These Seniors Need Our Help: Stand Up For Seniors

While this post is off topic, it is one that is very close to my heart. I served on the board of directors of the Senior Community Centers of San Diego for six (6) years.

We all take life for granted. We make plans, set goals, shoot for our dreams. But, what happens when your plans go astray, your goals don't pan out, your dreams collapse, and you're elderly and have no way to recover and make a come back?

The answer: Devastating! Watch the videos on this website (http://bit.ly/JWJpv) to learn more, and then please consider giving. It is truly a worth while organization serving a very, very real need. I would be happy to speak to any of you directly if you would like more information or a tour of any of the organziations' facilities.

Perhaps you would like to join me in serving seniors.

Seminar: Real Estate Ownership Should be Private and Protected

Concerned About Privacy?

• Keeping the owners name out of public record
• Avoiding costly litigation by keeping assets hidden
• Protecting real estate from liens and judgments
• Improving negotiations with anonymous ownership

This live seminar in Fresno, California will discuss the benefits and advantages of purchasing, managing and selling real estate through a a Title Holding Trust or Land Trust. The short one hour seminar will include the requirements, structures, processes, strategies, and compliance issues necessary to successfully establish and maintain a Title Holding Trust or Land Trust.

Who Should Attend?

Anyone interested in gaining a basic understanding of the benefits, advantages, processes and requirements for using Title Holding Trusts, including investors, developers, contractors, realtors – executives and managers exposed to litigation- politicians- celebrities, entertainment professionals – judges, law enforcement – stalking victims – buyers, negotiators

Registrations

Click here to register for this seminar.

Threat Of Eminent Domain or Condemnation

More Eminent Domain Threats
I am being retained by more and more clients that have been threatened with eminent domain or condemnation proceedings recently. It is an interesting trend considering the current economic landscape that we are working in, but it is also one that will probably continue to grow as more and more cities receive some portion of the economic stimulus funds that are available and need to acquire or take land in order to spend the money.

The purpose of this article is to cover three important issues here.

Never Panic
First, don't panic should you be confronted with a threat of eminent domain or condemnation or find yourself going through an actual eminent domain proceeding. The eminent domain process can be very overwhelming, but it often works out well for you as the property owner. I would be happy to walk you through what to expect.

Get Your Own Valuation
Second, don't roll over and merely accept the first offer that the city, state, Federal Government or other agency shows you. They will often try to low ball you. Get your own real estate appraisal or business valuation. You need to know what is fair so that you can protect yourself and negotiate for the best possible price.

Tax Deferred Exchange
You can structure a tax-deferred exchange pursuant to Section 1033 of the Internal Revenue Code ("1033 exchange") and defer the payment of your depreciation recapture taxes and capital gain taxes by acquiring another replacement property.

Consulting Services
We are one of the few consulting groups in the country that really understand the 1033 tax deferred like kind exchange transaction, including the special structures and how it differs from the 1031 tax deferred exchange transaction. Please feel free to call us for assistance.

IRS Releases Private Letter Ruling on Deferred Sales Trust (Then Rescinds It)

Private Letter Ruling Issued; Then Rescinded 

The Internal Revenue Service issued a Private Letter Ruling (PLR) regarding the Deferred Sales Trust in 2009, and then about 1.5 years later rescinded the same Private Letter Ruling.  

More Good Economic News: Pending Home Sales Up Again In March 2009

Pending Sales Up In March
Sales (pending) of previously owned homes increased in March 2009 for the second month and construction spending also increased slightly. The reports were the latest that support views that the Great Recession was near its end.

National Association of Realtors (NAR)
The NAR's Pending Home Sales Index for March 2009 increased 3.2% to 84.6 as first-time home buyers entered the market. The U.S. Commerce Department indicated that construction spending increased 0.3 percent in March 2009, which was the first increase in six months. The pending home sales report adds to the mounting evidence that sales of existing homes have reached a bottom.