The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit: How to Make Money Buying Distressed Real Estate -- Before the Public Auction

• #7 in Best Real Estate Books

214 Reviews

Sort by: Most Helpful ▲ Date Rating

Having read the other reviews, I bought this book with high expectations. I was very disappointed. The book lacks details and contains too much cursory, trivial and anecdotal information. For example, the author explains that public records are listed in alphabetical, he gives great examples of which mobile office equipment to buy and describes over and over how wonderful the internet is but glosses over important details like actual examples of what exactly you find in the public records and examples of how to determine if a deal is worthwhile or not. He talks about due diligence and that one should research the public records to get information from 50 different places. He even goes on to tell a story about a women who didn't do enough research and ended up with a $19,000 tax lien attached to her pre-foreclosure property. Again though, he never shows any examples or those records or HOW to use those records to determine if a deal is worthy or not. His step-by-step process is not detailed enough to put into practice without doing tons more research. The book seems unfocused and often times wanders away from the point. Overall not a very practical book but probably a pretty good buy if you know nothing about foreclosures, pre-foreclosures or home buying in general.

Foreclosure investing is all the rage nowadays, but Thomas Lucier tells you why you must get in during the PRE-FORECLOSURE phase to really make the big bucks. There's just too much competition for properties once they reach foreclosure.

The author suggests that you get to the properties before they reach foreclosure by doing your homework and locating the properties early. A letter writing campaign is his preferred method of contacting the foreclosees (is that a word???) and will follow up with subsequent letters should he not hear back from the homeowner.

In addition to step by step instructions for locating properties and acquiring them, Lucier gives a treasure trove of information which you can use along the way to help make your job easier. He includes literally hundreds of websites and even provides his email address to provide help to those who need it.

The book covers all the bases, however, it didn't leave me motivated. The author mentions all of the pitfalls and hard work required in this business and clearly doesn't try to mislead the reader into thinking it will be easy money. I appreciate the honesty, but must admit I won't be pursuing pre-foreclosures at this time. However, I haven't ruled it out for the future, and should I choose to do so, the book will serve as a great instructional manual in my quest.

This is an extremely informative book focusing on buying property "pre-foreclosure". There are several helpful techniques and even more web site addresses to help the reader do the research required in making wise decisions. There is an entire page of foreclosure reporting services which inform subscribers when properties first enter the foreclosure process. Thomas also lists all sorts of public record sites, sites to locate people, demographic information sites and comparable sales data sites.

There is zero hype or motivational-make a fortune type rah-rah, it's simply page after page of facts. I love facts, and will jot down and even blog a bunch of the sites mentioned, to remember them and for easy access, but a little bit of pep talk would have been a good addition. Meaning a story mixed in about how the author or so-and-so made a great deal of money doing this may have given some the push needed.

By Kevin Kingston, author of: A 20,000% Gain in Real Estate: A True Story About the Ups and Downs From Wall Street to Real Estate Leading to Phenomenal Returns

And my blog is: The Real Estate Investors Blog

Someone from another country once said, this book is no good for another country and gave it low ratings... Well, duh! U.S. law only applies to U.S. stuff. This book is by far one of the best guides on pre-foreclosures and should be considered as the beginner's guide for bank foreclosures. Also, when the title says 'distressed' real estate, it's not talking about bad properties but rather properties with their mortgages no longer being paid.

The difference is important because distressed properties suggest run down stuff. When actually, a lot of preforeclosures are great houses and for one reason or another the owner no longer chose to pay for it.

Overall a good guide. Also on another note, I only buy books BY investors not marketing gurus or writers. Lucier is a REAL investor, with personal experience. Those are the type of authors you want to read from. Here are other books by REAL investors:

Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time by Loftis

Complete Guide to Real Estate Tax Liens and Foreclosure Deeds: Learn in 7 Days-Investing Without Losing Series by Sausa

FLIP: How to Find, Fix, and Sell Houses for Profit by Villani

OK, let's face it. Foreclosures in this country are going to be a serious issue in the next few years. And it will be no one's fault but the lenders who took on the added risk of investing in too many questionable loans, and the borrowers who had no idea what they were getting into.

Having invested in these properties, and being a real estate sales agent with investors looking for such properties, the search processes Thomas Luccier suggests to find these properties are good. I have been using them and a few others for several years now. His foreclosure letters are powerful...perhaps too intimidating. The spreadsheets are great, I have actually replaced a couple of mine with his!

Overall, I find the book usefull more so for a new investor, but valuable nonetheless even for experienced investors like myself. I'm sure I'll refer to it again in the future.

I have bought at least 4 programs from so called "real estate gurus". I spent less than $20 and on Thomas Lucier's book and I got more out of his book then I did out of all 4 programs. His book is easy to read. He tells you exactly what to do, what not to do and why. He educates you about foreclosures and gives you several resources so you can do your own research. I'll be going to my first foreclosure appointment tomorrow evening. I'll go over the book again and plan on using all of the forms and checklists (the book is full of forms). He also answers his emails personally. I feel confident about my appointment I'm excited but not in the least bit nervous because I've read the Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit, and I know what to do step by step.

A realistic guide to investing in the Pre-Foreclosure real estate market. For those who are looking for advice from a long time successful and honest investor without the "become a millionaire overnight" approach. Thomas Lucier walks a beginner through every conceivable step of purchasing and reselling a Pre-Foreclosure property, providing every last detail. This book is a wealth of information, strait to the point citing many internet sources, real life examples, sample letters, check lists, and even what to say while negotiating the terms of the purchase. It becomes clear to the reader from the beginning that the author has a vast knowledge of the topic and conducts a profitable business in an honest and ethical manner. Thomas outlines all that beginners must know to succeed, while highlighting the stumbling blocks that often cause them to fail. He is very systematic in his work and advises on how to take extra precaution to be absolutely certain that you have covered all your bases and do not get ripped off. Best of all he provides his personal email and phone number for you to contact him with questions. I sent him an email asking for his advice and he got back to me within a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon.

As other readers have said, this book contains quite a bit of useful information on picking up preforeclosure properties. However, Lucier's lousy writing style makes it pretty hard to get through the book. Even worse, his style sounds so uneducated that I lose confidence in what he has to say.
Ultimately, I hope to make use of the information provided in the book, but if you buy it, be prepared to grit your teeth as you try to get past the writer's poor style.

This was my first great Pre-forclosure book I have read. It has all the details needed to put together a system to locate and purchase pre-forclosure properties....Fix them up and flip them or keep them as investment property. I really liked his straight forward...no bull approach to business. He tells it like it is. I have read several other books and they all gave me some information....and some outdated examples...but Mr. Lucier walks you through the process from start to finish....and doesn't leave out any steps...and doesn't sugar coat it....This is not a get rich quick scheme....you work hard and get rich eventually...... I would strongly recommend this book to anybody considering pre-forclosure properties.

If I would have known about this book when it first came out, I would have saved, literally, 10's of thousands of dollars. I have purchased a lot of guru's courses, and nothing comes close to this book. A step by step guide from start to finish. Tells you like it is with no fluff. Thanks for the information.

The content of the book is solid and practical. However, don't believe the author's statement in the book that he will answer questions sent to him directly via email. I sent repeated emails to Mr. Lucier requesting clarification of a couple scenarios from the book and have had no responses.

This book is one of the best pre-foreclosure books out there. It clearly lays out how to plan your investment, how to look for preforeclosures, how to negotiate, what forms to use, and what warning signs to take note of to avoid risky ventures. A must buy!

-Matt
Illustrator for the Ultimate Foreclosure Kit (ISBN 0978834658)

After reading this book, I get the feeling that it's written for people who watch those "As seen on TV" ads. Lots of hype, but did not really teach me anything useful. Buy at your own risk.

This is by far one of the best books on Real Estate Investing that I have read. (And I have read almost all the books from "well known" Real Estate Investing (REI) gurus.

What really differentiate Thomas Lucier from the rest is his very straight forward & knowledgeable approach to the topic. He does not claims (like many others) that investing in foreclosures will make you an overnight millionaire, however, he provides a very methodical step by step approach that is not hard to follow.

The book covers almost all the aspect of foreclosure investing. One particular topic that intrigue me is "Subject To" mode of investing. Mr. Lucier has provided some gems on this topic as well.

Another plus is the some real-world letters are present (that can also be downloaded from his web site) which can be used with very little modification (name and address change) to communicate with the clients.

Having been a skeptic and a veteran of many REI Courses and DVDs, for past years, I think this book has finally provided me the drive to get up and enter the world of Real Estate Investing in Pre-Foreclosures.

I bought this book on a Saturday and finished it in two days. This was not because the book was printed in 36 point type, but because the author captured my attention and held it throughout the book.

I have been researching real estate markets and practices in my area for several years and I am currently pursuing my realtor's license. I have read numerous books on the subject of real estate investment and also foreclosure investing. This book is by far the most informative I have yet read on the subject of foreclosures. The material is also presented in such a way to engage the reader in a personable manner as opposed to some books that read more like a pre-scripted seminar.

Mr. Lucier is also extremely thorough in providing the reader with valuable sources of information so that both beginners and those with experience in real estate can get into the nuts and bolts of the pre-foreclosure process. Mr. Lucier's approach to the pre-foreclosure investment is sensible and thorough in that he not only tells you exactly how to become an informed investor but also instructs the reader on exactly how to protect themselves and their investment dollars and stresses the importance of doing so.

Of course, the pre-foreclosure process is technical and in my opinion is beyond the scope of any single book, but the information in this particular book will provide readers with a foundation of knowledge which is superior to that which might be acquired from reading other books on this subject.

I have read many books on investing in real estate and this is by far the ABSOLUTE BEST one.

The author, Thomas Lucier, gives straight-forward, accurate, and comprehensive information on how to make money buying properties that are in the pre-foreclosure stage of the foreclosure process. It is explained that each state differs in regards to foreclosures; there is detailed information on how to become an expert in your specific state and county.

This book covers every area of buying properties in this stage of foreclosure and is great for beginners as well as experienced investors. There is a throughout explanation of the foreclosure process and details on negotiating with property owners and lienholders, how different types of loans work, how to price properties, how to repair or hire people to repair properties, how to search for and verify everything to make a safe and properous investment, and much, much more. There are many helpful websites listed also.

One of the most important things I found with this book is the emphasis on how to handle every step of buying these properties in the most diligent manner to ensure a safe and sound investment.

If you read this very detailed and comprehensive book and still have a question, the author gives his personal email address and phone number. When I emailed him with a question, he responded within the hour with a very helpful answer.

Everyone interested in making money in real estate should own a copy of this book.

If you are serious about buying pre-foreclosure properties and being successful at it then this book is a MUST.

The author tells you everything you need to know (and then some) about the foreclosure process going far beyond a "cook book" type approach. He gives you a detail description as to how to approach the different stages of foreclosure and what to watch out for. He also includes the most common errors new investors make as well as supplying the reader with different forms and letters for marketing as well as an endless source of helpful websites The most appealing aspect of this book to me was the instruction and steps to develop my new business was taught with integrity and a good business sense. Lastly Mr. Lucier believes in his product to the point where he makes himself available by email for questions, and he actually responds expediciously!!!

