Patrick OConnor's Articles

10 tips for Finding a Great Apartment
Great apartments are in great areas. The first set to finding a great apartment is selecting an attractive area. Apartments in upscale areas will be more expensive than apartments in less attractive areas. However, in many cases you will have add a better apartment living experience in a plain apartment in an upscale area than in a deluxe apartment in a less attractive area.
Cost segregation cpa
Tax reduction should involve a team with specialized knowledge for the taxpayer and subject industry. Most tax preparation teams will include an accountant and/or CPA and/or tax attorney. Commercial real estate owners who do not include a cost segregation specialist on the tax preparation team will likely pay excess federal income taxes. The low adoption rate for cost segregation is due partially
Tax Deductions (Tips for Individual Real Estate Investors)
Tax deductions are not the top priority for most individual real estate investors. They often work out of their home with no employees, other than those on-site at the property. Challenges (aside from tax deductions) include selecting what property to purchase, screening tenants, repairs, managing expenses, obtaining financing, and deciding when to sell. This articles addresses tax deductions some
Tax Deferral 1031 Exchanges and Cost Segregation
Tax deferral through 1031 exchanges, or tax-free exchanges of real estate, have become a popular method of tax deferral of capital gains taxes. Almost by definition, individuals who utilize the 1031 exchange option are reluctant to pay taxes that can legally be avoided. 1031 exchangers have asked if they can receive tax deferrals and enhance depreciation. The short answer is yes.
Houston apartment search tips
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Houston apartment leasing agents lease apartments everyday. You don't. Who has the upper hand? The objective of this article is to provide tips on finding a great Houston apartment with a minimal amount of stress. We also hope to even the odds, so you can get an apartment which is right for you at the r
Apartment tips -- Find an Apartment in One Day
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Apartment shopping is complicated. You should ideally leave yourself more than one day to find an apartment. It is possible to find an apartment in one day. However, you'll get better results if you have more time to find the property and negotiate the best deal.
Office Leasing and Rental Data for Houston Metropolitan Area
Houston Area Office leasing and rental data can help office building owners to increase revenue, vendors to increase sales and provide a variety of industry personnel with data and reports to facilitate decision-making and communication. O'Connor and Associates provides comprehensive office building data for the Houston metropolitan area. This office building data is used by investors, management co
Cost segregation correctly depreciating real estate 10
Most commercial real estate owners are paying excess federal income taxes because they are not depreciating their property as quickly as they should. A cost segregation study allows property owners to both defer and reduce federal income taxes. Cost segregation increases depreciation (a non-cash deduction) for commercial real estate owners.
Tax Reduction (Casualties Can Generate Substantial Tax Reduction)
Tax reduction are the results from tax deductions. Tax deductions reduce taxable income but do not directly reduce federal income taxes. For example, $100,000 of tax deductions reduces federal income taxes by $35,000 ($100,000 X 35%), assuming a 35% tax rate. Most tax reduction require a cash expenditure (labor, material, supplies, utilities, etc). A current period cash expenditure is not required
Tax Reduction and Cost Segregation - Myths and Facts
Tax reduction and tax deferral are both generated by cost segregation. However, this tool is not well understood by most real estate investors and by many tax preparers. The root cause of limited understanding regarding cost segregation and how it provides tax reduction is limited dissemination of factual data on the subject
Gift Tax Valuations
Gift tax valuations are prepared for many reasons. Gift tax includes market value of gifts to charity, market value of conservation easements and gifts in excess of annual limit. Well-reasoned planning of gifts can minimize gift taxes, income taxes, and estate taxes.
Finding a Low Total-Move-in-Cost Houston Apartment
Houston apartments come in many shapes and sizes. You can usually find a Houston apartment with a very low total move-in cost. Total move-in cost includes the application fee, deposit, and first month's rent. Before focusing on the move-in costs, review whether the total move-in-cost is the most important issue in selecting a Houston apartment.
Cost Segregation- Correctly Depreciating Real Estate
Depreciate Property Improvements Correctly...
and Pay Less Federal Income Tax
Real Estate Valuation
The Approaches to Establishing Property Value
Houston apartment search tips -- Getting the Best Deal
Houston apartments are expensive. But getting a great deal can make your Houston apartment less expensive. This article provides tips on getting the best deal possible when leasing a Houston apartment.
Houston Apartment Search Tips - Finding a Low Total-Move-in-Cost Houston Apartment
Houston apartments come in many shapes and sizes. You can usually find a Houston apartment with a very low total move-in cost. Total move-in cost includes the application fee, deposit, and first months rent. Before focusing on the move-in costs, review whether the total move-in-cost is the most important issue in selecting a Houston apartment.
HUD MAP Market Studies and Appraisals
HUD MAP market studies and appraisals are prepared as a part of the underwriting process for financing multi-family housing provided by HUD. Financing provided by HUD (or FHA - Federal Home Administration) is a meaningful portion of the financing for multifamily properties. This includes both existing properties and proposed apartments.
HUD Rent Comparability Studies
HUD rent comparability studies are used to determine rent for Section 8 apartment units and in conjunction with the HUD 'Mark to Market' program.
Market Study Fundamentals
Market studies are performed to evaluate real estate market conditions with regard to an existing or proposed property. The focus of a market study details competition within the submarket, the strength or weakness of the submarket. Also, market study indications that the submarket will continue to improve or weaken and how the existing or proposed subject property is likely to perform within the
Financial Modeling
Financial Modeling is essential for making decisions to acquire, keep or sell investment real estate. The central aim is to provide a framework evaluating options and risks. Financial modeling is also utilized for decisions regarding material capital expenditures and leases.
Real Estate Consulting
Real estate consulting covers a breadth of areas including market rent study, market study, feasibility study, highest and best use analysis, cost segregation and analysis for an under performing asset. Clarifying the client's objectives and expectations is the cornerstone of a successful real estate consulting engagement.
Casualty Loss - A Tax Deduction
Most real estate owners and investors do not consider casualty losses as a source of tax deductions. Few investors claim the casualty loss tax deduction the federal income tax code allows them. Let's review the criteria for a casualty loss tax deduction and the thought process regarding acquisition of a property that has suffered a casualty.
Casualty Loss
Tax deductions are the basis for tax reduction. Tax deductions reduce taxable income but do not directly reduce federal income taxes. For example, $100,000 of tax deductions reduces federal income taxes by $35,000 ($100,000 X 35%), assuming a 35% tax rate. Most tax deductions require a cash expenditure (labor, material, supplies, utilities, etc). A current period cash expenditure is not required f

Patrick OConnor's Articles