New "Red Flag" Requirements for Financial Institutions and Creditors Will Help Fight Identity Theft
- Identity thieves use people’s personally identifying information to open new accounts and misuse existing accounts, creating havoc for consumers and businesses. Financial institutions and creditors soon will be required to implement a program to detect, prevent, and mitigate instances of identity theft.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the federal bank regulatory agencies, and the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) have issued regulations (the Red Flags Rules) requiring financial institutions and creditors to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs, as part of the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003. The programs must be in place by November 1, 2008, and must provide for the identification, detection, and response to patterns, practices, or specific activities – known as “red flags” – that could indicate identity theft.
Well Beyond a Over Hyped Trend - Housing Data Report for September 2009
PERSONAL REAL ESTATE INVESTOR MAGAZINE - The American housing market appears to be recovering rapidly as indicated by this data. It is beyond just a theoretical trend in a leading indicator. Pending sales and closings are validating this standing inventory absorption. Looking back over this data it clearly reaffirms when transactions (Q'2 2008) and then home values bottomed (Q'2 2009).
Prices are rapidly stabilizing in the $50,000 to $250,000 market as new home buyers, but more importantly canny investors, buy up available inventory. This is not going to change with continued Government interest in maintaining buyer tax credits. Price points in markets above $350,000, $500,000 and $1,000,000 are still in flux and will not see firming in the near future, unless individual opportunities make holding or trading sense.
The two fundamental elements are loan availability within FHA lending caps, and at these price points, rentable properties delivering positive cash flow. Fundamentals mean there is better than normal money to be made in rentals. Future appreciation, tax benefits and inflation proofing your portfolio with rental real estate are bonuses.
Investors who can read between the lines have a significant market advantage as they are not driven by media misinformation or skepticism in these numbers. The general media is stirring but they are normally late to economic news. You can take advantage of this as the general market is still shy of real estate.
G.I.'s Coming Home and Finding NO HOME!
- TEMECULA, CA -- "Uncle Sam is calling investors to action," said Annie B Simmons, President/CEO "and Autumn Leaf Investment Association (Temecula, CA) is answering the call." Autumn Leaf just returned from the El Paso Multifamily Housing Forum hosted by NAHB Research Center. With such tumultuous activity in the real estate market these past few years; many investors have pulled back and hidden from the market. Not so, for Autumn Leaf Investment Association and its proud members.
Have You Received Mail From Business Filings Division?
Written by Megan Hughes
- I’m starting to see a rash of mail come through my office from a company called Business Filings Division. My California clients look to be targeted right now, although I’m sure other states will be soon. If you’ve received one, don’t be fooled. It’s not real and you don’t have to do anything.
Commercial Lending Heading for another Credit Crunch?
Written by Charles
- An article in the Wall Street Journal is saying that when it comes to the commercial real estate market, history may be repeating itself based on the latest earnings reports from many U.S. banks. Mounting losses from loans for office space, housing complexes, strip malls, etc are heading towards record levels.
Taxation of Short Sales, Deeds-in-Lieu and Foreclosures: Some Basic Points
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- Given the current rough economy, many homeowners find themselves facing foreclosure. Fortunately, there are options available, options that are less painful than going all the way to a sale of one’s home on the courthouse steps. For example, a homeowner, bank and investor may agree to a so-called "short sale" where the homeowner agrees to sell the home to the investor for less than is owed on the loan. Why would the bank or homeowner agree to a short sale?
Social Security Taxes Will Change But Have Some Hope!
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- Prepare for "change", starting with a high likelihood that social security taxes (aka self-employment taxes) will go up dramatically via lifting of the "social security cap" at some future date.
REI Tax Lessons: Pay Your Freaking Taxes! Lessons from Obama’s Best Picks:
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- Now I know why Democrats are always in a hurry to raise taxes: they do not figure that they will be the ones who pay them! We’ve heard a bit about this in the news. Here’s a recap, with some opinionating by a very partisan guy with knowledge about the laws in question:
Purchase Rebate Loophole – Reduce Taxable Income by $30,000+
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- I have seen a fair number of purchases where the price paid for a property on the HUD-1 (closing statement) is not the same as the amount ultimately paid for the property. For example:
You "Dealing"?
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
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Why is being classified as a Dealer important?
