Craig Michael Crawford Sr.'s
Sustainable Property Proposal
This proposal will detail the specific plans for the first investment in Green Acres Sustainable Property Development's portfolio, including area to be renovated, initial/long term investment costs and expected return on investment of the project.
Area to be re-developed
The area I have selected is in the larger community (California hi-desert), where I grew up. I have lived in Victorville for almost 5 years now and am intimately familiar with this particular area. I travel past it almost every day. I wish to rebuild the area around the Center Street Park near downtown Victorville.
This area along with many others within Victorville have been woefully neglected, and due to the current foreclosure crisis and illegal immigration problems, it is in very bad condition. In addition to this, the crime in this area is particularly high due to it being a large gathering place for persons committing illegal acts everyday. These acts a varied in scope but undoubtedly extremely troublesome to the community as a whole. It is also very close to several major public schools in Victorville. We owe it to our children to provide them with a safe healthy environment to live and go to school in. This area will provide the most exposure to the people I wish to changes the lives of.
The benefit of these problems, to our company, is that each individual property is currently undervalued. With these community based problems being solved one person/home/community at a time the potential for appreciation within the entire area will be very great. It will also allow for a very low start up cost.
The benefits to the surrounding community will also be great. The children of the schools in the local area will all be able to see everyday what hard work and devotion to the improvement of their community can do in a short amount of time. It will give hope to many local families who are currently without hope. Improving this area without the use of government funds, in a sustainable manner will make Victorville and the hi-desert as a whole a shining example of what a local community can do for themselves for the long term without governmental intervention. With the added revenues from this project and the following ones, hopefully the local government may even be able to balance their budget and provide the services they once promised and have failed to live up to.
Initial Investments
The initial investment required will be covered in two sections. Property acquisition and property re-development.
Property Acquisition
The average 3 and 4 bedroom home price per sq. ft in the entire city of Victorville currently is $77 and $69. In this area homes are neither large nor in the high end of the averages. Many of the homes in this area are quite old and in need of major updates and repairs. The 2 homes currently on the market on this same block are both 3 bedrooms, and both about 1150 sq ft. The first is listed for 39,500 and the second 68,990. These homes are representative of the current condition of the neighborhood, one is slightly renovated and very affordable, the other in need of major renovation and even more affordable. I am going to assume we have to pay on average 65,000 per home for the total of 5 homes in this neighborhood. That would bring the total acquisition costs to $325,000. To be safe in assumptions I will also add 20% to this budget for unexpected costs that may occur, I am not an expert in property acquisitions. Bringing the total acquisition costs to $406,250
Property Re-development
The re-development phase will occur in two phases: Veteran Property Manager Apartment / Community Center renovation, and prospective owner renovations.
The costs of the Veteran Property Manager Apartment/Community Center renovation will be detailed below:
Building Construction Costs(Community Center only) 100,000
Infrastructure(driveways, sidewalks, utility upgrades) 150,000
Fencing/Block walls/Gates 100,000
Landscaping 60,000
(2) 10 Kw wind power generators 50,000
(5) 3.6 Kw Solar power panel packages 100,000
(5) Natural gas powered fuel cell generators 25,000
Total 585,000
This brings the total initial investment costs to $991,250.
The prospective owner renovations will vary in costs depending on the particular needs of the prospective owners, but I will figure major renovations of each property with an average cost of $100,000 per unit.
This will bring the total initial investment costs to $1,391,250.
If the value of the property gains only the value of the initial investment, the total cost per property would end up being $278,250. Assuming a total of 10% appreciation over the next 3 years, the 5 year investment ending value would be $1,530,375 , or $306,075 average per property.
It is hard to predict the actual value of my proposed developments due to it's uniqueness in the current marketplace. I believe it's long term value could be much higher, given the afford ability to a currently distressed market and customer base, and it's vision of the future.
Assuming the required 40% down payment per the 5 year plan, the ending average monthly payment per new home in my community would be $1,144.56 for 30 years.
