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Video Blogging is Back!
2008-04-18 23:25:00
Finally, we are beginning to produce our (417) Dwellings! video podcast series again. Yea! We've been busy doing what we do best and that is real estate and property management. Things have been great, but with all of the ice storms, flooding, and wind damage it's been a pretty crazy year so far. But we have learned a lot and we're back to share it with you.So how do you make property management an easier job? You set a policy and you abide by it. Therefore, if rents are due on the 1st day of each month and you charge late fees beginning the 5th day, you stick to it. That way a Tenant can't come in to pay late armed with their excuses of de-clawed cats (you have to see the video to get it). They know the rules up front and you stick by them. If you let it slide once, they will continue to try to take advantage of you and possibly try it again next month.
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Which Direction Are We Going?
2008-03-12 22:38:00
So...have you been wondering where we have been? Obviously, things have been a little crazy with Dizmang Properties therefore the obvious lack of blog posts and videos. However, we hope that you've been keeping up with Paul's personal blog and/or Jessica's personal blog. In all honesty, we are struggling to determine which way we should take our business. For the last 20 years, Paul has been the Broker/Owner the real estate firm Dizmang Properties. In the last 15 years, Paul has worked with a very tight, core group of investors that have purchased investment rentals properties ultimately becoming the essence of our business. Property management isn't really the direction we had originally intended to go, but over the last several years, it has become that way. We are your Investment Specialists. Call it what you want..."managers of your wealth"..."congress of your rental empire"...or just "the people that spend your money on wise real estate investments". Whatever you cal...
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Destructive Missouri Street Tenants: It's Time to Grow Up
2007-10-07 02:34:00
We have one street where we manage 28 new houses, close to campus, and popular with college students. You remember the fire right? In my experience with this street I have found out the simple math equation of: College Students = Parties All Of The Time . Now before I start my rant about these immature, destructive partying students, I have to state that there are a few individuals that live on the street that are actually good, reliable and decent college student Tenants . And to those Tenants, I highly commend you, call me and I will give you a GREAT reference both business and rental-wise. And with that said...one of the decent ones called my voicemail anonymously this morning and left a message about the vandalism mess that was made by an overnight Missouri Street party. So I go over there this morning and find the many many beer cans, trash and property damage of the parties on the street, but I find that someone took a can of red spray paint and left their obscene messages ...
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Dizmang Raises Money for JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Research
2007-09-07 16:23:00
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) chapter in St. Louis is having their annual, "Walk to Cure Diabetes" on September 30, 2007 and we're all getting involved. When I say all of us, I mean 18 of us coming from both Springfield, MO and Omaha, NE. Now that you're familiar with this blog, you would probably expect nothing less than a video from us on raising money for Type 1 diabetes research. Our goal is to raise $1,000 by September 30th and I'd love your help! You can donate securely online thru the JDRF site.In addition to participating in the walk, we are also actively pursuing bringing a chapter of the JDRF here to Springfield. There are only 2 chapters in the state of Missouri and we have chosen the St. Louis chapter for assistance in helping to bring it locally. If you, or someone you know, is either affected by Type 1 diabetes or is looking for a job in a non-profit organization, please contact us as we are in the beginning stages of pulling together a suppo...
More About: Money

Investment Loan Types for Rental Investments
2007-08-28 17:18:00
This is a complex topic and takes a lot of explanation. That?s probably why my video podcast on this top ended up being over 5 minutes long! I truly don?t intend to lose any of you, but I have been sent e-mails requesting information about the different types of loans for investment properties. Of course, please feel free to e-mail me if you need further explanation.There are 2 Types of Non-Owner Occupied Investment Loan s:Secondary Market Loans.This is a 15, 20, or 30 year fixed rate loan for up to 10 loans. We only recommend sticking with a 15 or 20 year loan, reason being is that if you get a 30-year loan, you can only depreciate for 27 ½ years.In-House Loans.Banks will do in-house loans and loan money to Investors with great credit and history from their own personal portfolio. These type of loans are the types that you'll get once you go beyond the 10 loans mentioned above or if you purchase commercial (Land or Apartment Complexes). These loans usually require 20% down paymen...
More About: Rental , Investments

