Book Description

Earn fast profits on foreclosures–with little or no money down!

Foreclosure properties are one of today’s hottest investments–and one of the quickest, easiest ways to turn a profit in real estate. But with so many investors in the game, competition is driving auction prices through the roof.This book introduces both novice and experienced real estate investors to a better way to invest in foreclosures. This step-by-step guide shows you how to find great foreclosure properties, purchase the seller’s equity for pennies on the dollar, and then sell the contract to another investor for quick cash.

If it sounds simple, it is! Quick Cash in Foreclosures shows you how to profit from foreclosures without risking your savings. You don’t have to qualify for a loan, battle the hordes at foreclosure auctions, or pay exorbitant repair and resale costs. All you have to do is apply the authors’ proven system and you too can earn fast profits in the foreclosure market. With this straightforward guide, you’ll learn how to:

• Find owners in distress
• Purchase an owner’s equity, not their property
• Negotiate with the lender before foreclosure
• Purchase FHA and VA government foreclosures
• Profit in the secondary mortgage market–Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FDIC foreclosures
• Get the lowest purchase price at foreclosure auctions
• Flip, assign, or option your foreclosure contracts
• Use easy paperwork and clauses for maximum protection

Book Description

Based on sound economic and finance principles, the primary goal of this market-leading text is to promote a greater understanding of how real estate financial markets work. The authors blend theory with practice applying the theoretical aspects of financial economics to explain how Real Estate financial institutions and markets have developed and evolved to their present state, and why they take the forms they do. The impact of major federal legislation that applies to real estate finance (especially residential) is also addressed. ... Read more

Book Description

ULI-the Urban Land Institute, in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

Updated throughout, the third edition of Residential Streets takes a practical approach to planning and designing streets that is cost effective, and that enhances the livability of subdivisions and master-planned and new urbanist communities. It offers a fresh look at street widths, geometrics, traffic flow, and other design considerations, as well as intersections, drainage systems, and pavement. Solidly endorsed by traffic engineers and in compliance with the requirements of state highway officials, the book provides street designs that can save on land costs, reduce the environmental impacts of runoff, provide a marketing advantage, and win approval. It will be useful to developers, builders, designers, and local officials who wish to create streets in residential communities that encourage walking and bicycling and that discourage speeding by through traffic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Every municipality should read this book.
I purchased this book after hearing a presentation by the author on his ideas on "humanizing" highways. This authoritative book presents the point of view that residential neighborhood streets should be part of the ambience of the neighborhood, and not just efficient vehicle movers. In the author's view, it is OK for kids to use their neighborhood street as a playground, and the street should be designed with enough traffic calming geometry so that it would be safe to do so. This point of view is entirely opposite to the prevailing attitude in the town I live in, where residential streets, even cul-de-sacs, are required to be wide enough for two cars to pass plus a row of parked cars, and as a consequence, residents routinely ask for police enforcement to dicourage cars from speeding on those streets.

To back up this point of view, the book is a design manual for residential streets, including drainage, intersection design, pavement, sidewalks, bike paths, etc. A municipality wishing to adopt the point of view of the book will find all the specs necessary to incorporate that point of view in its subdivision regulations.

When I saw this book, I passed it around to everyone influential I knew, and got the town planning department to order two more copies for people to borrow and read. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Best book on IRA investing I've read
Just finished Pat Rice's book IRA WEALTH. I've been in investment real estate for 42 years and know Pat Rice. This book is easy to read, easy to understand. No investments are 100% guaranteed, but in this period of low interest rates, the yields that Pat can secure are authentic and just, given the various scenarios he works out.
Real estate is very unlikely to be wiped out, like various stocks in the stock market, or even groups of stocks in mutual funds. Also, you can trust the accounting. Diversify, which is what Pat is saying in here, don't put it all in one real estate loan or one stock deal. To know that you CAN invest in real estate is a great comfort not to mention the higher yield.

Not Worth Reading
I first hear about alternative IRA investments through a real estate class I took to become a broker. I picked up this book because I wanted to learn more about the subject. As I have read extensively in the subject of investments, the fact that I didn't learn much from this book doesn't necessary mean it's not a good read for some people.

My problem with this book is that it holds real estate investments in IRA (specifically Roth IRA) out to be one-size fits all solution to retirement riches for everyone. It claims a minimum 12% annual return with zero chance of going wrong. It claims RE IRAs has a lower cost (including fees to trustee, financial advisor, attorney, accountant, and real estate broker) compared to brokerage IRAs which supposedly cost 3-6% a year. As with all comparison the author makes in this book, real estate IRA is better in all respects to everything else.

Most Americans have high percentage of their net worth tied up in their residence; does it make sense from a diversification point of view to put their IRA in real estate as well? Is a loan to someone who couldn't get a loan from the banks really an investment with zero chance of going wrong?

The author claims to have many years of experience, which I wish could have translated to more examples of what could go wrong so the reader can learn from others' mistakes. I learn absolutely nothing from scenarios after scenarios of perfectly constructed examples that produces double or triple digit returns.

There are several calculation errors and mistaken use of financial terms but in general the book is easy to read. My favorite quote from the book, which comes after a paragraph describing which relatives are not prohibited from transacting with your IRA: "For some of you, this information alone is worth the price of this book."

I think I will be going back to my local book store.

Examining both low-risk and high-return real estate ventures
IRA Wealth: Revolutionary Strategies For Real Estate Investment is the collaborative effort of Patrick W. Rice (investment columnist and the owner of IRA Resource Associates -- offering expertise in investment real estate for self-directed retirement accounts) and Jennifer Dirks (personal finance and real estate issues staff, and winner of the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2002 "Journalist of the Year award for the Pacific Northwest), diverges sharply from the common understanding that IRA holdings can only be invested in stocks and certificates of deposit. In response to the decline of the stock market, IRA Wealth presents real estate as a profitable and worthy investment venture, and one that is perfectly legal to hold in any personal IRA account. Examining both low-risk and high-return real estate ventures, IRA Wealth is a superbly presented, "reader friendly", informational presentation for anyone seeking to diversify their IRA account holdings into property as a hedge against the volatility of the stock and bond markets.

