Spotlights

Top seven challenges and opportunities facing commercial R.E.: Market likely to rebound late 2008

There is no doubt that 2007 was a transition year for U.S. commercial real estate. Triggered by the sub-prime fallout and credit crisis, it ...

Real estate auctions and 1031 exchanges: A powerful combination to maximize value

The primary goal of sophisticated investors and other players in the real estate arena is to maximize value.  Whether that encompasses bu...

A lawyer looks at penthouse "problems:" Noise, weather-related issues, roof uses and expansions

Living in a penthouse, especially in New York City, is a dream-come-true for many. There are wonderful things about penthouse life, but ther...

Values will improve as the year goes on and rates should remain relatively low through early 2008

The last quarter of 2007 showed a noticeable slowdown in real estate activity in the New York and New England region in most property catego...

Can an owner contribute property to a new LLC and take back a nontaxable preferred distribution?

Instead of selling property outright and recognizing gain for income tax purposes, can a property owner contribute the property to a new lim...

1031 exchanges can be simplified by working with the right people and accessing the right properties

1031 exchanges in a tough market can be simplified by working with the right people and having access to the right properties. The real est...

The safety forecast for 2008 in New York City calls for accountability

If I had to pick a theme for the new changes to the New York City Building Code, I would pick "accountability." Many of the current modific...

VVA outlook: 2008 shaping up to be a busy year for production studio design and construction

VVA, LLC, the leading Manhattan-based Project Management and Consulting firm and Newscorp project team members have begun construction of ne...

2008 legal outlook in the metro real estate and construction industries

Before looking once again into my crystal ball about 2008, the Metro New York real estate market looks easier this year to predict than last...

2008 oil outlook for the United States and around the world

As 2007 came to an end, oil prices approached nearly all-time highs. Adjusted for inflation, oil prices were between $102 and $110 in 1980; ...