Book Description

Turn weekend home-improvement projects into big money!

Did you know you and your spouse can sell your home every two years and pay no taxes on profits up to $500,000? It’s true! In fact, you should think of your home as an investment as much as a place to live. Simple renovations can dramatically increase the value of your home, and you can undertake most of them on your own and in your spare time. Renovate to Riches shows you how to turn your sweat into equity and your home into a moneymaker.

Millions of people across America are making their do-it-yourself weekend projects pay off–and you can too. This straightforward guide will show you how to secure financing for your home, accomplish the renovations that add the most value, and get the highest price when you sell. It shows you how to design your own custom plan for creating wealth over five, ten, or even twenty years, and includes detailed case studies that help you avoid common mistakes.

Renovate to Riches also includes:

• An explanation of complicated federal tax codes
• Tips on finding great homes at bargain prices
• Advice on financing options
• Which renovations add the most value
• Professional guidance on interior design, landscaping, and other home improvement projects
• Which projects you should be able to handle yourself and which will require a professional contractor
• How to work with contractors and keep it cheap
• Practical advice from the experts–real estate agents, brokers and bankers, tax advisors, contractors and carpenters, landscapers, interior and lighting designers, home inspectors, and appraisers

Renovate to Riches is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s a practical, step-by-step guide to building long-term wealth. You don’t need the skills of a contractor or the experience of a real estate agent; all you need is a little extra time, a little extra money–and this unbeatable guide. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Renovate to Riches
Renovate to Riches is a very well written guide to successful Renovation projects. The book highlights all the important aspects of renovating a home, from the pitfalls to the potential gains. It is valuable to the beginner as well as the professional remodeler, especially the chapter about how to finance your project. The most important component to solid investing is adequate funding, and Sashi McEntee, a local mortgage consultant, details effective strategies to acheive your goals.

"Real World" Home Renovation Blueprint
I've remodeled and sold several houses and this book is as close to real world as any I've read. The step-by-step approach is understandable, detailed and readable. Dulworth and Goodwin have superbly highlighted one of the few non-taxable investment opportunities available to everyday Americans.

You Can't Afford to NOT Buy This Book
If reading this book produces even one insight for you, the purchase price will have been a great investment. The book is written not by some theoretician who's never owned a piece of real estate, but my two ordinary folks who have practiced what they preach, and done so quite successfully. Learn from them.

An excellent book
This is an excellent book. It provides detailed studies and analysis of how to make money through home renovation and the recent changes in the tax laws. The book includes legal, financial and how to information which should be useful to anyone seeking to purchase, renovate, enjoy, and ultimately sell a house as a means to increasing net worth. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Book Description

This book is written and designed for anyone seeking a clear understanding of the many decisions involved in real estate. The intent is to create a mind set that will make it easier for the reader to understand the world of real estate, and how change and real estate values interact. The material is in four major parts covering important components of the decision-making process: value analysis; market dynamics and property development; finance; and law and brokerage.This edition makes Real Estate the longest continuously published book in real estate. ... Read more

Book Description

With lease options and subject-to deals, investors can control properties worth much more than what they could normally afford to purchase. The potential for profit is great and the costs of getting started are low.

This book shows novice investors how author Wendy Patton and thousands of other Americans—including well-known real estate developers and business moguls—use lease options and subject-to deals to control valuable property without necessarily owning it. The cost of purchasing an option or subject-to deal is a fraction of what it costs to buy a home. That's why these kinds of deals are typically found in every serious investor's portfolio. Sharing the secrets and strategies investors use to profit from low- and no-money-down deals, Patton gives investors all the information they need to succeed.

"Finally, a book that explains lease option and subject-to deals in depth and detail. This book is essential for anyone who wants to make money in real estate without using a lot of cash or taking on a lot of risk. A gold mine of great information."
—Robert Shemin, New York Times bestselling author of Secrets of Buying and Selling Real Estate¿Without Using Your Own Money!

