Check out this link to see what real estate mogul Tom Barrack thinks about the market.
http://money.cnn.com/2005/10/21/news/newsmakers/barrack/index.htm
As always this blog is strictly a discussion forum for issues I see in my daily practice. It is not intended to be used as investment, tax, or legal advice. Consult your tax professional or financial advisor before making important decisions.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Saturday, October 15, 2005
Thoughts On Lowering My Tax Bill
This blog is not intended to provide any TAX, LEGAL, or FINANCIAL ADVICE. It is a discussion forum I use to discuss issues I see in my daily practice. If you want tax advice consult your tax professional.
Are you expecting a hefty tax bill this year? You would think that making more money is a good thing but of course you have to make sure you pay the IRS their fair share. Here are some ideas to consider with your tax professional.
1) Pay deductible expenses due early next year before year's end. For example, estimated state tax payments that are due usually by Jan 15 can be paid by Dec. 31 and claimed this year as a deduction.
2) Pay real estate taxes early - if i pay my real estate tax bill that is usually due in February by December 31 of this year, I can deduct this year.
3) Paying my January 1, 2006 mortgage payment by December 31 gives me the ability to deduct corresponding interest this year.
4) If you own your own business you could also think about acquiring an asset you've been thinking about getting before year's end (new laptop, do you need to make any repairs, etc.).
Again, eveyrone's situation is different so consult your tax professional so you can pick his/her brain on these subjects.
Are you expecting a hefty tax bill this year? You would think that making more money is a good thing but of course you have to make sure you pay the IRS their fair share. Here are some ideas to consider with your tax professional.
1) Pay deductible expenses due early next year before year's end. For example, estimated state tax payments that are due usually by Jan 15 can be paid by Dec. 31 and claimed this year as a deduction.
2) Pay real estate taxes early - if i pay my real estate tax bill that is usually due in February by December 31 of this year, I can deduct this year.
3) Paying my January 1, 2006 mortgage payment by December 31 gives me the ability to deduct corresponding interest this year.
4) If you own your own business you could also think about acquiring an asset you've been thinking about getting before year's end (new laptop, do you need to make any repairs, etc.).
Again, eveyrone's situation is different so consult your tax professional so you can pick his/her brain on these subjects.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Insuring Your Biggest Asset
This blog is not intended to provide any legal, tax, or financial advice. It is a forum to discuss the daily issues of my practice.
Do you know the limits of your homeowners insurance policy? Many people I meet only have a cursory understanding of their policy. I think it has to do a lot with how people obtain their policy. Usually, a realtor or a mortgage broker will refer you to an insurance company a few days before your real estate closing and it is reflected as a prepay item on your settlement sheet. I also find that most people obtain just the basic coverage so they can keep their closing costs down.
So what does it mean to insure the biggest asset most people have (their home)? If you read your policy it will have your coverage listed on the Declarations Page. Normally, your homeowners insurance will provide coverage for both Property and Liability. Section I of most policies deal with property coverage which includes:
1) the "dwelling"that sits on your land;
2) personal property (subject to exclusions of course) owned or used by a resident, anywhere in the world, up to a certain amount of coverage (usually 50% of your coverage listed in section A of your policy);
3) additional living expenses incurred if your home becomes uninhabitabledue to damage by an "insured peril."
4) Credit Cards (yes up to a certain limit -normally $500)
5) Collapse, BUT only as provided under the additional coverages
6) Breakage of glass or safety glazing material
7) Landlord's furnishings (not the tenant's) in rental property on the premises.
Section II of most homeowners policies deal with Liability. Most people think about liability when it comes to their car insurance but fail to pay attention to liability on their homeowners insurance. Coverage E on most policies will explain your personal liability coverage. The personal liability coverage provides both bodily injury and property damage coverage for "other-than-auto-related lossed (usually up to $100,000). "Other-than-auto-related losses" could cover many things, so if you ever sustain an"other-than-auto-related" loss you probably should take a look at your homeowners policy for possible coverage.
Coverage F explains how much Medical Payments are covered for injuries sustained by third parties.
If you want to know more about what the insurance you paid for on your house covers contact your insurance agent, your financial advisor, or your attorney.
.
Do you know the limits of your homeowners insurance policy? Many people I meet only have a cursory understanding of their policy. I think it has to do a lot with how people obtain their policy. Usually, a realtor or a mortgage broker will refer you to an insurance company a few days before your real estate closing and it is reflected as a prepay item on your settlement sheet. I also find that most people obtain just the basic coverage so they can keep their closing costs down.
So what does it mean to insure the biggest asset most people have (their home)? If you read your policy it will have your coverage listed on the Declarations Page. Normally, your homeowners insurance will provide coverage for both Property and Liability. Section I of most policies deal with property coverage which includes:
1) the "dwelling"that sits on your land;
2) personal property (subject to exclusions of course) owned or used by a resident, anywhere in the world, up to a certain amount of coverage (usually 50% of your coverage listed in section A of your policy);
3) additional living expenses incurred if your home becomes uninhabitabledue to damage by an "insured peril."
4) Credit Cards (yes up to a certain limit -normally $500)
5) Collapse, BUT only as provided under the additional coverages
6) Breakage of glass or safety glazing material
7) Landlord's furnishings (not the tenant's) in rental property on the premises.
Section II of most homeowners policies deal with Liability. Most people think about liability when it comes to their car insurance but fail to pay attention to liability on their homeowners insurance. Coverage E on most policies will explain your personal liability coverage. The personal liability coverage provides both bodily injury and property damage coverage for "other-than-auto-related lossed (usually up to $100,000). "Other-than-auto-related losses" could cover many things, so if you ever sustain an"other-than-auto-related" loss you probably should take a look at your homeowners policy for possible coverage.
Coverage F explains how much Medical Payments are covered for injuries sustained by third parties.
If you want to know more about what the insurance you paid for on your house covers contact your insurance agent, your financial advisor, or your attorney.
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