Customer Reviews

Maverick Real Estate Financing: The Art of Raising Capital and Owning Properties Like Ross, Sanders and Carey

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This rating is based on how well the book met my expectations. If you are honestly ready and focused on joining the ranks of Zuckerman, Shorenstein, Zell, or Trump, then a book like this might serve well as a type of guide post. You would then be dealing with projects in the $100 million plus range. If, however, your focus is on the lower end of the spectrum ... like financing apartment buildings under $5 million - with or without the aid of an investment group - you will not gain much in the way of practical knowledge from this book

Having been involved in the world of real estate high-finance for nearly two decades, I was intrigued by what Mr. Bergsman might have to say on the subject. Turns out, his take on financing methods and personalities in the industry was right on target. -- I should know, as I worked with some of them. It's a fascinating industry, and the author has made a fascinating read out of it. A must read for anyone in real estate finance and to understand the barons of the industry.

Anne Kazel-Wilcox
President
Gold Coast Communications Inc.

This book is ok, in hindsight it might be better to get a real textbook with case studies.

I work in commercial real estate finance and when I bought this book I was hoping for a sort of master class in some of the more advanced real estate financing techniques. Instead what I got was a cursory review of some advanced real estate financing techniques mashed up with half-baked profiles of some industry leaders. Granted, my expectations were unrealistic, but I think most of the people that will be drawn to this book (commercial real estate executives) will be disappointed. The author is not that bad of a writer, he just doesn't have the expertise to fulfill the promise of the title. If you're looking for an in depth examination of commercial real estate lending I would recommend The Complete Guide to Financing Real Estate Developments by Ira W. Nachem.

I was pleasantly surprised at how useful this book has been. It describes different types of funding as well as some of the characters who have created some of the funding schemes and instruments we use today. Not all of the info is what I would call 100% timely; some of the bio's go back to the '60's. Still, it has helped me piece together the commercial funding puzzle which is the next step in investing that I would like to take.

I liked this book, but it really only provides you ideas on how to raise capital. It is not a real how to guide. So if you are looking for that, look elsewhere...

Many brokers and real estate owners spend a lot of time analyzing the operational expenses of properties to arrive at what is called a Net Operating Income. Then, debt service is subtracted from it to arrive at cash flow. Understanding financing is critical to success in real estate investing. Debt service, depending on the amount of leverage, can easily be the biggest expense item surpassing even real estate taxes. This book is all about real estate financing. It is a must for serious real estate investors.

- Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

I live, breathe, eat, and sleep real estate - everything from the single family homes to the development deals to the commercial turn-key acquisitions.

There are few books that are must reads in the world of the cookie-cutter industry that is dangerously overplayed. That is why Steve Bergsman's book is a must read (several times over). Financing, especially in the world of commerical lending, is a complicated subject that many investors across the spectrum do not put enough thought into. Bergsman offers great insight on not only the mavericks that pioneered (or help to pioneer) the concepts, but he also provides great examples of deals done in every creative, yet ethical and legal, way to structure financing.

As the owner of a capital funding group - this is what makes me tick - this book should be refreshing for those that are fed-up with the over-leveraged (and often danagerous) ways to finance real estate. This is a long-term success book that highlights how multi-million dollar deals that keep you in business are structured. Donald Trump's most famous saying regarding thinking big fits this book. You can reach it if you just know what to look for.

I believe in meat-and-potatoe reviews, so here is the meal:

- Sale-leasebacks are discussed
- REITs
- Commingled Capital
- Raising Capital/Equity Financing

and much more are discussed in impressive detail. So think big by buying this book. Stay in business by buying this book!

Real Estate Business People - This is Your Must Read!

Steve Bergsman has outdone himself... Maverick Real Estate Financing is a natural progression from Maverick Real Estate Investing, and a must real for all who are immersed in the world of real estate financing. Through detailed examples of some of the world's greatest real estate financiers, Mr. Bergsman has given the reader a vivid picture of how to navigate their way through the numerous financial alternatives available to anyone interested in investing in real estate.

Grate book, it will give you most of the financial structures you need to know in real state business.