How to Find Hidden Real Estate Bargains Revised [Paperback]

Robert Irwin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1991

The best time to invest in residential real estate is right now! But because current market conditions can make virtually every property seem like a treasure, you need dependable strategies for identifying bargains and avoiding money traps. Whether you're an investor with limited assets, or a home, apartment, condo, or co-op buyer, you can tap into Robert Irwin's ever-reliable expertise to learn exactly where to find genuine bargains and obtain them at the kinds of prices most people only dream about. Armed with this insider's guide, you'll develop a successful game plan for cashing in on bank-owned foreclosures, conversion possibilities, distressed properties, discounted seconds, and numerous other bargain opportunities. You'll learn to better evaluate sellers' and lenders' motivations, successfully navigate the maze of financing and tax options, and confidently decide whether the potential payoffs of a transaction outweigh the risks. Page after page, you'll discover practical tips and techniques on how and where to find genuine bargains; how to pinpoint advantageous foreclosure opportunities; how to recognize motivated sellers; how to buy at auctions like a pro; how to purchase REOs, FHA/VA repos, and RTC properties; how to get brokers working hard for you; and how to find hidden gems in commercial buildings and conversions.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Trade; Revised edition (June 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070323046
• ISBN-13: 978-0070323049
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,149,940 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction, but very general, September 30, 2002

By 

Erol M. Irez "eirez" (North Quincy, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Find Hidden Real Estate Bargains Revised (Paperback)

Instead of explaining the details of "How" you will find bargains, Mr.Irwin mostly gives you a general overview of different bargain opportunities. This is not a step by step guide on how and where to find the bargains.

But the book does a good service in explaining the possible risks involved with each bargain property.

To the unitiated, this book may help you decide which bargain avenue to specialize in and investigate further (REO, distressed property, foreclosure, etc...) Otherwise, it is quite useless.

The chapters on financing, starting with a shoestring, and purchasing property in a falling market are dated (Resolution Trust Corporation - isn't it disolved???) or mostly motivational ("... if you really need to raise cash for a terrific deal, then in most cases you'll find the money.").

I liked this book and would recommend it as an introduction to investing, a book to give you an idea of different methods to investing. But if you need a "how-to" book, keep researching other books and attending investor meetings.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Has Life Moved On Though?, August 1, 2009

By 

C. R. Downing "Chris Downing" (Chippenham, Wilts England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: How to Find Hidden Real Estate Bargains Revised (Paperback)

A good book of the period 1995-2007, but things might have moved on now. I'd be looking for something that has been written post 2007, post crash, to be certain the advice is current. Still has a lot going for it though, just be careful how you apply it until things have settled down. (review written July 2009)

44 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference for someone looking to make money., September 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: How to Find Hidden Real Estate Bargains Revised (Paperback)

Very informative article for the unaware investor. Great reading for a first time buyer and great tips for the new real estate agent. Great use for targetting properties and suiting the buyers needs.