Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Susan Smith Alvis. By Atlantic Publishing Company (FL).
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $14.72.
There are some available for $12.47.
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5 comments about The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply.
- This book is ideal for people who have never bought a condo, townhouse, or apartment. Each type of property is defined, and myths about different properties are dispelled. The ideas are explained in straightforward language. It's full of useful caveats that revolve around such topics as upcoming assessments, homeowner's boards, restrictions, types of neighbors, and amenities. Quite a bit of the book is dedicated to discussion on the pros and cons of shared housing. There are also discussions on home warranties, subleases, lease options, and vacation homes. In the back are a glossary, appendices with checklists, and an index, so the book can serve as a resource for later use. The amortization schedules in appendix probably aren't necessary because you can find this information online, but it doesn't hurt to have them there because they're in an appendix, not in the text.
- The author takes great pains to dispel those lingering myths about condo ownership. She does this in a light easy tone. The book has a good layout in an easy to read format. The chapters flow nicely into one another. The author has included some very interesting case studies and anecdotes provide by others in the Real Estate field.
The book is full of strong practical advice. It also pulls no punches, she makes it clear that condo townhome ownership is not for everyone. She makes sure to cover not only the good points but the bad ones as well, especially in the area of Homeowners Associations-she explains their importance and how to deal with them. All of this done in an easy friendly manner with a welcome touch of humor.
The book is an excellent checklist for anyone considering buying.
- You would be surprised at the differences between purchasing a house and opting for a condo, apartment or townhouse! This guide totally demystifies the documents and the process, laying bare the restrictions (the plusses too!) associated with shared living. My own changing lifestyle necessitated a move from a house with all its trappings, to a townhouse complex, and at first my misgivings left me with an air of uncertainty as to what to expect. The invaluable information I found in this handy manual took me step by step through the process, covering areas I am sure would have been overlooked. Those important documents including clauses relating to disclosure statements and warranties, options and ordinances, became a lot less threatening after my virtual tour of the entire process through this exhaustive guide. I even found to my utter delight, a full amortization table based on 30 years, a glossary that simplified much of the industry terminology, sample condominium rules and regulations, and last but not least, a questionnaire that prompted me to think of issues which may have later resulted in pesky little problems. The Complete Guide was for me, a jewel of a find!
- Realtor turned author Susan Smith Alvis knows how to generate a profit-- and in her latest title, "The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment", she provides a no-holds-barred, handy reference aimed at maximizing your multi-family property investment dollars. Here, Alvis draws upon her considerable knowledge and "insider's" perspective to lay bare the complexities -- from shopping to closing-- of these unique transactions utilizing a deceptively simple, straightforward tone and format; while her expertise is apparent throughout each chapter, the book's major strength lies in its easy readability and common-sense advice. Another plus -- though it is primarily oriented toward the first-time investor, the author has devoted substantial material to the buyer intent on occupying a shared housing unit full-time. No consumer is excluded, and, indeed, it is a fair assertion that even the seasoned landlord will glean new and relevant information from this guide.
Clearly, the work is tailored to the conscientious buyer. As such, Alvis: defines -- in a logical, step-by-step fashion -- the differences between these specialty properties; illustrates: the necessary considerations based upon the buyer's goals; uncovers: the challenges specific to these structures via varied scenarios; and, more importantly, educates. And, in addition to her own hard-earned insights, this veteran real estate professional includes solid counsel and oft-unknown purchase tips from colleagues representing a cross-section of national markets. These tips -- all gems and presented in a fun, "classified case study" quote context -- outline realistic scenarios designed to navigate the prospective condo, townhouse, or apartment owner through unforeseen wrinkles and avoid potential pitfalls so as to culminate in a successful sale, regardless of occupancy or investment intent.
Ultimately, "The Complete Guide to Purchasing a Condo, Townhouse, or Apartment" is an invaluable reference for the homeowner or investor considering a shared housing unit(s) acquisition.
- Despite all the fluctuations in the real estate market these days, buying a place of their own is still high on the list of priorities for many people. However, an increasing number of buyers are examining the advantages of shared housing space, as opposed to purchasing a house. Whether you're thinking about investing in a condo, townhouse or apartment for yourself or as an investment, first pick up a copy of Susan Smith Alvis' useful guide.
