Compras Nikon Bluetooth |
For example, in this book, we have the great Dolf deRoos who has made a small fortune investing in real estate. He has walked the talk and talks the walk. He has been there, done it and done it again.
If your goal is to become a sucessful real estate investor, then I highly recommend this great book by Dolf de Roos.
I highly recommend this book for all serious real estate investors. Great book Dolf.
They ain't makin anymore land and one constant is that people will always need a place to live. Real Estate is the greatest millionaire maker and no monthly sales quota's or sales volume requirements!
This great book by Dolf explains the why and some of the how. It is a great addition to your library. And the profits you will make will be a great addition to your wealth.
Dolf's book is different. First he compares real estate to the stock market and explains the difference. Then he discusses the tax benefits of real estate investing better than anyone else and then explains his own techniques.
Overall a great book. Not 5 stars, but worthy of 10 stars.
For example, Dolf speaks a lot about buying commmercial real estate and how running them is easier than renting residential real estate. He only spends a few pages really delving into this topic when it could greatly shape how one invests in real estate. Commercial real estate has its pros and cons, but this book seems to lean towards exposing people to mostly commmercial real estate when that's not always within their best interests.
Furthermore, this book tells a lot of stories. If you like stories about how people get rich in real estate, read this book. It's a fast read and fairly small, so there shouldn't be a problem reading it in a weekend or less. However, don't turn to it if you're looking for an in-depth plan on investing in real estate. It is lacking in the "how to" department.
One final note, I have made lots of money by investing in real estate, both commercial and residential. I feel this is a good book to get one started in the world of real estate investing, and I hope everyone in the world does it. Just make sure you read other books as well to give yourself a broader understanding of the complexities of investing.
Real Estate Riches helped me buy my first 2 rentals. This book launched me into financial freedom.
Thank you Dolf for a really great book.
Dolf writes in an easy to read style and he writes like he knows what he is talking about, because he does.
Most real estate books merely spit out the same information over and over. This one is different.
I also purchased Dolf's audio tape program from Nightengale-Conant and found it to be the finest real estate system that I have ever seen.
Dolf knows his stuff. Highly recommended.
The book isn't a "how to" book nor can it be. Pick a subject like computers, pretty complex and experienced-based, could you write one book and everyone would just "get it." Of course not.
There are lots of things to watch out in real estate investing, as with anything in life. Read this book, get some new ideas, educate yourself more, start shopping around. Find a mentor who is successful in real estate investing (an uncle with one property isn't an expert so find someone else) and start learning by doing.
So many reviewers criticize books like this because they sound like "get rich quick" but in reality they aren't about getting rich quick. It makes me think people are frustrated that it _does_ take time. Did Bill Gates make his $54B in one year? No.
Another reviewer mentioned that properties don't always appreciate. Not _every_ property does but that's why you do your homework first. Look at comparable properties in the area - look at city/town improvement projects - etc. Look at the numbers for yourself - the U.S. real estate market has increased every year.
Thank you de Ross! Thank you Robert Kiyosaki!
What makes Real Estate Riches different is that it is
1) Written by a real investor
2) Written by a successful investor
3) Offers Rich Dad's unique ideas
And that is why there are so many five star reviewers here. Great book. It worked for me.
This one is different and better. Highly recommended.
Not a big book. I'm sure Dolf could have written a much larger book and make it like other R.E. books out there. But then Real Estate Riches would have been just like every other book and lost it's uniqueness.
Why repeat what others have done. Dolf provides his insider secrets based on what really works from a real estate investor standpoint. This is not some quickly put together book by some desperate self publisher who has never been in the business but only writes about it ala Peter H.
Dolf is a R.E. investor. He talks the walk and walks the talk. His wisdom is based on actual experience, not plagerized material from another author or book.
I highly recommend Real Estate Riches as an outstanding book to get you on the path to financial freedom.
In the spring of 2003 I refinanced an existing property for over $37,500 and reinvested it into two multi family homes. I never thought of my equity as tax free investment capital. Each home has a positive cash flow of over six hundred dollars per month. After property management fees, I net over nine hundred dollars per month. I plan on buying twenty eight more properties within the next ten years using what I learned from this book. My goal is to earn over $25,000 per month in positive cash flow from my business. As Dolf points out, owing properties should be treated as a business if you want to succeed. To my ears, that's good sound advice.
My only criticism of Real Estate Riches is that Mr. De Roos spends the first third of the book trying to convince the reader that real estate is the BEST investment of All Time.
Personally, I still enjoy selling call options on stocks and profiting handsomely in an up or down stock market. I will say that adding real estate to my over all investment portfolio is one of the best things I have ever done.
If you enjoy living pay check to pay check DON'T order this book. However, if you're seriously looking for a way to make a better life for yourself and your family, this book is a must have!
That being said, I found Real Estate Riches a excellent real estate book. There is technical information in this book. No it is not a large book, I believe that Dolf wanted this book to be different and left out information that is already in other books. Why repeat it here? I think RTK and Dolf were smart in sticking with this format.
As an experienced investor, I am looking for new information, not just the same information that has already been covered in a dozen or so books.
This book is excellent. If you fail to see the value of Real Estate Riches, then you probably won't see the value in real estate investing either.
Good book. Highly recommended. Thank you Dolf and RTK. Looking forward to your next foray.
You won't find 1,000+ pages of worthless drivel like some financial books, just meaty, powerful stuff that really works.
