John Burley on Green Zone Activities: The Three Things That Make You Money


Unlocking Success: The Power of Green Zone Activities in Real Estate Investing

In the fast-paced world of real estate investing, time is money—literally. According to real estate expert John Burley, the secret to maximizing your profits lies in what he calls the “green zone.” This is where you focus on the activities that directly generate income, rather than getting bogged down in tasks that may feel productive but don’t contribute to your bottom line. By honing in on just three key activities, you can set yourself apart from the majority of investors who spend hours on tasks that yield little to no financial return.

Presentations to Capital Investors

The first and most crucial activity in the green zone is raising capital. Burley emphasizes that making presentations to potential investors should be a top priority. Whether or not the prospect decides to invest, the mere act of pitching your projects puts you in what Burley calls the “green zone,” where you’re actively pursuing opportunities to bring in more funds. This is a vital step for any real estate investor, particularly in the early stages, where securing capital can be the difference between success and failure.

Making Written Offers

Next, Burley highlights the importance of making written offers on properties you are ready and able to purchase. This isn’t about wishful thinking or tying up properties you can’t close on; it’s about making serious, actionable offers. By setting aside time early in the week—ideally by Monday or Tuesday—to send out these offers, you position yourself to stay ahead of the competition and increase your chances of securing profitable deals. This proactive approach helps you avoid the stress of last-minute scrambling and ensures that you maintain a steady flow of potential investments.

Showing Properties to Pre-Qualified Buyers

The final green zone activity is showing properties to pre-qualified buyers who are ready and able to move forward. Whether you’re flipping a house, selling to a wholesaler, or offering owner financing, the goal is to have potential buyers who have been vetted and are eager to make a purchase. By focusing on buyers who meet your criteria, you streamline the selling process and maximize your returns. This approach not only saves time but also increases the likelihood of closing deals quickly.

Delegate or Automate The Rest

Burley warns against spending too much time on “red zone” activities—tasks that don’t directly contribute to your income. These include things like answering calls from non-serious buyers, managing minor administrative tasks, or engaging in endless online property searches. While these tasks may feel necessary, they often serve as distractions from the activities that actually move the needle in your business. Successful investors, Burley notes, delegate or automate these tasks whenever possible, freeing up more time to focus on the green zone.

By dedicating just two to four hours a week to these three green zone activities, you can significantly boost your productivity and profitability. As Burley puts it, getting into the green zone is the key to transforming your real estate business from ordinary to extraordinary. So, start prioritizing your time, focus on what truly matters, and watch your investments flourish.

Learn more from John when he comes to Kansas City in September. See his events on the MAREI Calendar.

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