Customer Reviews:
Awesome help with home buying and sales!.......2007-01-06
Vitt's book has been a tremendous help to us with the complicated and emotional process of buying and selling our homes. We knew we wanted to move, but each of us had very different ideas of what the "perfect home" would be like. Our differences sometimes seemed insurmountable. Also, it was often hard to understand why we were looking for certain characteristics in a home, and why we wouldn't compromise. Fond memories of homes that we had loved mixed and collided with current and future needs. For example, one of us wanted a wooded lot on a quiet street above all else; the other didn't care about location but wanted the home to be big enough to meet our need for interior space. We couldn't find a property that suited us both; how could we resolve this potential pitfall? Ms. Vitt gave us a structure for examining our motives and hopes, as well as a way to resolve our differences and find a home we can both love.
Also, the financial aspects of the decision-making process were important, and "10 Secrets" gave us a very clear path for avoiding potential financial disasters.
A home is so important, both emotionally and financially. "10 Secrets" gave us the tools and information we needed to navigate our way to successfully buy a home.
Also, we were so impressed with Vitt's book, that we gave a copy to our realtor, who frequently has to negotiate between couples, as well as between buyers and sellers. A Must-Buy for Realtors, too!
Have given copies to friends who are thinking about moving. Great gift.
Well-written, well-organized, an awesome book!
Yippee!! I made the decision..........2005-01-25
to stay in my house! Having recently gone through a divorce, and somewhat uncomfortable with my neighborhood, which has a very different demographic from mine, I struggled with how I could manage the house on my own, and finance numerous small and large repairs without taking on too much debt.
After taking the quiz, I realized that the financial stability of my house is the most important factor I needed to satisfy. Once I realized that...it was much easier to invest a few thousand dollars to update the furnishings and to make the house more like a home that reflected my personality. I was also able to take on additional debt to make some costly, but necessary repairs, such a new foundation and sewer line. In doing so, I found a way to restructure my entire debt load that allows me one smaller monthly payment, leaving me with a greater monthly cash flow.
I can honestly say that I wouldn't have had the courage to undertake the repairs, and take on the additional debt, if I hadn't read this book. Having a clear insight into my issues surrounding "home" and understanding more clearly my emotional profile, I was able to make my need structure work in my favor, instead of against me. Without this book, I would probably have sold the house at a discount, and made another, equally unsatisfying move.
Housing and Happiness.......2005-01-05
I purchased this book on the advice of a friend. After determining my housing profile I purchased ten additional copies as holiday gifts for colleagues. This book is the first of it's kind and will assist you in understanding how your housing decisions are made and how to make your home a place of happiness and not only financial but emotional security. I found myself highlighting passages as I went along for quick future reference. I would highly recommend this book to anyone - no matter what your living/financial situation.
Housing Decisions.......2004-12-28
At last a book that entertains you while giving solid information. I especially like the way this author uses flesh and blood real people to illustrate her points. I'm halfway through already in one day --maybe I'll write another when I finish it.
A Remarkable Effort.......2004-12-27
I have worked with Dr. Vitt for many years, and I am always amazed when the final product arrives. This book is just one of many of the remarkable things she has written, but this book alone has been the greatest help to me in deciding to refinance my home, an idea I had been toying with for a long time. After rereading it for pleasure and learning, rather than editing, I have learned a great deal more about the dynamics of buying, selling or refinancing my own home, and for this I am grateful to Dr. Vitt. This book should be a great help to anyone who is considering any kind of housing change.
V. Karen McMahon
Book Description
Michael Corbett appears regularly on national TV and print media and travels the country lecturing to crowds of 25,000 sharing his expertise, having made millions buying and selling houses during his twenty-plus years in the business. With personal tips, cost-effective techniques, and real estate insider secrets, Ready, Set, Sold! will teach readers how to:
• Add $10,000 to the value of their home in a single weekend
• Avoid the twelve costliest and most common mistakes
• Dress and stage their home to make buyers swoon and bid over the asking price
• Pay no taxes on the sale—without breaking the law
• Complete no-cost makeovers that supercharge their selling price
• Take advantage of the home-selling secrets that only real estate agents know
• Save thousands in commissions and closing costs
With before and after photos, checklists, charts, and worksheets, Ready, Set, Sold! is the book that every home seller MUST read before putting their house up for sale!
Customer Reviews:
Comprehensive book with great tips.......2007-05-06
Even though we recently had a Realtor walk through the house and make suggestions on minor improvements, I bought this book in case there were some things she didn't mention. The book is easy to read and nicely organized. It explains how to target your house to the buyers it will likely attract and how to how to look at your house from a buyer's perspective. It also includes a brief section on the selling process.
The book explains that a seller should make minor structural and cosmetic repairs, which any Realtor will tell you. But it has a handy checklist of all parts of the home to go through. It then delves into how to de-clutter and how to "stage" the house for selling. It also includes a checklist of things to do before anyone sees the house. As someone who has recently looked at several houses on the market to buy, I can attest there really is an emotional hook that some of this staging provides. These truly are inexpensive or free things (such as putting a bowl of fruit out, playing soothing music, etc.) that can subliminally attract a buyer. The suggestions are tailored to people with all budgets for fixing up before selling. It does not suggest major upgrades but suggests things like repairing broken bathroom tile as opposed to retiling the entire bathroom. Some of these things are no-brainers, but it was helpful reinforcement from what the Realtor said.
