Book Description

The experts agree: REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) should be a part of every serious investor's diversified portfolio. All the essentials are there—low volatility, consistent and steady profits, impressive dividends, convenient liquidity, low correlation with other asset classes and, most importantly, professional management—yet to take advantage of this investment vehicle, understanding the unusual features and performance characteristics of REITs is key. Investing in REITs—Revised & Updated Edition is an enlightening, practical look at what REITs are, how they work, what properties they own, and why they deserve an important place in any diversified investment portfolio. Ralph Block's classic is newly updated to reflect all the latest changes in the industry. Block provides cogent analysis of what is unique about REITs and cuts to the chase on how to make money with them while avoiding common pitfalls. Succinct, informative, and user-friendly in its layout and presentation, this guide makes the world of REITs accessible to all investors.

This essential guide offers: • The ABCs of successful REIT investment • How to spot blue-chip REITs • A concise history of REITs and how they compare to other investments • How to build a diversified REIT portfolio • REIT mutual fund opportunities and performance • Important new developments and strategies in the REIT industry, including specific sectors of real estate, asset recycling, and joint venture strategies • And much more ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Good introduction, but...
While the book serves well as an introduction to the sector, it devotes a mere single chapter, the last, to what could go wrong. What a missed opportunity.

The author could have brought the caveats of REIT investing to life by using more real world examples, even some drawn from real world SEC statements.

The author spends an inordinate time selling the idea of investing in the sector. My guess is people who reach for this book are already interested or even invested in REITs, and are looking for help in navigating the potential minefields.

The book needs a second edition, to bring it more current.

Per KPA's 10k, President Clinton signed a new law Dec 99 that allows a REIT to own up to 100% of stock in a taxable subsidary. How does this impact paired share reits? What will be the long term impact of this legislative change on the REIT landscape?

A good effort, yet one that can be improved upon.

Block gives a lucid, educational and humorous view of reits.
Ralph Block shows the way through the morass of FFOs, AFFOs and P/AFFOs to the basic concepts of reits. I like his clairty; he speaks to me by written word, yet as if one- to-one.The entire subject matter (which at first approach seems incredibly dry) sparkles with Block's wit. I read the book and came away reit-knowledgeable as well as entertained!

In these days of plummeting stocks (and reits are in there falling, too), this book helps me prepare for the time when I will want to sink some money into real estate the easier, cheaper way.

Some fundamental financial problems with this book...
The book is an easy to understand introduction.

Yes, Quality REITs can be a very good addition to one's portfolio as the book states.
But the book is a little biased, because one of the fundamentals
of modern portfolio theory is Risk vs Reward.
Yet this book has only 1 chapter (out of 12) discussing
the risks of REITs - and even in that chapter the risks
are down played somewhat.

Yes, REITS can be a great investment true, but the book doesn't give the complete picture.

A great Introduction
Ralph has done a great job of leading the new REIT investor through the tangle of understanding REITs from their humble inception in 1960 through 2001. He does a good job of explaining why things have happened as they have, and to build our confidence in this from of investment...particular those who wish to invest for the long term dividend.

What would be nice is to carry this concept through its logical conclusion, and demonstrate how to get the data on the internet to measure a REIT's ability to maintain and continue to grow its dividend going forward, with practical examples of how to pull numbers off of a REIT's 10Q and 10K annual earnings reports, calculate FFO and AFFO and Fixed Cost Coverage Ratios.

I hope he follows up with a book that will take us to this next step.

Impressed!
This book thoroughly reviews the many aspects of REITs in a clear, interesting and informative manner. Good information. Good writing. Very helpful. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

best study guide
This study guide is one of the best on the market that has the questions that you will need to know. This study guide has flash cards to help you remember those real estate words and their meanings. ... Read more

Book Description

The most comprehensive -- and easiest to use -- guide to California residential property management available.

Every California landlord and residential property manager needs The California Landlord's Law Book: Rights & Responsibilities. The definitive guide for over 15 years, it clearly and comprehensively covers everything you need to know about:

*security deposits
*leases and rental agreements
*inspections
*habitability
*liability
*lead paint
*discrimination
*rent control
*satellite dishes
*and more

The book provides you with all the forms you need as tear-outs and on CD-ROM, including rental applications; leases and rental agreements 3-, 30-, 60- and 90-day notices -- and much more.

