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Although i find the book to be pretty outdated and based in seller financing, there are some other topics as taxes that were interesting for someone like me that does not know much about property taxes.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 (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 (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)

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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (1)

Good book for real estate practitioners and lay investors who are interested in REITs
This book is the most authoritative analysis and synthesis of modern scholarly research on different complicated issues surrounding REITs. No currently available books can examine this investment vehicle as comprehensive and organised as this one.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Finance    5. Real Estate - General    6. Real Estate - Investments    7. Real Estate Investment    8. Real estate investment trusts    9. Business & Economics / Real Estate    10. Finance | Investments    11. Investment & securities    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 (49)

Getting Started in Real Estate
This was an all around decent book for someone desiring to get started in the real estate business. It has 30 short chapters focusing on getting into the real estate business with no money. One of which is called tapping the equity in your home. Nothing really new there. The book contains some good concepts but a lot was just common sense. If you haven't bought real estate before and don't no much about financing then this will open up your eyes to some concepts that you may not have thought of before. There is a chapter on why you should own property. One on negotiations, one on using partners and another on overcoming roadblocks to your success. There is also a chapter on how to retire in 5 years. All in about 280 pages that will go by quick.
Stuff
Some of it kinda sounds farfetched, but I guess if sellers are desperate enough it could work.

Boycott Robert G. Allen!!!
Robert G. Allen is a notorious and relentless internet spammer.If you should happen to somehow end up on one of his email lists like I did, he will send you several junk emails a day.Unsubscribing doesn't work, and trying to block the sender's domain is useless because the emails are sent from a different domain every time.The funny part is that the emails aren't even coded properly.They always show up as just a bunch of html code.Would you really take internet money-making advice from a guy who can't even code html properly?Anyway, his spamming practices are completely illegal and it's only a matter of time before the law catches up with him.But that shouldn't come as any surprise considering that mister Allen has been in trouble with the law before.He's had several run-ins with the IRS, lawsuits against him, and a chapter 7 bankruptcy.I would also stay away from his Nothing Down real estate methods.Many of those practices are illegal, and the president of the Nothing Down club in Atlanta wound up in federal prison because of it.For more info on Allen, visit johntreed dottcomm, click on Real Estate Investing, then click Real Estate Guru Ratings.Bottom line, don't trust this guy and don't buy his books. And if you're reading this Mr. Allen, take me off your @%#&*$ mailing list!!! ... 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 / General   

Editorial Review

This may be the best comprehensive guide for home buyers. Read more

Reviews (68)

Invaluable for the novice
When searching for a good teaching tool/reference for first time home buying, the list of publications can be endless and confusing. This one book will lead you step by step through each of the processes involved.Having NO PRIOR HOME BUYING KNOWLEDGE, I eagerly opened this book with highlighter in hand, reading cover to cover on all topics from finding an honest agent to buying fixer-uppers, researching mortgages, neighborhoods, etc., even whether you should consider renting vs. buyng, and all the little details in between. You will learn things you never knew before, and I found myself constantly referring to many chapters throughout our experience in searching for a home. I recommend this book to anyone seeking stratightforward and easy to understand info, no fancy jargon to cut through, just plain language writing on a very in depth subject. The book's lay out is reader-friendly as well, making it very simple to locate exactly the subject you need. Don't pass this one up!

Good For First Time Home Buyer with No Resources
I am trying to buy my first condo and I bought this to try and help me since I didn't really have anyone to ask questions.The book is very generic since home buying varies quite a bit from state to state and sometimes within states.
Buy this book!
I bought this book and "A Complete Idiot's Guide..." If you want in depth details on buying a home, then this is the book for you. The other one was too fluffy and general and didn't really explain anything. I knew NOTHING about buying a home and this book takes you step by step and teaches what you need to know. Should buy or rent? Are your finances in order? What can you afford? They answer all your questions before you even leave chapter 1!
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. House buying    5. Mortgage loans    6. Personal Finance - Investing    7. Purchasing    8. Real Estate - Buying/Selling Homes    9. Real Estate - General    10. Real Estate Investment    11. Residential real estate    12. United States    13. Business & Economics / Real Estate    14. Housing & property for the individual   

Reviews (1)

Power and ample information and graphics
I found this book to be one of the best out on the topic, of which there are too few at present for such an important topic. The depth and breadth of place-making topics and their coverage makes this a very excellent easy-to-read-and-understand as well as a long-term reference tool. The graphics are very well done. Having recently attended a Harvard program on retail for cities and new towns and urban center given by Bob Gibbs and Terry Shook, I especially found the book right on target. I want to see more of these types of books. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Case studies    3. Central business districts    4. City planning    5. Community development, Urban    6. Planning    7. Political Science    8. Politics/International Relations    9. Public Policy - City Planning & Urban Dev.    10. Real Estate - Investments    11. United States    12. Urban & Regional   

Reviews (37)

Simply the best straight option book out there
Mr. Lucier has written a book with no bullspit or filler material.He simply gets down to the business of educating the reader about straight options and the best way to profit from them.

