Nouveau Riche: Background

Nouveau Riche is a real estate investment “university” founded by Jim Piccolo, Mary Piccolo and Bob Snyder. The education and training programs have been ongoing since 2002 and are aimed at teaching the method of “RAW” (responsible accumulation of wealth). The founders of the program claim that they do not simply educate students on real estate investing, but that they “create real estate investors.”

Target Market of NouveauRiche.com

There are three levels of tuition, based upon educational hours. Silver tuition equates to 30 hours of Nouveau Riche University courses, Gold tuition is worth 60 hours and Regents tuition is worth 120 hours. University curriculum is targeted at individuals seeking assistance in gaining financial independence in real estate investment and includes a variety of courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

As stated on NoveauRiche.com, the founders have designed courses primarily for students who may have limited knowledge in real estate investing and are seeking a very thorough program to get them started.

Although there are no prices listed on the site for the various tuition levels, other reviews have listed a tuition range from $16,000 to $20,000. Additionally, because the program offers complete investment strategies, the founders also claim that practically any person, even with limited real estate experience, can apply to the Nouveau Riche University.

NouveauRiche.com: Review

We found a wide range of positive and negative opinions of NouveauRiche.com from those who have attended the classes and the introductory seminars.

Positive reviews tout the thoroughness of the program, stating that it is unparalleled in the real estate investment education industry. The Nouveau Riche University is designed around convenience offering a selection of teleconferences, home study courses or on-site group courses.

Of those who took courses or received course materials indicated being concerned that the key focus of real estate investment courses is marketing. One of the founders, who has a background in marketing, seemed to incorporate this background into the educational materials. Previous recruits, who were unhappy with the program, mentioned that their “personal coaches” had backgrounds in sales or marketing as opposed to real estate.

When reviewing the potential of any educational program, it is important to be thorough in determining if the curriculum fulfills your requirements. Conduct your own research. Contact the program directors and alumni. Pose questions, such as:

- What is the instructor to student ratio?
- Will I receive any one on one training?
- Do the course materials provide “real life” case studies or offer the opportunity to apply learned curriculum to actual situations?
- How relevant are the materials to current business, real estate and economic volatility?
- What are the backgrounds and/or experience of your instructors?

We found that the bottom line with Nouveau Riche University is the same as with any educational program, whether a one-day conference or a 4-year accredited collegiate program: you get out what you put in; and, extensive research is required before making any significant investment. If you are unwilling to be a true “student,” regardless of the educational program, you are most likely not going to learn anything new. This applies to any type of program, particularly those with hefty price tags.

Do you see value in a real estate investment university? Do you have any experience with NouveauRiche.com?