Once upon a time, James had dreams of traveling the world, smashing tennis balls and winning big tournaments. “I was looking to be a tennis player overseas,” James said with a laugh. But life had a different plan. While on his journey, he met Marj – a vibrant, smart woman from France – and suddenly, the game of life became way more interesting.
James brought Marj back to Australia, and as he joked, “I brought her back as extra.” Together, they started a new chapter, one filled with dreams bigger than tennis.
Their life quickly turned into a whirlwind of adventures. James and Marj built a life together, raising not one, not two, but four kids. They were a real team – juggling family, work, and big ambitions. Life wasn’t always easy, but James and Marj had two secret weapons: their ability to dream big and their determination to make those dreams come true.
From their earliest days, James and Marj shared a passion for creating something meaningful. They saw the potential in real estate, a world where they could not only build a future for their kids but also help others along the way. James and Marj believed in the magic of second chances – for people, for houses and for life itself.
What started as a tennis dream turned into a full-fledged family adventure. Their story wasn’t about winning trophies anymore. Instead, it became about winning at life – together. And so began their real estate journey, one filled with challenges, victories, and stories worth telling.
If James and Marj’s lives were a theme park, their real estate journey would definitely be the rollercoaster – thrilling, sometimes scary, but always full of surprises. Before joining the I Love Real Estate, James and Marj were already in the property game, but they had carved out a very special niche: vendor finance. “We were dealing with people who had a property,” James explained, “and something changed in their life, so they needed to sell.”
Now, for those wondering, what is vendor finance? – think of it as solving house puzzles. James and Marj worked with people who couldn’t sell their houses easily, maybe because they were in debt or needed a quick solution. “We would go in, find a solution for them… negotiate their debt, set up payment plans, or take over their property to sell for a profit,” James said. It was like magic! They would take a tricky situation and turn it into something good for everyone.
At first, this seemed like the perfect strategy. They could help people stuck with “puzzle houses,” and in return, they made a living. Over time, James and Marj did over 50 deals this way, mostly in South Australia and Victoria. They even started a business consulting others on vendor finance. But while the deals were happening, something wasn’t quite right. “We had zero capital gain because we were trading properties in and out,” James admitted. It felt like running on a treadmill – working hard but not really getting ahead.
Despite the challenges, James and Marj loved what they were doing. They weren’t just buying and selling houses – they were helping people who needed it most. Whether it was a family in debt or a homeowner looking for hope, James and Marj were the heroes who came to the rescue.
Imagine this: it’s just days before Christmas and excitement is in the air. Kids are dreaming of presents under the tree, families are planning holiday feasts and the world seems merry and bright. But for James and Marj, Christmas of that year was anything but magical.
On December 21st – just four days before Christmas – their accounts were suddenly frozen. “We had no money,” Marj shared, recalling the moment with a lump in her throat. “No Christmas presents for the kids. Nothing.” Can you imagine the look on their children’s faces when they realised Santa wouldn’t be visiting that year? It was heartbreaking.
James and Marj had poured their hearts and souls into their vendor finance business, but everything seemed to crumble in an instant. The business hit a wall, and the debts piled up. “All our accounts were frozen,” James explained. “I was selling off houses to keep afloat.” They felt like they were drowning, trying to save themselves and their family from the tidal wave of financial stress.
This was rock bottom. For any family, the strain of financial hardship can feel like too much to handle. For James and Marj, it tested not only their finances but also their relationship. “It was a strain,” James admitted. “We went very low and very high in our relationship. But today, we are stronger because of it.”
So what did they do? They didn’t give up. James and Marj chose to face the darkness and find a solution. Instead of letting the freeze defeat them, they asked, “What can we do to keep doing this better?” That moment, as tough as it was, became a turning point. It forced James and Marj to reflect, regroup, and rebuild.
Through tears, frustration, and grit, James and Marj emerged stronger than before. They weren’t just surviving anymore – they were determined to thrive. And as they say, it’s always darkest before the dawn. For James and Marj, the next part of their journey was about to shine a little brighter.
After their accounts were frozen, James and Marj were at a crossroads. It would have been easy to throw their hands up and say, “That’s it. We’re done.” But that’s not who James and Marj are. They’re the kind of people who see setbacks as opportunities for comebacks. They asked themselves a powerful question: “What can we do to keep doing this better?”
