It's among the oldest infomercials on television: "Nothing Down" seminars that promise incredible wealth in an incredibly short time. People who can barely put six words together come in and talk about how they took 39 cents and turned it into a million dollars in three weeks. (Or something equally fantastic.)
Why are these infomercials still running in various forms after more than thirty years? The answer is simple: people want a better life, more money, and will try anything if it sounds at least half believable. It always has been and always will be.
But I would like to encourage you not to throw away your own hard-earned money on those get-rich-quick schemes. Instead, invest in yourself by learning as much as you can about the world of real estate. It is a multi-faceted field and there are many ways to make money, but they all have one thing in common. You must KNOW what you are doing BEFORE you commit to any real estate transaction!
Unless you're committed to becoming a seasoned investor, you're better off putting your money into a well-managed mutual fund. Of course, there are also risks, but generally they have to be less than investing in real estate.
There are many reputable places where you can start learning and it does NOT have to cost you a lot of money. Starting on the Internet, you will find hundreds of excellent sites that will take you from ultimate beginner to savvy investor for free. Most colleges have investment courses, many of which are held at night or on weekends, and a significant number of which can also be taken online. Just start looking – they're everywhere, no matter where you live.
Don't let anyone tell you that it's better to learn as you go. This can be the most expensive way to learn and potentially cost you everything you own. You CAN make money, good money, investing in real estate, but don't start until you are a serious student of the industry and have a lot of expertise.
Jeanette Fisher, interior design psychology expert and author, teaches real estate investing, home staging, and interior design methods to help you make more money buying, selling, or renting a home. More information can be found at