9 Tips to Repair Your Credit to Purchase a Home
2007-08-15 20:37:00
In our latest video podcast, Paul shares 9 tips to cleaning up and repairing your credit so that you can purchase a home either as your primary residence or investment (rental) property.Usually, when you purchase an investment home, most lenders require a credit score of 680 or higher. We break down the credit scores in our own opinion of what is good and not so good as follows:Below 620 = Not So Great620-700 = Okay, Room for Improvement700+ = Excellent Credit Now, if you're trying to improve your credit score, here are the 9 tips that we give:1) Pay all of your bills on time.The most obvious but can be the hardest to do. You want to pay all of them on time but if you had to choose-- always pay the revolving debts first and on time; i.e. credit cards, car loans, rent or mortgage payment, etc. These can affect your credit score the most.2) Avoid companies that offer assistance for a fee.They are not all bad, but usually you'll find yourself paying a fee for someone to tell them to p...
More About: Tips , Home , Purchase , Repair

What are Tenants looking for?
2007-08-01 18:07:00
According to an article that I read in REALTOR Magazine online, Apartments.com conducted a survey and there is a list of what Tena nts are mainly looking for when renting property. (Among the many other lists and demands that they already have...yes I said that with sarcasm).First, if a Tenant was comparing equal properties side-by-side, over 52% said that location would drive their decision.The other items were as follows in the Tenant's lists of "wants": Air conditioning: 81%Parking: 81%Washer and dryer in unit: 54%High-speed Internet in unit: 47%Dishwasher: 46%Elevator: 24%Pool: 21%Hardwood floors: 13%Fireplace: 5%We can't guarantee that we've got all of these things that Tenants are looking for in renting property, but we sure get close. You can see what rental properties that Dizmang Properties has available by checking out our web site.
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Cleanin' Up Our Act, 5 Tips To Organize the Paper
2007-07-26 23:45:00
It's time to clean up our act. Time to get organized. It's frustrating when you're so busy and the one thing that is holding you back in getting the mess in your office cleaned up. In Paul's video blog (see YouTube video below) he shares this frustration. We had read an article in Business 2.0 magazine on David Allen. According to the article, David is a "management guru who has learned to relax, go with the flow and market his mysterious elixir of success." This article content has encouraged us to clean up our act.5 Tips to Cleaning Up Your Paper Files On Your Desk:1) Start by sorting thru your giant paper pile making it into 3 smaller temporary piles labeled "To Read/Process", "To File", "Throw Away". Once the pile is sorted, throw away the third "throw away" pile. It feels good to do so.2) Make file folders to avoid collecting piles of paper on your desk.3) Use a file sorter to orgazine your file folders so that they aren't "piled" back onto your desk.4) Wipe down th...
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Time to Buy a Home in a Buyer's Market Video Blog
2007-07-16 02:20:00
Here in Springfield, it is a Buyer's Market . There are numerous houses on the market that are for sale. So in my video blog, I have put together a few tips for the typical home buyer out there looking for a house.Tip #1: Stay organized. Keep a short list of homes and look at no more than 3-4 houses at a time. This is so you can keep all of them straight in your head.Tip #2: Make a list of both pros AND cons of each home you see.Tip #3: View the home that you intend to buy at least twice.Tip #4: Negotiate hard and be patient.Tip #5: However, don't be ridiculous! Don't make obnoxiously low offers on houses that Sellers wouldn't even consider.If you need assistance with purchasing a home for sale, contact me (Paul Dizmang) at (417) 887-0501 or via e-mail. I can answer any questions you may have and offer you so much more in depth information if you'd like.
More About: Video , Video Blog , Time , Home

Paul's First Rental Property
2007-06-17 01:13:00
After spending a weekend with my family in my hometown of Bartlesville, OK, I couldn't help but reminise about all the fun past times and back to when I purchased my first rental property. I currently still own 15 single family houses in Bartlesville alone and I went back to the very first one and decided to podcast directly from there.I know it can be scary investing in your first rental property, but I want to help you.
More About: Rental , Property , Rent , Prop , Pert