It only takes a Dollar to make more Money!
This book is great. It's concise, educational and to the point. Mr. Lucier provides enough information that Realtor's would never tell you. He also provides forms to guide you in the right direction. I am also reading his book about Pre-Foreclosures and it has a lot of insight with the in's and out's of the housing market.
Not for you real estate slackers out there...you know who you are.
I have read Mr. Luciers book from front to book in its entirety and I'm about to re-read it again along with taking notes and contacting the attorneys, combing thru public records, etc to make this strategy work.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. House buying    5. Investments & Securities - Options    6. Option (Contract)    7. Real Estate - General    8. Real Estate - Investments    9. Real Estate Administration    10. Real Estate Investment    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / Real Estate    13. Property & real estate   

Reviews (9)

Very good down to earth delivery
No non-sense indeed!I think this book offers fundamental ideas on how to value, evaluate, and negotiate everything to do with real estate.I read this book along with Investing Without Losing (to learn about buying properties below market value) - two good real estate books that made me a better investor.

Another Useful Book by Tom Lucier!
I've read all of Tom Lucier's books and The No-Nonsense Real Estate Investor's Kit is just as useful as his other books! Like everything Lucier writes,this book is loaded with tons of information and excellent advice. I highly recommend this one of a kind book to anyone wanting to further their real estate education.

Don't buy both books...
This book has almost exactly the same content as his Pre-foreclosure book.I bought both at the same time, and returned this one for that very reason.Otherwise the information is useful, if you don't know anything about your local county assesor, recorder, treasurer, etc..
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. House buying    4. Personal Finance    5. Personal Finance - Investing    6. Purchasing    7. Real Estate - General    8. Real Estate - Investments    9. Real Estate Investment    10. Real property    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / Real Estate    13. Investment & securities   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (62)

speculative buy rating
Here is the best way I can describe this book: It is like a LONG encyclopedia article about investing. This book touches on all the basics but does not get in depth with any one issue. Good for an initial education but DO NOT start investing after you read it! I am not going to get in depth with this review so here is the summary: Too much what you SHOULD do. Not enough how to do it.
Help is at hand!
I won't go into why I needed this book but I'll just say that I was in desperate need of some solid, unbiased investing advice on all topics across the board from the stock market to retirement plans. All the other books on investment I tried to read were full of weird terminology, weird language and might have been trying to rip me off for all I know. Eric Tyson's reference is a godsend for those of us who need some information but are too naive to know good advice from bad advice when it comes to this subject. Tyson not only gives good, common sense advice but also shares his own tips with the reader on stock markets, mutual funds, IRAs and the like. Feel skeptical? He'll even guide you to the best government agencies that monitor this sort of stuff so that people like me don't get ripped off. Other books on investing that I picked up and put down in a hurry didn't bother with petty stuff like legalities! Tyson DOES and he wants you to do your homework before putting your hard earned money into someone else's hands.
Investing for Dummies
Buy low and sell high. Keep stock for years and diversify your portfolio. Now you've already read the book ... Read more

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

Reviews (26)

Well written guide
This book is a concise well written guide to the core issues of buying, owning and selling multifamily buildings. It was extremely valuable in evaluating our first purchase of a multi-family structure.

4.5 stars for another good book by Steve Berges
As a real estate investor and author myself, I read a lot of real estate books. Many, if not most, are written by folks who do not invest in real estate themselves; they only write about it. Berges is not one of them. He knows his stuff and it's clear that he practices what he preaches. I have read three of his books and, I must say, he's one of my favorite real estate authors. You can trust what he says. Experienced investors may want a bit more detail from Steve, but what he does say is accurate and safe. This is a good book on buying apartments. In fact, in my own book, "Investing in Duplexes, Triplexes & Quads," I list the best books I've read on different areas of real estate. This book is the ONLY book I recommend on investing in commercial multifamily (ie, apartments of 5 units and up) properties.
Apartment Building Buyer Guide
Excellent and reasonably comprehensive introduction to the
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Subjects:  1. Apartment houses    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business/Economics    5. Purchasing    6. Real Estate - General    7. Real Estate - Investments    8. Real Estate - Sales    9. Real estate investment    10. Residential real estate    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / Real Estate    13. Property & real estate