Straight from the Kitchen Table

Every Day Real Estate

Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
228 Pages
Reviewed on 04/09/2018
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

Straight from the Kitchen Table: Every Day Real Estate by Melissa Rolland is an all-in-one comprehensive book on practically everything one needs to learn as a buyer or seller in the real estate market. Straight from the Kitchen Table is written by a realtor and goes step-by-step through the entire process of buying a house, where the discussion typically starts at the family kitchen table (hence the name of the book), as well as selling a house. The book is divided into many chapters covering topics such as terminologies in the real estate industry, what does a buyer’s agent and a listing agent do exactly and how to choose one, the process of house hunting, inspections, the pros and cons of older homes, newer constructions, flip houses, etc., the process of putting in an offer and negotiating, the seller’s perspective, getting a house ready for sale, open houses, buyer’s or seller’s remorse, and so much more.

For anyone looking to buy or sell a house, Straight from the Kitchen Table would be a great how-to guide. The basics of everything a lay person needs to know about the real estate buying or selling process is covered in this book in easy-to-understand and casual language. The book is well formatted and contains headings as well as sub-headings in the table of contents, which makes it easy to pick a topic to read. The book can be read in any order, although for someone with no prior knowledge in the field it may be best to read it in the order in which it is written. I liked Melissa’s easy and engaging writing style, which explains concepts in a lucid way. This book will definitely be useful for anyone in the home buying or selling process.

Edith Wairimu

From the easy and minute to the scary and difficult, Melissa Rolland tackles it all in her book, Straight from the Kitchen Table. Rolland offers practical advice for anyone involved in real estate, especially the buyers and sellers. Having vast experience in the topic herself, she guides potential buyers and sellers as they make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Straight from the Kitchen Table is comprehensive and includes literally every little or huge issue anyone can think of in the real estate market. The book is written in a simple language that makes the reading process easy and adds to the practicality of the book’s content.

Luckily, I did not have to chew on real estate jargon as I read Straight from the Kitchen Table. Melissa Rolland already thought of that and presents the information contained in the book in a simple language. This makes the book especially useful to readers who are not familiar with the industry. In some cases, Rolland goes out of her way to explain the meaning of some terms that are used in real estate. The title of the book contains an element of humor and fits the book really well. This makes Straight from the Kitchen Table stand out from other books and also gave me a hint of the author’s writing style. Melissa Rolland maintains this style of writing which makes the entire book interesting. It is also well-organized with clear titles and it is written with a suitable font. Anyone who needs to add to their knowledge of the real estate market should definitely grab Straight from the Kitchen Table.

Ruffina Oserio

Professionally written, well-researched, and highly informative, Straight from the Kitchen Table: Every Day Real Estate by Melissa Rolland is the real estate guide for buyers and sellers. The book begins in a very unusual manner, explaining the place of the kitchen table in the lives of families— a one-stop point for frank conversations, transactions, meals, bills, and hospitality. In this book, the author offers a frank discussion centered on the many questions that buyers and sellers ask across the globe, the kinds of discussions that should take place around the kitchen table. The book is devoid of professional jargon, which makes the message very accessible to a wide audience. Whether one is a buyer or a seller, they will find answers to questions related to the process, market indicators, effective decision making when it comes to buying and selling property, and a lot more.

This book covers a wide range of interesting topics, including the law of supply and demand and how it plays out in the real estate market, the need for a CMA, what it means to have a home in the next hot spot, how to enlist the help of the right real estate agent for one’s needs, the place of open houses in the market, and a lot more. Here is a book I should have read before buying my house and one that I’d recommend to anyone looking to invest in real estate. It’s packed with information and it is interesting how the author weaves her personal experience into the message, and how she makes her examples real to life. Straight from the Kitchen Table: Every Day Real Estate is a useful tool for anyone who wants to make the right decisions and choices when it comes to buying or selling property. Melissa Rolland is an expert in what she does and her authority comes out clearly in this book.

Christian Sia

What would the most important financial investment of your life be? What would you consider if you were looking for a new home in which to settle? What would you want to know if you were preparing to sell your home, maybe because of major life changes? In Straight from the Kitchen Table: Every Day Real Estate, Melissa Rolland tells readers what they need to know when it comes to buying or selling real estate. The author takes readers through the complexities of the marketplace, and indicates what they need to know to make choices that align with their ultimate dreams and that fit their financial goals. The book starts with a very curious topic, the place of the kitchen in the life not only of the family, but the world. It may have become so commonplace to some people that they fail to notice how the kitchen table has been at the center of their family — think about the bills, conversations, serious decisions, paperwork, taxes, visitors, and a lot of things happening here. The author paints a vivid image of the place of the kitchen table and moves quickly to offer a practical guide to buying or selling real estate.

In this book, readers are guided to understand the important role the market plays in the process of buying or selling real estate, how to determine whether their city is a buyer’s or a seller’s city, get insights on the laws of demand and supply, grasp the importance of a CMA, and a lot more. The book offers a step-by-step guide for both buyers and sellers, and a glossary of terms that anyone involved in real estate needs to know. This is the kind of book one needs to read before one even starts thinking about buying or selling a house. It’s packed with invaluable tips and professional advice, and readers will enjoy the way the author weaves her professional experience and expertise into the book. The writing is upbeat and impeccable, and the author’s voice is authoritative and driven by her experience in the industry. This is a must-have tool for anyone considering real estate anywhere!

Jamie Michele

Straight from the Kitchen Table: Every Day Real Estate: Simple, Practical, Real-World Insight by Melissa Rolland is a comprehensive guide for individuals and families looking to buy or sell a home. Broken down into three sections and twenty-one chapters, Rolland's guide lays it all bare on the kitchen table, just as she would if she were sitting with you, enlightening clients from the seat where most major decisions are made. Nothing is left out and the topics covered range from market fluctuation and making an offer, to house-flipping and open houses. Despite being almost an encyclopedia of information, Rolland breaks everything down into layman's terms, making even the most complex steps easily understandable. The book also tackles both buyer and seller concerns in depth, potential pitfalls, and provides the sensible clarification (through experience) that only a seasoned agent could.

Straight from the Kitchen Table is an absolute must-have for anyone with even the slightest interest in purchasing or selling. There's very little in life that can be more daunting - or rewarding - than dipping a toe into the expansive pool of the US housing market. The approach Melissa Rolland employs is one of support. It truly feels like you're being spoken to by a wise friend, and moves beyond the complicated jargon and invisible red tape. My favorite part was how the book was rounded out at the end with a handful of quirky real estate facts. For example, "Some doorknobs disinfect themselves, including lead, iron, silver, aluminum, and copper. The best material to use for a self-disinfecting doorknob? Brass." If you or someone you know is in the market to buy or sell, I'd highly recommend that their first step in the process is an investment in this book.