Excellent book. Very detailed. Absolutely convincded me that I wanted nothing to with this business. The author demonstrates that it is difficult and tricky business,potentially very lucrative, but not a get rich quick scheme. Since I would like to get rich without this much work, I'll pass on this method. And I truly thank this book for steering me right. I take off one star only for the author's occasional right wing rants. But I guess he's entitled. He worked very hard to get rich, and he shares his secrets openly in an inexpensive book, rather than trying to hoodwink you out of thousands by means of an infomercial. If he's got a few screwball political ideas, God bless him.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mr. Lucier's book on buying Pre-Foreclosure Properties. He explained the process very clearly and was easy to follow. He didn't hesitate to emphasize critical points where the buyer must be extremely careful in the buying process. I take forever to finish reading a book but I couldn't put this one down and finished reading it in two days.

This book is a must for the begining investor. As an experienced investor, I found it very helpful because it was full of resources that I was not aware of. It is not a pep-rally book for those who need to be motivated to get started in the realestate business. Mr. Lucier does a great job of explaining the minute ins and outs of the lending institute which is a tremendous resource for all levels of investors.

I picked up a couple good tips from the book. Although the author claims not to be a get-rich-quick type author, it seems he goes a bit overboard with this "messiah message". We get it Thomas, we won't get rich next month in Real Esate.

Even though it is refreshing that he espouses many disclaimers...it almost scares you into not applying the business as he mentions many, many times how cut-throat extremely hard this business is.As an adult who excepts my own actions and resposibilities i can do without the negativity...

I would have rated this book 5 stars had it not been a little less frightening sounding to practice pre-forclosures as he represents the business to be "EXTREMELY HARD". It almost sounds like one should just pass on the business because of all the pitfalls and scams.

Secondly, the cover of the book is misleading as "YOU CANNOT DOWNLOAD THE FORMS FOR FREE". He sell the "forms" on CD on his website.

Important: Once you know what to do you are "on your own" so sometimes bootcamps and seminars from the "right educators" (Ron Legrand) are almost an essential part of the business, This author bundles everyone that is not him as a snake oil salesman. Bad advice!!!

I have done many deals i would have probably not have done if it weren't for the extra support and motivation in seeing others succeed in this business ffrom ongoing education (/courses, books, bootcamps,etc.)

Don't most of the fortune 500 comopanies spend millions on sales training and product knowledge for thier industries?

This author seems to want you to live in a vacuum---- EVERYBODY needs motivation and on-going knowledge from differnt experts every now and then and sometimes it's worth the price of a bootcamp otherwise you will be paying for a bootcamp in the real world with $$$ mistakes.

UPDATE:

Andrew Marin says:
But, was the book useful to you? Did you apply the techniques? I get what you're saying, but want more meat about what's important to me, the prospective buyer :)

Mark Twain says:
I have bought 28 homes on a PRE prior to reading this book and what got me through it was the teachings of a few great courses. This book can be a great start, but it probably won't see you through the deals. Try Ron Legrand's courses.

I purchased this book some 6-8 months ago and I have used it and the resourses provided by Thomas on a daily basis. I am a nurse and I am looking to retire int he nxt couple of years. You cannot buy another book on the market that provide the informaiton and resources that this book provides. I give it a 5+rating.

This book is great... I read the reviews and they were all true!!! The author's language is clear and simple. The books gives you all the forms, checklist, pros and cons on the foreclosing homes, dos and dont's. and for the price, you can't go wrong, even if you just get it for the forms and list of websites and reference he gives in the books, it is worth it.

This book is so clear it's almost scary. It suits readers who think logically and sequentially. And, oh my Goodness, Thomas holds nothing back. Many times when I read something I get the sense that the author wants me to have only so much information (aka "power") and not a bit more. With Thomas Lucier I get the feeling he really wants me to be empowered to win. The man has integrity oozing out of his pores. This field could be grimy (with investors who only care about themselves). Lucier, however, is simply a very balanced person. He's tough-minded but is sensitive to the plight of the people whose house he might buy. His direct communication style is believable and has got to be a strong asset in dealing with folks who are miserable and in denial of poor decisions they've made or hard luck they've encountered. I expect to use most of what I read.

I'm in my 60's and have been buying real estate books since I was in my 20's and this is one of the very best yet. Through, complete and to the point. I was so impressed I ordered his next book before finishing this one.

An official Library Weekly book review.

EXCERPT:
Pre-foreclosure refers to the period of time during the foreclosure process between when a lender files a
foreclosure lawsuit...and the date the property is scheduled to be sold at a public foreclosure auction...

RATING:
5 of 5

REVIEW:
In a buyer's market, foreclosures start increasing almost immediately, either due to higher interest rates
or slower economical growth. This is a prime time for investors, sweeping in and taking in deals that
could be profitable and rewarding, as you help others from a failing mortgage. Lucier's experience,
research, and due diligence in writing this book clearly shows through, with numerous tactics,
strategies, and external references that guide the reader to success.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:
1. The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Tax Lien and Tax Deed Auctions [ISBN 0978834607 at other online bookstores]
2. The Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing [ISBN 047164711X]

Forget about the other RE books out there dealing with foreclosures, get this one, read it thouroughly and start making money. This is such an incredible value especially when there are so many guru charlatans out there fleecing folks with b/s info through get rich quick courses, books, boot camps, etc.

There's an old saying; "those that can, do, and those that can't teach". Well Tom is an exception in that he definetly is a do'er and can teach through his books.

Ron

The author was upfront and real about the whole process from beginning to end. No BS, just good information and the plain truth. If you are looking for a "get rich quick" scheme then this is not for you. If you are not willing to "WORK" then this is not for you. If you are willing to "WORK" and do what Thomas J. Lucier says and stick to it then this book is for you.

Now I am going to have to read it a second time, the first time I forgot to highlight the information I needed. Take your time and absorb all of the information as it comes at you quickly, look up his website, the only author I know who will give you his email address and phone number to contact him, and will answer you within 24 hours. I really enjoyed this book.

I have read several books on investing on preforeclosures over the past couple of years but have never found one that I felt gave me the knowledge I needed to actually succeed. The book is very straight-forward, no fluff, and Tom actually does respond to questions you have regarding the material.

KUDO's Mr. Lucier!

I read a lot of real estate investing books, but this is possibly the best one. The reason is simple. This book will tell you exactly what you can expect in this business, AND what EXACT steps you need to take.

A lot of other real estate investing books are great, too, but after you finish reading and ready to start some investing, you wonder what is the step you need to take.

Also, the author is generous enough to give his email address in the book, so if you have any additional question, he'll personally reply back to you. I sent him an email, and I got a reply within 12 hours. Just excellent! I can't wait for his next book!

There are many "get rich with realestate" books on the market. Most are a waste of money. This is a realistic approch to realestate investing for the investor with a little bit of money, credit, and time to do the leg work. In life there is no free ride, and this author had a no nosense approch. He disabuses the "Rags to Riches" reader, One quote, "if you have no money, or credit, you are unlikely to be able to buy realestate". I would rate this book as one of the most informitive I have read on the subject.

Mr. Lucier's core idea is to identify and purchase distressed properties before they come to public auction. He makes no secret that this requires tremendous time and effort on the invesor's part. But for those who are willing to do the work, this book offers a comprehensive guide to each step of the process, from identifying distressed properties and negotiating their purchase, to selling the property for a profit.

One unique strength of the book is its detailed attention to "hidden risks", the potential pitfalls in the process that are not immediately apparent to the new investor. Everyone knows that the location and condition of a property are key components of its value, but less obvious are risks associated with the legal aspects of the deal (e.g. liens against the property). Mr. Lucier is quite thorough in his explanations of all the issues to be addressed in any distressed-property deal.

Finally, I can add to the testimonials of earlier reviewers in confirming that I did write an e-mail question to Mr. Lucier, and received a response in less than one hour.

I have purchased many books over the past few years to learn all I can about buying properties for a profit and I even purchased the one they are selling with this book as a package deal. I am also a licensed loan officer so I do recognize and expect certain lingo and procedures to be followed that every person goes through in order to buy property. I have only gone half way through this book and was very impressed. Not allot of simple explanations of what happens but real expectations and acknowledgement of roadblocks and issues. I even emailed the author to get clarification on some items and within 10 minutes I got a response back with real answers and a link to my states laws on foreclosure. By no means am I saying this is a get rich quick book but it does explain in detail how you go about buying foreclosure properties along with the hazards and if you are willing to put in the time I imagine this could work for you. I will right an update in a few months if I purchase my first property.

I went into the right livelihood of the real estate industry by becoming a real estate agent, then a Realtor. I've been employed as an agent for over 4 months and quickly began thinking what does the broker do for 3% of a commission and then, why only take 3% of a deal if you can form your own investment company and keep all of the profit. My mother and I formed our own real estate investment company, LLC. She was the investor and I managed the company. Before this formation I ordered the following books and have read them all dealing with the subject of foreclosures and flipping as follows: The Complete Guide to Flipping Propertys" Wily, Keys to Buying Foreclosed and Bargain Homes by Barron's, How to Finance any Real Estate by Misko, Real Estate Flipping by Weiss, How to Pick Up Foreclosures, by Cook, and The ABC's of Real Estate Investing, What Every Real Estate Investor Needs to Know About Cash Flow, The Essential Dictionary of Real Estate, Holton, Real Estate Riches, How to Become Rich Using Your Bankers
Money, by Dolf Roos, and Making Big Money Investing in Foreclosures Without Cash or Credit.....then there is The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit by Thomas Lucier. This book if there is only one guide to read for successful investing is the one. It is methodical, stragetic, and written in an easy to utilize of manner. The author also has a direct website, direct e mail address to answer any real estate questions, and gives out his telephone number for support. I testify to this because I called his telephone number and he answered the phone and my questions directly and his response had a significant positive impact on our company thanks to Thomas. Written by Michelle Vernier, a satisfied client.

This is a concise no bullspit book on pre-foreclosers. If you are curious to find out whether or not real estate is for you, or a serious investor, this book will seriously assist you in making decisions. It is a complete kit for the serious investor, yet a reality check for those who are not to sure about investing into real estate. For the amount that it cost to find out, it is worth the time to read it and the cash lay out to buy it.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone interested in getting into real estate. It is probably the only real-estate guide you will ever need. If you are looking for a book that will fill you full of marketing hype, empty fluff and mislead you to a false sense of empowerment, then this book is not for you. This extremely well written and well organized book is chocked full of no-nonsense practical information and on target advice. When I picked up my copy at Barns & Nobles, I took my time and must have read through every real-estate book on the shelf. None of them even came close to measuring up to my standards except this one, which far exceeded my expectations. I feel fortunate to have found it because it was the last one on the shelf.

The best real estate book out there! Not only easy to comprehend, but can use his strategy to make, and save a lot of money. I followed his method and made $180,000 on my first deal!