Opened my mind to new ideas
IRA Wealth provides a series of alternatives to the traditional IRA Stock Market investment opportunities. The book is organized to first dispel the myth that investing in real estate with your IRA is illegal and second to explain how to structure your IRA investments with a "self-directed" IRA. The following chapters identify IRA real estate investments based on the level of risk associated with that particular type of real estate investment. The final chapters discuss some of the nuances of liquidating your real estate investments upon the time of your mandatory IRA distributions. Finally, IRA Wealth provides several appendices to help you start your own due diligence with regard to IRA investing in real estate.
Overall, I enjoyed reading IRA Wealth and found that it opened my mind to new ideas on IRA investments. Most of us have probably felt the sting of lackluster stock market returns during the past few years. So the prospect of low to moderate risk real estate investments is clearly of interest. I found the organization of the book to be well thought-out and comprehensive. If you have already read several books on real estate investing, you will realize that several investment methods continue to pop-up. IRA Wealth takes those methods and ties them to your IRA.
Regardless of your level of experience with regard to real estate investing, I believe you will find IRA Wealth a worthwhile read and well worth your time.

Easy and inspirational read
I have just begun to read your book and it is perfect timing as my husband and I have a sum saved in our IRA. We plan to read the book together and investigate the investment strategies suggested. Thank you. The book is an easy and inspirational read on a complex subject. ... Read more

Book Description

Start building your fortune with the ultimate insider's guide to real estate investing

The Insider's Guide to Making Money in Real Estate explains why real estate is a consistently profitable moneymaker and how everyday people just like you can build their fortune regardless of their credit score or how much money they have in the bank. It's true—you don't have to be rich to invest in real estate. It's the easiest, most leveraged method for building sustainable wealth over time, and it's open to everyone.

In this practical, nuts-and-bolts guide, New York Times bestselling real estate authors Dolf de Roos and Diane Kennedy cover all the basics of investing and offer the kind of insider advice and little-known tips you won't find anywhere else. You'll get a wealth of bright ideas and smart investment moves, as well as examples, case studies, and true investing stories from successful investors just like you. Inside, you'll learn:

• The ins and outs of commercial versus residential property
• How to spot great bargains in neighborhoods with great potential
• How to finance your investments with less-than-perfect credit
• Quick tips for increasing the value of your property inexpensively
• How to find reliable tenants who'll pay top dollar
• Everything you need to know about property taxes and deductions
• How to use tax benefits to increase your profits

Reviews (1)

This guy reaches out to people.
Of all the real estate books that I have read or checked out and of all the real estate gurus that I have checked out, Dolf is the best.

This book goes beyond Real Estate Riches. Dolf explains h ow to purchase commercial property. He also explainshow to spot property with a below-value "twist."

And there is more, like:

* No-fail mortgage application

* Purchase and sale clauses that work

* Make offers with seller appeal

* The offer; yield a bit or stand your ground?

* Settlement and possession structure

* Proposals for finance

* Ensuring that tradespeople do your jobs first

* Cutting non-performing tenants loose

My business has been primarily network marketing. Using Dolf de Ross real estate strategies has provided me with an additional stream of income as well as reducing my tax bill.

Real estate is somewhat likenetwork marketing in that you can start with very little money, use leverage and create exponential growth.

Great book. A must read. ... Read more

Book Description

If you want to invest in real estate, don't be misled by "one size fits all" infomercials that promise instant riches.Learn from an expert.Investor Robert Shemin shares the real life strategies he's used to amass a real estate portfolio worth millions.

Given the right tools, nearly anyone can make money investing in real estate, which Robert Shemin proves in his powerful new book, Secrets of a Millionaire Real Estate Investor.Whether you're a novice or a seasoned investor, Shemin's got strategies you can take to the bank.A multi millionaire in his early 30s, Shemin teaches three basic strategies for making money through real estate:
* Buy and "flip" property to another buyer for more money.
* Buy, rehab, and resell property.
* Buy and hold property as a landlord.

Shemin also shows that ethical investing is the surest way to build optimal long term profits. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great real estate investing info!
This book has helped me get started in investing in real estate. It helped me understand the different kinds of real estate investing from lease-options to flipping to being a landlord. I have also recommended this book, and Shemin's Landlord book, to friends who already own lots of properties and wanted to manage their properties and investments more effectively. Highly recommended.

Must have for anyone serious about investing in real estate!
This book has incredible insight and also comes with forms at the back of the book that you can use as a reference prior to getting an review by your attorney.

This author is an attorney that has integrity. One of my favorite things that he mentions in his book is that anyone that has purchased 30 more properties, he feels they owe it to give back in some way. He suggests working with people that are homeless but are working and are wanting to have their own house. He then has them learn about money management from a variety of free courses, and then takes the rents from the first year, saves them and applies them to their deposit for their own home.

A true inspiration!!

Worked for me.
Robert's book is fun and easy to read. I am a successful Realtor but the ideas from Robert's experiences led me to purchase my home on lease option. We got a great deal and we will make around $50,000 to $60,000 or more in profit when we sell! Thank you, Robert, for sharing your wisdom with us. The question I ask the rest of you is, "What will you do after reading the book?"

Secrets of a millionare real estate investor
I truly enjoy reading this book. It demonstrates the use of common sense and giving back. And, that is how I actually starting in the real estate field. I have over sixteen years of property management experience and a successful owner, and investor in rental properties. And, this book has made a great impact on me. I would recommend it to anyone who is a novice or itermeditate and want to learn more about investing, owning, and flipping properties. It's definately a realistic book. Others, I would strongly recommend would be Lanlording, Find It, Buy It, anf Fix It is great and The New No-Non Sense Lanlord by Jergerson. You will never want to resell these books.

