What exactly is Builds and Buys?

Builds and Buys is the world’s most comprehensive real estate education platform with over 1,400 pages of step-by-step guides, professional tools, and global investment resources. We cover everything you need to build, buy, invest in, and sell real estate worldwide.

The platform includes:

• Four Complete Step-by-Step Systems: Builds, Buys, Invest, and Sell
• University Course: 144 lessons with professional certification
• 600+ Renovation Guides: Comprehensive cost guides across 32 categories
• Global Investment Guides: 198 countries, 52 US states, 13 Canadian provinces
• 100+ Professional Tools: Calculators, generators, and analysis tools
• Real Estate Feed: Professional networking platform
• Mobile Apps: iOS and Android (iOS live, Android coming soon)

Is Builds and Buys really free?

Yes, absolutely. All 1,400+ pages of content, professional tools, university course, and community features are completely free to use. We believe in democratizing real estate education and making professional-grade knowledge accessible to everyone, regardless of location or background.

Do you sell real estate or properties?

No. We’re an education and information platform, not a real estate brokerage. We provide the knowledge, tools, and community connections you need to make informed real estate decisions. We don’t sell properties, take commissions, or act as agents.

How is Builds and Buys different from other real estate websites?

Most real estate sites focus on listings or basic advice. Builds and Buys provides comprehensive, step-by-step education covering the entire real estate lifecycle. We’re the only platform offering:

• Complete building guides from planning to construction handover
• University-level certification course (144 lessons)
• Global coverage (198 countries with detailed investment guides)
• 600+ renovation cost guides with real project estimates
• Professional networking through Real Estate Feed
• Mobile apps with full platform access

What are the four main step-by-step systems?

1. Step-by-Step BUILDS: Complete guide to building houses with 9 construction phases, 10 major steps, and detailed task tracking for every stage from planning to final handover.

2. Step-by-Step BUYS: Seven-step system taking you from planning your purchase through closing the deal, covering financing, inspections, negotiations, and everything in between.

3. Step-by-Step INVEST: Eleven comprehensive steps to start and scale your real estate investment portfolio, from market research to deal analysis and property management.

4. Step-by-Step SELL: Eleven detailed steps to maximize profit when selling property, including pricing strategies, marketing, negotiations, and legal requirements.

What professional tools do you offer?

We provide over 100 professional-grade tools including:

• 35+ Calculators: ROI, rental property, mortgage, CMA, affordability, payment, project cost estimator, deal analyzer, and more
• Document Generators: Professional lease agreements, contracts, and forms
• Strategy Tools: Investment strategy comparison, foundation ROI calculator, strategy calculator
• Analysis Tools: Market research tools, risk assessment worksheets, deal analyzers
• Planning Tools: Timeline planners, renovation trackers, budget spreadsheets

All tools are free and designed for real estate professionals and serious investors.

What are the renovation cost guides?

We have 600+ comprehensive renovation guides covering 32 major categories including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, roofing, siding, whole house remodels, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, landscaping, and more. Each guide includes:

• Real cost estimates (low, mid, and high-end)
• Project timelines and planning requirements
• Step-by-step renovation process
• ROI analysis and value-add calculations
• Contractor selection and hiring guides
• Permitting and regulatory requirements

What is the Real Estate Feed?

The Real Estate Feed is our professional networking platform – like LinkedIn specifically for real estate. It’s where investors, builders, buyers, and professionals:

• Share projects, insights, and opportunities
• Connect with other real estate professionals globally
• Collaborate on deals and partnerships
• Post updates and build their professional reputation
• Network with verified specialists

It transforms learning into relationships and real opportunities.

What is the Real Estate University Course?

Our flagship course is a 144-lesson, university-level education program covering every aspect of real estate development, investment, and management across 9 comprehensive modules. This is serious, professional-grade education designed to prepare you for real-world real estate success.

How does the certification work?

Students must complete at least 90% of all lessons and modules to earn certification. This is a serious requirement tracked through our bulletproof Supabase tracking system (4 tables: course_enrollments, lesson_progress, module_certificates, progress_warnings).

Critical Rules:

• You get ONE attempt only – no retakes or second chances
• Progress is tracked in real-time with exact completion percentages
• The 90% threshold is enforced strictly
• Certificates are designed to have real-world value with lenders, employers, and grant programs

What are the 9 course modules?

• Module 1: Real Estate Foundations
• Module 2: Investment Strategies
• Module 3: Financial Analysis
• Module 4: Property Development
• Module 5: Legal & Regulatory
• Module 6: Property Management
• Module 7: Marketing & Sales
• Module 8: Global Markets
• Module 9: Advanced Strategies

Does the certificate really have value?

Yes. The certificate is designed to open doors to:

• Better Bank Rates: Demonstrate education and competence to lenders
• Government Grants: Qualify for programs supporting real estate education
• Job Opportunities: Show professional qualification to employers
• Industry Credibility: Build reputation with partners and clients

Because of this real-world value, we maintain strict completion standards and don’t tolerate cheating or gaming the system.

How long does the course take to complete?

