On February 9, 1996 I was fired for personal reasons from an executive position with a large sales organization within the multifamily industry. For some, this day would be considered the day a large door was slammed shut. Instead, I will always remember this date as the day 1000 windows were opened! On this day…
DetailsThere are many different scenarios that can happen during tenancy. Here are a few with tips on how you may want to consider handling them. Making Exceptions If you need to make an exception when implementing the rules, make sure you document exceptions carefully. For example, if you decide not to charge a late fee…
DetailsOn December 17, 2010, the President signed into law the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Act), revising the income, estate, generation-skipping transfer (GST) and gift taxes for 2010, 2011 and 2012. For 2010, the Act retroactively imposed an estate tax at a 35% rate with a $5 million exemption…
DetailsNo matter what anybody tells you, you cannot deduct personal, living or family expenses as business expenses. The IRS is committed to keeping your business expenses separate, despite a rise in fraudulent home-based business tax schemes. The IRS noted that the following examples are not considered ordinary and necessary expenses to run a business:
The cost to insure apartments rose slightly in 2011, the first time in four years, according to the National Multi Housing Council’s annual Apartment Cost of Risk Survey (ACORS). The survey, which is based on data covering 750,000 units operated by 57 apartment firms, shows the average (nonweighted) total cost of risk (TCR) rising 1%…
DetailsDear AOA: I had missed a few issues of the monthly magazine after moving to Arizona. This may have been due to our unsecured street mail box. When I realized that I had not been getting the magazine, I called AOA and spoke to Shelly. I explained what had happened and also provided her with…
DetailsBelow is an open letter sent to Mayor Villaraigosa. Dear Mayor Villaraigosa: Approximately six years ago, the L.A. City Council arranged for the Economic Round Table Group to investigate the feasibility of continuing with rent control within the City. The Council allocated $1,000,000 for the report. The report was issued and apparently, Mercedes Marquez failed…
DetailsAs we begin 2012, all real estate investors need to pay very close attention to the ever changing tax landscape. Particular attention needs to be paid to the significant tax increases slated to occur in 2013. Investors considering whether or not to sell and pay their taxes, or sell and 1031 exchange, must consider the…
DetailsThe National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires that all fire protection systems be inspected, tested and maintained periodically in order to ensure a reasonable degree of protection of life and property from fire. It is your responsibility to perform all other periodical inspections and testing of the fire sprinkler system. An “Annual Test” will provide…
DetailsNew government data in January 2012 showed that America is more and more becoming a nation of renters. The Commerce Department reported that just 66% of U.S.homes was occupied by their owners in the fourth quarter of 2011. That’s the lowest level of home ownership since 1998. So, is the American Dream of owning a…
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