Alvis offers potential homeowners a better understanding of the difference between the different types of properties, and examines the benefits and drawbacks of shared housing. While some might prefer the greater degree of privacy provided by a single-family home, the alternative offers advantages such as low maintenance and a sense of community. But, Alvis notes, real estate professionals always say, "Location, location, location," for a good reason. Whether you're buying a condo, townhouse or apartment as a place to live or as a rental property, bear in mind that it is important to ask questions such as: Why is the property for sale? How many bedrooms and bathrooms does the place have? Is it close to schools, work, and shopping?
In addition to explaining important documents such as disclosure, and insurance forms, Alvis closes her book with an extensive glossary of property-related terms that are clearly defined. She also includes a financial table that will allow potential homeowners to calculate their monthly payments. So, before you buy, first invest in a copy of Alvis' valuable guide. She'll help you get the best value for your money.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by William Bronchick and Robert Dahlstrom. By Kaplan Business.
The regular list price is $18.95.
Sells new for $7.50.
There are some available for $4.64.
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5 comments about Flipping Properties: Generate Instant Cash Profits in Real Estate.
- Straight and to the point; bam bam bam... all of the info is important and worthwhile. A very no foolin' around book.
- An excellent book detailing not only the rewards of investing in property, but also the difficulty associated with it. Too many authors like Carlton Sheets and Robert Allen make investing in real estate seem like a walk in the park and you can make riches in a matter of weeks. In reality, real estate investing takes work and homework. It also might take months or more likely years to see a real profit.
- Fight The Good FightBill Bronchick is an attorney and I've attended his seminars which are reasonably priced and very informative. Being an attorney is what separates him from the rest of the Rest Estate guru's. The information he gives is solid and easy to comprehend. If you want to do real estate investing I don't believe you can find a better resource than Bronchick.
- A great introduction to the world of Real Estate Investing and flipping properties. Written as a great overview to the process and how to get started. This is a great book from one of my Mentor's.
- I have read a lot of fix and flip books but this is the best.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Stephen G. Steadele. By New Wealth Publishing Inc..
The regular list price is $34.99.
Sells new for $30.04.
There are some available for $33.55.
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No comments about Multifamily Millionaire.
Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Jay P. DeCima. By McGraw-Hill.
The regular list price is $19.95.
Sells new for $6.70.
There are some available for $2.50.
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5 comments about Start Small, Profit Big in Real Estate: Fixer Jay's 2-Year Plan for Building Wealth - Starting from Scratch.
- The author gave "how" examples and easy to understand explainations to help you build wealth.
- I loved Fixer Jay's original book, Investing In Fixer Uppers, so I was thrilled to buy his second book as soon as I heard about it. It is an ok book, but it is his original book in a new cover. Even some of the sentences are the same. It was kind of like listening to a friend who tells you the same stories without remembering that he has told you already, using the same words, gestures and inflection. I was dissapointed that there is actually no explanation for creating a 2-year plan anywhere in the book. The closest thing that I could find to a 2-year plan, was a sentence on page 8 that said, "Two years after you acquire your first property, you should have a dependable income, assuming that you're following my strategies." Then comes an analogy that investing in real estate is like kissing frogs to find a prince. I suppose that it is, but it didn't help me with a 2-year plan. If you are interested in fixing up houses to rent for income, don't hesitate to buy Jay's first book-I have read it 5 times, and am using his strategies from that book right now, having just fixed up an older house in my neighborhood. With 3 month's part time work, I now have 28k in equity, and 209.00 per month positive cashflow, on my first fix-up ever, thanks to his first book. The house was even owner financed, 2% down, and deferred payments too! (Jay's strategies) Don't bother with the 2-year plan book though, because it isn't anything new.
- This book has the strong qualities of Jay's first book - written in a easy-going, lay-back style that makes it enjoyable to read, and it presents an eminently useful model that really works.
Jay says to avoid slick and flashy techniques because "slick is another word for slippery." He points out the gurus who formerly expounded on a wide assortment of get-rich techniques are "either bankrupt or working in gas stations." Jay advises to stick with run-down, fixer-upper types of properties. Buy low, and improve their value, and rent them out. I's a winning formula that I, and many others, have used to make money in real estate.
I particularly liked Jay's technique of taking a low key negotiation approach, like the former TV-detective Columbo when he interrogated suspects. Instead of putting the seller on the defensive, don't directly tell them what's wrong with their house. No one wants a complete stranger to come up and criticize their house. Always show respect to the seller, and have the seller tell you what's wrong with the house by asking him a series of polite questions. Listen carefully to what the seller has to say. You can learn a lot by listening. Don't be critical, never talk down to anyone. Even sellers who must sell, won't sell to you if you try to intimidate them. Jay points out that you still must diligently verify any information you get from the seller. One way to do that is to ask for their "Schedule E" tax form.