There is a section on how to market the home and explains estimated costs. It also explains what happens when the house is in escrow and what needs to be done in a short timeline. It explains how to keep the buyers motivated and calm while still getting what the seller needs out of the deal.
One of the best things about this book is that it repeatedly encourages the seller to put things into perspective. Yes, the idea is to sell the house as quickly as possible and make the most profit, but this book shows the pitfalls about haggling over $100 and how it can make prospective buyers walk away from a deal.
This book doesn't contain any miracle advice and some of the advice is obvious. However, it's an easy read and an inexpensive book that will probably end up helping sellers make more money at selling time. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to understand the real estate process and maximize profit without spending an inordinate amount of time or money.
I am not sure if I trust this guy.......2007-04-17
Here is Ready Set Sold! in one sentence: Make your house look like a model home before you put it on the market. That covers chapters 6 through 12, and is heavily emphasized in all of the other chapters as well.
Of course, making your house look like a model home probably means spending thousands. I know it's going to for me, even for my modest place. Corbett's mantra is that the more you do to make your house a model home, the more money you'll get when you sell it. The amount that you put into fixing the place up, with painting, new furniture if necessary, and a zillion other details large and small, will more than be made up for by the eventual selling price that you can command.
Hmmm...but is this really true? I don't know. I'm in California and everyone I talk to, including realtors, tell me that just about the ONLY thing that will command a higher selling price is a room addition (impossible for my house). Everything else is just wasted money. That doesn't mean you shouldn't clean up clutter and make sure things look nice and spiffy, but spending thousands of dollars on new furniture, cabinetry, and so on is unnecessary.
I'm not sure I buy into the gung-ho "It will cost more up front, but it'll all pay off in the end!" mantra that this book feeds you constantly. Welcome to hear any comments from people (especially in CA) that have actually followed this book to the letter and ended up with verifiable results.
One-Stop Selling.......2007-03-07
This is the ONLY book you'll need to sell a home sucessfully. Period. Corbett's blend of humor and personal stories make for a fun read, and he's got an enormous repertoire of ideas that will help you do exactly what the book promises: sell for the most money!
Great Handbook for Selling Your Home.......2007-03-07
This book is great and an easy read! It takes the mystery out of selling your home by explaining what to do and what to expect step by step from the beginning to the end.
I'm Sold on this book.......2007-03-06
Easy and inexpensive tips from this book can help you sell your home for more money and in less time. There are so many photos that show how to stage your home to make the first few minutes a buyer comes in to your home count!
Book Description
The Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Handbook explains everything you need to know to locate and purchase real estate bargains from banks, public auctions, and other sources. Whether you are a first-time homeowner or an experienced property investor, The Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Handbook is a tremendous guide for buying pre-foreclosed homes in any market. You will learn the simple formula (developed from real-life experience) that can build massive wealth through real estate foreclosures.
The Federal Reserve Bank indicates"....that foreclosed properties average 22% less than typical properties."
Home foreclosures are at their highest peak in years; you can be one of the thousands earning six-figure incomes in this lucrative segment of the real estate marketplace. You can do this part-time or full-time. Learn how to buy directly from property owners whose mortgage loans are in default and stay away from courthouse-bidding feuds. With the help of this new book, property investing can be a very lucrative line of work. You will learn how to identify the most valuable properties and control every step of the procedure.
We spent thousands of hours interviewing, e-mailing, and communicating with hundreds of today's most successful real estate investors. If you are interested in learning hundreds of hints, tricks, and secrets on how to make money (or more money) investing in real estate foreclosures, then this book is for you!
The Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Handbook is the resource for novices and pros alike; it will guide you through every step of the process including finding properties, negotiating, and closing on your first deal. This new exhaustively researched book will arm you with hundreds of innovative ideas that you can put to use right away. This book gives you the proven strategies, innovative ideas, and case studies from experts to help you get more with less time and effort.
Customer Reviews:
Good Background Information.......2007-09-20
This material is good basic information for anyone wanting to get started in buying potential foreclosure properties. Begins by explaining basic terms and processes - eg. mortgage foreclosures lead to Sheriff's Sales, while Deeds of Trust lead to "Trustee's Sales" and lack a redemption period (owners can buy back their property during this period, leaving you with nothing to show for your effort, though you do get your money back).
On average, foreclosure buyers have 90 days + 20 days publication time to work a deal with the homeowners. Buying from onwers prior to foreclosure also eliminates the redemption period. FHA and VA loans are much more likely to be assumable.
Buying at auction means having to contend with competitors, an inability to inspect the property prior to bidding, and all sales being final. After foreclosure one is less likely to get a good price, it is harder to inspect the property (utilities probably turned off).
Finding foreclosure properties is eased by looking in public records for "Lis Pendens" (judicial process) or the "Notice of Default" (non-judicial process); there is also the later Foreclosure Auction notice. Other sources include looking in the newspaper of record and/or the County Recorder database. Still other sources include divorce proceedings (likely problems with the lawyers involved), probate filings, FSBO listings, Internet sites (eg. foreclosure(s).com, street signs, Internet ads.
