Real Estate Advisor
Showing 273–288 of 303 results
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Ask the Advisor – What cost-effective steps can I take to turn my rental homes “green”?
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 428
Abstract: Remodeling an older rental home to make it “green” is a wise alternative to building a new property. Because of the tremendous savings in lumber, that choice alone is one of the greenest ones a landlord can make. But this article looks at other ways to green up an otherwise energy-inefficient house, thereby not only saving energy costs, but taxes as well.
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Help ensure a successful future for your firm with a succession plan
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 600
Abstract: All too often business owners get so bogged down in the daily grind of running their companies that they fail to adequately plan for their futures. A well-thought-out succession plan will help an owner pass on responsibility for running the company to a successor. If children are involved in the business or there’s another logical successor, it’s important to start grooming that person as early as possible. If selling to family members isn’t feasible, other options include selling the firm to employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), setting up a management buyout, or selling to an outside buyer. But it will be important to upgrade business processes before finding potential buyers and marketing the business to them.
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Not quite a “gift” – The tax 411 on COD
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 901
Abstract: As the fallout from the financial tremors of 2008 continues, many real estate owners are engaging in transactions involving the cancellation of debt (COD). Although COD can be complicated enough with only the borrower and lender involved, Uncle Sam’s demands for a take can make things even more taxing. Cancellation or forgiveness of debt results in ordinary taxable income to the debtor. This article takes a look at COD transactions, which can result from foreclosures, cash settlements, loan workouts, related-party acquisitions of debt or debt-for-equity swaps. A sidebar discusses exceptions to the immediate recognition of COD income by real estate investors and other debtors.
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Beyond the NOI-based appraisal – Sophisticated valuation methods can lead to smarter investments
January / February 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: One of the simplest and most common methods of establishing real estate value involves taking one year’s net operating income (NOI) and dividing it by an appropriate capitalization rate to determine the sales price or property value. But questions regarding the accuracy of NOI numbers can make this a less than reliable method of valuation. Buyers need to independently verify seller numbers and to analyze values generated by more sophisticated analytical tools, such as the net present value (NPV) method or the internal rate of return (IRR) method.
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Ask the Advisor – Given the current economy, is it wise to accept Sec. 8 tenants?
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 409
Abstract: With the economic recovery still in slow motion, an increasing number of landlords may be tempted to accept Section 8 tenants. These tenants provide a dependable cash flow source, and can be better than average low-income tenants. But there are drawbacks, as well. Getting started as a Sec. 8 landlord is easy. The hard part — and one which likely deserves the most thought — is deciding whether Sec. 8 is right for a particular situation.
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A complex but worthy endeavor – Donating real estate through a CRT
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 529
Abstract: Many investors are looking at donating real estate to charities as a way to lower their tax bills while, at the same time, helping to build up a charity’s coffers. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is one giving strategy that can benefit both the donor and the charity. But it will be important to distinguish between an annuity trust and a unitrust, and to determine if the charity is willing to accept the gift if it’s accompanied by particular legal responsibilities.
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Adversaries no longer – Win-win agreements between developers and environmentalists increasing
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 520
Abstract: Frustrated by legal costs and government inaction, developers and environmentalists are turning to creative compromise as the best strategy for achieving their goals. Some agreements allow residential developments, oil drilling or new power plants in exchange for preserving some undeveloped land, imposing stricter environmental practices than required by law or investing in alternative energy. Three examples are offered.
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5 misconceptions surrounding Sec. 1031 exchanges
November / December 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1041
Abstract: Section 1031 exchanges have become an important tax strategy for real estate investors. These transactions allow investors to exchange properties of a “like kind” and defer any gains on the relinquished properties until they sell the replacement properties. But, despite their popularity, a number of misconceptions remain regarding how they can be structured. This article looks at five misconceptions that cause people to believe that Sec. 1031 exchanges are more restrictive than they actually are. However, as a sidebar explains, excluding gain on a principal residence acquired through a Sec. 1031 exchange is a bit trickier now, thanks to the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008.
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Ask the Advisor – How can I know if a foreclosed property is a good investment?
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: Although the sheer number of foreclosures has tempted many people to become foreclosure investors, it’s not as easy to make a buck in this market as it may seem. Investors should be prepared to dole out plenty of cash to improve property and remove liens; to know where to look for deals; to scrutinize tenant data to determine a commercial property’s revenue-generating potential; and to perform due diligence for both the specific property and the area.
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The ins and outs of green leases
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 419
Abstract: As the green building movement continues to take center stage, so do green leases. Through a green lease, landlords and tenants are “bound” to help ensure that high-performance buildings meet and exceed their intended “green” goals. Although specifications vary, a number of characteristics are emerging as likely components in green leases, such as alignment with a third party certification standard such as LEED, BRREAM, Energy Star or Green Globes. But developers who jump through all the LEED or other building certification hoops likely won’t want that certification jeopardized by noncompliant leasehold improvements — so rules defining sustainable product requirements and construction practices should be clearly specified in a tenant construction agreement.
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2 smart property management strategies for today’s economy
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 669
Abstract: As the weak economy continues, real estate investors are taking a hard look at ways to maximize the profitability of property management. While some developers delve into management themselves, others are focusing their search on streamlined processes and cost-cutting measures. Fortunately, smart strategies exist that can help to achieve these goals. Two of the best: finding a good property manager and using Web-based property management software.
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What you should know about forms of joint ownership
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 873
Abstract: What’s the best way to hold a real estate title? The wrong ownership form can increase legal liability, enlarge your tax burden, and subject an estate to probate. In contrast, choosing the right ownership form can reduce red tape while improving a property’s profitability. This article discusses the different options and who might benefit the most in each case. A sidebar looks at living trusts as a means of holding titles to personal residences and other major assets.
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Ask the Advisor – What are short sales, and why are they so popular?
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 517
Abstract: Short sales are a form of preforeclosure where a home sells for less than the mortgage amount. A homeowner facing foreclosure may benefit from a short sale because it reflects more favorably on the owner’s credit report than does a foreclosure. When the numbers are right, banks also benefit from short sales, because they avoid the hassle and expense of foreclosure. A real estate investor purchasing through a short sale wins too, because it’s getting a home at a discounted price. But getting one isn’t a given; there are requirements that must be met, and steps that investors should take to improve their success in negotiations.
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LLC or LP: Finding the best fit
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 775
Abstract: Limited liability companies (LLCs) and limited partnerships (LPs) are popular business entities for real estate investors today. By providing both tax and nontax benefits, they achieve many investor goals. But choosing the best entity for holding a real estate investment will be influenced by a number of details. The pros and cons of each entity are discussed.
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How to thrive in a tenants’ market
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 672
Abstract: As the deteriorating economy continues to impact the real estate market, landlords are taking a hit. Despite the significant drift toward a tenants’ market, the opportunity for deal-making still exists in tenant negotiations. Three specific suggestions are described, while a sidebar offers seven signs that a tenant is in trouble.
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The perfect windstorm
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: The rising costs of energy, the falling price of wind turbines and the lure of federal and state tax credits are all converging into a perfect windstorm that may inspire more building owners to make wind power part of their energy mix. This short article discusses financial incentives, including tax benefits that are available as a result of the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (EESA) and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).