...to know that it's rotten.  I spent two hours attending their informational seminar.  Before the seminar started, an episode of "Flip My House" was shown, and it was clear that the entire video was staged.  "Reality TV" isn't real.  The presenter, Brain, makes a cucumber look spicy.  There was no excitement, no passion - he wasn't even trying.  At the very beginning of the evening, Brian mentioned - and he did so a dozen times throughout the evening - the "$197 3-day seminar".  According to him, it was a great deal because the same seminar sold for $1197 on the CT Home website.  "Check it out for yourself."  I did, and there's nothing of the sort on the website.

Too, at the beginning of the presentation, Brian insisted that all questions be held until the end of the evening.  When one participant tried to ask a question, Brian admonished him to hold his question "until the end of the presentation."  At the end of the presentation, Brian did not take any questions.  That's not surprising because, throughout his presentation, Brian contradicted himself.  After the presentation ended, I turned to the gentleman behind me, and asked the question that I would have asked of Brian: "what percentage of CT's revenue is based on selling seminars, compared to flipping homes?"

The day after the seminar, I got a canned email from Than.  The email complained that I had made a reservation, and neglected to show up for the seminar.  Throughout the presentation, Brian mentioned CT's strict policies and procedures, and attention to detail.  The email indicated that those "policies, procedures, and attention to detail" do not exist.

I just finished the three day Fortune Builders Real Estate workshop in NYC. 11/4/14 -11/6/14.. and I need to post because I came away with a very positive feel for what I just experienced. I have read a lot of negativity here and yet it appears only one Mastery student has posted anything negative. Instead what I read is a bunch of people saying they got ripped off for their $197 (even though a full refund was offered to any and all numerous times) and questions on just what was covered. 

First off, if you honestly didn't learn $197 dollars worth of useful investment, tax, and yes real estate advice, while attending,  then you must not have been paying attention or are just plain ignorant. Sure, there were sales pitches...did you honestly come expecting them to give away years of R & D, materials, systems, and mentoring for $197?! Did you not come expecting to be "hit up" for the real package?! That said, again, do you not think it was still worth it?! Heck, some of the Roth and Tax info will alone save me thousands.

As to what was covered...geez... I took over forty college ruled pages of notes. Not only did they discuss their systems, but throughout the three days they treated us, albeit with some theatrics and drama, to a plethora of wealth building and retaining information. In fact if they spent 25% of the time actually trying to sell the program I'd be amazed. Instead I came away feeling like these people care. They are concerned about the future of America. They are concerned about the fact that over 50% of retires have no retirement funds. The main speaker at my event spent considerable time discussing how to protect our futures, how to be smarter, how we should question the fees we pay to asset management programs. Sure, they wanted us to sign on, but I never felt pressured. 

To sum it up I left torn. It is a lot of money ($20k to $35k depending on the package) yet in a way it is not. Are they a scam? I honestly think not. I think they have developed a system that works...at least for those smart enough and with the resources to pursue it. Is it a slam dunk? Not likely. My main concern is that finding the kind of deals they talk about is getting harder and harder with more and more people entering the game. Is there still opportunity? Yes, absolutely. Is it easy? No way..it may well be a year before one does their first deal. So... My advice... Check it out and do it if you can. But know this is only the tip of the iceberg.

I attended their free 2 hour session and then the $197 3-day program and I bought the full $25,000 program around November 2012 (about a year as of this writing)

My logic at the time was, "Hey if these guys have a TV show and have been doing it for 10 years, they might know a thing or two"

I live in San Jose, CA. If you aren't aware, it's probably one of the hardest markets to get into from a "flip" standpoint. Why? Starter homes cost 500,000, not 50,000 like it does in the East Coast and Midwest. 

The real problem I have with Fortune Builders is that they advertise coaching, team, and "help" when they offer very little of that when it comes to the Silicon Valley. There are hardly any FB students that are consistently flipping in the area. Get ready to be scoffed at if you want to buy homes at 65 cents on the dollar. Get ready to be disappointed if you think deals are "easy" to find. 

I am purely speaking on the efficacy of the material when it comes to the particular market I do business in, the model probably works 10x better where houses costs less than 100,000 a pop.

Since I started, I have joined a local group in the flipping business, I no longer rely on Fortune Builder's material to find us deals, we have to innovate for our own market and seek out the best practices because the program is NOT 'one size fits all'. 

In the same way that I would not recommend anyone to "just start a business," I would also not recommend just anyone to "join fortune builders." It is not for everyone, but for the people it is a fit for, there is definitely an opportunity. 

Call me at 408-753-7474 if you want to talk about the program. PLEASE call if you are in the San Jose, CA area and are thinking about it, I can save you a BIG headache and lots of frustration. 

It was a motivational experience for me! However Im not going forward

the information can be found and done for much less. But I still like them

increase credit scores can be done via protectionthatpays.com.

I guarantee you will like!

FortuneBuilders Seminars are NOT a rip-off.  They are an educational seminar.  Like any education it is an investment to improve your life...but the individual has to dedicate themselves to the program.  Anyone who sits through the FREE 2 hr. presentation and then the 3 day $197 Seminar ,as I did and still believes its a rip-off would most likely believe a 4 year college degree is a rip-off.  Its an investment in YOURSELF because YOU have to run your own business.  They coach you.  I have a 4 year Engineering degree with a Professional License and this program will show you how to make more money in a month than I did in a year...after 25 years in practice on the treadmill for someone else.  Anyone who believes education that shows you how to become independent is a rip-off is penny wise and pound foolish....but we need those technicians to keep out of our way.

