The ownership of real property in California by more than one person can be one of the most complex situations that investors can get involved with. Nearly ten years ago, I prepared a special report that described various approaches for co-owners to employ to reduce the risks of holding title to commercial real estate. That guide discussed several options available to … [Read more...] about Current challenges when highly appreciated California commercial real estate is owned by two or more people
real estate purchases
Federal government expands high-priced residential real estate reporting obligations aimed at combatting money laundering
As property values keep rising in the San Francisco Bay Area and Silicon Valley at unprecedented rates , we continue to see how this phenomenon affects our area in a variety of different ways. I have written in my blog on a number of prior occasions regarding both the positive and negative impacts that these high real estate costs are having upon our community. It would now … [Read more...] about Federal government expands high-priced residential real estate reporting obligations aimed at combatting money laundering
Reducing income taxes: considering a 1031 tax-deferred exchange
Reducing income taxes One of the thorniest challenges facing holders of commercial real property, both in California and elsewhere, is reducing the income taxes incurred when disposing of highly-appreciated assets. Commercial real estate owners have responded to this challenge by taking advantage of the Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange—in which property … [Read more...] about Reducing income taxes: considering a 1031 tax-deferred exchange
California commercial brokers now subject to stricter dual agency requirements
Effective January 1, 2015, commercial real estate brokers and salespersons in California will be required to comply with stringent agency disclosure requirements, formerly applicable only to residential real estate brokers, which mandate expressly setting forth their agency role in a transaction (i.e., as the agent for a buyer, seller, tenant, or landlord, or as a dual agent on … [Read more...] about California commercial brokers now subject to stricter dual agency requirements
Withholding tax planning for foreign purchasers of U.S. real estate
Foreign purchasers have been—and continue to be—major investors in our local real estate markets. During the 12 months ending in March 2013, foreign buyers committed more than $68 billion to U.S. residential real estate. Particularly in California and Florida, a significant proportion of purchasers of residential real estate hail from abroad. Unfortunately, some of these … [Read more...] about Withholding tax planning for foreign purchasers of U.S. real estate