"Few can rival Wendy's knowledge and experience with lease option and subject-to deals. This is a must-read for beginning and advanced investors and the real estate agents who serve them."
—Gary Keller, New York Times bestselling author of The Millionaire Real Estate Investor

"The techniques Patton teaches here are invaluable—especially for working with Realtors and still getting properties for little- or no-money-down. The detail in this book will make you want to read every page."
—Albert Lowry, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of How You Can Become Financially Independent by Investing in Real Estate ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Solid Book For The Intermediate Real Estate Investor
I like Milt's style. Direct and no hype. This is a good book for the real estate investor who has either read several books on real estate investment (especially the over-hyped no-money down types) and/or has begun a modest investment program and wants to go to the next level.

I would not recommend this book for anyone who has already had substantial experience in real estate investment as many of the ideas that the author presents will seem overly simplistic.

The author's assertion that the numbers work the same whether purchasing a smaller property or larger simply didn't ring true to me and don't bear out in the real world. There is a huge difference between investing in a 4-plex and a 40-unit apartment building.

Nonetheless, it's a book worth reading and to refer back to.

Edvard Redding Richards
Author of Fire Your IRA !

Another..
basic beginners book.A little better at the math than most, in that it actually covers numbers.Yes, the book is 8 yrs old and the interest rates used are a little out of line, but the formulas are the same.One beef I have with books like these is that they rely way too much on appreciation to make an investment successful.Tanzer uses 5%!Yes this happens in certain areas, but never on a consistent basis, and definitely not in all areas.The way to invest and not speculate is to not count on inflation or even appreciation in your purchase numbers, then when it happens its just tacked on as a bonus when you sell the property.

His info on where to find funds is pretty basic.Laughable when he gets to "Sources You May Have Overlooked" and his big idea is, drumroll please....family and friends!Puh-lease!

Some versions come with a disk tutorial. Did not review this.

Good Theory but bad numbers
The book is good for opening the readers mind to the possibilities of real estate investing.I was amazed at the number of miscalculations and typing errors counting nearly 100.I have an advanced degree in Finance and found this book to be horribly inaccurate, as far as the numbers.Some of the rates of loans, inflation, and Caps you will never see in your lifetime.Based on his numbers property values would have to be half of their current value and produce the same income.Good for principals for the very beginner, please read other books before you really invest or you will have a rude awakening.I recommend a college text.If you don't understand it you have no business investing in real estate.

Great Book for the Beginner and/or First Timer Investor
After looking around for several years and trying to decide on exactly what venture I should go into I decided on real estate. I was browsing the shelves at Borders and just came upon this book. I picked it up and finished it in about 8 days. The book is written in a plain and practical manner. A very conversational style so that the author actually is speaking with you and not at you. The book offers some very practical, step by step suggestions that can be applied in real world situations. He provides numerous charts, graphs and tables that can be used when doing your property research. This can be applied to commercial and residential property. I am a total novice when it comes to real estate investing and I am actually thinking about getting my license here in NY. In addition to this book I would suggest that you read a few others just so you can get a well rounded idea of just exactly you might be getting into. The author does declare not to jump into things but once you find the right property - jump on it and go for it. Many a great deal have been lost due to fear and hesitation. I also highly suggest you read "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "The Richest Man in Babylon"

Well-written and informative
Mr. Tanzer gives the reader the 'how to' of investing in real estate. Many examples guide you through his methodology. He makes the math easy to understand and his writing style is clear, concise, and understandable. He takes the mystery out of investing in real estate and, for the first-time investor, the knowledge to go ahead with your first real estate purchase. If you're thinking about buying an apartment building, office building, etc., you will want this book. Well worth the price. ... Read more

Book Description

The authors explain the difference between condos and co-ops, and help readers decide which is best, depending on one's personal circumstances. Barron's easy-to-understand Business Keys take the mystery out of finance and investment for ordinary consumers. These easy-to-read books offer up-to-date advice on saving, investing, protecting one's assets, coping with taxes, and prudent management of personal finances. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Keys to Purchasing a Condo or Co-op by Friedman et al.
This is an excellent purchase if you intend to purchase a condo
or coop in the not too distant future. The authors explain the
investment value of condominiums, as well as tax benefits and
the process of qualifying for a low-interest loan. The process
involves an offer, contract and close to transfer title.
A typical checklist of things will involve the following:
o price o maintenance fees
o parking o storage facilities
o life style o ownership approval
o location o utilities
o budget o by-laws