The course is self-paced. Students typically complete it in 3-6 months depending on their schedule and prior experience. Each lesson is designed for deep learning, not just checking boxes.

Is there a mobile app?

Yes! Builds and Buys is available on both iOS and Android:

• iOS App: Live on Apple App Store now
• Android App: Currently in testing phase (need 12 testers for Google Play launch)

The app provides full access to all 1,400+ pages plus native features like the Real Estate Feed, Profile Dashboard, and seamless navigation between app and web content.

What features are in the mobile app?

The mobile app includes:

• 3 Core Native Pages: Real Estate Feed, Profile Page, Real Estate Dashboard
• Webview Integration: Access all 1,400+ pages seamlessly
• Course Access: Complete lessons and track progress on mobile
• Professional Tools: Use calculators and tools on the go
• Offline Capability: Download content for offline reading

How do I download the app?

iPhone/iPad: Search “Builds and Buys” in the Apple App Store

Android: Coming soon to Google Play Store (waiting for 12 testers to complete testing phase)

Which countries do you cover?

We provide comprehensive real estate investment guides for all 198 countries worldwide. Each country guide includes:

• Investment requirements and regulations
• Golden visa programs (where applicable)
• Property types and market conditions
• Financing options for foreign investors
• Tax implications and legal considerations
• Best regions and cities for investment
• Cultural and business practices

What about US coverage?

We have detailed investment guides for all 52 US states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands. Each state guide covers:

• State-specific laws and regulations
• Tax implications (property, income, capital gains)
• Best markets and cities for investment
• Landlord-tenant laws
• Investment strategies specific to the state
• Market trends and growth projections

Do you cover Canada?

Yes! We have comprehensive guides for all 13 Canadian provinces and territories including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, and others. Each guide covers provincial regulations, investment opportunities, tax structures, and best markets.

How current is the information?

We continuously update content to reflect current market conditions, regulations, and investment requirements. Real estate laws and golden visa programs change frequently, so we monitor updates and revise guides accordingly. If you spot outdated information, please email us at jules@buildsandbuys.com.

Do I need an account to use Builds and Buys?

You can browse most content without an account. However, creating a free account unlocks:

• Real Estate Feed access for networking
• Course enrollment and progress tracking
• Saved articles and bookmarked content
• Personalized dashboard and profile
• Direct messaging with other professionals

I’m completely new to real estate – where should I start?

Want to buy your first property? Start with Step-by-Step BUYS – our 7-step system walks you through every detail.

Want to invest? Start with Step-by-Step INVEST – our 11-step guide takes you from zero to your first investment property.

Want to build? Start with Step-by-Step BUILDS – comprehensive guide covering all 9 construction phases.

Want comprehensive education? Enroll in our 144-lesson University Course for complete foundation.

How do I enroll in the Real Estate Course?

Visit our course page at buildsandbuys.com/real-estate-course/, create a free account (if you don’t have one), and click “Enroll Now.” You’ll immediately get access to all 144 lessons with progress tracking enabled.

Can I use Builds and Buys if I’m outside the US?

Absolutely! Builds and Buys is designed for global users. We cover 198 countries, and our content applies internationally. Whether you’re in Europe, Asia, South America, Africa, or anywhere else, you’ll find relevant guides and tools.

I’m a real estate professional – can I join the platform?

Yes! We welcome realtors, investors, developers, contractors, and all real estate professionals. Join the Real Estate Feed to network, share opportunities, and connect with potential clients and partners worldwide.

Can I contribute content or expertise?

We welcome expert contributions from verified professionals. If you have specialized knowledge about specific markets, investment strategies, construction techniques, or other real estate topics, email jules@buildsandbuys.com with your credentials and proposed topics.

How do I become a verified specialist on the platform?

Email jules@buildsandbuys.com with:

• Your credentials and professional background
• Areas of expertise and specialization
• Examples of deals or projects you work with
• References or client testimonials

We review all applications and verify professionals before featuring them on the platform.

Do you charge professionals to use the platform?

No. Access to Builds and Buys is free for both users and professionals. We’re focused on building a valuable community first.

How secure is my data?

We take data security very seriously. All personal information is protected, encrypted, and never sold to third parties. We use Supabase for secure database management and follow industry best practices. Read our Privacy Policy for complete details.

I found a bug or technical issue – how do I report it?

Email support@buildsandbuys.com or jules@buildsandbuys.com with:

• Description of the issue
• Page URL where the issue occurred
• Device and browser you’re using
• Screenshots if possible

We respond to technical issues quickly and appreciate user feedback.

I found outdated information – how do I report it?

With 1,400+ pages, keeping everything current is a continuous effort. If you spot outdated information, email jules@buildsandbuys.com with the page URL and what needs updating. Community feedback helps us maintain accuracy.

Can I delete my account and data?

Yes. You can delete your account at any time through Settings, or email support@buildsandbuys.com to request deletion. We’ll permanently remove all your data within 30 days (subject to legal retention requirements).

How do I contact support?

Email us at:

• General Support: support@buildsandbuys.com
• Founder Direct: jules@buildsandbuys.com

We typically respond within 24-48 hours during business days.