I attended the 3- day Fortune Builders Seminar in Indianapolis IN and Jeremy Black was our speaker.  He conducted himself with a great deal of humility and class.  I am a licensed RE Broker (since 1988) and I have acted as Agent (since 1979) for many others and also purchased properties for personal investments.  I think I know a sales pitch when I hear one, and I did not feel that FB handled the event with only the sale of the Mastery program in mind.  They delivered real information; I took a lot of notes, so obviously there was information there or why would I be writing it down?  I interviewed for the Mastery program, wanting to see what the criteria was and if they would have an interest in me, and my background even though I was not "financially positioned" to make the investment at the time.  I knew they were reviewing the financials to see if I fit their criteria, too. Jeremy proved his character to me and the whole group when one of the attendees suffered a seizure during the program.  He was right there to attend to the individual though there were nurses and others at the scene to handle the situation before the EMTs arrived.  Clearly, Jeremy showed great character, and compassion when he could have let others handle it.  I am considering investing in the program, if not now, then when I can.  I have a real passion for RE and am not working in the industry right now.  If I can make money for my husband and I so that we can retire, it will be well worth it.  Of course, there are no guarantees in any business venture.  The people on here whining that it is a scam are just those people who think that if they are not handed everything on a platter, it's not legit.  You have to put in the work to get the rewards from ANY venture.  I am NOT an employee of Fortune Builders as one person stated that any positive remarks would be coming from people paid to give such responses.  That is just preposterous.  If he has a negative opinion, he has every right to give it.  But to try to discount anyone who gives a favorable report by saying they are all bogus is more than ridiculous.  Also, one of the naysayers said that we wouldnt be on here looking at these reports if we weren't paid to troll and put out positive comments...again that is just not the truth.  Before I went to the Summit, I was looking to see what it was about...it's called research.  I

I was very stoked when I attended the 3 day Boot Camp. Day 1 was very exciting learning some new tips and getting advice from pros who have been in the business for awhile. But, half way through the second day I noticed that the speaker began to shift more to Mastery Students and how things would be set up for them. He also made sure to point out that it would be a huge investment up front for people who would not be picked for the Mastery program but that they would be in contact with you and you may have a chance to join later?? So I spend thousands of my own dollars and if I can prove to them that I have already made it on my own Fortune Builders are going to come and save me by charging me $28,000.00 to better my systems. No thanks, you can have my Kool Aid 

I attended their free 2 hour session and then the 197 3-day program and I bought the full $25,000 program around November 2012 (about a year as of this writing)

My logic at the time was, "Hey if these guys have a TV show and have been doing it for 10 years, they might know a thing or two"

I live in San Jose, CA. If you aren't aware, it's probably one of the hardest markets to get into from a "flip" standpoint. Why? Starter homes cost 500,000, not 50,000 like it does in the East Coast and Midwest. 

The real problem I have with Fortune Builders is that they advertise coaching, team, and "help" when they offer very little of that when it comes to the Silicon Valley. There are hardly any FB students that are consistently flipping in the area. Get ready to be scoffed at if you want to buy homes at 65 cents on the dollar. Get ready to be disappointed if you think deals are "easy" to find. 

I am purely speaking on the efficacy of the material when it comes to the particular market I do business in, the model probably works 10x better where houses costs less than 100,000 a pop.

Since I started, I have joined a local group in the flipping business, I no longer rely on Fortune Builder's material to find us deals, we have to innovate for our own market and seek out the best practices because the program is NOT 'one size fits all'. 

Call me at 408-676-9363 if you want to talk about the program. PLEASE call if you are in the San Jose, CA area and are thinking about it, I can save you a BIG headache and lots of frustration. 

 I attended the $197 3 day event in Danvers, MA from Oct 25-Oct 27, 2013. It was AWESOME!! I learned SO MUCH about this new area of real estate investing and I had no prior experience. Staff were professional, knowledgable and NEVER, EVER pushy!.  I was interviewed for the Mastery course which I knew I could not afford and they knew it too. They never pressured me and fully understood that I could not participate at that time. In fact, they gave me a handout, Quick Start Blueprint with some suggestions on how to gain more experience. They also gave me a free 60 day trial. They could not coach me but still gave me options which did not cost me ONE PENNY!. They called me the next day and gave me some alternatives to enter various programs which I still could not afford. NO PROBLEM. They gave me a number to call IF and WHEN I want to pursue this investing further. I am 63 years old, retired and living on Social Security.  NEVER,NEVER would I ever get an opportunity like that, at that cost, that could open up new opportunities for me. If I can afford investing and want more education, a call to Fortune Builders will be the first call that I make.

I'm surprised fortune builders tries to advertise like this.  What kind of consumer is dumb enough to really believe that a bunch of happy customers are out there on a mission to flood the scam reporting sites with positive feedback, just for the sake of doing the right thing.  In my experience, happy customers don't say anything other than privately in passing to their friends.  On rare occassion, somebody will step up to defend a good company, but generally you see complaints from people that whine about anything and everything.  When I'm looking at a company online, I look at the number of complaints they have. 

If it's not too many based on their size, I think that's a good indication that they are a good company as not too many people are upset enough about them that they would go online to report it.  If I see too many positive comments on the other hand, this 99% of the time means the company is behind it, either paying people for positive reports or fabricating them themselves by having their own employees write them.  I would be willing to bet a lot of money, these "customers" have been heavily influenced to write a positive review and that it was not done out of the goodness of their hearts.  

Especially when customers that have filed a legitimate complaint have decided to rescind it.  Who does that? Nobody without incentive. 

On a side note however, I felt like some of the complaints were pretty petty.  One lady was fixated on the fact that a presenter said to avoid contractors living paycheck to paycheck. 

My personal perspective is that these seminars are for the gullable persons that are too lazy to actually read books on how to invest and I'm not talking about "hype" books.  If they don't have a single mathematical formula, you're wasting your time.  Investing is about 80% solid analysis, but only 20% methodology.  Hype books sell 100% methodology on how to invest. 

