Property Options (Reviewed 1 June 2015)
INTRODUCTION
If you google "property options" in Australia you will find Mark Rolton ranks very high and is indeed the #1 name in the search results. Only a YIP magazine article on property options has ranked higher in June 2015.
Property Options is a great tool and has a respectable place in the property market. However Mark Rolton suggests that cash strapped wannabe property players could make a living of doing just that bu doing it first part time and then full time. All they need to do is bring in $5k+ and study with him / Massland to learn how its done and to get him to finance the deals in a JV if he likes them. The criteria for that are properly spelled out and the financial risk will be his. Maybe just a little more money for the clients legal transactions required.
No doubt Mark Rolton is a skilful orator and he has a way to captivate his audience. At his seminar which I attended a few years ago he opened up with an extravagant wealth display which does not appeal to everybody, but seems to produce the desired results by appealing to our general instincts for financial literacy and clever approaches. Mark Rolton also has his critics and there are limitations to negative public expression. For example there is a post on Complaintsboard (resolved). Generally speaking good orators are skilled sales people that present their product in a way that appears to make it irresistible and then the client faces a sobering harsh reality to realize the dream planted.
I needed to make money after retrenchment and a concept of starting in real estate with little capital investment has appeal. I never signed up, because I was looking more for a Volkswagen rather than a Mercedes Lifestyle. Mark sells his home study course and membership program for ca $6000. Marks oral delivery always has 2 parts. First the dream selling component. We may object to the style but still get mesmerized based on our own dreams for success. Just watch mentalist "Derren Browns episode fear and faith about the wonder drug RUMYODIN (your mind) on youtube. It shows the power of belief. The second component of Marks presentation explains the basics of "Property Options" very well. It is a legitimate and respectable investment vehicle if used properly.
To learn more about presenters I always check Google and social media as well as forums, such as Property Investing , Somersoft and more for info. Mark does have his critics, but in his favor I can say that comments on his youtube channel are enabled and dislike is sparingly used (15:1 on video with Don). The Knowledge source staff (promoters) participate in the courses for free and seem to like the vibe and his program, but it is hard to find practitioners. I have talked to two staff members and they like options. Maybe its because there is not much money required nor any high risks to take. You invest your fee and your time and must skill up in talking to people. Essentially you do what real estate agents do, that is win clients and sell deals. For alternative training options see Harry Charalambous's videos.
(1) What are options ?
I am not a pro, so don't expect too much. A good starting point would be to read this YIP mag article here. Now in my own lay mans terms property options allow market players to do future property deals with minimal costs and risks. In Mark Roltons proposition you would attend real estate uni by signing up as seminar student. You will then be accepted as a self financed deal finder and JV partner (entrepreneurial middle men). You will actively scout for dormant development opportunities by scouting for opportunities and finding potential sellers to match them with buyers (developers / builders). You will be the deal broker and you will personally approach people by letter. The Alternatively phone calls and house calls can be employed to clinch a deal.
In its simplest way this would mean google for a big back yard, find the owner online or knock at his door, lure him with an attractive sales price above what he names or your own connections, get an option agreement signed, pay $500 and promise to do a Feaso / DA and find a buyer by a certain date. Usually an above market sales price is reasonable during an upswing, but not otherwise. Then you set out to find buyers in Mark's network / connections or do it alone if you prefer or if your project does not qualify for his attention.
(2) Are options right for me ?
Required Skill set: Good training / Knowledge / Networking / Commitment / Skill / Power of persuasion
In the words of Arnold Schwartzenegger "If I listened to everyone who said NO I'd still be in the Austrian Alps yodelling". On the other hand Do your due diligence (DD), go home and google and take your time to decide !
(3) Checking out training providers
My youtube searches show that Mark has a strong presence in the Australian market with fresh content and a sizeable audience. His comment box is enabled without prior moderation, which is a plus. Unfortunately only a few comments have been posted so far. Another possible unique advantage of the Massland options offer is profit share, with the advantage that you don't need to take risks. His most viewed video I found very appealing. I am surprised it got only a few comments. With 200 videos Mark is very prominent, but his ratio of successful students remains proprietary knowledge, that is a company secret. Check out Mark's channel here.