You'll want to add this one to your must read list. Great book.
You will also find some technical information. For beginning and all investors, the 100/3/1 rules alone is worth the price of this book.
Even as a veteran investor, I found the chapters on how to massively increase the value of your property and how to manage your property quite illuminating.
This is a good book that lives up to the Rich Dad series tradition. I also recommend Real Estate Loopholes.
I especially like the author's anecdote about how he went through all those years of college to get a Ph. D. in engineering, then when he received his Ph. D. he was offered a job at $32,000 a year (this was the early 80's, I think, so that was a good starting salary for an engineer back then). But the week before he was offered the job, he had completed a real estate deal in which he made $35,000. So he turned down the job and to this very day has never had a job. Imagine that..... living your whole life without ever having to rent out your labor to the Man for a pittance and put up with the expectations of some moronic, terminally blue-collar boss. This guy has never had a job. He has always made his money--more than enough of it--working for himself rather than slaving away for fifty hours a week making someone else rich.
I recommend this book. It's definitely worth reading. I'm glad I have it.
One other criticism I have is that at times the book came across like an advertising vehicle for some of Dolf de Roos' other books. More than once I was irritated to read something along the lines of "there are dozens of different ways of doing such-and-such, read my other book Having said all that the book does have some good information. Some of his principles will stick with me, such as: You make your profit when you buy, not when you sell; Buy from a motivated seller (who needs a sale) to get the best value; Seldom sell (to avoid taxes and transaction costs); You need to look at 100 houses to find the one bargain. The last principle particularly impressed me, Dolf is not claiming that this is a get rich quick scheme that allows money to fall into your lap without any work. Overall, worth it for beginners but I suspect if you've read a few other property investment books this won't give you any new insights.
My background is as a quant researcher in the equities business, where people live and die if they can or can not beat the S&P by a couple percent a year. This book turned me on to the uses of 1) leverage and 2) tax strategies. Together, these will allow you to do _much_ better in real estate than the S&P. I thought de Roos came off as a bit of a cheerleader, and thought the book would have been better if he put in some caution to be thoughtful and diligent. Perhaps a story or two of deals gone bad, rather than lots of tales of snatching properties for 10-50% of market value, would have made the book more balanced, and thus more credible. Overall though, I've become really excited since reading this book. I will obviously have to go buy other books to get more details, and I will have to learn by doing. But I have now received the required ZING! to get me to really think about real estate.
The sections on financing and taxes were especially valuable. Advice is timely and powerful. If your goals is to become a real estate investor, read this book and prosper.
If you want to invvest successfully in real estate, I highly recommend this book. In fact, I wouldn't invest without it!
This book confirms that real estate is a better investment than other asset classes. That is the intent of the Book. Who wants to read a How to Book? Do it yourself and learn on the job. Its not that hard. That $10k is worth a hell of a lot more now than if I put that $10k in shares or managed funds some 7 yrs ago.
There must be better books out there.
If you are looking for information on "How to Become Rich Using Your Banker's Money" as the title indicates, you will be VERY disappointed.
Thank you so much Dolf de Roos! Samantha :)
I expected much better from someone recommended by Kiyosaki. I own the entire "Rich Dad" series but will think twice before buying anything else from the "Advisors" series.
One, if you're reading these reviews because something inside of you has been awakened--because you realize that there's got to be something in life better than going through the grind of a 9-5 job, _DON'T_ let the negative reviews get in your way. Go ahead, this book will inspire you and get you going in the right direction. Two, this is _NOT_ a how-to book. While looking for background information about the author, I realized why. Have you read Michael Jordan write something about how to run, pass and dunk? No, because those are things that you can learn easily. Michael Jordan approach basketball from a higher perspective. What he writes about are the mental disciplines he uses to play the game. It's the same with this book. The author did not write how to get a mortgage, or how to do this and that. Those are the simple things. You can get that information from other books. What you will get from this book is a sense of what is possible. With that, it might help get you through your journey when you're feeling at the bottom and nothing seems to be working. You'll also know how a very good real estate investor thinks. In the long run, the how-to's may matter little compared to learning how to think and approach the subject of real estate investing. Just my 0.02
Robert sells the idea that leverage improves your investment returns and that leverage, with proper risk control, is the key to becomming wealthy. His main point: banks won't lend you money to buy stocks or bonds, but they will lend you money (9 to 1 ratio) to buy real estate. Dolf offers mostly motivation and very little on how to gain riches in real estate. Most of his information is based on experiences in New Zealand. He uses this book to sell his course. I am sure he is a smart fellow with good information, he just does not offer much in this book. He barely scratches the surface. There are better books in real estate investing than this one. Instead of buying this book, borrow it from a library or sit down in a bookstore's coffee shop and read it. It will only take you an hour and you will be glad you kept your money in your wallet.
The ideas in this book are not for lazy people, who'd rather buy mutual funds and then hope for a miracle. Its for people who want to work hard to build financial independence. Does it work? Think about it. Nothing "works" on it own, not even your car or your marriage, so why should this? However, like your car and/or marriage it will work if you make it work. Bottom line: Buying a [$$$] book will not make you a multi-millionaire, but using its time-honoured wisdom coupled with hard work, surely will.