The 11th edition includes new landlord-tenant laws for 2005. It also has updated rent control charts for 15 cities.

Also available: California Landlord's Law Book: Evictions ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Simply the Best.Very Indispensable for Neophytes and Old
If you're in the real estate rental business in the state of California you need this book to start out, survive, and thrive in this business.The NOLO books are written by lawyers for lay people.

The "California Landlord's Law Book: Rights and Responsibilities" covers all ground and give you more than a legal or business understanding of real estate rental (rare but detrimental scenarios are discussed and important topics such as Discrimination, Self-Help Evictions, Landlord's Liabilities for Dangerous Conditions and Criminal Acts, etc.)

Book also contains all the forms you will need on CD.The book is very thorough and every new edition stays abreast with the latest rental law changes in California.The only downside (unavoidable) is that every so often NOLO publishes a new edition thus somewhat outdaing previous ones.

Eleventh Edition with a Web Site for Updates
I don't know if California has more renters than other places or not, but the laws regarding the renting of property in California are far more numerous, strict, and difficult to understand than those from anywhere else.

This book, written by practicing attorneys who also happen to know how to write in plain and simple English, describes the California laws from the standpoint of the landlord. This includes: leases, rental agreements, managers, credit checks, security deposits, discrimination, invasion of privacy, the landlord's duty to maintain the premises, and much more, things you might not think about if you are just thinking about renting the house you're moving out of.

Some interesting chapters include how to deal with those few tenants who will inevitably try to invent bogus reasons why they were legally entitled to withhold rent, another makes sure that you, your managers and any other employees know and follow antidiscrimination laws and, at least as important, make it clear that you are doing so.

This book is now in its 11th edition. Any book that's been around for eleven editions must have something going for it. And one thing is access to a web site that keeps you up to date with any changes in the law since the book came out.

Finally there's a CD-ROM with the book that includes most (quite likely all) the forms you'll need to be in the rental business.

This is a MUST read for any Landlord
I just bought my first rental and used this book for everything from screening tenants to the agreement forms.I found the book easy to read yet detailed in terms of the legal ramifications when renting in California.When I had an outside attorney review my agreement, they had nothing to add or suggest, it was all covered.Not bad!

California Landlord Law Book: Rights & Responsibilities
Hardcopy book is excellent and a must especially for people with only one or two properties.I would expect that most professional landlords would know most of the information.

Guides you through the process
When we moved to a new home, we decided not to sell our old one but rent it out instead.However, we've heard a lot of nightmare stories about being a landlord, so the idea was pretty scary even though it makes sense for the long-term financially.This book gives you great advice and even examples of doing things the right way and the wrong way.I certainly had a lot of misconceptions about what was legal and what was not, and I think it would even be helpful even if one decided to hire a property management service just to understand liabilities.After reading this book, I feel comfortable that we've done everything in a legally correct way, and that we did a good job of screening our tenants.The forms provided give you everything you need to start renting out a place. ... Read more

Book Description

"The Art & Science of Resort Sales" was written by Dennis McCann and Ben Gay III as an addition to the world-famous "The Closers" series of books, cassette programs, newsletters and seminars. It takes all of the information in that material, showing you how to tailor it for the timeshare/fractional/membership industries. Loaded with specific presentations and strong selling techniques, it's a must if you're in any aspect of resort sales. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

STOP! Don't waste your time!
Unless you are completely clueless on timeshare sales this book will teach you NOTHING! I have only been selling one month and still did not benefit from reading this book one bit. Ninety percent of the methods for overcoming objections are ridiculously silly and would probably make your tour laugh in your face. I sent it back. Save yourself the trouble.

Fantastic
I was given this book from a veteran rep in the industry and I have to say: this book is so helpful, especially when it lists the objections and how to overcome them. I was very happy to know that I'm not the only rep out there who has heard, "I need to pray about it." I would recommend it for anybody just starting out in the business. That way, the first time you hear "We don't make snap decisions," you'll know exactly what to say!

