Is Spring the Best Time to Buy a Palo Alto Home?

The world of real estate is an exciting and confusing place filled with sage advice for home buyers and sellers. You may have heard plenty of recommendations on when to buy, when to sell, whether you should stage, and other helpful tips to get your home sold fast; however, it may be difficult to tell…

Read More

New California Real Estate Laws for 2015

Here is a quick recap of the new 2015 real estate laws effecting owners, residents, real estate agents, and brokers.  How these laws effect you, your business interests, your family, landlords, and tenants vary greatly depending on your individual circumstances, but please read and make yourself aware of the basics.  For detailed analysis or any…

Read More

Planned-Community Zoning Is On Table In Palo Alto

The Palo Alto City Council will consider whether or not, and how, to change or adjust land-use designation process within city limits.  The Council will begin Monday October 6 to look at modifying the city’s somewhat difficult planned-community zoning, which was paused due to a citizen referendum.  The current zoning which has been in place…

Read More

How To Avoid The Big Housing Crunch Awaiting Many Baby Boomers

There Are Dire Predictions For Baby Boomers But It Can Be Overcome With Planning Those American Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964 are facing some pretty serious issues in the foreseeable future none of which are as daunting as the cost of housing in their retirement years.  Notwithstanding the estimated costs of $220,000 a couple will…

Read More

What Are Hard Money Loans And Why Aren’t They For Everyone?

  Importantly, hard money loans are not for first time home buyers.  Hard money loans are typically loans of “last resort” for borrowers who can’t find a conventional loan to accomplish the debt bridge between the down payment and the purchase price of real estate.  Hard money loans have sharply higher interest rates and usually…

Read More

Your Investment Properties And Your Personal Assets Are Exposed To Litigation If You Haven’t Properly Protected Them

Why Forming an Entity to Protect Your Private Wealth From Your Investment Property Liabilities is Critical in Today’s Litigious Real Estate Environment Do you believe that an investment or rental property insurance policy is enough protection for you and your personal wealth in the event of an accident or other catastrophe to your tenants?  If…

Read More

What Are Real Estate Investment Trusts All About – And Why They Might Be For You

Investing In A REIT Is Participating In The Commercial Real Estate Investment World Without Actually Buying Real Estate Investment Trusts or “REITs” are companies or corporations or other entities that owns, and most commonly operates a portfolio or income-producing real estate or real estate-related assets.  REITs are designed for individual investors to earn portions or…

Read More

To Gift Or Devise, That Is The Question!

Tax and Estate Planning is Critical to Avoid Unnecessary Tax Burdens and Consequences I have clients ask me all the time if it makes sense to give their property to their kids or should they wait to die and let their kids inherit it.  The practical answer from a tax planning perspective is to allow…

Read More

Durable Power of Attorney – What Is It And Do You Need One?

A Durable Power of Attorney Can Provide Peace Of Mind, Comfort, and Ease of Transition For Families As baby boomers approach retirement age there are many considerations which should be addressed regarding preparation for transitions and changes in their lifestyle.  Generally, most people will have to rely on others to help them at some point…

Read More