(taken from mortgagecalculator.org assuming 1.25% property tax, and 4% interest for 30 years)
The monthly payment paid to Green Acres Sustainable Property Developments would be $5,202.57 (given the same assumptions as above)
This would make the Veteran Property managers payment for a long term, equitable, stable asset after property owners payments to him would only be : $624.33/month for 30 years.
Every person I know that works hard for their families can afford this given the right tools for success and a solid business model to work from. They only need a little help from their communities and a little support from their families.
That is where the long term investments come in:
Long Term Investments
Having the fundamental belief of “Service Above Self”, for our communities, Green Acres Property Developments will invest 40% of their own profits towards the programs required to transform their own customers lives. Whatever the obstacles may be for the prospective owners, we will provide the funding and support to help them achieve their goals through a solid well thought out 5 year plan. We will invest in personal education, savings match programs, career re-training, community development, and provide support for life and personal finance planning.
We will educate the prospective buyers about the community based organizations currently available to provide assistance with projects designed for them, hard working, law-abiding, low income families. These programs can significantly reduce the amount of savings required to meet the 40% down payment through sponsorship of the individuals on specific projects such as weatherization and LEEDS Certification process. Victorville does not currently have it , but the city of Hesperia currently will give any homeowner up to $80,000 to connect to the new city sewer system and perform a major renovation (at least 25% increase of pre-appraised value).
These programs as well as previously mentioned programs like the Community Action Partnership's IDA matching savings and Springboard programs will be the focus of education in the initial stages of planning of each individuals renovation project. We will invest in the short term for many future gains on many different levels. Most importantly we will be investing long term in the things that we have once loved, our local community.
Expected Return on Investments
Below is a mortgage repayment summary for the assumed Veterans Property Management Loan and the expected monthly and total return on investments and taxes paid over the term. This is assuming no community involvement or corporate sponsorship for the project, the project being fully funded through the investment of Green Acres Sustainable Property Development and the investments of it's individual property owners:
Mortgage Repayment Summary
$5,202.57
Monthly Payment
$1,872,924.45
Total of 360 Payments
$475,674.45
Total Interest Paid
Jul, 2040
Pay-off Date
$562,500.00
Total Tax Paid
In addition to the $475,674.45 made through interest the initial down payment of 40% will be payable in year 5 in the amount of $612,150. This high yielding long term investment will all be secured by high quality, affordable, sustainable housing in an area that is changing the lives of it's investors and families and communities. It will not use it's customers to get rich quick, it will empower it's customers to bring about real sustainable change in their lives and their communities.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Funding / Marketing Strategy
Funding/Marketing Strategy
Having the core company belief of service to our fellow man, we must make our plan available to multiple investors as well as consumers. This will allow us to service all walks of life, all over the country, in achieving their own personal and financial goals for the future. It will provide examples for future business models, focused on sustainability in every local community which it grows into. It will create new jobs in currently distressed communities. Most importantly it will show every person who is successfully invested in their own community interests, that the end result will be a happier, healthier, more productive world to live in.
Having the goal to change this amount of lives will require massive amounts of funding in the long term. As a salesman I know that the best way to build long term clients, and repeat investors in your product is to provide them with excellent customer service, and a sustainable long term business model. Our investors will be an integral part of the community that they chose to invest in. They will be able to see their dollars affect change and build equity everyday in their own communities. Many will be personal friends/family who will be able to share in the long term good fortune of their loved ones. Most importantly they will be able to use their good fortune to be investors in providing an instrument for long term change in many lives.
The heart of our direct marketing strategy will be in 2 directions. All good plans must also contain a back up plan. The initial plan will be to market our completed business plan throughout various “Angel Investor” organizations. The back up plan will be marketing through local rotary clubs/other locally run organizations and using various Internet networking sites and other forms of electronic marketing.
The Angel Investors I speak of in the initial marketing plan can be reached in a multitude of ways. The best way is through our own personal friends/family/associates/community members. We all know people in our lives that are successful and looking to protect their good fortune and change their local community.