It is clear, almost from the first page, that the book is concerned with proving that real estate investment is the REAL DEAL. The book succeeds in SPECTACULAR FASHION!! The author addresses the topic by first helping the reader redefine the returns from a real estate investment as compared to other investments (i.e stocks), reminding the reader of the tax and funding factors that are quite unique to (and favorable to) real estate investing. Like another reviewer stated, it is definitely not a HOW-TO book but a WHY-TO. It is very compelling however, and the author presents enough scenarios and real life examples to keep it kicking. I have been considering real estate investing for almost 3 years, but this book finally got me to take the plunge. Another reviewer stated that he jumped into real estate investing AFTER reading the book, and has seen excellent growth. I am also embarking on the same journey and hope to GLOAT to the critics a few years from now. As a relative neophyte, I have not been exposed to too many books on this subject but the criticisms in these reviews do not appear detailed, systematic or well thought out. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR ALL BEGINNERS. IT WILL HELP MAKE YOUR DECISION!!
So what's in it for you? Well, it is a great starting point to get your thinking going without having to absorb masses of new information. This is not an exceptional book but I think it was worth the Aus$20 I paid for it. However Australian readers should definately check out 2 other books I have discovered as more in the 4 or 5 star category: 1 Wealth Magic by Peter Spann - Some amazing wealth secrets/ideas in the guise of a local success story. Read this for a conceptual understanding of wealth and success. 2 Investing in Residential Property by Peter Waxman - academic treatment of the subject and a veritable tome at 500 pages. Read this for the specifics of the property market from every angle you can think of plus detailed analysi (sp?) of Australian demographics. p.s. I wonder how many of the critics are as successful themselves as the author?
But this book was ONLY ok. It left out too many needed facts - like how to find a good partner. My biggest 'gripe' is it was light on the how to invest in other countries. I felt if the author was going to 'push' owing property in mulitple areas then there should have been alot more detail about the laws, etc that would be needed to do so.
2. All arguments are common sense that a 6th grader can figure out. I don't learn anything new or informative. 3. The language tone of the book is not professional, constantly uses excessive words (very, extremely, lots of !! etc.) and exaggerates scenarios. Sounds more like a used car salesman than an experienced professional. He is just milking Kiyosaki's success with another book of the Rich Dad's series. Kiyosaki had better be careful with garbage marketing bombardment. Quality control is not there.
It has explainations on how to look at loan with optimism which alot of financial books didn't. A great book for people who are about to own a house or currently servicing a loan. mike
My two favorite books so far with a lot more "how to" stuff are: Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor by Suzanne Thomas Kawasaki is a mkting con man anyway.
OK, I want to be clear in this review just what your buying here. Robert Kiosaki wrote a great starter book for investors that I highly recommend called "Rich Dad Poor Dad", then he has created a cottage industry by allowing other authors he calls his "Advisor's" to market thier works with his trademarked book covers and designs. The fact of the matter is, Robert T. Kiyosaki simply wrote the forward on this book, and it has no technique or style that is typical Kiyosaki other than the look of the cover. Dolf de Roos is a guy from Australia that wrote this book on Real Estate and put the trademark purple cover with yellow text Kiyosaki stamp of approval on it. I'm happy they are making a fortune off of the masses, but I say save your money. This author is from Australia and his views are also from Australia. His style of real estate simply doesn't work in the United States. Sure some of the principles are the same, but the meat of the book just doesn't apply to the U.S. IF you want a better book on Real Estate that covers all of Dolf's points and much more, get, "Rental Houses for the Successful Small Investor", by Suzanne P. Thomas. If you want to learn how to invest in Real Estate, learn from someone that started small and built millions, one house at a time, not from some book writter, that then purchased a 1.2 million dollar house with the proceeds of his book. (P.s. he claims the house is 3.5 million in value, but that isn't the case, although 1.2 million is no chump change. I just wanted to point out one of the many discrepancies I have discovered in reading his materials).
Still, I thought "Yeah it's boring, but considering how much money there is to be made, how could I not do this?" I had made up my mind to pour myself into further research - until I read the best advice the book had to offer in the last paragraph. It said: "We are going to be dead for a mighty long time. Every moment counts. Make the most of life. Decide what it is you want to do, and then go out there and do it. If you are not having fun, change something until you are. Decide what it is you are passionate about and the pursue it with vigor... Once today is over, it is gone for good." Mom, Dad: Real estate is not for me -- but I have a lot of money that needs investing. If you are inclined to look at houses for a living, then buy this book and read it. Let me know when you've selected our first property. Your son, The author tries to upsell his other material in the book "for further reading" and fails to disclose any useful information about real estate in this book. I speak very highly of the Rich Dad series, and this one does not belong in it; very disappointing.
37 Couldn't be better!
I've read some of the rich dad series and this book is the most pragmatic of all... it tells u the steps and advantages, instead of 'just an idea' like most of kiyosaki's books. it's also perfect for beginners and make investing in RE less intimidating in a sense...
38 Lukewarm
Real estate is undoubtedly important for building wealth. Dr. De Roos suggests repeatedly in this volume that people can enjoy quite enhanced property values by making improvements that are not costly. This general way of thinking is important and very valuable. So, this book is one of very many mass market books that offer some introduction to generally correct ways of thinking regarding real estate. On the other hand, essentially all the critical pieces of practical implementation seem to be missing. In Dr. De Roos' market, it is possible to enjoy great increases of value by cheap construction of covered parking. That may not hold true in every market. It is so important to be able to assess your own particular market correctly. At the level of books intended for quite a general audience, I much prefer Diane Kennedy's book. For more clarity on "how to," the best book I've found is the ponderous volume by Michael Geltner and ? Miller on Commercial Real Estate. It isn't easy reading, really, but, then, a person doesn't expect to attain professional status trivially. Don't you agree?