Author also recommends a full title search ($100-$350), and contracts written "Subject to" eg. inspections.
great book.......2007-03-08
i wanted to learn about investing in foreclosures so i purchased this book. it's full of resources and solid advice. it's obvious that the writer has much experience in this field. the writing is easy to read and humorous at times. highly recommended.
Pre-Foreclosure R.E. Handbook.......2007-03-04
Excellent book, writer F. Orlando give's Great insight to
the whole foreclosure process and the way to approach
this business investment. Book written in Easy to read
style, with good legal issues to consider in this business.
Great Read!
Very good for beginners.......2007-01-22
The book's strategy offers a simple method for identification for properties, including how to approach owners AND lenders. Sending attractive offers such as short sales and how to wait out lender approval. This is a very good read for beginners wanting to enter into the foreclosure market, especially in the current situation of higher interest rates and lower consumer demand for real estate. There will be a spike of foreclosures.
-Matt
Illustrator for The Ultimate Foreclosure Kit
The Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Handbook: Insider Secrets to Locating and Purchasing Pre-Foreclosed Properties in Any Market.......2006-12-28
The Pre-Foreclosure Real Estate Handbook: Insider Secrets to Locating and Purchasing Pre-Foreclosed Properties in Any Market by Frankie Orlando is an excellent resource for people seeking information in a practical, hands-on approach to purchasing pre-foreclosure real estate. The text is organized in a logical manner with sufficient examples and clear explanations of the concepts presented. Although the text is very easy to follow, it also includes an extensive glossary to assist with the more difficult terminology used throughout. Step-by-step instructions and worksheets that are included are particularly useful. This text is recommended with a 5 star rating out of 5 stars.
Product Description
In real estate markets all around the country, real estate flippers have discovered that a small down payment, a little paint, some cleaning, and some time can net them tens (even hundreds) of thousands of dollars in profits, possibly tax-free. Small upgrades to the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas, and the ugly house they bought for $200,000 in June can be sold for $300,000 in October. Real estate investing has created more millionaires than any other investment vehicle in this country. Real estate flipping refers to the practice of finding a property that is for saleusually priced below-marketand then selling it soon after it is bought for a quick profit. Finally theres a comprehensive, no-nonsense book that teaches you everything you need to build wealth through flipping properties quickly, legally, and ethically. You dont need great credit, a real estate license, or large sums of capital or experience to get started. There has never been a better time to invest in real estate than today. This new book offers first-time and returning real estate investors tactics for making a fortune. Even if you have little or no money, you can find success in real estate investing by flipping. Flipping properties can be a part-time or full-time business for anybody. You will learn all of the paperwork involved in real estate transactions, including deeds, mortgages, contracts, notes, and titles; new FHA regulations; how to begin investing with little or no cash; locate opportunities; work with real estate agents; increase curb appeal; locate the financing you need; and most importantly, purchase properties for pennies on the dollar and prepare them for a quick sale. The book is loaded with case studies and success storiesfrom real people. You will uncover secrets that expert real estate investors use every day. This comprehensive resource contains a wealth of modern tips and strategies for getting started in this very lucrative area of real estate investing.
Customer Reviews:
Great for beginners.......2007-08-15
This book touches on all the subjects for beginners to learn about flipping. I got a LOT out of it. Basically, you need a lot of help, and a lot of people around you, and if you get that, you have a good chance of succeeding. Good luck with financing tho...it's very tough right now. You really need money to make a go at flipping houses!
Great Resource! A must read for anyone interested in Flipping houses........2007-04-09
Sebastian Howell explains the art of flipping houses in easy to understand and honest tone. She uses this book to lay out step by step all the things to consider and how to go through the whole process of flipping a house from, "Is this something I might want to do" to Depositing the money in the bank. Not only does she cover the whole process from beginning to end, but she covers all the options available to you at each stage. In doing this she covers the pro's and con's for each option and which people they would be best for and which people should choose another option at that particular stage.
I've read several other books trying to research if flipping is something I could do on the side. Howell puts flipping into perspective for those wanting to do it as their full time job as well as those not quite ready to give up their 9 to 5 jobs. Overall this is a very informative book and a definite resource for those just starting and those who are trying to make the decision... "To flip or not to flip?"
reasonable good.......2007-03-14
I just bought serveral similar books here. I would say this is the good book worth to reading. The good point is that it does tell something you may not know about flipping, not just giving you some basic ideas.
All you need to know to get started!.......2007-03-13
You've seen all the shows on television that shows the audience how easy people make money flipping houses. But, I'm sure that you've wondered, just like I have, just how possible is it? Well, Sebastian Howell has laid it all out in black and white. The author has described the process in universal terms, meaning you could apply her principles to any geographical area.
This book is easy to understand and deals in both the basics and the more complex material. It starts off with simple explanations and moves on to understanding the market and the business of making money through buying and selling houses. It gives clear definitions of the legal terms and the jargon that you'll come across in the industry. The author also clearly explains the various people you will associate with and their roles on your team. I really appreciated the examples used in the book. They help to clarify the material. The section covered on financing is comprehensive and understandable with tips to pulling it altogether.
