Is real estate investing a scam? What's the catch?

Real estate investing isn't a scam, but it is hard work, with a certain amount of risk.  I can't answer the question about whether your wife's potential employer is a scam without knowing who it is...you might want to google their name and check them out on the BBBonline site.

 Good luck!

Do not belive them. Here is my story:

Scam, Beware of Equinaire Inc(Equityispower.com)

I receive calls from this company called "Equinaire" few weeks ago, and attend one of their seminar. It is all scam.  They claim they are no multi-level marketing company, but want you to pay a huge membership fee in order to start "Building Your Wealth".  Then they will show you how to refinance your own home and take out the equity to use it on buying other real estate for investment. I did some research and found out that all the companies and services you are using is all owned by their CEO "Kwame Granderson". Think about it, all the risk is upon you, not them. You pay the membership fee to join their program, then you provide your house for refinance using their "in house" mortgage which they will make fees on it, then you're stirring into the direction of buying property they provide, and once again, using their "in house" mortgage. Finally, you are a landlord, then you need a good property management company to find tenant for you and management the property for you. There are fees to pay again.  So everyone, be cautious and be aware, they are making all the commission and fees from you, and you're taking all the risks including taking out the equity of your home which will increase your monthly mortgage payment, and getting another mortgage for the property you buy from them.

Another funny thing I found out about is that their "Weath building" concept is very very similar to another company called "Nouveau Riche" and “Real Market Expert”, and Equinaire Inc. actually register this concept as their trademark.  You gotta to know that Nouveau Riche came out with this idea in year 2000, but Equinaire was founded in year 2003. So this is not their original ideas, Equinaire is stolen ideas from other company, too.

ken521531

Ken,

I would like to take the opportunity to respond to your blog regarding Equinaire.  I have been one of their members since 2003, and my experience has been very good throughout the process of purchasing, renovating, and renting out 2 properties.

You say that you did some "research" and "found out" that the companies are all owned by Kwame Granderson.  This is not a secret!  And it is a huge advantage, as a matter of fact, from a busy investor's perspective.  I would have to pay property management fees no matter who I hire, so why not go with the people I already have a relationship with?  For your information, members are not required to use all of Equinaire's in-house services; they can hire outside companies if they prefer.  I personally have enjoyed having all of their services at my disposal; it has made the entire process very smooth.

Real Estate

I agree, that I don't think Equinaire is a scam.  BUT, I don't think they offer any extraordinary opportunity or system either.  The "all-in-one" approach does appear to be beneficial, to someone with little or no experience, but I don't believe the deals are as great as they appear.  To be clear, I don't think this is intentional.  But I have researched 7-9 deals, which they have had listed on their website.  And I have found very very few to be even average deals, and some, did not appear to be a deal.  I guess it depends on what someone considers to be a deal.  You have to be extra careful in the current volatile market.

Kwame was pushing the Inland Empire, which saw a huge decline in values in the past few months alone.  So, I imagine alot of their recent buyers/investors, are either in an equity neutral or negative position now.  And things aren't getting any better, they are going to be worse.  I don't think they are as informed on the market as they present themselves to be.

Although many people say that it is a bad idea to invest in the real estate market in this economic crunch but if you have a long term plans you can always go for it after all it has always been a booming business all over the world and India is no exception.

Toronto Rentals

When you deal with real state investment check first the company profile. Then the company existence, if the company exist more than 15 years and should be fully register by the nature of existent. Those are the tips to catch the scam real state.