In addition to these people, we all have the ability to contact people/companies/organizations who provide start up funds to companies looking to change the world, they will be starting with their own communities. Starting with Warren Buffet & Bill and Melinda Gates, there are 40 billionaires who have pledged to give at least half of their fortune away before they die. (www.thegivingpledge.com) These individuals/organizations would be the perfect investors in our project. They all know the ability of one person/company/ organization to change the world, and would love to be part of showing it to the world. In addition to these people the sports/ entertainment industry would also be an excellent marketing resource. Professionals in these areas have the means, and the desire to affect true change in the world. In addition they would be able to ensure success in their own financial future.
The main idea behind the back up plan will be focused around raising local awareness of the prospective business and development of an avenue for local investment in the idea. Through the Rotary Club we will solicit local businesses to provide donations to the specific project in their area. They will be presented the proposed project and asked for donations which will be actioned off on a newly created website called “Pennies for Change”. This website will be a penny auction website, that all proceeds are used for the funding of Green Acres Property Developments. People will be able to get discount local merchandise/gift cards/free services, and still provide a charitable donation towards the re-building of their own local community.
I attended my first Rotary Club meeting this week, their motto is: “Service Above Self”. I think this is how I want to live my life again, I will be back next week.
Having the core company belief of service to our fellow man, we must make our plan available to multiple investors as well as consumers. This will allow us to service all walks of life, all over the country, in achieving their own personal and financial goals for the future. It will provide examples for future business models, focused on sustainability in every local community which it grows into. It will create new jobs in currently distressed communities. Most importantly it will show every person who is successfully invested in their own community interests, that the end result will be a happier, healthier, more productive world to live in.
Having the goal to change this amount of lives will require massive amounts of funding in the long term. As a salesman I know that the best way to build long term clients, and repeat investors in your product is to provide them with excellent customer service, and a sustainable long term business model. Our investors will be an integral part of the community that they chose to invest in. They will be able to see their dollars affect change and build equity everyday in their own communities. Many will be personal friends/family who will be able to share in the long term good fortune of their loved ones. Most importantly they will be able to use their good fortune to be investors in providing an instrument for long term change in many lives.
The heart of our direct marketing strategy will be in 2 directions. All good plans must also contain a back up plan. The initial plan will be to market our completed business plan throughout various “Angel Investor” organizations. The back up plan will be marketing through local rotary clubs/other locally run organizations and using various Internet networking sites and other forms of electronic marketing.
The Angel Investors I speak of in the initial marketing plan can be reached in a multitude of ways. The best way is through our own personal friends/family/associates/community members. We all know people in our lives that are successful and looking to protect their good fortune and change their local community.
In addition to these people, we all have the ability to contact people/companies/organizations who provide start up funds to companies looking to change the world, they will be starting with their own communities. Starting with Warren Buffet & Bill and Melinda Gates, there are 40 billionaires who have pledged to give at least half of their fortune away before they die. (www.thegivingpledge.com) These individuals/organizations would be the perfect investors in our project. They all know the ability of one person/company/ organization to change the world, and would love to be part of showing it to the world. In addition to these people the sports/ entertainment industry would also be an excellent marketing resource. Professionals in these areas have the means, and the desire to affect true change in the world. In addition they would be able to ensure success in their own financial future.
The main idea behind the back up plan will be focused around raising local awareness of the prospective business and development of an avenue for local investment in the idea. Through the Rotary Club we will solicit local businesses to provide donations to the specific project in their area. They will be presented the proposed project and asked for donations which will be actioned off on a newly created website called “Pennies for Change”. This website will be a penny auction website, that all proceeds are used for the funding of Green Acres Property Developments. People will be able to get discount local merchandise/gift cards/free services, and still provide a charitable donation towards the re-building of their own local community.
I attended my first Rotary Club meeting this week, their motto is: “Service Above Self”. I think this is how I want to live my life again, I will be back next week.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Craig Michael Crawford Sr.'s 6 Month Plan
The purpose of my 6 month plan will be to prepare me, in all aspects of my life, to become the owner of a business and a property which I can properly develop for sustainable long term profit. The first step I must take is to analyze my current situation and identify the weaknesses I currently posses that would prevent me from being successful. After this is done I can then find the appropriate, logical, solutions for those weaknesses.
