The Wilsons - 875 buy to let property empire

HelpWhereIcan

brightonman123 wrote: »

was this couple featured on a property programme, where they offered much less than asking price for a house in a street, in which they already had half the houses! seller not that happy, but had to sell, and they had the ££ to do quick deal.

Yes - and I seem to remember that the seller was not happy that they had reduced the value of hosues in the street making it hard for him to sell.

I also remember Mr Wilson scoffing at the thought of house prices going down and pointing to the skies as he said "there is only one way property is going".

I remember thinking at the time that he was too bullish - that was in 2005 ish when we had a 'blip' so it shows what I know.

Dithering_Dad

MissMoneypenny wrote: »

I'm not sure that that is true. Often children from financially successful parents, turn to drugs. Children that have had to fight their way to the top and make it on their own, often have a greater feeling of self worth.

I'd imagine there is more drug abuse in a rough Glaswegian estate than on a posh one. The reason children that have had to fight (due to poverty and the like) their way to the top have a greater feeling of self worth is because so few of them manage it. Look at the number of politicians who parents sent them to Eton and cambridge, look at how many doctors and lawyers and other professionals have their children follow them into a profession.

I'm absolutely sure that it's true.

HelpWhereIcan

Jimuth wrote: »

What would ppl's perception of the Wilsons be if

1. they were good landlords
2. they were a force for good in their local area - e.g. providing for a hospital, school etc. in the altruistic style of victorian industrialists etc.?

My problem with them is its wealth for wealth's sake. It's just so BORING..!

Hate to admit it, but I wish I was half as boring.

To be fair some of the most philanthropic people do not publisize it and have very different business personas than their 'good deeds' may suggest.

ruggedtoast

Dithering_Dad wrote: »

No, I'm sorry but the only reason I can see why people care if the rich flaunt their wealth and success is simply due to jealousy. I couldn't give a monkey's about the Wilson's or Richard Branson or Premier Footballers - I'm too busy sorting out my own finances and living my own life to worry about someone else's.

Not too busy to be making quite a career out of setting people straight on here though eh.

You certainly get a lot of mileage out of righteous indignation though, Ill give you that.

Jimuth

HelpWhereIcan wrote: »

Hate to admit it, but I wish I was half as boring.

To be fair some of the most philanthropic people do not publisize it and have very different business personas than their 'good deeds' may suggest.

But if you were half as boring, you'd be twice as interesting, and therefore completely unlike the wilsons!

Totally agree with your 2nd point. Am I wrong to assume the Wilsons are not in the "silent philanthropist" category ...? A quick google brings up:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/consumer/savingideas/article.html?in_article_id=427440&in_page_id=512

Mr Wilson, 59, said: 'It grieves me that the situation has come to this, when the NHS is not providing a basic level of treatment. If people are being driven to extract their own teeth, there is clearly something seriously wrong.'

Ok, it's not opening up a hospital, and I'm sure they're thinking of a profit somewhere, but perhaps muddies the water a little about what they're doing with their money?

Did the scheme actually come about?

Dithering_Dad

ruggedtoast wrote: »

Not too busy to be making quite a career out of setting people straight on here though eh.

You certainly get a lot of mileage out of righteous indignation though, Ill give you that.

Why are you spitting out your dummy? If you make wild statements and then get put in your place just take it like a man (or woman) and move on. Do try and retain some vestage of dignity.

Bless.

ruggedtoast

Dithering_Dad wrote: »

Why are you spitting out your dummy? If you make wild statements and then get put in your place just take it like a man (or woman) and move on. Do try and retain some vestage of dignity.

Bless.

Yes dad. Sorry dad.

HelpWhereIcan

Jimuth wrote: »

But if you were half as boring, you'd be twice as interesting, and therefore completely unlike the wilsons!

Doh! :rotfl:

Jimuth wrote: »

Totally agree with your 2nd point. Am I wrong to assume the Wilsons are not in the "silent philanthropist" category ...? A quick google brings up:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/consumer/savingideas/article.html?in_article_id=427440&in_page_id=512



Ok, it's not opening up a hospital, and I'm sure they're thinking of a profit somewhere, but perhaps muddies the water a little about what they're doing with their money?

Did the scheme actually come about?

That would be interesting to find out.

How spooky that Depeche Mode "Blasphemous Rumours" was playing in the background just as I was thinking that they may be silent philanthropists ...

"I don't want to start any (HPC) Blaspehmous rumours, but I think that the Wilsons may donate to shelter and when I'm repossessed I expect to find them laughing"

I can see it being a massive hit on the HPC top ten.

Btw - to take the thread even more off topic, a quick google found this list which threw up some names that surprised me

25 Billionaires and Millionaires That Became Philanthropists

Now if George Soros & Warren Buffet (well known vulture investors) can be nice guys, I am sure the Wilsons can be credited with donating to at least the church fete every now and then.

Dithering_Dad

ruggedtoast wrote: »

Yes dad. Sorry dad.

That's ok son. Everyone makes a mistake now and then, that's why pencils have erasers. Why even I might make a mistake one day, I'm only human after all.

Chin up old chap.

lesley1960

Why does everyone on these threads revel in the fact that others might loose everything in a recession? it strikes me as you all have pretty sad lives .
people have to live somewhere and if they cant buy their own property then they need to rent ? and in order to rent there needs to be someone with property to rent out.

And no I'm not a landlord , but applaud anyone eho has got off their butts and worked hard to make money .............running any business is bloody hard work .