Book Description

With more people than ever before applying for new loans and refinancing, an easy-to-understand guide has become a necessity for anyone confused by the complicated issues at stake. Mortgages 101 answers all the questions readers typically have, detailing all the latest changes in mortgage processes, and showing readers how to save money by:* understanding important terms like ARMs and Hybrids -- and what's in the fine print * improving their credit scores to increase their borrowing power* using technology to get the lowest interest rates* maximizing their return on investment, and cutting the cost of mortgage insuranceArranged in an easily accessible question-and-answer format, the book provides up-to-date lending formulas, as well as important information on lending requirements and application procedures. Mortgages 101 contains all the information readers need to know, in one must-have reference. ... Read more

Book Description

The trusted guide that Backwoods Home magazine calls "the bible" of buying rural property.

City dwellers and suburbanites who dream of a simpler life in the country will appreciate the Schers' straightforward explanations of the particulars of buying rural land.Everything is covered in these pages, from looking for property, through evaluating it and negotiating price, to the contract of sale.Important topics such as water and easement rights, zoning, and eminent domain are made clear.Sample legal forms and checklists provide the basics, and resource listings point to sources of regional and local information, including Internet sites.A special chapter discusses Canada's real estate market.Covering current property laws and financing options, this comprehensive resource offers insiders' knowledge on how to avoid common pitfalls and prevent costly mistakes. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country
This is a must read for the professional and novice country real estate buyer. We purchased Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country in 1974 and have used it as our source of valuable information since then. Though the cover is now a bit tattered and dated, the book has a prominent place on our bookshelf. It was this book that caused us to look realistically at a piece of property and to put emotion aside. We can honestly say that the book saved us from making purchasing mistakes that would have been financially devastating back when we had very little money. This had to do with investigating access to landlocked property. It looked like a good deal until we found we couldn't legally get to the property without going through a lengthy and costly court fight. We have purchased over 50 pieces of rural property and have used the book as a primer for each purchase. The book's contents prompt us to think out of the box and to question those things that seem to be appropriate on their face, but may have underlying problems. We suppose it's time to buy the newest revision, however, we have scrawled notes on the pages of the old book and that provides a 30-year history of the deals we have completed. It would be like getting rid of an old friend. Final note- we were prompted to take that step of living a life rather than making a living after reading the book for the first time. It gave us the confidence that 20-year olds typically lack. Thanks to the Scher's for making our lives better. We wake up every morning to the sounds of a waterfall in the stream that meanders down to our own private lake. Our dreams came true due, in no small part, to Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country.

INDISPENSABLE!!!
... the author is a long practicing attorney in rural real estate. This book requires STUDY, not just reading, but the author does a good job of keeping you out of the legalese. You will understand EVERYTHING with careful reading.

I bought similarly titled books written by real estate agents, and these are nearly worthless by comparison. The real estate agent stands to profit from the transaction, and he puts his own interests ahead of both seller and buyer, especially if he can get his hand into the legal documents to prevent his being held responsible for anything at all.

Let me make a point that is not mentioned by the other reviewers or the book: Various deal-breakers can come up while the deal is in the escrow process, but that is AFTER the price has been agreed and the sales contract signed. Using this book's advice, you can discover most of those encumberances ON YOUR OWN before you make the offer, as well as making a good personal inspection of the property and house before you hire a professional inspector on your behalf.

Look out, Mississippi! I'M COMING HOME!

THIS is the book
I purchased this book along with two others as we embark on our journey to move to the country. The other two books were very good at helping to identify location and prospective properties. "Finding and Buying" is the reference to winnowing propsective properties. Les Scher goes into great and well written detail on what to look for and look out for relative to the common issues of water, surveying, easements and access. Additionally, Les describes Eminent Domain, Condemnation and Adverse Posession; things to consider in a rural purchase. The model contract alone is worth the price of the book!
Les - If you ever read this, THANK YOU!

Excellent - Informative
Buyer beware. This books descriptions on items to look for (or beware of) when purchasing land is extremely bennificial to the first time buyer of land in the country. It's descriptions of rights that may be reserved by the seller on you title, eminent domain & condemantion, and adverse possession were definitely eye opening.

Don't Buy Country Property Without Reading This Book
With clear language, logical organization, and invaluable resource listings, this book tells you everything you need to know about due diligence on the land you're considering, contracts, negotiations, financing, etc. I felt much more confident about purchasing my country property after reading this book and following its advice. ... Read more

Book Description

Written exclusively for the real estate professional, How To Farm Successfully By Mail tells you how to cultivate your farm area, and increase your listings and sales by mail. You'll learn how to create and maintain your farm mailing list; publish power-packed newsletters; write top-notch sales letters from Dear Neighbor to the P.S.; farm FSBO's, renters, investors and absentee owners; produce, print, and mail your farm sales letters and newsletters; track the results of all your mailings. Plus the book includes over 40 sample farm letters you can use right away!

