Benefits of 1031-Tax Deferred Exchanges - 04/30/12 04:59 PM
The sale of a business (or other investment asset) whether it is real estate or capital equipment creates a large tax liability. A properly structured Tax Deferred Exchange under Internal Revenue Code §1031 allows businesses and individuals to defer capital gains as long as new assets are purchased to replace the existing assets (upleg) within specified guidelines.
What are the benefits to you, the Investor, of an Exchange as opposed to selling your property and "cashing out"?
Leverage: Exchanging from a high equity position or "free and clear" property into a much larger property with some financing in order to increase the return on your investment.
Diversification: Exchanging into other geographical … (3 comments)

CHANGES TO HARP-2012 - 04/24/12 02:51 PM
Changes to HARP 2012
The home affordable refinance program was reinstated to continue through  12/31/2013. Along with that statement came relaxed eligibility guidelines in order to make the program more accesible to those who need it most.
Billed as HARP 2.0 the most significant change to the guidelines is the elimination of the 125% loan-to-value (LTV) cap allowing more underwater borrowers to refinance into lower rate loans. Other key changes include relaxed credit score and income requirements and relaxed occupancy requirements allowing borrowers to refinance their second home or investment property.
The government is also making efforts to speed up the approval process by eliminating … (5 comments)

Thanks Mom----For Teaching Me Survival Skills - 04/18/12 09:11 AM


Have you ever wondered why some people struggle with some issues that seem so basically easy to deal with? Or they just can't seem to get their "act in gear", be they teenagers or mid-lifers? Some folks get stuck in life and don't know how to dig their way out.

In the past few months it seemed like everything had gone awry. Business was slow, I recently twisted my knee, a close friend was having health problems, and I have been traveling alot since my daughter's wedding is planned for this summer. Shopping, cleaning and work all had … (3 comments)

"How Terribly Strange To Be 70..." - 04/11/12 09:25 AM
 
 Do you remember these lyrics from Simon and Garfunkel's song "Old Friends"?
Of course 70 is the new 50 (or so they say) and I am amazed that we thought 70 was ancient way back "in the day". Many of us over 50 have parents and/or relatives well into their 80's and up, leading productive lives, driving, and living independently.


But one problem I have seen is how the new technology affects our seniors. Now many are very savvy technologically, when they are sitting at a computer but what about out and about? (Virtually everything in So Cal … (5 comments)

STUFF--Less Is More - 04/09/12 12:30 PM
We all have it! Most of us have too much of it.
How does this relate to real estate?
The other day I was at a client's house. It was a lovely, large sprawling home with unique windows and moldings. The problem was: there was "stuff" everywhere! I don't mean laundry or dirty dishes or toys, but artwork and knick-knacks and statues from India and trays from Africa and wall hangings from China and prisms from Peru.
Have you watched that Real Estate program where the Seller's house is critiqued by an agent with design experience and an eye for style? … (9 comments)