5 comments about The Option of Urbanism: Investing in a New American Dream.

1. People outside the planning profession would find this book helpful in understanding new directions that are possible. Developers who are looking for a competitive advantage tool would do well to avail themselves to Leinberger's perspective on urbanism. It is an easy read, not technical, requires no specific background other than a healthy curiosity and drive to do better. City commissioners would also benefit from purusing these pages.
   
   The author is a major mover and shaker in Albuquerque and a key proponent of their downtown revival. Leinberger writes from first-hand experience. I recommend reading books like this because it is a chance to get inside the head of a visionary. A person could easily read one book like this each week; how else could you immerse yourself in 52 change agents per year?? When a consultant of Leinberger's stature shares 5 hours of his insights for less than $20 it is a pretty good value.



2. Written from a perspective that most urban critiques fail to provide, this book grounds the reader in the real estate, demographic and policy realities that have shaped the American built environment into what we see today. Leinberger knows this stuff cold, both as a developer and through his more recent positions in Brookings and academia. He writes in an approachable style and provides the most thorough discussion to date of the entrenched system of subsidies and practices fueling types of residential and commercial construction that is increasingly at odds with the "true" market. Late in the book, I think he makes a rare--but very appropriate--connection between the implication of the continuation of these policies and our future energy needs. For those of us who like a good, constructive reality check now and again in the midst of all the usual suburban finger-wagging, it's a must-read book this year.



3. I met Chris Leinberger 13 years ago when we began in earnest to address how we were growing in Atlanta. He was knowledgeable, articulate and helpful then, and he continues to be so today. I have borrowed extensively from this new book of his in helping people to understand how growth and development issues relate to each other, why we must pursue walkable urban development, and what the multiple benefits are that derive from this approach to development and redevelopment. This book is well written, is appropriate for lay persons and "wonks" and can be read in just a few sittings. Thank you, Chris, for a terrific resource at such an important time in our nation's development history.



4. Great book. I lived the phases of walkable neighborhoods to driving-suburban. Now we have return to sustainable, walking neighborhoods especially with the gas cost.
   
   As I grew up, I felt supply and demand dictated growth. This book explained government and economic factors that influence development.
   
   good read



5. In _The Option of Urbanism_, Christopher Leinberger documents the history of both urban ("walkable urbanism") and suburban ("drivable sub-urbanism") settings. Before WW II, most people lived in cities and towns where most of their needs (shopping, etc.) could be met via a short walk, or perhaps, with public transportation.
   
   After the war, the big swing was to the suburbs, due to several factors. Government and financial-institution policies tended to favor the suburbs, freeways, single-family housing and shopping malls....and discouraged any meaningful pro-urban development--at least until very recently. Nowadays there is a considerable demand for more dense housing, with destinations within walking distance.
   
   Although Leinberger is very much in favor of urbanism, he does talk about some problems with it (affordability/gentrification is a big issue with some of the newer urban developments). Neither does he call for the suburbs to cease to exist, although he warns that some suburban developments may be hurt by the shift to the cities, rising gas prices, etc. (This book was written right before the current mortgage and gas price crises, and we're starting to see their effects on certain suburban areas as I write this)

5 comments about Everyday Real Estate Millionaires: How Average People REALLY Do It.

1. After reading Paul's book I am inspired! I have read alot of real estate investment books but NOW I have finally found the roadmap and the mentor!
   Paul's book delivers hope and honesty. Paul then takes you to the next level by having real people share real life victories. This book delivers creative and calculated ideas and actions with measureable, step by step results!
   Thanks Paul with your creativity, your "find a way" attitude and your integrity. I am certain many people have been waiting to find you!
   Dawn King
   Soon to be Multi- Millionaire Real Estate Investor



2. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Everyday Real Estate Millionaires. I found the real life stories to be inspirational while giving practical strategies on how I could start building wealth with Real Estate. Thank you Paul for this great book!
   Highly Recommended!



3. This book is a must read for anyone that thinks they can't invest in Real Estate. These real life stories show that it is possible for anyone regardless of their current wealth, to make money in any market!
   
   I could not put Everyday Real Estate Millionaires down and plan to read it a 2nd and 3rd time. My wife never reads financial books, and she picked it up every time I put it down.
   
   We can't wait to purchase our first Property.
   Thanks for showing us that we can be Real Estate Millionaires!



