Book Description

One of the hottest trends in real estate is the development of town centers and urban villages that include a mix of uses in a pedestrian friendly setting. This new book will help you navigate the unique development issues and options and show you how to make all of the elements work together. You will learn about the economic and social forces driving this trend; how these projects are being developed in master planned communities, infill, and redevelopment areas; special regulatory, market and finance issues; and how suburban planners and developers are pursuing town center concepts to create attractive gathering places for their communities. Illustrat-ed in full color, the book includes case studies and examples that describe how leading professionals met the challenges and developed innovative and successful projects. ... Read more

Book Description

From the BusinessWeek bestselling author of Investing in Fixer-Uppers--a plan for building a real estate empire with little or no money down "

Fixer Jay" DeCima, the acknowledged king of fixer-uppers, delivers a much-anticipated guide to realizing financial independence through real estate investing. Written in DeCima's trademark folksy style, Start Small, Profit Big in Real Estate provides a complete two-year plan for making it big in real estate starting with little or no money of your own.

• You'll learn how to:
• Scout out properties with the highest return
• Calculate the payoff versus the effort involved in any real estate investment
• Find motivated sellers who will finance your properties
• Use leveraging and compounding to utmost advantage
• Negotiate with sellers and win every time
• Make big bucks with rental properties

Reviews (7)

Solid
Cummings is one of my favorite R.E. authors. He is very thorough. This one has chapters on conventional and creative financing, tax exchanges, land development, discounting mortgages, sale-leasebacks, how to get started and even dealing with foreclosure. Table of contents is very thorough and makes it very easy to go to the exact page you want to to find specific information. He is good with the numbers and doesnt leave much to the imagination like many authors do. I recommend anything by this author.

Excellent "Creative Real Estate Financing" manual
This "no-nonsense" book, by a seasoned investor and broker, is mostly focused on non-traditional real estate financing vehicles. Bits and pieces on the subject have previously taught by various gurus, but this book covers ALL of them. If every Realtor and investor read this, we would all be better off.

Other recommended RE investing reads:

The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing
Landlording by Leigh Robinson
5 Magic Paths to Making a Fortune In Real Estate Investing
The Income Stream by Robt. Goodman

Solid, comprehensive, but a bit verbose
This and Landlording, by Leigh, are my two fave's so far as a real estate investor. This one tends towards overkill with many, many examples but other readers may want that more than I did. There are one or two strategy recommendations I disagree with rather heartily, but it's clear, pretty much accurate, and very readable. The no-nonsense writing reminds me a bit of T. Dallow or J. Reed, both also recommended.

Great book, but overpriced
Great book, easy to read, too pricy

Good for individual investors, less useful for professionals
Focused on real estate deals in the <$2MM category, this book offers a treasure trove of helpful tips about how to work the angles to create maximum wealth from real estate investing. Especially useful are sections on goal-setting, negotiating, dealing with banks, and secondary financing.

The book is less useful for development professionals dealing with larger developments such as office buildings, apartment communities, etc, as it omits extended discussion of the institutional players. Both individuals and development professionals will find Zuckerman, Real Estate Investment and Acquisition Workbook a useful adjunct, with development professionals perhaps more intested in Brueggeman & Fisher, Real Estate Finance and Investments than this offering. ... Read more

Book Description

Strategies for lifelong, tax-free second home ownership

This book explains how to invest profitably in a vacation or future retirement home. Featuring success stories from second home buyers and often-overlooked financing options, How a Second Home Can Be Your Best Investment provides dozens of strategies and proven how-to avenues for finding the perfect home that will eventually pay for itself. Real estate experts Tom Kelly and John Tuccillo show readers how to save thousands through exchanges and exemptions and include valuable Web resources for both second home buyers and real estate investors. Readers will discover how to:

• Choose a second home and location with maximum appreciation potential
• Use a vacation home as a cash cow rental
• Subdivide a property
• Minimize the hassle factor of an investment --while maximizing rental income

Reviews (2)

Portable Real Estate Strategy is THE Solution for the Future
Tom Kelly and John Tuccillo have hit a GRAND SLAM with simply THE BEST and MOST CURRENT book on buying a second home. The have defined a new concept in real estate: how to make a real estate investment or a second home "portable." It will certainly become real estate's "bible for second homes" and is a MUST READ for buyers, investors and real estate sales pros alike. We are about to embark on the greatest transfer of wealth in the history of the world coupled with baby boomers retiring -- a recipe for EXPLOSIVE GROWTH in second home purchases. Kelly and Tuccillo show how our tax laws can work to everyone's advantage and how a real estate investment and change as one's needs and goals change. No info-mercial here: just easy-to-read and digest facts and examples by two of the real estate industry's most reputable writers and scholars. If you know anyone in the business or know someone thinking about buying a second home or other real estate investment -- buy them this book (and buy yourself one too). There simply is no better way to build wealth in America than through real estate investments.

A terrific book!
This book is meticulously written by two extremely sauvy real estate professionals who cover every aspect of second home ownership and show how one additional property can serve a variety of purposes over time (investment, recreation, retirement). They show how real estate can become "portable" - it can move with you, tax free, through your life while compounding your nest egg. It is a must have book for anyone considering purchasing a second home and might even induce those who hadn't considered this option, to look for a second home as a great investment as an alternative to the uncertain financial markets. ... Read more

Book Description

Huge fortunes can be amassed by holding real estate for the long term-up to 20 or 30 or years in some cases.Yet most people don't have the luxury of time and need cash to cover their day-to-day expenses.To that end, nationally renowned real estate expert Ron LeGrand has developed a method of buying real estate to generate cash that he calls "quick turning."Over the past 15 years, he has bought and sold more than a thousand properties for fast-cash profit using the method.

