Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1105–1120 of 1263 results
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The inside scoop on the manufacturers’ deduction
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 492
Abstract: Many contractors have been taking advantage of a useful break with a somewhat misleading name: the manufacturers’ deduction, which provides a tax break for many businesses besides manufacturers — including contractors. Certain kinds of construction activities qualify for the deduction, which will be increasing in 2010.
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Employee benefits – Self-funded health insurance may be a healthy option
September / October 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1009
Abstract: Because of rapidly rising health insurance premiums and shrinking budgets, some contractors are choosing to forgo offering health care benefits to their employees as a way to save money in a down economy. But a number of alternatives can reduce their financial burden while still giving their employees access to the health care services they need. One such route is the self-funded health insurance plan. This article discusses how it differs from commercial insurance, the risks and rewards, and the obligations involved. A sidebar discusses what to look for when choosing a third-party administrator for a plan.
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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).
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The tax man cometh, bearing gifts – 2009 may be your year for tax breaks
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 776
Abstract: In the midst of all the bailout bills, budget proposals and credit crunch measures of the past year, some of the old standbys have gotten a facelift which can greatly benefit real estate professionals. This article covers updates to laws regarding leasehold and restaurant depreciation, the Section 179 expensing election, the 50% first-year bonus depreciation allowance, net operating loss carrybacks and energy-related tax breaks.
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The Contractor’s Corner – Should we hire a CFO?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 437
Abstract: A CFO may be a great addition to many construction companies for a variety of reasons. But taking on an employee of this stature is a big decision that warrants some careful consideration. You need to ask: Can your company can fit a CFO into its staff and be prepared to follow through on the initiatives he or she will be responsible for developing? What should the job description say, and how should the search be conducted? This may not be the ideal economic climate to add a major position to your payroll. But having a CFO can allow you to let someone else worry about — and improve — your financials, while you focus on winning and completing projects.
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Go ahead, sweat the little stuff – 3 things you shouldn’t ignore in today’s tough economy
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 694
Abstract: According to the oft-cited self-improvement cliché, we shouldn’t sweat the little stuff in life. But, in the construction business, there’s a lot of seemingly little stuff that you shouldn’t ignore. And, during a recession, it becomes even more important. There are three things, in particular, you shouldn’t overlook while you’re fighting to keep your company competitive in today’s tough economy: indirect costs, receivables and payables, and change orders. This article offers some ideas on how to improve them.
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Futurescope: Construction Business Trends – BIM continues to win hearts, minds and disk space
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 424
Abstract: The popularity of building information modeling (BIM) has been growing for some time. BIM is the digitization of the entire construction planning process. A BIM system generates computerized models of the structure to be built that you can view from any angle and at multiple levels of depth. Two of the most prominent benefits are cost cutting and improved procurement. There are other benefits — and challenges. But the use of BIM is growing.
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Midyear tax planning – Putting extended, expanded breaks to work for your construction company
Summer 2009
Newsletter: On-Site
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 969
Abstract: As expected, a new administration and Congress and a bad economy have led to significant tax law changes in 2009. Some extended and expanded breaks could help contractors reduce their tax bills this year; others may provide a much-needed infusion of cash. To maximize your benefit from many of the breaks, you must act soon to start putting them to work for your construction company. This article discusses depreciation-related breaks, the net operating loss deduction, and the Work Opportunity credit. A sidebar discusses infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline due to the recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
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Construction Law Quickcase – Roofers Edge v. Standard Building – Existential defense costs general contractor dearly
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 275
Abstract: As lines of credit tighten, parties who find themselves unable to fulfill their payment responsibilities may turn to desperate, sometimes even bizarre, measures to escape their obligations. One company that tried to deny that it had even contracted with the plaintiff ended up paying more than twice what the work would have cost in the first place.
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Failure to negotiate dooms damage limitation clause
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 502
Abstract: In boilerplate professional service contracts, architects and engineers insert clauses limiting their liability for professional errors and omissions to the amount of their fees under the contract. But the ability to enforce these provisions when a professional error or omission causes losses substantially exceeding that professional fee varies from state to state. A recent California case, Greenwood v. Murphy, illustrates one sticking point regarding this matter — a failure to negotiate.
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Fill in the blank: The dangers of preprinted legal docs
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 478
Abstract: Reliance on preprinted legal forms without consulting a knowledgeable construction lawyer can prove costly, as illustrated by the recent Kansas case Buchanan v. Overley.
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Prove it or lose it – Surety required to substantiate bond losses
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 653
Abstract: When the owners of a failed contracting business have financial means other than the assets of the contractor, bonding companies may pursue collection. Such was the case in Centennial Insurance v. Horizon Contracting. The lesson: It’s important for all parties involved in construction projects to maintain organized files of documents such as invoices and canceled checks.
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There must be a gang – Civil RICO convictions are no slam dunk
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 965
Abstract: Many construction fraud victims are tempted to bring claims under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which can offer triple damages. But courts are indicating that those who pursue such a claim must meet certain criteria. The case of Wickes Furniture v. Carpman illustrates one decisive factor in particular: whether an organized gang is involved in the crime.