Another key to Jay's formula is turning motivated sellers into bankers. This is something that a lot of us, myself included, need to work on. If we follow Jay's advice and get the seller to finance at least part of the loan, the purchase process suddenly becomes much easier.
I also liked Jay's memo system of dealing with renter problems. In using this system, I find it simplifies my dealings with renters. If you call and tell them to do something, they forget. If they see it in writing, in an official-looking memo, they will usually, but not always, do what you ask them to do. It reduces direct contact with them and it gives you written documentation in case you later need it later to remove them from the house. I like Jay's comment "tenants don't intimidate me because they are simply no match for my landlording skills." A bold attitude that we should all aspire for.
Overall, there is a lot to like about this book. If offers sound advice for the new, and the seasoned, investor. The Columbo negotiating technique alone was worth the price of the book for me.
Terry Sprouse is author of the book: "Fix 'em Up, Rent 'em Out: How to Start Your Own House Fix-up and Rental Business in Your Spare Time."
- Author's basic premise makes sense-- there is money to be made buying fixer upper single-family houses that are rehabbed and rented for investment income. Author suggests focusing on houses that require cosmetic repairs and/or sweat-equity repairs that offer cost savings via investor completed repairs versus hiring and paying a professional.
Book's shortcomings include ad nausea repetition, a lack of practical how-to advice and too many references to investment returns based on gross income versus net income or before tax cash flow (i.e., A $100,000 house that rents for $1,000 per month does not produce a 12% return unless the tenant covers all operating expenses, capital improvements and there is no debt service. John Schaub's single-family house investment books offer a more detailed road map.
- There is some good, useful information in this book. But personally I found it hard to get past the country boy, hick lingo that he uses so much. For example, "Never Try to Milk a Steer". There are so many metaphors like this, I couldn't get through the whole book because I was laughing instead of absorbing the information. Most of the information is good, but if the book was more well written it would be alot better. I stopped reading this book and moved on to another one that I purchased at the same time, Millionaire Real Estate Mentor, I think its written by Russ Whitney or Ross Whitney, something like that. That one is awesome so far and I would recommend it above this book any day.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Richard T. Williamson. By Kaplan Business.
The regular list price is $21.95.
Sells new for $13.55.
There are some available for $11.90.
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5 comments about Selling Real Estate Without Paying Taxes: Capital Gains Tax Alternatives, Deferral vs. Elimination of Taxes, Tax-Free Property Investing, Hybrid Tax Strategies ... (Selling Real Estate Without Paying Taxes).
- I have read a number of books about real estate tax planning, and this is by far the best. It is clear, to the point, and very readable. The author goes through the basics of how a capital gains basis is calculated, rules about stepping up basis, primary residence exclusion rules, etc. He then discusses various ways of deferring or eliminating capital gain consequences via 1031, installment sales, private annuity trusts, charitable remainder trusts and Roth IRAs. The chapter on private annuity trusts is one of the least known, yet most valuable strategies that exists. Buy this book!
- This book answered all my tax and property questions quickly and precisely. It was well written and perfect for someone who is not a CPA or property specialist. Highly recommended.
- Understanding the tax implications of your investments is one of the most important things you can do as a current, or aspiring real estate investor. While Mr. Williamson's book will not make you a "tax expert" it will give you the foundational knowledge you will need in order to intelligently converse with your attorney/accountant, and to make wise investing decisions.
Chapters include information on: capital gains, tax basis, exclusions, exchanges, installment sales, and trusts. I have personally given this book to new agents in my company in order to familiarize them with the tax implications of real estate investing.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording. Unlike many real estate investing books, it is written to be a genuine "How To" book that "takes you by the hand" and walks you through a step-by-step process for getting started in real estate investing -- investors across the country are giving it rave reviews. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading. You might want to check out the companion CD too -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses (Combo Audio/Data CD): Author's Audio Commentary Plus Downloadable 32-page Marketing Manual, Checklists, Spreadsheets, and Forms.
A related program that's well worth checking out is:
The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Personal Wealth Creation (Combo Audio/Data CD): Audio Seminar With Downloadable 40-Page Action Manual and Active Link Library.
I believe that Williamson has written an informative book that's worthy of your time. Buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.