Truly, How To Farm Successfully By Mail is a perfect reference source for first-timers and "old pro's" alike. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good book for if just starting in real estate or novice.
The book goes from "what is a farm" to "Getting successful results". Several example letters are in the book. Most are quite lengthy and therefore wouldn't get read. Others are shorter and to the point. All can be modified to fit your situation. Example farm letters go from initial contact to "Thank You" letters after the close of the sale. Overall, a lot of imformation. Take the info. you can use and leave the rest. ... Read more

Book Description

Dearborn's Practice and Law supplements are the premier source for current and detailed information about state real estate license laws and regulations.These state specific supplements work in conjunction with any of Dearborn's best selling principles texts, including: Modern Real Estate Practice, Real Estate Fundamentals, or Mastering Real Estate Principles. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

You MUST take the class in order to take the licensing exam.
This is the text book for the class you are required to take AND pass in order to qualify to take the Florida Real Estate Licensing Exam. So don't buy this book if you don't intend to earn your Florida Real Estate License or continue on to broker status. But if you do, you MUST have this book.

DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!
The rub with this product is that it contains quizes and a review test BUT THEY DO NOT PROVIDE THE ANSWERS!!!!! I spoke with the publisher and I was told that the book is for classroom use only and the answers will not be provided. If you are studying for the FL RE sales exam, this book is virtually usless without the answer key. SHAME ON AMAZON FOR SELLING THIS PRODUCT WITHOUT DISCLOSURE!!

A good starting point
I am currently taking the FREC Salesperson I course and this is the book, as you know, we must use. If you are not taking the State Exam, there is no real reason to buy this book unless you just want to educate yourself. Reason being -- the book's goal, like most of it's kind, is for the student/reader to pass the state exam in the end. Hence, there are probably other books out there that convey similar information that aren't booged down with useless details that only exam takers need to know.

THIS IS THE KEY TO PASSING THE SALESPERSON EXAM
I was reading a few reviews about this book. The answer keys to the end of chapter and practice question at the end of the book are available through your instructor. Please note that this book alone will not allow you to take the state exam without a 63 hour Pre-lic. Course. For those who don't understand the material and want the answers to the questions in the book should ask their instructors when they take the required pre-lic. Salesperson FREC I course. As far as the text book, the text book material is excellent!

Authors should take fresh approach to convey material
The authors know their stuff, but have no idea how to present it in a creative way.

Sadly, this text, in its 22nd edition, is the standard real estate "salesperson" study manual in the state of Florida.

It is far too long and boring. Much more could be conveyed in fewer pages if the authors either undertook an overhaul or let a creative writer edit the copy.

But hasn't this text already been through 22 editions? Yes, but changes only seem to be made to reflect changes in law and not in updating or freshening the overall presentation.

This oversized book is nearly 500 pages long! In my estimation, more could be said in half the space.

As far as the end of chapter and end of book test questions go, they are too simple. The authors review manual, sold under seperate cover, includes many more questions that more closely reflect the standard of difficulty the state uses in its actual exam.

The authors of this text know they have the monopoly on the "salesperson" text book in the state of Florida. Because of this, do they really have an incentive to make it better? No, not unless they want to challenge themselves to improve it.

If the text were better it would most certainly make the practice of real estate in Florida...better. ... Read more

Book Description

This introductory overview of the major home systems gives students a solid foundation for beginning a career in home inspeciton.This comprehensive text gets students out into the field quickly while serving as a springboard for the 13 advanced electives in the Principles line.Systems & Standards focuses on system and component problems, their practical implications, and inspections strategies for finding them.No other single volume offers both the breadth and depth of this introduction. ... Read more

Book Description

Would you like to triple your income as a real estate agent or broker? Close thirty or fifty or more transactions a year, rather than the national average of twelve? Reduce your advertising expenses by half and cut marketing costs per transaction by forty percent?

Can you imagine converting 100 percent of your prospect inquiries into customer presentations? Working a four-day week while maintaining a six-figure income? Cashing out of your practice financially independent yet still young enough to enjoy the fruits of your labors? If these questions sound like an impossible dream, then reality is about to give you a very pleasant surprise.

Real Estate Rainmaker ® introduces a powerful marketing system that multiplies your personal efforts and enables you to generate more prospects and close more sales at lower cost. Drawing on proven marketing principles and insights from other industries, Dan Gooder Richard, a leading authority on real estate marketing, presents the dynamic 3-Step Rainmaker Lead System®. Following each step of this system, you will learn how to:

• Overcome inevitable market fluctuations faced by all real estate agents and brokers
• Master the latest marketing techniques to increase leads at reduced cost
• Close more prospects by focusing on customer needs
• Boost referrals and maximize profits through customer retention
• Write your own marketing plan in six easy mornings
• Build a Trophy Database and develop an exit strategy to cash out financially independent

Complete with an invaluable collection of marketing tools never before assembled in one place and all the essential contact information youll require to find what you need easily, Real Estate Rainmaker ® brings you a torrent of indispensable principles, techniques, and savvy insiders tips that will flood your practice with customers, profits, and success beyond your wildest dreams.

"Doing business without marketing is like winking in the dark. You know youre doing it, but nobody else does." –From the Foreword by Laurie Moore-Moore

The real estate industry has never been more active–or more competitive–than it is today. Anyone who wants to achieve real success must have a foolproof marketing system to create prospects, convert them into customer appointments, and turn past clients into future referral sources.