Important documents must be formulated; namely, a declaration
of intent, bylaws, budget and deed. There are a number of important internet sites for buyers of co-ops and condos; namely,
fanniemae.com hudgovlenders hud.gov/broker

This work is an important acquisition , if you intend to buy
a co-op or condominium. The paperwork and legal issues are
considerable. This text explains the details in simple English
with examples of how to fill out the paperwork and negotiation
complexities. It is well worth the price. ... Read more

Book Description

In Unlimited Riches, bestselling author and millionaire real estate investor Robert Shemin shares his proven techniques for investing in the world’s most rewarding asset. His step-by-step system shows you how to use real estate to generate extra income for the rest of your life. He explains all the foolproof techniques that he used to make his own fortune–including buying and holding, investing with other people’s money, fixing and flipping, and using lease options. You’ll learn to evaluate property, secure financing, and maximize your profits. With expert guidance, helpful sample forms, and real-world examples, you’ll be on your way to Unlimited Riches in no time!

Inside you’ll find:

• Tips and tactics for investing in any type of real estate
• Strategies for finding great deals
• Techniques for analyzing the value of real estate
• Methods for controlling your holdings
• Ways to keep a steady stream of income
• Advice on protecting your real estate assets
• Key knowledge of all the legal issues
• The twenty-five most costly mistakes and how to avoid them

Reviews (22)

Show me the money
I read some good reviews of this book, but after reading the book they made me feel like they were written by the author or by some of his friends. Like most books that promise the world, the content under delivers. The book had some great points in it, but it left out some key pieces of information, like how much money you need to get started and what makes a good market from a bad one. He had some great suggestions on what you need to do in order to be a great landlord, but at times I felt like the book was an advertisement for his web site and the services he provides there (for a fee, of course). The book could have been half as long and provided the same information. Writing in the first person, telling his own version of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" kept the pace fast, but at times was annoying. If you are considering seriously to get into real estate investing, this isn't a bad book to have, but you shouldn't make it your only one.

3 1/2 stars
A solid beginners tome. Gives good advice on how to drum up business. I always say if you can get a couple of good ideas form a book that help you make some money, you've got your money's worth. One thing I really like are the true story tidbits inserted every so often. I really liked the idea on p. 94 and have begun to use this one myself.

One of the weaknesses of a beginners book like this is that all too often they dont explain the numbers. Real estate is all about the numbers. No formulas to help you determine if a certain deal is actually good or not.

I just ordered the book , but wanted to comment on other...
I have been reading these reviews and I just wanted to comment on them. I have yet to read this book but the topic is realistic. Flipping or wholesaling properties is very easy (once you have thoroughly researched your market), lucrative and legal. You can very well get properties well below market value. If you arrange the financing for your buyer and they have their exit strategy defined you can put them in the property without any money of their own. It is not some pie in the sky. It is the reality for many people. Granted you will not get the nicest property in the highest demand area, but you will get the property that has enough wrong with it to scare off the homebuyer who wants a pristine perfect house. There are two parts to the brain, the thinker and the prover, if the thinker wants to believe it impossible and think all the stories are made up, the prover will set out to prove them right. I don't know if this book has good info or not but the answers are out there and the deals are out there.

Rehashed [stuff]...
If you've never read a book on real estate investing, I would recommend a more seriously written book on the subject, not this get rich quick book. I have read Robert Shemin's earlier books and this is a rehash of them. Try "investing in real estate" or "the unofficial guide to real estate investing". These two books are very well written and don't make real estate investing sound like a late night infomercial, as, unfortunately Robert Shemin's books do.

Little information except how readers can give author more $
The author structures most chapters around vague generalities. Each chapter contains several pitches to get readers to subscribe to the authors pay site for the "real" information. Secondly the author repeats himself so many times if you cut the book in half and gave each half to a friend neither friend would miss anything.
The book is clearly a get rich scheme for the author akin to stuffing envelopes. The two stars it does get are for being semi motivational even though it lacks content. ... Read more

Book Description

Real estate investment is hotter than ever, and Real Estate Investing Made Simple is the most accessible guide yet! For novices and seasoned buyers alike, this handy and informative book takes the reader step by step through locating properties, arranging financing, evaluating market variables, building an investment team, negotiating contracts, and more.