- Is a tremendously informative resource and well written so that a novice in real estate can understand and must have. It was so helpful, I purchased 4 more to give as gifts.
- I purchased the book to plan my tax strategy when selling an investment property that incurred significant gain. The sections on CRUTs, Installment Sales, and 1031 Tax Free Exchanges were very helpful and thorough. It is somewhat technical information, but written in a manner that a layman (non-CPA) can understand. My only complaint is that he doesn't address the implications of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) anywhere in the book, and it has become a VERY significant consideration for selling highly appreciated property. The other thing I noticed is that his evaluation of TIC 1031 Exchanges covers some of the risks, but neglects to mention that the vast majority of 1031 TICs include HUGE fees or loads. One I examined had a 20% profit to the sales company when the property was flipped to the 1031 investors. Most have 8% - 12% commissions to the salesman. Otherwise, I thought this was an extremely helpful book and I would recommend it...with the caveat that the reader get additional advice on the AMT.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Ken McElroy and Robert Kiyosaki. By Business Plus; 1st Warner Books.
Sells new for $5.73.
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1 comments about The ABC's of Real Estate Investing (Paperback) & How to Find and Keep Good Tenants (Audio CD - 2006) (Rich Dad).
- No doubt Ken has made a killing marketing his expertise through book sales and seminars. But don't get it twisted. Ken's expertise is real, hard-won, and proven. Be careful who you get your investing advice from. A property manager may be the most important person on your team - and that's Ken!
He does not suggest that real estate investing is an easy way to make millions by only working 1 hour a week, with one hand tied behind your back - as so many real estate "gurus" suggest. It aint a gripping, emotional appeal to lead millions to become real estate investors like an alter call at church.
It's a textbook, of sorts. I have successfully incorporated his conservative, methodical approach to my due diligence process for acquiring investments.
Think about it: The marketers who made millions selling 'no money down' and 'weekend millionaire' how-to books are now selling how-to make millions buying foreclosures (From the poor, would-be investors who bought their first books, over-leveraged themselves, and now contribute to the flood of foreclosures on the market! Hmmmmm.).
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Alexis McGee. By Wiley.
The regular list price is $21.95.
Sells new for $12.11.
There are some available for $12.10.
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2 comments about The ForeclosureS.com Guide to Advanced Investing Techniques You Won't Learn Anywhere Else.
- I followed Alexis McGee's advice and techniques and was able to purchase a home for more than $100,000 below the current tax appraisal.
- Love the book, has so much useful information. Not a get rich quick book, more of a work hard and you can succeed book and that has always been true in my experience. Advanced skills for investors in foreclosures which are only useful if I start to make the calls to friend and family of people that can't pay their mortgages, but I"ll get to it and re-post what I've done with the info.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Susan Smith Alvis. By Atlantic Publishing Company (FL).
The regular list price is $24.95.
Sells new for $16.47.
There are some available for $15.67.
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5 comments about How to Creatively Finance Your Real Estate Investments and Build Your Personal Fortune: What Smart Investors Need to Know - Explained Simply.
- The down-to-earth, conversational tone of How to Creatively Finance is positively refreshing. The book's attractive layout and neat organization make it a pleasure to read. I found the anecdotes and case studies to be both informative and thoroughly enjoyable. Tables and charts make the financial examples clear. How to Creatively Finance offers a variety of scenarios for real estate investors, including advice on buying in unpopular markets, vacation rentals and foreclosures, and acting as landlord.
After reading the book, I actually found the title of the book to be a bit narrow. The topics of advice on the various aspects of real estate investments are much more varied than the title might indicate. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in discovering how to invest in the real estate market without emptying the bank account.
- Would you like to increase your real estate profits by using some new investment tools? If that's the case, then this is the book you need to read to learn the ins and outs of creative financing. Sharpen your approach, understand what tools are tailor-made for you and move forward with a new perspective! When you're ready to expand your financial horizons this book shows how to maximize your profits as either a buyer or seller of investment properties.
Knowing how to negotiate using creative financing is the essence of using this book to its full potential and author Susan Smith Alvis takes you through the process with amazing clarity and a user-friendly approach. The reader will understand everyone's role in putting together a tight package. Choose the right agent, line up your financing (VA, FHA, assumable, wraparound or seller financing) and set the terms to buy a property that works for you.
Taking a creative approach to financing opens up a world of profitable advantages in the realm of vacation rentals, foreclosures and "damaged by reputation" real estate. Use this book to find the money and learn how to build a portfolio of no-down properties that give you the leverage you need to be a successful owner and savvy seller--on your terms. When you're ready to start thinking outside the box, give yourself a treat and read this book for a look at what's going on around the traditional business of real estate.
