How I Lost Money in Real Estate Before It Was Fashionable: A Cautionary Tale

I have been a big fan of J.L. Collins since reading about him from the Boglehead site. It's rare to find an author you agree with 100%. I couldn't believe it, I followed what he was doing for years before even reading about him. Well then I saw his view on home ownership. I found his blind spot and it was his view on home ownership. I was a dyed in the wool believer in home ownership and no one could make me see it any other way. Well, after reading this short yet powerful book, I get it. J.L. made such a powerful argument and his thought experiment at the end is worth the price of the book alone. While, I am still happy that I bought my home in 1993, I no longer see it as a slam dunk investment, so I suggest you read this book to make your home purchase with your eyes and brain wide open. After reading this book, I now realize it was not JL's blind spot, but m own.

I really enjoy how JL Collins writes and I loved the Simple Path to Wealth. How I Lost Money in Real Estate is a good, quick read. It is more like an essay than a book though and can be read in less than an hour. It is under 80 pages and when you subtract the fun artwork, Acknowledgements, Forward and Praise, it is closer to 50 pages.

So heads up, this is a very short book. Like, read it in a couple hours short. Caveat emptor.That being said, author J.L. Collins has an engaging style and narrative talent that make the book quite enjoyable. The frustration of his real-life experience is delivered with the good humor that comes with a few decades of perspective. Even as a happy homeowner, I found little to disagree with. I am a fan of his blog and excellent previous book, so take my recommendation for what it’s worth as I freely acknowledge my pro-Collins bias. This short book is a well-considered critique of the American Dream, and a cautionary tale on the risks of real estate as an investment strategy.In summation: highly recommended.

In this little book JL Collins explain what could go wrong with real estate buying. We always hear the positive aspect of real estate and how people gained equity but this book explains what could also possibly go wrong.

Accurate and humourous analysis of the potential downsides of investing in real estate. Even in the Bay Area where rents are higher than most places in the country, I found myself paying more for owning after putting down 2/3 for down payment and locking in an almost historically low mortgage rate. Deep respect for folks who are profitable from RE investments.

I have been reading Collin’s insights for many years and he doesn’t disappoint here. He is a great storyteller with a sharp wit and spot-on points.

Good points, but not a very informative read. Discusses the author's specific experience, but not in a comprehensive way that is applicable to every real estate situation. Was hoping for more educational insight on the world of real estate investing in general.

Outstanding read. I have bought several copies to give as gifts. Strongly recommend.

Leuk boekje wat goed geschreven is, maar aan de dunne kant. Ik ben fan van de schrijver door het fijn leesbare taalgebruik, zo ook in dit boekje. Maar het matriaal vind ik eigenlijk te weinig voor een 'boek' het is een serie blog berichten in boek vorm. prijs is daardoor aan de hoge kant.