Reviews (32)

Robert Allen gives you the formulas, the numbers.
Many books on investing try to pump you up, motivate you, but they don't tell you exactly how to make money.But this book, and all of Robert Allen's, tell you how to calculate each possible deal ahead of time as well as why so you can come out ahead; or on the other hand, what would cause you to lose money. That is, his books are specific rather than just vague wild dreams. And what could be more motivating than having the workable techniques in your hands! This is his very best book yet, in my opinion--the actual formulas, the numbers, that he uses himself.It is great. This is that most vtial thing, the arithmetic itself.

There is always something to learn
Although i find the book to be pretty outdated and based in seller financing, there are some other topics as taxes that were interesting for someone like me that does not know much about property taxes. There are other books out there that are a more worthwhile read than this one.

My first Robert Allen book. Still a hot seller, 20 years later!
I bought Creating Wealth back in 1985, exactly 20 years ago. Initially I was looking for stock and other investing advice. After reading Creating Wealth, I added Nothing Down to my library and went to work investing.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Consumer Finance    4. Finance, Personal    5. Personal Finance    6. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Real Estate - General    9. Real Estate Investment    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Reviews (174)

Very usable education
Great book of Wisdom. Most importantly USABLE. Well written, no details left out on EXACTLY HOW to do each step.You can tell Thomas has "been there, done that". Unimagineable amount of professional resources that comes with the book.

COMPREHENSIVELY awesome
I like this because it is indeed a "kit".It is comprehensive guide to pre-foreclosures and taking advantage of things before auction.It will probably take the average reader 3-4 times to comprehend everything.
Everything you ever wanted to know about foreclosures but was afraid to ask
I purchased this book some 6-8 months ago and I have used it and the resourses provided by Thomas on a daily basis.I am a nurse and I am looking to retire int he nxt couple of years.You cannot buy another book on the market that provide the informaiton and resources that this book provides. I give it a 5+rating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Foreclosure    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Investments    7. Real Estate Administration    8. Real Estate Investment    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / Real Estate    11. Property & real estate   

Reviews (5)

very good all-around reference
I primarily work as a structural-architectural engineer and am becoming more and more involved in civil-site work.This handbook is exactly what I was looking for in terms of something that would quickly get me "up to speed" in the fundamentals of civil-site design. Difficult to follow!
I am in a class at Community College of Baltimore Countyand we are using this book at this time. Our whole class along with the Professor find this book to be very difficult to follow. The book constantly repeats itself making it extremely boring to read and is not fluent at all. They have examples that reference charts that are 3-5 pages apart from the problem being discussed the formulas you almost have to figure out for yourself how they are used and there are alot of typos. A Must Have Pub
Ever since I purchased this publication I can't stop using it.Every civil engineer should have this as part of their reference library, regardless of your area of specialty.It providesmacro to micro scale explanations of general processes, design applications, etc in a very readable format.More times than I can remember I have looked to this book for an answer or at least for some guidance and was throuroughly satisfied.No it is not a definitive reference for civil engineers but its' breadth and usability overshadows any technical shortcomings.If I had to have just one reference book for my area of practice (general civil), this would be it.Yeah, yeah, the "Standard Handbook for Civil Engineers" is a more definitive reference, but I usually find out what I need in this pub.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building Sites    3. Construction - General    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Engineering geology    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Land Use    8. Land Utilization    9. Law    10. Planning    11. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    12. Real estate development    13. Remodeling & Renovation - General    14. Science/Mathematics    15. Surveying    16. Architecture / Planning    17. Civil Engineering, Surveying & Building    18. Property & real estate   

Reviews (10)

How to succeed in Commercial Real Estate
YOU ARE ONLY GOOD AS THE TOOLS YOU HAVE!. If I had this TOOL, "How to succeed in Commercial Real Estate", when I first stated, I would not have faced all the bumps and brambles in this business. Stay the course, as noted in the book, and you will definitly succeed in this Business. A True Five Star!

How to Succeed in Commercial Real Estate
John Bowman creates a realistic overview of the Commercial Real Estate industry, including the opportunities and the risks involved how you start and build a career. A must read for anyone considering a career in the business.

worthwhile info
It's a good read with worthwhile info. The reviewer below who commented that the book is "high school" level material doesn't work in the commercial real estate business, and apparently was mad that Bowman's book isn't a motivational get-rich-quick real estate book.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business & Economics / Real Estate    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate - Investments    8. Real Estate - Sales    9. Commercial real estate    10. Real estate agents    11. Real estate business    12. Real estate investment   

Reviews (4)

Absolutely fantastic! Great real estate book!
This book is excellent because it is not only for new real estate investors, but is also for experienced real estate investors. The authors have put their own rules to the test by following their own advice and share their secrets in how they have invested in the real estate market. Very clear and concise. An absolute must have!

