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Peak 1031 Exchange Inc.s First Quarter Analysis of Southern California Real Estate Activity Reveals Spike in Small Investor and Single Family Rental Transactions

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013


Woodland Hills, CA (PRWEB) May 23, 2013

First quarter analysis of regional trends in the industry indicates a significant increase in small investors favoring the 1031 exchange process as a means to defer capital gains taxes, states Kevin M. Levine, Executive Vice President of Peak 1031 Exchange Inc. (http://www.peakexchange.com). As Bush-era tax cuts ended at the beginning of 2013, we had anticipated a slowdown in activity as a result of heavy investor transactions at the end of 2012 to beat the deadline. To the contrary, our first quarter transaction volume shows a significant spike in 1031 exchange activity, especially among investors with strong positions in single-family residential income property.

Recent data affirms strong small investor activity in Peak 1031 Exchange Inc.s core Southern California market, with all-cash buyers in February alone accounting for 31.4 percent of the Southland homes sold, and 30.6 percent in March of this year. Despite strong acquisitions from REITs, institutional investors, and larger asset management firms in single-family properties for rental purposes, Levine comments, investors with much smaller portfolios found room to successfully participate in the market as well. Weve observed that many of the smaller investor shops utilized the Delayed Exchange in 2013 to quickly capture opportunities in an extremely competitive environment. The Delayed Exchange allows for the sale of an existing property, in which the funds are placed in a binding trust for up to 180 days while the seller identifies a similar property for acquisition and is allowed to defer capital gains taxes on the transaction. While analysts projected a slowdown in activity, Levine continues, our client base was extremely active in identifying single-family rental opportunities and leveraging their existing properties to seize on opportunities that would not be available later in the year.

Tight inventories in single family housing are causing a spike in values felt across the housing industry that could limit small investor participation, and Levine believes that those investors chose to act quickly on opportunities in light of the dwindling supply. We work with a savvy, nimble investor clientele that understood that the 1031 Exchange process could assist in mitigating severe tax liabilities as a result of the sunset of Bush era tax cuts, but concedes it could be a more difficult time ahead given the lack of single-family product available right now. However, Levines team has been working closely with investors and exploring the Reverse Exchange option. When the right investment opportunity does present itself to investors with access to available capital, states Levine, the assistance of a qualified intermediary can help them acquire the property immediately with 180 days to sell a similar property already a part of their portfolio. We anticipate being able to benefit this sector of the market with tax deferment strategies, regardless of the limitations of inventory.

Peak 1031 Exchange, Inc. is a leading national provider of tax-deferred 1031 exchange services, specializing in all like-kind transactions including Simultaneous, Delayed, Reverse, Improvement and Personal Property exchanges. It is part of the Peak Corporate Network (http://www.peakcorp.com), a brand representing a group of entities providing a comprehensive array of commercial and retail real estate services nationwide including mortgage lending, loan servicing, short sale services, foreclosure services, insurance, real estate brokerage and escrow services.







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Linda Mack of Mack International Leads Panel at European Family Office Conference in London

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012


Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) November 13, 2012

Linda Mack, founder and president of Mack International, moderated a panel discussion during the Campden European Family Office Conference on November 8, 2012 at One Whitehall Place, London.

The conference theme, “Managing risk and seizing opportunities: Strategies for creating a sustainable portfolio and generating growth” attracted more than 150 family principals and family office executives from around the world for three days of discussions on issues and opportunities critical to the family office sphere.

Linda Mack moderated the panel titled A Strategy for Growth? Entrepreneurialism and Venture Capital, which discussed the future potential and responsibility of private capital in promoting growth, and, more specifically, the role of family offices in stimulating the economy. Panelists included Anis Asghar, CEO, Liberty Capital, UK; Sam Desimpel, Managing Director, Tosalu NV Belgium; and Sabine Kaiser, Investment Director, BTV Group, Germany.