Real Estate Rainmaker ® introduces the most reliable marketing system in the real estate industry today, the 3-Step Rainmaker Lead System®. This is your opportunity to learn the key components of a proven, dynamic system that you can put into practice immediately and discover advanced marketing methods and techniques that can help build your practice throughout your career. In this remarkable and revolutionary guide, youll learn:

• Twenty easy techniques to boost advertising results at no extra cost
• Proven direct response lead generation techniques
• Cant-miss direct marketing copywriting and design secrets
• Unbeatable Internet marketing strategies
• How to build a Trophy Database that really pays off
• And much, much more to generate more leads, more sales

Dont let your career languish while you waste precious marketing dollars through trial and error. Let Real Estate Rainmaker ® start making you a rainmaker today. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Brilliant! This book turned my practice around!!
I was spellbound! At first I thought I'd just glance through this publication...impossible! My excitement grew page after page as I realized I was reading the most complete 'road-map' to sucess for the Real Estate professional ever. Dan Gooder Richard has put together the most definitive, client centered and thorough marketing program, designed to get results for any Realtor from Rookie to Seasoned Pro.Unlike other books on 'marketing' this one is tailored to and speaks the Realtor's language and addresses Realtor's unique marketing needs.

An MBA in Real Estate Marketing in one book
Easy to read, easy to follow. Down-to-earth look at marketing. What makes the difference between a successful Realtor and a someone who wants to be is the ability to market. Richard explains the process completely, and with real-world examples and tips that actually work. This book's take on marketing would be adaptable by any person who has a product to sell, but I'd call it a must for every Realtor and Broker.

An absolute must for all real estate professionals
I'll say up front that this is the most comprehensive and scientific treatment of (real estate marketing) that I've ever read...this is a book that every serious real estate professinal shoud read and have on hand for future reference. For brokers, it's and absolute must.

My Copy's Going Straight to the Landfill
Can I give minus stars?

This book is a colossal waste of time and money, being primarily a book-length advertisement for Gooder's own company and products. Some of the ideas in here might actually work, but be prepared to spend big bucks, and lots of time, implementing them. The book is utterly useless for novice realtors. More established agents with a little money and time to spare might experiment with some of these marketing ideas, just to see if they tweaked anything, but for anybody else, there is simply nothing of value here. Save your time and money, buy one of the Mike Ferry or Tom Hopkins books, or a good basic primer on sales and prospecting.

As a side note, I don't believe in throwing books away and always give the ones I don't want to the Salvation Army or such. But this book should not be inflicted on anyone, for any price. I am heartily sorry that I wasted my money.

Likening customers to aligator hunting ????
I did not get much out of this book with the exception that I should view clients as aligators that need to be hunted by baiting them, stringing them up on a hook and beating them over the head (until they buy or sell). Honestly, in this day and age the hard sell scares more people away than gets refferals. I would not buy anything from this guy and would get a restraining order against anyone who uses these obviously obnoxious sales tactics. ... Read more

Book Description

This updated and expanded edition of a valuable handbook for home buyers and sellers defines and explains more than 2,500 real estate terms related to mortgages and financing, brokerage law, architecture, rentals and leases, property insurance, and much more. The text is supplemented with more than 200 line illustrations plus graphs, charts, and tables. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Articulate
An excellent refrence guide with an example at every turn of the page to assist with grasping the meaning of terms by relating the to real world sernarios.

Excellent Resource
This book and previous editions have been an excellent resource for us in understanding real estate terms, especially in contracts and negotiations.

Good Reference
Good resource for all. Has detailed definitions and helpful, although simplistic, examples. ... Read more

Book Description

Leading real-estate author Robert Irwin provides home builders with valuable money-saving tips to building a home from the ground up in Tips & Traps When Building Your Home. Featuring a self-test to determine whether the reader is more suited to hiring it all out or doing some of it alone, this user-friendly guide outlines the perilous traps that often come with building your own home. Irwin helps readers determine whether or not to hire out the entire process or whether to act as the primary contractor. Once that is decided, Irwin then helps builders determine:

• How building and contracting effects home-owners' insurance
• Whether or not to hire an architect
• If building plans need to be presented to the local zoning board
• Contractors' and builders' adherence to electrical codes, sewage codes, and occupancy codes

Reviews (2)

Very Good
This is a very good book that is easy to read. Now, there were some things that I disagree with, as well as other "expert" developers, but overall the tips and traps were right on. So, this is a book that you should read if you are building a hime, but also read at least one other good book. Because of some of those things that were too specific (i.e., not mentioning other reasonable options), I nearly gave it four stars. However, it is worth reading and normally would warrant the five stars.

Great Book, Easy To Understand...
This book was the first book I read on building. It has also been very informative and simple to understand.

If you are beggining in building this is the perfect book for you.

The Author really knows what he is talking about. Unlike some other books out there written buy someone who has never done it.... ... Read more

Book Description

Expert money-making advice from the nation's leading fixer-upper guru

"Excellent book on the fixer strategy."--John T. Reed, bestselling real estate author

"Filled with practical examples of how to profit from rundown fixer-upper properties."--Robert J. Bruss, syndicated real estate columnist

Nobody wants to buy an ugly, decrepit, rundown house--which is exactly why they provide real estate investors with the best bargains! In Investing in Fixer-Uppers, nationally known real estate guru Jay DeCima reveals how investors can add thousands of dollars to the value of an "ugly" house. He discusses how to substitute personal skills for traditional down payments, strategies to profit without waiting for appreciation, and dozens of other value-adding tips.