Filled with practical strategies and proven tips for success, this book shows how to: build substantial wealth by investing in real estate * generate tax-free profit * invest safely by diversifying * avoid scams and illegal investments * get great financing and negotiate win-win contracts * work with "distressed sellers" who need to sell fast * maximize profit from foreclosures, fixer-uppers * and much more.

Real Estate Investing Made Simple also includes Web sites and resources that provide important information on local investor groups, government programs, foreclosure and government-owned properties, and investor financing. ... Read more

Book Description

Real Estate 101- Buying, Real Estate 102 - Renting is written by an expert who has over twenty years experience in buying and renting houses.Author Hilda Erfe has written the book in a simple format with easy to understand text and Hilda's Helpful Hints.Learn how to obtain a mortgage, find good tenants, furnish your houses and much more! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"You Too Can Make a Million Dollars in Real Estate"!
"Remember that having a bad tenant is far worse than having no tenant at all! The house is better being empty for a month, rather than having it destroyed or neglected by a bad tenant"! is one of the many helpful hints form Hilda that can be found throughout "Real Estate 101 Buying - Real Estate 102 Renting".

This friendly and easy to read book has chapters everyone can learn from...ranging from "Buying A House", "Finding A Good Tenant Problems." Each chapter has suggestions that can be immediately applied for quick results.

The author, Hilda Giron Erfe has a gusty style and an acute business acumen that has earned her recognition in a wide variety of business environments and has made a wealthy woman.

Hilda writes from the position of a successful entrepreneur. She believes if she can do it, so can others. This book covers her experiences over the past 20 years in buying and renting houses. She also frankly discusses how she has learned from her mistakes and how she went from putting a small down payment on her first house to managing over a million dollars worth of properties.

Please remember, real estate is the primary way to accrue wealth in America. READERS ARE CERTAIN TO BE INTERESTED!

Read This Book Before Investing in Real Estate, It's worth!
If you have ever thought about getting involved in Real Estate Investment - First Read This Book! The book is a "How-to" and give you a foundation of all you need to know before starting your real estate investment. "Real Estate 101 - Buying Real Estate 102 - Renting" is full of example that successful help you understand how things work with real estate. I found the book very easy to read, useful as well pretty relaxed. The book definitely was worth time and money !!!! ... Read more

Book Description

All About Real Estate Investing provides objective, time-tested methods for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of investing in any particular property. Written by experienced real estate writers William Benke and Joseph M. Fowler, the book covers everything the average investor needs to know about real estate as an investment. This book is a common sense, practical guide to profitable real estate investing. Specific topics include: Houses, apartments and commercial real estate; Calculating the profitability of any real estate property; The dos and dont's of negotiating; Obtaining low-cost financing; Using leverage to build big profits. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Covers
apartment and land investments.Go figure.I guess they wanted to cover a cash-flow investment and a speculative investment. Authors do a good job explaining the numbers.Very graph oriented.Book is chock full of graphs and charts in relation to the numbers.Chapter on dealing with tenants, negotiating, forms of ownership and one on financing.

Investing in land as a speculative investment is rarely for beginners(land is a cash drain) as most real estate investors are looking for cash either from flow or profit from a quick flip.So if you want info on both for some reason, check this book out.

First time fears of home buying.
For a novice like myself,interested in real estate the review I read made sence in that it gave commom sence information to the layman,about the dos and dont's .

easy to understand
Good info! Easy to understand. ... Read more

Book Description

As mortgage rates drop and the stock market stumbles, real estate remains one of the best deals investors can find. Get the real deal on real estate-including case studies and examples-with this updated and revised guide.