4. Paul's book is perfect for the novice right up to the advanced investor. The real-life testemonials demonstrating the growth of each person from the start of their real estate investment journies, all of the trials and tribulations and how in short periods of time through perseverence they achieved their ulitmate goal of financial freedom. These were so valuable to me, as the tips and ways around traditional financing really opened my eyes and will take my own real estate investment company to the next level. I have read most investing books out there, and they all repeat the same vague message, never giving out the real "tricks" of the trade. This book actually does that. Thanks, Paul!



5. This book delivers 4 stories about people who became millionaires. They give a some-what detailed timeline of how they got to be rich. I felt the book could be alot more detailed about the #'s and specifics the real estate investments involved in the stories. What I got from the book, "the road to being a millionaire isn't that interesting who as long as I thought"...basically the book was a confidence booster that normal people really do get rich.

5 comments about How to Become a Million Dollar Real Estate Agent in Your First Year: What Smart Agents Need to Know Explained Simply.

1. Real estate agents who are newly licensed can't afford to miss this guide, which surveys the successful strategies of top seller and creates a business plan from these strategies. Any who want to learn how to begin a real estate business will find plenty of material from agents' personal experiences, paired with lessons from the author's own viewpoint. From handling competition and gaining referrals to setting up Internet marketing and keeping clients close by mailing out reminder cards, any business library catering to real estate agent clientele needs this.



2. Susan Smith Alvis writes an extremely informative and practical guide on becoming a million dollar real estate agent. Everything an up-and-coming real estate agent needs to know to be a top performer--finding listings and clients, self-marketing, budgeting, and planning for success--is in this book. But what makes this book special is her take on running your business. She stresses the importance of work-life balance to maintain one's sanity and that ethical business practices will take you further than shady ones. And as a seasoned professional, she has much sage advice about how to avoid the shady practices of others. Great advice for not getting taken by the brokerage house and for paying yourself is also included. This book has it all!
   It is clear Susan Smith Alvis knows her stuff. Her energy and expertise come through on every page.



3. As a newly minted real estate agent, I bought this book to start learning what I really need to know about real estate, other than what is required by law, and this book does a good job at hitting on important things that a real estate agent should know.
   
   Two things that bothered me though, are first, the author (as I believe I understood it), only worked in real estate for four years and is now retired from real estate. If the advice she gives about how to be a successful real estate agent is so good, how come she no longer practices, after only doing it for 4 years?
   
   Also, the product description on Amazon listed many topics that were the content of this book. Some of those topics were covered by 2 or 3 sentences which was not enough depth to do them justice. Also, where was the part about the vehicle and insurance...I must have missed that. I'll read the book again and see if it is there, but I don't believe it was.
   
   On the positive side I appreciated what the author had to say about keeping a positive attitude and being an ethical real estate agent. I do recommend this book as a good starting point for a new agent as you will be able to create a list of things you need to further investigate for your new career in real estate.



4. How to Become a Million Dollar Real Estate Agent in Your First Year, written by Susan Smith Alvis, is the perfect book for anyone who is undertaking or considering a career as a real estate agent. Written in a conversational tone that makes for a quick read, this book gives the reader step-by-step instructions for everything from how to set up his business, how to find clients, how to deal with other realtors, and how to, ultimately, close a deal with clients.
   
   As an added benefit, How to Become a Million Dollar Real Estate Agent in Your First Year is also filled with great tools for the beginner real estate agent. The glossary of terms is a comprehensive listing of real estate terms and their meanings. The included telephone scripts and canvassing letter formats will prove to be solid starting points as the reader begins to develop and increase his own client base. The section of the book titled "A Day in the Life of a Real Estate Agent" also provides valuable descriptions of the types of things a successful real estate agent does and even how often he does them. What more instruction could you ask for?
   
   How to Become a Million Dollar Real Estate Agent in Your First Year is one book that should become a part of any new real estate agent's reference library. Its no-nonsense advice and well-developed reference section will make the reader glad to have it on his bookshelf.



5. As a new member to the realestate community I was very nervous as to how I would make a good start in my new career. This book is full of great advise to set you up for success. With all of the huge competition in this cut throat business it is very important to do all you can to position yourself for success. I do recomend this book if you are serious about making money as a real estate agent.

5 comments about Irrational Exuberance: Second Edition.

1. This book has good info in it but man, does it get long. I read lots of analytical info with interest, but this book was very very slow for me, especially in the middle and later chapters.
   
   The good news is that the first couple of chapters make it worthwhile. It does present some very important and valid concepts. The easily-bored reader could read the first few chapters and the last chapter, learn a lot of good info, and not miss much in the long middle chapters.
   