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF RESORT SALES
THIS WAS A VERY INFORMATIVE BOOK.IT IS THE ONLY WRITTEN FOR THE TIMESHARE/RESORT SALES PERSON.USING THE METHODS IN THIS BOOK WILL UP YOUR CLOSING PERCENTAGE GUARENTEED.I HAVE ONLY BEEN SELLING VACATION RESORTS FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND I AM ONE OF THE TOP REPS AT MY SITE BECAUSE OF THIS BOOK! ... Read more

Book Description

Discover the Greatest Investment Tool of All Time!

The tax breaks and loopholes built into real estate make it one of the most profitable investments in the world. In fact, the real estate tax exchange loophole—known as the 1031 Exchange—is one of the greatest tax loopholes in existence. This loophole allows a real estate investor to sell a property without paying a penny in capital gains tax—as long as the investor reinvests his or her profits into another property. Not only is this a great way to invest without paying taxes, it's also a great way to grow real wealth over time. The rules can be confusing, but tax exchange works for every investor, big or small. This handy guide offers detailed, step-by-step advice on using the 1031 Exchange—and much more:

• How the capital gains tax works
• Other little-known real estate loopholes
• Creative real estate financing techniques
• Advanced elements of tax-free exchanges
• Terms and concepts you need to know
• Eight things that can hold up a closing
• Transferring debt to other properties
• How zoning laws affect your investments
• How tax-free exchanges affect your tax shelter
• Where to find potential exchanges
• Twelve creative techniques applied to exchanges
• Nine booby traps to watch out for in exchanges

Don't wait—use the 1031 Exchange to start building your fortune today! ... Read more

Book Description

With a foreword by Robert G. Allen

No investment strategy has created more millionaires than real estate. Even in less-than-stellar economies, real estate offers a "safe harbor" to people wishing to make smart, low-risk investments. And now there's a foolproof, step-by-step system even financial novices can use to achieve wealth and financial freedom.

Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich? gives people the resources and information they need to make serious amounts of money from buying and selling real estate. This essential book walks readers through the entire process, providing them with a 120-day plan for starting down the road to building real estate wealth.

Too many real estate books focus on stories and unlikely examples about how other people became rich. Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich? offers real strategies on finding the best opportunities, avoiding the common pitfalls of real estate investment, and building personal and professional credibility.

Straightforward and easy-to-follow, the book empowers readers to take their first tentative steps toward real estate investing with confidence. Are You Dumb Enough to Be Rich? demonstrates that it doesn't take a genius to make money -- lots of it -- in real estate. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Are You SMART Enough To USE This Book!
Are You Dumb Enough To Be Rich is a clear, concise, funny, easy to follow road map to get a beginning real estate investor up and running.
Mr. Barnett takes the fear and uncertainty of the business away by giving the reader a great "pitfalls" and "summary" section at the end of each chapter. Without overwhelming the reader, Are You Dumb Enough To Be Rich gives you true "soup to nuts" techniques on how to get into real estate investing without trying to sell you another seminar or a sequel to the book. If after reading some of the other "How To" books you are still looking for a resource to get you going, read this book, It will put money in your pocket!

A "Must Read" for Budding Investors
One of the most common questions we get from our users at ForeclosuresMass is "Now that we have the foreclosure data, what do we do with it?" Well there are many different way to pursue foreclosures and when we first read "Are You DUMB Enough to be RICH" by G William Barnett II we thought Bill was reading our minds! In his book, he goes over how to approach people in foreclosure, what letters to send them, what to do once you meet with them, how to structure the deals, your 120 day step-by-step plan, how to find investors, and much, much more. In addition to foreclosures, he also goes into the many other ways to make money in real estate. Add on the forward by Robert G. Allen and you have one fantastic book!

.....

the best real estate books i've read!!!!!
Bill Barnett puts a lot of tips into this book, such as how to present multiple offers, how to sell via an online auction, and also goes into tax credits,and other tips that make it a worthwhile read. It is in a very easy and interesting style. Good Job Bill!!!