Good Book to get you started...
I liked this book. It was informative and contained a good amount of Shemin's experiences to color the text and information given. I do have a problem however, and it's not with the book, but rather the readers who have such negative opinions about these types of books. One of the overwhelming themes that I read in these people's negative reviews is "s/he didn't tell me how"...what are you people talking about?

Shemin told you what he did...he interviewed two hundred landlords and tenants...he looked at houses and investment properties for six months before making an offer. Even he said it didn't need to take that much time, but fear held him back. He told you how to evaluate a property, things to look for. He even provides a checklist. He told you that first and foremost "HE MADE A DECISION TO ACHIEVE FINANCIAL FREEDOM WITH REAL ESTATE". Yes, he made a decision. Any succesful person will tell you, once you make the decision, the hows become easy.

It seems like people want a book to tell them why they should do this, not how. The hows are in this book. The hows are in any book. That's why they're referred to as "How-To's". The "why" to do something is for you and you alone to figure out. Don't buy anybody's book if you're looking for why. I read the same kind of negative opinions when I look at bad reviews of Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" stuff. What do you want these books to do? Go out and find the properties, get the financing, find the tenants and collect money for you?

Shemin's book is good. I will tell you to stay from Tyler Hicks' works. He's nothing but an informercial in book form. But I like what the author has to say. But, none of these books will do anything for you until...you...do...it! ... Read more

Book Description

Designed for both employees of mortgage lenders and individuals studying real estate finance, Residential Mortgage Lending: Principles and Practices provides an overview of mortgage banking and outlines strategies that mortgage bankers can utilize to compete successfully in todays competitive business environment. While clearly explaining the fundamentals in an easy-to-understand manner, this edition has a new emphasis on the practical applications of residential mortgage lending making it an excellent resource for learning mortgage banking operations.No prior knowledge of finance or any part of mortgage lending is required. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Thorough review of mortgage lending development and practice
This is a must read and good reference book for mortgage professionals, including lenders and practitioners in secondary mortgage business. The book gives excellent review of the development of residential lending in US, of government regulations, major market players, and important product types. Then the book gets to the details of mortgage lending processes and also touches the secondary markets. Readers can definitely gain valuable and practical knowledge on residential lending business after walk through the book. ... Read more

Book Description

This new and updated second edition teaches you how to join the ranks of smart property owners who are easily selling their own property and greatly improving their personal financial position. Written by the publisher of a very successful for-sale-by-owner real estate magazine, this book shares the expert knowledge gained from helping tens of thousands of homeowners sell their own homes & land. This unique book is based on practical, real-life experience that translates into results. The 160-page book covers everything you need to know to sell your own home and pocket those commissions you would have paid a broker: Chapter 1 : Trends in For-Sale-by-Owner Real Estate
Chapter 2 : Setting the Correct Price on Your Home
Chapter 3 : Enhancing the Appearance of Your Home
Chapter 4 : Advertising & Marketing Your Own Home
Chapter 5 : Showing Your Home: How to Interact with Buyers
Chapter 6 : Negotiation : The Terms & Conditions of the Sale
Chapter 7 : Legal Aspects of Selling Your Own Home
Chapter 8 : Home Inspections Chapter 9 : Mortgage Basics for SellersChapter 10 :Dealing with Real Estate AgentsChapter 11 : Summary Chapter 12 : How to Buy a Home from the Owner

(Great for helping your buyer!)Also contains many helpful charts, checklists and sample forms to help you get organized and stay on track. Nationally syndicated personal finance columnist Jane Bryant Quinn said of this book "for a zillion tips on selling your own home...get this book!" Washington Post, March 3, 1997 ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Unique, the only book written by a for sale by owner publish
This book is the only book that truly helps someone selling their own home. It's written by the publisher of a for sale by owner real estate magazine and the information comes from actual people selling their own homes. Most other books of similar title are written by ex-realtors and their experience with FSBOs is limited or only with those FSBOs that have failed! This book teaches you all the steps. Deciding is selling by owner is for you; pricing your house; fix-ups; advertising & marketing; negociation; dealing with real estate agents. I recommend this book because I read it, following its advice and sold my house. I saved over $20,000 in real estate fees by selling on my own.

Read this book BEFORE you put a FOR SALE sign in your yard.
"How To Sell Your Own Home" is a teaching book, full of practical examples and expert advice. It's both easy to read and comprehensive, the result of the author's extensive experience in the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) business.

The book serves as your coach and advisor, taking you step by step, from your initial decision to sell your own property, through the closing. Not only can you save the commission you won't have to pay a real estate agent, this book can help you get more for your home and get a better value from your marketing efforts.

Can you tell I liked it? I read it twice, cover to cover, and highlighted about a third of it. I bet the lessons it taught me saved me 100 times the cover price.

If you are thinking about selling your own home or you are already in the process, buy this book, read it, and heed the author's advice!

Beware
Do not believe this book. Hiring a realtor is the BEST way to sell your house. I tried to use this book and lost thousands of dollars and ended up hiring a realtor anyways. The keys to selling a house are advertising and having a way for buyers and their realtors to see your house at all times of the day. This book does NOT provide adequate information on this, and you do need a realtor for the advertising and access to your house for showing.

Be aware of the pitfalls
This book is readable and nicely planned out, but it may oversimplify selling by owner. It reads like a Tony Robbins/Up With People/Judy Garland-Mickey Rooney let's-put-on-a-show MGM musical. I wanted an MLS listing to help with advertising but the flat fee listers don't do it in every state. This book makes it sound like there are many advertising avenues available to FSBO listings (without being very specific), but I couldn't find any in my state, and the Internet listings aren't much good in areas where many people don't have computers. (Yes, there are such places even in 2004.) Plus, the FSBO sites I found were connected with flat fee listers, so prospective buyers aren't necessarily going to find them. I had to give up and list with a realtor. If you want the book for general information and/or you live in a state with a hot real estate market, it isn't bad, but don't expect selling to be as easy as the book makes it sound.

Absolutely the best book on selling a home
I used this book to sell my home myself and it worked like a charm.