Reviews (9)

Carbon copy of every other book out there
These books all seem to be the same -- give a few basic ideas, then repeat them for 200 or 300 pages. By the time I got to the end of this, I was half expecting him to finish with a pitch for one of his seminars. I am interested in the renting aspects, and there were a few helpful nuggets in here, but I suspect it could have all been boiled down to a much shorter book.

I really...
dont see the other reviewers beef with this book. Nowhere on the cover does the book mention anything about flipping. I also wonder if they bothered to read it. It clearly does not advocate becoming a "slum lord". It recommends against investing in these types of properties. It does recommend investing in older neighborhoods, in fact on pg. 97 it breaks down the 5 general types of areas or neighborhoods in most towns or cities and tells you exactly where to invest.
As far as flipping, if you follow Jay's advice instead of renting you could then sell. The book is all about how to find these types of properties and how to purchase them for the right price( As most real estate investors know, the profit is made in the purchase.)

Starting on pg. 56 he offers 4 ways to find such properties.

On pg. 73 he tells you step by step what to do when you find such a property.

On pg. 86 how to find the right real estate agent to help you.

It covers negotiating, fix-up strageties, where the profit centers to each deal are, financing and refinancing,finding partners, other avenues for investment monies and landlording skills towards the END of the book.

I really thought this a practical book full of good advice for the beginner.

Misleading Title, Cover, and Table of Contents....
As with most of the other reviews, this book was disappointing. Instead of the title saying "Selling (and renting)" it should say just "Renting." He discourages selling consistently, so if you are looking for a book on buying, fixing, and selling, this is NOT it. He also seems to completely ignore the power of the internet in the process of marketing and selling houses, doing research on properties, etc. Additionally, he uses terms frequently that are never defined, especially for discussions on financing. Overall, a real disappointment... Too bad I did not read the reviews before buying the book. I would have made a different choice.

Not too much help
This book offers very little advice in the way of flipping real estate. If you are looking to buy houses and use them for rental property than this is the book for you. If you are looking to buy-fix-sell then this book overlooks that type of audience.

Focused on becoming a landlord-NOT SELLING
This book doesn't go into "adding value" as the title suggests. He also goes little into selling property.

Here is the whole book:
Buy a crappy looking house with apartments and slummy tenants. Slowly get rid of the slummy tenants. Do cheapo paint jobs, put blinds on the windows, clean up the trash and water the grass. Now raise rents for tenants. The profit is from rents. Not selling.

If you want to become a slum lord this is a great book. ... Read more

Book Description

Buying, improving, and reselling single-family homes for profit

Countless investors and do-it-yourselfers are eager to profit from buying, improving, and reselling homes. In Fix It and Flip It, two of America's leading home improvement authorities provide expert advice on how to maximize profit and minimize turnaround time on any remodeling-and-resale project.

Featuring unique, step-by-step project time lines for three types of investment properties, this comprehensive "fixer-upper" guide covers everything from the day-to-day workload to tips on tax issues, financing, and more.

Katie and Gene Hamilton present guidelines for choosing an investment property, leveraging investment dollars, and finding investment money. Readers will find clear explanations of the rehabbing-for-profitprocess and learn how to schedule work for:

• The 60-Day Fast Fix-Up--for quick resale or easy rental
• The Makeover Conversion--A 180-Day Wonder that expands living space and resale value
• The Live In, Fix Up, and Sell Later House--occupied by the investor for one year or more, which features architectural restoration and modernization

Book Description

The Complete Guide to Second Homes for Vacations, Retirement, and Investment

Choosing the perfect location

Finding the right home

Forecasting investment potential

How to save thousands on financing

Here’s the knowledge you need to find, buy, and get the most fun and profit from your second home

If you’ve been thinking about buying a second home for getaways, vacations, investment, or retirement, now is the time to do it. You’ll gain from low interest rates, easier financing,large tax savings, and strong potential for appreciation. Smart buyers are getting into the marketnow, before aging boomers push prices even higher.

But what’s the best way to afford a second home? How much should you pay? What are the tax benefits? How can you be sure you’re getting good value for your money? What kinds offinancing are possible? How can you negotiate the best deals and bargain prices?

Nationally renowned real estate expert Dr. Gary Eldred provides complete answers to these and all your other questions concerning the purchase of a second home. In a simple and clear style, he fills you in on everything you need to know to:

• Develop a strategy to increase affordability
• Research the market to find your best location
• Choose a home that will quickly appreciate
• Make the most of current tax-saving techniques
• Select the right homeowner’s insurance
• Rent to minimize risk and maximize profit
• Create value through home improvements
• Vacation free worldwide through home exchanges

Reviews (10)

This book saved us thousands
Although we are experienced homebuyers, we picked up much useful advice from this well-written book. Most importantly, it told us how to really learn the property values in an area where we were unfamiliar. Good discussion of how to save money on financing and taxes, too. Overall, anyone thinking about buying a second home or retirement home will be alerted to a lot of things they may have forgotten from past purchases or were never aware of. We especiaaly liked the chapters that helped us explore our locaton options.

