From the monthly archives:

November 2008

Interest rate limits on seller carry-back

November 21, 2008

Whenever structuring a carry-back, a seller may want to maximize the sale price while minimizing the interest rate for tax purposes. (Sales proceeds are treated as capital gains and interest income is treated as ordinary income.) But be aware that the IRS sets a floor on interest rates, regarding seller financing in real estate transactions. [...]

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As goes the economy, so goes HOA’s

November 17, 2008

There’s an emerging phenomenon among homeowner associations nationwide as distressed owners stop paying their mortgages: delinquent HOA dues. If you’re in the market for a common interest development—condo, townhouse, PUD, etc.—make sure you properly vet the finances of the HOA related to any property you’re considering. Nowadays, beyond the traditional CID concerns—any pending litigation? upcoming [...]

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The Twilight Tour

November 5, 2008

It’s nighttime. You’re commuting home from work. There’s an A-frame at the intersection. Perhaps an agent forgot to pick it up after the Sunday open house? There may a Twilight Tour going on. These special showings — quite prevalent in The City — are growing in popularity in the East Bay. Basically, they’re open houses [...]

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The measure of a home

November 5, 2008

People ask me about size all the time, at open houses, at buyer showings. The quick answer refers them to the MLS printout. The right answer is, “I don’t know.” Does the interior square footage include the garage? The closets? Most properties’ interior sizes specified on the MLS reflect whatever’s on county record…meaning, the listing agent looked [...]

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Property taxes – that time of the year

November 3, 2008

Don’t forget that the first installment of your property tax bill was due November 1st…and will be considered delinquent if received after December 10th. Click for a refresher on the property tax calendar.

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