Unfortunately my weakness are quite all encompassing. First, for me personally there has been long term financial instability. Second, my health, particularly my mental health has been questionable for about 10 years. Third, I do not currently have the education and background knowledge to properly run the business I propose. Fourth, my current legal issues which prevent me from legally driving a car. And fifth, My considerable debt to the IRS from the last 9 years of un-filed taxes. If I can find solutions to these 5 major problems I feel I can and will be able to successfully become the first Veteran Property manager for Green Acres Sustainable Property Development.
Long Term Financial Instability
In the short term, long term financial instability seems like it cannot be rectified. While this is true, planning for long term financial stability in the short term is the only way to prevent long term financial instability in the future. This seems to be a lesson which many of us as Americans have forgotten. My plan will guarantee me a stable income for the next 35 years. To help ensure I properly manage my own finances in the future, as I have in the past, I am going to enroll in the Community Action Partnerships programs to assist low income families in planning for a future productive asset. There are a few different programs within but the ones I plan to utilize are the Individual Developments Account, and the Springboard program.
The Individual Development Accounts program is set up for low income families as a savings matching program where the partnership and the federal government each match your own deposits when you are ready to purchase a productive asset(home, business, education). This will be an important step because not only will I have to complete the 15 workshops to be eligible, but I will also have to find a way to put savings away for the next 6 months. Given my current monthly budget, which I'm sure is like many of yours, I have more going out than coming in. Since most of the goings out have been drastically reduced to bare essentials, I need to create more coming in. I need to find a job. I have been looking for some time now, and believe I will find something soon.
The Springboard program is a non-profit consumer credit management program. Their mission is: “Our people improve the lives and financial well being of individuals and families by providing quality financial education and counseling....we are here to help”. I could use some professional help in this area of my life without a doubt.
The best part about both of these services is that they are free. Here to provide individuals like me and many others out there with the resources to change their own current situations. I first learned about these program while at the Community Action Partnership getting assistance with my electric bill. Taking these handouts, as I have, has been extremely humbling. I think I needed these types of humbling experiences in order to think of things in a different way. The programs are out there for many people who really need them, but they need a way to utilize them effectively. That is what I will also do for the residents of my sustainable development. Show them the resources and show them how to use them effectively.
Health
My health is the most important aspect of my plan. Without it I cannot achieve any of the goals I set for myself in the long term. I have been diagnosed for 10 years now with bipolar disorder, and it has effected every aspect of my life severely. I need to regularly attend counseling and come up with a proper treatment plan with a doctor I am comfortable with. Currently I have Medi-cal, but the overworked Psychiatrist I have seen has been nothing short of a medicine dispenser. I have been in the process of attaining VA disability benefits for over 13 months now and am expecting the VA to come through with a decision any time. When this happens I will have access to the medical benefits I was promised so many years ago to deal with the problems which they diagnosed back in 2001. Until then I can rely on the support of my family to keep me in check. Coupled with family support, I have to take the steps in my life to eliminate the things which make me depressed or extremely emotional.
I have not spoken to my son in over 2 years. He just turned 13 and he really does not know his 2 half sisters and I don't really know anything about the young man he has become. This main aspect of my life is the most depressing. Failing as a father has caused me and him more pain than should be necessary. I can no longer continue to keep this depressing fact out of my life. I have tried to contact him through his mother, and rightfully she is apprehensive about me entering his life again. I have said similar words many times. The only thing I can do is speak through my actions and believe that I can make her believe if I continually work at it. So that is my plan continually work at being a better father for Craig Jr. and a better person for myself, and do it publicly so she hopefully sees.
Another major point of depression within my life is my current living situation with the mother of my 2 girls. I have never loved her, nor do I think I ever will. I have told her this many times, yet surprisingly she does not want to split up. We are 2 different people that are together only for our children, we barely like one another most of the time. Much of my stress is related to her and our relationship. I have to end this relationship so I can have the hope for a future meaningful one with someone I truly love and loves me back. I have not done so in the past because I have been the primary caregiver for my girls since they were born and do not feel she would raise them how I want them raised. To solve this problem I am going to sell her the first house within my development so she has a place to live her life, and I mine, and our children will always be close to both of us. Maybe she might even see what I had been talking about so many times when I was trying to get her to change the way she thinks. At least I will be ensuring her future success as a property owner, and a stable home for my children.
