All Forum Posts by: Donald M.

I think I was going to post in the Real Estate Investing FAQ thread. I was going to post about the search function, being able to search just by title/topic, but it was already discussed.

Someone had commented that the FAQ isn't really a FAQ but an index, and there was discussion of an organizer. It seems to me that an organizer might not be necessary, if anyone had a Q&A they wanted to write up, they could do it and submit it, but even better, there are probably a lot of posts already written that would serve well in a FAQ, so when someone noticed that a common question was answered, the text could just be cut and pasted into the FAQ page and then after a while it could be turned into a formal FAQ with minimal work. The current FAQ could be renamed as "Real Estate Investing Index," which more accurately describes it.

Irwin mentioned in his book that you can get better deals without real estate agents, I'm not sure why, but after these posts here I will definitely find myself a good agent. I've met with 2 so far and haven't liked either one.

What about a FSBO? If they are trying to save money by avoiding an agent, how will they feel paying my agent? Or will I pay a little higher amount because I have an agent?

I plan on talking to people in preforeclosure and seeing what is available at auctions, so if I end up finding something that way I obviously couldn't use an agent.

Thanks for the informative responses. Next question: Irwin mentions that if you really want to find a deal, you're going to have to work without real estate agents. Is it possible for a first-time home-buyer such as myself to assimilate all of the information from books/Internet research/television programs, maybe some phone calls from a realtor relative, but not go with a real estate agent?

I am also unable to post replies in that entire forum. I am a new member and have suggestions, but the forum will not allow me to post giving the "Not Authorised" message.

I'm reading the book How to Find Hidden Real Estate Bargains by Robert Irwin and in the first chapter he mentions the possibility of buying a property at 50% off the market value.

I am moving to a very expensive big city and am looking for a place to purchase as a personal residence. In order for me to achieve my goal of homeownership, I am going to have to be very creative in finding an affordable place that is somewhat close to my place of work. I plan to look at homes close to foreclosing, foreclosed homes, tax deed auctions, and probably other areas. Is finding a place at 50% off reasonable? This number resonates with me not only because Irwin mentions it and states unequivocally that it is indeed possible, but also because I happened to read a stock market book a couple months ago by an author who describes his strategy of only buying stocks at 50% off the market value, and it will make a big difference to me in terms of quality of life and location because real estate is so expensive in this area. My strategy would be to double what I can afford and then focus on neighborhoods in those price ranges and then look for bargain opportunities. Am I going about this the right way? Any input appreciated!