In How to Be a Quick Turn Real Estate Millionaire: Make Fast Cash with No Money, Credit, or Previous Experience, LeGrand shares this system for buildinglong-term wealth.With wit and wisdom, he outlines four main categories of "quick-turn" transactions: retailing, wholesaling, assumptions, and lease/options.He helps readers understand which type of transaction is appropriate for their specific cash flow goals, and he reveals how-to secrets that real estate investors, and wannabe investors, can use to:
* Get rich on fixer-uppers without lifting a hammer.
* Find motivated sellers.
* Negotiate win-win deals.
* Sell houses fast.
* Succeed while others fail. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A True Self Made Real Estate Millionaire
I became aware of Ron Legrand 2 years ago, and the first time I listened to him speak, I realized he had something you can't find on late night infomercials. STREET SMARTS! He has mastered the art of communication from the seller's point of view as if he's reading their cards on every big hand at the poker table. I only rate the book a 4 star effort because he is better to listen to! A remarkable man who has helped American dreams come true, by the thousands. Thanks Ron and Amazon!

Keith

Maryland, USA

Great Book
Ron's book is remarkable. I have been doing Real Estate Investing the LeGrand way for a year now. I have made a great profit and my wife and I are very excited about the prospect for the future. This book is a good foundation for more education on creative real estate by Ron and others.

Quick Turn Real Estate is not a Get Rich Quick Scheme like some of the others, but it is a Get Rich Business. You can do this!!! with no money or credit!! I have done deals on properties of over $350,000 with only $250 of my own money in the deal.

This book takes over where Robert Kiyosaki left off. It is the meat of the entree. I didn't know how to do real estate investing after the Rich Dad's Series, but it got me interested just like it was suppose to do. Ron and his techniques will get me where Robert said I needed to go.

Fantastic. Buy it. Read it. Live it. Don't be a thinker brain, be an alligator brain and just do it. ... Read more

Book Description

Seize the opportunity and watch the money roll in

Don’t be paralyzed by fear of making mistakes and losing money. Buying a rental house should be one of the safest investments you make, and you already have the skills you need to succeed. You just need to learn how to use them.

In How to Succeed and Make Money with Your First Rental House, Douglas Keipper tells the true story of how he overcame his fear of real estate investing and made money on his first rental house. Keipper uses his experience as an example as he walks you step by step through the entire process of buying, renovating, renting, and managing a rental house. And you’ll learn from his mistakes, not your own! Find out how easy it is to supplement your income with the most popular investment vehicle in the country. Let Keipper show you how to:

• Prequalify for low-cost loans
• Connect with the right loan broker, realtor, and subcontractors
• Find the right house at the right price and make a great deal
• Save money on renovations that produce higher rents
• Find and qualify top-quality tenants
• Protect your investment with the right lease and always get paid on time

Reviews (1)

This one will get you off the sideline and into the game
I can't count the books I bought and did not finish reading. I just finished this one. Doug is a common guy, just like most of the rest of us. He quit studying and got in the game, and he "hit a stand-up-double" on his first at bat! No home runs, No strike outs, No sugar coating, No tales of how he made millions in real estate, or learned how, but did not do it after CPA school. Doug tells the things he did right that you may want to copy. He tells the mistakes he made and how you can avoid them. Doug writes from a perspective that the guy with 10 rental houses already forgot. If you don't have a rental house yet, but you want one, there is no better place to start. If you already have five rental houses and want fifteen, buy a different book. This author gives practical advice and writes in a manner anybody can understand. Sideline critics are a dime a dozen - and they will scare you into staying on the sideline with them. Buy Dougs book and get in the game. ... Read more

Book Description

PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION OF Mulitple Streams of Income

"The whole idea of Multiple Streams of Income will be a powerful paradigm shift for most people. Bob Allen then gives practical and beautifully illustrated knowledge on how to do it. Mastering financial principles is an important habit in life because it gives us the freedom to focus on what matters most. A valuable read." –– Dr. Stephen R. Covey author of  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

"If you’re ready to have the money just keep rolling in, read Multiple Streams of Income by Robert Allen. Bob knows how to share his lifetime of learning, compressed in an easy-to-read, easy-to-absorb, and easy-to-use format."
–– Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen authors of the Chicken Soup for the Soul^® series

"I have tremendous respect for Robert Allen’s ability to teach people how to make a lot of money. His book, Multiple Streams of Income, contains a wealth of information."  –– Robert T. Kiyosaki author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad and CEO of Cash Flow Technologies

"Multiple Streams of Income is a wise investment! Robert Allen once again delivers us the simple and sound advice that quenches our thirst for healthy economic prosperity." –– Ken Blanchard coauthor of  The One Minute Manager^®

"Multiple Streams of Income is an incredible book! You will learn more practical ideas to make money, keep the money you make, and become financially independent in this book than in any other single source. It is a financial success bible for the twenty-first century." –– Brian Tracy author of The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success

"One idea that Robert Allen gave me added an additional stream of over $100,000 in our income. Think what 18 chapters full of innovative, no-nonsense strategies can do for you! Read Multiple Streams of Income and reap the harvest." –– Dr. Denis Waitley author of The Psychology of Winning ... Read more

Reviews (151)

Inspired me to take action
This is without doubt Robert Allens most under rated book. I have read Multiple Streams of Income and The 1 Minute Millioniare along with Creating Wealth and Nothing Down. I am a huge fan of Robert Allen. He is a fantastic coach,writer and businessman.

In this easy to read book, Mr. Allen teaches you everything you need to know to get into cuberspace and successfully operate an internet business. Note the word "successfully." While there are many books purported to help you get online and build a internet business, how many actually work? I have always been disappointed,e xcept with this one.

Also recommend Multiple Streams of Income for even more income ideas. I also found an interesting website that corresponds with Mr. Allen's ideas. Check it out at http://www.myxango.com/platinumteam.

Good luck and thank you Mr. Allen. I am looking forward to your next foray!

