Long Listing Agreement Trap

By Michael Repka, Esq. In many ways, the deck is stacked against the Sellers when they sign a listing agreement with a real estate agent. Irrespective of whether the agent decides to use the Peninsula Regional Data Service (“PRDS”) form or the…

The Ellis Act: A Valuable Option for Investing in Rent-Control Cities

By Colette Thomason, Esq. Property investors often shy away from purchasing a multi-family building in a city with rent control.  Rent control often means low rent which in turn, to a landlord, means low income.  At the same time, rent control protects…

Eight Listing Traps to Avoid

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…

Tax Topics—Deductions for Pass-Through Entities

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…

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…

Palo Alto’s New Ordinance

  Affordability issues persist in Silicon Valley as supply and demand for housing continue to put upward pressure on prices. Demand for housing here likely won’t change soon. Our communities boast top-performing schools, diverse populations,…