I had a pretty scary day today -- although, it really isn't all that bad.
As you know, I have been working hard the last couple of years to figure out how to prosper in Michigan real estate as an investor. Let me tell you, not only has that really helped me find a way to have another stream of income, it has been beneficial in another way, as well! Let me tell you how ....
Today was really hot and humid. I don't like this kind of heat, it wears me down and saps out all my energy. My son, Steve, usually comes over for dinner every Sunday evening to visit and just chat about the good things in life throughout the week. Well, this Sunday was to be no different but I was so tired and so was my wife, Analiza, and my daughter, Kyla. So, we decided at 4-pm to settle in for a nap before getting ready to make dinner.
At about 5-pm, Analiza and I were awakened by a rushing wind. It was very loud so I jumped up and went to the window to check it out. The sky was clear to the east, but I could see a black line just above my house - a huge black cloud moving quickly to the east. As I thought to myself, "This doesn't look good at all!", I heard some loud crash and it sounded like something may have hit the roof. I turned to Analiza and said, "Get down to the basement NOW! ... I'll grab Kyla!" So, all three of us rushed to the basement (being led by our super brave yellow lab, Adam, of course!) and as we got down there and huddled in the lights went out. We were only in the dark briefly and the lights came back on. I went up to see what was going on and that's when I looked out of the back door wall and saw what you see on the video.
I'm so thankful no one was hurt and the damage isn't nearly as bad as it could have been. We have a few broken windows, the gutters and new shingles are damaged and the roof line has been severely damaged. In fact, I have to empty my bedroom closet because the drywall has been pushed in at the ceiling!
Here's where I think being a real estate investor has been so helpful. I jumped on the phone and contacted my tree guy, Jim, and he will be out tomorrow to clear out the two fallen trees and trim up the tree next to my house that was damaged. I called a reliable roofer I know and he called me right back to say he'd be here in the morning to tarp off the roof and estimate the damages. I was able to contact my general contractor who builds spec homes and he said he would be out in the afternoon to look at the damage and give me an estimate.
If I didn't have this network of professionals on my cell phone speed dial, I would have been at the mercy of my insurance company to make recommendations and, of course, word of mouth referrals from others. That may have added more to my stress because I wouldn't know any of these providers and their quality of work. I already know these guys and have used them in the past. I feel much better knowing that this will all be taken care of quickly and that I will get a quality job.
So, I'm so glad I have chosen to become a real estate investor for more than the obvious reasons!
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