Price should be higher!
The price of this book should be higher with all of the info you'll be getting.Of course with all real estate books you should read more than just one so you'll have a better understanding of whats involved. I wouldn't expect to operate on someone if all I read was one book on surgery.You need to study and watch other people do it, and then when you're ready,you do it. Oh and the reason the other reviewer DANE S. FABER give it a bad review was because of what Mr. Barnett said in the book about real estate brokers, he called them Dinosaurs who have to to keep up with modern times. With all that said this is one Great Book! Read a copy at a library before you buy and believe me, you'll want your own.

Are You Ready to Become a Millionaire?
This is excellent book packed with powerful advice. You would be dumb not to read it and even dumber not to use it. I found this book easy reading and very helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

Praise for Maverick Real Estate Investing

"A fascinating story that chronicles the wins and losses of several of the most renowned real estate investors of our time. Insightful and thought-provoking, it confirms that if you follow Bergsman’s golden rules of real estate investing, the chances of being successful are substantially increased."
–Stephen B. Siegel
Chairman, Global Brokerage
CB Richard Ellis

"Steve Bergsman’s profiles of some of the most successful investors of our time give an illustrative and illuminating insight into how the best in the business have consistently managed their risk . . . and raised their returns. If you want to make it in the competitive world of real estate investing, read this book!"
–Dale Anne Reiss
Global and America’s Director of Real Estate, Hospitality, and Construction Services
Ernst & Young

"For the novice–and even the experienced–investor in real estate, Steve Bergsman’s book contains lots of worthwhile ideas. Better still, it clearly explains how to implement them. Easy to read and insightful, it’s one of the better how-to investment guides around."
–Richard Rescigno
Managing Editor
Barron’s

"I have been reading Steve Bergsman’s insightful real estate reporting and commentary for over a decade. He is one of the best real estate writers in America, as evidenced by his captivating analysis in Maverick Real Estate Investing, where he melds personalities and investing principles into a very good read."
–Jonathan L. Kempner
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mortgage Bankers Association ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Good Buy
This is a decent book to get good ideas and see how some of the big players got started and their operating philophies. I would love to have seen more details on the specifics of how they were able to do the deals they did but the concepts are there.

Wow What a read. great information
I just finished reading Maverick Real Estate Investing and found it not only helpful in regard to investing, but I enjoyed the biographies of World's Greatest Land Owners. Not only were the tips helpful, but the bios really helped me see how to use the information.

I have read a lot of biographies and a lot of information books, the mixed format of this book really made the information more accessible. A great read too. Really inspiring.

Not a real estate investment how to...
unless you consider some of the "Maverick Approach's" such as: Take your time negotiating, Work out the numbers before negotiating, Stay focused on your goals and Be willing to take chances- as advice you could only get from this book. Puh-leez.

This book is interesting for the stories of various Big-Time real estate mogul types (outside of The Donald) and some behind the scenes aspects of some of their deals that it covers (Melvin Simon, Eli Broad, Peter and Steven Lowy, Sam Zell, etc. that dont usually get as much coverage as Mr. Trump.) But DO NOT buy this book for specific real estate advice.

Compelling Book About the Masters Behind the Deals
Over the years, I've followed the fortunes of many of the mavericks written about by Steve Bergsman, and in this book, Bergsman weaves an enthralling story of the masters behind the deals. Yet though he portrays the upper echelon of the real estate world, he also does an excellent job of relaying how an astute business person can avail themselves of the mavericks' strategies for success. It's a compelling book and by far the best ever written about how to achieve success like the big-time players.

Maverick Real Estate Investing
I've been reading Steve Bergsman's real estate columns for years and it's good to see he's finally taken the time to write a book. Probably because he knows the key players in real estate so well, that they took the time to tell him their stories - how each of them made it big in the world of real estate. Thankfully, along with their stories they were able to pass along a few tips to the rest of us. This is a good read with the bonus being we all learn a few things about do's and don'ts of real estate investing ... Read more