The panelists began with a brief review of their history of investing in the venture capital space, a summary of trends they observe in the market and their perspective on the key drivers of those trends.

We discussed key motivators that influence family office investment in the venture capital space, said Mack. These included support of entrepreneurialism and promoting entrepreneurial economic growth, as well as socially responsible and impact investing in areas like clean technologies. And, of course, every venture capital investor hopes to be the first to find the next Google or Facebook.

According to Mack, The panelists shared their rationale for pursuing a direct vs. fund investment approach to venture capital. They also discussed key selection and due diligence criteria that enables them to succeed and avoid pitfalls in venture capital investments. Finally, the panel shared stories regarding what has worked, what has not and why, including advice and recommendations regarding what families should consider if they are contemplating investing in venture capital.

The 2012 European Family Office Conference was Campden Conferences fourteenth private meeting for family principals and family office executives to discuss issues critical to the family office sphere. Campden Conferences have featured sessions on international private wealth, investment styles and strategies, how family offices can improve their operational effectiveness, opportunities associated with investing in emerging markets, alternative investments, real estate, global credit and fixed income markets along with numerous other asset types.

Mack International, LLC, headquartered in Chicago, is a global retained search and consulting firm serving clients in the family office/wealth management industry on a national and international basis. For more information, visit http://www.mackinternational.com or call 800.976.0015.







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Homes.com Names America’s “Top 10 Cities to Raise a Family”

Thursday, September 27th, 2012


Norfolk, Va. (PRWEB) September 26, 2012

Raising a family is an incredible undertaking, and finding the perfect city for your family is an important decision for many parents. Locating the right combination of a perfect school, family-friendly activities and a home for the entire family can be quite a feat. Searching for the right home for your family begins with picking a city and reviewing the surrounding neighborhoods and their offerings. Homes.com, a leading real estate listing site, researched some of Americas favorite locales to uncover the top 10 family-friendly cities.

The Homes.com Top 10 series is designed to guide consumers through every phase of life, from choosing the perfect place for summer vacation, to discovering the best cultural cities. The latest list of best places to raise children highlights cities across the country that are family-friendly and offer great educational, cultural and work opportunities.

At Homes.com, we know finding the perfect city to raise your children is important to you, said Wendy Froehlich, vice president of marketing for Homes.com. So we put together this Top 10 list is comprised of well-known cities such as Boston, Mass. and Raleigh, N.C., as well as lesser known locales like Pocatello, Idaho. Each city has a unique charm with the ideal mix of work and play for every American family.

Homes.com Top 10 Family-Friendly Cities

1. Blacksburg, Va.

In 2011, Business Week named Blacksburg the Best Place in the U.S. to Raise Kids. Home to Virginia Tech, Moog Inc. and the National Weather Service, Blacksburg has a great educational base as well as plenty of economic opportunities. The city is known for its affordable living costs, low crime rates and exceptional schools. Blacksburg is brimming with family-friendly amenities and features a community center with an indoor pool and a nine-hole municipal golf course.

2. Raleigh, N.C.

One of the fastest growing cities in the country, Raleigh combines a big city look with a small town feel. The city is noted for its affordable family housing, low crime rates and high median family income, as well as one of the strongest school districts in North Carolina. Raleigh, located in the Wake County School District, has more than 70 excellent schools including Raleigh Charter High School, which is consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the state.

3. Plano, Texas

From the Spanish word flat, Planos culture and environment are anything but. Home to several corporate headquarters including Dell Services, Dr. Pepper, Snapple Group, Alliance Data and Cinemark Theatres, Plano has an abundance of employment opportunities for parents. Consistently topping Forbes magazines safest cities in America list, its police department is one of the few in the country that requires officers to have a four-year college degree. Plano was given a national award for excellence for its Neighborhood Watch in 2011.