Great book for exploring your vacation/retirement options
As a voracious reader of books in real estate, I didn't think I would learn much from this book. But I was wrong. Perhaps the best overview of things to consider in buying a vacation/retirement home of any I've seen.I also liked the "how to evaluate your home as an investment" chapter. Overall profitable read.

Great Book! I can't put it down!
My husband and I are building a vacation rental. This book has been great for us. If you are thinking of investing in a second home it gives you all the information on how to go about buying. It has the advantages & disadvantages & how you could meet trouble. We had already bought our property before the book. Now that I've read the book. It's got me excited to look for a 3rd home after our house is done being built. You might as well have fun in your vacation home & make $ at the same time. Read the book, you'll like it!

This is a great guide for a very big purchase!
Eldred guides you through all the questions you must ask and answer before you buy any home, but of course with special considerations on buying a second home. Midlifers who have that chunk of money from a house sale, inheritance, or investment can ensure that money will be well spent to set them up for later years. Eldred has both been there (bought real estate) and done that (his research) and you will benefit from his experience.

A Must!
I have read and re-read this book. I just bought a second home in the Arizona mountains with the idea of renting it out part-time and this book helped me to solidify some ideas and develop an action plan. I recommend it for anyone who has a second home or is thinking about it.. ... Read more

Book Description

The Eleventh Edition (UPDATE) of Modern Real Estate Practice in Texas is the most comprehensive and current Texas real estate textbook available.Along with an all new chapter on control of land use, you will find many special features including:
* In Practice and For Example paragraphs to applytheory to practice.
* Margin Notes to direct attention to important vocabulary terms.
* Math Concepts at relevant points within the chapter.
* Website Addresses to expedite additional research.
* Exam Prep notes and a sample salesperson license exam.Complete coverage of the new, 2003 Texas real estate laws!The changes in real estate law, effective on September 1, 2003, have been incorporated into this new edition.Teach and learn with confidence, knowing that your text's facts are up to date!

This book also includes the new forms!With changes in law also come changes in forms.This book has incorporated all of the new Texas Real Estate Commission forms.So when students practice on these forms, they know they are preparing for a smooth transition into a real estate career.

New PowerPoint Slides!As technology becomes more sophisticated, so do the teaching tools associated with Modern Real Estate Practice in Texas.These slides will make teaching a snap, whether they're used as a reference or used when teaching the class!

For Example/In Practice Sections!Whether teaching or preparing to get your license, nothing takes you "into the field" better than these.They're certain to help students with real life real estate once they get their license, and they also make great teaching tools.

This text is in complete compliance with the rules and regulations of the Texas Real Estate Commission and License Law.Topics include: Introduction to Modern Real Estate Practice, Real Property, The Real Estate Market, Concepts of Home Ownership, Real Estate Brokerage and the Law of Agency, Fair Housing Laws and Ethical Practices, Texas Real Estate License Act, Interests in Real Estate, How Ownership is Held, Legal Descriptions, Real Estate Taxes and Other Liens, Real Estate Contracts, Listing Agreements, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Financing Principles and Practice, Transfer of Title, Title Records, Real Estate Mathematics, Closing the Real Estate Transaction, Leases, Property Management, Control of Land Use, and R ... Read more

Reviews (2)

much better than Jacobus's Texas Real Estate !!!!
i came across this book AFTER i have finished reading Jacobus' Texas Real Estate. i hoped i have seen this book much earlier and tossed Jacobus into trash bin... much much better...

A very informative, easy read
I liked this book because it is well organized and informative.At the beginning of every chapter the author includes a list of key terms; and key words are bolded and defined through out the chapters.In the back of the book, there's a glossary.This book covers the main topics of the Texas Real Estate Sales Exam in a very thorough, organized way. ... Read more

Book Description

Increase Your Profits and Lower Your Tax Bill with Tax Loopholes for Every Investor

The Insider's Guide to Real Estate Investing Loopholes reveals all the best and most effective tax loopholes that successful real estate investors use to maximize their profits. Completely updated with over fifty percent new material, this Revised Edition also covers all the new tax laws, and features new and updated case studies and examples.

Real estate is probably the best investment money can buy, in part because there are so many profit-maximizing tax loopholes that directly benefit real estate investors. In this practical and straightforward real estate classic, bestselling authors Kennedy and de Roos show investors how to increase their investment profits and use real estate as a legal tax shelter. Inside, you'll find practical guidance and trustworthy advice on:

• Tax loopholes that turn your home into a profit center
• Tricks for using your vacation home as a tax-savings investment
• Real estate investment strategies for taking advantage of international tax laws
• Creative cash flow techniques for increasing your investment's profitability
• How to cut taxes through the 1031 tax-free exchange, pension funds, real estate loss deductions, homestead exemptions, and joint tenancies
• Real estate pitfalls and how to avoid them
• And much more

Book Description

Comprehensive volume on buying and selling country property for profit. This book is designed to help anyone with a basic education make profit in rural real estate. Written by Accredited land broker, B.K. Haynes, this indexed, easy-to-read volume traces the country property field backyears. If used as instructed, this book can literally make you rich! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The most inspiring how-to book I have ever read.B.K. Hayne
I am convinced that BK's book is quite simply the best country property real estate book available. This is not your typical pompous "how-to" book filled with maxims that do not relate to current market realities.