One the most beneficial sections in the book is a complete list of what to look for in a `flippable' house. She gives clear instructions of what to take note of, what can work and what might cause some problems. Once you've found the ideal property, she leads you through the negotiating process. She deals with renovating properties and then moves the reader onto the selling process. The added bonus to the book is the comprehensive index at the back.
Well written, interesting, and fun to read........2007-01-09
Fast Real Estate Profits in Any Market by Sebastian Howell
This is an extremely well written and interesting book. One reason I found it credible is that it gives lots of warnings to be cautious, yet details how success in the real estate business is possible. So it's balanced. Another positive comment is that the book explains terms well, so that a complete novice knows what's going on. It's thorough, but never becomes tedious. The book explains that flipping is not only a means to an income, but is very satisfying on other levels. Restoring an old house is a creative endeavour, and providing buyers with a home they love is richly rewarding on an emotional level.
The way this book is written appeals to me and is in sync with my learning style. It's very linear, and discusses the process of flipping step-by-step. It explains clearly the pitfalls you may encounter along the way, and how to address them.
The book includes sample documents, and a comprehensive glossary.
I really can't find a reason to give this book fewer than five stars out of five. I have never even considered a career in real estate, let alone flipping, but I found the book very interesting.
Book Description
An expert guide to the ins and outs of real estate financing
Secrets of Buying and Selling Real Estate . . .Without Using Your Own Money! is the definitive insider's guide to traditional and creative (yet legal and ethical!) real estate financing.
In understandable, step-by-step language, it walks you through explanations and examples of conventional real estate financing so you understand clearly how most financing works. It examines all the available creative or unusual financing strategies that seasoned investors and homebuyers use every day to buy and finance properties. Drawing on his long experience as a successful real estate investor, Robert Shemin spotlights the advantages and disadvantages of various types of mortgages, terms, and financing strategies so you know all your best options. He also includes informative material on how credit scoring works and understanding credit ratings and credit problems that could scuttle your loan. Offering proven techniques, expert tips, and creative alternatives along the way, Shemin details every important aspect of the financing process, with in-depth discussion of topics such as:
- Owners' terms
- Contracts for deed, land contracts, and lease options
- How to use partners or cosigners
- How to get approval after a mortgage company turns you down
- How to buy property even if the bank says "no"
- Creative ways to obtain down payments, getting the seller to contribute using nonprofit programs
Download Description
A millionaire real estate investor explains the ins and outs of real estate financing
Secrets of Buying and Selling Real Estate is the definitive insider's guide to traditional and creative real estate financing. In understandable, step-by-step language, it walks readers through explanations and examples of conventional real estate financing so they understand clearly how most financing works. Renowned investor and real estate expert Robert Shemin spotlights the advantages and disadvantages of various types of mortgages, terms, and financing strategies. The book moves on to cover legal and ethical creative financing strategies that seasoned investors and homebuyers use to purchase and finance properties. Shemin elaborates on topics such as owners' terms; contracts for deed, land contracts, and lease-options; how to use partners or cosigners; numerous ways to get approval after a mortgage company has turned down the buyer; and creative ways to obtain down payments, getting the seller to contribute using nonprofit programs. Bonus material is also included in the form of a credit scoring and credit-repair seminar for which many people pay as much as $200 to $300. This is a groundbreaking book for anyone interested in real estate as an investment option and homebuyers who want to get the best deal for their money's worth.
Robert Shemin, JD, MBA (Miami, FL), is the author of The Wall Street Journal bestseller Secrets of a Millionaire Real Estate Investor, its follow-up title Secrets of a Millionaire Landlord, and Unlimited Riches. A nationally recognized real estate expert, he has appeared on NPR, the USA Radio Network, the Business Radio Network, and more than fifty other nationally syndicated and major-city talk radio programs.
Customer Reviews:
Take your advice from those who have done it ..........2004-06-23
Robert Shemin gives more information and ideas in Secrets of Buying... than one very famous real estate writer gives in four books and another charges thousands of dollars for. It is not a "get rich quick" plan. Remember to get your information from those who know what they are talking about and have done what you want to do, and Shemin is that man. You will always need more information, experts in your area, and experts in different fields of real estate; and Shemin states this in his book.
One real estate book will not solve all of your problems or answer all of your questions, but the bottom line is that this one gives you more than most. I will continue to go back to this book for ideas and to fine tune my investing skills for years. The only thing missing is him taking you by the hand to take action. Take responsability, be persistant, read, educate yourself, stay positive, be careful who you take advice from, take action, and stay positive.
Where's the Beef???.......2004-06-01
Anyone who remembers that old TV commercial for Wendy's will know exactly what I mean. This book has no substance. "Find a $300,000 house, buy it for $200,000 and flip it to an investor for $250,000 and pocket the difference". Yeah, it sounds nice but I live in a place called Earth. Perhaps in some depressed areas you might find sellers motivated enough to sell at that kind of discount, but don't plan on moving that property anytime soon either. Where I live, in Northern Virginia, people pay $30,000-$50,000 OVER the asking prices for a house. My neighbor just sold her TOWNHOUSE which she put on the market. She listed it for $385K and had SIX contracts on it the first week and sold it for $430K. Good luck finding a "motivated" seller around here. Up into southern Maryland you can find properties for below "market" value, but you can't turn them quickly.
