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One Boca Raton-based land trust company was named in a judgment involving hundreds of homes across Florida. The company acquired close to 100 homes in Palm Beach County and was said to have owned more than 250 properties statewide. However, the state shut the company down in September 2012 over what the Florida attorney general stated was a foreclosure-rescue scheme.

A judgment against the firm rescinded deeds that were signed over to the firm in Palm Beach County. A suit brought by the attorney general’s office in Broward County continues, however.

The scheme involved the firm telling homeowners that they could cancel the mortgages by suing the lender after the homeowner signed over the deed to them. The firm would then offer new mortgages to borrowers through another company.

The judgment on this matter stated that the firm “made false and deceptive or unfair promises and representations to consumers” and those titles were transferred without consideration while consumers were asked to pay thousands of dollars in advance fees for undeliverable services.

While deeds were signed back to the original homeowners, attorneys continued taking steps to ensure that titles were cleared. This was necessary due to an order by the attorney general freezing the assets. There was also concern that alleged scams such as this makes it difficult for other consumers who have legitimate defenses to foreclosure.

Please speak to licensed attorneys rather than firms who provide advice and options that are too good to be true. Such a circumstance indicates just how difficult and complicated real estate disputes can turn out to be. Home buyers and sellers need legitimate real estate solutions along with ethical representation concerning ownership issues.

For more information about real estate law, contact the Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A.

Source: The Palm Beach Post, “Clouded titles cleared in land trust case,” Kimberly Miller, March 17, 2014

Since the end of the economic recession, home prices have been on the rise.  Home prices rose across Florida last year by 20 percent or more.  Not everyone is pleased as middle-class buyers have still not always had a place to turn.

Many real estate investors have been moving into the residential market and buying distressed properties in bulk.  These investors are aiming at properties that are subject to short sales or foreclosures.  Investors have been spending billions on these properties and then often placing the homes back on the market as rentals.

The intent of an investor is to attempt to buy properties at discount and rent the homes out until property values rise.  The homes may actually only go up for sale when the investor feels that they can make a profit.  Meanwhile, homeowners that have gone through foreclosure find themselves renting properties in the same neighborhood.

However, other home buyers may feel left out of the market.  Mortgages can be hard to come by when credit is so tight.  And the bargain homes are usually bought up by investors who can pay cash.  In some circumstances these investors are paying 25 to 50 percent more than the asking price on property.  This obviously will drive up prices.

Due to such circumstances we now have a substantial portion of our population paying at least 50 percent of their income towards housing expenses.  This could result in problems down the road when homeowners are no longer able to make such payments.

Homeowners often need the aggressive representation of lawyers who will look out for their interests.  When a homeowner finds himself in trouble in making house payments, certain foreclosure alternatives are needed.  Please speak to an experienced real estate lawyer to find out what those options could be.

If you have questions or need more information about Investor Strategies, contact the Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A.

Source: NPR, “Big Investors Boosting Home Prices, and Not Everyone’s Pleased,” Greg Allen, March 10, 2014

While the commercial real estate market in South Florida appears to be improving, lenders are still hesitant to finance a number of real estate transactions. A number of critics feel that federal regulators and lenders are in fact slowing down recovery by turning away borrowers that are creditworthy.

The tighter restrictions came about in part due to the loose lending standards that in part led to the housing bubble. However, there is now concern that restrictions are too tight. One Florida County reportedly had 65 percent of commercial transactions involve “all cash.” “That really narrows the pool of buyers, which means it narrows the speed of the recovery,” stated one real estate broker.

Many developers’ credit scores had taken hits during the recession. While credit has become more available, it is still mainly only for a few creditors. Larger home builders are able to obtain credit, but this isn’t necessarily true of smaller ones.

We will need to wait and see as to whether restrictions will lighten in the coming years. It will also likely take time before credit ratings for many borrowers will go back up. In the meantime, developers are often forced to find financing through what are considered non-traditional sources.

Under such circumstances commercial buyers are in need of real estate solutions that certain attorneys can offer. This is especially true when borrowers are faced with tight restrictions placed upon financing. Attorneys can be involved in negotiations concerning commercial closings or disputes. They can also provide additional options for getting a new real estate development underway.

To find out more about financing, contact the Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A. 