BK does not lecture or preach, he simply teaches you how to think like an investor and developer. He generously reveals why real estate investment in country property is a hidden goldmine in 2005 just like it was in the 60's when BK got his start.I enjoyed following BK through the years as he tracks the many real estate cycles and mixes humorous and personal autobiographic experiences with current events and pop culture. An added bonus for me are the many examples of winning sales ads.

With BK and his book as inspiration, I recently purchased 20 acres in WVA planning to create 3 lots near a stocked trout stream. Thanks to BK, I was unintimidated by the list of State and county requirements as I worked through the subdivision process. The reward is more satisfying than I ever imagined.With BK's help I may just invest myself out of the rat race.

A Treasure Trove of Teaching from a TRUE Master
B.K. Haynes' first book GROW RICH THROUGH RURAL LAND, STARTING FROM SCRATCH taught me his principles of subdivesting, and led me to develop thousands of acres and miles of waterfront, while enjoying the outdoors and harvesting millions in profits.Now he is giving away the OTHER HALF of his genius as he updates and adds to the real estate knowledge he has already given the world.There are two key principles of B.K.'s amazing success readers will find in this book and nowhere else! How to conceptualize an offer of country property, and how to use direct response advertising to make customers literally run to their cars, race to the country and shower you with profits. The extensive collection of real ads from B.K.'s past bring these principals to life, and make the book a true treasure.I retired to Malibu while still young because of B.K. Haynes.Now you can too!

I should have listenedto BK Haynes
BK Haynes' 500 page book is filled with stories about how he bought farms and waterfront properties, subdivided them into 5 to 20 acre estates and sold them. He made a nice profit. The buyers mightnot have realized it at the time,but they got GREAT deals.

Here is one 1985 ad selling land near my town of Fredericksburg, VA.

"10 Acre Commutable estates north ofFredericksburgfrom $12,950 to $19,950 with access to RappahannockRiver."

They are worth a small fortune now. I shouldabought one. This is called "Shoulda - Coulda - Woulda."

The book is packed with practical advice - not from a professor in the ivory tower - but from someone who actually did it.

Here are some examples:
- 50 Ways to Buy Land with Little or No Money Down
- How to Get Financing on Country Properties
- Anatomy of a No-Money-Down Land Deal
- How to Write a Direct Response Ad

I would love to work for BK Haynes. Every day would be an education.

Buy this book. It's worth far more than the cover price.

A very good book
This is a very informative book. It is very specific and insightful. It also tells some of his life story , which is very interesting. I like this book a lot, and I recommend it for anyone and everyone.

Outstanding
If your interested in land acquisition for recreation or profit, this book is a must read. I am in real estate brokerage myself and found this book easy to read, inspiring and insightful all at the same time. ... Read more

Book Description

Real estate development is one of the great opportunities for building substantial wealth.

Developer, broker, landlord, investor, and teacher Mark B. Weiss, CCIM, offers proven strategies using his step-by-step process to achieve success, which is outlined in Secrets of a Millionaire Real Estate Developer.

If real estate development calls to mind images of Donald Trump, gleaming office towers, or imposing industrial facilities, real estate investors mustrealize that's only part of the picture.Opportunities to develop real estate begin on a local scale, from single-family home renovations to small apartment buildings to small commercial or retail projects, before moving to larger, more complex properties.

Secrets of a Millionaire Real Estate Developer outlines what to do and how to do it at each stage of a development project, including making decisions as theteam leader and understanding the numbers.This book unravels the complexities, such as dealing with bureaucracy, financing, negotiation, taxation and zoning. This is a practical guide which clarifies the process for those new to the business, while providing advanced strategies, reference sources, and motivations for those with some experience.

Weiss shares his detailed technical knowledge to help readers:
* Determine if this is the right opportunity.
* Build diverse teams of reliable experts to get anyjob accomplished.
* Renovate for fast re-sale, or for long-term profit.
* Read and write a contract.
* Work with state, local, and federal governments.

Those considering a career change, landlords and investors looking to ratchet up results, real estate professionals ready to add a profit center, part-timers,and even established developers will find authoritative, real-world insights (including the author's "Success Secrets" not available anywhere else) to become a master real estate developer. ... Read more

Book Description

Successful Real Estate Investing is written specifically for novice investors who want to get started with confidence. It highlights 75 of the most common mistakes investors make and offers specific, real-life strategies for avoiding them. Each mini-chapter covers one mistake and offers pearls of wisdom based both on Robert Shemin’s long experience as an investor and on case studies of investors he has met or assisted along the way. For investors worried about making a particular mistake in any step of the investment process, this is the only real estate guide that offers quick, expert guidance on avoiding everything that could–but won’t!–go wrong.

