Niman @TReXGlobal.com

Last Minute Tax Tip - Deductible Start-Up Expenses

Business start-up costs are generally capital expenditures, but you can elect to deduct up to $5,000 of business start-up costs incurred in 2008. The $5,000 deduction is reduced by the amount your total start-up costs exceed $50,000, and the remaining cost must be amortized.

Start-up expenses are costs incurred while creating an active trade or for investigating the creation of a business or trade. This includes expenses incurred when acquiring an existing for profit activity, as well as expenses incurred during the anticipated production of income. Common start-up expenses may include:

• Accounting fees
• Analysis, survey, or study of potential markets, products, labor supply, transportation facilities, etc…
• Advertisements for the opening of the business.
• Office equipment and furniture, setup costs
• Salaries and wages for employees who are being trained and their instructors.
• Travel and other necessary costs for securing prospective distributors, suppliers, or customers.
• Salaries and fees for executives and consultants, or for similar professional services

Click here for the other tips. To learn more about saving money on taxes, try the property management software and other money saving real estate software from TReXGlobal.com.

Investor Marketing Tip - VISIT your clients

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One of the big reasons why agents do not get repeat business from past clients is because they do not VISIT their clients. Generally speaking, an agent can create a very positive impression by sticking around and being in a client's mind beyond the transaction process.

VISIT your clients beyond the transaction process to let them know they are important to you. You don't have to physically go to their house. For example - you can VISIT them by calling them, emailing them, and sending them information. You can also "visit" them by being on their minds, and by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter. You can "visit" prospects by providing them with valuable resources that they will use, like TReXGlobal's property management software, which you can co-brand and share for free, so it acts like a virtual refrigerator magnets with investor clients.

When you allow clients to be familiar with you because you have "visited" them so many times, it makes it more likely that they will pay you a visit when the time comes and they need something.

To learn more about how to market to investors, try the real estate marketing tools, property management software, and other money saving tools from TReXGlobal.com. You can also find out more at our next 25 minute webinar.

Last Minute Tax Tip - Deducting Tenant Utilities that the Landlord Pays

Utilities paid by the landlord for tenant use are fully deductible, provided that this is part of the rental agreement.

Landlords often incur expenses to light common areas or operate security systems on their properties. Other common expenses include power, water, gas, and cable, and internet.

Any utility costs incurred during a period of vacancy are also fully deductible - but be careful. Deducting large expenses during periods of vacancy can be a reason for the IRS to become suspicious.

Everyone's tax situation is different, and this information should not substitute professional advice. Taxpayers should always consult with their tax advisors to consider specific factors that might affect their situation.

Click here for the other tips. To learn more about saving money on taxes, try the property management software and other money saving real estate software from TReXGlobal.com.

Last Minute Tax Tip - Minimize Taxable gain using Sale Expenses

Many real estate investors overlook deductions when they sell their property. If you sold your rental property for a gain, make sure to minimize taxes by accounting for sale expenses - like closing costs, which can be found on the property's settlement statement.

You should deduct Commissions Paid, Title Charges, Recording and Transfer Charges, and Additional Settlement Costs from the Contract Sales Price. This will help you minimize gain, and lower the tax liability on your sold property.

Be sure to share these tips, and click here for more. To learn more about saving money on taxes, try the property management software and other money saving real estate software from TReXGlobal.com.

Considered the eighth largest economy in the world, California saw a near-doubling in home sales in the fourth quarter, a pace surpassed only by Nevada's 133.7 percent growth.

Why is this important?

The economy of California is a dominant force in the economy of the United States, with California paying more to the federal system than it receives in direct monetary benefits

For many young couples, plummeting prices and record-low interest rates make it possible to own a home in California for the first time. And of course, Investors can snap up foreclosed properties for cheap and sell them during the next boom, one that is possibly not far off.

Combined with the new California tax breaks, many dreamers are finding gold during the housing bust.

California isn't the only market with investors and dreamers! If you are an agent, many opportunities are opening up for you. To learn more about how to market to investors, try the real estate marketing tools from TReXGlobal.com.