39 great!
So, it is my first time that I read English written book from cover to cover. This is what I don't make often even in my own language. It is very good start for becoming idea of real estate investing.
40 More Garbage From Kiyosaki and His Minions
This Amway lackey and his cronies peddle nothing but mindless garbage for all of you 5 star reviewers who can't get enough of the Kiyosaki Kool-Aid to lap up. I have to imagine that most of you are unemployed and living in your parents' basement or garage. "RK", as many of you like to call him, has made most if not all of his fortune pushing his useless and fictitious [product.] Do a little research and you'll find that there is no documentary evidence to support any of the investment activities he purports to have excelled in. Grow up and read some advice from people who have been there and actually done it(e.g. John Reed, Leigh Robinson, William Nickerson). Anyone who believes that Kiyosaki and his merry band...have "enlightened" them needs to take a cold shower and have their head examined. I almost fainted when I heard Kiyosaki charges $...for a three day real estate seminar. Anyone who would pay a dime to get advice from this snake oil salesman should be institutionalized.
41 Don't Buy This Book
This book gives you no information regarding real estate what-so-ever. The author goes on and on about how wonderful Real Estate Is. We all know Real Estate is Great, but we also know that it takes money to make money. That is one thing that this author does not understand. We all know that your banker WILL NOT lend you money, unless you have money. This author makes money in book sales and seminar sales. He doesn't make money in real estate. Try buying a HOW-TO book, not a WHY-TO Book. NOT A GOOD READ.
42 Real Estate Riches
This was the first book I ever read on real estate, and at the time, I found the book to be very motivational and enjoyable to read. After having bought a couple of properties and read a few more books on real estate, I have come to re-evaluate the book. This book is only helpful if you are just starting out in real estate and want to obtain some VERY VERY general knowledge in the field. If you have ANY experience in real estate at all, don't bother reading this book. You won't learn anything new.
43 A good intro, but could be more balanced
I really enjoyed reading this book, for the main reason that it made some light bulbs turn on in my head. I thought that it would have been better if it had been more balanced, but overall I thought it was well worth the time and money.
44 Great book
I picked this book up expecting nothing. I came away from it with a tremendous amount of excitement. I'm afraid that I still have yet to figure out how to put it all together and make it work, though. For my money, this was one of the best books I've ever read. It made me very excited for my new investment opportunities. I have not put any of these ideas into action yet but I am really excited about the time when I will be.
45 Powerful - Great for new and experienced investors.
I like this book. Do not make the mistake of judging this book by it's size.
46 It's working for me
I'me new to real estate investing and I found this book very helpful. In particular, I enjoyed the sections on investing, financing and taxes.
47 Nothing but fluff
This book was a complete waste of money. Upon finishing the book (easily accomplished in under an hour), I quickly realized that it contained nothing more than pointless verbal cheerleading.
48 Save your money!
This is a waste of time and money - I have been quite indiscriminate in my reading of real estate investment books, and this is by far the worst. Kiyosaki is obviously more interested in making money than in dispensing good, solid advice. Avoid this at all cost (unless it makes you happy to hear people tell you how easy it is to make money in real estate, supporting that statement with questionable arithmetic).
49 Best book in the RD series
After Cash Flow Qudrant, this one shows you how to make money.Interesting how the bashers keep saying that the real estate boom is over, yet real estate keeps getting better and better.The fact is that real estate is always a great investment, if you know why and how.Read this book and get the facts.
50 Great first book for a real estate investment education
Although I do not consider "Real Estate Riches" by Dolf de Roos the power-house book that Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "Cashflow Quadrant" are, it is a great place for the real estate investment novice to start. This book (a part of the Rich Dad Advisor series) lays a sound foundation for why real estate is the best investment vehicle for a long-term investment strategy--as well as potential short-term financial gains--over other types of investing. It then covers the basic concepts and "how to" of getting started in your own real estate invenstments. I really enjoyed the stories from New Zealand and Australia, as they give it a nice international flavor and perspective. However, this book is only a starting point for the aspiring real estate investor, and you will need to absorb other books to gain a more full understanding before starting out on your own. I highly recommend Wade Cook's "Real Estate Money Machine", which details a strategy similar to the one Robert Kiyosaki describes in his books. Other books on financing, buying foreclosures, etc... are available through Amazon.com and will help to give you a well-rounded education in real estate investing. If you are not currently an investor, I would recommend reading Robert Kiyosaki's first two books ("Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "Cashflow Quadrant") to get your thinking straight about money, investing and business in general. Then also read this book, Wade Cook's mentioned above, and perhaps one or two more specific to real estate--and you'll be prepared MENTALLY to get started AND be successful in real estate investing! Remember, it is your financial literacy or lack of it that will determine your success or failure in whatever investment vehicle you choose to pursue. "Real Estate Riches" is a great place to start, but like most books on real estate, not a complete "diet" on the subject.
51 Good - if you want to know why RE is better than Shares
This book has given me the inspiration to continue what I am doing. I know I am on the right path. I have not found a miracularous deal but I do believe that a coat of paint or new floor coverings does add value to a property. I also agree with the buy, hold and never sell principle...