Very Informative for Real Estate Investing!
This book really helped me understand different investment approaches for real estate investing. I learned how to figure out when to apply different models for different situations (incl. my current situation)!
Valuable Info for new and experienced investors
* Spells out clearly the different investment models available to the real estate investor
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Personal Finance - Investing    5. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate - Investments    8. Real Estate Investment    9. United States    10. Business & Economics / Real Estate    11. Property & real estate   

Reviews (72)

Have a successful business AND a life + security for the future
My sales went from $2.7 million in 2004 to $8.5 million in 2005. Now we're heading to towards $12 in 2006. Hot dog!
Great Insights!!
I think it gives you a common sesnse approach that will quick start you in your carreer. Evry agent should pick it up. I beleive I picked up a couple ot items that will be crirical to my success.

Lots of sizzle with no meat
I am really confused by all the great reviews. I am sure that most are Keller Williams agents. There is really nothing here. There are not any scripts, dialogues, systems, checklists or anything else that resembles a process or system that can be followed. There is a whole lot of hype and rah rah here if that is what you are looking for. As someone that has been a very successful agent selling in excess of 100 homes a year for years. It is clear that this book is full of theory. It is the writers theory of success not what really works. It is at best a view from what an agent does when they reach the pinnacle of sales in the real estate profession. It is not what they do, think, implement, study, perfect as they climb the mountain to success. This is not a book for new agents. In fact it is not a book for most agents. There are few people that can really pull off what Keller is theorizing here. Most agents are going to spend boat loads of money to fail miserable at following the book. I have seen too many agents follow this book with out the fundamental skills they need in the business like, time management, sales skills, prospecting. lead follow up, presentation skills and qualifying skills all are missing in the book. "Millionaire agents" have to be good at those first or they won't be Millionaire Agents. These agents who follow the book then blow out the door of the office when they could have made it in the business.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Finance, Personal    5. Professional Occupations    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate Administration    8. Real estate agents    9. Real estate business    10. Business & Economics / Real Estate    11. Business & Management    12. Real Estate   

Reviews (1)

A Thorough Reference
This book is written like a textbook - starting with the most basic concepts - but moves on to discuss the tools and techniques of market analysis in considerable detail. Separate sections deal with residential, office and industrial, retail, hotels and resorts, and mixed-use developments. Case studies are given for each type of property. Technologies and data sources to assist analysis are discussed.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Case studies    5. Market surveys    6. Marketing - General    7. Real Estate - General    8. Real Estate - Sales    9. Real estate business    10. Real estate development    11. United States   

Reviews (7)

Textbook, Not Real World
Coverage of theoretical, not application.Useful for referencing concepts and reinforcing a specific point, but much more of a teaching text than reference material.

worst than boring school text book
This book is worst than school text book!!! Don't understand how others rated this book so highly.It is full of principles and theories vs. practicle real life informations.If you want to waste $$ or if your desire is to obtain dry, boring book to help you sleep, this is the one.

all about development
This book is very helpful to the novice real estate developer or student. It's very clearly written and the information is well ordered. Ideas, concepts and explanantions are well expressed. The glossary is also helpful. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Real Estate - General    5. Real estate development    6. United States    7. Business    8. Property & real estate    9. Real Estate   

Reviews (8)

Good guide, but can be confusing sometimes
This is a good book. It is crammed with lots of information that is specific to the loan industry. It is a comprehensive guide covering most of the aspects of the loan industry. I turn to this guide every now and then to check up on problems and questions that I run into with my loans.
A Must Have for the new mortgage broker!
I wish I had found this book the very day I passed my state exam.It would have saved me much frustration and my confidence could have been boosted a lot sooner, which is key to succeeding in this business.This book is putting me equal to, if not ahead of many people who have been in the business for years.I'm shocked at how little people know and I'm pleased at how much I've learned from this book.Absolutely the best money I've spent on my new career!

Jameson Thottam (worked with The Loan Page, IndyMac Bank, Homestore)
Hi, my name is Jameson Thottam and as a mortgage industry participant (VP with various firms such as The Loan Page, IndyMac Bank, Homestore), I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about how the mortgage industry works (soup to nuts: Mortgage Value Chain, Secondary Mortgage Loan Insider Trading, Marketing, and issues related to OCC / OTS / SEC / FDIC, RESPA legal issues & litigation, Operations and other significant issues).
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Subjects:  1. Banks & Banking    2. Business & Economics    3. Business & Economics / Banks & Banking    4. Business & Economics / Real Estate    5. Business & Economics / Training    6. Business / Economics / Finance    7. Business/Economics    8. Finance    9. Loan officers    10. Mortgage loans    11. Real Estate    12. Real Estate - General    13. Real Estate - Investments    14. Real Estate Finance    15. Residential real estate    16. Training   

Reviews (29)

Not very good for beginners
I'm sorry to say that I was disappointed of this compared to previous versions of Rich Dad series.It isn't for novices like me, but more for intermediate or expert investors.I suggest reading something like Investing Without Losing by Don Sausa for a better guide on real estate investing, especially for finding properties below market value.