Book Description

Combining the latest state specific information with solid industry fundamentals, this user friendly text gives students a strong foundation for a career in real estate.California Real Estate Principles comes loading with instructor resources and extra features to enchance the student learning experience and make teaching the class easier than ever.This new fifth edition has been updated for 2004.Chapters include:
Introduction
Part 1: Teaching Outlines
*Chapter 1 The Business of Real Estate
*Chapter 2 The Nature of Real Property
*Chapter 3 Ownership of Real Property
*Chapter 4 Transferring Real Estate
*Chapter 5 Encumbrances
*Chapter 6 The Law of Agency
*Chapter 7 Contracts
*Chapter 8 Financing Real Estate
*Chapter 9 Government-Sponsored and Other Financing
*Chapter 10 Escrow and Title Insurance
*Chapter 11 Real Estate Taxation
*Chapter 12 Landlord and Tenant
*Chapter 13 Real Estate Appraising
*Chapter 14 Residential Design and Construction
*Chapter 15 Government Control of Land Use
Part 2:Chapter Quizzes and Exams, including a Math Appendix Quiz (you need a PIN number to access this file)
*Chapter Midterm Exams (you need a PIN number to access this file) and Comprehensive Chapter Exam.
Part 3:Answer Keys
*Answer Keys for All Quizzes and Exams (you need a PIN number to access this file)
Part 4:PowerPoint Slides ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Horrible explanations
This book is not a very in-depth book on the principles of california real estate. It covered topics only very breifly, and really sped through them with not a whole lot of explanation. I would highly advise buying a different book if you intend to pass the CA Real Estate Licensing Exam. ... Read more

Book Description

Building financial security through investment real estate can be natural extension of thr American Dream of homeownership. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

realistic, but don't have enough technical and maths
well, with all the hype in real estate investment, the author took a more realistic approach. and this is good. real estate investment is not something we should rush in because it simply tie up the capital for a considerable amount of time. i like the author's realistic and pragmatic approach. but on the other hand, it lack the maths for illustration, which may help the reader to grasp the concept more solidly.. 4 stars.

Incredible
that a book about real estate (creating FINANCIAL independence no less), both residential and COMMERCIAL, and covers no math, no numbers.How can a book even propose to teach you about real estate and not tell you how to evaluate it?Real estate, or any investment for that matter, is ALL about the numbers. The numbers it does include are so basic, anyone who tried to buy an apartment complex or commercial property using them would be slaughtered.

Great for the beginning investor!
This book does some things very well.It helps one decide whether real estate investment is right for them, it helps one to understand the benefits and/or drawbacks of investing in real estate, and it comprehensively describes the different types of real estate investments.Also, the processes and terminologies are all discussed in very understandable terms.

However, as with many real estate investment books, and perhaps understandably, it fails to go beyond the basics.If you are looking for a treatise on in-depth real estate investment analysis, this book probably is not for you.

With that said, it was a quick, fun, and inspiring read.I would certainly recommend it to someone is just starting out. ... Read more

Book Description

Do you feel that home ownership is a dream but not a reality for you? Equity sharing can be your answer to provide the down payment cash and give you the key to the American dream - your own home. In the equity share purchase, the parties co-own the property. They are called Investor and Occupier. The Investor is the one who provides the down payment cash. The Occupier is the one who occupies the property and makes its payments. They split the tax deductions and appreciation.

Real estate investing is an extremely valuable investment with tax deductions and tax deferrals that no other investment can provide. With the equity share, your investor won't have the tenant headaches and monthly payments that can often make real estate investing a nightmare. Instead, the Investor receives a valuable investment while the Occupier occupies and takes care of the property and pays all expenses while the property appreciates in value.

When the real estate market is good, it should be easy to find an Investor. When the real estate market is less than good your best Investor is the seller of a property. Always, your most willing Investor is a family member. The Equity Share transaction puts the Investor and Occupier on title, backed by a deed of trust for the Investor to foreclose in case the Occupier defaults. This protection is essential for the Investor. In the 70's and 80's when Equity Sharing first became popular, the Investor did not have this protection and sometimes lost. Our other protection for both Investor and Occupier is automatic continuance of ownership if a certain appreciation is not met. Discover why Equity Sharing is the Great Equalizer - and your best strategy for Real Estate as we begin the 21st century!