(4) What to expect after signing up ?
Day 1 Cashflow strategies. Make money from property on a regular basis without ever settling on it. Clever ways of using Options to produce anywhere from $10,000 to $74,000 over a 5 month period.
Day 2 Automatic Acquisition Plan that outlines how to use property for a comfortable retirement.
Day 3 Property Options. Real estate - residential, commercial, industrial, aged care and professional and how to find deals that are profitable.
In essence your task is to identify at least 100 opportunities using software and then write letters to secure a few responses and hopefully secure one by selling the dream as well as yourself (confidence / competence). Then you may do a DA with Mark or anybody else. If you go alone then you will need to find the money for (a) the option, (b) the contract work unless it's supplied and (c) optional a DA unless you sell without. Here is how it can work out if all goes well. Watch the video here.
CONCLUSION
Mark employs strong sales psychology and you will need to know yourself and decide whether his program really suits you. I am not aware of him being a columnist in a property magazine or being featured, so it may be hard to find solid information. Other wealth gurus like Dymphna Boholt who I respect for her knowledge give Mark credibility by association. Pricing is likely an issue for the masses. Some players that wish to learn how to get into options may preferably opt to start in a syndicate or peer network. Always do your due diligence.
I am not a pro, so don't expect too much. A good starting point would be to read this YIP mag article here. Now in my own lay mans terms property options allow market players to do future property deals with minimal costs and risks. In Mark Roltons proposition you would attend real estate uni by signing up as seminar student. You will then be accepted as a self financed deal finder and JV partner (entrepreneurial middle men). You will actively scout for dormant development opportunities by scouting for opportunities and finding potential sellers to match them with buyers (developers / builders). You will be the deal broker and you will personally approach people by letter. The Alternatively phone calls and house calls can be employed to clinch a deal.
In its simplest way this would mean google for a big back yard, find the owner online or knock at his door, lure him with an attractive sales price above what he names or your own connections, get an option agreement signed, pay $500 and promise to do a Feaso / DA and find a buyer by a certain date. Usually an above market sales price is reasonable during an upswing, but not otherwise. Then you set out to find buyers in Mark's network / connections or do it alone if you prefer or if your project does not qualify for his attention.
(2) Are options right for me ?
Required Skill set: Good training / Knowledge / Networking / Commitment / Skill / Power of persuasion
In the words of Arnold Schwartzenegger "If I listened to everyone who said NO I'd still be in the Austrian Alps yodelling". On the other hand Do your due diligence (DD), go home and google and take your time to decide !
(3) Checking out training providers
My youtube searches show that Mark has a strong presence in the Australian market with fresh content and a sizeable audience. His comment box is enabled without prior moderation, which is a plus. Unfortunately only a few comments have been posted so far. Another possible unique advantage of the Massland options offer is profit share, with the advantage that you don't need to take risks. His most viewed video I found very appealing. I am surprised it got only a few comments. With 200 videos Mark is very prominent, but his ratio of successful students remains proprietary knowledge, that is a company secret. Check out Mark's channel here.
(4) What to expect after signing up ?
Day 1 Cashflow strategies. Make money from property on a regular basis without ever settling on it. Clever ways of using Options to produce anywhere from $10,000 to $74,000 over a 5 month period.
Day 2 Automatic Acquisition Plan that outlines how to use property for a comfortable retirement.
Day 3 Property Options. Real estate - residential, commercial, industrial, aged care and professional and how to find deals that are profitable.
In essence your task is to identify at least 100 opportunities using software and then write letters to secure a few responses and hopefully secure one by selling the dream as well as yourself (confidence / competence). Then you may do a DA with Mark or anybody else. If you go alone then you will need to find the money for (a) the option, (b) the contract work unless it's supplied and (c) optional a DA unless you sell without. Here is how it can work out if all goes well. Watch the video here.