The answer came in the form of the Ultimate Real Estate Success Coaching Program and the wider I Love Real Estate (ILRE) Community. “It was actually the community that attracted us,” James said. “We had some education, but once I got involved, I immersed myself in it.” And when James says “immersed,” he means it. He became what Marj lovingly calls the “education sponge.” Whether it was attending events, watching training videos, or analyzing property strategies, James soaked it all up.
This wasn’t just casual learning. James treated it like a full-time mission. “We would do a property somewhere, and it would just be full immersion,” he explained. He didn’t just want to survive in real estate anymore – he wanted to thrive. Marj, with her steady support and determination, stood beside him every step of the way.
But the journey wasn’t easy. At one point, their money lending business went under, and they lost everything. James recalled, “I was selling off houses just to keep afloat. It was like Christmas time, and I thought, ‘Wow, what are we going to do?’” It was a dark moment, but James and Marj refused to give up.
With renewed focus and the tools they learned from the Ultimate Program, they set out to rebuild their lives, step by step. James described their commitment, saying, “Whatever debt we had, we’d pay it. And whatever was needed, we’d do it.” That meant travelling wherever opportunities arose, cutting others into deals, and doing whatever it took to succeed.
The Ultimate Real Estate Coaching Program gave them not just the strategies to win but also the support and encouragement to believe in themselves again. Slowly but surely, their comeback story began to take shape.
It was the middle of 2020, and the world was in chaos. Borders were closing, and families everywhere were hunkering down at home. For most people, the idea of traveling across state lines seemed impossible. But for James, impossible isn’t in his vocabulary – especially when there’s a deal on the line.
James had a property deal in South Australia that was ready to go. It was a big opportunity, but there was one problem: the border between Victoria and South Australia was about to slam shut. Marj, always the calm and strategic partner, knew what had to be done. “I said, ‘Pack your bag and go. You’ve got half an hour, and if you leave now, you can make it,’” she recalled.
So James grabbed a bag, jumped in the car, and hit the road like a man on a mission. The clock was ticking, and the stakes were high. Meanwhile, Marj stayed behind with the kids, holding the fort and managing everything at home. “He literally just flew there,” she said.
When James arrived in South Australia, the deal wasn’t waiting in a fancy office or a hotel. Instead, he found himself in a house that needed work – a lot of work. And because he had to isolate for two weeks, his bed was… a swag on the floor. “I was sleeping on a swag in the house we were renovating,” James laughed.
For three months, James stayed in South Australia, working on the deal while Marj managed their family back in Victoria. It wasn’t easy. There were long days, sleepless nights, and plenty of challenges. But James knew they couldn’t afford to let this deal slip through their fingers.
When the renovation was done, the house sold, and the numbers came in. They made $33,000 in three months. “It wasn’t a huge amount,” James admitted, “but in the middle of Covid, it kept us moving forward.” More importantly, it proved to James and Marj that even in the toughest circumstances, they could still find a way to succeed.
Not every house is ready for a magazine cover. In fact, some houses are downright ugly. But James and Marj have a special gift – they can look at the ugliest, most unloved homes and see something beautiful. To them, these “ugly houses” are like diamonds in the rough, just waiting for a little love and care.
Take one of their early renovations. James and Marj found a house with a backyard swimming pool that looked like a swamp. Most people would’ve run the other way. But not James and Marj. “The first thing we need to do is fix the pool,” Marj said. “If the pool’s fixed, the kids will be out of our legs!” she laughed.
With four kids running around, James and Marj made their renovations a true family affair. James tackled the heavy lifting – knocking down walls, painting, and fixing up rooms – while Marj worked on the design and finishing touches. “We learned how to make the most of the space,” James explained. “Things like opening up floor plans, adding French doors, and choosing the right styling made all the difference.”
But their work wasn’t just about profit. For James and Marj, every house they renovated became a chance to give someone else a fresh start. One of their favorite stories is about a homeowner who was struggling to sell his house. “He just wanted a caravan and a four-wheel drive,” Marj recalled. “That was his dream.”
James made a deal to buy the house, renovated it, and sold it quickly. In the end, the homeowner got exactly what he wanted – a chance to live the life he dreamed of. “It’s stories like that that remind us why we do this,” Marj said.