Web 2.0 Seminar for REALTORS on a Shoestring Budget
2007-06-17 01:09:00
Whew! My big debut as a seminar speaker last Tuesday night went off without a hitch and in my opinion was a big success. I spoke to REALTORS in our local board association about the power of Web 2.0 technology and how it can greatly improve their Google ratings, their online presence as a whole, and how to do it all on a "shoestring budget".I'm a small company and I have a tight budget. (And it's not just because I'm cheap!) I starting video blogging about my real estate career and property management for just under 2 years. When something works for me, I want to share that information with others in my field. REALTORS are professionals, this is a tough business to stay in and if I can help another colleague, then so be it. And that is why I did the seminar called "Web 2.0 Technology for REALTORS on a Shoe string Budget ". I got a great response from the other agents I talked to and now I am in the process of getting together an all day seminar to discuss this Web 2.0 technology. A...
More About: Realtors , Seminar , String

GSBOR Video Blog Seminar for REALTORS
2007-05-24 19:05:00
Paul Dizmang of Dizmang Properties is conducting a FREE seminar for Springfield REALTORS on June 12, 2007 from 6-8pm at The Board. He will be going over videos, blogging, podcasting, and all of the particulars of Web 2.0 Technology and how it will benefit real estate agents. Call Linda at (417) 883-1226 to sign up or visit www.getpaul.com for more info.
More About: Video , Realtors , Video Blog , Blog , Seminar

VIDEO LISTING: 5 Bedroom Copper Mill Beauty in Springfield!
2007-05-07 02:55:00
For more info, call Paul Dizmang at (417) 887-0501 or see more details at www.getpaul.com.
More About: Video , Beauty , Bedroom , Listing , Sting

Burning Down The House (Demolition Day!)
2007-04-06 17:14:00
Demolition Day was one that came with many mixed emotions. It was a relief to see it come down and move forward. But it was also sad to see one of our beloved houses that we built 2 years ago, in Grand Place Addition, come down. Of course, we documented the demolition with video, it was a pretty interesting thing to see how quick the house came down.In case you're just hearing about this, one of our rental properties had a fire back on January 5, 2007. Dizmang Properties has documented the process each and every step of the way, from the day of the fire all the way to today. And now we're going to go thru the re-building process. Here are some of the highlights since the fire.
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Is your home ready?
2007-03-20 18:57:00
Is your home ready? Read y for what? Spring? To list for sale on the market?Hard to believe that spring is finally here. The trees are just now starting to bud and finally, finally we are starting to see warmer temperatures. I was almost wondering if we would ever get out of all the ice, snow, and below 0 temperatures. But one thing that spring brings is the realization that now is the best time to get your home ready to show, even if you are not planning on selling it.Deferred maintenance is one of those things that most all of us hate to admit, but we have it. Yes, it plagues all of us especially in the spring since we realize that all of those little things that we meant to do but were to cold to do are starting to build up. I hate working in the cold. Therefore, as I look around, everything needs to be cleaned from all that dirty icy mess. Windows, carpets, even the dust seems to be thicker in the spring. As I look closer, the paint is starting to peel in places, the garage is f...
More About: Home , Your , Ready , Gathering

Hide & Seek!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Ever feel like you?re playing Hide -N-Seek with your real estate agent??My buyer?s agent, Jay Reasor, wrote the following and did his own video podcast on finding the right real estate agent. Check it out and let me know what you think. --Paul Dizmang height="271" codebase='http://www.apple.com/qtactivex/ qtplugin.cab'> controller="true" loop="false" pluginspage='http://www.apple.com/quickti me/download/'> Today I?m going to help you find the right Buyer?s Agent by looking into 3 specific areas:First?we?ll discuss the internet with all of the traffic & congestion and it?s impact on your search for the right agent.From there I want to explain how to navigate your way through the internet traffic in the most efficient way.Finally, I?ll give you some fundamental steps in choosing an agent and then arriving at your destination safely and sanely.Wading through the b...