The last major issue affecting my mental health is the bad things I have done in the past to people who were very close to me. The list is long here, but my plan to rectify them is simple. Go directly to the persons I have wronged face to face, sincerely apologize, and ask for forgiveness. My only hope here is in the goodness of man as a whole. Luckily I do still believe there is goodness in man.
When I accomplish these tasks then the condition of my mental health will be dramatically improved. Many of the triggers which cause my emotions to fluctuate one way or the other will be eliminated and the support group I have will only grow and become stronger. I will be mentally prepared to take on large tasks again with confidence of long term success.
Background Knowledge/Education
My education and background is quite varied. I have been through training to become a nuclear machinist mate and have worked around mechanical systems most of my career. Submarine systems training is unique because much of the focus is on conservation and self sustainability. All water and power while aboard ship was made by us and everything 100+ guys could need was fit in 300ft can. You learn how to live life with less and realize the process it takes to convert water into electricity or oxygen or propulsion. I have also done sales for a few years and construction on and off for several years. I do not have the specific training necessary to develop sustainable properties.
I plan to go back to college and obtain dual bachelors degrees, one in business management and one in landscaping design. Before doing this I will take specific product specific courses in small wind power generation installation, photo voltaic installation, home energy retrofitting, and KISSS irrigation systems landscaping professional training.
Other than the KISSS training these courses are offered by many companies lately, but I think I will go to “Boots on the Roof”. It is geared towards veterans transitioning from the military into a new “green” economy. The cost of this can be fairly substantial($7,000), but it potentially can be covered under the GI bill or Sallie Mae student loans. What is not, I will utilize my fund raising skills, using donations from generous individuals, who would like to see the affects of widespread eductaion, to fund this valuable education. The actual course is only about 21 days and will give me at least the introductory background knowledge to be an assistant to a long term licensed professional who performs the installation of these systems on my project.
The KISSS training I will take is 5 days long, and only costs $1700(plus travel and lodging to Colorado Springs for 2 people) to be trained on the installation of a revolutionary irrigation product very new to the US. This training will be for residential specific applications. They also offer additional training specific to comercial applications which would be a natural stepping stone in furthering my education within the sustainable landscaping industry. KISSS technology utilizes up to 80% less water to irrigate many types of landscapes while improving the growth rate and health of the landscape. I plan to pay for this training by soliciting a major local landscaping company to sponsor myself and one of their employees to be trained and I will market, sell, and design these systems for their company. In return they will have a share in the success of all of my future projects.
Driving Privileges
In order to succesfully run my life and a business I must be able to transport myself and others legally. I obtained a DUI about 3 years ago and have yet to resolve it with the court system. In order for me to obtain my license again I have to pay fines totaling $2025 and attend 4 months of classes once a week. To complete this goal I must pay $337.50 per month to my fines, and I must start the classes within the month. Of course times are hard I don't have $337.50 extra per month. I need to get a job. Even a part time temp job will be enough to get the ball rolling on this issue.
IRS Debt
I have not filed taxes since 2001. I owe the IRS last time I checked around $18,000. My plan to rectify this is to meet with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They have the ability to file for the years you didn't file, negotiate down any amounts owed and set up a repayment plan with the IRS. I am not an expert here, where I definitely need expert advice. I will seek out and find the proper attorney to deal with my tax situation, the veterans service organizations have numerous resources for legal issues, and I will finally take advantage of these services to rectify my mistakes.
When I complete all of these short term goals I will be ready to manage the property which I propose to develop and implement my 5 year plan. In addition I will give other people just like me the ability to do the same and the resources for them to rectify their mistakes.
Unfortunately my weakness are quite all encompassing. First, for me personally there has been long term financial instability. Second, my health, particularly my mental health has been questionable for about 10 years. Third, I do not currently have the education and background knowledge to properly run the business I propose. Fourth, my current legal issues which prevent me from legally driving a car. And fifth, My considerable debt to the IRS from the last 9 years of un-filed taxes. If I can find solutions to these 5 major problems I feel I can and will be able to successfully become the first Veteran Property manager for Green Acres Sustainable Property Development.