Includes investment information on various types of real estate including land, office, retail, industrial, and residential

€ Provides examples of legal papers such as consultant agreements, leases, management documents, and contracts
€ Features detailed examinations of financing opportunities available
€ In an uneasy economy, the real estate market is booming ... Read more

Reviews (9)

For Office & Retail Investors Only
I was looking for a book on residential real estate investment, especially something on apartment buildings and how to figure value, such as using gross rent multipliers. I was disappointed. I needed to know current tax law on capital gains and some info on exchanges. The word 1031 is not found in this book. I was glad to see LLCs were included, but the information was vague since it had to apply to all states. Be warned: This book deals only with office and retail real estate investment. You will not find any information on apartments or single family rentals. If that is your interest, you definitely need a different book.

Competent and Comprehensive
I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone who needs a comprehensive understanding of the entire process of commercial investment and due diligence. It's a great reference whether you are acquiring, managing, or disposing of your asset.

Be sure that this is really the book for you.
It is entirely possible that this really is a great book, as some of the reviewers suggest. But it wasn't what I was looking for.
I am in the "study" stage of a plan to accumulate residential properties for income. I have read a few real estate books so far, and some of them have been very helpful.
This book, however, was not designed for me. This book seems more designed for people who are planning major investments in sizeable properties or commercial real estate. It also would be good for people interested in becoming developers. Despite the information presented about the book, this is not a book for someone who is starting out in the early stages of real estate investing in small residential properties for supplemental income. However, it might be good if you have a lot of money to get started and are planning a career switch towards commercial development or large properties. Since I'm not interested or able to do that, I am not qualified to advise you if that is what you need. But if you are like me, you may want to start with some other books, like the "Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" or other books like it.

Great Tool! Easy to follow with real world application
I read this book as I was pursuing my first big investment into a commercial office building. I was able to apply the tools and straight-forward principles Stuart Leland includes in the book. I was able to establish a prudent asset value, project cash flows and potential return on investment using the spreadsheets and logic he walks you through in the book. He uses his real life past deals to illustrate how to apply these great tools. The book also looks past the initial transaction and provides guidelines, advice and additional tools for managing the asset and tenants. This is a must read as a first step into commercial real estate investment. I keep it on my desk and refer to it often.

Having invested in multiple properties, I Love This Book !
Very, Very, Very good. Written by someone who knows what they are talking about. When the top land appraiser in my county and another local real estate expert told me I HAD to get this book I had to go see it for myself. The appraiser said he had to buy it after looking at it and this guy has something like 18 years experience and is THE land expert in my county of over a million people. This book is a slam dunk. I am so tired of all that fairy tale pie in the sky nothing down late-night infomercial garbage. This is what you want to get, real information by people who have been there and are not trying to sell you a $200 get-rich-quick course. ... Read more

Book Description

Hines presents a comprehensive survey of the myriad factors involved in international real estate investing. She examines six principal types of property investment on a worldwide basis: housing and apartment buildings, hotels and motels, new towns, shopping centers and other retail buildings, office buildings and parks, and industrial properties. Hines also covers such issues as financing, taxation, development trends, investment strategies, and outside influences on the real estate investment climate. ... Read more

Book Description

Learn how you too can take part in a phenomenal financial revolution —orchestra funding—that is sweeping the nation today. Until now, the real-estate industry was comprised of just a few hard capital lenders who reaped millions in profits with little risk. Join the ranks of new investors who provide the capital to make the monumental wheels of real-estate turn.With the magic of the orchestra funding revolution, you too can be the next millionaire! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

One of the worst business titles ever.
I've read hundreds of business books over the years and this is probably in my top 3 worst books of all time.I consider myself a fairly sophisticated real estate investor and this book gave me absolutely nothing.

Not worth anyones' time to read. Take a pass on this book

Big gifts come in little packages
Yes, it's brief. Yes, it's simple. Isn't that what you want? Personally, I don't value good information by the pound.
This "little book" literally pulled my eyelids open to some exciting new opportunities, some that I've already taken advantage of.
That's all it's it meant to do.
If you're like "Reader (Colorado)" and you want to be spoon fed volumes of existing and outdated information about every possible facet of every possible outcome of every investment, then this isn't your book.
If, on the other hand, you want to be way ahead of the curve and are open to very fresh and exiting new ideas and ways to really grow your money, then Spark is for you.
My recommendation is that you give yourself a big gift from a little package. This book is a real idea stimulator, but only if you're a creative thinker and are open to new ideas and...you aren't Anonymous in Colorado.