Successful Real Estate Investing covers these mistakes as well as many more:

• Forgetting to screen all tenants
• Not taking in adequate cash flow
• Missing out on special loan programs
• Not having the proper insurance
• Holding onto a rehab or rental house that won’t sell or rent
• Thinking short-term when you should be thinking long-term
• Punishing bad tenants without rewarding good ones
• Failing to establish minimum requirements for tenants
• Failing to inspect properties regularly

But Successful Real Estate Investing is more than just a list of troubles to avoid, it also teaches the most important keys to real estate success: keep it simple, believe you can do it (because you can!), inform yourself so you know what you’re doing, and stick with it! With common sense and the uncommon guidance you’ll find here, there’s nothing standing in your way! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A superb supplementary resource for savvy investors
Successful Real Estate Investing: How To Avoid The 75 Most Costly Mistakes Every Investor Makes lists many common errors in judgement that real estate buyers make - mistakes that can be horrifically costly when investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into property. From relying on what people tell you instead of what they actually do, to overspending on rehab projects, to failing to review one's finances, progress, and overall activity at least once a week (a comon business problem) and much more, Successful Real Estate Investing charts critical pitfalls to avoid. Appendices offer means to find great real estate deals, top 10 common mistakes complete with lists for the reader to write in, six basic rules of negotiation such as "never mention a number unless you absolutely have to" and "get it in writing", and much more. A superb supplementary resource for savvy investors seeking to learn the easy way - from other people's mistakes rather than one's own.

Great Book....sound advice for every real estate investor
This is a very good book that offers sound advice to investors. Any one of these 75 mistakes could cost someone a bunch of money if they didn't know what to look for and avoid.

Someone once said about investing, "At all levels of play, the secret of success lies not so much in playing well as in not playing poorly." With that in mind, this book will serve a very definitive purpose for real estate investors who are going about investing one investment at a time, learning as they go, and trying to keep as much of their profits as they can.

Absolutely Worthless
This guy is very intelligent. He is getting $12 or more per book, to sell you a book where he is trying to upsell you his other products. Basically, he writes about 75 mistakes to avoid but when it comes to explaining them, he does a terrible job. It is either too general or he tries to sell you on how one of his books, home courses or whatever he's trying to sell, will help you avoiding that. The mistakes mentioned in the book are valid and perhaps, very real but, if you have already made a mistake or just made the mistake and would like to use his advise to overcome the error, guess what, you are on your own. Now, if you want to avoid the mistakes, some of the mistakes mentioned here are self-explanatory, the rest are not, so it might be difficult to avoid these pitfalls, especially for "newbies". In conclusion, THE BOOK IS WORTHLESS. There are plenty of other authors out there that do a much better job at explaining not at selling other products.

Very Disappointed, Please Read!!!
In all actuality, this book lacks all due diligence it portrays. I opened this book up after foolishly spending $12.00 on it and was disgusted by the integrity of the content. This is one of those late night real estate gurus throwing some words onto paper trying to call it a book but in all reality, trying to sell his real estate courses and seminars. I read through the book just because I spent the money and every other page was a sales ad for his course and seminar. I was disgusted and very disappointed. I have been in Real Estate for quite some time now with many deals under my belt, dealing almost exclusively with Rehabs. If your into the buy and hold strategy, I recommend anything by Robert Irwin, an excellent and down-to-earth author. If you are into rehabs, I would recommend "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fixer-Upers" by Stuart Leland Rider.....Best of Luck!

Want to Stop Spinning Your Wheels?
If you are in a real estate investing rut, sitting on that investing plateau, or are having trouble moving forward and need to sure-up your strategy, this book is an excellent resource to get you over the hump and on your way.

I heard once a quote about investing that I think this book nails on the head, "At all levels of play, the secret of success lies not so much in playing well as in not playing badly." Anyone who has ever been involved in real estate investing, or any kind of investing for that matter, knows this to be fundamentally true.

Mr. Shemin, in this book and a couple of his other books I've read, has a way of breaking down those hard-to-understand "investing doctrines" and presenting them in laymen's terms, quite a feat given his background as an attorney, just kidding. I think here, he covers critical real estate investing material that is applicable to every real estate investor, regardless of level or experience. Two thumbs up. ... Read more

Book Description

Going beyond the principles and practices studens have already learned, this new edition explores the skills necessary for building and managing a successful real estate brokerage.Based on the revised FREC broker course syllabus, Florida Real Estate Broker's Guide provides a complete source for your broker prelicensing curriculum.Highlights include:
* Four new case studies prepare students for real world practice.
* Timely, comprehensive couverage of all course topics makes supplemental material unnecessary.
* Web resources encourage students to explore key topics.
* Free Instructor Resource Guide includes chapter outlines, matching exercises, vocabulary lists and two practice exams. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I hate thinking up titles
Very good, eye-opener book if you are considering buying a manufactured home. Lots of behind the scenes information on how dealers operate when they sell you a home. Many good checklists to go over and plenty of tips on how to save a lot of money and headaches when purchasing. I read the book in three hours and wished there was more on what it's like to live in one of these homes. It would have been nice if he had provided a list of reputable or even just all home manufacturers in general with website links. Glad I bought the book.

Manufactured Home Buying Required Reading
This book should be required reading for anyone considering a manufactured home. A few evenings spent with this book will not only save you thousands of dollars it will result in you getting a much better home. Be sure to make notes and take them with you when you visit the dealers and the manufactured home factory (something you really must consider doing before you sign). Buying a manufactured home isn't like buying a car - so don't treat it that way.