CONCLUSION
Mark employs strong sales psychology and you will need to know yourself and decide whether his program really suits you. I am not aware of him being a columnist in a property magazine or being featured, so it may be hard to find solid information. Other wealth gurus like Dymphna Boholt who I respect for her knowledge give Mark credibility by association. Pricing is likely an issue for the masses. Some players that wish to learn how to get into options may preferably opt to start in a syndicate or peer network. Always do your due diligence.
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Massland own Claims (extracted)
Massland is the #1 Property Options Group in Australia who specialises in creating cashflow from real estate dealings and has rapidly become a commanding force within the Property Development arena. Optioning Property is Massland's core business. We negotiate Options over real estate and sell to the market, without ever being the owner of the property - eliminating risk. This channel offers you free advice and offers free education to you our fans on You Tube. CEO, Mark Rolton and has over 16 years of solid experience in the construction and property industry and was a self made millionaire by age 30 through property options. |
CASE STUDY 1 - MICHAELS POST
I'll give you some non revealing figures based on one of the properties. Strike price of 1.2 million. The owners preferred to walk away from the deal with 3 properties (1 primary and 2 investments) which made it work better for both of us. Mark teaches in very infinite detail how to negotiate based on needs both through his courses and his dvd set which I got as a part of his Conclave course. DA we estimate around 150K so I am doing it as a JV with Mark as this being one of our first deals we don't have that much liquid cash available. My development skills are new - I started doing relocatable home renovations a year ago, found Mark's courses only a few months ago and never looked back. We took it to a higher level than most but Mark normally recommends to stay in your job until you double your yearly income. I had already left my job in search of more entrepreneurial stuff such as this, so I jumped in head first once I finished the bevvy of courses that I signed up for with him.
I am happy to motivate and inspire anyone who is serious about finding out what goes on at his courses - I'll even give out my mobile number so you can hear the sincerity. I'm that confident in his products and services. The only variable is the people on the other end of the screen and your ability to stick it out until that one deal comes along.
Profit on cost I would share but I think it is more information that you really need. Fact of the matter is that I'll be walking away with a couple of million dollars with no money down (because Massland bear all costs in this particular JV) which means I can find these deals again and use my then masses of money to fund them myself.
I'll give you some non revealing figures based on one of the properties. Strike price of 1.2 million. The owners preferred to walk away from the deal with 3 properties (1 primary and 2 investments) which made it work better for both of us. Mark teaches in very infinite detail how to negotiate based on needs both through his courses and his dvd set which I got as a part of his Conclave course. DA we estimate around 150K so I am doing it as a JV with Mark as this being one of our first deals we don't have that much liquid cash available. My development skills are new - I started doing relocatable home renovations a year ago, found Mark's courses only a few months ago and never looked back. We took it to a higher level than most but Mark normally recommends to stay in your job until you double your yearly income. I had already left my job in search of more entrepreneurial stuff such as this, so I jumped in head first once I finished the bevvy of courses that I signed up for with him.
I am happy to motivate and inspire anyone who is serious about finding out what goes on at his courses - I'll even give out my mobile number so you can hear the sincerity. I'm that confident in his products and services. The only variable is the people on the other end of the screen and your ability to stick it out until that one deal comes along.
Profit on cost I would share but I think it is more information that you really need. Fact of the matter is that I'll be walking away with a couple of million dollars with no money down (because Massland bear all costs in this particular JV) which means I can find these deals again and use my then masses of money to fund them myself.
CASE STUDY 2 - reprinted from the comment section on this website
There have been a lot of comments posted about Mark Rolton, so I thought I'd add in mine. I never physically attended Mark's Course other than his free seminar, however I got together with a few people I met from another Property course and decided to give it a shot. Two of these people did Marks course and thought his method was good. I payed $1000 for the information from one of members, and the five of us set up a company and decided to give the options business a try.
Our group met about once a week and we all came out from the meeting with properties to search for and potential sellers to be contacted. To cut a long story short, we did the options business for about 2 years without success. The main issue we found was that people are conditioned to get their money straight away. Once we presented our options offer to the seller (at least to the ones that were interested) they eventually were either talked out of it through friends and family, or from experienced property solicitors.
After a few knock backs of securing possible deals I got disillusioned about making money through call options. I asked myself is this way of making money really viable, and will success really come. If success did come through options it would take a lot of time for very little money in return.