This guy may have done quite well during the real estate boom, but its a different world now and the things he is saying to do "without by the way telling you HOW to do them" are just ludicrous.
Keep your money, don't waste it on this book.
The worst book.......2004-05-04
I have read probably twenty books in real Estate in the past six months...this is the worst so far. Whoever is writting is going at light speed and has no concept of teaching or sharing knowledge. It has no depth and he continuosly jumps from one subject to another not covering any of the real issues and questions. The bottom line...don't waste your money.There are "real good books" in real Estate but this is not one of them.
JC
Disseparate thoughts.......2004-03-14
I got into real estate investing primarily due to Mr. Shemin's first two books, "Secrets of a Millionaire Landlord" and "secrets of a Millionaire Real Estate Investor." Both of these books were excellent, and I wouldn't sell my copies for the world.
However, this is simply a collection of loosely connected thoughts strung together to create a book. Here is the plan presented in the book -- Find a $250,000 that you can purchase for $190,000 from a motivated seller, and sell it to someone else for $230,000, then retire rich.
Not much of a plan if you ask me, especially when where I live, a $250,000 would be a mansion, not a 3 bedroom 2 bath starter house. A real presented plan would be, do A, B, C, D, etc.
What he is suggesting in the book is not investing, rather it is speculating in real estate. While there is nothing wrong with that, let's call it what it is.
His other book, "Unlimited Riches," which I also own, covers everything here, and is a much better written book. It at least presents a cohesive plan that a novice might be able to follow.
The book updates us on where Mr. Shemin is going in his life, and career. He lets us know that he got out of the landlord business and is now speculating in real estate and "writing paper," (hard money lending) as he calls it.
I have read many what I call "Rah Rah" books. There is nothing wrong with convincing people that they too can succeed in real estate, but this book doesn't even do that.
I always try to find 2 or 3 new ideas, even out of a bad book. While there are a few ideas that make me go, "Hmm, interesting," there are no sonic booms here. The book comes off as an advertisement for his real estate seminars and multilevel marking of some products, nothing wrong with that, but not much else for me to sink my teeth into.
I am presently reading his new book "How to Avoid the 75 Mistakes Every Investor Makes." That book should have been 50 Mistakes, but they stretched a few to get 75. Mind you, they are not bad, just that some didn't even take up half a page, and there are 250 pages in that book.
If you have the money, buy the book, but if you have to choose between this one and another one, pass this one by. However, that said, do purchase his Millionaire books. They are worth the money.
In closing, I'd like to find someone who would write a book on how to check real estate records for liens. You know, the nitty gritty work of real estate investing. Instead, they all want you to pay the $1000 for this information.
Confirmed Sheminite!.......2004-01-17
Robert Shemin does not tout any get rich quick schemes or messages from this book or any other book he has written. Shemin is a practicing investor, out in the trenches daily writing contracts on properties & making very good money for doing it. This author does not promote illegal pyramid schemes! Mr. Shemin teaches what he knows and practices it daily. Everything that Shemin does, is well above the board! In fact every red cent that he makes on his book sales, he never sees, because it all goes to charity! Shemin makes his money on the properties that he buys, sells & holds. I have been following Shemin for a few years & have read everything he has written. I have also seen him in person at RE conventions & I have spoken to him personally. This man is the REAL DEAL & I am a confirmed Sheminite!
Customer Reviews:
I may be a novice, but... .......2007-03-21
Unlike the previous reviewer, I gleened a lot of useful info from this book. Susan Smith Alvis nails down the ins and outs of purchasing real estate for first time (or second, or fifth time) home buyers. With detailed instructions on how to get your finances together, what you can afford, and how to look for loans, she makes the complicated world of the real estate transaction seem simple.
The book is sectioned into subjects such as "Looking At Your Finances", "Creative Financing" and "Foreclosures", explaining each step in the process of home ownership. Interspersed with real life examples from realtors, the chapters build on each other, culminating in the sale of the home and its aftermath. Ms. Alvis even gives a list of things to do after purchase, such as changing the locks, keeping a home journal, and advertising rental property.
This is a must read for anyone buying their first home, or anyone who is purchasing property for financial gain (such as rental homes).
How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market: Insider Secrets from the Experts Who Do It Every Day .......2007-01-03
Thank you Susan. I feel that I should say that to you after reading your book "How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market: Insider Secrets from the Experts Who Do It Every Day". This book is a great asset to someone who is going to be purchasing property. I have bought 2 houses and found the entire process to be mind boggling trying to understand everything. Thanks to Susan's book I feel I am now prepared to continue purchasing more property, but I am going to do it feeling a whole lot more at ease.
How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market: Insider Secrets from the Experts who Do it Every Day .......2006-12-28
How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market: Insider Secrets from the Experts who Do it Every Day by Susan Smith Alvis is a practical guide to buying homes or other real estate with no money down. The book is perfect for first-time homebuyers as well as seasoned real estate investors seeking to perfect their investment skills. A 75 page glossary is included which provides essential help with the argon used throughout the text. With an easy-to-follow format, and crisp, concise writing, the book receives a 4 out of 5 stars.