Super Book
This is undoubtly Robert Allens best book to date. So much information, so many diverse ways to make money. The naysayers are probably college graduates who would prefer to sit behind a desk for 40 years and say; "Yes master" ENT!For the entrepeneurs and business leaders, this book is a must read. You can start with network marketing, create income and enjoy the same tax benefits that bg busineeses enjoy.You can use Bob Allens Real Estate strategies and still make money in the real estate market. People who say it's over, better read this book. You can also safely invest in the stock market with Index Funds and/or covered calls with the Cooper Method. Or you can enjoy 100% risk reduced returns in the options market.Bob Allen has written a excellent book, probably his best. Don't knock it, try it.I also recommend Wall Street Money Machine for even more covered calls and option strategies and Wealth 101.

Escaped the rat race, thank you Robert
While I admire the success of people like the reviewer who precedes mine, network marketing never really appealed to me. I tried it once back in the 70's, had a lousy sponsor who didn't teach me beans and the company I was in loaded me and other distributors with soaps, shampoo's and so on.

That said, what I like about Robert Allen's book is that he recommends network marketing as a choice but also recommends other ways to create residual income, that are low risk and low cost.

I highly recommend this book by Mr. Allen. It's great.

Multiple ways of creating income and wealth
Robert Allen has written an excellent book here. For people opposed to network marketing (I'm very bullish on network marketing), that's o kay, Allen offer many other strategies to create wealth. In fact, to create Multiple Streams of Income.

For me, the best and safest way to create multiple streams of income is via network marketing. With network marketing, you can use the same power of leverage that Allen uses and suggests in his real estate books. It is the same principle that Donald Trump used to become a billionaire. In fact, speaking of Donald Trump, several years ago The Donald was on a tv talk show and when asked if he had to start over again, what would he do differently. Trump said he would find a good network marketing company and go to work!

Personally, I feel that everyone should set up a network marketing business. It's low cost, can be started part, part time and you can create a high income rapidly if you are with the right company and put forth the right effort.

Enough of network marketing. It's a winning stategy and I am glad that Robert Allen understands it and is recommending it.

Allen also discusses real estate. He explains how to buy real estate with no money down and using the power of leverage. He also discusses tax liens and discounted mortgages. Both powerful ways to create passive income and again, Allen shows you ways to invest in these power packed strategies with no money down.

Allen also discusses how to be an intropreneur (not my choice) and how to use the internet.

All in all, Multiple Streams of Income is a powerful book that can add many streams of income to your income portfolio. Much better strategy than relying on just 1 income streams---a job.

AND the good news is that anybody can start any of these strategies right now while you are working at your job. They can all be started part, part time with little or no investment and create cash flow immediately.

Great book Mr. Allen. I recommend it.

Phew! I avoided this one...
I thumbed through this one at the Sam's warehouse store. Thank goodness! It is large type and full of ads and worthless advice. I don't know the guy who wrote this book. I see from some of the other reviews here that he must have a habit of writing this type of book. I am glad that I wasn't taken in by the title. The book reads like the ads you used to see on matchbook covers "EARN EIGHT BILLION DOLLARS A YEAR stuffing envelopes from home!"

Maybe the real "Income Stream" is to write a book like this and then have people write "positive" reviews to keep the rating high. Do you think that would work?

What has me wondering is that people are posting positive comments that aren't actually useful reviews. Why would someone waste a paragraph in a review talking about his vacation instead of the book?

There is something fishy about these positive, so-called "reviews." There is also something fishy about the book. It stinks.

But hey... Why should I complain? I SAVED REAL MONEY... by not buying this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Everything you need to know to begin acquiring properties––now!

No matter what obstacles you think you face, real estate still offers you multiple money making opportunities. In The Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investing, successful investor and author Gary Eldred presents the tools and knowledge new investors need to get started. This no-hype guide presents case studies of people just like you–regular people who used these simple, smart strategies to earn big returns. You’ll not only gain the basics of real estate investing, but also a vault full of specialized techniques that the pros rely on to grow their long-term wealth. Concise yet comprehensive, this practical guide shows you how to:

• Find below-market deals
• Invest using little or none of your own cash
• Use low or no down payment seller financing
• Find creative ways to finance your investments
• Make money with foreclosures and REOs
• Increase the value of an investment property
• Negotiate a winning purchase offer
• Manage rentals hassle free
• Flip properties for fast profit

In addition, Eldred shows you how to tailor your investment strategy to make money in any place in any type of market. With proven techniques and timeless principles, The Beginner’s Guide to Real Estate Investing is the prime resource you need to start building a prosperous future–today. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Gigantic value
Usually, when I buy an "intro to the subject' book I seem to find a general guide of (almost) obvious dos and don'ts. Not this book. It covers the territory of real estate investing with dozens of specific pointers backed up with examples. Great detail on financing, buying at a bargain price, and increasing the value of a property. Easy-to-read writing style plus lots of whitespace, headings, and boxed major points for quick scanning. All in all a gigantic value for a mere $10 or $11 bucks. I think even pros (as well as first-timers) could profit by reading this info-packed "how to" guide. ... Read more

Book Description

Veteran construction contractor, and building trades authority, R. Dodge Woodson shows how to profitably transform raw land into housing.This practical guide covers every phase of the land development process as well as essential business practice fundamentals.

NEW TO THIS EDITION: finding and selling property via the Internet, more information on finance and insurance issues, the latest in land ordinances and runoff issues and EPA requirements

Contents: Why Should I Get Into Land Development? * Can I Really Do It? *The Development Team and Selecting the Viable Project * Finding Hidden Treasure *Tying Up Land Without A Full Commitment * Having Your Experts Do Preliminary Checks *Going Over the Ground, From Top to Bottom *Planning On Paper * Storm Water Drainage *Deciphering the Dirt Water Requirements *Land Lost and Costs for Roads *Flood Zones *Location, Location, Location *Plans and Specifications *Getting Developer Bids • Sales Projections * Financing *Zoning • Closing Your Land Deal *Insurance and Subcontractor Needs *Rolling Out the Big Rigs and Site Supervision * Keeping Your Projects on Time and on Budget *A Marketing Plan and Sales Team *New Projects ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Intro to development that could be half as long
A fairly useful overview that describes the issues a developer has to address, but not much about how to address them. For some reason the author tends to repeat himself. He says something and then restates it. He makes the same point twice.