Each “ugly house” they transformed became a home that someone could be proud of. And along the way, James and Marj learned how to balance work, family, and big dreams. Their teamwork – and their kids splashing happily in the backyard pool – became the perfect recipe for turning challenges into opportunities.
With every house they touched, James and Marj brought a little bit of magic and a whole lot of hard work. Ugly houses didn’t stand a chance – not with this unstoppable team on the job!
Not all houses come with white picket fences and sparkling kitchens. Some houses, as James and Marj learned, are buried under piles of clutter, dust, and heartbreak. These are called “hoarder houses”, and while most people would run away faster than you can say “yuck,” James and Marj saw these homes as opportunities to make a difference.
One story that still sticks with Marj is about a man who had completely given up hope. His house was unsellable – a maze of clutter and disrepair – and he felt trapped. “All he wanted was enough money for a caravan and a four-wheel drive,” Marj shared, her voice filled with emotion. “That was his dream. That’s all he wanted to live life.”
James, with his calm determination, stepped in. “If I can make that happen for you, do we have a deal?” he asked. The man nodded, and James got to work. They cleared out the house, renovated it, and sold it for enough money to make the man’s simple dream come true. “He was so grateful,” Marj said. “And it reminded us why we do this – to give people hope.”
Then there was the family who couldn’t even afford lunch for their child the next day. As James sat in their living room, listening to their story, his heart broke. “He told me, ‘I don’t have enough money to send my son to school with food tomorrow,’” James recalled. Without hesitation, he went home to Marj and said, “Pack a bag of food for them, please.”
These moments weren’t just about buying and selling houses. They were about helping people through some of the toughest times in their lives. “We gave houses a second chance,” Marj said, “but we also gave people a second chance.” It wasn’t always easy, and the emotional weight was heavy at times. But for James and Marj, knowing they made a difference was worth every bit of effort.
Real estate isn’t all swampy pools and broken walls. Sometimes, the stars align, and a deal turns into something huge. James and Marj have had a few of those “wow” moments, but one deal in particular stands out – the one where they walked away with $168,000 in profit.
The story began with a homeowner who was in a tough spot. His wife had just passed away, and he was overwhelmed. “He said, ‘I can’t afford the funeral, and my son is living in the house but not paying any rent,’” James explained. The house was sitting there, costing him money, and he didn’t know what to do.
James and Marj stepped in with a plan. “The agent said the house was worth about $550,000,” James recalled. But James, always thinking ahead, saw its potential. “We agreed to pay $600,000 – more than anyone else would – because we knew what we could do with the renovation.”
The deal wasn’t just about profit. James and Marj made sure the homeowner got what he needed. “We worked out a payment plan so he could pay for his wife’s funeral,” James said. It was about dignity and care as much as it was about business.
Once the deal was secured, James and Marj rolled up their sleeves and got to work. They renovated the house, transforming it from neglected to stunning. When it sold, the numbers spoke for themselves. “We made $168,000,” James shared, smiling. “And the homeowner got an extra $50,000, too. Everyone walked away happy.”
This wasn’t their only big win. With nearly 97 deals under their belt, James and Marj have learned how to find opportunities where others see problems. Whether it’s helping a family in debt, fixing up an unloved house, or creating a win-win situation, they’ve proven time and again that hard work and compassion can pay off – literally.
For James and Marj, every deal comes with its challenges, but some challenges teach you lessons you’ll never forget. One of the hardest lessons they learned? Choosing the right people to work with.
Take the time they discovered that one of their builders had tiled a bathroom over… cardboard. Yes, you read that right – cardboard! “We tapped on the walls, and they basically fell on us,” James said, shaking his head. The builder had cut corners in ways they couldn’t even imagine. “He waterproofed over cardboard!”
The discovery was a nightmare. James and Marj had to rip out entire bathrooms and start over. “It probably cost me about another $300,000 to redo those houses,” James admitted. The worst part? It wasn’t the only time they’d been burned by unreliable tradesmen.
The stress was overwhelming. “One builder told me, ‘If you don’t pay me, I’ll come smash up your houses.’” James said. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it taught them an important lesson: trust isn’t given – it’s earned.
From that point on, James and Marj became very picky about who they worked with. They brought in a builder from out of town who had years of experience. “Teaming up with him was a game-changer,” James said. “He runs construction like a machine, and we know we can trust him.”