I eventually sold my shares off to the other company members as they didn't want to change their approach in making money from property. They wanted to continue doing options which I thought was a lose situation for us. I heard not long after I left the company that the rest of the members lost interest in options and started doing small splitter blocks.
The point I want to make here is that Call options are really a suckers deal for the seller, and anyone who has prime development property who signs a call option deed would have to be really stupid. Now I can say this because I've put into practice what Mark has taught, and its not as easy or rosy as he puts it.
People who have good development land aren't stupid, and if they don't know enough information about something they'll seek professional advise. And that's were people who partake in Mark's strategy come undone, because important questions get asked about the guarantee of a sale, and how much deposit will be paid.
Each to their own I say, but just be careful, do your DD and always go with your instinct, if it sounds shabby, or if the salesmen seems like he is not laying all the cards on the table, then walk away !
There have been a lot of comments posted about Mark Rolton, so I thought I'd add in mine. I never physically attended Mark's Course other than his free seminar, however I got together with a few people I met from another Property course and decided to give it a shot. Two of these people did Marks course and thought his method was good. I payed $1000 for the information from one of members, and the five of us set up a company and decided to give the options business a try.
Our group met about once a week and we all came out from the meeting with properties to search for and potential sellers to be contacted. To cut a long story short, we did the options business for about 2 years without success. The main issue we found was that people are conditioned to get their money straight away. Once we presented our options offer to the seller (at least to the ones that were interested) they eventually were either talked out of it through friends and family, or from experienced property solicitors.
After a few knock backs of securing possible deals I got disillusioned about making money through call options. I asked myself is this way of making money really viable, and will success really come. If success did come through options it would take a lot of time for very little money in return.
I eventually sold my shares off to the other company members as they didn't want to change their approach in making money from property. They wanted to continue doing options which I thought was a lose situation for us. I heard not long after I left the company that the rest of the members lost interest in options and started doing small splitter blocks.
The point I want to make here is that Call options are really a suckers deal for the seller, and anyone who has prime development property who signs a call option deed would have to be really stupid. Now I can say this because I've put into practice what Mark has taught, and its not as easy or rosy as he puts it.
People who have good development land aren't stupid, and if they don't know enough information about something they'll seek professional advise. And that's were people who partake in Mark's strategy come undone, because important questions get asked about the guarantee of a sale, and how much deposit will be paid.
Each to their own I say, but just be careful, do your DD and always go with your instinct, if it sounds shabby, or if the salesmen seems like he is not laying all the cards on the table, then walk away !
CASE STUDY 3 - with webmasters comment
This is Don's story told in the video (see above) from Mark's youtube channel - click here !
Published on Aug 14, 2012 by www.propertyoptions.com.au
A truly inspiring story of Don who at 72 optioned his first deal. With his profit of $159,983 - it's the first time in his life he and his wife have been debt free. Magic stuff!
My comments
Hey there, all you other viewers ! What is your response ? So there are people out there who sit on a nice property with lots of land and are in no hurry to sell. They may be thinking about it. They may not know how much their property is worth to a developer. Don wrote to 80 people. He may have targeted whole streets or small town zones. 7.5% response rate - not bad. He needed about $4,5k to land the deal and probably another $6k for education and 1/2 a year of his time.
Mark's youtube channel - click here and leave your response !
This is Don's story told in the video (see above) from Mark's youtube channel - click here !
Published on Aug 14, 2012 by www.propertyoptions.com.au
A truly inspiring story of Don who at 72 optioned his first deal. With his profit of $159,983 - it's the first time in his life he and his wife have been debt free. Magic stuff!
My comments
Hey there, all you other viewers ! What is your response ? So there are people out there who sit on a nice property with lots of land and are in no hurry to sell. They may be thinking about it. They may not know how much their property is worth to a developer. Don wrote to 80 people. He may have targeted whole streets or small town zones. 7.5% response rate - not bad. He needed about $4,5k to land the deal and probably another $6k for education and 1/2 a year of his time.
Mark's youtube channel - click here and leave your response !