14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
This is the Standard Class Reference for NY DOS Class, June 22, 2004
This review is from: Modern Real Estate Practice in New York (Paperback)
I am in the middle of New York's prerequisite course for the Dept. of State exam. In searching for an acceptable school I became aware that hands down all the schools I engaged used Edith Lank's Mod R E Practices in NY (8th ed.) as the classroom text.
As far as it's readability, it is indeed a textbook, and reads that way. Pertinent areas are of the text are in a light blue to punctuate their importance ( I think I would have used red myself). These areas have mostly coincided with what the teacher asks you to highlight as important Exam points. Also, there are questions at the end of each chapter to reinforce the points of the chapter. A reasonable amount of time is spent on basic math concepts (algebra and geometry) if you paid attention in High School you can glean this chapter. The general topics include:
Deeds
Mortgages
Basic Finance
Liens
Easements
Laws of Agency
Contracts
Closings
Estates and Interests
Some of the students in the class complained that it uses too much legalese and reads like a Law book. Although this is not a law book per se, it deals with laws and statutes, regulations, interpretations of law, etc. So it should be a little more legalese than other types of reading.
There were a few typos in the main text as well as the Q/A sections. The book reads well enough to prompt me to purchase Lank's Test Prep guide as well, although I do not have it yet After taking the exam I will leave feedback as to the helpfulness of the exam Prep.
In general, I would recommend this book not only to those studying to be an agent, but for first time home buyers as well. The downstate region of NY (from Westchester down through Long Island) is different from the rest of the entire Unites States when it comes to Real Estate law and practices/customs. The information contained therein will help in knowing what your options are and who is working for/against you in the transaction. Or if you are just an information junkie, this is a great way to learn about the trade.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
very helpful, January 10, 2007
I purchased this book for an intro to Real Estate class I was taking. This book was very informative and upon reading I discovered alot about real estate laws regarding renting and buying that I had no idea about. This book also refers to very helpful websites that the general public has no knowledge about. I definitely can say that because of this book noone will be taking advantage of me! I know my rights now!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything You Need To Know, June 22, 2004
By A Customer
This review is from: Modern Real Estate Practice in New York (Paperback)
This is a great book although if you havent taken your Real Estate course yet you may want to wait because this book was provided for us when we took the class. This book teaches you about the laws, math, whos who, and who does what. At the end of each chapter there is a summary and questions and in the back of the book there is a test that will get you ready for the state test. The only thing this book does not do is that it doesnt really go over any skills or tips on selling real estate. Overall, its a must have book.
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