I got the book because I saw a story about it in Business Week and Smart Money Magazine. They recommended I get the book before I put the house on the market so that I would make any mistakes I'd regret later.
They were right! I sold the house in about 3 weeks following the advice in the book and I saved about... When I tried to calculate the return on my investment from this book my calculator short-circuited because the return was so great! ... Read more

Book Description

A PAPERBACK ORIGINAL

The perfect introduction on how to get in on today's hottest investment opportunity

Stock markets rise, and stock markets fall, but real estate is almost always a sure thing, especially in today's increasingly unpredictable investment climate. That's why more and more average Americans are becoming interested in pursuing real estate investing. How to Get Started in Real Estate Investing shows them how.

Writing for investors with little or no experience in real estate, bestselling real estate author Bob Irwin walks readers through all the ins and outs of real estate investing. In a friendly, reassuring, no-hype style, he fills them in on everything they need to know to start building a winning real estate investment strategy of their own­­from how much money they'll need to get started, to how to find and evaluate properties, to the basics of financing and taxes. He delineates the seven major techniques used by successful real estate investors and provides guidelines for choosing and adapting the right one for individual readers' goals, personalities, and budgets.

Reviews (7)

Read the Title
If you are complaining about the book being too basic, or it did not give you info on what to do if you already own a home, read the title. This is a beginner's book. I have read the book and it was a great investment for beginners. It takes you through the beginning processes of investment and what you need to be wary of. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone thinking about real estate investing. I would not recommend it to someone who is knowledgeable about investing. Overall the book is very basic, yet detailed. It is not about pumping you up, but instead gives you valuable info about.. (get this)HOW TO GET STARTED.

Must Read
This book is amazing! I own two rental homes, bought with difficulty, and never realized how I could have done it so much easier and with less money down.
This book's first chapter actually walked me from example to example showing how to find and acquire rental property. Then it showed how to hold them for long term or flip quickly for cash outs. I never knew what I was missing or how easy it is. And the later chapters deal with all sorts of high-end investing including industrial, commercial and land.
This book is a must read. I don't think it matters whether you're getting started or are an old investor. It's a money-maker!
Bill Leary

generalist
the title is misleading.
I have some experience in real estate and decided to buy
professional book to learn something.
Big mistake.
The author never,yes,never gives you actual real life examples.
His experience looks like limited to California.
And US is much bigger.
Not many web sites mentioned at all if any.
Some facts that are most important to beginner are missing.
These facts are local taxes and neighborhood.

Some helpful tips, very basic, some problems
I've purchased two homes so far, just for my primary residence. Irwin's book is really geared for someone who has NEVER owned a home. Kind of an odd place to start for someone getting into real estate investing. Not a lot is said about how to start if you already own a home. Also, some of the parts on "flipping" were just silly. The woman walking down the street and stumbling upon a house for sale $50K below market? Come on. However, there are some good tips, like I said, and the part on apartment building valuation and investing was new to me.

An excellent book on real estate investing!!!
I bought this book after reading a review by Rober Bruss (the book reviewer for the LA Times) who gave it a 12 on his scale of 1 to 10 and I wasn't disappointed. It showed me how to change my current house to a rental and buy a second one. Now I'm getting rental income and I have a new house to live in! I'm working on buying a small strip mall next. Compared to the other real estate books I've bought in the past, this is the first one that really showed me how it's done. I won't sell this book for anything! ... Read more

Book Description

An expert guide to the ins and outs of real estate financing

Secrets of Buying and Selling Real Estate . . .Without Using Your Own Money! is the definitive insider’s guide to traditional and creative (yet legal and ethical!) real estate financing.

In understandable, step-by-step language, it walks you through explanations and examples of conventional real estate financing so you understand clearly how most financing works. It examines all the available creative or unusual financing strategies that seasoned investors and homebuyers use every day to buy and finance properties. Drawing on his long experience as a successful real estate investor, Robert Shemin spotlights the advantages and disadvantages of various types of mortgages, terms, and financing strategies so you know all your best options. He also includes informative material on how credit scoring works and understanding credit ratings and credit problems that could scuttle your loan. Offering proven techniques, expert tips, and creative alternatives along the way, Shemin details every important aspect of the financing process, with in-depth discussion of topics such as:

• Owners’ terms
• Contracts for deed, land contracts, and lease options
• How to use partners or cosigners
• How to get approval after a mortgage company turns you down
• How to buy property even if the bank says "no"
• Creative ways to obtain down payments, getting the seller to contribute using nonprofit programs

Reviews (15)

Take your advice from those who have done it ...
Robert Shemin gives more information and ideas in Secrets of Buying... than one very famous real estate writer gives in four books and another charges thousands of dollars for. It is not a "get rich quick" plan. Remember to get your information from those who know what they are talking about and have done what you want to do, and Shemin is that man. You will always need more information, experts in your area, and experts in different fields of real estate; and Shemin states this in his book.

One real estate book will not solve all of your problems or answer all of your questions, but the bottom line is that this one gives you more than most. I will continue to go back to this book for ideas and to fine tune my investing skills for years. The only thing missing is him taking you by the hand to take action. Take responsability, be persistant, read, educate yourself, stay positive, be careful who you take advice from, take action, and stay positive.

The Sheminator is Back!
Once again, Robert Shemin, boils the complex world of real estate down in to simple techniques that anyone can use. Now his most recent book takes away the final excuse for not making it big in real estate investing....the start-up capital. Robert is a true mentor, a businesss guru insided and outside of real estate, comical, honest, and to the point.

Robert Shemin is the next Bob Allen....only he is in the trenches making deals not just reliving the past. This, of course, makes the input from this book the most CURRENT read as of late in todays marketplace, and it is NOT old 1980's techniques. Fresh, genuine, and quite helpful!

