17-19 Swanwick Lane Broughton
Milton Keynes MK10 9LD
TEL: 01908 309 269
FAX: 07000785669
Email: support@propertymentor.co.uk
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How did you first get into property?
My inspiration for property investment began with my mum.My reason for getting involved in property initially was to supplement my pension.
I knew that pensions were very rigid in regard to how much money you could withdraw.
With property investment it was different. I could dictate when I drew out my money, and how I spent it. Also, I was in control of how my wealth would grow: something I couldn't do with my pension...
So I took the plunge into property, and have been investing ever since.
Some may view property investment as a singular career, but I view it as an additional wealth-building strategy.
I first worked for an international bank and then a private client stockbroking firm. After an enjoyable and flexible career as a self-employed management consultant, I joined the Property Mentor team and am now Managing Director of Property Mentor Academy Ltd.
Do you think property has got any easier?
Property investment has definitely changed a lot since I started. It's much easier today. You can now research your properties on the internet and because there is so much information freely available, it is easier to negotiate and work out if the deal is profitable before you even view the property.
In 1997, it was very different.How has the Property Mentor system helped you?
When I took the Property Mentor course in 2005 I already had several properties but they weren't providing much cash flow.
The course taught me to think differently. I found out how to achieve significant cash flow and how to make money when I bought property by negotiating much bigger discounts than I had previously thought possible. It was a real eye opener.
Property Mentor has helped me in other ways too; I've met some fantastic people who are now a part of my network. I've been given advice by one delegate that has saved me thousands of pounds in tax and I've done deals with other delegates too.
What advice would you give to delegates?
My main advice for delegates pursuing a career in property investment is to get the right knowledge and mix with the right people. If you want to be rich and successful, you must hang out with rich and successful people.
I know that many people may have made a lot of money from property in the last few years but that was only because of the rising market.
The market has changed and a lot of investors are now having to sell their portfolios due to lack of cash flow.
The advice I’d give to anyone wishing to invest abroad is the same. Begin in a country where you have contacts and know the system.
And if you do choose to invest… use an independent solicitor to check out the property laws of that country first. Do not take advice from the developer's solicitors.
On saying that, property investment is extremely easy - anyone can do it.
That’s what so great about property. It is tax efficient, easy to understand and is an asset that you can easily pass onto your children.