He also tends to be rather vague: "Some aspects of site supervision can be dealt with in many ways. Some ways are more cost-effective than others." The book is full of statements like this.

I have found the book useful to help me identify issues that I need to think about, but if you are looking for answers--this book isn't for you. It should be titled, "What to Expect as a Land Developer."

great start
Woodson doesn't tell the reader how to survey, do his/her own drawings, tell how to design a curb and gutter system. I didn't expect him to! He does walk you through how to get started on the path to be a land developer, including who and/or where to go for the details you will need to get further information, as well as the long list of subjects and details the potential developer needs to consider and explore.

Disappointed reader
This is the worst 'How To' book I have ever read...The author never makes a definitive statement about anything. Instead he says you could do this or that, hire someone or do it yourself, blah blah blah. He rambles on about the same subjects repetitively to fill up the pages. I feel like I have not learned anything of any use after reading the entire book. What a major disappointment!

Dissapointing
I am more than half way through the book and am finding it difficult to continue. The author continues to list the steps of the development process, but with each step he fails to explain how to perform each step or give case examples of how it was done in a particular development. Instead he says "you can hire a professional to do this step if you like." If you do not know how to perform a function, and you hire a professional to perform it for you, a) how can you make any money? and b) how can you be sure that your professional is performing the function correctly? So far this book has been a major dissapointment.

good starting point
Overall this is a good book to get started in land development buy I wish there were more actual examples taking you through all different problems and situations that could arise. ... Read more

Book Description

This bible of the landlording business has provided information about the proper way to conduct business and has shepherded landlords through inevitable day-to-day woes for 25 years. This latest edition is thoroughly updated with an expanded section on using the Internet, covering everything from shopping for supplies to setting market rents and advertising cheaply. More than 50 forms are included. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Excellent guide for beginners.
I read this book for a research paper and was surprised that I became interested in becoming a landlord. It is clear and understandable. It offers all the necessary forms for tenants and also ways to document property condition, remove tenants, etc. A must for landlords!

Landlords, you need this book.
This book covers everything I wanted it to, and even all the stuff I didnt think of. To make it very simple; buy the package deal where you get this and NOLO'S Lanlords Legal Guide and your done. I am just beginning as a landlord, and these books have saved me hours of searching on the internet. Not to mention that this book is written in a style that makes it fun to read. Truly worth the money.

THE BEST!!
I have scoured the internet and the local book stores for books on this subject, and I have found this one to be the best by far. The format is VERY user friendly. It is filled with enough information to satisfy people who are currently in the business but easy enough for a beginner (such as myself) to understand. Trust me, you want this book, but you should also have another one that is specific to your locale. This book gives you everything you need to know EXCEPT the local laws and regulations that are specific to your state/city.

Very Informative, tons of information.
I recently (within the past 6 months) acquired a rental property, and the book has helped me manage my properties better and had many many excellent tips. His advice is pretty candid- he tells you its ok to say no and be a little bit heavy handed. He has many anectodes as example scenarios to drive his points home. His main focus is on finding good tenants, and leases, as it should be, since they are the source of your revenue. In addition, he discusses many easily implementable ways to increase your profits, especially if you have multiple properties. The book tries to be the one book you will need to be a landlord, and achieves that goal. However, you may find that some of his discussions topics are overly long (IE dealing with pets, waterbeds) and some not long enough (IE legal/liability issues). It is on the issue of law that you will NEED another reference, but nothing short of an entire book or library of books will properly inform you of all the legal issues involved.

The cons of the book is that it seemed to be a bit overly long. For example there is about 20 pages of comic strips at the end of the book that I suppose are supposed to be humorous ways to convery things to your tenants (like paying rent) but I found them to be completely useless. The forms included are nice, but they would be far more useful if they were included on a CD. If you really want to be a better landlord, you would be far better off printing new forms w/ your name on them, and not distributing photocopies- This brings me to my next weakness. Some parts of the book push his other products a bit too much. He sells forms on CD ...and a program he wrote to manage properties ...and he mentions them a bit too much in the book for me to say that he is being completely objective. If he eliminated the 20 pages of comics and 30 pages of forms, it would have been quite cost effective for him to distribute all of those things on a CD. In addition, the chapter on computers could probably be omitted. The information was outdated on the first day of printing, bores those born since 1975 who have had to learn to use them, and on top of that does not really inform the target reader enough to the point where they could effectively use one. He should have raised the bar a little and targeted those already familiar w/ office suites on how to make useful databases, word processor templates of the forms, and advanced spreadsheets.

The book has a focus squarely on property management. Do not buy this book if you are looking for how to evaluate a property, or estimate cashflow. Landlording covers the ART of property management, not the science of analyzing the potential income of a property.

Do not let the negatives discourage you. I mention them because most Amazon reviews tend to all be "5 stars! this book was great!" Overall, this book is excellent, and the best I found at the bookstore on managing property. The book appears a little bit 'no frills' and does not have much shelf appeal( IE pretty layout and pictures), but the information contained inside is the invaluable experience of someone who has successfully managed over 200 properties.

The absolute BEST, accept NO substitute!
I just finished reading the 9th edition of Leigh Robinsons's super, excellent, definitive tome on being a Landlord or Landlady. I had bought and read his 3rd edition in 1981 and found that to be excellent. I have used the Rental Application form from that book hundred's if not thousands of times. That earlier edition is worn out the back is broken and the pages are dog eared. I was long over due for a new copy. There are many, many updates from the earlier version, and the book has grown from 270 pages to 494 pages! The latest edition has over 60 forms made and revised over the years by the author, a hand-on landlord himself.