Makes the process easy for anyone to understand........2006-12-12
It is said that real estate is the biggest and most profitable business in the world, but I didn't think I could ever afford to buy any more property until I read "How to Buy Real Estate Without a Down Payment in Any Market." I can not believe how much information is packed in this book. The writing is easy to understand, making it possible for anyone to benefit from purchasing property.
A retired real estate agent wrote this book to assist people who want to profit from buying real estate. The author advises that it is in the buyer's best interest to work with a realtor, but she also states that it is possible to successfully complete the process on your own.
The book lays out an easy to follow step-by-step process to aid investors in buying property with no money down and possible leaving the closing table with a sizable check plus your new property. The author also includes a complete glossary and a section of tips, hints, and reminders for real estate transactions that makes it an excellent resource for beginners and experts alike.
I would recommend this book to both people contemplating their first real estate purchase and as a reference book for seasoned professionals who make a living buying and selling real estate.
Read this Book Before You Buy Property.......2006-10-17
If you are interested in buying real estate with no money down, buy this book. Whether you want to make a purchase for your primary residence or want to begin investing in real estate, this book has a lot to offer. The author gives you most of the valuable information contained in the expensive programs sold on infomercials for a lot less money.
This book will help you calculate what you can afford and organize your finances prior to the purchase. There are charts for determining your assets and debts as well as important information for improving your credit score. The author covers all the financial aspects that should be considered when investing in real estate. All financial options for financing the purchase are discussed in detail.
The author has interviewed people who have made a significant amount of money in buying real estate with no money down. The book contains valuable tips and hints from people who have successfully purchased real estate using these methods. The book will take you step by step through the process of buying real estate without cash. You may even walk away from the closing table with cash in your hand.
Book Description
Are you looking to find a real estate bargain? Many people fantasize about finding a killer real estate deal but fear that it can't be done. After all, most books and real estate gurus will tell you that it's easy--just find a motivated seller and make him a low-ball offer. Not Bob Boog. In this lively, fun-to-read book, the author claims that some of his best deals discovered for himself or clients during a 25+ year career in real estate came from UNMOTIVATED sellers. That's right, people who were about as motivated to sell their homes as Ebenezer Scrooge. What are the tactics, techniques and strategies for finding a killer deal? Read Finding Killer Real Estate Deals and find out for yourself!
Customer Reviews:
Excellent resource .......2006-06-04
Excellent resource. The author is sincere and knowledgeable - I even called him and he was very responsive to my questions. Not to mention the book being a complete page-turner. But it also has a personal touch, which is sorely missed in many real estate resources these days.
Average customer rating:
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The Secrets to Buying and Selling a Business (Psi Successful Business Library)
Ira Nottonson
Manufacturer: Entrepreneur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Consolidation & Merger
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Entrepreneurship
| Small Business & Entrepreneurship
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1555714897 |
Book Description
Learn how to estimate the value, productivity, and potential of small business while receiving solid advice on the risks, financing, and protection of small business investments. Owners and future owners of the over 20 million small businesses in the U.S. cannot afford to be without this book.
Sellers - whether you are retiring or moving on to your next business adventure - learn how to:
* Maximize the equity in your business
* Develop and present a defensible asking price
* Determine the best-qualified buyer for your business
* Negotiate the best sale price possible
Buyers - whether you are a first-time business owner, a long-time employee wanting to be your own boss, or a successful business operator seeking to expand your chain of stores - learn how to:
* Finance your purchase
* Assure the future stability of the business
* Choose between a new, old, independent, or franchise business
Professionals, Consultants, Advisers - learn how to best serve the needs of your client and protect your client and yourself from post-sale trauma. Plus, a special section on how to value and sell a professional practice.
Just some of the 23 worksheets contained in this book:
* Justification Research Strategies
* The Essential Checklist for Sharing Control of Your Business
* How to Prepare for Buyer Questions
* Cost Analyses to Improve Your Profit and Loss Statement
* How to Cut Costs and Face Serious Business Problems
* Exposing the Minuses without Losing the Sale
Audio Cassettes also Available.
Learn even more of the "ins and outs" of the buying and selling process from author, Ira N. Nottonson's Secrets to Buying and Selling a Business Audio Cassettes. Whether on the road or at home, these audio cassettes (about six hours in length) make it easy to learn additional tips and ideas not discussed in the book.
Please note: The audio cassettes provide additional information, and are not a reading of the book.
Product Description
This book is for prospective home buyers, real estate investors, and those interested in starting their own home inspection business. Home inspections are an important step in the home-buying process. Everyone agrees that you should use a home inspection service before buying a home. Home inspectors conduct a thorough examination of your home to detect any problems before you purchase. A detailed home inspection usually takes a few hours, and you get a written report.
But there are two problems: first the cost a good home inspection can cost several hundred dollars depending on the size of the house. And who has extra money when you are trying to afford a new home? Second, they are not flawless mistakes are made. It is difficult to test everything in a house in just a couple of hours. No one will examine a house like the prospective owner.
Now you can be armed with the right information and save a lot of money and time. Through explanations, the experiences of others, and dozens of forms and checklists you will learn all about:
Foundations: floors, walls, paint, windows, decks, garage doors, roofing, flashings, chimneys,
Plumbing: piping, fixtures, faucets, water heating and fuel storage systems, pools and equipment,
Wiring: main service panels, conductors, switches, receptacles, heating, air conditioning and heat pumps, ceilings,
Floors: railings, doors and windows, attics, walls, foundations, kitchens, and bathrooms.
