Are Real Estate Seminars Worth the Money?
If you read the news media, you'll see that there's a proliferation
of new real estate gurus and seminars coming around to feed the endless
demand for real estate these days. One event recently attracted over
30,000 people, with Donald Trump as the headliner (like he knows
anything about buying a duplex?).
So, how do you tell the good from the bad? Well, first let me comment
that I believe there is very little truly "bad" info out
there. The difference is mainly price and quality of information.
Here's some things you should consider when determining whether to
invest in a real estate seminar:
1. PRICE. Be leery of very cheap or very expensive seminars. If the
seminar is free, it's because the promoter wants to sell you something.
It costs the promoter thousands of dollars to get people into a room,
so expect a hard sales pitch. If the event is more than $1,000/day,
you should also be concerned, unless the admission price includes
follow-up training or substantial materials. I'm not saying that
$5,000 boot camps are all bad, just make sure you're getting what
you are paying for.
2. CLASS SIZE. If you are paying $5,000 for a boot camp, you should
expect a small class size. If not, you are likely overpaying, since
you won't be able to ask questions in a large group format.
3. TEACHING ABILITY. Some gurus are knowledgeable, but are bad teachers.
Make sure you have heard the speaker before or ask other people who
have attended. There's nothing worse than paying to listen to a boring
speaker or one that can't convey a topic in "plain English".
4. VALUE. Let's face it, some products are expensive because you
believe they are worth more. Good marketing makes you believe "Bayer" is
better than generic aspirin. Before you pay thousands of dollars
for the "brand name" seminar, look into a cheaper version
that isn't being marketed on T.V.
5. THE "PITCH". Although as a rule, the cheaper the seminar,
the greater the pitch for other products, some promoters do nothing
but pitch, even at $5,000 boot camps. Ask other people who have attended
the seminar to determine the teaching to-product-to pitch ratio.
There's nothing wrong with a promoter offering products and services
at the less expensive seminars, but it's borderline insulting to
have a non-stop sales pitch when you are paying $1,000 a day or more.
6. REFUND POLICY. Is there an open refund policy? This is VERY important.
Ask up front. You should be VERY suspicious of any seminar that does
not offer a refund policy.
7. ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT IT? No matter how much or little you pay
for a seminar, it's all up to you. No diet works without exercise
and discipline and no real estate investing technique works without
your hard work. If you are just beginning, stay away from the expensive
seminars until you are sure it is for you. Start with the $500 or
less variety, let it sink in, then consider more advanced seminars
when you have done a few deals. Once you start making money, you
should continue investing in your education, since your return will
be well worth it. If you are the type who has been to seventeen seminars
and haven't done a deal, consider this:
"
The Fault Lies Not Within the Stars But Within Ourselves"
Real estate investing will make you a lot of money if you learn the
techniques and apply yourself. The bottom line is that education
will help you avoid mistakes and learn new ideas. Read books, go
to seminars and learn from other investors. Your best investment
is in yourself.
.
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seminars.htm
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