I have read many books by some big names in foreclosure field and I feel this is by far the most comprehensive book out there. It is wonderful how thw author goes into a lot of detail in the begining on all of the false hoods you read in many books today. He also goes into a lot of detail on the pitfalls most beginers such as myself will face. One of the greatest thing about the book is the due dillagence steps one should take to be successfull in this field. He matches his book with a website in which you can email him personaly, and down load all of the documents within the book. Over all this book is great.

Excellent book for beginners and advance. It lays out clearly all the pro's and cons of buying pre-foreclosed properties. I have been a real estate broker for 13 years now and I have seen alot of wide-eyed infomercial junkies claiming they can do this and that. The reality is you have to have a game plan, credit and some money to have a consistent pool of opportunities. Tom clearly tells the truth. This is a fantastic opportunity if you follow Tom's instructions and advise. Most often individuals will have ideals but no plans. Tom gives you a realistic view of both. This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it.

After having read this book I am of the opinion that Thomas J. Lucier has written the definitive "must buy" book on pre-foreclosure investing. This book is comprehensive in scope -- he lays it all out for the reader, walking you through the pre-foreclosure investing process from A to Z. You will learn about state foreclosure laws, how to deal with lenders, the psychology of dealing with property owners who are in the midst of foreclosure, how to use foreclosure notices to locate local properties, using direct mail and inexpensive classified ads to contact prospective sellers -- it's all here.

I found the writing style to be clear and concise, and unlike so many other authors who use their books as nothing more than marketing vehicles to promote their other programs, Lucier actually teaches you what you'll need to know to make a success of it as a pre-foreclosure investor. A nice bonus is that Lucier includes a list of Internet resources for you to continue your research online.

Also, the last seventeen pages of the book are devoted to, "How to Package, Market, and Resell Pre-Foreclosures for Maximum Profit." While excellent information to include, this chapter only gives you a "taste" of what you'll need to know after you have used Lucier's excellent techniques to acquire a property. You'll need to pick up another book in order to fully learn this phase of the investing process and I have a recommendation.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording. The book also includes sample leases, forms, and checklists, so that you can actually go out and implement the investing strategy it teaches as soon as you're done reading.

Perhaps one of the reasons I like Lucier's book so much is the fact that he has written his book exactly as I'd have written it myself had he not already beaten me to the punch!

This book, was very well organized. easy to understand and apply, I ordered three books and this was the best of all three.

Great book of Wisdom. Most importantly USABLE. Well written, no details left out on EXACTLY HOW to do each step.You can tell Thomas has "been there, done that". Unimagineable amount of professional resources that comes with the book.

Thomas Lucier writes a perfect "How-to" book. Bought three books from various authors on this subject and "The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit," by Thomas Lucier was the hands down winner!!! He takes you step by step in a straight forward manner on how to buy these properties. Providing all the charts and letters you need to jump right in is a time saver. I consider this book my best reference on the subject. The no fluff, mater-of-fact, How to do it right the first time book!! Don't waste your time with anything else!!!!

I purchased this book based on other reviews I found at Amazon.com and it is safe to say that 99% of the reviews were accurate. Mr. Lucier's writing style is to the point and without the "fluff" that many other foreclosure programs fill you up with. He includes examples of actual events that happened to him (or investors he knows) at exactly the right times. It is VERY easy to read and VERY easy to understand, but that does not mean there is no detail. He also includes many reference websites for you to obtain any information that you might not have fully grasped or would just like more thorough knowledge on. Finally, Mr. Lucier allows buyers of his books to ask him questions via e-mail or telephone. I actually wrote him an e-mail with a few questions and I had a response in under 8 hours! This is really a must buy for beginners and maybe a reference guide for pros. Would recommend this to ANYONE! Don't hesitate in buying this book!

As a full time pre-foreclosure investor, I found the book to be very interesting. Mr. Lucier did a great job of explaining the process. I would recommend this book to anyone who seriously wants to invest in foreclosures unless of course, you invest near where I do. :-]

I have read several books on buying pre-foreclosure properties, and this is the best so far. It is actually a tool you can use instead of just a book to read. Thomas includes specific info and also gives you the websites to find this info. He takes it one step further by posting all of these links on his own website so you don't even have to write them down or type them in your browser's address bar! Thomas does not sugar-coat his words, and obviously has plenty of experience. The most amazing part is that he not only answers your emails personally, but he answers them fast. No other author I've come across does that. I already ordered another one of his books.

I just got my first hand experience with this guy. His attitude really stinks. Tried asking him for an advice on making a purchase on his books and in return, he responded with a rude and a frustrated remark. Don't waste your money on his books. He is not worth spending your hard earned dollars.

Having 20 years of experience in the diamond/jewelry business, I've learned to spot the imposters and money hungry pitch-men. Tom Lucier is the real deal with his no nonsense, meticulous attention to detail. It's as if he's there holding your hand through the process.
If one really wants to break into the real estate business, this book is simply the one, and only one necessary for pre-foreclosures.
I've read over 10 other books on real estate, but only now feel that I have the proper knowledge and direction to get started. This book is so over-the-top with practical advice, it's a give-away at any price!
Lastly, I've written him and received answers each and every time. How many authors do that?
Personally, I've been a mentor to people in different fields over the years, but now I feel confident to say that Mr. Lucier is my mentor!

If you are interested in investing in distressed real property buy this book NOW. I have read a couple of books on the same topic, and while every book has something to offer only "The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit" offered a real, no-nonsense, workable system. Mr. Lucier, the author, provides a detailed, step-by-step system for finding, buying, polishing, and selling distressed(pre-foreclosure)real property. The book is written in clear, easily readable and easily understandable prose. Additionally, the author provides you with all the support you need. He offers worksheets, checklists, examples of letters he has used, helpful websites and much more. OK, here's the icing on the cake. The author offers his email address so you can ask any question you may have regarding the process. I, in fact, did have a question so I sent Mr. Lucier an email. He responded in less than 24 hours. More than that, he voluntarily sent a follow up email with more helpful information (that is relevant for my geographic area). Ask yourself, how often have you gotten that type of attention from an instructor? It's been my experience that only the instructors who really know what they are talking about and are happy to teach make that type of commitment. If you want to invest in distressed (pre-foreclosure) property buy this book NOW - it's all you need.

This work is jam-packed with "how to advice" on purchasing
pre-foreclosures as a current investment or "to flip". The author
goes through an exhaustive list of steps to make the process
doable. Part of the process is to do the following:
- pay a finder
- inspect the property
- negotiate with the seller or foreclosing lender
- purchase the property for personal use or "flip it" for a profit

Specific internet sites to assist in the process of acquiring
pre-foreclosures are as follows:
- www.iaf. net to research people
- www.switchboard.com
- melissadata.com for street addresses
- abstractoronline.com for title searches
- abandoned property searches
- bop.com
- brbpub.com for public records
- factfind.com
- realestatepublicrecords.com
- publicrecordsfindeer.com

Investors should develop worksheets highlighting details of
each property together with the analytic data and information
sources to verify the seller's representations. This book
is well organized and easy to understand. Basic definitions
are explained and set forth in simple English. The acquisition
is well worth the price for your personal library.

This is the fourth book on foreclosures that I have read in the last two weeks and it is by far the best. copywrite is 2005. The author says less than 10% of the people reading this book will ever buy a foreclosure property. He also says, "The number one reason most beginners strike out in this business is they overestimate the current market value of the very first pre-foreclosure property they purchase". "Market value" is not the same as "current value". "Assessed value" is not the same as "appraised value". The author explains things in detail. He also gives you many, many sources online where you can gather much needed information to make quality business decisions. The many online sources alone justify the purchase of this book, but it is the author's honest handling of all phases of the foreclosure process that should make this your first foreclosure book. If you are currently in foreclosure buy this book and help yourself negotiate. If you are thinking of buying a foreclosure buy this book and learn why not to "purchase at auction on the courthouse steps" and why you should always pay a professional to do a through title search. One more thing. Some properties are not insurable. This book can easily save you thousands of dollars.

This book provides excellent insight for buying pre-foreclosures. It is well-written, easy to understand, and insightful. The only problem is that it does not give relevant economic information to investors to navigate the real estate bubble. However, I do not fault the author for that since they are really two seperate topics. To fill this gap I would also recommend Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble. This book focuses on the economic aspect of teh bubble and presents a survey of the best methods to make money from the real estate mess.

If you want to buy pre-foreclosures, I would recommend both books - this one for instructions on how to handle foreclosures and the other (Cashing in on the Real Estate Bubble) as an economic resource. Together, I feel they have given me a huge edge.

Someone recommended this book to me and I must say the recommendation was entirely correct. It is a very comprehensive look at the foreclosure and short sale market and gives excellent advice both for the novice real estate person as well as the expert.

I highly recommend it!

Linda
Clearwater, FL

Very detailed book that really explains the process. I was hoping it would include a bit more about rentals but the tactics included for getting a great deal can be applied to any type of real estate buyer. Great book for terms and as a resource. He loads the book with websites to find data. He also makes you very aware key issues that are often overlooked in other books.

Not a motivating book...just meat and potatoes... which is good if you have already had enough of those. This book is loaded with info but is a bit dry. I would say it is a must read for anyone not familiar with all of the ins and outs.

I bought this from Canada. I was naive enough to think the contents applied here. But it deals with US laws and real estate only. Therefore it should not have been made available to non US citizens, OR should have been labelled as "For US market only" or words to that effect. Very likely to be fine if you are a US citizen though. But if you're not American, beware! With transportation, that's over $40 wasted.

Been reading real estate books for over a decade and also own rental property and only buy books by Lucier anymore regarding real estate. Start there and probably won't need to buy anything else. Great resource and needed in any one's library that is planning on investing in real estate.

With the information contained in this book - and there's a lot of it! - my husband and I bought our first investment property - and created positive cash flow!
We highly recommend this book to all who are looking to make their fortune (and fund their retirement!) through real estate.
Great tips, amazing resources, true stories (some cautionary, some inspiring) and real-life how-to stuff. Includes suggested contract language, buying and negotiating tips, etc.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This book sets out a responsible and realistic view about how to get in the business of investing with foreclosure properties. it is not a get rich scheme nor does it purport to be. It is a rational plan and obviously works.

In pursuing foreclosures, the law is involved every step of the way and you better know what you're doing or you could really pay the price. Thomas Lucier does a great job of laying out all the basics, possibilities, potential liabilities, terminology, etc and offers a step-by-step process for investing in f/c's. If you're expecting buying f/c's to be simple, move on. If you accept it's going to take work and diligence, do yourself a favor and buy the book and learn the book.

I ordered the book from Amazon and received it 2 days later. This book is well written, easy to understand, and a pleasure to read. Mr. Lucier gives step by step instructions complete with samples of necessary documents needed to complete transactions. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in real estate investment.

Michael Mills

A week before I got Mr Lucier book, I purchased a so call "Guru's" book on Pre Foreclosure. Well this so called Guru's system had the Sizzle without the Steak. They "Bamboozled" me.
Please don't invest in any other educational material till you have read this book. Thomas Lucier does an incredible job of explaining the truth of real estate investing and what you need to do to be successful.

