Rising Energy Prices

Energy prices are on the rise, according to a recent February 2014 survey conducted by Forbes, and it is an increasingly hot topic. From the standpoint of those that benefit from energy profits, the outlook is positive, says 81% of industry respondents.  Changes are happening and policies are going to be under the 2014 congressional spotlight.  Almost half of the respondents feel that it is likely that the U.S. will achieve energy independence in the foreseeable future…. but I’m not sure if that will make energy prices any more affordable locally.

From the standpoint of the user of a large property or older location with high energy costs to begin with, this news is not positive.  Maybe it’s time to become more pro-active, rather than re-active.  With prices on the rise and change in the air, now may be a perfect time to consider more efficient energy alternatives and upgrades to properties. Becoming pro “green energy” is becoming more and more attractive for many reasons, including the cost savings.

1031 Exchanges That Don’t Work

Tax Deferred Exchange Tips for the Real Estate Professional, courtesy of Kevin Hummel, McFerran & Burns, PS.

 Exchanges That Don’t Work

I really enjoy being positive and creative. It is absolutely exiting to help people find new solutions to their capital gains challenges, but sometimes I have to be the bearer of bad news. Sometimes I just have to give you the information you did not want to hear. Continue reading “1031 Exchanges That Don’t Work”

Profit & Loss Statements – a necessary evil

We all hate preparing profit and loss statements, but they are necessary in the course of business.  The following information is courtesy Richard J. Welt, Attorney at Law with McFerran & Burns, P.S.,Practicing Real Estate Law in Western Washington since 1986.  Contact: (253) 284-3811 or www.mbs-law.com. While this article was tailored to fit with their bankruptcy series, it is also great advice and what you’ll need to prepare to apply for a loan as well.

Continue reading “Profit & Loss Statements – a necessary evil”

Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners

This information is courtesy Richard J. Welt, Attorney at Law with McFerran & Burns, P.S., Practicing Real Estate Law in Western Washington since 1986.  Contact: (253) 284-3811 or www.mbs-law.com

Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners

Filing bankruptcy if you have an interest in a corporation or a Limited Liability Company requires some extra work for you and your bankruptcy lawyer.  Preparing an accurate balance sheet listing the company’s assets and debts is a critically important part of this process.

Keep in mind that just because you file bankruptcy doesn’t mean that your Limited Liability Company or corporation should file bankruptcy.  You are not the company, and the company is not you. Your Limited Liability Company or corporation is a separate entity under the law. Continue reading “Bankruptcy for Small Business Owners”

Building Load Factors. When Leased Space Isn’t What You Think It Is. By Jen Hudson

Recently, I was helping a client evaluate a couple different spaces in an industrial park, and they kept making a comment about the size and costs.  I pointed out that each building has a different load factor, which ultimately impacts the costs.  Then, it occurred to me that small and mid-size tenants almost never bring up this issue.  When I represent a client, I always bring up the costs and differences in square feet.  If I’m lucky, they won’t fall asleep before we discuss actual versus rentable square feet, and maybe even usable square feet.

Load factors can be a big deal with multi-tenant buildings, so I’ll summarize them briefly. Continue reading “Building Load Factors. When Leased Space Isn’t What You Think It Is. By Jen Hudson”

Q3 Economy: Seattle

Report by ReisReports.

Among the accomplishments of the Seattle area economy over the last couple of decades was a diversification that lessened its dependence on cycles in aerospace manufacturing and related employment trends. A huge and nationally prominent high-technology sector led initially by Microsoft (and more recently augmented by Google and Amazon.com) emerged along with a large health care sector. These, along with trade activity at regional ports provided cushions against the cycles common to local manufacturing. … Continue reading “Q3 Economy: Seattle”