   JD



2. If you have Invested more than ten dollars in the share market or real estate than you should read this book.



3. Last year in my country you can see some commercials in the TV inviting to invest in Mutual Funds, and I believe lots of people turned to that. The problem is that the very next year, beginning in January, the housing bubble burst and we know the rest of the story. Although this book was written before that, the book remain valid at explaining the particular behavior of the markets in these moments of furor, the "irrational exuberance", and the panic that follows it. In my opinion the book is a good investigation of the markets, you can see the author analyzing all the factors involved, including sociological and psicological (this make the book a little slow). Is good to invest in the financial system, but in awareness of its possible behavior.



4. not much food in the book overall..a very shallow and general talk, but i found it interesting to see his comments (p220) on the interest rate and other potential risks in the mortgage market back in 2005. some of the points he mentioned are indeed drivers of the recent subprime meltdown



5. Great book based on the phrase spoken by Greenspan to try and slow down the economy.

5 comments about 21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me: Practical Advice for New Real Estate Professionals.

1. This is one great book about what it is like being a real estate agent. It gives you the good and the bad. Read this before deciding on a real estate career.
   Gary



2. This is a good book with time tested ideas. While none of the information is new nor earth shattering, it does cover the basics.
   
   If you are considering a career in Real Estate, this book is a must read--even before you enroll in Real Estate school. You *must* know this information before you get started.
   
   If you work at an office with little or no training, this book is also a must have. If your office provides excellent training, and some do, then the information in the book may be somewhat redundant.
   
   Consider your situation carefully, if you need an extra push, considering a career in Real Estate, or struggling for information--then this is a must have addition to your library.



3. Finally, here's the new and improved version of the industry classic "21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me." It has everything in the original, plus it's updated with the latest industry trends. Here's the basic information on the real estate industry, and what new agents need to know to survive and prosper. Hard to believe -- but it's even better than the original! A must-read for every new agent!



4. This is an excellent book for any real estate agent. I am a new agent, and I gave the title to my Broker, who purchased a copy. She has 30 years of experience in real estate, and she thought the book was awesome as well. I think that is a pretty good recommendation.



5. I am very pleased with this book and the service from this vendor was exceptional.

5 comments about The Real Estate Game: The Intelligent Guide To Decisionmaking And Investment.

1. Harvard Business School Professor and real estate investor William Poorvu has written a book about real estate is far above most real estate books. This book is nowhere near the run of the mill generic real estate book that tries to tell everything about real estate to people who don't have a clue. "The Real Estate Game" is a sophisticated commercial real estate book written by a real estate insider. This is not a book about buying your first house with no down payment.

   What this is, is a book about commercial real estate projects from concept, commitment, development, operations, and harvest. The authors bring a behind the scenes and insiders' approach to commercial development. He lays it out in the form of a game with properties, capital markets, players and external environment. One of the stories in the book is that of Bill Zeckendorf's classic assemblage of Swift slaughterhouses into the United Nations property and vicinity. Included in the book is the authors' commercial due diligence checklist. This book would be most interesting to a person involved in commercial real estate, someone interested in commercial real estate or someone interested in the business of commercial real estate. I think that this is the kind of book that you can refer back to time and time again. There is a lot of information in this book and it may even be a book that you will want to read more than once. It has a depth, and quality of information contained far superior to the average mass media real estate book without the dryness of a real estate textbook




2. The vast majority of real estate investment books to be found in the Barnes & Noble investment section offer variations of Mark Twain's stock market advice: "making money in stocks is easy. Only buy a stock if it goes up; if it doesn't go up, don't buy it." By contrast, Poorvu walks readers through myriad real estate investment situations, fleshing out the risks and rewards, and the mindsets of the various players. While written in an anecdotal style replete with real-life examples, the book also presents an encyclopedic overview of investment opportunities (direct, REIT, syndicates, etc.) and asset categories (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.). This is a real estate investment book written by an adult, for adults -- in contrast to all the other get-rich-quick-no-money-down titles targeting gullible novices.



3. William Poorvu teaches at the Harvard Business School and also invests and develops on his own. He uses case studies to show examples of the techniques and rules he uses when investing which is how MBA's are taught. Overall its some great real world advice with no promises of making you a millionaire overnight.



4. I found this book extrememly valuable in deepening my understanding of the subject and providing perspective for me to carry my understanding further on my own by looking at market information and events.
   Useful for beginner to intermediate level real estate interested people.



5. Mr. Poorvu's book does an excellent job of teaching investors how to analyze real estate deals. It reads a bit like a text book but serious investors will appreciate the intelligence and depth of the content.

5 comments about Investing For Dummies.

