer: Although the training is based on the teaching of Robert Kiyosaki, he will not be presenting.

http://www.myeducationnetwork.com/learn_to_be_rich/IL/rockford/20957/

Realestate over drinks

I was kicking around the idea of a podcast that would only be the 'dare to be bumb' idea from getrealrei.com. I'm not sure anyone would listin but it might make me more acountable to myself. If anyone listened I'm sure they would provide ideas. Could be fun...

Jennifer Project

Here is the site map of the current project we are working on. It's located in Washington and we will be building two additional building.

From the front:

From the back:

Countrywide delinquency soars

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/235585852/index.htm

Free Peoria, IL Landlord Training Marc 14th

John Campbell is giving free (supported by PHA) training from 9-noon on March 14th. Sign up with the attached registration by Mar 7th if your interested.

Paulson: No recession

Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson will tell the Senate Banking Committee Thursday that he still believes the U.S. economy will avoid falling into a recession this year, according to a published report.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/234989004/index.htm

Homebuilder stocks catch fire

The hard-charging homebuilding stocks are making believers of some investors.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/234900196/index.htm

Major lenders put freeze on foreclosures

Six of the nation's largest mortgage lenders have temporarily stopped foreclosure proceedings in a joint effort to cool the raging foreclosure crisis.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/233824020/index.htm

Home prices set to slide

In a fresh sign that the nation's housing crisis will worsen, home prices are likely to decline in 2008 for the second straight year, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/231045173/index.htm

Fed official: Weak economy, no recession

The United States will not get out of its economic slump any time soon, but might be able to avoid a recession, according to the head of the San Francisco Federal Reserve.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/231643280/index.htm

Bloomington REOs

Looked at a few repo apmt building going to foreclosure Feb 25. Not sure I have the guts to by a multi at auction yet. 10 apartment buildings in all - hope that's not me some day :-)

What slump? Homeowners in denial

Despite numerous reports and estimates showing home values undergoing historic declines in 2007, more than three out of four homeowners believe their own home has not lost value in the last year, according to an online survey.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/231206365/index.htm

Las Vegas tops foreclosure list

The epicenter of foreclosures shifted to the booming city of Las Vegas at the end of 2007.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/229715465/index.htm

Listed, 6plex on Holland

Ouch, they like this place per the price given it's age. On the plus side the tenants pay: Gas and Electric, Water

$330,000 for 6 Units
MLS ID# 1094625

Home equity loan defaults soar

One of the last sources of ready cash for homeowners looking to get money from their house appears to be shutting down and the results aren't likely to be pretty for the economy.

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/228822850/index.htm

Banks getting tougher on mortgages - Fed

Federal Reserve says borrowers with good credit are getting squeezed out of loans as fallout from the subprime debacle spreads. Read full story for latest details:

http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/money_topstories/~3/229103191/index.htm