Where's the Beef???
Anyone who remembers that old TV commercial for Wendy's will know exactly what I mean. This book has no substance. "Find a $300,000 house, buy it for $200,000 and flip it to an investor for $250,000 and pocket the difference". Yeah, it sounds nice but I live in a place called Earth. Perhaps in some depressed areas you might find sellers motivated enough to sell at that kind of discount, but don't plan on moving that property anytime soon either. Where I live, in Northern Virginia, people pay $30,000-$50,000 OVER the asking prices for a house. My neighbor just sold her TOWNHOUSE which she put on the market. She listed it for $385K and had SIX contracts on it the first week and sold it for $430K. Good luck finding a "motivated" seller around here. Up into southern Maryland you can find properties for below "market" value, but you can't turn them quickly.

This guy may have done quite well during the real estate boom, but its a different world now and the things he is saying to do "without by the way telling you HOW to do them" are just ludicrous.

Keep your money, don't waste it on this book.

The worst book
I have read probably twenty books in real Estate in the past six months...this is the worst so far. Whoever is writting is going at light speed and has no concept of teaching or sharing knowledge. It has no depth and he continuosly jumps from one subject to another not covering any of the real issues and questions. The bottom line...don't waste your money.There are "real good books" in real Estate but this is not one of them.
JC

Disseparate thoughts
I got into real estate investing primarily due to Mr. Shemin's first two books, "Secrets of a Millionaire Landlord" and "secrets of a Millionaire Real Estate Investor." Both of these books were excellent, and I wouldn't sell my copies for the world.

However, this is simply a collection of loosely connected thoughts strung together to create a book. Here is the plan presented in the book -- Find a $250,000 that you can purchase for $190,000 from a motivated seller, and sell it to someone else for $230,000, then retire rich.

Not much of a plan if you ask me, especially when where I live, a $250,000 would be a mansion, not a 3 bedroom 2 bath starter house. A real presented plan would be, do A, B, C, D, etc.

What he is suggesting in the book is not investing, rather it is speculating in real estate. While there is nothing wrong with that, let's call it what it is.

His other book, "Unlimited Riches," which I also own, covers everything here, and is a much better written book. It at least presents a cohesive plan that a novice might be able to follow.

The book updates us on where Mr. Shemin is going in his life, and career. He lets us know that he got out of the landlord business and is now speculating in real estate and "writing paper," (hard money lending) as he calls it.

I have read many what I call "Rah Rah" books. There is nothing wrong with convincing people that they too can succeed in real estate, but this book doesn't even do that.

I always try to find 2 or 3 new ideas, even out of a bad book. While there are a few ideas that make me go, "Hmm, interesting," there are no sonic booms here. The book comes off as an advertisement for his real estate seminars and multilevel marking of some products, nothing wrong with that, but not much else for me to sink my teeth into.

I am presently reading his new book "How to Avoid the 75 Mistakes Every Investor Makes." That book should have been 50 Mistakes, but they stretched a few to get 75. Mind you, they are not bad, just that some didn't even take up half a page, and there are 250 pages in that book.

If you have the money, buy the book, but if you have to choose between this one and another one, pass this one by. However, that said, do purchase his Millionaire books. They are worth the money.

In closing, I'd like to find someone who would write a book on how to check real estate records for liens. You know, the nitty gritty work of real estate investing. Instead, they all want you to pay the $1000 for this information. ... Read more

Book Description

In the Make Money series, renowned real estate investor and bestselling author Gary W. Eldred shows you how to profit from the safest, most reliable wealth builder in the world–real estate. With coverage of all the fundamentals–from finding the right properties to financing and managing them–Eldred shows you the ropes so you don’t have to learn important lessons the hard way. Unlike general guides to investing in real estate, each title in the Make Money series gives you the specialized expertise necessary to fully profit from a select investment strategy.

Make Money with Fixer-Uppers and Renovations shows homebuyers and investors how to build a fortune by purchasing properties at bargain prices, using creative improvements to add thousands to their value, and selling or renting them for high profits. There’s almost no limit to the number of ways you can increase the value of a property–from quick and low-cost improvements like a fresh coat of paint to more extensive renovations such as multi-unit conversions or kitchen remodeling. This step-by-step guide includes the knowledge you need to combine entrepreneurial thinking with proven market analysis techniques. You’ll learn to choose properties, plan improvements, and buy low and sell high. Make Money with Fixer-Uppers and Renovations will show you how to:

• Fix and flip properties for quick profits
• Buy properties with little or no money down
• Maximize your property’s market value
• Exploit regulatory loopholes
• Create pizzazz for your interiors
• Add living space to your property
• Revitalize neighborhoods to increase property values
• Market your properties for top dollar
• Save thousands with owner-occupant financing

Reviews (2)

Excellent info, but lacks some details
Make Money With Fixer-Uppers and Renovations is a creative book. It criticizes the flipping books Buy It! Fix It! Sell It! Profit! and Flipping Properties by saying they limit your thinking by telling you that the only type of properties you can get are run-down, traditional junker properties. Eldred challenges that notion by saying that the right house can be a house that feels only like a house, and not a home. He differentiates between a house and a home by saying that a house can shelter you, but doesn't excite you or move you in any way. A home is just like it sounds: a place you call home. By fixing up properties so that they feel like a home, you stand to make more money than by just fixing it up.

The book contains some very good stories and information on fixing up properties, and the information Eldred gives is well worth the price. But the information lacks real meat on how to do any of the things he's suggesting. It's like any other $19.95 book on real estate investing: you get what you pay for, and sometimes his suggestions lack detail, or feel like "top of the waves" type of techniques. If there were an upsell, you might get some kind of procedure on exactly how to invoke your local ordinances, add to neighborhood convenience, or convince a reporter to play up the neighborhood's potential for turnaround.

He also winds up providing a formula for profit in the rehab business that walks and talks a lot like the Buy It! Fix It! Sell It! Profit! formula (a book he criticizes). Apparently the formula is sound, but he believes the buying price will rarely be 60 cents on the dollar. A fair belief, but you may be able to buy it at that price; I leave it up to the investor to make that choice. (In other words, read both books and make your own decision :) ).