1. I bought this for my daughter, who is taking this a college course.
   She seems to be happy with it. She asked for this book it as the instructor told her she needed it for the class. Sorry I can't give you more info but I am sure it's a good book.
   
   Kathy in Las Vegas



2. I wanted to start investing and read somewhere you should first do some studies. That's when I came across this book. Very well written, and in simple to understand language. I used to dread 401K, IRA, Mutual Funds, Bonds. Now I am confident I know about them and what I am investing into.
   Showed new ways to look at debts, as to if I clear my debt sooner, I am investing in something which gives be interest equal to the interest I pay the bank.
   
   I would recommend this book to all who want to get into investing but are hesitant or don't know where to get information from.



3. I've read several "for Dummies" books, and in general the entire series is well written, concise, and gives you what you really need. However, I was very disappointed in this one. The book is really dedicated to the three methods of building wealth: equity (stocks, mutual funds, etc.), real estate, and small business. But there isn't enough info on any of the three subjects to do much with. You're better off getting a separate book on real estate if you plan on pursuing that. And nothing he says regarding small business is of much use to accomplish anything. That leaves stocks, bonds and mutual funds, which is what most users would purchase this book for. Regarding that, if you are completely new to mutual funds then this is the book for you as it will explain the basics. However, if you are beyond the very basics (i.e.; "What is a mutual fund?"), and are looking to seriously invest, then I think you'll be disappointed. And if you are looking to get into buying stocks directly, then this book seriously falls short. The entire section on stocks really just explains a canned stock report from a given company. Utterly useless unless you plan on subscribing to that service. No talk of forward PE's, valuation, etc.. Also, the author's continual insistence that you should stay in mutual funds because you "can't beat the market" since there are so many pros out there is utterly ridiculous. There are many gurus out there that have proven track records of generating higher than average returns. Just emulating Warren Buffet's portfolio will do that.
   
   I was looking for a book to dig more into stock valuation, company analysis, etc. and this book barely even touched on any of that beyond definitions. I wouldn't even call it Finance 101, since there is very little about monetary policy, bonds, interest rates, etc.. If you've picked out at least one mutual fund in your life (or purchased a stock directly), then this book is way too simple. If you tremble at the thought of picking a mutual fund and have no financial sense whatsoever, then this is your book.



4. Great book, lays it all out in terms I can understand. I started investing based on this book, and I refer to it often.



5. I didn't think reading about money/investing could ever be this fun or interesting. Straight talk and clear definitions for all the finance jargon.

5 comments about Investing in Income Properties: The Big Six Formula for Achieving Wealth in Real Estate.

1. I loved this book. I love that the formula is simple. I have been looking at proeprties here in Miami and also at properties that I have bought in the past. It is clear from my past that if I had followed the BIG 6 I would have been better off. I highly reccomend this book if you are searching for financial independnce though the purchase of income properties. Just hitting one property with the BIG 6 could make you and your family financially independent for life. I will never buy another property that does not have the Big Six.



2. Ken Rosen shares with the reader his vast experience in his latest book, Investing in Income Properties. The book covers all facets of the process of searching for, purchasing and maintaining an Income Property. His grasp of the subject stems from his many years of hands-on experience in real estate, and he presents all the information in a clear, concise and accessible narration that readers will find pleasant to read. His Big Six Formula, combined with his use of real-life stories and hypothetical examples allows the reader to participate in the process instead of just reading about the process. If you own or are interested in owning income properties, Ken Rosen's "Investing In Income Properties" is a must-read!



3. With nearly 30 years in commercial real estate, I continue to learn from seasoned veterans like Ken Rosen. Ken is an accomplished real estate professional, investor and educator. I am honored to be a part of this book which provides easy to understand and down to earth advice for anyone who needs to learn about commercial real estate or wants to invest in real estate. I have read many "how to succeed" books over the years; and none have been as complete and informative as "The Big Six". This is real; a methodical approach to wealth and security. Ken's book teaches how to build a successful real estate portfolio one step at a time. Readers need to bear in mind that the right investment demands determination, patience, diligence and perseverence. Do your homework and let "others" help build your wealth and pay your mortgage as they pay their rent.



4. Kenneth D. Rosen has constructed a concise yet thorough digest of investing in commercial real estate. He has reinforced previously learned concepts and opened my eyes to other pathways. The book is extremely well written and logically guides one's search for successful endeavors in investing. The language is clear, simple, and follows a natural sequence. It lends itself to the syllabus of a M.B.A. business school in its scope.



5. Excellent book for commercial Real Estate.
   I suggest you to read it for a better understanding of how a market works.
   