R. Woodcox
Author

A Lazy Sales Brochure As A Hard Cover Book
It has been decades since I've read anything so vacuous. It is a sales brochure trying to convince you to invest in their mutual funds. The authors started their careers in marketing/sales and this book cries for an editor to cut the sales schlok out. It seems that, in authors' minds, they thought if they'd replace the word "idea" with "spark", and "hard-money loan" with "orchestra loan", that it would be a big enough gimmick to sell a lot of books. Please help prove them wrong.

This book bounces among three styles of writing:

1. Kindergarten statements about real estate loans (lenders are knowledgeable in their local real estate arena; now, as in the future, loans will spark new office and resudential spaces).

2. Side-bar filler with irrelevant facts (it took 467 concrete trucks to form the base of Seattle's Space Needle; the vagaries of war lead to periodic bursts of rebuilding projects).

3. Ridiculous editorials (revolution brings about change, usually for the better; publications like Barron's and the WSJ provide a wealth of general information).

Here is the actual substance of the book that I paid for and waded through all the sales nonsense for: "Steps to Success: This industry requires a phenomenal amount of research and diligence, not to mention real estate expertise. If you feel you have those qualities and talents, then by all means go for it." Yes, that's all of it. The authors teach nothing about how to become a hard-money lender in this book, nor do they offer any place to educate yourself further. Although the authors have impressive resumes, after reading their book, I no longer believe their claims of success.

I highly recommend you do not purchase this book. But, if you insist on buying it, don't complain that you weren't warned.

Huge Disappointment
I had to re-read the other reviews of this book to see if I read the same book that they gave five stars . The book is too short, doesn't give out any information that you couldn't find in the first chapter of any decent real estate primer, and the over-all impression is that it is the result of a short interview with the authors who appear based on their credits to be qualified to give meaningful insights but in fact don't reveal anything. As a real estate professional and a person who has a number of real estate books in his library this book belongs in the round file at the end of my book shelf. I am glad I only wasted twelve dollars.

Apparently they have coined a new term "orchestra funding" and are attempting to force it into the real estate lexicon. An exceptional disappointment in every sense of the word.

A New and Brilliant Perspective
I am a hard-working mother who strives to make the right decisions with my investments.Sometimes, the choices are overwhelming.Owning a home is no longer enough, and I have been looking for guidance in the real estate market.

This book truly enlightened my decision making strategy.The authors brilliantly contradict old stereo-types, and notions of realestate as only long term, huge capital investments; and demonstrate the "orchestration" of the real estate market as highly profitable, initial, short-term investment, and achievable in small capital contributions.

The authors also beautifully demonstrate that diversifying into the newly described type of real estate fund, (managed by experts), will benefit investors, developers, and everyone in our societies today, making this a win-win for all. ... Read more

Book Description

The Handbook of Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities is a cornerstone reference in this emerging sector of the structured finance market. This Second Edition provides updated coverage of the market, the instruments, the tools used to assess these securities, and tax accounting issues.

In addition to an overview of the commercial real estate finance and commercial property markets, this book also covers property-market framework for bond investors, the role of the servicer, an investor’s perspective on commercial mortgage-backed coupon strips, defaults on commercial mortgages, assessing credit risk, an options approach to valuation and risk analysis, legal perspectives on disclosure issues, and federal income taxation. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

More of market commentary in nature than analytical
I am a newbie in the REIT field, I read this book with a view to understand the market better and to understand the basic concepts involved in this field. While I must say I did pick up some basic concepts I don't think I understand the market much better than before. The concepts I did pick up was not being explained in detail by the author but he was using those factors and parameters to explain why market behaved in a particular way during, say, the 1985-1990 period.