This book is a tremendous value, filled to the gills and them some with useful, practical, down to earth advice from somebody who actually is a landlord. Leigh Robinson knows his stuff, there is no question about it. If you are currently a landlord/lady then you should run, or trot to your keyboard and order this book from Amazon.com. If you think you might want to become a landlord/lady then this book is recommended for you also.

One example contained in the book is having escrow accounts for the tenant's security deposits. I have personally used this for years even though not required by state law. The bank I use does not charge me anything to set up the escrow account with a separate sub-account for each tenant. Even people sharing one place have a separate individual sub-account with interest accruing to the tenant. Another example from the book is the landlord/lady's car. You can drive your Mercedes, Porsche, or BMW, just not to your rental properties. Personally I like a 1982 Cordoba, but a beat up car or pickup truck will do. The reason for this is many tenants think that all of their rent ends up in the landlord/lady's pocket. They forget about mortgage, taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs, supplies, etc.

The author recommends that no appliances be furnished. Usually for houses we don't provide any appliances except ranges, but supply refrigerators for apartments. Very rarely would we supply washer, dryer, air conditioners, etc. Leave that to the tenants, this reduces repair bills and responsibility. One owner that I talked to had a refrigerator fail and the tenant claimed that the owner was responsible for spoiled food.
Since then that landlord does not provide any tenant with a refrigerator, and therefore is not responsible if the appliance breaks or for food spoiled.

The author notes that 50% of tenants have pets and discusses at length the pros and cons of renting to the pet's owner. Coin operated laundry is also discussed with the author's recommendation being that you only provide if there are 16 people or 12 bedrooms in the building. For smaller building than that it is not feasible to provide that to tenants. Leigh Robinson's recommendation on page 273 for wording on a section 8 lease could save thousands of dollars. In my opinion this book is invaluable and worth many more times the asking price. There is no better book on "Landlording" and I think I've read most of them. Buy it, enjoy it, use it, and profit from it. ... Read more

Book Description

A guidebook for the small investor who wants to invest in single family rental houses.Chapters guide the reader through setting meaningful and realistic goals, locating money for down payments, selecting good properties to buy, getting a loan without doing "creative financing" gyrations, managing tenants with a minimum of time, writing leases and getting good landlord insurance, and eventually doing a tax deferred exchange.Written clearly with the beginner in mind, but including the information an experienced investor needs to learn. ... Read more

Reviews (91)

INTERESTING???
Isn't it funny how mediocre books like this are described as "realistic", "sensible", and "not get rich quick"?I guess some folks feel that anything with savings account rates of return (if that) is realistic and sensible. Or perhaps anything put out by someone who is not making a lot of money is realistic. As other reviewers have indicated, this book is basic is as basic goes. A lot of what is offered in this book, has been taken from the "gurus" older books only is in digest form (very abbreviated) and like the "gurus" (who have been at this a lot longer and are a lot better) Suzanne offers a seminar. The book is just to get your interest.If you know absolutely nothing about real estate, this book is like First Grade elementary basics, but is not enough to make your first deal.Better to invest in Carleton Sheets No Money Down Program or buy Bob Allens "Nothing Down for the 90's".Beware of unknown authors trying to sell "realistic, sensible" (actually--ineffecive) books and financial advice.

Thoughtful, well-rounded, highly recommended
I recently purchased _Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor_ after acquiring a duplex, and I have found it to be wonderfully helpful. I have read through the entire book and found useful tips on everything from types of mortgages to pet clauses in leases.

I purchased my duplex as an IRC 1031 exchange with a vacant lot that was not very good, and so this is how I started in on this kind of investment, and now I'm looking forward to future possiblities after reading Ms. Thomas' work.

I really appreciate the personal experiences she relates and the balance of for-profit and caring enterprise that her real estate projects represent.

Basic but realistic and sensible advice
The book is very basic. If you have already read other books and have experience investing in real estate, you will probably fall asleep reading this. However, if you are new, you will enjoy and benefit from reading Suzanne's excellent book.

Not the greatest book, not bad either. But at least it's not somebody elses progam.

I liked it--don't understand the 1 star reviews.
While Suzanne's book m ay not be a blockbuster like Robert Allen's Nothing Down or even as big. And even though Suzanne does cover a lot of the same information, she also covers her own unique experiences and strategies.

I don't know why people are giving this book 1 star. I have seen worse. 3 stars is the lowest it deserves and if this stuff is truly so basic to you 1 star reviewers, then why are you not out doing the deals instead of buying more books and writing reviews?

Too basic
As a beginning investor, I have read numerous books and talked with actual real estate investors, this book by Suzanne Anderson
is way, way to basic to be seriously considered for even the most novice of novice investors. ... Read more

Book Description

This step by step Guide of how to purchase Real Estate and Other non-standard assets with Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Qualified Plans (Keoghs).This Guide shows actual cases of eleven deals from Real Property and Notes to Tax Lien Certificates and participations.The book provides a How to Get Started section, which explains how to open and account, fund the plan and what documents are required.The large reference section provides the legal background information for the book.Written from the perspective of an administrator and recordkeeper, this book provides the inside story of how self directed investments work in real time. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

You can set up an IRA to buy real estate rather than stock.
This is a very methodical, thorough step by step manual for investing your IRA or retirement funds in real estate. This book was very helpful to me for a number of reasons. A year ago or so I asked three different advisers at Fidelity Mutual Funds whether I could use my IRA money there to purchase and renovate a piece of real estate. They each said no. But this book says the answer should have been yes. That I can set up my own IRA, even a rollover IRA or Keough, and purchase and improve real estate with the money from the IRA. And the book is very methodical about how to do it, including forms and steps in the procedure. I would think the book would also be helpful to estate planners and lawyers who are helping people plan their estates. One thing I wish the authors would address is why should you put your retirement funds in real estate rather in the stock market or mutual funds. Are there tax advantages? Is the income sheltered? Is it easier (ie fewer estate taxes on heirs) to pass real estate on to heirs--is the value of real estate discounted somehow? I wish I had had this book when I was talking to Fidelity so I could have rolled over those IRA funds into this building I bought rather than borrowing money from a bank. ... Read more

Book Description

This text is the market leader for the Real Estate Finance course.This is primarily due to its comprehensive and current coverage.Instructors find the text to be authoritative, rigorous and trustworthy, making it a classic in the field.This edition continues to evolve to provide students with the tools they need to understand and analyze real estate markets and the investment alternatives available to both debt and equity investors. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A Must
This is one of the best books I have ever read about real estate. I read plenty of books on real estate but this one does a great job on explaining how the real estate industry works. It talks about residential real estate market and its financing. Then it goes on to commercial real estate. It talks about real estate development and then the secondary market.