Marj, always the voice of reason, added, “It’s about finding people who care as much as we do.” Now, James and Marj have a reliable team who share their vision and values. With the right people in place, they can take on bigger projects, move faster, and avoid costly mistakes.
Trusting the wrong team cost them time, money, and stress, but it also made them smarter and stronger. Today, they don’t just build houses – they build relationships with the people who help them bring those houses back to life.
As James put it, “You live and you learn. And when you learn, you get better.” And for James and Marj, better is just the beginning.
After nearly 97 deals and countless houses turned from drab to fab, James and Marj have proven that they can tackle just about any challenge real estate throws their way. But while their journey has been full of ups, downs, and unforgettable stories, they’re far from finished.
For James and Marj, the next chapter is about dreaming bigger, working smarter, and securing their future. “We’ve always been good at finding houses, fixing them up, and making a deal work,” James said. “But now, we’re focusing on holding onto some of those properties for income and growth.”
In the past, their work in real estate was all about survival. “We were living off the money,” James admitted. “Every deal we made, we needed it to keep going.” That worked for a while, but as they looked back, they realized they were missing out on something big: the power of holding properties.
Now, with a more strategic business plan, James and Marj are shifting gears. They’re still renovating houses, but they’re also starting to hold onto some of their best ones. “We’ve got a couple of properties we’re converting to hold for income and growth,” James shared. “It’s about building something long-term – something that lasts.”
And they’re not stopping at just residential properties. Recently, they secured a commercial deal that they’re particularly proud of. “We got a great buy on a commercial property,” James explained. “We’re renovating upstairs, there’s a solid tenant downstairs, and the two units at the back we basically got for free!” The deal isn’t just profitable – it’s a stepping stone to something even bigger.
But their vision doesn’t stop there. James and Marj are growing their team, bringing in people they trust to help with construction and renovations. “The team we have now can pump out houses quickly and efficiently,” James said. “I find the houses, I find the money, and our builder gets it done. It’s a well-oiled machine.”
Marj, who has always been the heart of the operation, added, “We’re learning to step back a little. It’s about finding a balance – making a difference for other people, but also making sure we take care of ourselves and our family.”
For a couple who once had frozen accounts and no Christmas presents under the tree, their transformation is nothing short of incredible. From vendor finance and helping families in crisis to big deals and smart strategies, James and Marj have built something truly special.
And the numbers speak for themselves. Between seller JVs, renovations, and vendor finance deals, they’ve turned challenges into triumphs, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit along the way. That includes memorable wins like their $168,000 deal and countless smaller victories that have made all the difference.
As they look to the future, their goals are bigger than ever. They want to continue growing their portfolio, holding properties that bring in passive income, and creating a stable, thriving business that supports their family for years to come.
Most importantly, they’re staying true to the values that brought them this far – hard work, teamwork, and compassion. Whether it’s fixing up a hoarder house, helping someone buy time to get back on their feet, or simply packing a bag of food for a family in need, James and Marj know that success isn’t just about the money – it’s about making a difference.
Their journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every challenge. “We’ve learned so much,” James reflected. “We’ve made mistakes, but we’ve also made a lot of progress. And now we’re in a place where we can build a better future for ourselves and our kids.”
Marj smiled, adding, “It’s about never giving up. Even when things get hard, you keep going. That’s how you win.”
For James and Marj, the road ahead is filled with possibilities. With their unstoppable determination, growing team, and renewed focus on the future, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. And one thing’s for sure: this is only the beginning of their incredible story.
James and Marj’s journey proves that with hard work, resilience, and a little bit of creative thinking, anything is possible. Their story isn’t just about houses – it’s about hope, teamwork, and building a future that shines brighter than ever.
And who knows? Maybe one day, James and Marj’s kids will look back and say, “Mom and Dad didn’t just fix houses – they built dreams.”
“Now we’re in a place where we can build a better future for ourselves and our kids.”
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These stories and the results in them were captured at a specific point in time. The real estate market and the investing strategies used to succeed are constantly changing. The achievements and results of these investors may have changed since these stories were recorded. Each of these investors engaged in in-depth training, coaching and mentoring to be able to achieve these results. Their results are not typical and should not be taken as a guarantee of the results you may achieve. Your personal results will be in-line with the training, education and hard work that you personally conduct.
“It’s about building something long-term – something that lasts.”