   I am currently looking for a position in commercial Real Estate.
   I have a bachelor degree in Real Estate and Finance.
   [...]

5 comments about The First-Time Homeowner's Handbook: A Complete Guide and Workbook for the First-Time Home Buyer (Book & CD-ROM).

1. 
   Though this book's title specifies that it's for the first time buyer, my advice would be to pick it up and read it thoroughly regardless of how many times you've bought or built. It is a super compendium of all the steps a buyer needs to take, including information on motivation and emotions in home buying, taxes, paperwork, hiring a professional advocate such as a lawyer or real estate agent, and an in-depth discussion of how to find out your credit score. The section on credit also gives good advice about establishing and maintaining a good credit score that would be helpful for anyone trying to finance a large purchase. The information in this book should be available from the real estate agent you're working with, but it's good to know it yourself in case the agent isn't keeping your well-being in mind at all times.
   
   I also appreciated the straightforward, matter-of-fact tone of this book. There were no embellishments, just the information in a logical, easy to understand format. It also includes a 15 page glossary, helpful for the novice. Five stars out of five.



2. I just recently finished it and I feel like having taken a course on Real Estate 101. It is helpful, practical, and easy to read. It has great tools like check-off lists and sample contracts all on a complimentary CD.
   
   We are looking into buying a house and this has given me a great base of knowledge to start making smarter decision.
   
   Worth the $$.



3. We're finding out that homebuying, especially the first time around, can be quite a wild ride. This Handbook has provided great information and guidance in the process toward final first home ownership. This book is definitely recommended.



4. I bought this book in preparation of buying a house - we are first time home-buyers and needed to know the basics without getting bogged down with too much jargon or poorly-written advice. I found the book easy to read and the chapters helpful without sacrificing important information that I needed to know. The book comes with a CD with useful forms and other checklists for those geeks and control freaks too who like to pay attention to detail. After reading the book, I no longer felt like an ignoramus and could carry on an intelligent, 2-way conversation with realtors. It was worth the twenty bucks I paid for the book just for the peace of mind and education in house-buying.



5. This book is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking a book on first-time home buying. It covers all the major topics needed (i.e., looking for agent, escrow, financing, etc.). It is simply written and can be read in about 3-4 hours. The only problem is that it is very rudimentary and should not be read alone. It needs to be supplemented with other more detailed information after being read. Highly recommned reading " 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask: With Answers from Top Brokers from Around the Country (100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask)" after reading in order to get more depth of coverage of the various aspects of home buying.

5 comments about Real Estate Tax Deed Investing: How We Made Over One Million Dollars in Two Years.

1. I'm not much of a technical person so I was happy when I actually made it all the way thru this book. The stories of their success were pretty impressive and with the information they gave I could actually look it up in the property appraiser website and verify they owned it! It was pretty cool! The examples in the book really helped out the tougher sections. Most the other books I've read concentrate too much on tax liens, this only focused on tax deeds, where you can buy the properties cheap. I've been to a couple auctions in the past and this book helped clear up some issues like getting a clear title in 90 days instead of 4 years. I'm gathering together my cash to go buy my next discount property at an auction in Lake County Florida. I recommend this book.



2. 
   I liked this book. Very informative and takes a different approach than most of the other books I've read on this topic. It's easy to see why the authors are making money using this method.
   
   I highly recommend it.... ESPECIALLY in today's troubled housing market. This is how to still make money...



3. The information in this book flows easily and its to the point!! It was an easy read.



4. I was please with the book overall, because it is very down to earth real world stuff from someone who really has done it, IN FLORIDA. I learned a lot of things to look for and questions to ask that I might not have found out about until it was too late, but I need to ask someone in MY STATE to be sure to get the right answers. I have learned that tax deed laws are very state specific and I would urge anyone interested to find a resource specific to their state.



5. This is just the kind of investing book we all hope for, with detailed instructions as well as both the pro's and the con's--not just the hype that sells books, not just "how to get rich without effort," but the authors honestly explain the negatives right along with what's so great--all the things that can go wrong, what to watch out for--also how to avoid wasting time, which is extremely important. They also stress that it is a lot of work, yep; but then they show how effort pays off, AND that taking care counts much more than having bundles of cash to invest--and that's what I want to learn more about, don't you? Needless to say, the book is inspiring simply because it makes it seem realistic for anyone to get into this type of investing since the authors explain what they actually DO. I felt they actually WANT to share their professional secrets--and you know, not everyone does! Which is almost like having a personal mentor! This book is that good!