March 4th, 2010 By Ginger Wilcox

If you are unable to see the video above, please click here

According to the the National Association of Realtors®, “distressed homes” represented nearly 2 of every fifth home sold in January 2010.  Clearly, real estate investors in Marin County and around the country are taking advantage of good deals on inexpensive property.  But there’s risk involved.

This NBC Today Show interview first ran in March 2009, featuring real estate expert Barbara Corcoran. Despite its age, the message remains relevant. Today may be a terrific time to buy a bank-owned home — just make sure you do your research first.  There’s plenty of ways for investors to get burned.

Some of the tips in the video include:

• Buy in your own backyard
• Start small, then build to a bigger portfolio
• Watch receipts — rent rolls don’t matter if tenants aren’t paying rent

Corcoran also gives pointers on how to evaluate a prospective tenant.

Foreclosures may represent a significant number of 2010′s total Marin County home sales and will offer interesting opportunities to bona fide real estate investors.

Remember, the stats and the data are from 12 months ago, but the advice stays meaningful.

April 27th, 2007 By Ginger Wilcox

I am a third generation real estate agent. The first generation, my grandfather, Elwood Dudley lost his battle with cancer on April 5, 2007. I was very close to my grandfather. He was a teacher, a friend, and the best grandpa there is. He was kind to everyone, adopting those less fortunate into the family. Over the last few weeks, I have heard countless stories from people whom my grandfather helped. He was very generous of his time, resources and energy. He made a significant impact on so many people .

My grandfather was very successful. He was one of the very first subdividers in Prescott Valley, Arizona. His developed, Lynx Lake Estates and Northridge Park Estates. He was a fantastic business man and salesman. He worked very hard to support his family but I believe his success is due in large part to his generosity to others. He was ethical, honest and kind.

I am a truly believer that by giving, you get back more. I know I learned this from my grandfather. I will miss my grandfather very much, but I am very fortunate to have known him. Although he is no longer physically here, I am still learning from the examples he set and from the stories I continue to hear about him.

Thanks Grandpa for all of the memories and all of the knowledge you have passed on to me! I know I can’t fill his shoes, but I can sure try to follow in his footsteps.