Inheritance Tax Planning And Your Mortgage

Posted on January 27, 2012 by

As people age, it’s all the more important to grasp the concept of inheritance tax and everything associated with it – understand what it is, what it means and how to avoid it to make sure you leave whatever wealth you may have to your family, instead of lining the taxman’s pockets.

It’s all too easy to put off learning about this sort of thing, with many people living for today instead of looking to the future. Why would someone young and healthy want to dwell on what will happen when they die, anyway? The answer is, because they are sensible. It’s not the most pleasant of subjects to discuss, but it’s a very important one.

When someone dies, the government analyses how much their estate is worth – including their property, investment and business. If this value exceeds the inheritance tax threshold, a 40 per cent tax is charged on anything above that threshold. Currently, the threshold, known as the nil-rate band, is £325,000. That means that if someone’s estate is equal to or less than £325,000, it’s tax-free and all can be left to their beneficiaries. Anything over £325,000 is charged at a rate of 40 per cent – that’s almost half the asset value! This just emphasises the importance of planning for Continue reading →

Tips and Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Real Estate Agent

Posted on December 21, 2011 by

There are a lot of real estate brokerages in any major city. Some of these real estate brokerages have hundreds, if not thousands of agents spread out over an enormous city boundary. How do you interview the different real estate agents and brokers to find the one that is right for you? I think the biggest thing is to find someone you are comfortable with, but there are a few blocks you should check in an interview before entering into an agreement with an agent to represent you.

1) Check for Real Estate Agent Personality: How personable is the agent? Is the agent friendly when corresponding with you via email? Can you easily get in touch with them throughout the day and when you do, are they easy to speak with on the phone? Do they take the time to get to know you and your family? Do they seem in touch with your style and adjust your searches accordingly?

2) Inquire about Real Estate Agent Knowledge: How knowledgeable are they? While it should be very important that a real estate agent is personable, they also need to know what they are doing. If not, you should be friends, Continue reading →

Four Things to Consider When Designing Your Modular Home

Posted on November 17, 2011 by

Modular home building has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. Improvements in technology and efficient building practices make modular homes the premier choice for homebuyers. When potential buyers come to the design center, they are so impressed with all of the design options available to them. Three of the most important considerations they must make when designing their new home include energy efficiency, home layout, specialty features and foundation options.

Energy-Efficiency: Many consumers choose to purchase a modular home because many manufacturers are committed to employing energy efficient building practices. Because materials can be purchased and used for multiple homes, there is much less waste involved than with traditional home building. Manufacturers offer Energy Star® appliances to help homeowners continually save money on energy costs. Additional insulation, radiant barrier roof sheathing and many other features make modular homes the energy efficient choice when it comes to new home construction. Continue reading →

Extending the New Markets Tax Credits

Posted on October 22, 2011 by

The New Markets Tax Credit Program began in 2000 as a way to encourage investment in distressed or low-income communities. Under the program, both businesses and individual investors receive tax credits (about 39 percent of the total amount invested) in exchange for investing in Community Development Entities (CDEs). Since it began, the program has awarded over $29 billion in tax credits. Proponents want the program to continue, but until recently, its future was uncertain.

Back in May, Senator John D. Rockefeller, IV (WV) introduced legislation aimed at extending the New Markets Tax Credit Program (NMTC), which was set to expire at the end of 2011. Senate Bill 996 would extend the program through 2016 and allocate $5 billion per year for it. The House recently introduced its version of the bill, as well.

Introduced by Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27), the House bill – H.R. 3224 – also extends the NMTC program through 2016. However, it allocates twice as much money – $10 billion – as the Senate version. Other than that, the bills are nearly identical. Continue reading →

Have London Office Space, Will Travel – The Best Place for Global Businesses

Posted on September 23, 2011 by

Capital cities have traditionally been at the centre of a country’s commercial concerns. They tend to be centrally located, acting – physically and metaphorically – as the core of the country’s existence. They become beacons to the international community, sending out a clear message that everything that the country stands for is embodied in this metropolitan powerhouse. No city embodies this tradition more than London – and nothing embodies global business more than London office space.

Because London is more than just another city. For most visitors to the UK, it is their first (and often only) destination. To the many tourists who visit, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Beefeaters, red buses and cheerful cockneys are synonymous with London and synonymous with the UK in general. Choosing London office space for your business signals to international investors and cosmopolitan clients that your organisation is both distinctively British and inarguably international in its business practice.

But London’s reputation extends beyond its landmarks and tourist hotspots. Continue reading →