This book provided me with the information I needed. It includes samples of a Purchase Agreement designed for this type of transaction, information release letters, and other helpful forms and worksheets. These documents are all downloadable at no additional cost from the author's website. The Purchase Agreement serves as a first draft to take to your local real estate lawyer (to be adapted for the State in which the property is located). The author explains his methods in a step-by-step fashion. Live consultation with him is also available at a reasonable cost. I've done that too, and he was most helpful.

One of my investors advised me that a property owner approached him with an opportunity to purchase his property for the balance of the loan.The remaining balance of the loan was much higher than the value of the home on the market, so the investor told the owner he was not interested. The investor relayed this information to me, so I decided to look for a resource that would assist me in conducting a preforeclosure(short-sale)transaction.I purchased Tom's book for one chapter-Chapter 16.After reading the chapter, I put his information to good use.In November of last year, I initiated the process and in February 2006, I closed on the deal.I can't wait to apply Tom's techniques described in the rest of the book. A must read for realtors and/or investors alike.

All the other foreclosure books out there don't really deliver. Thomas J. Lucier is someone who delivers on his promise. This book lays everything out in detail about making preforeclosure deals, and he offers free forms to download too.... this book is priceless, buy it now..... BC, Southern California

this book provides just about all the info you need to get started in pre-foreclosure investing. it's up to you whether you want to take advantage of the tools it provides. tom lucier is also extremely responsive in answering questions, as you've probably already seen in most other reviews of this book. email turnaround time is impressive!! overall, very interesting and informative read.

The reading for this book seems like it's more for somebody who has already done foreclosures a few times and the book more tells you what to avoid.

The big technique theory behind the book is sending letters that he has, but what if two people buy this book from the same area, but what if two people buy this book or other books and do the exact same thing. Honestly, I've never purchased a pre-foreclosure before, but this book will have you more scared than anything else of what could go wrong instead of what could go right.

As a consultant to other professionals, I am blown away by the amount of useful information provided in this book. It is not easy to write this type of "manual". It represents many years of actual experience. Putting that on paper is a difficult task.

Those that want to get rich quickly by being taken by the hand and lead down a path to riches won't like it. It is too revealing and damaging to their notions. However, for the "doers" out there who want to be properly educated, they will find this book to be wonderfully helpful.

The book is worth many times its cost just as a resource for other information. Research and informational website addresses are gven throughout the book. The online forms/letters library the author gives away FREE to buyers of his book, is extremely useful... and valuable. This alone will save me many dozens of hours and is therefore worth thousands. However, dreamers will find it worthless.

Real estate investing is NOT an investment... it is a BUSINESS. Viewed in this light, serious real estate professionals need this business manual. It is simply excellent.

Never has any book on the subject been written with this degree of detail,.. all in a pragmatic and real step by step fashion.
Simply Stated,.. No stone is left unturned.... No Pebble is left unturned either!

I felt enlightened.

Tom Lucier is a Real Estate Genius that shares his knowledge without holding even a syllable back.

The had that puts down this book, is a more confident hand, with a "true sense" of the real possibility of making it Actually Happen.

Unlike other books on real estate, where you are left "All dressed up and nowhere to go" I would bet that anyone who puts these methods into action will have a "Dramatically Positive" net result when they look at their real estate portfolio a year from now.

If Amazon gave 6 stars, this guy would deserve it!

This book was an absolutely great read. His compilation of letters and forms (for FREE, by the way!) have been truly a blessing to this new real estate investor. After reading this book, I began looking for opportunities in my market, and 2 weeks later I'm already working on my first deal that will probably net me in the neighborhood of $45,000. The most valuable asset of this book is Tom's willingness to help and answer your questions personally. I have had two questions for him and both times he answered me within hours. Where else are you going to find your own personal real estate investment coach? A must read and a fabulous investment. Thank you Tom!

As a Realtor/investor, I have read numerous books on Pre-Foreclosures and Short Sales and have found nothing that compares to "The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit". I have been amazed with the depth of its content. I'll need to read it several times in order to absorb it all. This is a true meat and potatoes book.

J. McIntosh

I am a very experienced investor (over 35 years in Real Estate Mortgages, Brokerage and appraising) and have purchased several properties at auction. This book does outline his program of acquiring properties before they go to sale. As possess are different in across the country, the book does apply broad principles. It is much more informative than similar books that just talk about past transactions. He does appear to have very practical experience which is more than I can say about other writers.

After reading this book, I felt like I had a better grasp about foreclosures and the real estate market as a whole.

Some comments on your book:

Very robust with information (actually took me some time to read and digest everything)
Detailed with process recommendations
You can tell how experienced you are because it was very practical and not only theoretical
Easy to read and very straightforward
Includes many useful due diligence research sites

This book is one of the best books about distressed real estate and pre-foreclosures. Thomas Lucier outlines what many beginning investors don't know - why buying before the auction is usually the best time to negotiate with the homeowner. Solid advice that will benefit any investor looking to invest in Foreclosures.

By Lex Levinrad author of "What I Learned On Wall Street: Why Real Estate Is the Best Investment".

After reading many books on investing in real estate, Thomas Lucier's book on buying pre-foreclosures gets down to the details of exactly how to do it. I appreciated all of the links he provides to other websites for further research. In addition, he provides free downloads from his website of letters, worksheets, etc. Great book!

I was amazed by the quick response from the author. I sent him emails for questions and he replied very quickly. This is a service that I have not seen in any other books.

Very complete kit on pre-foreclosure property investing. I found this book very helpful since I work in real estate and have been involved in some public auctions of real estate for clients. This book has helped me see what investors look for so I can make my clients' properties more attractive and fetch a better auction price. Yes, prepping a property is essential, but there are also several factors.

After reading several books on real estate investing, I've found this one to be the most useful and easy to understand. The author explains why buying from the auction may not be the best approach and can easily lead to overpaying for a property. The author provides a pragmatic step-by-step gameplan to succeeding in this business. I feel comfortable, knowledgeable, and confident to make my first pre-foreclosure property investment.

There are many ways to be involved in the real estate business. Sadly, there are many people who make way too much money telling others how easy it is to be rich overnight. I have taken some of those courses and gleaned some good ideas. However, bottom line is you have to work, have quite a bit of staying power and be a fairly industrious person to make it. I am now a full time investor and doing well, but now know how much MORE there is to learn. This book tells it like it is for this section of the business. It is a good, solid tool that will help a serious investor. Points are basic, but that is what the business is built on - doing the basics right.

With property values going through the roof and probably soon to collapse, the buzz of pre-foreclosure property investing is deafening... mostly with the unscrupulous sounds of hucksters and modern day snake oil salesmen who have about as much hands on experience buying and selling them as they do climbing Mt. Everest. In the cacophony of all these self proclaimed guru's, only a handful of books truly stand out, and from those, there is one gem of a book which covers all bases in probably the most brutal of real-estate investment opportunities that a private investor is bound to come across - THIS BOOK !
With the experience I have gained from hitting the road, day in and day out, I can attest to this books authority, since this was the only book which I have had the good fortune to purchase which really explained the nitty-gritty details from start to finish. From explaining the foreclosure process in a short, lucid manner, to covering the use of public records, to negotiating with home owners, to performing due diligence, to short selling mortgages, to inspecting the property, to selling the property, this book packs a punch like no other, and for a list price of $19.95, how can anyone go wrong? Not only is the book extraordinary, the guarantee behind it stands alone in the sea of "how too" real-estate - Thomas Lucier publishes his direct phone number and email address, and is accessible, hospitable, and extremely helpful with any questions a reader might have... I can attest to this, since I just got off the phone with him.
Anyone serious about pre-foreclosures should purchase this book and make it a priority read.

Thomas Lucier's book is detailed, easy to understand and concrete. He gives a road map to the important web sites after every topic when it applies. He covers A-Z on how to complete a successful pre-foreclosure transaction. He not only teaches all the concrete steps but the emotional personal steps as well. He covers the fear of taking a risk, motivation, and a direct how to approach. He gives a complete list of recommended reading that will help with every obstical that I've run into. Thomas states in his book that if there is a problem that we can contact him to ask questions. How many times have you heard that from an author? It's true, I emailed him and he answered my question. He doesn't make it sound easy, he states that we must do our research and homework and study hard. His no-nonsense approach has helped me to set up a real-estate team, the paper work and the courage to move into the real-estate that I love. I would recommend his book to anyone.

This is one of the best real estate books I have ever read. This book will really help you understand the nuts and bults of the forclosure process. After just coming back from the big L.A. real estate convention put on by the Learning Annex and hearing all of the hype about making millions in forclosures but only if you buy the $1800.00 dollar package of the "ronco" style real estate super star who made millions but is now doing infomercials, this book is a breath of fresh air. It is filled with facts and a lot of resources for learning more about the trade. There are lots of good website referances as well. A+

I am a retired real estate broker in Nevada and an associate broker in Utah. This book is full of details on exactly how to go about purchasing pre-forclosure properties. Author includes websites to research for additional information, form to be used in your quest to find pre-foreclosure properties and his personal email address if you get really stuck. I would recommend this book to anyone who is really interested in improving their income.

This book is packed with practical, useful information. Lucier is a great author, all his books are worth buying.

This book is the bomb! I cannot begin to say enough wonderful things about this book. If you follow Tom's instructions to the "T", you will be a success. Best investment I've made to date.

This book is a great source for the beginner in exploring the world of pre-foreclosure investing. Mr. Lucier gives you a step by step guide to learn the various aspects of pre-foreclosures as well as an abundant list of real estate related websites. It's a fast read and set up so you can go back and review topics and refresh your memory. Great Book !!

Just I write to say this is the best book to start investing in preforeclosure. Downloadable y customizable forms are a very useful tool for everyone. Thank You Mr. Lucier for all this 100 % practical information.

This book gives step-by-step instructions on how to buy the Pre-foreclose property.Best thing about this book is the downloadable forms which can be modified to suite your needs.

Please believe me when I say that you will get more than your moneys worth. I am so glad that I purchase this book.The information is priceless, and the book is so easy to read. It is truly full of sage advice written with a no-nonsense style. Buy it.

This is one of those books where you get the idea that the author is experienced in what he is talking about. He shares a lot of good tips, and tricks like how to verify a judgment is valid and how to discount it. There's lot of specific checklists, like a Phase One Environmental Audit checklist and a list of common abbreviations found in title documents.

My only complaint, and it is a minor one, is that the book is a little disorganized. It jumps from topic to topic in each chapter, and it looks more like poor editorial style on the part of the publisher. Highly recommended, though, and lots of good examples!

This priceless book is comparably inexpensive,if compared with the time consuming,money wasted "get quick rich" trashes out there.I have read some books on investing in real estate and this is written in a very EXPLICIT manner,and by far is the ABSOLUTE BEST one.

The author, Thomas Lucier, gives straight-forward, accurate, and comprehensive information on how to make money buying properties that are in the pre-foreclosure stage of the foreclosure process. It is explained that each state differs in regards to foreclosures; there is detailed information on how to become an expert in your specific state.

