Let's just say I have been to many (to say the least) real estate seminars over my 23 years of real estate and investing experience. I have came to the conclusion that: Not ALL real estate seminars are a rip-off but you can get taken to the tune of several thousand dollars without getting much actionable material in return if you're not careful.

I have noticed a few things to watch out for:

1. Be wary of price extremes. Very cheap or very expensive seminars should be examined closely, although for different reasons. If the event is cheap or free, face it, there will be a hard sell involved. Getting people into a room is expensive, so the promoter has to sell something to make it worthwhile. Conversely, if the seminar is costly, $1,000 per day and up, you should expect follow-up training or substantial materials.

2. How many bodies in the room? If you're paying $5,000 for a seminar/boot camp, you should expect a small class size. Otherwise, you will not be receiving the individual attention you might expect, and will likely be disappointed.

3. Can the guru teach? As all of us who have sat in a classroom at some point in our lives know, some people are just bad teachers. They may have the knowledge of the universe in their head but what good does it do if the class is face-down, snoozing in a pile of drool? Talk to other people who have attended the event or find a way to hear the speaker first. Can you learn from that voice?

Pay attention to the above and, chances are, you'll pick a great seminar. As the president of an education-oriented company, Platinum Properties Investor NetworkTM, I of course strongly encourages you to attend one of our monthly educational events, such as Creating Wealth in Today's Economy, because I know you are going to get the education you paid for!

 

6 Comments on Are real estate seminars a rip-off?

AUG
05
2009
947,782 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Good alerts!    I always think, though, that learning one new idea is worth the trip.
11:57am • #1

I have been to many seminars as well. The ones that I can't stand are when you spend $500 and half of the day is spent trying to get you to buy the CD, etc.
12:06pm • #2
187,447 Points

Nicholas's experience sounds familiar. Even if you bought the CD, it would likely only be the first in a series that you need for success.
12:17pm • #3
Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

     Sometimes the " actual" cost is deceptive/hidden. Frequently we support education and activities in our Boards, Chapters and Associations thereby subsidizing the normally small fee for attending. And in addition, there may be side benefits at any program such as networking, learning new ideas and making good contacts for future business or idea exchanges.In general most every class I have attended has paid for itself one way or another.
12:24pm • #4
AUG
18
2009
110,832 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I have been to good and bad seminars.  Unfortunately most of the real estate seminars I have been to fall into the bad or poor category.  Usually the topic is covered in broad strokes and only a few tidbits seem worthwhile.

I generally learn more from real estate professionals & print materials (books, magazines and newsletters).

 
11:18pm • #5
SEP
06
2009

We could use some direct-experience testimony as regards "Real Estate Riches." We have heard very bad things but are confounded by the fact the FTC hasn't moved in as it has with other real estate bad guys.
Johnny Potatoe
11:33pm • #6


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Jason Hartman

Costa Mesa, CA

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Platinum Properties Investor Network

Address: 3333 Michelson Drive, Suite 280, Irvine, CA, 92612

Office Phone: (714) 820-4200

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While running my successful real estate and media businesses, I (Jason Hartman) believe that giving back to the community plays an important role in building strong personal relationships. In addition to my real estate investing company (Platinum Properties Investor Network - www.JasonHartman.com), I established The Jason Hartman Foundation in 2005 with $200,000 of my own money to provide financial literacy education to young adults so they can utilize the all important real world skills not taught in school which are the key to the financial stability and success of future generations. We’re in a global monetary crisis caused by decades of misguided policies and the cycle of financial dependence has to be broken, literacy and self-reliance are a good start. I am here to help!


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