Beyond the Traditional Equity Share. The above relates to the traditional equity share between Occupier and Investor. Other forms of Equity Sharing include any co-ownership of real estate. The term equity sharing means co-ownership -- sharing of equity. ... Read more

Book Description

Texas Real Estate Law presents complete, well-organized coverage of Texas real estate law, with its many special features and complexities.Jacobus discusses what the law has been in the past, before moving to what it is at the present--all with a perfect balance of principles and practice.The Ninth Edition reflects many major changes and additions to the law in the past three years. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Definitive Work
I have used this book for years, and have recommended it to my employer. Jacobus does an excellent job of introducing the layman to the essentials of Texas land law, which has a colorful and complex history. ... Read more

Book Description

After failing at twenty-two other jobs, Barbara Corcoran borrowed $1000 from her boyfriend, quit her job as a diner waitress, and started a tiny real estate office in New York City.Using twenty-four unconventional lessons learned from her mom, Barbara built that tiny company into a $4 billion business, and today she’s richer than her wildest childhood dreams.

Barbara’s hilarious stories and her mom’s pithy advice—from "If you want to be a cheerleader, you better know the cheers" to "Jumping out the window will make you either an ass or a hero"—are bound to inspire greatness in any reader.This national bestseller (previously titled Use What You’ve Got) will make you feel better about yourself and teach you to look at obstacles in a whole different way. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great mom!
Don't be fooled by such an irreverent title. "Put ribbons on your pigtails" is indeed a business book. Not one of those boring business formulas. But business-minded in the most original sense of the word: Inspirational. Meaning it would be useful to most people, in all areas.
Taking away the greed, and leaving the right amount of ambition; taking away the jargons, and leaving the bright ideas; and mainly taking away the snobberies and leaving the echoes of the footsteps of her pioneer's soul, Barbara seduce us to a realm where things happen.
She doesn't mean to be perfect, and so she doesn't hide imperfections on her not-so-all-the-time-politically-correct managerial style. But in doing so, she showed us how she succeeded in the real world she had to deal with, with the perceptions and tools she had at the time.
If, at some point, she walks you with the Corcoran Group through the verge of failure and back, like most successful businesses do, it is because life - most of the time - IS a cliché. But the simple and brilliant solution to the problem is smile-raising, and you feel good you are on her side of the story.(And that is where you are, cause that is where she will put you!)
Well-written and entertaining.
The main differential from other business books is unique, though: It makes you almost "miss" 9 brothers and sisters, and the warmth of the Irish family at its best!
Worth reading!

WHAT A GREAT BOOK!
This book has changed my life. Yes, her story is incredible, but the lesson is simple--you succeed by being who you are and figuring out what it is that makes you unique. Since reading this book, I've had a new approach to my business and my life and quite honestly feel so invigorated and excited by possibility. I've been sharing this book with lots of people and each person I give it to LOVES it. I highly recommend this book to anyone. Not only do you learn something, it is a hilarious read. Great summer book.

I rate it a buy
This is a great autobiography by a woman who built her multi-million business with just a $1,000 investment. ALSO, because she built her success by helping her salespeople sell more, she knows how to train people and includes her 'how to' advice in the book.

Even the reviews seem to be cooked
Alright so everyone thinks this book is great. I had high expectations considering this author makes a lot of money and must be smart.

Somehow the first thing that hits me is that how come all the reviews are SO GOOD? Its not that great a book. Most of the stuff it says is common-sense pulp fiction. There were certain references that makes me think this lady is ANTI-MALE. She says "always hire women given everything else is the same". Now what kind of advice is that, especially while running a professional organization. Some of the other stuff like how she based averages of NYC apartment rentals on 11 samples is so wrong atleast statistically. Something analogous to how analysts used to cook up dot-com numbers for poor unsuspecting small investors.

Also, the author claims to come from a very modest background and the reason she makes it in NYC is because a guy helps her out with almost everything and all the credit given to him is "A boyfriend". And when he leaves for someone else he is the bad guy. I mean isnt it a little too "I am great so everyone else is not" kind of thing.

