The book was selling for 40 percent less than the $29.95 list price.

The loans were sold for approximately $900 million, or 71 to 76 percent of their face value, the company said.

That allows them to sell goods for only 5 percent above cost.

In fact, most properties are sold for at least 90 percent of their current market value.

One example is Electrobras, selling for only 11 percent of book value.

Companies that make military equipment have typically been sold for about 70 percent of their revenues.

Last month, after a year on the market, their apartment sold for 23 percent less than the asking price.

He sold eight, all for 53 to 58 percent of the asking prices.

Others have just sold for at least 20 percent off the asking price.

"People all over the country are selling houses for 75 percent of what they thought" they would get.