The Real Estate Math Handbook: Simplified Solutions for the Real Estate Investor

by Jamaine Burrell

Book Overview

Real estate math skills are an integral part of becoming a truly successful investor. In no time you will be calculating such things as real estate investment analysis, valuation of income property,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 091062707X
• ISBN13: 9780910627078
• Release Date: February 2008
• Publisher: Atlantic Publishing Company (FL)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.3" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

I Wish I Had This Book When I Was In School

In much of America and throughout the world real estate has historically been a sound investment. Like any form of investment, some people make money and others don't. There are many books, programs, and gurus out there that will tell consumers anything to convince them they too can get rich quick. Lifestyle coaches and motivational speakers say you've got to be an aggressive buyer, go with your gut instinct, be pro-active or some other buzz word of the month. The truth is that while some people get lucky investing blindly, the majority don't. The problem is you only ever hear about the ones who get lucky; creating a very false impression of what real estate investment can be like. This book covers what a real investor needs to know and what skills they need to have in order to make informed, intelligent decisions in real estate investment. Nowadays people are smartening up. They realize that to make money as an investor in any form you have to know your stuff. Extensive study and research are important in any field. Unfortunately many people still neglect the more technical ends of things, the mathematics. And with good reason as most of it goes over people's heads. I know it does mine. It's too complex and difficult to understand. So we look at columns of numbers and figures in reports which will decide whether we're looking at a good investment or a bad one with only a passing understanding of what we're seeing. This book covers basic real estate investment mathematics from the ground up. It starts out at basic elementary level mathematics and progresses through algebra, statistics, valuing income property, calculating interest rates, and figuring out technical analyses done with Excel Spreadsheets. It is based very much in the philosophy that by understanding the principles behind these calculations you will have a better understanding of how your money is being used and will enable you to make much more informed decisions regarding real estate investments, which will result in greater dividends. The book is well written and covers difficult subjects thoroughly. I found the consistent use of terminology helpful in following abstract concepts as anything dealing with mathematics does not come easily for me. It assumes you have no prior knowledge of the subject and is plainly written to be more easily understandable. The layout is well structured allowing different subjects and concepts to be easily and quickly referenced. I particularly liked chapter two involving different interest rates and how they are calculated. Everyone can benefit from that sort of information, regardless of whether you're an investor or not. All in all, this book is a great read that doesn't seem dry like most works covering similar topics. It also serves as a great read for people who don't use math much and need a refresher. I give it a perfect 5 out of 5 stars as I have found no flaws and have nothing negative to say about it. My only regret is not having this bo

Fabulous Reference Book!

Not just for those in the real estate business, this book covers the basic mathematical (including algebra) concepts the average consumer deals with across the span of his/her lifetime such as interest, investments, property valuation, and real estate transactions. I loved the reviews of basic math in the beginning, the overview of Excel spreadsheets, and the tables in the appendices at the end. I think those inclusions would be very helpful to the average reader - they were certainly helpful to me! Anyone who struggles with math may find the math overviews to be highly enlightening. However, a 'math whiz' may find that part of the book redundant or boring, so they may be better off skipping it and moving forward into how to implement that knowledge in the real world of consumer finance and real estate. Bonus feature for me was that a long-forgotten method for figuring percentages and filling in missing information was included in the book! I have looked everywhere for that method and could never find it. Not even my math teacher and professor friends knew it. This is a fabulous reference book!

The Real Estate Math Handbook

The Real Estate Math Handbook is the ultimate guide for serious investors in real estate. Real estate agents would also be wise to study this book if they want to upgrade their skills. The book is hefty but complete. Pretty much all the math needed for real estate transactions is provided and common examples are given to highlight the principles. The author starts the book out as a math textbook, which is rather daunting and luckily can be skipped to go to the more pertinent chapters. The Table of Contents is broken down into the useful topics of Interest Rates, Investment Math, Real Estate Math, Income Property Valuation, Financing Math, and Exel Functions. As a math book, the explanations and examples are clear and easily followed. The nice thing is that the examples are practical and relate to real situations that are common in real estate and investment transactions. The Exel Functions chapter is a real bonus for a book of this type; it introduces the use of the computer program Exel to quickly solve equations. This book also includes useful information that is not mathematical. Many of the terms and concepts used in real estate, investment, and banking are explained in layman's terms. The author has covered all the material necessary for the reader to make an informed decision about a potential real estate investment. The Real Estate Math Handbook is a great reference book and will enhance the knowledge of anyone serious about real estate.

A Math Book You'll Use!

This book is intended as a reference for those in Real Estate professions, though it can be useful to anyone desiring a refresher course on both basic and more advanced mathematical applications. This book is very reader-friendly and explains practical math concepts that everyone should be familiar with, in an easy-to-follow manner. Burrell takes the reader through the basics that make up the foundations of all math problems and then delves into mathematical concepts specifically pertaining to those in the real estate investment business. Building on the fundamentals, such as arithmetic, algebra, statistics and logic, Burrell gives the reader a review of principles necessary to understand more involved real estate mathematics. Other chapters include: interest math, investment math, income/property math, and analysis. There are plenty of examples to supplement each of the principles and the lengthy appendix includes a wealth of handy information that is perfect for using as a reference. The best part of the book, however, is the chapter on computer applications. Burrell concludes this book with a chapter on how to perform the mathematical computations using Microsoft Office's Excel program. This is necessary information since it shows the reader how to apply all of the concepts they learned in a manner in which they can use on a daily basis. Again, there are plenty of screen shots provided so the reader can follow along easily. A highly recommended read that teaches math concepts you will actually utilize!

Real Estate Math

Real estate will always be there and, in the long run it greatly increases in value (despite some ups and downs). There is only so much land for an increasing population. So it is a sound investment, as long as you are knowledgeable and choose wisely. This handbook contains the basic information you need to figure out whether a real estate "deal" you are contemplating will be profitable or disastrous. The book starts out with a refresher course in elementary math and algebra--even if you got "A" in algebra all those years ago, who can remember it now? Then it explains all the ins and outs of interest and investment mathematics. So many times an unwary would-be investor does not take into account all the expenses involved in owning income property and can end up with some nasty surprises. Don't forget the real estate agent involved is anxious to make the sale and may neglect to point out all the disadvantages and expenses involved down the line. It is wise to figure that out for yourself. Don't be put off by the detailed and complex first chapters of this handbook. The author contends that not just math, but algebraic equations are needed by the investor. There is a chapter on Excel, too. And if you have had no experience with Excell, I'd advise you to take a course in it at a local school, too, in order to save tons of time if you plan on much investigative investing. The math is interspersed with good, practical advice on the profits and pitfalls of real estate investing (always read the fine print, for example}. Land measurement is explained. There are chapters on mortgages, taxes, debt ratios, etc., and case studies with sample forms. The whole complex subject is explained quite clearly and in detail, but be prepared to spend time and effort studying it chapter by chapter, because it is really a work book, containing the math every investor should know.