52 review of audio CD
I read the Rich Dad Poor Dad book in one evening and liked what I read so I wanted to get this CD. When I listened to this CD by Dolf de Roos I was amazed at two things: (1) Robert Kiyosaki isn't that verbally polished (he does the intro) and (2) this CD is interesting to start with but de Roos starts to wear on you after his endless rantings about investing in real estate vs. stocks. Regarding point 1 - if Kiyosaki really sounds like that and can get rich then it goes to show the common man can pull it off too. Don't let language or verbal skills hold up your plans on getting rich. On point 2 - de Roos is highly polished and it comes through very clearly but he sounds like a broken record as he looks at 1,000 angles on why real estate investments are wiser than stock investments. If you understand that already and want to know the how-to this CD isn't the place to find that out. In all, if you already know you want to invest in real estate then don't bother buying this CD since it is just a hype session on why you should do it. Your time is better spent looking for some real estate to invest in.
53 Read This Book First
Read this book first if you've ever thought about getting involved in Real Estate Investment. This will give you a foundation of thinking. It is NOT a "How-To" book by any stretch of the imagination. But it will get you started in the right direction. Shortly after reading this I met Dolf de Roos at a seminar. Granted he makes most of his current wealth off the speaking circuit, but if you listen (or read) and pay attention, you'll learn. It's a quick read, and worth the time and money.
54 not for people with a financial background
it's easy to read. but a summary of the book would probably fetch 2 pages. the writer tells us it's all very simple, which is probably true. but as with anything that is simple, you should be able to write that on 1 page.
55 Tony Robbins for Real Estate
This is a motivational / inspriational book, and provides very little *actionable* advice.
56 AWESOME!!!
This book has absolutely changed my life... It gave me the tools and resources that has allowed me to be FINANCIAL FREE!
57 Great Book. Direct to the point and easy to absorb.
This book is simply amazing!!! I am just starting to invest in Real Estate and I found the information in this book to be extremely helpful, especially the part on financing and taxes. Regardless the state of the economy, Real Estate is the best way to invest and this book can get you started on the right foot.
58 If you don't know why, the how doesn't matter.
I love these reviewers trying to bash Real Estate Riches, Mr. Kiyosaki, Dolf de Roos and other authors in the Rich Dad series. I have a millionaire friend named Marty. He made his fortune via real estate and business. Not coincidently, he practices the same techniques advised in the Rich Dad books. The system works folks.My friend Marty also butchers up the english language. When we go to the gym for example, he'll say "Lets go on the Threadmill (he means Treadmil)" Or after a workout he'll say "Lets get a boddle (he means bottle) of ice tea" He warns his salespeople not to make "misreputations" (he means misrepresentations). And when he calls for his sales people to get together, he'ss say."We're having a meetin (instead of meeting) tonight"This guy butchers up the English language is a Grammar and English teachers nightmare. But he is worth several million and is highly successful.His spelling is equally horrific and he frequently says that anybod wh has only one way to spell a word is not very original. He laughs all the way to the bank...There are plenty of other goods with excellent grammar and perfect spelling, but alas, I prefer a book written by people who are actually in the trenches makng real estate deals, er, like Kiyosaki, de Roos, Robert Allen, Wade Cook or my friend Marty in lieu of people who just write about it but have yet to make their first deal.Good book Mr. Kiyosaki and Mr. de Roos.
59 A rah-rah book of the worst sort
I've read my share of real estate books, and so far this is among the weakest. While de Roos makes a very convincing, enthusiastic, and verbose argument for *why* one should invest in real estate, he glosses over the mechanics and the "how-to" part promised by the title.
60 Puff
The first half of this book is an intellectually insulting description of why you should invest in real estate, chapter after chapter covering what could have been said in a few pages. The second half of the book is better, but spends too much time talking about investing in New Zealand. The book oversimplifies investing, without digging in deeper on issues like operating costs for duplexes versus apartments etc. The book advocates maximum leverage without covering risks like rising interest rates, unexpected costs etc. The only useful info I found was in the discussion of internal rate of return for comparing investments. Don't expect any guidance on what costs you will really incur operating a property.
61 Good book
Informative, with lots of good real life examples. Very context expanding.
62 Good book on RE investing but not the greatest
The book is o.k. for novices in the real estate field. Dolf de Roos tries rightly to convince you that RE is the best investment, if you are patient, to retire with peace in mind. De Roos has a Phd in mechanical engineering and has never worked for someone, thanks to his decision to work for himself in real estate and he has made a fortune. But I still recommend the book "The Buy and Hold Strategy" by Schumacher which I hope I had read when I was 25-30 years old. I read it when I was in my mid-forties and the book helped me so much to achieve my goals for a secure retirement. I am retiring at 55, fully financially secure thanks to Schumacher's book.
63 My 0.02
I have two things that I would like to say.
64 Serious Lack of Substance
As stated in other reviews, this is not a how-to book. My take is the author wants one to look at real estate as a serious investment. The problem I have with the book is that it can be accomplished in 30 pages. There is a lot of fluff.
65 This book offers little less than motivation
I read this book in one sitting, and took notes on important ideas. Unfortunately, the notes filled only one page, double spaced.
66 Well presented book. Keeps it simple and useful.
This book is a testament to a time honoured investment strategy viz. real estate. By way of proof: the stock crash of 2001-02 barely even dented the real estate market. In most North American cities, the real estate market was HOT in 2002, while the stock market went from bad to terrible. (My wife & I lost over 20% in our stock protfolio, while our real estate value GREW 25%). This book and others have pointed out that while no bank advertises to finance stock/jewelery/antique purchases, they are all fighting to finance real estate purchases. Why? Because real estate is "real", tangile and always in demand....and hence a great investment.