4. Tampa, Fla.

Tampa is the fourth most popular search on Homes.com, due in part to its reputable school district. The district has a student-teacher ratio of 13.5:1, less than the national average of 15.4:1. Residents enjoy warm weather year-round and have only a short drive to enjoy the Gulf Coasts pristine beaches. Families look forward each year to the citys annual Gasparilla Festival, a pirate-themed celebration including parades, a Childrens Extravaganza, music festival and marathon. The Port of Tampa is Floridas largest port and seventh largest in the country. It contributes billions of dollars each year into the regions economy.

5. Boston, Mass.

Boston is consistently recognized for its education, economy, culture, sports and rich history. Boston ranks third in livability and sixth in economy among U.S. cities. Home to several prestigious universities including Harvard, Boston University and Brown, Boston also boasts the largest pediatric research center in the world and the iconic Boston Childrens Museum, a dynamic facility with exhibits and hands-on learning experiences for children of all ages.

6. Rochester, Minn.

With fewer than 200 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Rochester is one of the safest cities in America. Home to the Mayo Clinic, which employs more than one-third of the population, Rochester also boasts a rich history and an extensive park system. Many downtown buildings are part of the National Register of Historic Places, and the Root River and Douglas State Trails are great outdoor destinations for families.

7. Pocatello, Idaho

Families seeking a smaller city will enjoy Pocatello. Boasting safe neighborhoods and a low cost of living, the city offers several family-friendly activities including the Pocatello Zoo, Idaho Museum of Natural History and Ross Park Aquatic Complex. Families looking for an easy day trip can visit nearby places including Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park and the Rocky Mountains. Families will build memories enjoying the citys recreational options and exploring the great Northwest.

8. Phoenix, Ariz.

Phoenix is the sixth most populous city in the U.S. and third most improved city according to rental searches on Homes.com. The city is home to seven Fortune 500 companies and has an active high-tech and telecommunications industry. Its many recreational activities are also a major draw for families. South Mountain Park and Preserve, the largest municipal park in the world, covers 16,500 acres and has more than 50 miles of biking, hiking and equestrian trails. Avid sports fans enjoy the best-attended PGA tour event each February at TPC Scottsdale, and Phoenix is one of only 13 cities that boast teams in all four major professional sports leagues.

9. Honolulu, Hawaii

A popular vacation spot, Honolulu shouldnt be overlooked by families as a great place to raise kids. Meaning place of shelter, Honolulu has 470 high-rise buildings, placing the city fourth behind New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. The city enjoys a strong economy, cultural and artistic attractions, and a thriving school system. More than 14 Honolulu schools have been presented with the Department of Education Blue Ribbon School for Excellence Award. With a 20-minute commute from one end of the city to the other, Honolulu offers hundreds of beaches and is an ideal location for daily family fun.

10. Lincoln, Neb.

With more than 100 parks, countless trails, a bustling metropolitan area and dozens of annual events, its hard to imagine getting bored in this city. Lincoln has a strong community feel and features numerous arts, cultural and family-friendly activities. Its International Thespian Society, Lincoln County State Fair, Capital City Ribfest, Lincoln Childrens Zoo and Sunken Gardens can be enjoyed by parents and kids alike.

Families curious about owning or renting a home in any of these family-friendly locales can visit Homes.com for the best homes from North Carolina to Hawaii and everywhere in between.

For photos and more information about Americas most family-friendly cities, visit the Homes.com blog (blog.homes.com).

About Homes.com

As one of the nations top online real estate destinations, Homes.com inspires consumers to dream big. From affordable houses to luxurious estates, condos, apartments and more, Homes.com features more than four million property listings and a user-friendly format, making finding your next home or a licensed real estate agent easy. Visitors to the Homes.com blog will find a collection of rich content and posts on DIY projects, painting, gardening and more, providing the ultimate resource for everything home related. From purchasing a first home, to upgrading, downsizing and everything in between, Homes.com is an inspiring and engaging partner in every phase of the home-buying process. For more information, visit http://www.homes.com or blog.h

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