Modern Real Estate Finance and Land Transfer: A Transactional Approach (Casebook Series)

Rating:
Summary: The Bible for Real Estate
Review: Extremely good coverage of real estate transactions, from simple to very complex. Excellent analysis of tax aspects and tax shelters.

Rating:
Summary: Better than researching title insurance...
Review: To those who know him, Mike Madison presents the proverbial mystery wrapped within an enigma: fiercly guarded, yet strangely open with regard to his dangerous ideas on antiquated doctrines such as the Rule in Shelley's case.

But it is this sense of "danger" that pervades Madison's entire work. The sense of the fear that his ideas could engender in some people. It is almost as if Madison is thumbing his nose at the powers that be; daring them to challenge him head-on to a Socratic battle between the legal giants of upstate New York, in an epic battle that will leave only one opinion affirmed, whilst the other will taste the bitter order of defeat, with no reargument available.

Madison discusses, in depth, his view on how one should approach a late-season transaction. "Visualize a blank sheet of paper," he preaches, "and draw three perfectly vertical lines equidistant along the page." It is within this triumverate of linearization that the battle takes place; the opposing ideas on the periphery, and the result in the center.

It is the simple elegance of such a system that validates Madison's research; after all, two hunters will catch a fox more quickly by flanking the beast from opposite positions. Who will ultimately acquire possession is the crux of the debate. (See Pierson v. Post). However, Madison teaches that both would be better off by dividing the beast in two, and feasting upon the bloody entrails in a celebration of brotherness, in the great wisdom of Solomon.

In short, Madison has only benefitted mankind with his latest work, and we would all do well to thank him for it.

Rating:
Summary: Madison's Genius Knows No Bounds
Review: Truly a fascinating piece of work. It appears Mr. Madison is constrained only by the jealousies of others and the limited vision of his peers. This book changed my life. It will change yours too.