67 Too general and vague
There are better books out there. Don't waste your money.
68 Rich Dad taught this fellow well.
I have read several of Kiyosaki books, listened to his audio tapes and I always end up asking myself... WHERE'S THE BEEF. All of his materials are all fluff and no substance. While a part of me thinks he may be sincere in his attempt to educate, he would fail as a teacher. His lesson plans are lacking and leave the buyer struggling so that they buy more of his "meatless" products making him the only RICH DAD in America
69 An Ambassador for Real Estate Investing
I REALLYY don't understand the reviewers who have criticized this book. At one point in the book, the author states that most books that are written about real estate investing are right on point. I believe that illustrates the whole approach to the book.
70 A very good real estate book
Emerson once said, "The hardest thing for people to do is to think."This book gets you thinking. It's not about techniques. For techniques, read Nothing Down, A Fortune at Your Feet, Flipping Properties or Real Estate Money Machine.What Dolf deRoos does do with this book is what the other books in the RDPD series have done; get you to think. To develop a philosophy. To show you how to become a Ultimate Investor instead of a average investor.QUESTION: All of those great Real Estate books and websites that keep getting recommended. If they are so great, where are all of the real estate tycoons? Hmmmm????Read. learn, apply and succeed. Then come back and tell us the truth about this book.Happy investing.
71 Fluff Marketed Under the "Rich Dad . . . Poor Dad" Umbrella
Robert Kiyosaki wrote the outstanding book "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", and I applaud him for it. This book can help make a major transformation in one's view of money and their life. - - - Unfortunately there seems little more to add. In the desire to cash in on the success of Rich Dad, there have been numerous books slapped together under the same marketing umbrella and these are lacking in thought or originality. (The exact same material and diagrams seem to make their way into the various books.) Here is another lightweight example. - - Some may say that you have to "read between the lines" to get the "deeper meaning" of this book. Well, it has also been said that one can find "deep meaning" in reading just about anything, - - including the phone book if one really wants to do so. - - - The best lesson from this book and the others sold after Rich Dad is that when you come up with something hot - - - you better jump on it and ride it for all its worth ("ride your winners"). This book is directed toward the naive amateurs who hope for quick & easy answers, and lack the knowledge/experience necessary to judge what is fluff and what is substantial. These will all find their way in the used book stores in a few years. - - -
72 Hardly a marketing pitch - Valuable information
I can't quite understand the number of reviewers criticising this book - unless they are saying they are incapable of reading between the lines.
The examples in this book are SOMEWHAT glorified without appropriate qualifying statements, however at no stage does the author present them as anything other than what is POSSIBLE. The examples are in fact normally based on his best deals (and I assure the sceptics that they are really not particularly inprobable given his experience and number of properties traded).
Those complaining that the book is not enough "HOW TO" obviously didn't read the first couple of pages where he specifically states it is not intended as such as there are plenty of other books on the subject.
It is inspiring without being motivational in nature.
And to someone who has not understood real estate or investments in general before it could in fact be a real eye-opener and change your thinking forever.
73 This is how to get rich in America (WORLD)
This is my 4th Rich Dad book and I belive the most important. More people have become wealthy through real estate than any other or all other investments combined and that incudes the stock market.I also recommend Rich Dads Guide to investing and the 16% Solution.CAUTION: There are some people here pushing websites that are run by essentially shills for RTK's competitors and/or amateur-Pirate type operators. IF I gave OR offered you a dollar bill, which would you prefer; an original printed by the US government or a illegal, counterfeit copy?RTK and his series of books are the best. His authors are people who are successful, not wannabe real estate investors who haven't even bought their own property.
74 Not all that it is cracked up to be.
This book is comparable to the Dummy's books. It really doesn't offer any real estate advice that any other book couldn't have given. It was relitively boring.
75 Oh my God...
This book is not worth the air it displaces. De Roos clearly has never done a single one of the deals he describes, if he had he would have been writing from a cozy corner cell in prison. Someone clever enough to fleece the public with trash like this definitely wouldn't be caught dead trying to pull off the high-risk and illegal schemes he suggests. And why would a beginner (who clearly is the target audience for this book) want to invest in real estate in *other countries* and *multiply* expenses and the complexity of the deals? Don't waste your perfectly good money on this dime-store charlatan. Instead, begin your real-estate investment career by becoming intimately familiar with the law of real property, tax, and contracts. If you can't master basic concepts of US statutory and case law you certainly cannot master the quantitative and strategic aspects of profitable and legal real estate investment. ...
76 Why-To, Not How-To of Real Estate
Great 1st book on real estate. On the 1st line of chapter 1, Dolf says this is NOT a "How-To" book, but more of a why-to book. Very easy to read.
77 Great guide for the gullible
Why did so many reviewers rate this book so poorly? The book succeeds in exactly what it was intended to do. It has sold a jillion copies to the gullible "investing" wannabes who wish to believe that they can make big bucks in real estate without money, credit, effort, or intelligence. Anyone who really wanted to find out what it takes to realistically buy, own, and manage property would have read Gary Eldred, John Reed, Leigh Robinson, or William Nickerson. So, why complain when Rich Dad hands you cotton candy? Should you have expected anything more?