- How to Creatively Finance Your Real Estate Investments and Build Your Personal Fortune: What Smart Investors Need to Know -Explained Simply is a book that does exactly what it purports to do. The author refers to the book as "your reference as you embark on a new way to invest in real estate". Filled with examples, case studies, ideas, charts, and food for thought, you will find page after page of simple and realistic goals and how to work to achieve them. Written in layman's terms, this book helps you know exactly where to start to be able to receive the highest possible return on your investments. For instance, you will be taught to be a smart landlord, how to find and work with foreclosures, and where to get your financing. She explains the secrets to good negotiating, how to make loans work for you, and when and how to speculate successfully. For those of you with any desire to better your financial standing via real estate investments, Ms. Smith Alvis is your tutor, your advisor, and your new best friend in your quest to financial success.
- At first glance my thoughts were that Susan Smith Alvis had written a book that is great for beginners but for the seasoned real estate investor this booked did not seem to provide any information that is new and enlightening. How wrong I was! I consider myself to be a fairly seasoned real Estate investor and I still learned something new from this book.
"How to Creatively Finance your Real Estate Investments and Build Your Fortune" takes an in depth look into what it takes to start investing in real estate and how to finance your venture. Real estate investing can be a lucrative business but if not taken seriously and understanding exactly what you are getting into can get you into real trouble real fast.
Ms. Alvis does a great job of not only pointing this out, but also gives clear examples of how to find good properties and determine whether or not they will be profitable. Ms. Alvis also makes good use of the industry lingo and explains in great detail what it means and when and where it will be used.
Much of the information in the beginning chapters seemed more relevant to young couples who were just starting out and wanting to buy their first home. But if you hang in there Ms. Alvis does get around to what I believe investors are hoping this book will deliver.
The latter chapters are informative and do get around to giving practical on just what creative financing is and how to go about making it work for you. She explains in clear terms what options are available to investors at all levels and walks you through the pros and cons of each scenario.
I enjoyed reading the break out boxes that gave real life examples of people who have lived through each example that Ms. Avis presents as options for us as readers. Like many investors experiences, Ms. Avis starts out nice and slow but then picks up speed and moves forward with information that is useful to investors at any stage of the game.
- This book presents a variety of financing options, but is far too general to be very useful to an investor with much experience. Too heavy on the theoretical and too light on the practical application.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Thomas Lucier. By Wiley.
The regular list price is $19.95.
Sells new for $11.00.
There are some available for $8.79.
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5 comments about The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor's Kit: How You Can Double Your Income By Investing in Real Estate on a Part-Time Basis.
- Thomas J. Lucier is one of the best real estate writers in the business today and he comes through with another winning book here. His advice is far from the "get-rich-quick" nonsense so many authors and pseudo-investors peddle in books on this site and elsewhere. As a real estate lawyer and investor for almost 25 years, I admire this man's work greatly. Lucier is a genuine real estate investor and his clear, straight-forward, easy-to-follow, and honest investment suggestions always put his books a cut above so many others out there. The best part of his writing is how he breaks complex subjects into simple-to-digest pieces best designed for newbie investors wanting to get started in the real estate business. This book in particular debunks many of the get-rich-quick so-called "creative" real estate techniques like subject-to GET THE DEED buying and offers real world reasons why you should not do it, as opposed to so many authors that base their whole careers around such dangerous nonsense. I can't praise this book enough for its clarity and practical information. There is not a single wasted page in the entire text. This is by far one the best real estate books being sold today in print.
- When I started reading this book, I thought I was going to learn everything about how to be a profitable real estate investor. There is just no way you can cover everything this book tries to cover in 300 pages. Each chapter leaves you with too many unanswered questions. Though, I could see how this book might be a good starting point for anyone interested in investing in real estate.
If you haven't heard of Tonja Demoff, you should give her book Bubble Proof: Real Estate Strategies that Work in any Market a look. Her book is a very easy read and it's packed with information that will help you get started with the right mindset and the right information to begin investing in today's market.
- A thorough real estate investment book that covers a lot of topics with a very readable style.
Of particular value is his online Resource List at the end of the book. The author has listed email addresses for many useful websites. I liked the online Property Sales Information, where I first learned about Craigslist as a great online source for finding properties for sale. I like to search specifically for homes with guest houses, and Craigslist makes it easy to do that type of "specialty" search.