A Must Buy!
Aloha,If you are in the market for a manufactured home you *must* get this book. He tells all the ins and outs of the manufactured home buying process written from the perspective of a guy who is simply trying to tell you the truth. He is sincere and *very* knowledgeable and will save you significant money and hassle.As one reviewer noted, this is not the best editing job. There are a number of grammatical errors, careless things like a missing pro-noun or mispelled words. But you don't buy a book like this looking for pulitzer prize level literature. You buy it to arm yourself with information. Mr. Burnside does a very good job of doing just that, arming you, and does so in an easy to read/understand fashion. I read the whole thing in about 4 hours.He gives tips on all aspects of buying a manufactured home and setting it up on your property. But the primary focus is how to handle the home dealers and how to get the best deal with the right options. In that light it would be wise to have this book as but one book in your home buying collection. A great book that covers other important areas like finding and buying land (etc) in a more comprehensive way than Mr. Burnside's book is "Finding and Buying Your Place in the Country" by Scher & Scher (husband wife team). This is also a *must* have book. Do not as much as set foot inside a manufactured home dealer without reading this book.Good Luck! It is a best seller for a reason.

Disappointing at best....
This book did a good job of explaining the sales office process, but skipped over the really scary things, like buying the lot, lot upgrades, working with contractors, water, sewer, septic, etc...If Mr. Burnsides wanted to be really thorough, he would have given us better statistics, like the Consumer Guide info he refers to, but does not elaborate on nearly enough. A manufacturer list or customer service survey of manufacturers would be nice too. Last but not least, the author's credibility was not helped by all the mis-spellings and errors. Didn't anyone edit this book for him?

Insider reveals Secrets of Manufactured Home Dealers
Kevin Burnside does a good job of covering the comprehensive subject of "Manufactured Housing"; what we used to call mobile homes. He reveals the secrets of the dealers and arms the buyer with the tools needed to make a good deal and avoid the scams of high pressure salesmen. The author also details the best options and features to order along with those features to decline. He reveals the type of construction that is desired and the type of contruction that is not desired. He includes real life dollar figures to guide the prospective buyer and provides the needed help particularily for first time home buyers who lack the knowledge and experience to distinguish between a good price and a bad price. This book is long overdue and brings the author's expertise to the table. There has been much written on car values and how to get a good deal on a new car. This book is one of the few written for mobile home/manufactured home buyers. I recommend this book to anyone looking to buy a new factory built home. I would have liked to seen the "Consumer Reports" article reprinted in the book instead of merely mentioned; and I would have liked some attention to used or older homes not just new homes. Perhaps that will be Mr. Burnside's next book? ... Read more

Book Description

A large percentage of the rich in America today make their wealth (or keep it) through real estate.In REAL ESTATE RICHES, self-made real estate mogul Dolf De Roos reveals why investing in property is so astoundingly simple and lucrative, as well as insider secrets for getting into--and ahead in--this high-profit business. ... Read more

Reviews (121)

The #1 Millionaire Developer: REAL ESTATE
As Andrew Carnegie said over 100 years ago; "More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined."I strongly suspect that the 1 star reviewers are stock market players concerned that this book will pull more investors from stocks into real estate.I'm a player in both stocks and real estate. My strategies in the stock market are very aggressive similiar to what the author teache in this book on real estate: high leverage with options and margin accounts, covered calls and dividend capturing for income and sect 29 tax credits to lower taxes. Real Estate Riches is a good little book. It explains the why, but not the how (I suspect there will be a followup book) but don't let that deter you from buying and reading this great book. It is packed with powerful information.For more on the how, I recommend Real Estate Money Machine.Finally, the indvidual that wrote that real estate is traditionally a lousy investment clearly does not know what he is talking about. REAL ESTATE IS A GREAT INVESTMENT.

A very good real estate book
Emerson once said, "The hardest thing for people to do is to think."This book gets you thinking. It's not about techniques. For techniques, read Nothing Down, A Fortune at Your Feet, Flipping Properties or Real Estate Money Machine.What Dolf deRoos does do with this book is what the other books in the RDPD series have done; get you to think. To develop a philosophy. To show you how to become a Ultimate Investor instead of a average investor.QUESTION: All of those great Real Estate books and websites that keep getting recommended. If they are so great, where are all of the real estate tycoons? Hmmmm????Read. learn, apply and succeed. Then come back and tell us the truth about this book.Happy investing.

Real profits in real estate
What I like aboout the Rcih Dad advisor series is that the books are written by people who are actually experienced and knowledgable about the topic they are writing on.

For example, in this book, we have the great Dolf deRoos who has made a small fortune investing in real estate. He has walked the talk and talks the walk. He has been there, done it and done it again.

If your goal is to become a sucessful real estate investor, then I highly recommend this great book by Dolf de Roos.

Dolf is a genius!
Without a doubt, Dolf is one of the greatest minds in real estate investing. He knows this business. Just one idea saved me tens of thousands and made the difference from a what could have been a very bad investment to a very successful investment.

I highly recommend this book for all serious real estate investors. Great book Dolf.

The #1 Millionaire creator=REAL ESTATE
Without question, more people have created fortunes in Real Estate than in any other way. More than in the stock market. More than in MLM. More than by becoming a CEO for a Fortune 500 company and best of all, real estate is available to the masses.

They ain't makin anymore land and one constant is that people will always need a place to live. Real Estate is the greatest millionaire maker and no monthly sales quota's or sales volume requirements!

This great book by Dolf explains the why and some of the how. It is a great addition to your library. And the profits you will make will be a great addition to your wealth. ... Read more