Customer Reviews

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Buying Foreclosures, 2nd Edition

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Provides a large amount of information in a concise but easy-to-read format. Considering all of the nuances of buying foreclosures, from the legal considerations to the occupation stage, the author does a good job of capturing and conveying the essentials. The author also does a good job of communicating both public and private foreclosure opportunities, which is important in many states.
The author focuses primarily on 'investing in foreclosures' vs. 'buying a foreclosure for your primary residence.' Consider this when comparing to other books.
Could have used more specific information on where to look for foreclosure opportunities, but the book does mention that actively searching and networking is a key to the game.
Overall, a good, easy read with valuable information for anyone wishing to enhance their real estate expertise.

Thoroughly researched and easy-to-understand, this educational reference guide is a great resource for anyone who's interested in foreclosures -- or residential real estate, in general. I especially liked the section on cautions for potential investors. Novice-level and experienced investors will appreciate all the helpful tips and advice. This book is packed with information. Highly recommended!

I found this book to be full of good information. It contains everything from the absolute basics to a more advanced explanation of different types of deals that can be done on foreclosures. It has a great definition of the foreclosure process and everything you need to know.

Not sure what the last reviewer's problem is with the references cited. In specific regards to Matt Bowman, I have used what this guy has taught for years. It has helped me pick up multiple properties with no money down and not having to get a mortgage. What he teaches works. The book includes a lot of information from him on lease options and "subject to" deals, which are creative deals that can be done with no money down and not having to qualify for a mortgage, so even someone with bad credit can do them! I have also seen Jackie Lange's (another author quoted) materials and have seen her do business for years. She is very knowledgable and actually pratices what she preaches.

There are many good authors quoted in this book with very good information. I especially liked Mr. Bowman's description of a creative "subject to" real estate deal and how it should work near the end of the book. The authors of this book (and even one of the authors quoted-Jackie Lange) even took the time to write a section of what to watch out for from internet "gurus" who claim to teach real estate investing. Some of these people are just salespeople without real experience as investors. The book provides good tips on what to look for, and I'm sure the investors quoted were probably researched beforehand to make sure they were not the "liars and con artists".

Overall, the book is a great resource for anyone wanting to learn about investing in foreclosures, or even just for general real estate investing knowledge. It is written for a complete beginner, but expands into more advanced details. Very complete and an easy read. I highly recommend it.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

For a newbie, this is an excellent introduction. It shows you the way to proceed, if you're serious about trying. For the price, it is a bargin and should be kept as a reference. If you're like me, a yellow lighter can be quite helpfull. Well worth the price when you consider the large sums of money that can be involved.

I've always enjoyed the Complete Idiot Guide series. Why? Because it delivers the message down to earth. It takes highly complexed legal matters and shows you step by step on how to invest in foreclosures. If you want to make money in foreclosures or have wanted to invest in them, you need to read this book.

Matt
Illustrator for the Ultimate Foreclosure Kit (ISBN 0978834658)

With the foreclosure rate at the highest level in decades, it might not be a bad time to invest in foreclosures. This book provides basic as well as more advanced information about how to invest in foreclosures, what the foreclosure process is, how lenders view foreclosures, and how to find great opportunities. I liked the author's explanation of why foreclosures occur. Some of you might think that it is because someone loses of a job, but the author lists other reasons such as divorce, health problems, relocation, the economy, and overwhelmed landlords.

There is a separate chapter on how to find foreclosed properties. When I was involved in foreclosures, I found that knocking on doors was the best way to get leads. I would get a list from the courthouse of people who fell behind in payments and the next day I would visit these homeowners. I was always the first one to contact them because other investors use passive methods such as direct mail or newspaper ads. Who reads newspapers these days anyway? Besides, if you cannot afford your mortgage payment, you probably don't have your newspaper subscription anymore.

- Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

This is a comical and resourceful guide to foreclosures, offering an easy to read handbook on how to invest in govt or bank foreclosed properties. Other titles that helped me about foreclosures -- Investing With out Losing: The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Tax Lien and Tax Deed Auctions

Glad I went to the library for this one. It includes really good basic information - or at least it appears to (hard to really render judgment when all I know about buying foreclosures is what I read here). However, it is from 2008 and so much has happened since then. Key in my view is what banks are doing with homes worth less than the amount owed on them; this seems to be most foreclosures now, and this is not dealt with in the book. Another limitation - of this and any book not dealing with particular state, so cannot fault guide but it does limit the book's usefulness - is that you need to find a lot more info about the state law that exists where you are buying. Finally, authors/editors have been sloppy in preparing 2nd Edition - I noticed, for instance, a reference to find more info on buying government-owned properties in Chapter 12, but the info was actually in Chapter 13. Slip was innocent and inconsequential, but it then makes you wonder what other slips might be there. In spite of these criticisms, it seems to be a good into to buying foreclosures and I would recommend reading it as a first step, though not as a reference guide to which you will return over and over.

If you're thinking about buying real estate, this is an excellent book to get. Full of information and online resources as well.

Hi guys this is a great book it really breaks it down how to do foreclosures and it takes you step by step.I would recommended to those that are into real estate or are looking to invest............