This book covers every area of buying properties in practically every stage of foreclosure and is great for beginners as well as experienced investors. There is a throughout explanation of the foreclosure process and details on negotiating with property owners and lienholders, how different types of loans work, how to price properties, how to repair or hire people to repair properties, how to search for and verify everything to make a safe and prosperous investment, and much more.

There are many helpful websites listed in the book also;which I wish if instead, was written on a Cd accompanying the book.

He delivers the vast amount of information impeccably in honest manner.One of the most important things I found with this book is the emphasis on how to handle every step of buying these properties in the most diligent manner to ensure a safe and sound investment.

If you read this very detailed and comprehensive book and still have a question, the author Mr. Lucier, he has provided you his personal email address and phone number in his book.I emailed him with a question and his personal opinion, he responded back promptly with a very helpful answer.Mr. Lucier,is one of a few scarce honest man still arround.

Excellent, well organized, and realistic approach to pre-foreclosures. This is much better than the two other books I read on pre-foreclosures because it clearly outlined the steps and provided the documents and places to go to find information.

The author leads you through the process, explains it, and provides sample letters and worksheets. I feel armed to more efficiently hunt down pre-foreclosure opportunities.

I just closed on a pre-foreclosure deal and found what the author stated to be true.

I highly recommend this book to others.

This book is a must for anybody who wants to invest in real estate. I found this book to be not only extremely informative but enjoyable to read. Tom's personality shows in his writing style, but more importantly, his knowledge is easily understood and followed. He makes the steps to the investment process clear to understand and follow. He puts together a step by step process to follow as well as offering the tools to be successful.

After I purchased and read the book I sent out my first letters. Within 17 days I had my first client contact me. I am in the process of purchasing a house even as we speak!

This is the best value on the market for investing. What makes it even better, after purchasing the book, Tom allows you to call or email him, FREE!! He responds quickly with excellent information to help!

Good resources and clarity in presentation. The catch: Like all jobs, you have to do something to succeed, ponder that. I highly recommend anyone thinking about getting into the nitty profession of distressed property sales to buy, read, and actually DO what's outlined in this book.

This guy must be nuts. Every form for any situation from what I can see in the book is on his site and can be down loaded for free. Considering other Guru's want you to buy a plastic CD with forms on it for about $400, this guys got to be crazy. He'll probably file bankruptcy in a couple of weeks giving all his forms away for free. I can't believe it!

I got the book Tuesday May 4th and read it by noon today Wednesday May 5, 2005. I'm going to read it again, after I read his other book that I bought with this book. Today after I finished the book around 1:30PM or 2:00PM I sent Mr. Lucier an email, a very long one. It probably took him 2 hours to read it and I got an answer back in about two hours. I'm impressed!

This book is meat and potatoes. I can't wait to read the other book so I can test his email answering again!

Read some of the other books if you need motivation, but get this book if you want to know what to do, how to do it, where to do it and when to do it. Besides, you won't have to pay $2500 for an 18 month home study course. And I bet that if you do go through an eighteen month course you still won't know what to do and will still have to buy Tom's book.

I bet if he wasn't an X-Marine, he'd get a lot of static for giving $400 to $1000 worth of forms away for free. I'm telling you this guy is going to go broke giving this stuff away.

Love it! Love It! Love It! "The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit" by Thomas Lucier is very informative and a must read for anyone interested in this type of real estate investing. Mr. Lucier tells in detail how to negotiate with homeowners in trouble, how to be the solution to their problem, and how NOT to have the door slammed in your face. He also demystifies the process of dealing with the homeowner's lender by explaining in detail each step in the process of taking the property off their hands. This book, along with Dean Graziosi's [[ ASIN:1593154461 Be A Real Estate Millionaire: Secret Strategies for Lifetime Wealth Today]] have helped me so much in understanding how to be successful with foreclosures.

I found this book to be very useful. It applies well to Preforeclosures overall nationwide and is especially useful if your are in Florida. He does not add fluff, or hype to this book. I would also recommend "How to be a Quick Turn Real Estate Millionaire" by Ron LeGrand as far as how to find leads (cheap marketing)and wholesaling. These are both books you should have in your Real Estate Investing Library! The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit should be a reference handbook for serious investors!

[...]

This book is fully of lots of usefull information. Good starting place for any future investor.

There is a lot of practical information in here to be sure. The author has some strong opinions even going to far as so give specific suggestions regarding setting up your office. His comments regarding illegal activities are admirable, but still fluff to me. I would have preferred the straight dope. Still, it's a good book for people getting started and his style may not grate on you like it did on me.

Thomas J. Lucier managed to put together an amazing and resourceful book. I bought it, read it and loved it and now want to read it again.
Buy with the confidence you will learn from his experience.

Jon

This book is very easy to read and understand. I was able to download all the forms I needed and begin buying foreclosures within one week. Thank You Thomas for sharing this detailed information. Sincerely, Debra A Goff, President of Goff Properties LLC.

Just bought this book last week, and I'm glad I did. It's refreshing to get the other side of the foreclosure business other then the TV gurus and their get rich with no effort, no brains, no money needed. Thank you for your book it was an eye opener.

has it made anyone money? I think that's the true question for a book in this category. Yes, this book is well written with excellent examples, strategies and tips for beginning a mail campaign to motivated sellers. I started my campaign today, so i will report back when I have results.

Like many I have read numerous how-to books on investing. However, I don't think I have found another book to be more realistic and resourceful than The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit. It literally provides step by step instruction on how to be a successful investor. An excellent tool....a must for anyone wanting the "real deal" on pre-foreclosure investing. Motivated? Read this first - then put it to good use!

I love this book!!! it goes with another one that I purchased and was able to reap great profits. I suggest this to everyone!!!!!!

The book is decent, but there are much better books on foreclosures out there.

I wasn't very impressed with the amount of information that was given. I was able to find out more in some of the other books.

This is the best Pre-Foreclosure book ever written. But me being new to the whole real estate thing I had to buy a book on basic real estate, to catch up because this book is more for somebody who know a little bit about real estate. Very good read though.

This is a straight forward example of what a pre-foreclosure procedure would entail. This book give you a framework of the process. He reminds you of the risk involved, which many authors fail to include in their books. Its a great book to include in your real estate bookcase.

THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST - TO THE POINT - BOOK I'VE COME ACROSS - AND I'VE SEEN THEM ALL! I'VE BEEN IN THE FIELD FOR 26 YEARS AND I KNOW GOOD MATERIAL WHEN I SEE IT! AND BEST OF ALL, THE AUTHOR ACTUALLY WRITES YOU BACK VIA EMAIL (AS HE PROMISES) AND PROVIDES SPECIAL WEBSITE ACCESS FOR MORE FORMS, MATERIALS, ETC. *********A MUST BUY*********

So far, I did not come across a book that was so packed with information. Advice, experience, samples of agreements, samples of letters, forms, web addresses - everything was there.
Geat book, great job.

Dalia Kair
Drexel Hill, PA

Thomas Lucier has written an honest down to earth how-to guide to get the novice started in buying pre-foreclosures. This book takes you beyond the rah-rah and whoo-hoo books of most authors. Thomas guides you step by step in how to build your business and how to aviod the pitfalls. Within 60 days of reading the book and following the authors directions I find myself going out and viewing properties. Then using the provided check lists and I can decide whether or not to making offers on pre-forclosure properties. This is not a business for everyone, as Thomas points out, you actually have to work at it, do your homework and LEARN. If you are considering buying only one book on Real Estate, buy this one. If you don't do pre-forclosures that is fine, but at the very least you will have the best, most honest, book about Real Estate available.
Thanks for everything, Thomas.

I am so very impressed by the honesty, professionalism, clarity, and even more impressed by the cost of this book, that I can only value it as "PRICELESS". This is a book from the heart and the amount of effort and imformation within the first chapter alone, paid for the book. I only hope all of those who extract the wealth of knowledge it contains, will DO SOMETHING WITH IT!!
In an age which many teachers are not doers, it is obvious here that Mr Lucier is on the cutting edge of this investment strategy for real estate. I have read several real estate books and courses and this is without a doubt a top 5 keeper.Many people staying up late night channel surfing need to order this before sending money in for informercial programs. It's all right here for the right people. "We Buy Houses" is old news folks. Get with the programs like this while the crowds aren't looking. Thank you, Sir for leaving this legacy of knowledge and experience with us. If you have a seminar, I'm there...front row, kicking someone out of my seat. God Bless you for this "gift". I still can't believe you "gave" this away for less than $5,000.

This book is very well written and an easy read. Extremely informative but at the same time enjoyable due to Lucier's dry wit. I bought several books at the same time. I read his from cover to cover and used the others as cross references---the other books never provided me with any more or any better information than he did. He honestly does answer his phone and his emails. I sent a question by email and he answered within 3 hours! Highly recommended.

This book is the greatest. I've always wanted to do pre-foreclosures, I read so many other books, but it wasn't as friendly as Tom's book. I bought Tom's book, and immediatly I got to work, it directed me to the foreclosure listings, I pulled it, and the next day, I began sending out the letters as he suggested. If you are serious about this business, this would be the book to purchase.

Haynes Investment
Atlanta

The book is excellent. It is filled with many tips that would help both novices and experts. The step-by-step approach works great for novices. The author includes his phone number and email address and he returns emails within a day. A must buy.

I am currently starting to invest in pre-foreclosures, and I have been going back to this book over and over. It is a great resource, and is truly worth every penny. Anyone looking into the pre-foreclosure business should have this book.

If you want the nuts and bolts on pre-forclosure investing, get this book. No wasted words no wasted time on your part. Easy to read and use.
Thanks: Thomas J. Lucier

Everything that I wanted to know was in this book regarding purchasing pre-foreclosure properties. I didn't want to put the book down because each time a question came up, it was the subject of the next section or chapter. Not only does Mr. Lucier give step by step instructions he also tells it like it is. I know that there would have been no way for me to get into this business blindly and even after studying Mr. Lucier's book, my first real transaction was quite daunting. Mr Lucier was exceptionally keen on pointing out the psychology of both the seller going through a foreclosure and a novice pre-foreclosuer investor like myself. Because I read this book I have avoided a lot of mistakes that I would have made without it. You think that sellers going through foreclosure are "thankful" you are there to help them? Think again... Thank you Mr. Lucier for being so straight forward and sharing so much of your knowleged and experience. If you plan on becoming a pre-foreclosure specialist, you better read this book!

I purchased this book the first day it came out on 12/17 and I must say WOW! All the information in this book is Great! Especially for anyone that is new to buying Pre-foreclosures. I have read a lot of books on pre-foreclosures, but this is far worth the $19.95 I spent on the book. I have wasted many years trying this profession with no success, because I did not have the knowledge that is provided in this book.

It is a must buy!

I bought this book and then went to some training in Tennessee and was impressed with all the detail given on how to do a succesfull short sale. I have then applied these techniques in my real estate business to give me one more tool in my arsenal to make money.
Sandy

It took me 2 days to read the book. Loved it. The book gives you instructions on how to go to his website so you can download the appropiate marketing letters you should send out to people in distress.