This company is on every scam warning list from california to florida. I attended the seminars and it prompted me to get my real estate license. While doing so I learned that following this companies tactics is illegal and fraud. You cannot represent the public in real estate activities without a licence. And they will tell you at the end you can get access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) by basically tricking an agent to let you sign on as their assistant, which I also found out is illegal unless you are licenced. 

All of the information they provide is for show and entertainment. Take it as that. Don't go out there and try to wholesale these properties unless you know the law. You can get yourself in a lot of trouble and ruin your reputation with brokers and the public. People don't forget things like that. That's why there are forums like these.

There are youtube videos giving them recognition by supposed people trying to figure out if it was a scam, how coincidentally the comments are marked for posters approval. that means the truth will be hard to get out. I hope everybody reads this and understands that knowledge IS power. and time IS everything. So truly do your homework.

Affiliation with Nevada corporate headquarters. What a joke scam in itself. Check their report with the better business beaurou and notice how many negative complaints they have. After you attend the seminar they will keep calling you trying to get you to spend 900$ so they can form a LLC for you. They will tell you they have so many complaints because they are such a big company. Do no believe them. Read their ripoff report. They do not even form the corporations properly and do not deliver on their promises. You really thought that you were going to get a nice business credit score and be given $50K just like that? and their salespersons work by commission.

Come on people. Don't let yourselves be victimized like that. You can be successful and you're on the right path. So what if you blew 197$ or however much. Take your notes. And go get educated from somebody who isn't running game on you. All the information in that seminar can be gained from a simple real estate principles class and by consulting with a real estate attorney. for your financial needs get a CPA or read some books. It wont cost you $14k+ and I bet you'll learn more than at this seminar. and the CORRECT and LEGAL way to do this.

Consider yourselves warned. these fortune builder guys will probably come behind me and SPAM this with their propoganda but feel free to repost this text. 

Knowledge is Free. We are Anonymous. We are Legion.

We do not Forgive. We do not forget. Expect us.

I just attended the Fortune Builders 3 day event.., actually 2 days because the 3rd day is today (4-7-13) in which I will not attend. Too many "RED FLAGS" to list.
There is alot of positive elements to this program and I do believe some of the information is real and might make somebody rich if all the confusing steps are applied exactly to form - that lucky person is probably 1 out of every 2 million.
Yes! the speakers are very charismatic and charming! Ever saw a motivational speaker that wasn't?
This is a numbers game for them to create an extra money stream for themselves. The odds of a normal working person with a family to attend to; following the (29) CD's and (virtual coaching) and attending (5) out-of-state meetings without missing a beat is highly unlikely!!! This is an intricate set-up and elaborate program that raises money based on the law of averages which are in the company's favor. The radio call for participants stressed that this program will not cost a dime! From day 1 of attending that myth was dispelled with a $197.00. I knew there was more to be paid later as the speaker continually made reference to people being frightened away by cost, fees and paying their way. The speaker even went so far as to saying those kind of people are quitters! and foot draggers! (How about those people just don't have the more than $10,000 you are asking for your (29) CD's)?
The whole event is so dramatic and so emotional that I myself was willing to pay something to continue into the program - but NOT  $14,000 for some of the CDs, $19,000 for half of the CDs or $24,000 for the entire experience. All throughout the 2 days of seminar the speaker repeatedly  boasted "transparency" about their program. (How about some transparency on the cost up front instead of saying it will not cost a dime). The law of averages will play out much quicker for you! Oh, I suppose you need that $197.00 from the 200 or more people that will fall-off first...after the true price is disclosed!!

I am kind of confused on Will's complaint. He actually attended 5 days of classes (boot camps which he refers to) and received an abundant amount of information. If he took notes on all of the ideals that were presented as well as the notes on the dollars it may cost for this vast amount of personal education, he received MORE than his $197.00 worth. Will also forgot to mention that that cost included two (2) people. What a deal!

There appears to be a tad bit of negativity in Will's tone. The whole point of the information aspect of your financial status is to see if you have MEANS to procure deposits or involve you in the program. We gave our information, curious to see why they wanted it. (NO account numbers, social security or other exact personal information was asked for, therefore allowing for you to misspeak the truth if you so pleased). The Fortune Builders representative actually gave us points and ideas how to increase our credit scores and how to acquire additional credit. What happened? It WORKED! Both of our credits went from a low of 650 to 722, and 700 to 733 within the month. (Note: we still had paid nothing for this valuable information).

Fortune Builders does have standards. If you are looking to retirement in the next 10-15 years (which is why we were there) they offer you the tools to do that. If you are coachable they can help. If you don't have the money (as we didn't), they offer you opportunity. IF you HAVE the MOTOVATION - as we did, you believe and get the funds. Attitude is key here, they know who is and will be successful Fortune Builders students. Not that they get it right all the time, but TRANSPARENCY IS THE KEY.

Breaking out the numbers and the yearly stat's based on one experience in your local area, well, that's nice - perhaps the issue is more about not having the opportunity to participate in a PROVEN program verses how a successful company creates wealth. Personally, we hope to become as wealthy and successful as the program states.

We are NOT employed by Fortune Builders, we are students of the program and to date, have no complaints regarding the actual programs we have purchased. We are learning more and more each day and they have encouraged me to get my Real Estate Salespersons license which I am schooling for next month.

Thank you for reading,
Gary

First of all, as a person who must attend loooong weekend seminars for cont. ed. for my professional license, which usually cost $350-700 for 1 person to attend, the 3 long days were IMO INexpensive, interesting, inspiring and informative.  I learned quite a bit...yes there was fluff, but overall at approximately $98 a person for 3 days...a bargain.

