I have been working on my client's behalf with a national tenant regarding approximately ten percent of his strip retail shopping center. This is a vacant space, the discussions have been going on for months, back and forth. With landlord rent concessions, I am not...
Firm News
Tic Tac Dough
Other writings discussed the value of a 1031 Exchange. Of course, you must identify and close on a suitable replacement property within 45 and 180 days, respectively, of the initial closing. One possible alternative to finding a suitable replacement property is to...
Rent Awhile or Purchase Right Away
If you are moving to a new area, what would you do? I recommend that you take the time to find the best location for you, so consider renting and give yourself time to explore your location before you make that purchase. I have a client who rushed to buy a home, put...
Not a Good Deed
A client recently came to our office with a problem arising from a prior deed. The couple owned the real estate but decided to add their daughter and her husband after they acquired the home, to avoid probate upon their death. The significant problem is that the...
Triple Threat Lease
Have you ever heard the term "triple net lease"? This is a lease where the tenant not only pays rents, but is also responsible for paying property taxes, property insurance, and typically maintenance expenses related to plumbing, air conditioning, windows, and...
Are Pools Cool?
Studies show that the seller likely realizes only fifty percent (50%) of the cost of a new pool when the home sells. Couple that negative return with thousands of annual dollars for maintenance and utilities, then the financial rewards likely do not justify the...
Good Information Available
Go onto your computer and type in the website for your county's property appraiser. So much good information is readily available at no cost to you. Property size, number of rooms, prior deeds, square footage, tax exemptions, boundary and aerial maps, comparable...
Quick Closing or Best Price?
If you need to sell your home quickly, then you need to initially price the home aggressively, and look to further reduce the price as needed. However, if you are patient and not in a hurry, set a higher price and keep with it. You only need to fine one buyer who...
Interest Rate or Amortization Period
If your goal is to lower your monthly payment, then look for as long an amortization period as possible. The longer the amortization period, the higher the interest rate. You will pay more in interest over the life of the loan as well. However, the monthly payments...
Don’t Let the Balloon Blow Up!
If you have a balloon mortgage, or a variable rate mortgage set to reprice at a higher rate, what should you do? At least six months in advance, you should reach out to the current lender and start negotiating new terms. Consider other lenders as well, but don't wait...