Now, this is certainly not the book for the beginner, certainly not the book for somebody who wants to analyze how profitable a REIT would be... the mathematical formulas used in the books might be useful for the ones setting up the REIT, but for others, it's certainly not worth the money. ... Read more

Book Description

Hundreds of people have paid Ted Thomas as much as $5,000 for the inside secrets, advice, and proven system you’ll find in this book! Big Money in Real Estate Foreclosures Now, Ted Thomas — America’s #1 expert on real estate foreclosures — shows you how to find and buy foreclosed properties, and sell them at extraordinary profits. This valuable guide delivers a proven system, one which people routinely pay $5,000 to hear about in Ted Thomas’s West Coast seminars. And it gives you the tools you need to approach any seller or enter any auction like a pro. Aided by real-life case studies and the actual contracts, reports, and ads he uses in his own transactions, Ted Thomas shows you how to:

• Find promising properties among a wide range of sources, including sheriff’s sales, IRS auctions, and bank-owned real estate (REOs)
• Understand contracts,titles, and deeds
• Negotiate with sellers and buyers to boost your profits
• Get financing and work with bankers
• Cost-effectively rehabilitate the property
• Target advertising to attract buyers
• And avoid pitfalls every step of the way!

Reviews (4)

I agree with [previous reviewer]
... I have been studying Real Estate for about a year and I was always a little confused by all the different information concerning foreclosures , REOs, etc., and this book is helping to clear it all up. It's probably due to the way the author takes you through the different scenerios with actual examples. To teach it this clearly he obviously knows what he's doing. At [money] in the bookstore it's a bit pricey, but at the discounted Amazon price, I think it's a must have! ...

A must read for all real estate investors
This is the best book that i found so far. It is easy to read and easy to understand. Unlike other books, this one walks you through the process of buying a foreclosed property with actual cases, documents, guidelines and helpful tips for avoiding mistakes. It is like having an expert there with you. Don't take my words for it. Read it and find out how good it is.

Come on now...
I read through this book in the store and did find it to have some good info, but the other review in here goes way overboard. It seems like this person is talking about the bible and not this book. The review states this book is "a must-read", "an invaluable learning tool, as well as a must-keep guide for future reference", "an inspiring (yet mindful of pitfalls) strategy-packed book", and "leaves you wondering why he revealed all his secrets. "

Listen, if this is the author or some friend of theirs making this review, please don't insult our intelligence by making such a blatantly false review. This book may have some merit, but it's not the best thing since sliced bread.

Insightful, creative, and realistic strategies for investors
This book is a must-read for novices and experts alike. As a real estate appraiser and aspiring investor, I found this book to be an invaluable learning tool, as well as a must-keep guide for future reference. An inspiring (yet mindful of pitfalls) strategy-packed book with an empasis on the pre-foreclosure process. Leaves you wondering why he revealed all his secrets. ... Read more

Book Description

If you're about to buy or sell a home, having it inspected first can save you time and money.

The Home Inspection Troubleshooter can help you quickly determine if your house is in shape, and if not, what to do about it.Written in factual, entertaining style, this book is the key to understanding the home inspection process.It is a must read for sellers, buyers, and landlords who need to detect problems before they become expensive. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Home Inspecton Troubleshooter
This is a great book for prospective homeowners to have not just prior to, and during the home inspection (which, by the way, they should always attend), but before an offer is even made on a property. What I liked most about this book is its organization. Chapter One is a "one-hour" home inspection... a handy checklist of things to look for and a great tool for buyers to use during the looking stage, before they fall in love with a home or property. Not being a contractor or construction expert, I can't vouch for the accuracy of the content, but there is plenty of great information here to raise the necessary red flags at the very first go-through or during the inspection.

As a new real estate agent, I plan on recommending this book to all my clients as a valuable tool for the looking, pre-inspection, inspection stages, when they are doing due diligence prior to signing off on the Agreement of Sale. Rather than being afraid of so-called "deal killers", as many agents are, I believe in arming my clients with the information they need to make intelligent, informed choices in purchasing their property, as any reputable agent should.

I own 2 copies of this book...one is at home and one is at the office...just in case. And, I never loan them out. Buy it, read it, hi-lite it, speak up and and ask questions, and you should have nothing to worry about.
It even has a home maintenance checklist of things to stay on top of after you've moved in.
I hope Robert Irwin has plans to update this edition, and keep writing new edditions so that we can count on having this valuable reference around for a long time.