It really is a great book that I would recommend to anybody interested in real estate. As a real estate appraiser I gained a lot from this book.

Great text, check out the new edition
I've taken a look at a previous edition of the Brueggeman and Fisher text and it is definitely the only nuts and bolts handbook for practitioners. If you're new to the field and just out of school, try the Geltner and Miller text, which flows from real estate economics through portfolio analysis, reads like an MBA manual - it isn't as bad as most reviewers say, they're just stating where they think they are. These two are fundamentally different books, but just as worthy in their own area of approach.

Be advised that a new edition of Real Estate Finance and Investments has just been published in June 2004 by McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0071238212 - check it out on amazon.co.uk if you can't find it on amazon.com. Should come in at about seventy bucks. Well worth the cash, if only as an aide-memoire.

I manage a private equity RE fund and this book is excellent
Great book for someone who's in real estate investment management and needs a groud up, starting with the basics, platform to understand and work in real estate finance.

Also a good review for more experienced pros, with lots of examples, financial tables, and financial concepts that you probably know enough to talk about but maybe don't remember exactly how you figure it out.

Great value!

Real Estate Finance and Investments (Real Estate Finance and
This text is the market leader for the Real Estate Finance course. This is primarily due to its comprehensive and current coverage. Instructors find the text to be authoritative, rigorous and trustworthy, making it a classic in the field. This edition continues to evolve to provide students with the tools they need to understand and analyze real estate markets and the investment alternatives available to both debt and equity investors.
Part I. Introduction1. Overview of Real Estate Finance And Investments2. Legal Considerations in Real Estate3. The Interest Factor in FinancingPart II. Financing Residential Properties4. Fixed Rate Mortgage Loans5. Adjustable Rate and Variable Payment Mortgages6. Underwriting and Financing Residential Properties7. Residential Financial AnalysisPart III. Financing Income Properties (Debt and Equity)8. Introduction to Income Producing Properties and Valuation Fundamentals9. Introduction to Leases, Projecting Cash Flows and Investment Value10. Investment and Risk Analysis11. Financial Leverage and Financing Alternatives12. Partnerships, Joint Ventures, and Syndications13. Disposition and Renovation of Income Properties14. Financing Corporate Real EstatePart IV. Financing Proposed Projects15. Financing Project Development16. Financing Land Development ProjectsPart V. Real Estate Capital Markets and Securities17. The Secondary Mortgage Market: Pass-Through Securities18. The Secondary Mortgage Market: CMOs and Derivative Securities (Collateralized Mortgage Obligations)19. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)20. Real Estate Investment Performance and Portfolio ConsiderationsAppendix A. Annual Compound Interest TablesAppendix B. Monthly Compound Interest TablesAppendix C. Managing Interest Rate Risk

Step by step analysis with good tables in the appendix
This book has clearly stood the test of time. It is now in its 11th edition. My professor uses the 9th edition, and most of our class has a later copy. The author provides step by step help for novice financiers who want to learn mortgages, internal rates of return, and net present value calculations.
I would offer a word of warning to people who consider buying older versions in order to save money. I have the 8th edition. The concepts have not changed (although the assumed interest rates certainly have!). However, the chapters have since been rearranged and the questions in the back of the book are different. If you are using this book for a class you may need to at least have access to a newer version. ... Read more

Book Description

Today's real estate market is a house of cards--learn what homeowners can do to prepare for its pending collapse

Soaring home prices and 50-year low interest rates have lulled homebuyers into a false sense of security. But plummeting consumer confidence and record-high personal debt threaten to blindside overextended homeowners and real estate investors.

The Coming Crash in the Housing Marketshows homeowners how to avoid owing more to lenders than their houses are worth--known as an "underwater" mortgage--and reveals commonsense steps for protecting one's assets when the bottom falls out.

In this compelling, well-documented book, renowned economic consultant John Talbot tells current and potential homeowners how to survive and thrive in tomorrow's world of slashed home values. He presents:

• Convincing reasons why the housing market will likely crash within two years
• Startling similarities between this and previous economic disasters

Reviews (44)

Maybe Mr. Greenspan should give this book a read...
I found the book did an excellent job of giving a "big picture" view of the current status of the US housing market. As I am in the investment industry, the real estate market has concerned me for sometime. If the business side of the economy doesn't recover before the consumer side losses its steam, we could really be in trouble.

I share the authors concerns about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Hopefully, the Treasury will oversee these two institutions soon so we might see some progress in getting these two goliaths under control.

I would have found it helpful if the author spent some more time drawing contrast to some of the previous real estate bubbles that we have seen around the globe. Japan and Hong Kong are two recent examples of what can go wrong when the bubble bursts. As well, it would have been nice to see data prior to 1968. Thirty-five years is still a relatively short period of time.

The fun won't last
If we look around at these real estate prices, I think most of us would have the gut reaction that Talbott is correct. He does a nice job laying out his arguments with data. When you see house prices in places like California (from outside the state), you realize that it just can't go on like this. My own personal example: a cousin who bought a house in the Chicago area for 500,000 in 1999 and sold it 2 years later for 750,000. That is just not normal. The author's use of a housing P/E ratio is enlightening.

