Secure Your Financial Future Investing in Real Estate (Paperback)

by Martin Stone (Author), Spencer Strauss (Author) "Most aspects of our modern culture focus primarily on immediate gratification..." (more)
Key Phrases: depreciable improvements, transactional position, future net worth, Social Security, Uncle Sam, Appreciation Game (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
…hard to find a fault with this fascinating book… this excellent investment book rates a solid 10 (out of 10). -- -Robert J. Bruss, Tribune Media Services

Product Description
The roller coaster stock market and recent corporate scandals have left many with smaller retirement portfolios-and greater skittishness-about investment options. Real estate has been one notable bright spot in this gloomy investment landscape. New home construction is booming, property values continue to increase, and interest rates have been uncommonly low. Now, Martin Stone and Spencer Strauss leading real estate practitioners and authors, discuss how smart investors can use real estate to build a retirement portfolio-safely and successfully. Using time-tested principles, the authors outline a step-by-step guide that clearly describes the opportunities and hazards in real estate investing. For starters, Martin Stone and Spencer Strauss discuss a formula that shows readers exactly how much money they'll need for a comfortable retirement income. From there, readers will learn: *How to create safe wealth through leverage and compound interest, tax-deferred exchanges, and commonsense real estate principles *How the investment playing field has changed, and how the real estate market can provide long-term profitability and retirement stability *Do's and don'ts in planning, appraising, and financing various real estate ventures, including big and small apartment buildings, condos, foreclosures, and commercial and industrial properties *How to spot a money-making investment-and when and why to run away from a loser *How to manage properties to yield the greatest investment return, including the management of tenants, when to seek out new opportunities, and when to bail out Filled with real-life examples, checklists, and worksheets, readers will find a sharply focused treatment to retirement planning using one of the most underestimated investment vehicles on the financial scene. Real estate, the authors point out, can be a viable and extremely lucrative way to create a fulfilling, predictable, and prosperous nest egg.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kaplan Business (April 11, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0793161290
• ISBN-13: 978-0793161294
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #757,464 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The right real estate investment book, August 8, 2003

By	John F. Johns (Port Charlotte, FL United States) - See all my reviews

'Secure your financial future investing in real estate' is a book that I recommend very highly. I have read over 25 books related directly to this topic and I have to tell you, I thought it was so good that I read it twice. I am what some would call an 'intermediate investor.' This book gave information that not only motivated me to do more with my real estate investments but how to aquire better and more properties so that I would have the future that I have always wanted. It is a more direct approach that gives you tools to go out and start the next day with the confidence that one would need in order to be a successful real estate investor. A more realistic approach aside from the other 'how to get rich' mentalities or the 'no money down' approach. It was an honest focus on not only the 'why' but the 'how' to get started and why you should not wait. If your intentions are to supplement your retirement with a few smart investments or develop a career in the real estate investing industry, this is the book for you. It covers the entire scope and lays the foundation for a profitable venture. The authors speak from experience and prove it by giving their personal email address that you can ask specific questions and get answers needed to succeed. It is like having a mentor at you finger tips and there is no way you could fail with support and advice like that. I strongly encourage anyone who is even thinking about the possibility of using real estate investments to achieve their goals and dreams. You + this book + a little desire = success!! Good luck!

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Talk about eye-opening!, June 11, 2003

By A Customer

This book is wonderful. I'm a 31-yr-old computer programmer with a good income and lots of equity in a townhouse. I'm a reasonably good saver and make regular contributions to my 401k. Will this put me on the path to retirement riches? Not by a long shot, and this book clearly explains why in simple and plain language. This book makes too much common sense to refute. But fortunately its purpose is *not* to stir up doom and gloom.

It's real purpose is to illustrate the riches to be made from the low-risk high-return world of long term real estate investing in income properties. The authors emphasize a long term investment plan, not the quick flipping pitched by so many marketing gurus. Through leverage we can turn a modest 5% property appreciation into a whopping 40%++ return on our money. How does that compare to 2% for your savings account, or 10% long term in the stock market? Throw in tax writeoffs, deferred capital gains, loan reduction and positive cashflow at the same time and I am hooked.

This is a great eye-opening book for those new to real estate, and for those who their think social security and 401k will provide a secure retirement.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A great place to start, July 5, 2003

By A Customer

There are many positive things about this book that should be noted. First, it is presented in a way that is simple and easy to understand. Second, regardless of where the reader is in his/her life there are facts and suggestions that are thought provoking and appropriate to that stage of life. Finally, it's good to see in print ideas that some of us may have embraced, but never had validated by anyone other than friends.
One of my childrren graduated from college last March, and the other should graduate this coming March. Because of the easy to read format, clear examples, and un-textbook like style, I plan on giving each of them a copy of this book - it will be "a great place to start" the next phase of their lives. With degrees in hand, it will be worthwhile for them to now get reality based instruction/information.