Secondly, in a subject as big as real estate investment and the options to invest, do you really think a mere 3 days is going to cover it all?  Impossible.  (the Fortune Builder bootcamps themselves are 4 days, and only cover 1 topic each).  Was the weekend to tweak your interest to signing up for more?  Sure, but there was plenty to hear and learn, and I felt no pressure to join.  With or without joining there was plenty to learn...(and they dont' accept everyone who applies).

(BTW if you do the math on renting the space, airfare and hotels for the presenters, etc, FB isn't making a killing on the weekend seminars...)

Third, consider what you would spend for a year of college.  Consider what the fees on your IRA or 401K are over a lifetime...compare that to the Mastery Fees.  Bottom line, we all pay for our services and education.  I see Mastery as my education, and if what I learn teaches me to reach my goals, it's no different than paying for any other kind of education.  Also consider that Mastery courses include weekend bootcamps in the price...a LIFETIME of access to their resources, and months of private 1 on 1 coaching...divide that up...it's really not that expensive if you compared it to other weekend seminars, a life or business coach, etc.

Like any degree I'm sure success depends on how well you utilize the skills you learn, the locations you choose to do business, etc.  So far it's been super information, almost too much information, and lots of support.  Also, of course they want to know if you have the resources to invest before they sign you up, try getting into college...any paid school wants to know how you are going to pay the tuition AND, really it would be disingenuous to take your money, if you have no resources to invest. 

If you are sincere and serious about learning the art of real estate investment, give this a second look.  If you are cynical and negative about it....good, more for me!

Hello All,

I really don't understand why folks are so upset with Fortune Builders. Like any education, you have to pay for it. I don't know anywhere two or more people can get such an education in Real Estate.

Thanks to these folks, I am also taking my Salesperson Real Estate Course to pair with this investment. It IS a lot to comprehend. Especially the $197 three day course. (That's $197 for two people BTW).  There is no pressure and many of us here in the Upstate Capital Region of NY had A LOT of questions for these presenters.

If you are skeptical, ask questions. Fortune Builders pride themselves in being transparent. They are hiding nothing. If you want to make them look like they are, well, half truths will do that.

I am a Mastery Student with them and to date are pretty impressed. I have learned different things than I probably will at the real estate course. Just the fact that you can use your 401K, 403B's or IRA's to purchase property was an eyeopener.

To all you naysayers it apparent that it was too much work, and that is fine, like someone said earlier, this course is not for everyone. It's hard to go back to school. Here, at least you have the opportunity to go at your own pace. The quicker you can move the sooner you will pay off that tuition.

There's nothing to "Beware" of here! Talk to someone who decided to invest into the Mastery Program, Gold or Platinum Level. They will tell you. Hmmmh, as a matter in fact I didn't see any complaints or concerns from Mastery Students here.  And for the person who commented "WHY are we (people who like the program) looking here for complaints"?  Because Fortune Builders told us to, that is how transparent and confident they are.

I really hope this clarifies some things for folks. Go to the free seminar, then if you decided to spend $197.00 to see more - DO, and take lots of notes, you will learn a lot even if you don't make the investment.  BTW - I DO NOT WORK FOR FORTUNE BUILDERS, I am a Mastery Student.  TY

I read the Ripoff reports before I went but after I paid the $200 for the seminar. I started not to go based on these reports but I paid, so I went. I already knew there was an upsell of programs before I went so I did go with a negative attitude. My husband went as support but he really wasn't interested in going either. I have an MBA in Operations mgmt and have been in the real estate field for over 20 years. I have bought and sold investment property. Well....This was one of the best seminars I have ever been to. The information provided was exceptional.   

John was an exceptional teacher and shared so much valuable information.  Not only that, You need to know what you dont know to be successful. If I had one tenth of the information, provided or alluded to, I can't even image my success.  My husband and I truly appreciated this seminar. There was no pressure to sign up, but they are real estate coaches with truly valuable systems to offer.   The use of the systems involve work and attention to details but most successes require that.  The information that I gained in general was outstanding for some projects that I am working on outside of real estate.  Had I utilized some of the topics they covered, I would be in a much better financial position.

They covered topics that I needed to be aware of and should have utilized.  Im not brainwashed, I am in the middle of two major projects, outside of real estate but it helped lazer my focus on what I am doing.  The next time I can attend or join after these projects are finished, within 12 months, I am going to take advantage of their coaching and more importantly, their systems.  CEO's and many successful people have coaches, Anthony Robbins is a worldwide coach. So many people have life coaches. If I had a real estate coach I would be a multimillionaire now. Jonathan S. was phenomental. The experience ($200) for 2 People was so worth it. I would highly recommend it to people who wanted to be in the real estate market and are teachable and willing to work hard.

I went to the  2 hour seminar and bought into the 3 day class which in 04/12/13-04/14/13. I wanted to attended because I am just getting started in realestate and wanted some hands on education on how to invest. I googled the company name and saw a lot of scam reports, in them most of the people who were happy were the ones who bought into there Mastery program. Well I am not able to afford any of the levels.

I work in a Dr's Office and a patient came in and gave me info about how he has been making money being a property investor. I look up the information and I was started off with a lot of information and tips with out giving up 100's of dollar. I was even given a free web page to use and tips on how to find investors, classes and groups in the area.  You are automatically in contact with lots of investors looking to buy or sell properties. Below is a copy and paste of an email I recieved.

 I also looked them up on scam report and there is not one.

Hopefully this will help

Connected investors get direct access to.... everything.Hundreds of thousands of Connected Investors just like you  are leveraging the power of their Ci systems to reach their investing goals.We have digitally shipped you a link Map to important sections of your system.Now that you are a connected investor YOU GET:

-Your own professional website

-Your own email marketing system

-Access to the education video library

-Unlimited landing pages for your business

-The deal blaster

-The Instant Business Builder Blueprint

Now that you are a connected investor YOU CAN:

-Put your investments in front of over 100,000 investors

-Find investors in any town

-Find investment properties all over the world

-Connect with Facebook & automatically build your investor network

-Send a message to over 100,000 investors

-Get answer to ANY investing question same day

After making my previous post and reflecting back on it I realize that I may not have been completely fair in my assessment of the program.  