I own a foreclosure prevention company and have adopted some of his techniques, nevertheless (not to take away any merit from the author but instead to enhance the next version of his book) our company principals felt like these letters were a little bit to hard on the person that is loosing their homes. Be believe that this kind of hard approach could have negative consequences if you are trying to do business with someone in distress. We have to understand that when someone is loosing their home, they can go into denial and sometimes even be heavily depressed.

If you do decide to get into this process of sending out letters the only thing you should try and add to them, is to let the people know that you are there because you really care to help them out and not to make a quick buck! People will give you their business if you are upfront, honest and ethic about what you are trying to do.

Don't forget to add a little note written by hand on every letter that states: "We really care!"

Other than that, you should buy the book if you are into the business of Real Estate in this decade!

My husband and I have set a goal of finding a first investment property this coming quarter. Your book has been BY FAR the best I have read on the topic! I've been reading and reading, and it is your book that has given me the grounding and details I have needed to feel confident to MOVE forward.

I am a beginner real estate investor and have read numerous books on the subject. Unlike most books that give you the "fluff" of how good the real estate business is, Tom actually gives you the step-by-step process to investing. Definitely a must for beinning investors and I would suspect that it would be beneficial for experienced investors as well. Oh, and yes he does answer his emails. Impressive! For any serious real estate investor, this is a MUST!

What a great book! Easy to understand and really helped me to take that leap into action and get my first foreclosure deal!
His letters really work. Worked so well I wasn't prepared for an immediate response! I am now in escrow! Mr. Lucier was great helping me through some rough spots and like his book says he really did respond to all my email questions. Highly recommend reading this book to anyone who has thought of trying this type of investment opportunity.

My co-investor and I recently purchased and read this book. It educated us in an area that we had no previous knowledge. The material is presented with clarity, thoroughness, and in a step-by-step format. Lucier takes a lot of information and makes it manageable and user friendly. Mr. Lucier is also available to answer questions. We sent him an email and within 15 minutes we had a response with helpful information. This is an excellent book for beginners and a thorough reference guide for people already investing.

Mr. Lucier's book is the most thorough and accurate book I have read. As a part time investor, the information he has shared is right on the money and helpful in understanding the seller and lender stupid decisions. It also covers all the pitfalls and dangers in not doing your homework before buying. Full of good advice.

I was quite surprised at the level of detail and additional information, i.e. links, cd, etc., provided. Good book.

this book is great. it's like a reference guide, whenever i need to look up a problem i just look in the index and i can find it right-a-way! easy reading and highly recomended.

For someone who is intent on gathering information in a systematic way in order to make a start in the pre-foreclosure side of investing, it is a wonderful tool. Direct, clear and concise. Realistically presents the potential pitfalls and provides solutions on how to avoid them. Relevant and up to date.

I've taken courses, seminars, tele-courses, and read other books, and this is far-and-away THE BEST I've read. Straightforward, makes sense, leads you thought-by-thought in a way others don't. And he is definitely true to his word: he responds to emails! AMAZING!! (I don't know of anyone else who gets personal like this.)

Mr.Lucier seems to be genuinely interested in helping others in this business, not just putting out a book or an educational system that others buy and then it's "good luck if you can use it". He presents the material in a very detailed-yet-intelligible way. Buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

And the Forms are great! A friend in the business!!!

The book provides you with real-life, practical instructions. It's a book that you will continue to read and refer back to on "how-to" do things every step of the way.

The author also offers his e-mail and phone number for the readers to ask questions. He replies to his emails very promptly. He truly does not have any "gatekeepers"!

This is a straight forward no non-sense book. I have read so many books by people who seem like their more interested in motivating you too their $5,000 real estate seminar than to give you the information you need to make it in real estate. I have read two of Mr. Lucier's books one on pre-foreclosures, and the other on real estate options which I have highly recommended to people that I've been discussing real estate with. If you are sick and tired of wasting your hard earned money on books that just pump you up, but give you no substance then buy this book and find out of if you really have what it takes to invest in pre-foreclosures. Also I e-mailed Mr. Lucier some questions I had, and he e-mailed me back - with well thought out responses - 9 hours later! Now that's what I call customer service and someone who stands behind his work. Thanks again!

Some very helpful tips that I have not thought of before. I will defintley use these tips to make more money and to help solve some problems for people in the future.

I would highly recommend this book for someone who is starting their investing career.

Mr. Lucier's book has filled in the details and put some much needed process and step by step guidelines into place for me.

I have attended some instructor lead courses that have not provided the detail of his book and cost a lot more... The courses I have attended and the books that I bought all left a bunch of pit falls out. They were To Good To Be True, and I knew it.

I just bought his Options book and think that 2005 will be a very good year for me in the real estate business.

I am on the right track now.

The Pre-Foreclosure Property Investor's Kit is by far, the most useful real estate book that I have ever read on investing in foreclosures. This book by Tom Lucier is complete, and right to the point. I was very impressed by his honesty to tell it like it really is along with telling you what to do and how to do it. I sent Mr. Lucier an email with a question after I had read the book and I was very impressed when he answered me within an hour. I have never found any other author that does this. Keep up the good work and I hope your book sells a million copies.

This is an excellent book. Pre-foreclosures, at least for me, seemed daunting. Mr. Lucier takes a lot of the mystery out of it. While pre-closures take time, effort and due diligence, Mr. Lucier's book guides you through what to do and what not to do step-by-step. I did have a question and emailed Mr. Lucier. Based on the other reviews here, I did expect an answer, but was surprised when I took a break to get a soda pop and had an answer waiting for me when I returned!

I have used Thomas' approach and it works. The book is well laid out, concise and to the point. It provides a wealth of information and templates, making it a great reference. It also spends a fair amount of time on ethical standards, an element dreadfully lacking with many investors. If you want a book that's going to hype you up and tell you that you are going to make millions in your first year, don't get this. If you want a book that provides a realistic and methodical approach to buying foreclosures, then this book is for you.

This book is just as my title suggests: reading worth reading. Lucier takes the mystery out of pre-foreclosure investing and arms his readers with practical, honest approaches in a field where "get rich quick" gurus flourish. After reading the first chapter you know where is head is and what he's about -- helping his readers. This is an author who gives his all to debunk the myths and shine light on ignorance. One of the best books I've read in years. His approaches are well worth the investment in time and effort.

A Lawyer
(Read the book and you'll understand the significance).

Tom's writing style is a step by step, refreshingly direct guide to the pre-foreclosure investor business. He takes the reader through all the situations one is likely to experience which grows the readers' confidence that Tom's book can actually be used as a reliable tool. He was even available to answer my e-mail questions... how many authors can do that? He really cares.

Vince

Very well written and organized book, Packed with great material. Most so called Real Estate guru's would charge many times the price for this book and give the same material. I also emailed him a couple of questions of which he emailed a response right back immediately.

Mr. Lucier, you will be richly rewarded because you give the reader want they need and you don't short change us. This is how how-to books should be written. I cannot tell you how much I apprecicate your book. You are very honest, even in the slightest detail and anyone who aspires to the same will be successful because you have given us all the tools.

When I picked up this book I went from knowing very little about the pre-foreclosure market to having a base of knowledge to a begin a new career. I have read a couple other books that give great advise, but Lucier's book is step by step how-to's that the beginner needs to know.

I'm just starting my investment career, but I believe the information Thomas Lucier gives in his book will save me 6 months to a year of time trying to find contacts, doing due diligence and avoiding mistakes. So far I've not found a better book that tells it like it is, good and bad. And something no one else does...he gives you his phone number and e-mail address and does answer your questions! It's a must for beginners or pros...you can always learn something.

If you want to educate yourself in the detailed world of foreclosures this is the book for you. Thomas has put everything together in a precise step by step, easy to understand and apply program. There is no other book that gives you all the information to make you successful in this market!
Also, he guarantees his book by helping you with questions through email or phone....This is pricesless...!!!

This is the second book I have read that was written by Thomas Lucier. This is a whole new level for how-to books. Most authors write a how-to book and only provide the basics. Thomas Lucier goes in-depth and tells you straight-up what you need to know, what you need to do, and who you need to talk to. He even goes into what you should say. If you're interested in real estate or just want to see how a real how-to book is written - read this book!

I have been a full time real estate investor for many years now.
I have purchased hundreds of books and courses over the years. I can say without hesitation that if you were only going to buy one book on investing in pre foreclosures, this is absolutely the best book out there to teach you how to do it. Simple and to the point, this book does not waste your time telling you a bunch of nonsense just to fill pages in the book. Mr.. Lucier specially points out step by step what you need to do to be a successful real estate investor in the pre foreclosure market. His ideas are proven and he has a track record of success to back up his strategies. You cannot go wrong buying this book. It is the best book on the market period.

I have read many books on pre-foreclosures and T. Lucier's book takes it hands down. It is filled with information that can be applied and utilized. He has a 14 step plan that you can follow and he also provides tons of web addresses which are critical in the business. What is truly extraordinary is that Mr. Lucier provides his e-mail address and phone number if you have any questions-a service which I have already used! He doesn't hide behind his book-he stands behind it. The book has motivated me to get started in the pre-foreclosures business and I urge anyone who is interested in this business or who is already involved to buy this book. It is goldmine!!

GREAT BOOK. IT GIVES YOU EVERYTING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT REAL ESTATE INVESTING. I READ IT IN ONE DAY. I SIMPLY COULDN'T STOP READING IT. THIS IS THE FIRST STOP FOR FUTURE REAL ESTATE INVESTORS.
WHAT SURPRISED ME THE MOST WAS THE WRITERS STRAIGHT TO THE POINT ATTITUDE. NO PROMISES, NO QUICK CASH SCHEMES BUT REAL, HONEST AND VALUABLE ASSESMENT OF REAL ESTATE INVESTING CAREER.
GOOD JOB!

Let's face it, tax liens and preforeclosures are the new "it" for this new downward market. This is where you can get lots of money by getting cheap houses, as foreclosures mount over and over again month after month.

This book guides you through preforeclosures and being able to negotiate before it hits the foreclosure market. While auctions do give you savings, being able to negotiate it before hand gives you more leverage and you don't go through the hassle of being outbid. Here are other good reads about foreclosures:

Complete Guide to Real Estate Tax Liens and Foreclosure Deeds: Learn in 7 Days-Investing Without Losing Series (Investing Without Losing)

Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time

I am new in the real estate investing arena, and like most had to read 5-6 books to find this 1 Amazing resource. Mr. Lucier lays it out, and holds nothing back. Yes, he really does reply to emails AWESOME!!! If your serious about investing and have the means to do so then this book is one you'll want to carry with you everywhere!

Thomas Lucier's book outshine most of the bootcamps and other tapes and reading material out there that go for thousands of dollars. He's believable and what he teaches is doable no matter what part of the country you work pre-foreclosures. His book is the best I've seen yet.

I also bought the other latest book ....Options and I it's just as information rich as the others.

Great book for the beginning investor. He gives you everything you need to get started. Contracts, Letters, form, ect. Its great!!

