Book Review: Finding the Uncommon Deal

Finding the Uncommon Deal is written by Adam Leitman Bailey, a New York real estate attorney and investorA purchaser who holds a property long-term on a buy-to-let basis as an income-producing investment. Contrast with a speculator who buys-to-flip a property for fast profits, rather than annual income. for the average homebuyer. Bailey counsels readers looking for a great deal on a personal residence or for a bargain investment property to kick-start their real estate investment portfolio.

Although the title of the book sounds like one of the myriad real estate investment books claiming to hold the secret to getting rich quickly and easily with real estate, it is in fact a staid and rational approach to an industry that is all too often prone to hyperbole. Through a series of personal stories and “insider tips” (both of which are emphasized in eye-catching sidebars), Bailey shares the wisdom he has gained from personal experience to help the average buyer get the best deal possible on their real estate purchase.

However, Bailey’s wisdom is often of the conventional variety, and his target audience is likely a buyer of the first-time variety. His practical advice to save as much cash as possible before buying, being as thorough as possible during the home inspection and how to negotiate for repair credits at closing, comes off as genuine and well-reasoned, but basic and commonplace at times.