78 NOT BAD BUT NOT REALLY GOOD EITHER
This is my first review of anything so please bear with me. I own 12 dbles, a condo (which I'm selling)--I also have a partner and we have a triplex and a big old house we're converting to a dble. I'm telling you this is establish myself. I expect to have a net worth topping a million within 3 years. I read this book over the weekend. After getting by some of the 'strange' things (like painting the roof--I guess this is big in Europe) I felt that this was a ok book. The biggest thing I took exception to was buying property in several different countries. I prefer that my property be within 100 miles or so. And I don't agree with using a management compay--I've had too many problems with that in the past.
79 Good theme, short on details
The reviewer below, Colin Higgins (March 25, 2002) seems to know as little about real estate investing as he does about spelling. He needs to read Eldred's Value Investing in Real Estate. Because Higgins has fallen into the fatal (but common) trap of equating real estate returns with rates of appreciation. On one point, though, Higgins is right. You should never buy property just because you see prices going up. But that's what "Valuing Investing" adresses: How to select properties that will yield extraordinary returns. And that's why I only give "Real Estate Riches" three stars. The authors simply fail to give readers enough details to evaluate and select their properties. So, read it to get a general picture, but make sure you read more substantive books ( not the get rich quick type) before you take the plunge. Real estate is your most certain way to wealth--when you choose your investments wisely and don't merely run with the herd.
80 Not enough meat
I think the other reviewer's have said all that needs to be said about this book, there's just not enough meat. Robert's first 3 books were great and it made him very rich as well. It's not surprising that more "Rich Dad" books are being published since they have been very successful. Books like this one was published just to make money, not to educate anyone. All they did was include a bunch of balony information and stuck the "Rich Dad" label on it. Not very reliable.
81 Max marketing, mini return on investment
Dolf De Roos markets the concept of Real estate well but unfortunately has little more to offer the reader. He shares simple ideas using examples from New Zealand..(one of very few countries not to have capital gains tax on properties)which are interesting but may seem impractical. There are other books by De Roos on Real Estate investing which are more informative and a lot more hands on than this one. The book is still worth a read;just don't expect to retire young or retire rich from the information.
82 Great if you wonder why anybody would invest in real estate
My family, when I was a kid, never had any money so I had to learn about investment from scratch. I learnt about shares, bonds, businesses...
Being culturally still German (despite 20 years in Australia) I didn't have any interest in owning my own home and even less interest in real estate. What was the point of low percentage returns and lots of management hassles?
This book shows very well why real estate - done rightly - is a great investment with a very, very nice IRR (Internal Rate of Return). It totally changed my outlook and my wife and I have bought quite a few properties since and we have done very nicely.
If you wonder what's the point of real estate, this is THE book.
83 The #1 Millionaire Developer: REAL ESTATE
As Andrew Carnegie said over 100 years ago; "More money has been made in real estate than in all industrial investments combined."I strongly suspect that the 1 star reviewers are stock market players concerned that this book will pull more investors from stocks into real estate.I'm a player in both stocks and real estate. My strategies in the stock market are very aggressive similiar to what the author teache in this book on real estate: high leverage with options and margin accounts, covered calls and dividend capturing for income and sect 29 tax credits to lower taxes. Real Estate Riches is a good little book. It explains the why, but not the how (I suspect there will be a followup book) but don't let that deter you from buying and reading this great book. It is packed with powerful information.For more on the how, I recommend Real Estate Money Machine.Finally, the indvidual that wrote that real estate is traditionally a lousy investment clearly does not know what he is talking about. REAL ESTATE IS A GREAT INVESTMENT.
84 Helpful book
I found this book to be helpful. I have 3 rental properties and am looking into getting more. De Roos' book helps you understand the factors that make for a better rate of return on your real estate investments. I've read a lot of real estate books, this one is pragmatic. I am now considering investing in commercial property. This book addresses going from residential to commercial real estate. DeRoos is a little too bold though when it comes to over-leveraging property. But it's good to see his perspective on mortgages, etc.
85 Milking Kiyosaki's success
I bought this book because I love the Rich Dad book series and found them motivating and enlightening. I expected this book to be of the same quality but it's nowhere close to it.
The major problems I have with this book are:
1. Very thin material and information on the subject at hand.
There is zero information on how investors can benefit from performing real estate transactions and property management. Dr. de Roos spent the entire book arguing about how profitable real estate investing can be with large leverage ratio. People who buy this book need no convincing. I buy this book already interested in property investing and wanting to know how to do it. There is no "how-to" information whatsoever explained here.
86 idiots guide to loosing money
House prices only go up, so it's ok to buy houses with
10% down and let the tenants pay for your mortgage.
If this sounds like a business plan to you i suggest
you recalibrate your calculator. Before anybody starts implememting the ideas in this book, I strongly recommend to stop by at REI and buy a tent, so they have a place to stay after the next correction in the housing market.
87 Good on concepts, but light on details.
Since this book is in the Rich Dad series, you have to expect that it's going to recommend that you buy assets that produce income. This book has some really good concepts about investing in income producing Real Estate. But it's really light on details, and I suggest that you keep you HP 10B calculator handy, because some of the mortgage payments he talks about in the book only seem to work out if the payment is interest-only. A good companion book to this one would be the book by Robert Shemin, "Secrets of a Miliionaire Real Estate Investor". Overall it's a good read, I give it 3 stars.
