Real Estate Advisor
Showing 97–112 of 303 results
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Signs of tenant distress — and what to do about it
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 483
Abstract: The economy may be on the upswing, but many businesses are still struggling. That puts landlords at risk of tenants filing for bankruptcy, leaving them in the lurch for past and future rents due. This article discusses how to recognize hints of financial distress, which may help landlords minimize losses from tenant bankruptcies.
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Time for a 1031 exchange primer
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 688
Abstract: Just about anyone in the real estate business for even a short amount of time has heard of Section 1031 exchanges. These transactions allow you to sell property and then buy a different property — known as a “like-kind” replacement — as part of what the IRS calls a nonrecognition transaction. This article takes a deeper look at what real estate professionals need to know.
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Embracing the “sharing” economy – What this shift could mean for commercial real estate
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 573
Abstract: Over the past several years, Uber and Airbnb have become an accepted part of life in the new economy. The so-called “sharing” (or collaborative) economy optimizes the idle time of a variety of assets, including vehicles and real estate, to suit the needs of people who own such assets and those who are interested in access to them. This article looks at how this shift may affect the commercial real estate industry.
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Your records could make — or break — your tax deductions
May / June 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 860
Abstract: A recent decision by the U.S. Tax Court included both good and bad outcomes for a married couple’s real estate activities and some of their deductions. On both counts, though, the court’s ruling came down to their record keeping. This article highlights the importance of record keeping for all real estate transactions, and a sidebar discusses the possibility of penalties due to poor record keeping. Moon v. Comm’r, T.C. Summ. 2016-23, May 23, 2016 (Tax Ct.)
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Environmental due diligence can preempt costly liability
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 399
Abstract: Investors who buy property with environmental issues may be liable — even if they weren’t responsible for the presence of contaminants. To best protect themselves, investors should be sure to include environmental review as part of their due diligence. This article summarizes the process.
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Consider alternative financial metrics – NOI doesn’t tell the whole story
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 647
Abstract: Real estate professionals approach each transaction hoping to achieve the best possible deal. Often, the first metric they’ll assess is the property’s net operating income (NOI). But this won’t be enough for savvy investors. In most cases, investors need to dig deeper to find the property’s highest and best use. This article examines NOI, as well as two alternative financial metrics worth considering: net present value (NPV) and internal rate of return (IRR).
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What kind of insurance does the project need?
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 535
Abstract: Every business requires comprehensive insurance coverage to protect its assets and income. Property owners and developers need to consider more than just general liability, workers’ compensation and business interruption policies, though. This article provides a quick overview of what else may be available and needed.
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REIT this way – New landscape for real estate investment trusts (REITs)
March / April 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 843
Abstract: The PATH Act was signed into law in late 2015, so most investors have had time to review how it will affect their portfolios. This article offers a summary of several provisions that provide tax benefits for REITs. A sidebar looks at PATH Act changes to FIRPTA that could make REITs more appealing to foreign investors.
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Not so fast! Federal court denies real estate agent’s rental loss deduction
January / February 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 435
Abstract: The IRS generally considers rental real estate investments as passive activities, meaning taxpayers can use any related losses only to offset income from passive investments. The tax code does grant an exception for rental activity losses incurred by real estate professionals, but it’s not enough just to qualify as a real estate professional. This article reviews a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruling finding that real estate professionals must also prove that they materially participated in the rental property. Gragg v. Commissioner, Ninth Cir., No. 14-16053, August 4, 2016
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Performing preventive maintenance is key
January / February 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 635
Abstract: Owners need to know the condition of their residential and commercial properties. A comprehensive preventive maintenance program inventories all interior and exterior equipment “hotspots” and tracks when routine maintenance should happen. This article shows how to create a formal schedule and budget for fixed asset repair and maintenance, taking into account labor requirements and tax considerations.
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Gross-up provisions: Good news for both landlords and tenants
January / February 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 611
Abstract: In an uncertain economy, commercial landlords understandably look for ways to protect themselves from financial exposure. One approach is the inclusion of gross-up provisions in leases. This article explains that a properly drafted gross-up provision can help ensure that tenants pay their share for operating expenses when some units are vacant, while also protecting tenants from unexpected cost increases.
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Don’t lose your charitable tax deduction on use restrictions – It’s important to submit a qualified appraisal under IRS rules
January / February 2017
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 869
Abstract: When taxpayers contribute property to charitable institutions, they generally follow up by claiming a charitable deduction on their tax returns. But that deduction isn’t a given — the IRS has strict requirements. Many contributions, for example, require the donor to obtain, and possibly submit, a “qualified appraisal” of the donated property. Failure to do so can cost the deduction and possibly lead to steep penalties. This article summarizes a recent case and the law behind the charitable tax deduction. A sidebar discusses how a conservation easement can qualify for a deduction. Gemperle v. Commissioner, U.S. Tax Ct., No. 19599-12, January 4, 2016
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Are you ready for an emergency?
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 475
Abstract: Property managers have a lot on their minds, just dealing with the daily minutiae that never seem to let up. But they also have to think about the bigger challenges that lurk out there — natural disasters, terrorism and other emergencies, such as the loss of heat in the dead of winter, a gas leak or flooding. This article examines some steps to take to minimize the fallout for both the property manager and tenants.
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All in the family – Transferring FLP or FLLC interests with operating losses
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 676
Abstract: Some real estate investors hold properties in an FLP or FLLC. Many of these investors also likely transfer ownership interests to family members to “shift” income to family members in a lower tax bracket or to transfer wealth to the next generation. This article warns that shifting FLP or FLLC properties that are generating operating losses can cause tax-related pitfalls.
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Could the small taxpayer safe harbor work for you?
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 550
Abstract: One tax accounting issue for property owners has been the proper treatment of expenditures related to tangible property improvements. Should they expense the cost, which provides a current deduction, or capitalize it, recovering the cost over time through depreciation? This article explains the eligibility requirements and applicability of the small taxpayer safe harbor.
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Passive activity self-rental rule applies to S corporations
November / December 2016
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 824
Abstract: People who own both property and a business have an obvious temptation to lease that property to the business. But they need to be careful — they risk triggering the self-rental rule and catching the eye of the IRS. This article reviews the rule, summarizes one couple’s creative attempt to get around it by using an S corporation to lease their property to their business, and discusses the resulting court case. A sidebar explains how “grouping” may allow one to avoid the negative tax repercussions of the self-rental rule.