Congress is most discriminating. For example, if two investors each purchased adjacent and identical properties for exactly the same price, spent exactly the same on improving each property and sold the properties for the same price to the same buyer, one investor might pay double the taxes of the other…..and the difference in taxes paid would be even larger when measured in terms of when paid. Specifically, a property acquired and later sold by an "Investor":
Front-Line Asset Protection Against Lawsuits
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- When most small to medium RE investors contemplate protecting their assets against lawsuits, they tend to think of entities (such as corporations and limited liability companies). Entities are certainly important tools for asset protection and tax planning purposes. They are also quite "sexy" and make for fun party talk, not to mention easy sales pitches for "gurus". Unfortunately, many investors tend to focus on entities to the point of neglecting other forms of asset protection. Such a narrow focus is likely counterproductive and may well increase liability. As such, I thought I’d make a few points that the convention carnies often fail to mention:
Taxation of Short Sales, Deeds-in-Lieu and Foreclosures: One More Technique
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- In the February issue, we examined several ways to avoid or reduce taxable income from Cancellation of Debt, also known as "COD Income". COD income is generally an issue when a lender explicitly forgives all or part of a debt (such as occurs during a short sale, for example) or implicitly does the same (in a foreclosure where no "deficiency judgment" is obtained, for example). I omitted one big exception to COD income for investors who sell short, give a deed in lieu or face foreclosure: The exception for "Qualified Real Property Business Indebtedness". Here’s how it works:
NAR Strikes Again: New & Improved First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
By John Hyre, Tax Attorney, Accountant, Real Estate Investor
- For or better or for worse, the National Association of Realtors has serious clout in Washington. As the definitive special interest group, they put serious money into political campaigns and bring a large number of votes to the table. The latest product from their rented politicians: The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. Here’s how it works:
Press Release: Autumn Leaf's Day on Capital Hill
- TEMECULA, CA -- Long standing members of Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Leaf Investment Association continues its commitment as an advocate for our members and community. Whether it is a new acquisition, business restructure, business credit development, short sale, foreclosure, credit management, short-pay off or any number of professional needs; members have learned they can count on Autumn Leaf Investment Association to always be there for them. With our steadfast commitment in mind, Autumn Leaf Investment Association joined over 60 National Real Estate Investors Association members to meet with our nation's elected leaders in Washington, D.C. Autumn Leaf Investment Association was able to be the voice and advocate for thousands of members and entrepreneurs around the country at over 50 meetings and special presentations by Congressional Representatives.
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association Saves Families & Homes Using the Obama Plan
- TEMECULA, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Diedre Ann McKinney, a 62 year old grandmother, and her family coming together to survive these difficult times in Riverside County are losing their home and don't know where to turn. They find Autumn Leaf Investment Association and ask for help. Autumn Leaf Investment Association's President/CEO remembers helping the family purchase their home years ago and with no reason, other than to help within the local community, sets out to do what can be done to help.
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association
- Autumn Leaf Investment Association has served over 2,000 members since its inception in 2003 and has aided them in making wise real estate investments even in economically depressed times.
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association Road to Recovery Stimulus Plan
- TEMECULA, CA, June 06, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With the chaos in the economy nationally and internationally, Autumn Leaf Investment Association has found President Obama's immediate implementation of a mortgage bailout program for the individual homeowner, penned the "Obama Plan" by mortgage companies, to be a welcome respite to many of Autumn Leaf Investment Association Members.
Merchant Review: I was really skeptical at first, but VERY pleased until the end! - Autumn Leaf Investment Association Temecula, 92590
- My husband and I were going through a tough economical time (as everyone else) and we resulted in needing a Loan Midification for our home that we love so much.
Autumn Leaf was our savior! All we had to do was provide them with paperwork and they took did the rest! Our loan was modified in no time! Truly we thank you Autumn Leaf!
Merchant Review: GREAT CLUB - Autumn Leaf Investment Association Temecula, 92590
- I' WAS LOOKING FOR A CLUB THAT COULD HELP ME WITH MY INVESTMENT, Autumn Leaf Investment Association WAS JUST THRE RIGHT CHOICE, THANK !
Merchant Review: Autumn Leaf Saved My Home - Autumn Leaf Investment Association Temecula, 92590
- I'm a 70 year old grandmother raising my 12 year old daughter & Autumn Leaf stepped in and did what it took to save our home! I can't say enough good things about Autumn Leaf and their responsive staff. All I had to do was follow their instructions and everything was great! Thank you Autumn Leaf.
Membership Equals Strength & Safety.
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Investors meet fellow investors and support people!
Come to our Real Estate Investors and Land Lords Meeting and network with veteran investors, discuss the newest strategies, find the best sources of capital and everything about property investing. Everyone is welcome!
Membership Equals Strength & Safety.
Our Meetup is the last Saturday of every month 10am-2pm
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association's Day on Capital Hill 2009
- MECULA, CA -- Long standing members of Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Leaf Investment Association continues its commitment as an advocate for our members and community.
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association's Day on Capital Hill 2009
- MECULA, CA -- Long standing members of Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Leaf Investment Association continues its commitment as an advocate for our members and community.
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association Saves Families & Homes Using the Obama Plan
- Long time members and supporters of the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Leaf Investment Association uses its time and energy to help save a family from foreclosure
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association
- Autumn Leaf Investment Association has served over 2,000 members since its inception in 2003 and has aided them in making wise real estate investments even in economically depressed times.
Press Release: Autumn Leaf Investment Association's Day on Capital Hill 2009
- TEMECULA, CA -- Long standing members of Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and Murrieta Chamber of Commerce, Autumn Leaf Investment Association continues its commitment as an advocate for our members and community.