88 No Comparison!
I reviewed this book earlier, and now just want to add this comment: If you really want a thorough comparison of stocks to real estate, you must read Eldred's Value Investing in Real Estate. Eldred succeeds with specifics of why and how. In stark contrast, Real Estate Riches merely throws out glib generalities.
89 not very helpful
The book was not very helpful. I expected more specific information. Author did not touch specifics to American realestate investors investing in America. Many other better books out there. I would not even want to sell mine used to a beginner.
90 DON'T BUY THIS ...
This was a complete waste of my money. I can't find anything positive to say, except that the author should be complimented for milking the "Rich Dad/Poor Dad" hype to his advantage. For me, this put the entire "Rich Dad Advisors Series" in question. Sadly, if I had spent even 2 minutes flipping through the book in the store, I could have saved my money. Absolutely worthless.
91 Great Book for beginners
I have recently bought a house and if I have ever read this book earlier I would have bought more.
92 Good for motivation, light on details...
I just got through with this book and found it a pretty good read from a "here's why you should be in real estate" point of view, but if you are looking for a "how-to" book then keep looking. If you are looking for an long term sure-fire way to become wealthy I believe real estate is the way (it's working for me!). Remember: Real Estate + Time = Wealth.
&
Investing in Real Estate by Andrew McLean and Gary Eldred.
93 Dolf Dont Know USA
The book has some basic good reasons to invest in real estate rather than the stk mkt. But this guy is an Aussie that knows NOTHING about US tax law, especially when it comes to depreciation. I found the book very lacking.
94 Quick starter read
I read widely and think even the worst books nearly always offer enough in tips or insights to justify the time. This weak book is no exception to my general rule. Nevertheless, you can gain far more knowledge about how to get started and how to best profit from real estate from Unofficial Guide, Investing in Real Estate, or Rental Homes for Profit. In fact, I can't think of any book on real estate that doesn't offer more in the way of specific how-to.
95 Very Weak on Real Estate Facts
Real Estate Riches : How to Become Rich Using Your Banker's Money (Rich Dad's Advisors)
by Dolf de Roos, Robert T. Kiyosaki (Foreword)
96 Words to live by...
It all boils down to "looking at houses" - something that I have abhorred since childhood. (My parents used to drag me out on weekends to every "Parade Of Homes".)
Tihan
97 Not very deep on the "How To", but definitely a must read
Unfortunately, I am still only reading about Real Estate investing. I am trapped right now in weighing the risk of getting started with "paying the bills". I have read many books on Real Estate investing. This book did let me down a bit since I expected more information/advice on the "how to" of investing. But, this book was about mostly on the "why" and how you should be thinking when you get started. In that regard, I highly recommend this book. The ideas he covers gives a great foundation on what you really need to know to be a success when you actually do get started investing in Real Estate. To me, reading this book gave me a much better idea of putting a plan together to get started. It didn't tell me how really, but gave me many things to think about and learn so when the time comes to put down a step-by-step plan together, I should be more prepared. Plus, my plan, I feel, will have a much better chance of success after I do the research that I now see I need to do.
98 O.K. For First Read
Fortunately for me, this was the first book I have read on Real Estate Investing, so the book's general overview on this subject was not as maddening to me as it seems to be to the more experienced investors who have reviewed this book. However, I whole-heartedly agree with them that there is a serious lack of detail to the process of getting started in real estate investing. Yes, some ideas of his are enlightening, but I could no more apply for an investment mortgage now than I could before reading this book. So my novice advice to you is that if you want to get enthused by Dolf de Roos' successes in New Zealand, than you'll enjoy this info-mercial. Otherwise, do like I am and continue your research for more comprehensive material. - mike
99 Lack of substance
The author does injustice to the Rich Dad series. The book's title is horribly misleading. The book lacks substance, and is only a motivational book that "touches" on why someone should get into real estate. Even if you have the smallest amount of knowledge on how to invest in real estate, do not purchase this book; you can find many other books with greater information.
100 REAL ESTATE RICHES
I HAVE GAINED VALUABLE INFORMATION FROM RK'S BOOKS.RICH DAD POOR DAD AND CASHFLOW QUADRANT HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE AND THE WAY I THINK. THIS BOOK HOWEVER, WAS A HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT. IT IS A QUICK, EASY, AND ENJOYABLE READ, BUT I DID NOT PURCHASE IT TO BE ENTERTAINED. IT IS SORELY LACKING IN ANY DETAILS . IT FELT LIKE THE MIDDLE OF THE BOOK FELL OUT BECAUSE I GOT TO THE END AND THERE WERE NO DETAILS ON THE HOW TO. LIKE THE REVIEWERS BEFORE THAT PANNED IT-WHERE ARE THE CHARTS AND MATH TO HELP YOU WITH YOUR DECISIONS? I OWN A FEW RENTAL PROPERTIES, AND I WAS LOOKING TO DO THIS FOR A LIVING- BY DOING IT SMARTER. I DON'T RECOMMEND THIS INFOMERCIAL BOOK. A BOOK I JUST FINISHED THAT WAS VERY HELPFUL IS "SECRETS OF A MILLIONAIRE LANDLORD" BY R. SHEMIN THIS BOOK GAVE ME SOME NUTS AND BOLTS THAT I AM LOOKING FOR .
What sane person could live in this world and not be crazy?
-- Ursula K. LeGuin
And now for something completely different.