Thomas Lucier has written a superb guide on how to buy properties in foreclosure. I know this, because I have used his excellent book, to make over $50,000, within the past four months. I especially like his no "bullspit" writing style and how everything is laid out in the book and covered in great detail. I've sent Tom e-mails and he's always given me a prompt response. I can honestly say that buying this little jewel of a book was the best $13.97 that I've ever spent

My brother and I have recently purchased a number of real estate pre-foreclosure investment books. Mr. Lucier's book is by far the most detailed and comprehensive that we have found. His no-nonsense approach is a breath of fresh air in an over-hyped market.

I thought this was a very straitforward level headed approach to pre-forclosure investing. It is well worth your time to read it.

Mr. Lucier has created a timely, mind opening and actionable reference and guide to gaining rapid awareness and understanding of the profit opportunities in pre-foreclosure investments.His clear and easily understood step by step program is suitable for the novice as well as the professional investor. His attention to detail in each chapter together with supporting organizational and internet references is convenient and comphrensive. I have not seen another book dealing with a complex subject wherein the author provides his personal telephone number and theninvites you to call for help as needed.He personally answered the phone on the second ring when I called with a question.

Walter Johnson
Northville, New York

Tom Lucier's Pre-Forclosure kit is packed with more useful information than I would have emagined possibe for it's size and cost. It was exactly the "roadmap" type of publication that I was looking for that spells out the Pre-forclosure process in concise detail. It is also refreshingly devoid of the typical pump-you-up hype so preveliant in most of the real estate investment how-to books that I have read. It's simply everything you need to know - and no bull spit.

Mark Leedy
Vancouver, WA

I've read a lot of RE books on foreclosures but none as good as this one. Lucier gives an indepth analysis of the pre-foreclosure process from finding a seller to reselling the properties. He gives a lot of useful information on mortgage companies and how to handle yourself when negotiating with them. Also, Lucier provides links to many internet sites that can help an aspiring investor get started in the business.
I DEFINITELY recommend this book!!

WELL DONE BOOK on this MUCH DISCUSSED RE INVESTOR TOPIC ...
VERY HELPFUL INFO. STRAIGHT SCOOP for INVESTORS and those Pursuing the PRE FORECLOSURE INVESTMENT BUSINESS. NO NONSENSE
BOOK yet easy to read

Thomas's book is very compelling and very well written. I have read several dozens of wonderful Real Estate Investing books. By far, I enjoy this book more than any other book because it is very specific. It truly is a guide for becoming a wealthy Real Estate Investor. In his book, Thomas delivers details for establishing a proven strategy. I am able to read his book and act on its contents simultaneously. It is not simply a generic book that leaves you in wonderland; it really teaches you the nuts and bolts of investing in pre-foreclosure properties. I have found great success in reading this book and I am scheduled to close on multiple deals over the next several months. Awesome Book by Thomas J. Lucier.

I have read several foreclosure investment books and have attended a seminar. Mr. Lucier's book really blows me away with the amount of information in it. It really filled in the gaps that the other books left. It is written as a teaching tool with lots of resource and reference material in it. As a beginner, I advise to anyone interested in pre-foreclosure investment that this is a MUST GET book.

As a active real estate investor in California I found this book to be a comprehensive guide to this very specialized area of foreclosure investing. The author not only discusses the high potential profits to be made but also many of the inherent pitfalls and risks to be aware of when doing these deals. You will learn many essential aspects of this area of investing, such as financing sources, how to contact and negotiate with the owners, doing property inspections, resources to help in researching title, and fixing up properties so they can be marketed for top resale value. There are also recommendations for websites for additional information on related topics. I found that I acquired more knowledge on pre-foreclosure investing after reading this book than I did from the high priced home-study course that I just completed.

This book has all the details you need to get started with investing in pre-foreclosures. His marketing plan got my attention the most as well as all of the pitfalls that beginners will/might encounter during their endeavors. This book even sparked a few ideas of my own. There are plenty websites in here that you will find useful as well. I emailed the author(Thomas) with a question and I got a reply within 5 minutes. That was the topper.

This is a great book on the subject of investing in pre-foreclosures. Thomas Lucier gives practical step by step instructions on how to suceed in this business and makes a variety of sample forms and letters available for download and customization. Also, the book is written with todays technology in mind. A great number of websites are referenced whereas many of the other books written on the subject were written in the 80's before the explosion of the internet.

This book differs from other books on the subject in that its more of a how-to book than a motivational speech. This is the only author that I know of that responds to your email questions personally. I email him a question today and he responed with answers in a couple of hours.

I was going to wait until I purchased my first property to write this review but after getting an email reponse from Thomas in 2 hours I couln't wait to write the reveiw. This is a must have book on the subject of Pre-Forclosures!

This easy-to-read, flowing, simple-to-understand manual is absolutely essential reading for the serious and the initially curious-soon-to-be-serious individual who is looking to make a living or dabble in part-time by investing in real estate pre-foreclosures anywhere within the United States. Mr. Lucier is obviously very knowledgable and passionate in what he does, and it shows through his writing. Being in real estate myself, after all the books I have read relating to this topic, there has been no one book that surpassed this one in usefulness and ease of understanding, for both the professional as well as the novice.
Much thanks to Mr. Lucier to finally providing the rest of us with a basic handbook to do what we wanted to do and what we knew we could do, but no one else either knew or bothered to share with us. Lastly, his personal website tied in with this book, free access to foreclosure related forms, letters and checklists, and accessibility to answer your questions personally by e-mail and telephone is bar none.

I want to say that Mr. Lucier gives it to you straight, no run arounds and false hopes and definitely insightfull, knowledgeble and worth more then the average price the book sells for. The info on the links alone are worth I believe about a few grand. I bought his book to learn something new and I did, not to mention the man gets to the point and tells it like it is. I would like to also state that I'am a seasoned investor and I have been doing pre-foreclosures and foreclosures for years now. Take it from me, this book is a must have for novices and experts alike. The book is practically a steal at that price. I give this book 6 stars but oh well 5 is the max.

thanks lucier for such a book, we need more people like you writing informative and no nonsense books.

Joseph

There's only one major problem with kind of investing...if the house could be sold for more than the lien it would be sold. One might say it's a good investment to buy it and wait for the market to go up. Well that didn't work either...Because of books like this, plus Robert Allen, and Carlton Sheets, I'll be in bankruptcy court soon. But hey it was an adventure. I got a great book out of my ups and downs in real estate investing in Akron Ohio. HOUSES OF CARDS recently won and IPPY award. If you want to follow the advise in this book I think you should read mine first! It shows a more realistic view. I own 12 single family homes, have a half a million in debt and it took me eight years!

Pamela Frost
Houses of Cards

This book is the perfect start to a career in real estate investments. The author goes into much detail on all the ways of making profits with pre-foreclosures. I highly recommend this to all.

This is an excellent book by Thomas as he thoroughly takes you through the process of purchasing an investment property. He provides a wealth of resources on nearly every aspect of investing by listing websites and addresses.

His forms are great for providing you with an idea for approaching home owners. However, the tone of the letters are some what dismissive--but that's just my opinion.

The only area that needs enhancing is providing one with an idea as to estimate value in the property. He does not provide as much detail as others (i.e., Steve Berges "The Complete Guide to Real Estate Finance for Investment Properties"). With that said, it is an excellent resource and I highly recommend it.

Highly recommend. Too many of these RE investment books are full of air. This one, however, is timely and substantive without being too wordy. Very easy to peruse and use!

This is a great book on preforeclosures, a certain point in time when houses are owned by the bank or are in the process of being owned by the bank but has not been sold to a public auction yet. This is where people get huge savings because you can deal with the bank or owner (that's about to lose his or her home).

This is one of the two favorite books I have in my real estate/foreclosures library. See my other reviews for more info on other books.

This book is simple, straight forward, and realistic. The author does a great job. The book is full of excellent strategies and advice.

This book will not do the job for you rather it will make you think. Granted the author is a little odd but, the information is true to fact. You start to think when you read this book and then the inspiration comes. This book is only a stepping block to great things. I apply this and a lot of other information and I make a great living. I hope people do not like this book so, I can eliminate the competition. LOL

someone suggested this book-we took a seminar and this booked answered many of the questions we had.

The most comprehensive pre-foreclosure investment book on the shelf today! Full of the detailed information you need and can't find in other books. Tom's get to the point and candid writing style make it a page turner for seasoned and newbie investors. Best of all Tom responds to emails.

Don't invest in any other educational material till you have read this book. Thomas Lucier does an incredible job of explaining the truth of real estate investing and what you need to do to be successful. In a business where every real estate guru is touting their "get rich overnight with no money down" schemes, this book is a refreshing catalog of reality.

The book is packed with reference material and you can even go to his website and download all the forms and letters presented in the book. Frankly, packaged with hype I have seen on TV and in seminars, the contents of this book could be sold for $999!!

I've recently read 4 of the latest publications regarding the subject on foreclosure (pre/post included) and this book by far outshines the rest in terms of instructional, examples, sample letters & worksheets, and being the most comprehensive w/o all the jibber-jabber or fluffy filler wording. I'm looking forward to going out in the field and trying this stuff out! Thanks again Tom for a well constructed publication!

This book is absolutely great for any investor, but it is perfect for anyone interested specifically in foreclosures. It answers questions regarding loans, liens, and negociations. It even has downloadable forms, such as letters, and notices of default. How could anyone not like that? Work done for you already by a proven investor, Thomas J. Lucier. He even offers to personally answer questions through email or by phone. If that is not dedication and confidence in a product, then I don't know what is. Believe me, if you are even slightly interested in investing in foreclosures, do yourself a favor and get this book. If you still have questions, contact Mr. Lucier. It is a great investment and a can't-lose situation.

This book is the best book I've read bar none!
Real life information, not sugar-coated material.
Material you may not want to know but the real life honest to god truth. I recommend it to every beginner investor.

Mr. Lucier's book is extremely professional and to the point. If you are interested in investing in pre-foreclosure properties, reading this book is a must. Mr. Lucier also provides his email address and phone number to readers. This clearly shows he believes in what he does and he wants to help you be as successful as he has been.

If you are looking for a very straightforward and full of the nuts and bolts on how to be a succesful pre-foreclosure investor this book is it! Well written. Mr Lucier leaves little to the imagination. Read it and put in the hard work.

It's about time! Finally an active investor who puts honesty into ink. I have been an investor for 5 years and was competing with others and losing my but. Doing PF's eliminates a lot of the competition (but you must work your hump and establish systems) Thru writing the PF's Investors Kit Mr. Lucier has paved a path and basically gave me a checklist so I don't get burned.

Top notch, highling recommended!!!

I just bought the book weeks ago and started reading about 50 pages, it is very detailed and straight forward. I would recommend this book for investor in all levels. Good job, Thomas.

Excellent book not just investors but for anyone who interesting in foreclosure properties. It is most useful book I have ever read.

This book is well organized and well organized. It also is written at a level that doesn't put you to sleep like some How-To books. Simple but comprehensive.