Fun Book on Bricks
This was a very feel-good primer on real estate investing.It's very much about the mindset of why you should invest.A couple of years ago it would have been like a cheerleading squad for newbies.But in this uncertain time, it's just a little comfort.
Finally a book with real numbers and details, not just fluff like the others
First, I was a bit skeptical because although I really liked the Rich Dad series, I thought it was extremely light in the "how" department.Everything he said made sense, but how do I do it?Well the ABC's of Real Estate Investing will take it to the next step and tell you how.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Consumer Finance    5. Handbooks, manuals, etc    6. Personal Finance - General    7. Real Estate - General    8. Real Estate - Investments    9. Real Estate Investment    10. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General    11. Investment & securities    12. Property & real estate   

Reviews (9)

Not a good book for real estate tax liens or tax deed sales
I went to read this book to see if they had any definite information on tax liens and tax deeds.Plenty of developers have raked in millions because they were able to start subdivisions with cheap land bought through tax sales.Unfortunately, this book doesn't cover a lot of this.
Wish I had seen it first
I am only mid-way through this book but it has already answered so many of my questions (that another book did not)!I am new to real estate investing but not new to real estate.This book is layed out (like the rest of the Dummies books) in a very easy to follow format.It points out items to definitely remember when considering transactions and also points out warnings.
Very Good Book on Real Estate Investing!!
I've purchased several books on real estate(RE) investing and this book by far is the best of the lot.It is written in a concise yet informative manner and provides beginning investors with the techniques and strategies to get their RE investment careers off to a solid start.I'm sure I'll be referring to this book many times throughout my RE investment career.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Mortgage loans    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Investments    7. Real Estate Investment    8. Real estate management    9. Business & Economics / Real Estate    10. Business & Management    11. Investment & securities   

Reviews (24)

Content is disaapointing
This book is not worth your time.It covers the most basic material, and full of clichés, generalities and fallacies.If you are over 20 years old and if you actually find something new in this book, then you definitely shouldn't be investing in real estate.You might get lucky when the tide is rising, but you will likely loose it all.

Good overall picture but light on specifics
I was hoping for more details on the different types of real estate transactions while the book is more focused on just getting you excited about real estate and getting started.Pretty good if you need something to lift you up and get you going but very light on details - models discussed are very high level.

The Millionaire Real Estate Investor
Great book, it's not just a bunch of fluff like some other books are. The book breaks the process down and give's you good outlines follow.Also has some inspiring story to motivate you. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Real Estate - General    5. Real Estate - Investments    6. Real Estate Investment    7. Business & Economics / Real Estate    8. Business & Management   

Reviews (24)

Great book!
Great book not only for those who flip, but even for regular homebuyers in general. I am very impressed with this book. Not only it is very informative, but it is very easy to understand and read!

Good book--could be better
Pretty good book for someone starting out.He does add alot of personal life not related to flipping and repeats over and over how he is a host on Extra.Would be better if before and after pictures were from the same angle.

A Classic
This book will undoubtedly become a classic in this category, and for good reason.It is practical, well-written and realistic.It provides great pictures and examples of the author's points.It also doesn't over-hype the flipping concept as a get-rich-quick scheme.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. House buying    5. House selling    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate - Investments    8. Real Estate Investment    9. Business & Economics / Real Estate   

Reviews (13)

Excellent Ideas
I watch "Designed to Sell" every night - sometimes even the reruns! I looked forward to getting the book but was a bit disappointed about the book's layout. For one thing, on some of the pages they use very small print with a font color that almost matches the background of the photo on the page. I actually had to go back through the book at one point because I had missed some of the write-ups once I realized what they did.
Much more informative than I thought it would be...
I was expecting this to possibly be a picture book full of before/after shots.Instead, it's much meatier than I was expecting.So far, so good.

Great Resource
Designed to Sell is a well written book with helpful tips and photo comparisons from the Designed To Sell program.Lisa Laporta has a wonderful sense of style on a budget.I'll look forward to a possible sequel to this book.
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Subjects:  1. Do-It-Yourself    2. Home Improvement / Construction    3. House & Home    4. Remodeling & Renovation - General    5. House & Home / Remodeling & Renovation    6. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (23)

Doesn't get better!
I have read many books on mortgages, at least the few I can find.This is VER VERY good.This is the 2nd good book in mortgage busines I have come across... the first was Idiot's Guide - Mortgage Broker Success... I now have to keep these two books.They serves as great reference

A Must Have!!
I am new to the mortage business and have pruchased several books on the industry.This book is by far, the BEST!It contains an amazing amount of information for those who are new to the industry.It supplies you with sample sheets of everything you will need and explains them in great detail.I cannot say enough about how valuable I feel this book has been to me!I highly recommend it to anyone new or unfamiliar with the mortgage industry!

