|
New Page 1
|
 |
Is An Infomercial-Originated Real Estate Education Worth It?
December 10, 1998
|
Dear Ben: I'm 67 years old, on Social Security and trying to find something to supplement my income. What do you think of these "no money down" real estate buying/selling courses being sold through TV infomercials? Is it possible to generate as much income as they promise?
--JoAnn R., Mesquite
Dear JoAnn: Yes, it's possible to make a lot of money buying/selling real estate using these "no money down" methods described on TV, and in seminars promoted on the radio. It's also possible to become a millionaire by winning the lottery. The operative word here is "possible."
Is the real estate course worth it? In my opinion, no. The "no money down--regardless of credit history" concept is not new. There are dozens of books about the subject available in (new and used) bookstores everywhere. Don't fall for a sales pitch that attempts to justify the price of the course! Instructional audio/video tapes are cheap to produce and included to build the "perceived value" (and subsequent higher selling price) of the product, but rarely add any real educational insights over the core/printed materials.
Does the "no money down" method work? Yes it can work in certain circumstances. But if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. Trust me, you won't be the only one sifting through the "scheduled foreclosures" notices at the county courthouse. There will be plenty of competition from other mail order "graduates" as well as savvy real estate investors. However, I have received feedback from a few people that have had some success using these methods in smaller, more rural areas.
No matter what your decision, if you buy one of these TV/radio promoted courses, make sure you understand in advance what their return policy is. If they won't give you a 100% satisfaction guaranteed/full refund, don't buy it!
DOSE OF DOVER FOR THE WEEK: You know you want to be a hero this holiday season but don't have a very big budget, right? I've got just the gift for those people in your life that don't want to take on the minimum monthly fee for cellular phone service, but would like the security of having a phone in an emergency. If you live in Texas and have an old cell phone you don't use anymore, dust it off, charge it up and give it a second life as a "911 ONLY" emergency cell phone! According to FCC regulations, service providers must put through all 911 calls, even if they originate from a deactivated phone. (Sorry, calling the airline to see what gate and terminal your flight is departing from does not qualify as an emergency call!!)
|
|
|
|
|