In addition you will gain valuable information about: septic systems, wells, water quality testing, mold, radon testing, asbestos, termites, carbon monoxide testing, and lead testing.
Customer Reviews:
An indispensible guide for anyone looking to buy a home!.......2007-10-04
If you are in the market for a new home, you need this book! Whether you are a first time home buyer or have been doing it for years, Inspect Before you Buy will provide you with detailed information on what you need to be looking for to prevent potential future costly repairs and problems before making your offer. Author Charlie Rose is extremely thorough in his approach to home inspection, covering not only the obvious (roof, electrical systems, plumbing), but other areas you may not realize could cause complications in future (grading and drainage, crawl space ventilation, propane tanks, decks).
Each chapter investigates a specific room or area of the house, moving logically from inside out, and also covers hidden dangers such as lead, radon and asbestos in the home. The language is very user-friendly and easy to understand. Rose also helps you identify variations in household accoutrements, such as windows (horizontal and vertical sliders, jalousie, casement, double hung, fixed, hopper and awning), shingles, attics and heating systems (who knew there were so many?) and even the different types of piping used in hot water systems. Notably, Rose doesn't just focus on newer homes, but also gives abundant advice concerning older and historic residences, including the sorts of systems you might typically find, depending on the age of the house.
The appendices are chock full of great reference information. You get a variety of comprehensive checklists to take with you on your home buying trips - a tool that would have been invaluable to me when I recently bought a house. Instead of trying to remember everything you "should" be looking for, taking a copy of the checklists along will not only keep you organized, but allow you to compare "apples to apples" later on as you narrow your decision among the houses you have seen. Other appendices contain lists of common defects in major areas of the house and how to detect them, as well as an item-by-item listing of what you should and should not be seeing in items such as the propane tank, roof, landscaping and foundation. Finally, Rose includes an extensive glossary for any terms you aren't already familiar with from reading the book - you'll be speaking the jargon like a pro after you finish!
On a side note, besides getting an indispensable reference and immediately useful tool for your home buying ventures, the publisher is donating a portion of the profits of this book to the Humane Society of the United States in memory of their recently deceased "vice president of sunshine." In purchasing this book, not only are you helping yourself become an expert in buying a great home that will bring you many years of happiness, you're helping animals in the process - a win-win situation for all!
Excellent book on often-neglected subject.......2007-09-27
I've read and reviewed many real-estate investment books on Amazon.com, but I've never declared one among them to be truly indispensable: Charlie Rose's Inspect Before You Buy is the first to earn that distinction.
The key to Inspect Before You Buy's value is in the narrowness of its focus. It is not an all-inclusive "become a millionaire in real estate" guide. Rather, it is 200+ pages (242 including the invaluable checklists; 267 including all appendices) devoted to the all-important subject of home inspection, which is usually all but ignored by real estate "gurus" in their how-to books filled with fluff. After all, how can you possibly spot bargains without appreciating the structural integrity of a property? Should you trust an expensive property inspector on every property you consider buying? You can save a lot of time and money by learning how to spot problems early, and with this book, you'll be able to. In fact, this book is detailed enough that a professional property inspection may not even be necessary.
I've read thousands of pages about getting into real estate, but the one thing that's always held me back was my inability to properly evaluate a home from a property inspector's point of view. With the information in this book, I will be ready to take the plunge into real estate investing when the time is right for my strategy.
Book Description
Must reading for business sellers, buyers, and the professionals who serve them
The secret of success in any business venture is in the details.
In Buying and Selling Businesses, a remarkably successful business consultant supplies you with all the details you'll need to expand your professional practice into this booming market. Bill Bumstead covers everything from business valuation to closing the deal and gives you lots of tips on marketing your services, dealing with buyers and sellers, and avoiding the industry's many pitfalls. This indispensable guide:
- Provides practical strategies for marketing intermediary services to buyers and sellers of businesses
- Shows you how to combine the business of buying with the business of selling
- Supplies numerous sample checklists and forms
- Helps you work effectively with buyers and sellers
- Includes an extensive glossary and an industry resource list.
M&A mania is back! U.S. business sales are booming once againâsome say annual volume now exceeds $400 billion. With the majority of these sales involving businesses priced below $1 million, opportunities abound for professionals who want to expand their practices to intermediary services for buyers and sellers of businesses. But if you're going to enter this hyperactive market, you can't afford to learn by trial and error. You need reliable, up-to-date information on how to apply your skills to this highly specialized field.
Buying and Selling Businesses takes the guesswork out of buying, selling, and valuing businesses. Drawing on highly developed skills and decades of practical experience, author William W. Bumstead explains every detail of every stage in the processâfrom arriving at an asking price to matching buyers to businesses, from negotiating a purchase agreement to closing the deal. He offers countless tips on marketing intermediary services to business buyers and sellers; packaging businesses for the selling process; ethical, legal, and confidentiality issues; and the personal and professional traits that make for success in the field.
