The Worst Mistakes Real Estate Investors Can Make

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

Nuwireinvestor.com Written by: JasonHartman.com Most investor mistakes stem from “self-sabotaging behavior” so the goal is to recognize and overcome this behavior. The right frame of mind is essential for success in real estate. Instead of a gambler’s mindset, typical of speculators and property flippers chasing after instant gratification, adopt a buy and hold approach – the source of genuine wealth creation. Experiencing great luck on your first try can actually be detrimental since luck is inherently unreliable and a poor preparation for reality. Adversity is a better teacher. Here is a brief run-down of the worst mistakes committed by real estate investor… read more.

Blocks hungry to fill storefronts with eateries

Thursday, January 14th, 2010

By Robert Selna SFGate.com In 1987, San Francisco banned new restaurants on Noe Valley’s 24th Street because residents felt they were losing local shops to eateries that drove up rents and caused traffic jams. Now, with nearly 15 vacant storefronts, there’s a push to get the restaurants back. Today, the city’s Planning Commission is poised to undo the rule on 24th Street that allowed new restaurants only to replace old ones. The change would follow a trend in other parts of the city that are trying to cope with the down economy and recognizing the ever-increasing importance of dining to commercial vitality. Most… read more.

Here’s how to claim your Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

The Easy-To-Understand 2010 Home Buyer Tax Credit Program Summary www.themortgagereports.com By Dan Green November 6, 2009, Congress modified the $8,000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit program, turning it from a “first-time” buyer program into an “everyone” Home Buyer Tax Credit program. Under the program’s new terms, first-time buyers are eligible for up to $8,000 in federal tax credits and long-time homeowners get up to $6,500. A “long-time” homeowner, according to the IRS, is someone who has used a home as a primary residence for at least 5 consecutive years dating back to 2002. This is an important qualifier for existing homeowners. If you plan… read more.

Best Cities For Young Professionals

Monday, October 26th, 2009

By Matt Woolsey Forbes.com Head to the Big Apple, and your chances of getting the corner office might not be as far off as you think. That’s because New York City tops our list as the No. 1 city for young professionals. That likely comes as a shock to, well, no one. Many of America’s best companies, as determined by Forbes rankings of the best 400 big businesses and best 200 small businesses, including financial giant Goldman Sachs and media conglomerate News Corp. are in New York. Throw in New York’s bars, clubs and world-class dining, and you… read more.

Tax Credit for New Home Purchase

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

New California tax credit being offered for buyers of new construction properties. This tax credit is available for qualified buyers who on or after March 1, 2009, and before March 1, 2010, purchase a qualified principal residence that has never been occupied. The buyer must reside in the new home for a minimum of two years immediately following the purchase date. Tax credit amounts California allocated $100,000,000 for this tax credit. Buyers must apply for credit allocation from the State of California Franchise Tax Board. Applications will be reviewed and credit allocations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. Once $100,000,000 ha… read more.

Earth Day Celebrations in San Francisco

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse! Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22nd. Do your part to contribute to a greener society and celebrate with one of several Earth Day festivities taking place around the City. Although Earth Day gives us reason to celebrate, it also serves as a reminder to live consciously and take care of our planet. Use this quick guide to Earth Day Celebrations in San Francisco to plan your own Earth Day weekend. Party for the Planet at the San Francisco Zoo Saturday, April 18th from 10 AM to 3 PM This fun and informative celebration of Earth Day is aimed at educating… read more.

SF Supervisors Seek Fed Money for Wire Project

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

San Francisco supervisors today asked for federal assistance to continue a program to underground all of the city’s utility wires Bay City News January 13, 2009 SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco supervisors today asked for federal assistance to continue a program to underground all of the city’s utility wires. The Board of Supervisors approved a resolution, authored by Supervisor Bevan Dufty, seeking funds from President-elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package to renew the program, approved in 1996 but which has been halted for lack of funding. About 520 of the city’s 990 miles of utility wires are underground, according to the city. Dufty said… read more.

Protecting Yourself When You Buy

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009

Eight Tips for Protecting Yourself When You Buy a House Michele Dawson Realty Times If you’re getting ready to buy a house during what is typically the busiest buying and selling time of the year, then offers may be flying, loans may seem confusing, and everything may be moving way too fast. That’s why it’s important to do everything you can to protect yourself … read more.

Tom Perkins bags Millennium Tower condo for $9.35M

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009

by J.K. Dineen San Francisco Business Times Venture Capitalist Tom Perkins has bought a penthouse condo in the Millennium Tower on Mission Street, paying $9.35 million for a 4,806 square foot unit on the 60th floor. The 77-year-old is a co-founder of the Menlo Park-based Perkins Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, the legendary Silicon Valley venture capital group that helped finance Google, Genentech, Amazon.com, and Electronic Arts. In an interview with Bloomberg, Perkins said he was “very enthusiastic” about the penthouse and suggested that he had timed the market well. “Prices have taken a tremendous discount,” Perkins said. “I’m no real estate tycoon, but… read more.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

Energy Star On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.” This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit. The bill also extended tax credits for solar energy systems and fuel cells to 2016. New tax credits were established for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles…. read more.