Blog

Richard Green, director of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, offers insights into the best alternatives for reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

In ad valorem tax disputes, commercial property owners and their tax counsel often are so focused on rent rolls, occupancy, capitalization rates and other big-picture considerations that they overlook special conditions affecting value. There is “ore to be mined” in less obvious areas, however.  Here are five factors to consider in making sure a tax protest covers all the bases.  1. Subsurface Conditions. Geology can weigh heavily in determining fair market value. Common examples include old mining activity, limestone formations and sinkholes, earthquake events, flood plains and periodic flooding. The property owner may already have information along these lines, and…

JLL Peter Belisle solar power and roof replacement Peter Belisle of Jones Lang LaSalle discusses the impact of rooftop age and condition in considering solar power installations. E.g., an owner facing roof replacement might defray the cost by leasing rooftop space to a third-party solar power company.

With the rise in use of iPads and smartphones in real estate, Peter Boritz of Real Data Management offers advice on how to protect yourself against viruses and security breaches.

US companies and UK cities are stealing a march on their rivals in the online conversation according to CREOpoint & KPMG.

The recession has left its mark on the budgets of state and local governments nationwide. Revenue shortfalls have forced states to slash their budgets and, oftentimes, withdraw state aid pledged to local governments. Cities, towns and school districts are now forced to raise property taxes, their main (and sometimes only) revenue source. Struggling with escalating tax burdens, taxpayers cry out to their elected representatives to put a lid on the always rising local property tax and support property tax cap initiatives. The tax cap is an old device that’s found new life in these hard times. At the forefront of…

San Francisco’s new law requiring owners to make energy improvements based on information uncovered in mandatory audits exempts buildings with ENERGY STAR labels or LEED certification.

With all the talk of increased allocations by lenders at the conference, it seems like the credit crisis is fading into the abyss as lenders speak of anticipating extreme competition this year to get their money out.  This year the conference was held in San Diego and representatives from 25 CMBS platforms, 50 life insurance companies, agencies, FHA and various bridge, mezzanine lenders and hedge funds attended.  NorthMarq ran two suites and had meetings on the half hour with each lender.  We also hosted a cocktail party for 150 lender representatives.  The overwhelming message was “we have money, lots of…

The Lusk Center’s Richard Green blogs about the Port of Los Angeles, remote officing and other impacts on Southern California’s industrial and office markets.

It may seem odd to be thinking about commercial property tax appeals in January. Yet now is the best time to begin, particularly in Texas, which has an annual reassessment cycle and where the system works quickly and rewards those who prepare early. No matter where you are, however, advance preparation will usually pay off. First compare your 2010 value to what you think the fair market value should be. This will give you an idea of what to expect for 2011. Review appraisal district records and determine whether assessors are using the income, cost, or sales comparison approach to…