Long Term Financial Instability
In the short term, long term financial instability seems like it cannot be rectified. While this is true, planning for long term financial stability in the short term is the only way to prevent long term financial instability in the future. This seems to be a lesson which many of us as Americans have forgotten. My plan will guarantee me a stable income for the next 35 years. To help ensure I properly manage my own finances in the future, as I have in the past, I am going to enroll in the Community Action Partnerships programs to assist low income families in planning for a future productive asset. There are a few different programs within but the ones I plan to utilize are the Individual Developments Account, and the Springboard program.
The Individual Development Accounts program is set up for low income families as a savings matching program where the partnership and the federal government each match your own deposits when you are ready to purchase a productive asset(home, business, education). This will be an important step because not only will I have to complete the 15 workshops to be eligible, but I will also have to find a way to put savings away for the next 6 months. Given my current monthly budget, which I'm sure is like many of yours, I have more going out than coming in. Since most of the goings out have been drastically reduced to bare essentials, I need to create more coming in. I need to find a job. I have been looking for some time now, and believe I will find something soon.
The Springboard program is a non-profit consumer credit management program. Their mission is: “Our people improve the lives and financial well being of individuals and families by providing quality financial education and counseling....we are here to help”. I could use some professional help in this area of my life without a doubt.
The best part about both of these services is that they are free. Here to provide individuals like me and many others out there with the resources to change their own current situations. I first learned about these program while at the Community Action Partnership getting assistance with my electric bill. Taking these handouts, as I have, has been extremely humbling. I think I needed these types of humbling experiences in order to think of things in a different way. The programs are out there for many people who really need them, but they need a way to utilize them effectively. That is what I will also do for the residents of my sustainable development. Show them the resources and show them how to use them effectively.
Health
My health is the most important aspect of my plan. Without it I cannot achieve any of the goals I set for myself in the long term. I have been diagnosed for 10 years now with bipolar disorder, and it has effected every aspect of my life severely. I need to regularly attend counseling and come up with a proper treatment plan with a doctor I am comfortable with. Currently I have Medi-cal, but the overworked Psychiatrist I have seen has been nothing short of a medicine dispenser. I have been in the process of attaining VA disability benefits for over 13 months now and am expecting the VA to come through with a decision any time. When this happens I will have access to the medical benefits I was promised so many years ago to deal with the problems which they diagnosed back in 2001. Until then I can rely on the support of my family to keep me in check. Coupled with family support, I have to take the steps in my life to eliminate the things which make me depressed or extremely emotional.
I have not spoken to my son in over 2 years. He just turned 13 and he really does not know his 2 half sisters and I don't really know anything about the young man he has become. This main aspect of my life is the most depressing. Failing as a father has caused me and him more pain than should be necessary. I can no longer continue to keep this depressing fact out of my life. I have tried to contact him through his mother, and rightfully she is apprehensive about me entering his life again. I have said similar words many times. The only thing I can do is speak through my actions and believe that I can make her believe if I continually work at it. So that is my plan continually work at being a better father for Craig Jr. and a better person for myself, and do it publicly so she hopefully sees.
Another major point of depression within my life is my current living situation with the mother of my 2 girls. I have never loved her, nor do I think I ever will. I have told her this many times, yet surprisingly she does not want to split up. We are 2 different people that are together only for our children, we barely like one another most of the time. Much of my stress is related to her and our relationship. I have to end this relationship so I can have the hope for a future meaningful one with someone I truly love and loves me back. I have not done so in the past because I have been the primary caregiver for my girls since they were born and do not feel she would raise them how I want them raised. To solve this problem I am going to sell her the first house within my development so she has a place to live her life, and I mine, and our children will always be close to both of us. Maybe she might even see what I had been talking about so many times when I was trying to get her to change the way she thinks. At least I will be ensuring her future success as a property owner, and a stable home for my children.
The last major issue affecting my mental health is the bad things I have done in the past to people who were very close to me. The list is long here, but my plan to rectify them is simple. Go directly to the persons I have wronged face to face, sincerely apologize, and ask for forgiveness. My only hope here is in the goodness of man as a whole. Luckily I do still believe there is goodness in man.