Despite these limitations, you do get a lot of bang for your buck. I recommend it to real estate investors who would like to expand their thinking on potential fixer-uppers.

Fantastic idea generator
As a veteran rehabber, I do not expect much that's new from most "fixer" books. But this one pleasantly surprised me. It opened my eyes to the fact that I had not come close to maxing out profits from my properties. The chapter on marketing also weighs in as solid gold. I can see why my FSBO efforts have not paid off like I thought they would. Now I know how to really sell faster and at a higher price--without paying a commission! My guess is that whether your a newbie or pro, this book will definitely guide you to make more money( or collect more rents if you choose to hold--which I do not). ... Read more

Book Description

One of America’s top real estate authorities explains the inside secrets of the mortgage business

Each year, more than ten million American homebuyers, homeowners, and realty investors enter the mortgage arena to finance or refinance their homes and rental properties. And each year, millions of borrowers pay more than they have to. But you won’t be one of them with Gary Eldred’s 106 Mortgage Secrets All Homebuyers Must Learn–But Lenders Don’t Tell.

Eldred explains all of your mortgage options and gives you the inside information you need to make the most intelligent money-saving choices. He simplifies the complicated math of mortgage financing and tells you how to make sure your loan rep is being honest with you. He covers every aspect of the mortgage process and highlights the key criteria you should always consider when making your decision. With these 106 secrets, you’ll have the confidence and the knowledge to:

• Increase your borrowing power
• Get the lowest interest rate
• Understand ARMs
• Cut the cost of mortgage insurance
• Save big with seller financing, foreclosures, and REOs
• Perfect your credit profile
• Avoid getting taken by the fine print
• Get maximum return on your home investment

There’s no reason to get a good mortgage, when you can get the perfect one for you. Simple, concise, and comprehensive, this book covers everything mortgage hunters should know–especially the 106 secrets lenders don’t want to reveal. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Outstanding guide to financing
I previously read Eldred's book,Investing In Real Estate.It's the best,comprehensive, and most sensible guide to investing that you'll find (read the reviews for youself). Likewise, this book on financing goes way beyond the other authors that I have read. (Sidenote: I cannot figure out what the Seattle reviewer is talking about, Mortgage Secrets deals exclusively with the ins and outs of financing techniques, saving money, cutting mortgage costs,and building equity faster. This book says nothing about using high leverage to get rich in real estate. As to infomercial hype, Eldred actually lambasts these gurus and warns how their "techniques" can lead the gullible to financial ruin. He even cautions strongly against home equity loans.) If you want to learn your financing options as well as the "tricks of the trade", you won't find a better book than this one. Although I'm in the business, I liked this book because a much more educated borrower gives us true professionals a stong advantage over our competition. Read Mortgage Secrets, then work with a broker who follows the insights that Eldred reveals. I'll make more money and you will get a better deal.

Encyclopedia of home financing
You won't be disappointed with this book. It really covers the territory--everything from qualifying tips to government programs to seller financing to saving big dollars. Before I read this book I didn't know a an ARM from a leg. Now I can talk mortgage talk with any lender and not feel like I'm prime meat for the wolves. Really gives the lowdown on all types of financing alternatives and how not to get caught by the fine print. Thoroughly shows how to pay off your loan faster and save tens of thousands of dollars. Nuff said. This knowledge will pay back a thousand times the cost of the book.

The author writes like a used car salesman
The author writes like a hustler who is trying to con you into believing he is something he isn't. From the quality of the information in this book, the author certainly seems to understand mortgage. Yet, the street-wise tone of the author actually curbs his own credibility. He uses phrases such as "Avoid the bang of a bursting balloon","How to borrow jumbo amounts without paying jumbo rates", and "[author] simplifies complicated math...[and] make sure your loan rep is being honest with you". Such lingo belongs in an infomercial. Beyond his own hoopla, the book does contain valuable information. Just don't buy into his own hype.

Wealth of knowledge for the amateur
I am new to real estate investing and I have minor experience as a loan officer. This book provides in depth detail and easy to understand knowledge on the most effective ways to obtain the correct mortgage financing for an individual based on their situation or need. The books also gives you a great amount of resources to obtain more help and knowledge on the subject of mortgages. I would highly recommend this book, and I might also add it is very easy to read and comprehend the concepts discussed in the book.

Thorough and objective guide
I just closed a loan on my first home and I found this book to be a helpful guide. It's not as sensationalistic as the title might imply, but it prepared me to know what questions to ask and how to get my credit,income, and bills in shape before I put in my loan application. Although I took out a new loan, this book goes into assumptions, seller financing, and other financing choices that I didn't know much about. I think a lot of people looking to buy might find these alternatives worthwhile. Overall, a profitable read.
P.S. This book is not an "infomercial" or "get rich quick" hype. It also strongly warns against misleading a lender--none of the advice is "fraudulent." I find it interesting to read other reviews and sometimes wonder if they actually read the book they are reviewing. Not just here, but with many other popular authors. Oh well, such is life. ... Read more

Book Description

This practical, real-world guide gives investors all the tools they need to make wise decisions when weighing the value and potential of investment properties. Written for old pros as well as novice investors, this friendly, straightforward guide walks readers step by step through every stage of property analysis. Whether you’re buying or selling, investing in big commercial properties or single-family rentals, you’ll find expert guidance and handy resources on every aspect of real estate finance, including:

• Proven, effective valuation techniques
• Finance tips for all different kinds of property
• How various financing strategies affect investments
• Structuring financial instruments, including leverage, debt, equity, and partnerships
• Measurements and ratios for investment performance, including capitalization rates and gross rent multiplier ratios
• Future and present value analysis
• How the appraisal process works
• Primary appraisal methods–replacement cost, sales comparison, and income capitalization–and how to know which one to use
• How to understand financial statements, including income, balance, and cash flow
• Case studies for single-family rentals, multifamily conversions, apartment complexes, and commercial office space
• A detailed glossary of important real estate terminology

Book Description

Explains how real estate investors can use lease options to increase their profits and lower their risk, their expenses and their aggravation with rentals. Strategies include both buying and selling on lease options, and using land trusts to make them safer.