Real estate insiders tend to argue that houses are a great investment and that there's only an upside to buying a house, but any investment carries a downside risk. The whole idea that housing is a fabulous investment is so new and so in that it just screams "bubble"! Our parents and grandparents bought houses so that they could retire rent-free, not so that they could have a 600% return on investment.

I only gave the book 4 stars because the editing is terrible. I could hardly make it through some sentences. McGraw-Hill should really do better. He also assumes that a (married) man is reading the book ("you and your wife"). I'm sure I'm not the only grrl who does the finances.

Also, some of the suggestions for avoiding losing money are pretty silly. Would it really be a good investment to build a bachelor pad over my garage to rent out? Should I sell my house where my job is and move out to the boondocks? A big no on both of those.

Nonetheless, a worthwhile read.

Well researched and informative.
Despite the blatant fear mongering title, this book actually uses sound reasoning, statistics and facts to prove a point that houses are overvalued.

Talbott gets into the increasing housing costs for individuals, especially the recent spike that economically doesn't make sense. He goes through the range of reasons, from the low interest rates, the stock market abandonment, to the increasing amounts of leverage. He then explains how those prices are out of range historically.

The most impressive and eye opening part was the thorough and precise explanation of the inefficiency of the housing market. He goes through the irrationality of the current home owners, mortgage insurance companies, the bankruptcy system, and tells how the structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac encourages increasingly risky and extended loans while shutting out healthy competition.

The only disappointment was the fact that I was not convinced of a crash. He did an excellent job of showing the overpriced market, but gave no reason why a correction would be sudden or dramatic, as opposed to a gradual leveling off in a few years.

All in all, it's an informative and worthwhile read.

A word to the wise -yikes- but will it be read?
I think the author is right. Home "values" have jumped up in response to the unsustainable low interest rates, as buyers have based their offers on mortgage payment size, and have been able to "afford" much much higher prices. Interest rates CAN'T go down, but if they go up, the same size mortgage could have payments of 2x-3x or more - unaffordability will drive prices down.

Then a lot of homeowners will end up with "underwater assets" meaning the outstanding balance on the mortgage is higher than the market value of their homes. This is particularly likely since the current custom is to keep taking home equity out with refinancing. These owners have no margin, and if they have to sell, they could be bankrupted.

If you know someone about to buy a home, buy, read, and give them this book. They might consider a slightly smaller home, and end up ahead in the end.

BTW, the author is not exactly the font of all wisdom. He actually called Michael Moore's cruel and deliberately deceptive movie, Bowling for Columbine, a "wonderful documentary"!! I was glad that was on the second to last page.

No one can predict the future
I have sold two condos over the last five years. I have been trying to decide whether I should rent or buy again. Having read books and articles from both sides, those who believe there is a housing bubble and those who believe prices will level off but not decrease, I have concluded that both make good arguments but only time will tell. I could come up with arguments to rebut everything said in this book and I could come up with arguments to rebut those who don't believe a housing crash will occur.

Here are the main arguments in support of a bubble:
*Many people are choosing adjustable rate mortgages. The inevitable increase in interest rates will make mortgages unaffordable for many. Many people will choose to sell their homes, creating excess inventory and lower prices.
*Rental vacancies are at records highs. Rent vs. Buy calculations are most likely to favor renting, driving more people out of the housing market.
*There is a huge gap between monthly mortgages and rents. The wider this gap grows the more likely people will choose to rent rather than buy, driving down demand and therefore prices.
*Only 20 percent of families can afford a home in today's high priced market.

Here are the arguments against a bubble:
*While rates will rise in the next few years an improving economy will bring better jobs and pay raises. This means that most homeowners will be able to pay the higher costs of their ARM mortgages. Also, many people who have ARMs can currently afford to pay 30 year rates, but they choose not to, to save money. When they see that rates are rising they can always get in on a good 30 year deal.
*The main reason for the record high rental vacancies is the recession. Many individuals and families have moved back in with parents. An improving economy will drive many of these people into the rental market driving up rents.
*More people entering the rental markets will close the gap between the cost of renting and the cost of a mortgage.

*Based on salaries only 20 percent of families can afford a home. However, for those who currently own a home the high rates of appreciation provide them with huge downpayments if they want or need a new home. So when assets are considered a lot more than 20% of families can afford houses despite the high cost.

Talbott's book is an interesting read but no one can predict what will happen in the future. The author may be right and he may be wrong. We'll have to wait and see what happens. If you have a home and are wondering if you should sell or if you want a home and are not sure you should buy now I would say don't let Talbott's views sway you. Read more arguments and come to a conclusion based on what seems to be going on in your local housing market.

I found a brand new affordable townhouse and I have a large downpayment, so I have decided to go ahead and buy. Even if Talbott is right and the market crashes I can make my monthly payments, which is ultimately what matters. This will be my third purchase and buying sure beats renting. ... Read more

Book Description

Barron's Business Keys have gained a deserved reputation as easy- to-read books of sound advice for consumers and non-experts. These brief, fact- filled volumes cut through business and financial jargon and speak to consumersin plain English. They offer information and advice on saving, investing,protecting one's assets, coping with taxes, and prudent management of personalfinances. Updated to reflect the current real estate market, this book presentsan informed view of the advantages and potential pitfalls connected with buyingforeclosed and bargain properties. Various sources are described includinglending institutions, the FHA, the Farmer's Home Administration, and others.There are valuable tips for buying at auction and for taking advantage ofspecial programs such as urban homesteading. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Keys to Buying Foreclosed & Bargain Homes
This book was extremely disappointing. It is too high level and superficial to provide any actionable information. It provides the same level of detail I'd expect from a magazine article, not a book.