When I accomplish these tasks then the condition of my mental health will be dramatically improved. Many of the triggers which cause my emotions to fluctuate one way or the other will be eliminated and the support group I have will only grow and become stronger. I will be mentally prepared to take on large tasks again with confidence of long term success.
Background Knowledge/Education
My education and background is quite varied. I have been through training to become a nuclear machinist mate and have worked around mechanical systems most of my career. Submarine systems training is unique because much of the focus is on conservation and self sustainability. All water and power while aboard ship was made by us and everything 100+ guys could need was fit in 300ft can. You learn how to live life with less and realize the process it takes to convert water into electricity or oxygen or propulsion. I have also done sales for a few years and construction on and off for several years. I do not have the specific training necessary to develop sustainable properties.
I plan to go back to college and obtain dual bachelors degrees, one in business management and one in landscaping design. Before doing this I will take specific product specific courses in small wind power generation installation, photo voltaic installation, home energy retrofitting, and KISSS irrigation systems landscaping professional training.
Other than the KISSS training these courses are offered by many companies lately, but I think I will go to “Boots on the Roof”. It is geared towards veterans transitioning from the military into a new “green” economy. The cost of this can be fairly substantial($7,000), but it potentially can be covered under the GI bill or Sallie Mae student loans. What is not, I will utilize my fund raising skills, using donations from generous individuals, who would like to see the affects of widespread eductaion, to fund this valuable education. The actual course is only about 21 days and will give me at least the introductory background knowledge to be an assistant to a long term licensed professional who performs the installation of these systems on my project.
The KISSS training I will take is 5 days long, and only costs $1700(plus travel and lodging to Colorado Springs for 2 people) to be trained on the installation of a revolutionary irrigation product very new to the US. This training will be for residential specific applications. They also offer additional training specific to comercial applications which would be a natural stepping stone in furthering my education within the sustainable landscaping industry. KISSS technology utilizes up to 80% less water to irrigate many types of landscapes while improving the growth rate and health of the landscape. I plan to pay for this training by soliciting a major local landscaping company to sponsor myself and one of their employees to be trained and I will market, sell, and design these systems for their company. In return they will have a share in the success of all of my future projects.
Driving Privileges
In order to succesfully run my life and a business I must be able to transport myself and others legally. I obtained a DUI about 3 years ago and have yet to resolve it with the court system. In order for me to obtain my license again I have to pay fines totaling $2025 and attend 4 months of classes once a week. To complete this goal I must pay $337.50 per month to my fines, and I must start the classes within the month. Of course times are hard I don't have $337.50 extra per month. I need to get a job. Even a part time temp job will be enough to get the ball rolling on this issue.
IRS Debt
I have not filed taxes since 2001. I owe the IRS last time I checked around $18,000. My plan to rectify this is to meet with an attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They have the ability to file for the years you didn't file, negotiate down any amounts owed and set up a repayment plan with the IRS. I am not an expert here, where I definitely need expert advice. I will seek out and find the proper attorney to deal with my tax situation, the veterans service organizations have numerous resources for legal issues, and I will finally take advantage of these services to rectify my mistakes.
When I complete all of these short term goals I will be ready to manage the property which I propose to develop and implement my 5 year plan. In addition I will give other people just like me the ability to do the same and the resources for them to rectify their mistakes.
Monday, August 16, 2010
5 Year Business Plan Outline
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Green Acres Sustainable Property Development LLC
5 Year Business Plan
Green Acres Sustainable Property Development will be a Limited Liability Corporation set up by myself, Craig Michael Crawford, and members of my immediate family.
The primary goal of our corporation will be to provide an unprecedented opportunity to support all American Veterans, who are the leaders of our country. In addition to a profitable real estate development business available to any veteran willing to work hard to ensure it's success, we will provide veterans with a sustainable, sound, expandable business model, and the required initial funding and training to provide themselves with the ability to earn an income for the rest of their lives and never be without a home to live in themselves.