Written by an investor and an attorney each with a quarter-century of experience, it provides several strategies and 32 ready-to-use forms. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Buy it if you're serious about Lease Options
I'm an avid reader of real estate books and believe that one item in this book makes it well worth the cost.As an attorney and somewhat experienced lease/option investor myself, it has long been apparent to me that most lease option programs hawked by the so-called experts create equity title problems which can result in costly foreclosures.Unlike the authors, many so-called experts tend to downplay this risk rather than address it head-on.This book gives the best idea I've seen for dealing with that thorny issue.Additionally, while I do not think the authors mention it, I believe their is a good chance that their method might clear up a lot of issues with the "due on sale" clause contained in most mortgages and deeds of trust.These clauses often require immediate repayment of the loan when a lease/option arrangement is consummated.

The forms are quite comprehensive and quite helpful.The book is not going to tell you everything you need to know about managing tenant/buyers, but it is a necessary component of any serious real estate investor's library.

Best L/O Book I Found
For the price, this is the best lease option book I found.It covers "you" buying a lease option and "you" selling with a lease option.It explains what to do and what not to do and why. Additionally, the book includes all the forms you need to do your deals and protect your interest in the property.I did a lot of research on lease options before I bought this book, and they covered everything that I discovered and then some. ... Read more

Book Description

Fourth edition of this top selling real estate book. Nemmar Real Estate Training is ranked as one of the most exclusive real estate appraisal and home inspection training services since 1988.Our top selling products have taught thousands of real estate professionals and homeowners nationwide. You too can learn everything you need to know about Real Estate - from Asbestos to Zoning. With this knowledge you will save thousands of dollars when you buy, sell, or renovate your home. You will also learn how to eliminate safety hazards and properly maintain a home. Statistics show an average savings of at least $4,700.00 per home for customers who have read our books. Both of our books are the number one seller’s in the Real Estate Appraisal and Home Inspection categories nationwide and they have been called the "Bible" of the real estate industry.

Don't let your dream house be a nightmare in disguise! Everything you need to know about Real Estate - from Asbestos to Zoning. This is definitely the best real estate appraisal book on the market. Every aspect of real estate appraising is covered with precise steps to follow. Written by Guy Cozzi who has decades of experience as a licensed appraiser, home inspector, consultant, and real estate investor. This top selling author has been quoted as a real estate expert by the New York Times and many other publications. He has been a guest speaker on real estate investment TV shows for years. Guy Cozzi has taught thousands of people how to inspect, appraise and invest in real estate and provides advice to many banks and mortgage lenders.

The real facts other books don't tell you! You’ll learn everything that your Realtor doesn't want you to know. Realtors "sugar coat" the negative market value problems in a house in order to close the deal and get paid their sales commission. This is unquestionably the only book of its kind that teaches you how to prevent those pitfalls. You get information that the professionals use to make you an educated consumer enabling you to negotiate a much better price on the purchase, renovation, or sale of your home. Whether you are looking to become an appraiser or just to buy or sell your home, this book has it all.

Do you really know the true market value of your home?This fourth edition "A to Z Appraiser" book will assist you with the biggest investment of your life - your own home! This was originally designed to train top-notch, professional appraisers and is now available at a price affordable to everyone. All homes need to be inspected and appraised for safety hazards and routine maintenance.

Crucial Advice to Assist You: This book tells you the truth, unlike others that gloss over the hard facts. Aspects of appraising and real estate investment that tell you the realities so you don't walk into it with your eyes closed. This information will be invaluable to you in a home purchase, sale or ownership.

Safety Concerns: Eliminate safety hazards to make your home safe for you and your family. Help prevent accidents before they happen! Learn how to identify lethal carbon monoxide problems, unsafe electrical wiring, lead poisoning hazards, asbestos and radon health concerns, explosive gas leaks, oil tanks, termites, and much more.

In-Depth Appraisal Topics: You'll learn every aspect of the real estate appraisal business. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this book is easy to read and understand. Get all of the important information you need in just one book. Never buy, sell or renovate a home without this!

This book has many pages of photos, graphs, illustrations and sample appraisal reports that show potential market value adjustments found when buying or selling a home. By identifying any negative aspects before you buy or sell, you'll be able to negotiate a much better price.

224 pages with 8.5"x11" dimensions. This book and the home inspection videos in the "Real Estate from A to Z" series are now being offered at a very large discount via the Internet compared to our normal professional training school prices. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

As a licensed appraiser I was VERY impressed with this book.
My career has been real estate appraisals for over 17 years now and I can confidently say that I have read at least 50 books on the topic of how to appraise real estate. This book was very impressive in the content and the layout and how everything is explained by the author. If you are a beginner or have many years of experience appraising homes (like me), you will be very happy if you read this book. Everything from the basics of the business, to details on the Direct Sales Comparison Approach, the Cost Approach, and the Income Approach, to details on how to make money as a real estate appraiser in your own business, are all covered very well and explained clearly - for beginners or experienced real estate professionals.
There were many additional topics covered by this book that I have not found in other appraisal books that I have read. Some of these topics were aspects of the business that would take you many years to learn and come across, or at least I know that was my experience in this business. There is good, detailed information about the type of appraisal accounts you can get to earn money in this business.
If you are a non-appraiser just looking for a book with a great overall explanation of how to appraise your own home or condominium, then this is the book for you. You'll find the book is detailed and easy to read and understand. What you learn should save you thousands of dollars in headaches and time by not making the mistakes that the book will warn you about. It's always better to learn from experienced appraisers, like myself or a book like this, since they will help you prevent making many errors when you buy or sell your house. You cannot rely on your real estate agent or broker since I can tell you from many years of experience - they don't know anything about how to determine the value of a house or condo the way a professional appraiser can do it. I hope this review is helpful to you. Happy house shopping if you're a home buyer! Good luck on your appraisal exam if you're an appraiser buying the book to help with getting your license.