Over simplified and short
I've read about 6 books on real estate bought from Amazon, and I have to say that this one is the most oversimplified. It is like reading one of those "pocket MBA" books, which just tells you terms and procedures. Don't expect to read this book and be able to transact "foreclosed and bargain homes". It is far from that! For instance, the chapters on how to identify and find a "bargain" home comes down to this: look it up at a bank, MLS, or internet. Heck! I could have told you that for free! Given that that is the most important step, I was really disappointed with this book. Don't waste your money...

If you want to buy an overview or basics book on home buying I sugget the "Unofficial Guide to Buying a Home" which is much more detailed and straightforward about buying a home. And it covers in better details what are the pitfalls of buying a bargain home.

A good read for those searching for discounted real estate.
I got this book because I became disenchanted with attempting to purchase real estate through tax liens and was searching for a better way. What I have found by reading this book is that it is possible to purchase real estate at a discount if one is willing to do the leg work.
The authors do a good job defining bargain homes, dicussing strategies on getting the best price and locating repossessed homes. Also the book has a useful glossary, helpful checklist and locations of Hud and VA offices around the country.

Concise and easy to read
This book is wonderful for the novice trying to learn about the business of investing in real estate. There is not a wasted word in this book and each chapter is only 2-3 pages long so it can be read inbetween commericals during a movie. I read over half the book during one movie.

There are helpful checklists and nuggets of suggestions that should help anyone wanting to buy a house or an investment such as Exhibit 1 showing how prices tend to change according to the season and the General Checklist to apply to any property you are considering buying. There are addresses for all the Hud offices in the US. There are tables to calculate mortgage payments based on the interest rate and there is an excellent explaination of the foreclosure process.

This a nugget of a book written in an extrememly readable and digestable manner. It may be a little too basic for experienced real estate investors but it is perfect for those just starting to learn the subject. I wish I had this book when I bought my first house and anyone facing foreclosure could benefit from reading it as well to understand the process.

Lacking passion and soul, a textbook coverage.
Written by two Ph.D.s (one a CPA and MAI appraiser), this book adequately covers the various avenues to buying foreclosed property. However, the treatment is general, often in the manner of a textbook, resulting in a mediocre treatment of what can be a very interesting subject. This book may provide a description of the landscape, but it really doesn't tell a first time purchaser how to navigate it. Nor does it provide a lot of insight into the acquisition of properties at "bargain" prices. The chapter "Investment Analysis" is about 2 1/2 pages, and budgets get about a half paragraph. One paragraph in the book deals with whether it is okay for a buyer to work with more than one broker, but there is minimal emphasis on the fact that most realtors represent the interests of the seller, rather than the buyer. I am sure that these guys know a lot and have seen a lot of interesting inspirational stories. However, they are not in this book. The book would have been better if more detailed examples, perhaps from the authors' experience, illustrating the various processes were included. There is also a lot more that can be learned about the various foreclosure acquisition avenues that is not included. The previous reviewer displays much more passion for this book than do the authors. A beginning purchaser would do well to supplement his knowledge with other books, similar to Craig Hall's The Real Estate Turnaround, or William Nickerson's book (now out of print), and books on negotiation by others such as Nierenberg. ... Read more

Book Description

"... want to buy a house or other real estate below market value? If so, read this book."--Robert J. Bruss, syndicated real estate columnist

Home foreclosures are at a ten-year high, and this new edition of Melissa Kollen-Rice's bestselling guide fills readers in on everything they need to know to find and finance real estate bargains from banks, S&Ls, public auctions, government agencies, and other sources. Packed with worksheets, checklists, and contact directories, Buying Real Estate Foreclosures is the resource for novices and pros alike. This fully revised and updated edition features:

• Guidance on pitfalls, hidden costs, sources of foreclosure lists, and creative financing strategies
• Valuable sample forms and documents
• A new chapter--"What the banks don't want you to know: why are they so motivated to sell?"
• New strategies to help investors cut through the red tape
• In-depth discussions of the benefits and risks of all types of financing
• A completely updated pre-bid checklist

Reviews (11)

As a novice I found this book helpful!
I found this book very helpful as an introduction into the world of real estate foreclosures. It was clear and concise the chapters were short and well defined. It is a great introductory book on the subject!

Best Investment I've Ever Made
I have purchased several books on foreclosures over the years (including the informercial ones that cost several hundred dollars). This book by far is the best value. It gives a no-nonsense approach to buying foreclosures and teaches you how to make money without losing your shirt. Melissa Kollen-Rice is a very accomplished writer and is soon to be a lawyer (if she is not already). For less than $20, you owe it to yourself to buy this book.

Best Foreclosure Book I Have Found
This book is the best of the best. Melissa's experience and practical advice are amazing. Don't waste your money on those TV informercial people like I did. For less than $..., this book will give you everything you need and more.

Best Mortgage Foreclosure book found
For all of you in New York and New Jersey, this is a MUST have book. Yes some of the information is a bit outdated (written before the internet explosion) it still has a great deal of useful information for buying foreclosures in mortgage states. The author gives courses on Long Island, NY and contributes to many local real estate publications. I also recommend "Flipping Properties"by William Bronchick,...
Finally, don't waste your money on another of those "national foreclosure programs" sold on late night TV or through heavy email marketing -- they are a waste of money. Get this book instead, you'll be very happy!

Best investment I ever made
Great book! I found this book very helpful, especially compared to all of the garbage that they spew on TV. Everyone can can find several useful items in this book, no matter how experienced or inexperienced they are. I am now living in my first foreclosure and I'm looking forward to buying another one for investment. ... Read more

Book Description

Packed with powerful, proven, and time-tested techniques, Pure Profits gives you the tools for changing your life and improving your financial situation. Al Auger's real life examples and step-by-step game plan will put you on the fast track to success.

Discover how to:
Spot first-rate real estate locations
Network easily and effectively
Improve your personal performance and negotiating skills
Evaluate and limit risk
Create a winning proposal that targets high returns ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great guide when changing careers
Pure Profits by Al Auger has been a great tool for me to use as I change careers. For some one who was not involved in real esta