Really dissappointed with this one. Yes the author is rich and smart. But theres more to life than being those things. I am surprised many others didnt point out these glaring aspects of the book. ... Read more

Book Description

Capitalize on the lucrative market for suburban residential development. This new book describes how consumer demands are changing, strategies for overcoming NIMBYism, and the latest trends related to open space, infill and mixed housing development, increasing density, transportation, and street design. Seasoned developers provide insight into what works--and the traps to avoid--in developing single- and multifamily properties ranging in size from 22 units to large planned communities, both conventional and new urbanist, in price ranges from affordable to luxury. Eleven case studies of projects in the United States and abroad illustrate how others are incorporating these trends into innovative and financially successful developments. ... Read more

Book Description

User friendly and itneractive, this is the most thorough, practice oriented real estate finance text in print.A working knowledge of finance is a must for the successful licensee.Chapters 1 through 7 explain the concepts and issues of finance encountered with every sale while chapters 8 through 14 focus on the practical application of those concepts.New content ensures that students get the latest information from the world of real estate finance. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"Essentials", but not much more
I expected something a bit more in-depth rather than a primer. There really isn't much here that wasn't covered in each of the, sort of generalized, real estate practice books I purchased for about the same price.

I was severely disappointed with the short shrift given to most of the topics and pity those poor souls who paid list price for this book.

Hard to believe this is a college level book
It was hard for me to believe that this was a book used in a college level Real Estate Finance class. It was simple minded and for a finance book, I found it vague. Maybe the authors were trying too hard to "dumb it down" for the masses, but please! If it is a college level textbook, one would expect a little more meat.

Essentials of Real Estate Finance
This is a great book for anyone who is interested in learning real estate finance from the beginning without a finance background. The book provides readers with a wide coverage of fundamental finance principles. Readers will get a good sence of the current finance industry trends from this book. There are many easy to understand examples given under the "In Practice" narrative feature. ... Read more

Book Description

Business Leasing For Dummies covers the fundamentals of the leasing process, and objectively addresses the To buy or to lease?" question. This friendly guide describes -- in plain English -- the financial and legal ramifications of entering into a leasing agreement. It also explains how to evaluate leases for "unique" assets, such as: aircraft, software, railroad equipment, etc.And it provides negotiating tips and hints for those playing both sides of the game: the lessors and the lessees. The book highlights the financial advantages of leasing equipment, and relates those benefits to company costs and cashflow." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Business Leasing for Dummies
This book is more about the benefits and features of leasing. It does not give the reader any information on structuring a lease. The only benefit that I saw in reading this book was that it did inform me about different lease types.

Excellent if niche book
For anyone in the leasing business, this is a wonderful book to own. It is a complete training course in equipment leasing. The author has the only good explanation I could ever find of concepts such as leveraged leases. This book is a _must_ for anyone in the equipment leasing industry.

I wish that the author had worked out a few examples with the reader on cash flows and pricing of leases. There is some math that is not very clear to the first time reader. I also wish that there was some more information about vendor leasing and lease origination.

Regardless, this is one heck of a training course in leasing for under 20 dollars. If you are in any way involved with leasing, this is money well spent. ... Read more

Book Description

Real Estate Principles explores principles of today’s changing real estate market, with a strong focus on understanding how property values are created, maintained, increased, or destroyed. Key issues covered include financing requirements and alternatives; legal and tax considerations; when and how to divest a property; when and how to lease, buy, or mortgage a property acquisition; and more.

Reviews (2)

Ling and Archer is not bad....
The organization of the Ling and Archer book is weird but otherwise the book is not bad.

Comprehensive Real Estate Overview
Real Estate Principles is an extremely readable, easy to follow introductory text to Real Estate. The book is well laid out with many excellent examples and studded with references to superb websites. The graphics are great and the exhibits well thought out.

The 'Time Value' of money section is one of the best I've ever read and will help the novice understand this critical aspect of real estate finance/analysis.

The Appraisal chapters thoroughly cover the market, cost and income approaches and the Legal chapters cover the essentials of notes, mortgages and deeds.

'Concept Checks' through out the chapters allow readers to verify their understanding of key points with solutions provided at the end of each chapter.