Blogging Tomato Comments
2007-02-07 05:32:02
I read many blogs every day, especially ones related to the real estate industry.(Click here to see my video on this!)Yeah?I know what you?re thinking?duh Paul?you?re a REALTOR, of course you read about your industry. Now chances are, there are a lot of you out there that subscribe to my podcast that are REALTORS yourself, so I feel the need to point out one particular blog that I have really enjoyed reading.The Real Estate Tomato. Wow, great information. I encourage all of you REALTORS out there to check it out. But how this relates to everyone else out there that doesn?t care for blogs that cater specifically to REALTORS, is that their latest post questioning if ?Big Brother? is dead involves everyone?REALTORS, Buyers, Sellers, Owners, Tenants and Investors and it involves you too.In the world of blogging & wikipedia entries, everyone works together to bring their videos, their pictures from their camera phones, and their own comments on blog posts to form a real and true pict...
More About: Blogging , Men , Blog , Comments , Comment

Comparing Apples to Apples
2007-02-07 05:32:02
It's amazing how often we see this logo and don't even think twice about it. Now do you know the difference between a REALTOR and a Real Estate Agent?Let's compare apples to apples...REALTOR to Real Estate Agent...first of all REALTORS are associated with the National Association of REALTORS. This is a good thing because all REALTORS have to abide by a strict code of ethics. Therefore, you want a REALTOR to represent you in your real estate transaction because you know that they are held accountable to this code of ethics which includes how they should represent you, as their client.So I'm sure you're thinking, how do I choose a REALTOR? Just because they are associated with the National Association of REALTORS, does that mean that they are a good REALTOR? No it does not necessarily mean that they will be a good agent for your real estate transaction. There are 9 Magical questions that you should ask when you are interviewing agents to assist you. Always ask these questions, wh...
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NEW LISTING! 3865 W. Ridgeway in Springfield, MO!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul Dizmang has done it again, listed another property. 3865 W. Ridge way in Spring field, MO is a beautiful home with 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, 2 car garage, fenced backyard and many upgrades. You can always get more info by going to Paul's web site at www.getpaul.com.
More About: List , Ring , Listing

NEW LISTING! 4BR, 2BA newer home in Nixa, MO
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul Dizmang and Dizmang Associates has listed a newer home in Nixa, Missouri just south of Springfield. This beautiful 4 bedroom home is a rare find in this price range. List ed at $124,900, this home features a brick front, 2 car garage, 10' ceilings in the living room and a spacious kitchen/dining area. Click on the link to see more or go to www.getpaul.com for more information.
More About: Home , Listing , Sting , Gathering

New Listing! Exquisite 4BR in Ozark, MO!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Paul Dizmang listed a new property last week at $299,900. It's beautiful and it's in Ozark, the address is 2108 N. 9th Street. Built in 2002, and inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, this beautiful home features many quality upgrades like a floor to ceiling curved glass block that graces the entry way of this home. I've added some pictures here and you can go to www.getpaul.com if you want more information.
More About: Site , List , Listing , Sting

Real Estate Curve Ball
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Video Taped on Tuesday, October 24, 2006 for Game 3 of Baseball World SeriesThis podcast has absolutely nothing to do with real estate or property management but all about the baseball world series. This is a very unbiased, neutral (go Cards!) video about how Paul is headed off to the world series with his good buddy. 10-4 Good Buddy on the tickets, nice work and truly appreciated! :)
More About: Estate , Real Estate , Curve , State , Real