Awesome Read
This was an awesome read.It isthe most imformative book that I have read in the loan origination field.I am utilizing this book as a masterguide in the training that I am now doing for my new loan officers and also as a refresfer course for those with experience in the mortgage loan origination business.After 22 years in the business, I have finallylocated the Holy Grail and will continue to employ its use from this day forward.If loan originators follow this lead, they will be well ahead of the curve, even in the uncertain days ahead in this industry.--
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Subjects:  1. Banks And Banking    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Mortgage brokers    6. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    7. Real Estate - General    8. Real Estate - Sales    9. Real Estate Administration    10. United States    11. Business & Economics / Real Estate    12. Financial services industry   

Reviews (34)

Eliminates the Guesswork
This book provides an essential foundation for real estate analysis and investing. It is true that this book may challenge those who aren't familiar with reading financial statements. But, don't let that disourage you. Be patient and do your best to understand how financials work. Understanding financial statements is a vital skill for any business owner - and a real estate investor is a business owner.
NOT for the beginner
I selected this book based on the awesome reviews.It sounded like everything I needed to know about real estate investing, in a simplistic format.Within a few chapters, I found the book to be very condescending (i.e.; Basically....if you're too stupid to understand this calculation, real estate investing is not for you).
Great technical read- good "holistic" view of RE measures
Cuts through the fluff; gives you the "holistic" view of a real estate investment by illustrating every measure. The reality is there's no single "magic bullet" way to measure whether a property is a good deal or not; this book makes this point while teaching all the various measures, at all phases of ownership (including selling or "exit strategy", which most novice investors don't usually consider when they're just getting started).
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Cash flow    5. Finance    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate Finance    8. Real Estate Investment    9. Business & Economics / Real Estate    10. Business & Management   

Reviews (30)

21 Things I Wish My Broker Had Told Me: Practical Advice for New Real Estate Professionals
This book is very practical and a must read for all people considering a career as a real estate professional. Specifly describes the expectations of new agents and what is needed to survive the first year in the profession.
No. 1 Classic "Must Read"
This book was named the No. 1 classic "Must Read" by National Association of Realtors publication readers in June 2006. Working agents and longtime educators know how valuable this book is for new agents because of its honest, straightforward look at what they need to know to succeed. You will, too.
I wish someone told me NOT to buy this book!
I have probably read a dozen or more books on being successful in sales and most have been a waste of time.These people that write these books and hold seminars rarely give you any worthwhile information.Remember, the way they actually GET successful is by selling everyone else their books and tapes on HOW to be successful.I have yet to find anyone who is truly successful at their business and has passed their secrets on to anyone else.Why would they?Then you would be their competition.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Careers - General    4. Consumer Finance    5. Personal Finance - Investing    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate - Investments    8. Real estate business    9. United States    10. Vocational guidance    11. House & Home / General    12. Property & real estate   

Reviews (1)

Finally, practical advice.
This is not one of those garbage "no money down" real estate books, this book gives you valid and useful tips to help you build wealth in real estate, not pie in the sky nonsense. After reading this book I went out and did a deal (flip)and it went reasonably well. I'll get better with experience but this book gives you the basics to get started. Avoid all the no money, no credit books and read this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Investments    7. Real estate investment    8. Real property    9. United States    10. Valuation    11. Business & Economics / Real Estate    12. Property & real estate   

Reviews (4)

Academic. A text book that needs a refresher for today's issues.
Rick is first and foremost a professor, so the book follows an academic format best suited for the young student of development seeking a broad introduction to the process.Of course, the real world is more complex than any textbook could ever capture.That said, the book has become a bitdated for the contemporary developer, whose world is increasingly governed by investors, special interest groups and oft ill-informed government officials!The book delivers fundamental building blocks in a logical, sequential process.The examples cited are, as another reviewer pointed out, on average probably 14 year old analogies.Perhaps the largest ommission is an accurate portrayal of what a developer really does - assembles a diverse team of people together to share in a singular vision, then rule over this creative, temperamental team with an iron fist in velvet gloves.A chapter called 'Cat Herding' would best summarize that world.
Excellent starter book
Excellent starter book. Should be required reading for every real estate professional. Wished I'd had about 5 years ago.

ULI Guide
For its high price, you may want to seriously think about your needs.If your intention is to buy a book for a broad overview of the development process with a somewhat academic approach, then this may be right for you. If you are builder or someone with prior real estate brokerage/service experience, you may find this too ivory tower and not practical.This book was a bit theoretical for my taste.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    5. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    6. Real Estate - General   

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Planning    3. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    4. Real Estate - General    5. Reference    6. Regional & Area Planning