I just havent had the success I would like yet in real estate for a lot of reasons. I have a lot of personal debt and I am really frustrated with a lot of things right now. I was hoping my real estate business would have alleviated more of my trouble by now and I may have let my anger the best of me here. 

After making this posting I will say they were very gracious in extending the olive branch to continue working with me and helping me. 

All in allthey were very understanding of my concerns and more than willing to continue helping me. I must say that although not everything has been perfect they really do care about their students. 

I joined their Mastery program in May 2012, having been in and around real estate for a while. I googled them, did my homework and they generally came up ok, so i took the risk and spent the money. 

My experience has been both good and bad. Though I am tremendously dissatisfied, I do not consider them a full scam or rip off. 

Their education is quite good. They really do provide solid, functional information and update it frequently with new articles/videos/webinars. They also have an active community that will respond to your questions and most of the coaches are, to an extent, helpful and glad to share things that have worked for them. 

When I had trouble, their support center responded. They even gave me extra coaching when I reported trouble, though they can be slow to respond, which I can't reasonably fault them for as they clearly have a lot of students. 

Still, Its been over 9 months and I haven't made a cent. The debt I took on to learn from them is seriously affecting my life and they people who joined with me will no longer help me work on the "business". 

I have applied their systems and I get leads, but nothing as workable as the optimism of their seminars suggest. All the focus on cash buyers and private lenders is irrelevant if you can't get workable leads. 

Their training can be unfocused and often sends mixed messages ranging from "you have to monetize everything" to "focus on one type of buyer (cash, credit challenged, retail, etc) and teh message you get can greatly vary from coach to coach. 

I see how their system has the potential to work, but it simply isn't working for me. 

Don't do it unless you have very deep pockets to support you, live in a very good real estate market, or are a very good salesperson. Otherwise stay away. 

I strongly regret joining. I wish I wouldn't have. Its made my life worse instead of better and the debt has damaged my marriage. So much for "taking charge of my own life". 

I recently attended the three day seminar for $197 and I personally felt it was well worthwhile for the price. I did not go into it with the attitude that I was going to receive a get rich quick scheme with no work for free. As the facilitator repeatedly said, it will require lots of work and investment to run a business. Anybody that thought it was a get rick quick scheme with no work would certainly feel they got nothing out of it and that it was a rip-off.

I am considering doing the Mastery program because I am willing to work hard to start my real estate business on the right foot. I know that it does cost money to start any business. It takes technology, training, coaching, education and knowledge to be a success. Nothing is free!

The interesting thing I found in the rebuttals is that I'm not hearing anyone who tried the Mastery program and either succeeded or failed. I heard a lot of people make excuses for why it was a rip-off and a lot of people that said it was not, but very few facts. I would really like to hear from people who bought the Mastery program and what impact it had on them.

Most people are not qualified to run a business. Only a few have the drive, determination and work ethic it takes to make it a business succeed. I'm certain many who purchase the Mastery program fail. Not because the program is bad, but because they are not willing to do what it takes to succeed.

If I do purchase the Mastery program, I will follow up and tell everyone if I succeeded or failed, and why.

We attended the 2 hour, 3 day and signed up for their Mastery program. The money they charge seems like a lot, but what they offer and amount of support the offer makes my husband and I believe they are not making a lot of of money on us. Everyone is incredibly supportive. If we have any issues we e-mail support and the respond immediately to fix the problem. I believe all of the individuals involved in Fortune Builders are people of integrity.

I attended only the 1st evening of the seminar and could tell from the content (after 10 long hours in very hard chairs) that this "was not for me".  I sent feedback on CT Homes website and received a call THE SAME DAY from Jeremy Black. He asked for my input and professionally discussed with me my concerns regarding the workshop.  He DID agree to give me my money back and was, again, very professional and courteous.  Truely, this IS NOT for everyone, but there are some out there, with the means, that could make it work.  I would suggest that their marketing target those individuals, but I am sure that the others who do attend and do not participate contribute to their cost of doing business.  I am sad that it did not work for me, but I feel much better that they did NOT just blow me off.

I take umbrage against the claims that there is nothing to be gained in the $197 3-day seminar for the "flip houses" Fortune Builder's weekend. A solid 25% of my weekend was about flipping houses. That is HONESTLY 25% of down to the bone information on what a real estate investor is and is not (I learned that they should not be conflated as speculators - a thought that had not occurred to me). There was some amount of information on how to be one. So to suggest it was ALL a sale to sell the honest to goodness position as a student of the successful Fortune Builders system is disingenuous. And you are just one of the negative people who were warned early in the program that one of their seminar mates would inform the administration of the seminar and have them REMOVED. So, pay your $197, sit down, follow orders and if your financial situation is compatible, pay your at least $14,995 to have any chance of competing with the overwhelmingly organised organization. 

You see, to suggest that you could ever, EVER compete with this system is LUDICROUS  and, in short, impossible. So stop your God-Danged negativity and get off of your back-side and live your dreams! Live them now or you suck! There are three types of people: those who do nothing, those motivated to change their lives and pay $197 and take notes at the speed of light before the slide changes, and those who do all of that and have immediate access to multiples of thousands of dollars or other financial resources/contacts. The message here is => the former are "losers" and the last, "winners". Thank god I attended because life has never conveyed this message previously. If there is any doubt as to the complete veracity of my rebuttal, look up the word: facetious. 