The book is extremely well organized with each chapter beginning with an outline and a list of 'Learning Objectives'. In addition, each chapter ends with a Summary, a listing of Key Terms and Study Questions.

'Career Focus' is another recurring theme featuring side bars tied to the main text that outline different careers tracks available in real estate. ... Read more

Book Description

Loan amounts of $50 to $300,000.Interest rates of 2% to 25.75%.Terms up to 40 years.

Reviews (2)

This Book is a Load of Laughs!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I mean, who doesn't like to look at mortgage amortization tables? Me and my family like to sit around and quiz each other by saying stuff like "What is the monthly payment on a 30 year fixed interest mortgage of $135,000 at 8.25%?" We've even set it up in "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" format with lifelines and what have you and we have a real blast!

When we want to take a break, we just pull out the book on the calculation of Pi to 150,000 places and see who can recite the farthest. Then we have a group hug!

All you need to know about loans and payments is here
You may not use it often, but this book will come in very handy when planning to borrow money. I've been an investment professional since 1988, and this is the most borrowed book on my shelf. I also owned the previous edition, and this version has been improved with the inclusion of rates down to 2% and the expansion of loan amounts to $300,000 in the primary table.

The book is conveniently organized in four tables, ordered from most-commonly to least-commonly used (as it happens, largest to smallest). Table 1 (monthly amortization) is where everyone spends the most time. Just turn to the interest rate page, then read across for "loan amount" and down for "years in term," and you've got your monthly payment to the penny. For non-round numbered loan amounts, you can avoid having to interpolate by grabbing a calculator and turning to Table 2 (required payments for monthly, quarterly, etc.), where you can look up the multiplier (per $1000) corresponding to the rate and term of a given loan (yep, that's how your mortgage lender does the math). Less frequently used are loan progress charts and proration data, Tables 3 and 4, respectively.

This book is straightforward, convenient, and travels well. My favorite of its kind. ... Read more

Book Description

Built on a highly-proven test-prep model, this new guide fully prepares the user to pass the Series 6 Exam as well as understand the four critical areas of a registered representative. Unlike other test-prep materials available, this guide is structured exactly how the Series 6 Exam is organizedleading to increased success in passing the exam. ... Read more

Book Description

This book is well suited for an audience of sinlges/couples who would like to buy or who already own a home, and wish to offset their current mortgage with subsequent income from rentals. Property managers of small rentals could also find this very helpful. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

NOT the best bang for your buck.
I bought this book as a novice in the rental business hoping to find information that would get me started out on the right foot. I WAS QUITE DISAPPOINTED. I will not go as far as to say that this book is worthless; there are some useful tidbits of information that i found helpful, but there are other books out there that are so much better. I strongly suggest LANDLORDING, by Leigh Robinson (Ninth Edition or newer). It's available on amazon, of course.

Good Information For The USA
On reading this book no matter how much I tried to focus I found myself wondering whether the content actually related to my own situation in the Uk.

I purchased the book looking for straightforward advice on being a landlord covering aspects such as legal implications, inventory advice etc. However from the information I read on site it was not clear that this was very much a book for those in the USA. Once I started reading it soon became apparent when it spoke of the different laws for different "states", forms with "zip codes" etc. Whilst the general information was useful I felt that I couldn't rely on any document or legal advice as this might not hold for the UK.

A good read but I felt that it should have been highlighted on the site that it was for the USA

I use this book in my Rental Property Management Class
As a landlord for over 30 years and teaching classes on the subject in two different schools, this is one book that I have found invaluable as a resource for wannabe and experienced landlords. Don't think you know it all no matter what you read, learn, experience... I'm still picking up tips and hints! Much of my curriculum was already covered in this book but still there was more to use and learning from each other is the way to go! Very happy to see this book on the market and in laymen's terms and with the prominent hints and smiles to make it easy reading.

A-Z Information on how to manage rental property
This book is a must read if you plan to manage rental units.

I once was lost, but now am found...
There was a point in my life that I was lost as to what to do or, more importantly, not to do, but with this book under my belt, I know feel like Super Landlord. It answered all the questions that I had and even some that I didn't. I would not only suggest this book to first-time Landlords, but to those of you who have been around the block for a while. ... Read more