Several days ago a full page newspaper spread attracted my attention. The headline: “14 REAL ESTATE EXPERTS YOU MUST MEET – LIVE IN PERSON – NON-STOP CLASSES ALL WEEKEND! Now just $99 Saturday/Sunday.” The pictures included some truly impressive personalities. The prospect of receiving firsthand instruction at an unbelievably modest price from well-known authors, entrepreneurs and financial lecturers seemed too good to be true.
What I just said about seemingly too good to be true is unfortunately the case, for that’s quite probably what this real estate presentation will be. The likelihood your attendance at the classes will convey any meaningful information is unhappily close to nil. These investment presentations, which date back over the decades, are not designed for learning; they’re strictly sales campaigns. In most cases the instruction offered will be little more than thinly veiled pitches to enroll in one or more courses at prices in the thousands of dollars.
As for the celebrities who lend their names to this enterprise, many are highly accomplished in their own right. I’d be pleased to meet with any of them on a one-to-one basis, discussing the specifics of their specialties. No doubt there would be much to learn. However, despite the impression given, that’s not what this is about. You may expect no more than a fleeting view at the podium of those who actually show up. Quite often the truly famous show up by video presentation together with a pre-recorded spiel broadcast to the audience.
A concluding thought: If it’s real estate expertise you’re looking for, an excellent place to go is into one of the nation’s community colleges. Courses in real estate law, appraisal, property management and a variety of other useful disciplines are available at reasonable prices. So, employ your skeptic’s eye and avoid implausible offers that ply on celebrity marketing. Or if you do choose to go, just sit back, relax and enjoy the entertainment.
By Al Jacobs
Dana Point resident Al Jacobs is a long-time a professional investor. He distributes a monthly newsletter and shares his financial knowledge and experience. You may view it on www.roadwaytoprosperity.com/.