Seriously though, it is a brilliant program in its conception. It is masterfully deployed to the masses in a bullet resistant woolly Kevlar business suit. I fail to see its morality as anything more than any other investment, as they pointed out themselves, "franchise like". On the contrary it is marketed as a helpful solution to that which ails you. It is not. It is, very probably, a good wolfie investment in, well, a woolly Kevlar sheep suit. Thanks Ryan for the good info. but seriously I wish you would go all the way with the Karma narrative and just teach house flipping all weekend. Reduce the days to two, for example. Positive affirmations and motivations are fine. I have Tony Robbins CD's that I have been using as Frisbee s for 15 years. And for God's sake, kill the goofy videos. They are tooooooo "rich and cheesey", not NINJA and a DEAD GIVEAWAY. 

A long sunny 3 day week-end in Florida and $200.00 lost!

The 3 day seminar was an infomercial for the "Mastery" program.  The cost to attend starts around $30,000.00 & up.  And be ready for the "acting" tears on cue!   Lots of "emotional" sob stories!  Does he and his crew really think that we are a bunch of mindless, robot, zombie, idiots? We are too smart to fall for such theatrics?  Come on!!!!   BE REAL and just teach it without the drama and hype!  If you want to be a teacher,  then act professional and teach!  If you want to be a TV actor/comedian, then move to Hollywood! 

P.S.  Please learn some manners and never pick on a woman again!  We stick together and we will always have the last word!  

Blessings,

Grandma M

A long sunny 3 day week-end in Florida and $200.00 lost!

The 3 day seminar was an infomercial for the "Mastery" program.  The cost to attend starts around $30,000.00 & up.  And be ready for the "acting" tears on cue!   Lots of "emotional" sob stories!  Does he and his crew really think that we are a bunch of mindless, robot, zombie, idiots? We are too smart to fall for such theatrics?  Come on!!!!   BE REAL and just teach it without the drama and hype!  If you want to be a teacher,  then act professional and teach!  If you want to be a TV actor/comedian, then move to Hollywood! 

P.S.  Please learn some manners and never pick on a woman again!  We stick together and we will always have the last word!  

Blessings,

Grandma M
Miami, Florida

I want to preface the below with some fore knowledge.  I myself worked in sales for many, many years.  I can easily see through the 'Ra-Ra' and to the meat of something.  I cannot be sold on emotion, with the exception of my wife.  Present me with facts, figures, options and solutions if you want my business and my money.  Car dealers are my favorite prey and chew toy for example.

I just attended the 3 day weekend seminar.  I have to agree that it is an infomercial for their Mastery program.  However what they offer during that seminar is useful.  My friend timed out the 2nd day, and about 33% of the material was directly related to real estate investing.  This time did not include the time dedicated to examples or case studies, this was hard fast information.  I am not much of a note taker, never was, never will be.  I however had almost 11 full pages of notes by the end of the course!  None of which was the 'Ra Ra' stuff or motivational blurbs.

I'm sorry if you had your expectations set too high for the course.  Keep in mind the things they offer in a real world comparison are very well priced.  A true CRM system can reach or exceed 15000$ alone, and you have to maintain the back end, 26 weekly sessions with a coach, capability to submit potential deals for review to your coach, & at least 2 other 3 & 4 day seminars that include visiting rehabs in progress. 

We did our Mastery interview before the price was mentioned, and were accepted as candidates.  However, we operate without debt, and found no pressure when we said we declined on pricing right now.  Our 'coach' did not pressure us to get loans, max cards, up limits, etc.  She plainly stated that she respected our decision, advised us that our application and acceptance would be on file, and that we could show up at another 3 day event to receive the discounted rate if we chose to move forward.  We spoke with many other folks that had applied and were turned down for admission, even with their check books out and open.

I'm sorry you guys went in with other expectations, but it does not detract from the fact that there was a wealth of information.  Yeah, they had a sales pitch.  So what?  If you are incapable of seeing the forest because of the trees that is not the fault of the instructor.  I got more than my admission price in information at the seminar alone.  And I'm aware that there is a great opportunity that will help in our success.  That was well worth the price of admission.

First of all, I'm only here because the seminar in question is coming next week, and like any good Googler, I research everything to death before committing.  I admit it doesn't surprise me to see the company appear in consumer scam warnings, because seminars of this sort usually are exactly that.

What does surprise me is the number of people that have taken the time and effort to post rebuttals here and defend the integrity of a company that they have absolutely no stake in; financial, emotional or other.  I mean really, WHO cruises sites like these looking for posts about companies that they are actually happy with?  It defies logic.

Take it a step further and contemplate this: If all these people did just happen to come along, see the original post and think to themselves, "Hey! I also went to one of these seminars, and it was SO worth it! He's got it all wrong!"  And then each one, separately and independently, chose to write a rebuttal that, content-wise, are strangely similar to the rest:

• Their experience was worth every penny;


• some anecdotal recount of the motivational slogans and/or heart-wrenching tales of "personal" triumph that the speaker culled from "his own life" to share with the audience;


• and that they learned just SO darn much - the hours were just packed with useful information (but no one offered even one single concrete example to back that statement).

 I just took the3 day seminar August 17 thru August 19, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio and I mimic the satisfied writers that I too received good and useful information and I was not pushed into buying any of the Mastery Plans. It was well worth my $197.00 education.  If you thought you were at a get rich quick seminar, you were most likely informed like I was that you werent on the first day.
 Im still in with my Just Over Broke (JOB) position in life, because I did not take them up on their offer of all the systems they could have provided me and the support they could offer me to help me get started on my way. I can see the cost of their different systems from what little I did see of the programs. I can also see the cost in the support in setting up your business with these systems.
 I have no experience in real estate. I did go home and tried a few things I thought I had learned to see if it would work and I was not disappointed for a first timer in the real estate business. I can also see that I could use their help in getting started because I dont know enough to dive right in (lot more to learn). I listened in the seminar, took notes and have educated myself a little more with Fortune Builders and Mr. Blacks teachings.    
 No one made you or me go or stay the 3 days but, I wanted to because I was learning a possible other way of life that could possibly help me and my family become a little better off in life. I knew what I was doing with my $197.00. The possibility is what I was sold on, not the get rich quick.
 Thank You Fortune Builders for the opportunity to almost work with you.