Home Inspection Troubleshooter
The book provided great hints and advice to a variety of specific home inspection subjects. The book by itself is not or intended as a full do it yourself guide. I purchased this book as a reference and to get additional insight and ideas.

I found it easy to read and very enjoyable. ... Read more

Book Description

MAKE A FORTUNE IN REAL ESTATE–Without Owning Property!

Did you know that you don’t actually have to own real estate to profit from it? It’s true! If you control the paperwork of real estate–the contracts, mortgages, and deeds–you can make money without owning anything.

The New Path to Real Estate Wealth offers a step-by-step system that takes you from the basics of real estate investing to the more sophisticated strategies that let you earn without owning. Whether you’re a new investor or an experienced one, you’ll make big money in the world’s safest, most reliable investment with expert guidance on:

• Finding great deals
• Working with real estate agents
• Evaluating and inspecting property
• Writing and presenting an offer
• Flipping the deal for quick cash

Once you understand the basics of real estate investing, you can move on to four proven strategies for making a fortune without owning property. Authors and real estate experts

Chantal and Bill Carey show you how to make a bundle by flipping properties quickly, assigning contracts, using options, and buying discounted mortgages and government tax liens for pennies on the dollar. You can control valuable contracts and properties–without the liabilities and hassles of ownership.

Packed with real-world examples and proven real estate wisdom, this handy guide proves that anyone can make money in real estate. So start investing today . . . and get on The New Path to Real Estate Wealth! ... Read more

Book Description

Using an effective blend of theory and practice, Essentials of Real Estate Investment helps students navigate potential investment opportunities in thecurrent real estate market.This user-friendly and interactive text explores the latest investment trends, tax laws, regulations, and market conditions.

Highlights:
* The text is divided into principles and practicessections, alowing instructors to adjust thecurriculum to meet their needs.
* Concise workbook format facilitates student learningand simplifies complex tax regulations.
* Examples show students how to analyze investmentsusing calculators such as the HP 12C.
* Free Instructor Resource Guide includes a courseoutline, chapter quizzes, and answer keys. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Well written
Excellent reference book for beginning and moderately experienced investors. I am a commercial real estate broker in Connecticut and New York, and own some commercial real estate. I found the book useful in giving me parameters on subjects I did not know, such as investing in land; it gave me some additional ideas on office properties and multi-family. I intend to keep the book as a good reference and consult it frequently. Overall, it gives a pretty good idea on how investment real estate is dealt with in the US. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Pathetic
I would rate this a negative if I could.This book is a scam with very little practical info, mainly just a sales job for his other junk.You will sink yourself very fast using his methods.

mirage
Mr. Hicks plays on the inexperience and the desperate.He focuses only on the successes and does not mention the possible pitfalls in real estate. I found the book somewhat informative, but was quite annoyed with his pitchto subscribe to his publication.

Check this out!
This book was first published in 1978!

I seriously doubt Mr. Hicks rewrote one word of this book for the 90's.

Gimme a break! Click on Mr. Hicks' name under the title. This will give you a list of other bookswritten by him. Scroll down to his "Kits" Most of them aboutmail-order, real estate, etc. were published in 1987! Wow.

FLIM-FLAM.
Of the few dozen books I have read on the subject of real estate investing, this is perhaps the least desirable. This book rates high on incredible hype and low on any real substance.The author skips from oneincredible deal to the next, showing how yes, you, your neighbor, or eventhe village idiot can make millions of dollars with virtually no risk, noexpertise, and of course, no instruction on his part. As another reviewerstated, I always finish a book to search for those "pearls ofwisdom" as well as to give an acurate review of the book as a whole. I found no pearls here.

If you want a good book on real estate, tryRobert Allen or Wade Cook.If you want something to wrap fish in, buy thisbook.

Worst Real-Estate Book I've ever bought
This is basically a marketing ad for Mr. Hicks own publications.Very Impractical.His guide is summed up at the end of the book in about 3 pages. DON'T waste your money or time... ... Read more