Construction & Real Estate
Showing 1121–1136 of 1263 results
-
Construction Success Story – Contractor learns the ins of out-of-state projects
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 364
Abstract: A contractor who had established a successful commercial electrical systems installation and repair business in his home state was considering bidding on jobs in neighboring states. At face value, it seemed like a great way to increase revenue and ultimately expand his business. Before venturing too far afield, however, the contractor ran the idea by his financial advisor, who explained that each state has its own laws and requirements for taxes, workers’ compensation, licenses, insurance and bonding.
-
Employment update – E-Verify system now required for federal projects
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 673
Abstract: E-Verify, the free, Internet-based system that matches an employee’s Social Security number to his or her I-9, has become a requirement for the growing number of contractors taking on federal projects. This article describes who is required to sign on, how to do so, and the pros and cons of the system. A sidebar discusses new I-9 guidelines.
-
3 tips on improving communication (and keeping your sanity)
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 527
Abstract: Today, it may seem as if you have too little communication — or too much. Here are three ways to help you be sure that communication enhances your business instead of crippling it.
-
Turning bad news into good with an NOL deduction
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 521
Abstract: No one likes losses, but a net operating loss (NOL) may help your construction company because you can use it to offset past tax payments through carryback provisions or reduce future tax liabilities through carryforward provisions. Historically, a company could carry back an NOL two years and forward 20 years. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), however, increased the carryback period to five years for many 2008 NOLs. This article can help you determine if you qualify and whether you should carry a loss backward or forward.
-
Have assets you need to buy? Give these depreciation-related tax breaks a try
July / August 2009
Newsletter: Contractor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 948
Abstract: Times are tight. If you need to buy assets but are understandably concerned about keeping expenses down, provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) could help ease this tough decision. ARRA has extended both the 50% depreciation bonus and the Section 179 expensing deduction, which are especially advantageous when used together. A sidebar discusses the benefits of timekeeping software.
-
FAR-reaching rules for government contractors
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 336
Abstract: Contractors performing work for the federal government must become familiar with the recently revised Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). They are now required to disclose certain overpayments and legal violations. And those who are involved with larger projects must implement rigorous business ethics programs and internal control systems. This short article looks at some of the details.
-
Contractor’s Toolbox – Don’t wait! Time’s running out on certain tax breaks
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 591
Abstract: In the wake of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), contractors stand to benefit from not only spending initiatives for infrastructure and other construction projects, but also several tax incentives. These include a temporary extension of the 50% bonus depreciation and the enhanced Section 179 expensing election. Contractors planning any asset expenditures should take an immediate look at these incentives, but also keep in mind the bonding and banking effect of any major asset acquisition, so that liquidity and leverage ratios don’t suffer.
-
What’s so captivating about captive insurance?
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 720
Abstract: Captive insurance is a type of self-insurance that can help all types of businesses reduce costs. But is it right for every construction company? Maybe, maybe not. It can depend on the size of a company, the kinds of insurance covered, the location of a captive and the tax consequences of that location. But, if the conditions are right, there are specific benefits that a captive can offer a construction firm.
-
Know your financial pulse: It could save your company’s life
Summer 2009
Newsletter: Construction Industry Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 934
Abstract: Just as a wise patient undergoes regular medical checkups, a construction company should have regular financial checkups. Doing so will help it stay in compliance with loan covenants and maintain its bonding capacity. There are numerous ratios and other metrics that can be used, but it’s important for a contractor to select a manageable number of indicators that makes sense for the company and measure its performance in various areas. Four especially important kinds of ratios involve profitability, liquidity, leverage and efficiency; this article gives examples of each kind. A sidebar discusses the importance of negotiating loan covenants with lenders in this constricted lending environment.
-
Ask the Advisor – How can I develop an accurate cash flow projection?
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 493
Abstract: Realistic cash flow projections are crucial to wise investment decisions and intelligent property management. Savvy real estate investors run cash flow projections on every property they intend to buy, to help determine the before-tax viability of an investment. This article discusses how, with a little research and some simple calculations, you can develop a cash flow projection on your next purchase. A helpful sidebar shows how to calculate cash flow before taxes.
-
The due diligence payoff
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 769
Abstract: Performing due diligence ranks right up there as one of the most potentially boring — but important — tasks for real estate investors. Crossing your T’s and dotting your I’s could save you a lot of money, as well as entanglement in less than desirable investment properties. But what should you be looking for when you do your due diligence? This article offers some clues.
-
5 mistakes commercial real estate investors make
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 595
Abstract: Investors face an uphill battle today, when achieving profitability poses more of a challenge than in years past. You can enhance your probability of a healthy bottom line, however, by avoiding five common mistakes. This article describes how 1) inadequate market research, 2) inaccurate financial projections, 3) financial overextension, 4) lack of planning, and 5) ignoring financial indicators can impede profitability.
-
Asset-protection planning – Holding on to what’s yours
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Real Estate Advisor
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 1247
Abstract: Given today’s economic uncertainties and litigious society, asset-protection planning has become more important than ever for real estate investors and developers. Fortunately, there’s much you can do to stave off disaster before it plunders what you’ve worked so hard to build. This article discusses four such strategies: having adequate insurance, using ERISA provisions to keep creditors from your retirement accounts, spreading the risk by dividing the business into separate entities, and using trusts. A sidebar on “planning” for divorce offers another way to protect your assets.
-
CLB Quickcase – St. Joseph’s Condominium Assn. v. Pacific Insurance – Condo water damage may give contractors a sinking feeling
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 321
Abstract: This brief article covers a recent Louisiana case that could mean bad news for contractors looking to avoid being named in water penetration litigation.
-
Surveyor says: You get back only what you paid
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 525
Abstract: A surveyor’s job is typically completed very early in a project’s existence — so much so that these firms are often an afterthought in the construction process. This article looks at a case that demonstrates that a surveyor’s contract can be just as binding as that of any other party to a job.
-
Bundled military contracts threaten to squeeze out small builders
May / June 2009
Newsletter: Construction Law Briefing
Price: $225.00, Subscriber Price: $157.50
Word count: 528
Abstract: Few relationships depict the David vs. Goliath concept better than that between small builders and the U.S. military. Although David has had his share of victories on the often tumultuous jobs offered up by the Army, Navy and others, an ominous plot twist regarding the use of bundled contracts arose in one recent case.