Now Taking Applications!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Thanks to "Latisha" who left a comment on Podcast Alley for me requesting information on how to process an application for rent. Finding a Tenant for your investment property should be handled with great care. You do not want a ?blind-date? experience with your Tenant. This means that you need to know as much as you possibly can about a potential Tenant before you even show them the property.That?s right?before you show them the property.When a prospective Tenant calls, you need to have your questions ready. I suggest having an actual written down script so that you do not forget to ask all of the questions.Question #1: Always ask for a first name, last name, and phone number of the person calling. Never agree to show a home without this information.Question #2+: Ask all of the ?W? questions---who, what, where, when & why?2a) Who?will be living in the property?(Is it you, a spouse, the kids?)2b) What?kind of pets do you have?2c) Where?do you work? (Do they have a stable job?)2d) Whe...
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Vote for the Boss' Kid!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
This is Paul & Brooke's 13-year old son, Alex...he does his own podcast for (417) Dwellings and in this episode, he encourages you to go to www.podcastalley.com and vote for the (417) Dwellings podcast series.Looks and acts just like his Dad, doesn't he?!? :)Click on the picture to download Alex's podcast!Until next time...
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On Vacation!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
I am so sorry for the delay in podcasts and blog posts, I have been cruising the Carribean and enjoying some time off with my family.Click on my fun little umbrella drink to see my podcast on how you can make investing in real estate work send you on a vacation! :)
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Pet Friendly Rental Properties
2007-02-07 05:32:02
As a Landlord, have you ever rented to a Tenant that had pets and only later you discovered that it was a disaster, because the pets tore up your beloved investment rental property? Let me guess, you're to the point now that you no longer rent to Tenants with pets because you don't want to have to deal with their messy pets.As a Landlord myself, I have been down this road many times and I have also learned from the experience. Click on the picture with the kitty and see my video podcast that I did on this subject. Isn't the kitty cute?!? :) I have learned that you must set a standard as there are pros and cons to allowing pets in your rental properties.The first standard is that I go ahead and allow pets with conditions. I will only authorize pets that are domestic animals such as dogs or cats. There is a restriction on the type of dog as I do not allow any kind of vicious type dog like pit bulls or rottweilers. I also do not allow any kind of farm animals like horses or cows, ci...
More About: Rental , Friend , Friendly , Rent , Properties

Falling In Love with Real Estate
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Okay, I know it's been awhile since I have blogged. You know how it goes...life happens and things get crazy. Thanks for keeping up with me, though. :)Check out my podcast about "falling in love with real estate". You may "LOVE" a property, but use your head when planning on purchasing it...meaning...don't go with your heart. Do the research and learn what the property's value is, not what you think it's worth because you just "LOVE" the property. Blog me with your questions...I'm happy to help.Until next time...
More About: Love , Estate , Real Estate , With , Alli

Can I Take It With Me??
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Fixtures - do they stay or go? Did you know that when you sell your home, anything that is attached to the house itself must stay with the property. That means...anything that is attached, screwed in, taped down, glued to or some way wired into the house, then it stays with the property.Now I know this gets a little technical, but when a seller goes to move out of a property that you are buying, wouldn't you expect that the curtain rods, light fixtures, mirrors and kitchen cabinets would be there when you went to move in?? Of course you would! However, if you moved in and the kitchen cabinets weren't there, then it would need to refer to the listing and sales contracts. If the kitchen cabinets, for example, were not "reserved" in the contracts, then they must stay with the home since they are attached (screwed into) the walls of the home. An example of something "reserved" in a contract would be something like curtains and curtain rods. As the seller, you must specify in the contr...
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What do you mean "it broke"?
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Let's face it, a home consists of thousands upon thousands of parts and pieces and any of of those could fail at any time. So is it worth the money to purchase a home warranty?Buyers often contemplate if a home warranty is a good move or just a sales pitch. I really do understand. I hate everytime I go to buy something at the store and I am asked if I want a warranty with this or that. I recently rented a video for $1 and they then asked me if I wanted a warranty on it for .25 more. You have got to be kidding me! But with a home it is something you might consider.Home warranties come in different packages and sizes. Make sure you read the policy carefully to understand what it does and does not cover, but for the most part they cover all of the mechanical items in the home. Most do not cover roof or structure, but for an additional fee, they can cover a well and possibly septic system. For about $400 to $500 it really is a good value.Remember, this is coming from a guy who hates ex...
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POOLS!
2007-02-07 05:32:02
Pools, good thing or not?This video podcast, in my opinion, wasn't filmed very well. (No offense to my video producer!). It was filmed at a pool that was not full yet and it really needed to be cleaned up. But it got my point across about pools. I'm curious to know what you think, did you watch the video?The biggest piece of advice I can give about pools to anyone who is considering selling your home is this: Don't put in a pool just to get your home sold faster. Yes, 'tis the season for pools and everyone loves the idea of a pool, but no buyers wants to pay you the same amount of money that you put into installing the pool. Now, if you're going to stay in the home for awhile and you want a pool, then great! Put in the pool and invite me over for a summer time pool party! :) If you and your family will enjoy the pool, then put one in. I don't want to discourage you from having a pool, I only want you to be prepared for the fact that you probably won't get out of it what you p...
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