The Wall Street Journal. Complete Real-Estate Investing Guidebook

5 Comments

1. J. E. Rexroth says:

   August 12, 2010 at 7:25 pm

   For clarity of style and reasonableness of approach to its subject, David Crook’s THE WALL STREET JOURNAL COMPLETE REAL-ESTATE INVESTING GUIDEBOOK may not have a peer in the realm of investing advice.
   
   Crook shines an antiseptic light on the shadowy “get rich quick” hucksterism that has plagued the world of real estate investing as a byproduct of a long runup in prices, a phenomenon that has also accompanied strong bull markets in US stocks intermittently for two centuries. And he does much more: he introduces, in a genial and accessible style, the complex details of buying real property for profit, as opposed to simply watching your own home’s price rise and thinking of that as “investing.”
   
   His discussion of taxes, a particularly convoluted and arcane – yet crucial – area, is logical and well organized.
   
   The author makes no secret of the fact that real estate investing, like all other kinds, is not sorcery and requires careful research, hard work, thorough preparation, and, most important of all, close attention to detail. Given a realistic understanding of the challenge, one can partner with this book as an inexpensive but wise adviser. It won’t get you rich quick on no money down, but it will help you to make cautious and fact based decisions that are crucial to successful investing in any realm.
   
   As a hedge fund manager, I am exposed to written financial advice of one sort or another virtually every minute of the day. I haven’t seen writing that is more scrupulously researched and thoughtful (yet also personable) than that in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL COMPLETE REAL-ESTATE INVESTING GUIDEBOOK. I heartily recommend it.
   Rating: 5 / 5
2. Elle Michion says:

   August 12, 2010 at 8:46 pm

   There are no cutely named house-flipping schemes here. There are no touchy-feely chapters to help you find the “courage to be rich.” But for smart advice and an inspiring overview of the business of real-estate investing, this book is a must-read. Crook, editor of The Wall Street Journal Sunday, leads aspiring investors through locating, vetting and securing seed money for properties small and large. He also gives tips for managing your investment once you’ve made it. Surprisingly this potentially dry topic is anything but, thanks to lively writing, stories from real-life investors and witty one-liners. (On borrowing down-payment money from family members: “An ‘Uncle Al’ interest rate inevitably comes with Uncle Al’s interest in your business.”) If nothing else, read it to find out why your home does NOT count as an investment property.
   Rating: 5 / 5
3. Courtland G. Mcpherson says:

   August 12, 2010 at 11:02 pm

   Whether you are just starting to think about investing or if you have been researching and buying for years, you should read this book. It clearly explains all the essential steps to becoming a successful investor and reveals many of the myths of real estate success. The author, David Crook, does not try to sugar coat the process one bit and can be brutally honest about the mistakes people make and the effort that is actually required to be an investor.

   Crook covers all types of investment properties from single family and multifamily homes to apartment complexes and commercial spaces. He delves into the ups and downs of each type and doesn’t fail to mention all the risks involved in each. Crook also explains in great detail and through some real life examples how to use tax laws to your benefit. He advises you on how to use the properties depreciation to off set profits and how to sell a property and trade up so that you don’t have to pay any capital gains. The income and investment charts are especially helpful in this portion of the book by demonstrating exactly how the tax deductions will save thousands.

   The chapter on being a landlord is a very important piece of the puzzle. Crook covers everything from finding tenants, writing leases, and where to keep rent checks. Some horror stories are included here to make you realize just how hard it is to rent a space to strangers. As with the rest of the book he is not trying to discourage you, he just wants to give you the mot honest look at what you’re getting yourself into.

   If you decide that buying a property and trying to rent it is not for you, Crook finishes up by explaining how Real Estate Investment Trusts work. REITs are companies that invest in and manage properties and they sell their stocks on Wall Street. While buying REITs is not truly investing in real estate, it is a way for you to try reaping the benefits of someone else’s investment experience.

   As an experienced Realtor, I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking of investing in properties. It covers all the groundwork and will give you a real taste of what you’re getting yourself into.

   Rating: 5 / 5
4. Paul Guard says:

   August 12, 2010 at 11:57 pm

   Having read a dozen or so other real-estate investment books, over the course of a few years, I have to say this well-written, direct book is hands down the best and most helpful overall guide out there in terms of how to get in and what to expect, in property investing. The book is well deserving of the Wall Street Journal branding.

   Newbies to real estate investing will find the book clear and accesible; easy to read and understand – with lots of insight on where to go find more info. about any particular topic mentioned which might interest you. Those with a bit more experience in real estate, will perhaps find the read more akin to an honest conversation with a peer / expert / consultant on the subject. The style is fresh and crisp. The author is doing us all a service organizing and putting his thoughts and experiences forth so clearly. Thank you, Mr. Crook.
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. Terrence Brennan says:

   August 13, 2010 at 1:09 am

   First of all, this book is remarkable for being totally devoid of B.S.
   
   How often can you say that about a book on any topic? Seems like a good jumping off point for a potential investor like myself. It’s very broad and very basic. Mr. Crook employs a refreshing blend of encouragement and realism with an emphasis on discipline and preparedness.
   
   While his approach rings true, I have a minor issue with his criticism of people with nice cars, boats, mansions, etc. as I believe there could be a season in life to enjoy those things responsibly if one so chooses. Besides this small bit of moral snobbery this was the perfect read for someone in my position.
   Rating: 4 / 5