MED
 
P.S.  I m hoping to work with FB ASAP.

Wow!!  Let me first say that the Game is to be Sold not Told, nothing is free and 197.00 for the 3 day seminar was well worth it, the information Jermey gave us was worth every penny. If you understood what exactly he delivered and was in position to go to Mastery, i guess this Ripoff report would not exist. How can any Educated Person, be it street smarts or book smarts not see or feel what he gave us??  

There will always be opposers in every situation, especially good ones like Fortune Builders. My wife and myself is from Philadelphia, we missed the 2 hour event here and attended in Delaware, and also attended the 3 day Seminar in Baltimore, (July 20-July 22, 2012) just last night my Brother and i became Mastery Students (Platium), It's not easy here for us, but we manage. there was no second guessing to wheather we were moving forward with paying for Mastery, as Time Is Everything, Jeremy broke this down, Sleepers Gets Dreams and the Early Birds  Gets The Worms.  Game Recognoze Game. You Got Talkers and You Got Do'ers.

To sit back and actually break down how many people attended and how much was made is LUDICROUS!!

Plus your math was bad my friend and you the guy/girl who still agree with this even after he changed his way of thinking, he got out of his comfort zone and allowed the reality to settle in, and his vision was no longer blury.

Ok, the 3 day seminar cost 197.00, if 200 people attends, you came up with 39,400.00, when actually only 100 people paid this 197.00, because we were allowed to bring a guess for FREE, Remember?

Jeremy warned of people like yourselves on the very first day, he said you would do this and this is proof of his truth, my first red flag to your report here is, your bad math.  Come to Mastery and learn to flip these houses. I totally disagree with these disatisfied people. I will be one of the Fortune Builders Success Stories, I will look back on this report and i will re-comment again, not to look down on anyone or prove you wrong (You've already proven yourself wrong) Just so maybe you can find enough heart and remove the Fear and come join The Mastery @ Fortune Builders. To all, I wish the best  in your endeavors.

 J.R.

I have been a student of the FortuneBuilders Mastery Program for nearly 2 years. I have been pleased with the program in every way. I entered the program at the highest level. I was able to make the money I spent in the program back after completing 3 deals in less than 3 months. The coaching is excellent. 

There is no way I could have had the success I have had to this point as a real estate investor without FortuneBuilders. The program has changed my life and my financial future. FortuneBuilders is a GPS to real estate investing success. I am forever grateful to the FortuneBuilders Mastery Team.

I was scheduled to go to fortunebuilders 3 day workshop in three weeks and wanted to get some history on it. I checked the internet and came across stories just like Will reported in his first column.I was really skeptical after reading so many testimonies sounding familiar about the $197 dollar "class" actually being an infomercial leading to even bigger costs.

I then ran into an old friend who took the class with his wife who told me the exact same horror story that I have read about.The motivational tatics and the pressure to but into the companies mastery program was all they kept telling me.I don't know what they offered you Will but hopefully they will call and offer me the same deal.I will now go and call them and try to get my money back.

I absolutely agree with Will's first complaint concerning this company and am surprised that he withdrew his report.  I have no idea what transpired during his conversation with the managers of the company.

I attended this three day 'seminar' in Milwaukee WI in May 2011.  I did not pay for the course, my cousin was interested and invited me as his guest.  I quickly realized it was simply an emmotional, motivational sales tactic.

Very few details of how to specifically approach the retail market and 'flipping of houses' was offered.  It was vague examples of successful stories intermixed with motivational tactics driven by promises of big money.

I, too, heard Jeremy Black speak and he was a very good motivational speaker; however, I really hope people aren't paying $200 simply to be motivated.  In my opinion, they were already motivated when they signed up to learn how to use real estate to make their money and they paid $200 dollars to do it.  This is misleading advertising, verging on fraud.  It is an underhanded marketing approach and completing lacking in integrity, honesty, and morality.  I fail to understand how an individual who claims to be a God-fearing, honest individual can swindle people so easily.  However, I shouldn't be surpsied since he exploited his own very personal history to play on people's emmotions and pull at their heart strings to seduce them into joining his mastery student group.  By the way, the tears were well timed.

I hope that we in America we realize how privileged we really are.  We have things in excess and yet amazingly we keep wanting more.  Money and its privileges are like a drug to most of us.  Once we get a taste, we want more and will do whatever we can to get it.  We are never fulfilled by it, never have enough, and keep thinking that more will satisfy us but it never does.  This three day seminar simply kindles, fuels and lights that inward desire to have more than we do.  The premise of the business is based on the moral decay of our society and I am deeply saddened by what I witnessed in that seminar.  Mr. Black, if you want to make money, fine but please do not suggest to the world that you and your business are altruistic, family oriented, religious, and moral. 
  
This workshop is a misguided attempt to lure in people searching for answers to their economic problems with a small $200 fee and then forcing them to shell out another $30,000 before they can even begin to start moving forward on establishing a business.

Jenny   

I attended the seminar that I paid for gladly at 200.00  Most of, or all of us, no matter you financial situation desires to make it better.  This first day, was very informative but all the  clapping for any statement, got on my nerves and a waste of time.  However, looking at it from their "sales view"  it was essential to hype the crowd up.  The tit-bits of information given the first day was at a minimal and made me wonder about the rest of the time I was investing along with the 200.00 and was it worth it?  I am not a quieter and decided to stick it out, besides I had already met some really nice people attending.  The second day was to me very informative, it left me hungry for more.  But alot of time was wasted in the spill which we all knew was coming, but I just  took it with a grain of salt.  It bothered me that Jeremy solidified the connection with the audience by telling a story about the struggles that he and his mom had and the violence they experience at the hands of another.  Don't know if it is true, but shame on him if it is not.

