Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1025–1040 of 1263 results
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How would you handle a crisis? – Don’t wait until one happens to find out
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 651
Abstract: Catastrophic events can happen at any time — but their consequences can be reduced if a construction company has a formal disaster management plan already in place. It starts with identifying every crisis that could challenge the business and then creating a suitable response to each. This article shows how to assemble a crisis management team, and how to be ready to address the emotional needs of employees affected by the crisis.
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Health care reform – Understanding what it means for your construction company
Summer 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 927
Abstract: With its complex provisions and multiple effective dates, the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has created a lot of confusion among employers — including construction company owners. This article answers some common questions about the new law, such as whether health insurance must be provided to employees, how companies can determine the number of full-time-equivalent employees they have and how this affects their legal obligations, and action steps to take. A sidebar discusses a tax credit that’s available for small businesses.
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Ask the Advisor – How can I hold on to overleveraged properties until the market picks up?
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 429
Abstract: Many owners and investors are juggling unprofitable projects and properties that are saddled with debt that exceeds their value. They may want to hold on to the real estate because of its potential long-term value but find that refinancing isn’t a realistic option. Other options, however, are available. These include restructuring debt, raising capital and partnering with one’s lender. In some instances, immediate foreclosure and bankruptcy might be the best option.
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Use a cost segregation study to accelerate deductions
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 686
Abstract: For those who have recently purchased or built a new building, or even substantially remodeled an existing building that they own, faster write-offs are only a cost segregation study away. A cost segregation study identifies property components and their cost, allowing owners to maximize their current depreciation deductions by using the shorter lives and faster depreciation rates available for the qualifying parts of the property. But the overall benefit may be limited in certain circumstances. This article explores some of the details, while a sidebar addresses the concern some have as to whether a cost segregation study might trigger an audit.
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Key strategies to maintain — or grow — property values
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 726
Abstract: Commercial real estate has been hit hard by the recession, and many owners have struggled with falling property values. But some simple property management strategies can help maintain or even increase the value of properties. For example, commercial properties are often ripe with expenses that could easily be reduced with a little vigilance. There are also ways to improve vacancy management and tenant retention.
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The feds step in – CRE loan workout guidance
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 770
Abstract: With the ongoing credit crisis, even borrowers that remain creditworthy have been challenged by the reluctance of some lenders to pursue workouts for commercial real estate (CRE) loans. Federal bank regulatory agencies have responded by releasing a guidance statement which encourages “prudent” workouts. It calls for a workout plan that scrutinizes current financial information on the borrower, and lists a number of factors an examiner should consider when assessing a borrower’s repayment ability. The statement also places on lenders the responsibility for reviewing current collateral values. A sidebar to this article discusses factors that examiners should consider when valuing income-producing properties.
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Construction Success Story – Contractor reaches for his slice of Recovery Act pie
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 436
Abstract: A soft economy, as well as the prospect of snagging a piece of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) pie, prompted a small midwestern contractor with little experience in government jobs to consider expanding into the public sector. While the lure of ARRA dollars was strong, he met with his financial advisor to determine whether an investment in government bidding could yield an appropriate return. Together, they developed a targeted approach.
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More and more contractors turn to lead services
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 444
Abstract: In this tough economy, more and more contractors are turning to lead services to get the jump on competitors. There are three primary choices: a subscription-based service, a pay-per-lead service, or a database service. The first two are more economical. Yet those who are serious about using a lead service, and can afford to do so, might want to take a calculated risk and sign up for a database in order to quickly achieve more precise results. But due diligence is important.
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Don’t wait to get paid – How to build a good collection process from the ground up
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 693
Abstract: Building a good collection process begins with developing a realistic payment plan and then including it in the job contract. Contractors must employ prompt and frequent follow-up to avoid giving the impression their bills can be given lower priority. This is not just an issue for accounts receivable staff; collections should be a companywide concern. As a last resort, it may be necessary to resort to a collection agency. But this might mean burning a bridge one may need to cross in the future, so the pros and cons of this harsh measure must be weighed carefully.
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Keeping your wheels on the road – Key aspects of fleet management
May / June 2010
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 949
Abstract: There’s no doubt that fleet management requires an investment of time and finances. But the long-term savings, decreased equipment downtime and better efficiency gleaned from the effort can be significant. One must begin by comparing savings and tax considerations in regard to buying equipment vs. renting it. Maintenance and antitheft issues must then be addressed. A contractor might also need to hire a dedicated fleet manager or outsource the duties to a fleet management company. A sidebar to this article shows how to prepare for the next tier of Environmental Protection Agency engine emissions regulations.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Stimulus act boosts ceiling for SBA surety bonds
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 459
Abstract: When contractors go out in search of bonding, the federal government probably doesn’t immediately leap to mind. But the Small Business Administration (SBA) is an option, and they have some pretty good offerings. The stimulus act has increased the maximum amount of bonding it can offer. And the agency recently established a new electronic bond application process that greatly speeds up applicants’ ability to obtain bonding. All application forms are available online and can be transmitted, expedited and approved electronically.
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Are you ready to upgrade your financial management software?
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 723
Abstract: Investing in top-of-the-line financial management software can lead to fewer mistakes in estimating, bidding, project management and job-cost accounting. But the dizzying array of applications makes this a difficult buying decision. What type of system and functionality is appropriate? What about compatibility issues? And what should one look for in a vendor? Have they been around for a long time? What do existing customers have to say about their tech support? And, once the decision is made, there are implementation issues to consider, such as designating the right project manager and offering adequate training and support.
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4 ways to better manage materials expenses
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 434
Abstract: Persistent overseas demand coupled with a rocky and slow-to-recover economy has turned many, if not most, materials purchases into key business decisions. But there are four ways to better manage materials expenses. Contractors should renegotiate with vendors; reuse and recycle; learn about and promote value engineering; and consider stockpiling materials.
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Manufacture some tax savings this year – Section 199 deduction rises to new heights
Spring 2010
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 905
Abstract: There are a number of tax breaks contractors might want to consider in 2010. One is the Section 199 deduction, also known as the qualified domestic production activities deduction and the manufacturers’ deduction. Contractors who are regularly involved with construction or major renovation of real property, such as residential and commercial buildings, can qualify for this deduction, which has increased this year. Contractors without taxable income won’t qualify, but they may be able to take advantage of the net operating loss (NOL) deduction. As a sidebar explains, this has been expanded.
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Contractor’s Toolbox – Debt relief also brings tax implications
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 432
Abstract: As the economy continues to struggle, many contractors are asking their lenders for debt relief. Often, restructuring debt is in the best interest of both borrower and lender. But contractors who are discussing workout options with their lender should be sure to consider the tax implications. Even if their property has declined in value, a foreclosure or debt workout can result in taxable cancellation-of-debt (COD) income for recourse loans, or capital gains for nonrecourse loans. There are ways to avoid or defer COD income, but the rules are complex.
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Putting the WOTC to work for you
Spring 2010
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 814
Abstract: One financial tool that contractors often overlook is the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) — a tax break available to companies that hire workers from certain disadvantaged groups. The WOTC has been around for years, but last year’s stimulus legislation expanded the list of targeted groups to include “unemployed veterans” and “disconnected youth.” This article looks at details of the credit and how to apply, while a sidebar discusses the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act of 2010, a tax break for hiring and retaining workers.