Found this to be just what I was looking for.
Overall the book covers many aspects of real estate appraising and the business of appraisers. I bought the book since it was recommended to me by a friend who is an appraiser. The book first teaches some of the basics of the appraisal business and then goes into an abbreviated version of how to inspect a home. The inspection process and advice given is necessary since there are many aspects of a home that need to be evaluated to properly determine the market value as compared to other homes that have sold recently in that same neighborhood. I was not aware of how detailed an appraiser should be when he inspects the condition of a home to do a proper appraisal report. The information I learned was extremely useful to me for evaluating my own home.
The book led into the appraisal procedure and covered many topics dealing with single family home and condominium appraisals. The book does not cover appraisals based upon the income approach which refers to office buildings and commercial buildings. But that's fine with me because to appraise commercial properties and office buildings is not what I was looking for.
The appraisal process covered by the book is very thorough and the content walks you through the entire procedure step by step. The main aspect in the appraisal process of homes in how to get information from town hall and recent sales similar to the home or condo you are appraising. This I found was covered very well by the author.
The book walks you through how to compare all of the important and relevant aspects of a home or condo to recent sales of similar homes and condos, known as the sales comparison approach. The details discussed are realistic with no "fluff" involved and the author gets to the point with giving the reader real life examples that he has experienced.
The procedures covered for town hall were extremely helpful also. I never knew how important it is to be able to get all of the available public information and records on a home or condo before doing a proper appraisal. The book discusses many things to check during this process so you leave no stones unturned and don't get hit with any surprises later.
The book is written in a way that I found was easy to understand and enjoyable to read. I didn't want to be bored with technical details and this book was just what I was looking for since it wasn't too technical or boring. I have read other books on appraising that are very formal in their approach but they don't give you the real life examples that make the book interesting to read and informative in a way that is truly realistic about appraising.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in appraising homes and condominiums. If you are interested in appraising office buildings and commercial buildings then you will need a more technical (and boring) book. I'm happy with my purchase and hope my review is helpful to others.

Excellent book to learn from a pro and price your house.
This is a fantastic book to learn how to decide what the price and market value is for you house or condominium or rental property. There was a ton of great and helpful advice that was excellent and easy to read and learn from. Many appraiser books are too technical and written only for professional appraisers but this book is written in a way that anyone can benefit from. When I wanted to sell my house I knew that I should not rely on what a real estate broker tells me since they just want to earn a commission. So I decided to read up on how to decide what price to sell my house and was able to do that properly with what I learned in this book. Great book for anyone interested in real estate. Highly recommended if you want to maximize your real estate profits and have a top appraiser walk you through the process every step of the way.

I liked this book a lot. Very informative with good guidance
This was my choice for the book to teach me about real estate appraisals. Before my husband and I did a very expensive renovation and remodeling of our home, we wanted to find out what the sales price of the house could be if the work was done. Since we are not appraisers we wanted to learn what a real estate appraiser does and looks for to decide on what a house is worth in the market. This book told us everything that we wanted to know and a lot more. You do not have to be someone with years of experience to be able to understand how to appraise real estate with this book. We learned so much helpful advice and techniques that my husband and I realized the home remodeling and improvements we were planning to spend a fortune for, would have not been a good investment. This book showed us how to determine the value using a what-if scenario that professional appraisers use. We learned that only 70% of the money we were planning to spend would have been a good investment to increase the sales price of our home. The extra 30% would have been an over-improvement in the appraisal lingo which means that we would have been over-spending on the remodeling without getting the increased value and sales price for our home. When you are talking about a $115,000.00 remodeling and improvement job, then that 30% this book saved us is certainly something that my husband and I are very happy to have learned. This book was a great investment for us and has given us a phenomenal return on the purchase price in savings.

a good place to start
If getting to know your home is important to you, then REAL ESTATE APPRAISING FROM A TO Z is a good place to start. It addresses safety concerns; inspections of the Operating Systems, the Lower Level, the Interior & Exterior, Direct Sales, Sample Appraisal Reports, Cost,Income & more.

Rebeccasreads recommends REAL ESTATE APPRAISING FROM A TO Z for those who want to learn everything their Realtor doesn't want them to know, without the sugar coat. You'll learn how to catch the problem conditions in any house, how to close the deal & a new career in one of the hottest markets. ... Read more

Book Description

The second title in the Power Tips series, Power Tips for Selling a House for More, by best-selling author Robert Irwin, pinpoints tactics and strategies homeowners should use for getting optimum results when selling their homes. From handling multiple offers to persuading agents to work hard for half the commission, Bob Irwin provides a complete trouble-shooting guide to disclosures, with crucial advice on listing house sales on the Internet.

More specific than the author’s previous best-seller, Tips & Traps When Selling Your Home, this new book puts a powerful emphasis on getting the highest price, terms, and costs, with the lowest liability. Power Tips for Selling a House for More is a must-have resource for sellers who want the best deal possible. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Tons of practical information
I am planning to sell my house soon and I got about a dozen books on the subject. This one was the best of the bunch (second, believe it or not, was the "Dummies" book!). There is very basic info (curb appeal, etc.) but also some excellent practical advice on timing, how to negotiate the sale, when to bend and when to hold firm. There may be a better book out there on the topic, but I haven't come across it.

Irwin has written numerous books on various aspects of real estate and he has a very good reputation for providing top-notch information and advice.

lots of useful information
This was probably the best of the 5 or so books I consulted. Not sure where the reviewer below is coming from; while the basics were covered, there were a number of savvy and sophisticated tips that would not occur to a first-time seller and that I did not see elsewhere. Chapters 6-10, on negotiations, were particularly useful.

bad advice???????
another waste of time. dont buy this book unless you are totally new to real estate.I dont return books as a practice but i am returning both books by this authur.I am a professional invester there are good books these are not them. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fairly good read
I only read this because it was a required for a degree. There are other books out there that are much better than this one. ... Read more