I also like the fact that he recommends useful products to make our investment businesses run more smoothly. It shows that he's a down-to-earth guy who has been down the same path that we travel. For example, on page 65 he recommends the Desk Apprentice (designed by 2 participants in Donald Trump's The Apprentice TV show) to keep your office desk organized, and on page 66 the Cab Commander for your car seat office. Lucifer knows that we have to spend a lot of time behind the wheel searching for properties, conducting drive-by property inspections, and driving to appointments.
This is a good book with useful information.
Terry Sprouse - author of the book, "Fix 'em Up, Rent 'em Out: How to Start Your Own House Fix-up and Rental Business in Your Spare Time."
- The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor's Kit: How You Can Double Your Income By Investing in Real Estate on a Part-Time Basis
I'm glad I read his other two books before reading this one. Otherwise I would not have bothered to read the other two, which I would highly recommend to anyone interested in real estate investing.
The problems I had with this book I would put primarily under the category of either no or very poor editing.
First, I think he contradicts himself regarding recommended courses of action in a few places in the book. For example, he devotes a couple of chapters to talking about how hard it is to make profits in real estate investing, then gives several anecdotes throughout the book about making $20k to $30k after 2-3 months of owning a property. He spends a good portion of the book talking about real estate loans, escrow closings and good credit, then mentions briefly toward the end of the book that he prefers not to use conventional loans, but instead to use owner financing (which is some of the most helpful information I've obtained by reading books on real estate investing, so I agree with his preferred course of action. Why wait until the end to throw that out?)
Second, I wish some editor had reined in all of the portions of the book which allowed his personality to really shine through. If I live to never see the word "bullspit" in print again, I will have been blessed. Also, the constant references to "how we did it in the Marines." There was WAY too much of those things. There was some of this in his other two books, but not enough to annoy me. Here, it affected his credibility more, because I started to think of him more as a windbag. It didn't change my appreciation for his other two books, but it has affected how devotedly I will adhere to all of the advice in those books.
Last, and this is a trivial point, I don't think he had an editor because there were about 5,000 unnecessary commas. I had to stop often to re-read sentences because the commas were inserted at random places, making many of his sentences nonsensical.
As I've stated a couple of places in this review, I would highly recommend his other two books. They're practical, and useful, and give one what I consider to be all of the basics to get started in real estate investing. This book I found to be more meandering in the point it was trying to make, and less encouraging. Also, as another reviewer stated, it was pretty much a regurgitation of material in his other two books. In fact, when determining whether this book was necessary for my collection (I got it from the library), I compared it to his book on pre-foreclosures, and much of the information in this book is contained there. Get the other two books instead.
- Author claims to be "non-Sense" - and in my mind he is. But his is the only things "different" about this book. His "only" twist is that is tends to showcase the "risk" whereas the others showcase the "reward". This book is not worth the read or money.
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Posted in Real Estate (Thursday, November 20, 2008)
Written by Robert A Morse. By Outskirts Press.
The regular list price is $29.95.
Sells new for $21.90.
There are some available for $22.36.
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5 comments about Robert's Guide to Commercial Real Estate Investments: Insider Secrets to Commercial Real Estate Investing.
- I worked in the CRE industry for a few years and found myself frustrated from the lack of clear easy to understand, detailed industry information available. Robert's Guide is the answer to that problem. The book is full of terms and definitions that are hard to find, but essential for anybody involved in commercial real estate. The explanations were thorough with insightful tips and recommendations to make a sometimes convoluted subject matter, easy to understand, digest, and make decisions about. I strongly recommend this book.
- Finally, a book that is written for those not necessarily experts in the field. The author makes all the applications very understandable. Well written, clear and concise. Thank you Mr. Morse.
- This book explains commercial real estate very well. It is an easy read but is very informative. I really like all of the calculations it gives in regards to the time value of money. Very helpful!!
- This is a great little book that covers the basics from an experienced insider... It has a broad overview of the industry, discusses the basics of the different things an investor needs to know, some great tips on how things work and enough detail to get a new investor going successfully.
I have invested for a while and have found the book valuable in filling some of the information that I have guessed about... I wish I had this book before starting. Thanks to the author for answering my questions in a clear and concise manner.
- The book is OK but I was looking more for examples of structured deals and how to do deals. This is more of an encyclopedia of commercial real estate terms. If this is what you're looking for great. If you're looking for how to do deals and how to put deals together this ain't it.
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