He also provides:
- A special section on business valuation by master valuer George D. Abraham
- Numerous checklists, forms, form letters, and telephone scripts for marketing intermediary services
- Invaluable tips on avoiding pitfalls in the industry
- Information on potential certification and licensing of intermediaries
- An extensive professional glossary and industry resource list.
For consultants, intermediaries, attorneys, CPAs, realtors, and other professionals, Buying and Selling Businesses is an indispensable guide and introduction to the industry. It will remain a helpful and much-thumbed reference for years to come. It is also an important resource for anyone interested in buying or selling a business who needs to understand the kinds of services that professionals can provide as well as the processes involved in the sale or purchase of a business.
Customer Reviews:
Not For MBA's or Finance Professionals.......2007-01-30
If you have an MBA from a program worth anything, you could totally skip this book. And if you don't have an MBA, do not look for this book to give you any technical skills anyway. This books does, however, serve as a pretty good checklist of best practices in managing and marketing your business and a checklist of things to avoid. To that end, this book's title should read something like "Top 10 ways to..." or some other elementary name and should cost about $10.
This is definitely not a reference or text book or technical guide as the price suggests, and only confirmed my belief that this industry is not that complicated at all for those with a top MBA or those who have any knowledge of investment banking, venture capital, or any subset of elementary valuation skills.
I guess because of the high number of certifications touted by the author and the industry associations, I bought into that fact that this industry somehow may require more technical skills than what is tought in a basic MBA finance or valuation course or more soft skills than any other entreprenuer needs. But I was wrong. This industry just seems to require, based on this book, a first level MBA finance course (reading financial statements, calculating relevant cashflows by undertanding and crosswalking net income to free cash flow, and discounting at the appropriate rate) and general entreprenuerial skills.
For non-MBA's I would recommend buying specific books covering the two subjects in depth rather than one that barely touches on the surface of each.
For my fellow MBA's and for those who've studied finance and entreprenuership in depth, I would recommend thumbing through only the 10 or 20 pages in the book that include checklists and forms just to validate that you are headed in the right direction. These 10 or 20 pages are not worth $100, so buy it used for as cheap as possible.
My comments of Mr. Bumstead's book.......2001-07-17
Having been in the business brokerage industry for 14 years, it was very refreshing to read someone who has a clear picture of what a broker should do, and how to do it. Also, the importance of an appraisal was made perfectly obvious. As a matter of fact since I learned the necessity of an appraisal in order complete a rational transaction, I will not accept a listing assignment with my client unless and until an appraisal is completed and they agree to offer their business at the appraised value. If they are unwilling to work with me in this manner, I wish them luck and I go to the next seller. And I offer them the names of several other brokers who will do it the seller's way. I certainly won't.
Using this simple procedure results in my selling 4 out of 5 of every listing I get. I don't waste weeks and months, as do other brokers, trying to sell something that is over priced and won't sell at the price the seller thinks it is worth. Why all of the brokers I know use this old fashioned outdated and time wasting procedure, I cannot understand. What they all do is to ask the seller what he/she wants, and then hurry up to sign the listing. When they have 20 of these kinds of listings, they are lucky if they sell a few and it is no wonder that a score of one sale for every 4-6 listings is the norm for the business brokerage industry. Thank you Mr. Bumstead for saving me weeks of wasted time and money and for allowing me to concentrate my valuable time with sellers who understand the logic of a fair market appraisal before going to the market place with their business. It is the only way to go. Without this simple concept from Bumstead, I would not be the successful and happy business brokerage consultant I am today.
Buying and Selling Businesses.......2001-07-11
I spent a career as a banker and during that time I saw many people attempt to enter and exit business ownership. In doing so, most of these people contacted a real estate or business broker for guidance. Unfortunately the majority of the buyers and sellers encounter brokers who know little more than they do about such transactions. This book gives everyone involved in the transaction the guidance they need. It should be used as the Bible in business transfer transactions and every business owner should refer to it regularly as a guide for planning for that eventual exit.
An Outstanding Book.......2001-07-11
A well written and professional work, valuable to the novice and professional alike. I found particularly useful the chapter on "Finding Buyers and Sellers". I can see already how this information will increase my income this year.
Excellent Book!.......2001-07-11
I have been in the industry as a professional for several years and was looking for something to use as a practical guide for my office. This book has served the purpose very well. I have also heard Mr. Bumstead speak to an industry meeting where he was received very well. The purchase of this book was money well spent!
Books:
- 10 Secrets to Successful Home Buying and Selling: Using Your Housing Psychology to Make Smarter Decisions
- 10 Secrets to Successful Home Buying and Selling: Using Your Housing Psychology to Make Smarter Decisions
- 202 Things You Can Buy and Sell For Big Profits! (202 Things You Can Buy & Sell for Big Profits)
- Alloway Remembers: Tales of Town and Township (A Publication of the Alloway Township Bicentennial Committee 1978)
- America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money: Your Guide to Living Better, Spending Less, and Cashing in on Your Dreams
- An Introduction to Coastal Zone Management
- Apollo for Adobe Flex Developers Pocket Guide
- Architectural Graphic Standards, Tenth Edition (Book only)
- At Home in the Muddy Water: A Guide to Finding Peace Within Everyday Chaos
- Bordering on Madness: An American Land Use Tale
Books Index
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