Alot of us were teary eyed listening to his story, however we all have our own nightmares.  I talked a couple of people to come back on Sunday to get the rest of the story sort of speak.  It was great information and for that Jeremy Black, I thank you!  Even though you did not come through with what you said you would give out to everyone there, and when several of us asked about it, no one knew, and we kept being forwarded to another, so we gave up and I am sure that was what you intended.  No matter, it was just a planner of sorts.  This is my bone to pick with you:  You said that the investors, flipper, should not work with any one who is living pay check to pay check. Well baby boy, you forgot where you came from if your story is true.  I am so glad that God had kept you in his favor and you have made it.  But things happen to good people.  It does not mean because we are struggling that we are some sort of bandits. I live paycheck to paycheck at this time because of circumstances beyond my control.  I am a designer, contractor.  I am honest, have a great work ethic, have a great deal of integrity, have great attention to detail and know what I am doing.  I am a cancer survivor and trying to take care of my 86 year old mom whom is a stroke survivor, not a victim.  I have a number of references and letters of recommendations from people I have done business with that love what I did for them.  I am a women of my word, I live by it.  So for you to say that if a contractor that is living from paycheck to paycheck,  will probably steal their money and not do a good job and not finish the job, is a complete lie.  I CAN PROVE IT.!!!!  If people would of had the same mind set you do when your mom was a beat up, homeless, biker chick with kids,  running from the Hells Angels, and people would look down on her and not given her a chance, your outcome would of or could of been different.  I sincerely thank God that he kept you guys safe and in his favor so that through him, all things are possible, and therefore you guys overcame.  Don't get so high on the mountain that you look down on the rest of us going up it.  Because you can fall from that mountain, other people have.  So as much as you taught me this weekend, I hope, you have learned, not to judge.  It is not your job. But isn't  ironic, that on this ripoff report page, people think YOU guys are scammer, and I am telling them that the information you gave me was priceless, while you think I am a fly by night no good contractor, and I am not.    Funny, how life is.  Sincerely, God bless you and all "ya'lls"  endeavors.  Rembember in Texas, you don't mess with our dogs, trucks, or talk down to us.  We will set you straight!

I would like to say that the owner and founder of CT Homes and Fortune Builders, Than personally called me on this past Sunday personally and on his own cell phone, we had a very nice discussion and he addressed the issues I had commented on and I will say I am personally at ease and have complete faith in him, his employees and company. But it gets better I also had two other people from the company personally call me a Matt and Josh to assure that all my concerns and questions had been answered for me.  I will say this company is not a scam but more importantly this company is about financial education verse general education, we all have spent money on higher class of learning and sadly I will admit it I have a wall full of 16 degrees  around that look pretty on my wall but do not serve any other purpose.  So yes the investment might seem high and it is an investment for your financial education,would I recommend attending any of their settings yes I would it is filled with awesome and excellent financial education information.  I would also like to say that Jeremy Black is such a powerful, motivating speaker and does talk from his heart, he does get passionate about this financial education investment, after speaking with Than, Matt and Josh this company is NOT a scam, I stand corrected and I made this post of my own free will because life is about doing the Always doing right thing, regardless if it sucks or not and admitting when I was wrong, so if Than, Jeremy, Matt or Josh read this, please accept my apologies for the above post because ALL of you showed me true integrity , honesty, devotion and I will stand behind this  company even if I do not or have not purchased there program.

Because they proved what makes a man a man, not from his origins, or the way they came to life, its the choices he makes and not how he starts things, but rather how he decides to finish them.  There courage was not the absence of fear to me, but there courage was how they faced it, by calling me personally and being calm, open minded, and honest, so if you read this take the time, because you know what time is? Time is everything and I re-learned from this company.

I just finished up the event in question and I see things a very different way than the person who filed this report.
Yes, I paid $200 to attend this weekend event, which lasted approximately 25 to 27 hours with breaks and lunches included. The equates to roughly $8 per hour. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!! I just received some of the best advice and instruction I have EVER heard for $8 per hour. That is an unreal deal.
Jeremy Black, the main speaker, spoke for almost all of that time and gave it his all. Think about how hard it is to do that. To speak to a large group for that extended period of time.
I found him to be friendly and approachable and extremely knowledgeable on the topic at hand - real estate.
The suggestion that this is a scam is INSANE in my opinion, because what the author of this post actually PAID for, was this weekend, where, if he has stayed, and not bailed after hearing about another package they offered, would have received the 25 to 27 hours of instruction for only $200 bucks.
The "Mastery" group that they offer is expensive, no doubt about that, but there really was no pressure to join it. If you wanted to apply, you could, but if you did not wish to apply, they certainly did not ask you to leave the building for the rest of the weekend. You still got the incredible amount of info they were shelling out for the $8 per hour we were paying.
The fact that topics like how much money this company makes has no bearing on this conversation at all. Who cares if they make money? They should! They have spent years perfecting this business and that effort is worth making people pay for.
In my opinion, this is nothing more than sour grapes. One person felt bad because they could not afford the next level offerings of the company and took to the internet to try to trash their name, when all they did was put on a quality event, loaded with fantastic information for a very reasonable price. What they do after this event at a different price, is not relevant to this actual event.
I for one thank Jeremy Black for the passion he brought to the topic and hope to be able to sign up for the Mastery program soon myself. Keep it up guys and don't let the haters of the world keep you down!
p.s. Thanks to Josh Server as well for some really good advice!

Mark Charter with RE/MAX