This book is written very well supplying virtually anyone with enough knowledge to get started. This is not some get-rich-quick scheme. Thomas lays it out for you with the truth. He talks about the reality, risk, and stress of investing in pre-foreclosures. Very easy to read, very easy to follow, and paints a clear picture step by step on how to buy and sell pre-foreclosure's. Never have I seen a more personable author than Thomas Lucier. With a telephone number and email address, it is like having a free coach.

I have read Tom's book in its entirety now for the second time as recommended by the author and it appears to be chock full of seasoned, well intentioned advice for any investor with hopes of making his business a true success. Additionally, as attested to by many previous posters, Tom acknowledged my email within 15 minutes! I would venture to say not many authors/advisors in this business have done that. It's a great, down to earth, very easy reading and informative book that takes the reader on a complete journey. A very definite must have tool!

I recently purchased this book and found the advice and wit very informative. I also emailed the author as suggested in the book and he quickly and concisely replied with sound information. Highly recommended over any other pre-foreclosure book that I considered purchasing.

As a professional investor of many markets, I have spent years reading about specific systems to follow for making money in today's economy. After reading "The Pre-foreclosure Property Investor's Kit, I was astounded to find a step-by-step process that not only gave you the detailed process to follow, but it also provides many of the short comings of the business that many real estate guru's leave out. Tom's direct no-nonsense and ethically-driven approach was everything any pre-foreclosure investor could ask for.

By far though, the most intriguing aspect of Tom's system is the ability to contact him directly with any questions or concerns. I've sent numerous emails to Tom, and within the hour had tremendous feedback for which I was able to benefit. This is a must have for any investors library.

In plain English that anyone could understand, Lucier has organized an excellent, lucid, and articulate step-by-step plan that anyone with the will and perseverance to succeed as an investor in pre-foreclosure properties can follow (and should consider adopting). The author's ethics-driven, logical, no-nonsense, no-punches-pulled approach is logically sound, reasonable, and "do-able" - - plus he provides a veritable cornicopia of information and other resources (websites, addresses, worksheets, letters, checklists, etc.) that will aid the newest "newbie" get started on a proven track toward efficiency, effectiveness, and success.

The contents of this exceptional book are a valuable guide to any investor interested in this segment of the real estate business. I have modified some of my strategies as the result of having read and learned from this book, and can and do recommend the book very highly. It is easily worth many multiples of its price. Get it and follow the advice this author provides.

Perhaps most commendable (and surprising) is the fact that the author makes himself accessible both on-line and by phone (!!) to readers who have questions, need assistance, or perhaps a clarification regarding an idea or concept presented in the text. I know of no other author in this segment of the real estate investment industry who does this, and for FREE! My inquiry was answered promptly and courteously, and the author offered multiple recommendations addressing the question and situation about which I inquired.

I bought this book three weeks ago and I just can't put it down. This is the best book in foreclosure I have ever bought and read. All the sample letters were professionally written and customizable to your purpose. Mr. Lucier mentioned in his book that the reader is getting a one-on-one advise. I couldn't believe it when I sent him an email for an advise; He replied immediately with a great advise. I highly recommend this book. You will get more than what you paid for!

Having been a RE investor for quite a while, I've read my share of RE books. Most come up short when applied to the real world. Mr. Luciers book teaches real world investors the truth about dealing in foreclosures properties. There is no hypothetical, theoretical nonsense that so many other books in this genre have, just the facts on how it really works.

Vic Van Wie
Super V properties, Inc.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2L0QL33G0WRRY Great, great book! Not sure why someone would write a whole bootcamp worth of material in a $20 book, but I am glad Thomas Lucier did! I am a big fan of Lucier's honesty, tell-it-like-it-is-no-bs way of teaching. This book has TONS of helpful checklists, sample marketing letters, scripts, forms and contracts, etc... I cannot recommend it highly enough. Lucier's books have helped me make a very good full-time income flipping properties under option contracts while only working in the biz part-time. Buy the book! - Joe McCall ([...])

Before reading this book, I had read "The 250 Questions Everyone Should Ask About Buying Foreclosures" by Lita Epstein, "Cashing in on Pre-foreclosures and Short Sales" by Chip Cummings and "Guide to Making Hugh Profits Investing in Pre-foreclosures without Selling Your Soul" by Alexis McGee. All these books together contributed to my overall understanding of this subject. I thought this book was the best of all of them.

I gave four stars because it left me confused in a couple of places. He mentions the vacancy exclusion clause in insurance policies (comes into play after you bought the property and you're fixing it up and it's on the market). Apparently, this clause means an insurer is not liable for any losses that occur to a property that's been vacant more than 30 days. Nice to know, but he doesn't say if we should just ignore that or if we make other arrangements with the insurer. To be fair, almost every book leaves me a little confused somewhere. That's why I bought four books. At least one book should fill in where another book was weak.

I was also confused about the financial transaction involved taking over the house. His sample letters to property owners makes it sound like he's buying the house when really all that's involved is taking over their payments and paying the bank what is owed (plus settling liens, etc). On the subject of letters, I read another review that said his letters to property owners were rough or a little strong (my words); something to that effect. I agree. The sample letters in the Chip Cummings book were much nicer and comforting.

I found his writing style refreshing; down to earth and he speaks his mind. He pulls no punches about those that will try to take advantage of you. He tells a few stories about his experiences which I enjoyed reading.

This book should be one of several you read before venturing out on your own. As a matter of fact, I recommend you buy the same four books to get the 'big' picture.

Thought the book is agood general introduction, I would recommend a more hands on approach, written many years ago (so ignore the house prices which were wayyy lower back then)a classic by Bill Greene >>> Distress Property How to Buy It in California (don't let the California in the title scare you offf, basic principles apply anywhere; he just includes addresses of state govt agencies in CA)

I think this is a great purchase... Just got it and I like the way the lessons are so far

The information included in this book has made my job much easier and has expanded my knowledge base and expertise. The organization I have derived from it is most valuable.

Very informative kit. Many people hear the word foreclosure or pre-foreclosure and automatically think, bargain or a steal or buying a home for dirt cheap; but there's a lot more to it than that and this book gives you a very good insight of how the process works. Buying distressed Real Estate can be time consuming, costly and a real challenge, as you will find out after reading this book.

The book is fine. I'm writing because of a problem when we purchased this item. It did not diappear from my son in law's wish list, therefore he ended up with 2 which did not make us very happy.

Read this book first, then read the others. This author is honest about the pitfalls and realistically gives a sound foundation. And being that the market is not strong right now, you need to arm yourself with the truth about the Real Estate, not fluff. This is a great book ... a must have!!!

I found this book to have a lot of good information in it. Before reading this book, i didnt know which way i wanted to go with real estate investing. I would recommend this book to anyone that is serious about REI.

Anyone thinking of buying pre-foreclosure property should invest in this book and read it cover to cover before doing anything. This is the best no-nonsense step-by-step guide that you can buy. You can spend thousands on seminars and boot camps that are mostly hype and "fluff" or about $20 for a book that's worth thousands.

Easy to understand and complete. No sleazy tactics. Abazillion informational links. Buy it!

This is Perfect Timing. Spring of 2006 will be a Buyers Market, like which, we have not seen in many years. This Book is an absolute NECCESARY for both the Beginner and most specially the EXPERT.

Thomas Lucier, has provided step by step, easy to understand, accurate, and comprehensive information on how to make money buying properties before the foreclosure.

By absorbing pre-foreclosures from the auction block, we are helping the homeowner from a foreclosure. We are helping the retail market values of houses in our area (Soft Landing). We are also avoiding another Savings and Loans fiasco, like the one in the 1980's.

Don't waste any more time. Don't spend thousands on those get rich quick courses either. This is it. Your search is OVER. Spring Market starts End of February.

My husband and I have been buying and selling real estate for years. Usually moving into the house, living through the re-modeling, repairing, selling, while looking for the next one. Finding the next one, at the right price was always our challenge. This book shows you exactly how and where! This is a GREAT resource. Mr. Lucier really answers your email too! FAST

I found this book very helpful. It takes you step by step through the process of buying a pre-foreclosed property, even giving you sample letters and worksheets. The author also provides his personal phone number and e-mail address so you can contact him if you have questions. This book was exactly what I was looking for.

This is a fabulous book full of very valuable information. Where to find and how look up information on a property.
Straight forward no nonsense information.
Many websites resources listed in this book that help you research a perspective property. As you get more involved in the process of buying a foreclosed house researching the properties back ground is very important and Tom gives you the know how.
How to find a missing owner. How to make an offer to, and negotiate with the bank.
Advice on repairs and not go overboard on expenses.
Advice on how to deal with the current owners mental state.
Buy this Book!!!

No nonsense. Jammed with good information. Step-by-step, very do-able instructions for those interested in making money investing in pre-foreclosures. A very worthwhile read.

I found this book to be the best written in the subject. It is clear and easy to understand.

Wow I was blown away after reading this book read it three times, I've been A licensed Real Estate Agent for 13 Years and
went to every seminar read every book nothing compares.

This book helped me get my first pre-foreclosure deal done
in one month after reading it, Made 31k profit and best part is helped the homeowner save her credit and find a home to rent.


Thanks George

Just as the title implies. No nonsense, real deal real estate advice. No pie in the sky promises like from late night TV gurus. Gives the warts and all process including the work ethic required. Each chapter is like a reference guide to the process complete with downloadable internet links and useful resources.

If you ever want to know what to do, how to do it and where to go to look for it, this is all you need.

JBoggs

As a relatively new real estate investor, I am trying to learn from the successes and mistakes of others. I also want a competitive advantage. As soon as I saw this book on Amazon back in November 2004, it was not yet available so I pre-ordered it as it appeared to be one of the few in-depth books on pre-foreclosures. I was not disappointed in the least. It contains step-by-step instructions and valuable must-know information for people wanting to pursue the pre-foreclosure market. It is the step-by-step detail that is the most important to me as I'm still in the process of trying to get my business running smoothly.

In short, I'm grateful that the author chose to write this book and make his knowledge available to those who want to learn from one of the best. Well worth the purchase price and, now that I've read it and use it as a reference, I would have paid much more than the retail price to get this book.

This has got to be one of the better books I have read in any subject. The author makes it plain and clear what this book is gonna do, what it is not gonna do, and more importantly how and who can get into this line of investing.

He makes it clear in the first chapter that this is not an easy game whereby you sit back and the money flows into your pocket.

His style, honesty and energy he devoted to the subject matter was refreshing and the presentation of the actual material was amazing.

I still cannot belive how much I learned from this book.

I love your book it covers a lot of information in this one book. This book is to the point and don't feed you a lot of hype. It has forms you can use right away, and this book of foreclosures explains to you a 14th step plan to get started righ away. This book sits at the top of my desk, which i am using on a daily basis to successfuly start my Pre-foreclosure investing.

Your's Truly
Eric Taylor

Wow! I just purchased Tom's book and was very impressed with the step by step instructions. I even had a question about selling pre-foreclosures and recieved a reply back within 24 hours. His response back to me probably saved me thousands of dollars. Great tool for the new investor and straight talk for the seasoned investor. Thanks Tom