The secondary goal of our corporation is to promote community development and ensure the ability of all hard working, law abiding Americans a chance of living the American dream regardless of their own current economic status. For every veteran we invest in, he will within 5 years, invest in 4 other Americans and they will own their own home with 40% equity in that home.
The tertiary goal of our corporation will be to promote strong sustainable environmental practices within our local communities. We as veterans have been and always will be the best promoters of practices which teach us to conserve, or create entirely different more efficient ways to live our lives. We know how to make our own energy and use our water resources sparingly. We have been taught to always be prepared and success does indeed favor the prepared.
The members of this corporation are the most important part of the entire business plan. They are the inspiration for it and the reason it will be successful. I will own 30%, each of my 6 siblings will own 10% and my father will own 10%. We will be run as a limited liability corporation to protect our own personal interests, while providing a family goal and means to achieve these goals through our many shared and individual talents. My family is full of gifted and talented individuals who inspired me to propose this to them. I, as well as many other people who are close to them, recognize them as individual leaders in their own communities. I hope to be a part of that family of leaders again.
My 5 year plan is actually 5 and a half years. The first 6 months of the plan will be devoted to my own personal 6 month plan. My 6 month plan will be explained later in a letter entitled Craig Michael Crawford Sr.'s personal 6 month plan.
Below is an outline of the 5 Year Plan:
Green Acres Sustainable Property Development LLC
5 Year Business Plan
Year 1
Goals:
a) Select deserving veteran through individual panel selection process made up of members of the corporation.
b) Select proposed city/area desired for development (based on veterans proposal of project and cost analysis) and determine feasibility of project.
c) Acquire 5 single family residences on the same block in neighborhoods distressed by the current foreclosure market.
d) Renovate the house with the largest lot to accommodate the house to become an upstairs 2 bed/2 bath dual master suite apartment which the veteran property manager will live in.
The remainder of the managers property will become the community center grounds, which he will improve and expand upon to meet the needs of his residents.
e) Construct a community center focused around the community garden which will include:
Fruit/nut orchards farmed by the residents/families
Raised bed planter units, and row/vine crop areas
(2) 10kw Wind powered generators
(5) SETS OF 3.6kw solar power panel packages
(5) Backup natural gas powered hydrogen generators
f) Construct all necessary sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants, fences, gates, and security systems, to address concerns of public safety, security and property preservation.
g) Move veteran property manager into apartment and begin year 2.
Green Acres Sustainable Property Development LLC
5 Year Business Plan
Year 2
Goals:
a) Recruit tenants into development based on decisions made by the veteran property manager on who he believes would be a good fit in his community.
b) Determine each individual property owners buy in price before any renovations.
c) Begin counseling tenants/prospective owners on what it takes to own property and a business successfully.
d) Enroll tenants in savings match program to match dollar for dollar every dollar saved for the next 4 years.
e) Develop an individual renovation plan with each of the four prospective property owners including cost analysis and expected return on investment.
f) Contract out necessary work and perform community based projects to all help each other build “sweat equity” and complete all renovations quickly and efficiently.
g) Asses all properties after the renovations are complete and determine individuals own contribution towards the down payment of their home. (All profits/losses will be shared 60% Veteran Property Manager, 40% Prospective tenant)
h) Using the Assessed price determine the pre-appreciation Value and the monthly mortgage amount for each individual home (assuming 40% down payment).
i) Calculate the additional amount of monthly payments required over the next 3 years to meet the 40% down payment requirement. (Assume 10% Appreciation for 3 years and subtracting the amount already gained from “Sweat Equity”).
j) Support Veteran Property managers / prospective owners in furthering their own personal goals in all ways available.
Green Acres Sustainable Property Development LLC
5 Year Business Plan
Years 3-5
Goals:
a) Continue counseling tenants/prospective owners on what it takes to own property and a business successfully.
b) Continue supporting Veteran Property managers / prospective owners in furthering their own personal goals in all ways available.
c) At the end of year 5 determine the post-appreciation value of each individuals property to set a sale price and calculate post-appreciation gains.
d) Using the set aside funds from equity sharing and savings matching for a 40% down payment, construct contract deeds for all the new property owners and finance their new home loan through in house financing at or below the best current available rates.
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