Entries by Michael Repka

Eight Listing Traps to Avoid

July 6, 2018 in , , /by

By Michael Repka, ESQ. Many sellers enter into a listing agreement feeling very optimistic and with a high level of trust in their listing agent. However, there may be devils lurking in the details of the listing agreement that the sellers are being asked to sign. Many sellers erroneously conclude that they can sign the […]

Construction Techniques – Insulated Concrete Forms (“ICF”)

May 5, 2018 in , /by

By Michael Repka Over the past decade, the building industry has become more environmentally conscious while also striving to find ways to improve the quality and durability of homes. One construction technique that has seen increased popularity in recent years is building with Insulated Concrete Forms, also known as ICF construction. Traditional residential construction generally […]

Tax Topics—Deductions for Pass-Through Entities

April 5, 2018 in , /by

By Michael Repka, Esq. (LL.M.—Taxation, NYU School of Law ‘01) On December 22, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) into law. This sweeping legislation dramatically lowered corporate tax rates, encouraged multi-national companies to bring money back to the United States, generally lowered individual income tax burdens, reduced mortgage interest deductibility, and, […]

The Peril of Pocket Listings

March 18, 2018 in , , /by

by Michael Repka, ESQ As the most active listing agent in Silicon Valley, I receive many phone calls from people interested in selling their property. The majority are interested in taking all steps necessary to achieve the highest possible sale price – which includes the proper preparation of the home, the appropriate timing of the […]

The Allure of Double-Ending

March 7, 2018 in , , /by

By Michael Repka, ESQ | CEO & General Counsel 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 […]

A Shot Across California’s Bow

March 3, 2018 in , , , , /by

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 […]

Should I Sell or Leave My Home to My Heirs?

November 8, 2017 in , , /by

By Michael Repka, ESQ | CEO & General Counsel As an estate-planning attorney, I found that many people make major life decisions based on short-term needs rather than developing a long-term, tax-efficient strategy for their real estate holdings. This has the unfortunate consequence of causing their real estate portfolios to develop in ways that are […]