The DeLeon Insight January 2018
2017: YEAR IN REVIEW
By Ken DeLeon, ESQ. and Michael Repka, ESQ.
It started off with the area—and the nation as a whole—adjusting to the notion of a Trump presidency. During the latter half of 2016, the market was quite lethargic as voters remained cautious due to the uncertainty of the election. Generally, many buyers sat on the sidelines because of a common concern that a Trump victory could result in chaos. However, once Trump won the presidency, the real estate and stock markets took off, to the surprise of many commentators…[READ MORE]
A SHOT ACROSS CALIFORNIA’S BOW
By Michael Repka, ESQ | CEO & General Counsel
(LL.M.—Taxation, NYU School of Law)
Since the earliest hints at the substance of President Trump’s new tax proposal, there has been one element that has remained consistent—the elimination of the deduction for state and local taxes. A cynical observer may note that this significant change to US tax policy would disproportionately hit states that have traditionally voted Democratic. In fact, of the top eight states in terms of maximum personal income tax levied, all but Iowa voted for Ms. Clinton in the most recent presidential election…[READ MORE]
PREDICTING THE NEXT HOT CITY
by Ken DeLeon | Founder
While a rising tide will lift all boats, in real estate these boats (or neighborhoods) will not all rise at the same velocity. Though there are some mega-trends driving the housing market in Silicon Valley, there are also micro-trends and dynamics that come into play with the cities relative to each other…[READ MORE]
THE ALLURE OF DOUBLE-ENDING
On a financial level, it is understandable why real estate agents want to represent both the buyer and seller on the same transaction: it means double commission.
Naturally, agents want to justify or rationalize this approach by arguing that they can remain completely objective and fight zealously for both sides. This is simply impossible…[READ MORE]