Source: News-Press, “Credit Catc-22 hampers Southwest Florida real estate market,” Dick Hogan, March 1, 2014

The foreclosure rate in the Miami-Miami Beach-Kendall area had fallen to 8.72 percent in December. While this is down significantly from the 14.38 percent rate we saw one year earlier, it is still much too high. The national foreclosure rate is at 2.09 percent. The foreclosure rate across Florida was listed at 6.67 percent in December as compared to the 10.27 percent rate in December 2013.

The mortgage delinquency rate had also improved in the Miami area. While it was listed at 14.99 percent rate in December, a year earlier it was at 20.79 percent. Again, compared to the national rate of 5.03 percent in December, the Miami rate of delinquencies is also significantly high.

We can only guess at why the Miami foreclosure rates are higher than in other parts of the country. But what is significant about these statistics is that a significant number of individuals are still underwater in today’s economy as pertains to their mortgage.

Those facing foreclosure need to understand the legal options that attorneys working in this area can provide for them. Foreclosure defense can include loan modifications or proposal of other alternatives that will keep families in their homes. Short sales where a homeowner sells a home for less than what is owed to the bank are sometimes conducted. And in certain dire circumstances a deed in lieu of foreclosure may be worked out where the homeowner turns the home over to the lender and is thus no longer responsible for any more homeowner obligations.

Though alternatives are available, each option requires careful consideration. Please speak to a qualified attorney in this area before making any decisions.

Contact the Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A. today to find out more about for foreclosure rates.

Source: Miami Herald Business, “Miami area foreclosure rate fell again in December,” Martha Brannigan, Feb. 24, 2014

One South Florida property owner has refinanced in order to be provided more time to sell the land. The loan has been negotiated by a Miami-based firm for $36.5 million and involves vacant tracts in Hillsboro Beach and Boynton Beach. The commercial real estate lender has provided the loan over a period of 24 months.

The parcels in question are said to allow buyers the ability to develop “very unique projects.” Some of the tracts are zoned for condominiums or luxury homes. One site has been approved for a shopping mall. And for one other piece of property, an application for a zoning change has been made in hopes that a resort hotel could be built there. The lender is confident that the real estate will increase in value over time.

Loan modifications and other real estate solutions can often mean the difference between providing a profitable enterprise and a missed opportunity. Attorneys that understand this area of law can also provide a wide variety of solutions when it comes to trying to figure the financing out. They can make certain that clients understand the benefits and possible consequences when it comes to reworking of a loan.

These attorneys can also provide additional services when it comes to real estate matters. This can include representation at closings and the intervening in disputes that could prove costly. Commercial real estate ventures can involve millions of dollars trading hands. It can also result in disputes when misunderstandings arise concerning the ways that land can be developed or used.

Contact an experienced Foreclosure Defense Attorney in Miami at the Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A.

Source: Sun Sentinel, “South Florida landowner refinances, buys time to sell,” Paul Owens, Jan. 31, 2014

Despite rising home prices, the Florida real estate market appears to remain strong. While nine percent of home purchases in Florida were made by institutional investors in 2012, this number rose to 12 percent in 2013. On a national scale, seven percent of purchases in 2013 involved investor sales. There were 5.8 percent of sales made up by investors on a national scale in 2012.

Local investors appear concerned many large out-of-state investors are overpaying on homes and thus driving up prices. This would include Wall Street investors such as Blackrock that owns Invitation Homes. “It’s what I call the corporatization of residential America,” said the chief executive of a research and consulting business. This individual feels that homes in many communities are being purchased in large percentages by corporations. However, the long-term consequences for that community are not being discussed.

Commercial real estate disputes are complex to begin with.  Large investors are likely becoming involved in such investments because they view investments as a means of making even more money.  Unfortunately, this can place smaller investors at a disadvantage in the event that they are harmed due to the practices of large investors.

In such a market as this, commercial investors will require various real estate solutions that can be provided by capable real estate attorneys.  This can include handling of commercial closings or representation in the event of real estate disputes.  It can also involve consultation regarding possible red flags that could be raised during a commercial real estate offer.

Contact an experienced Miami Foreclosure Defense Attorney  at the Law Offices of Daryl L. Jones, P.A. to find out more.

Source: The Palm Beach Post, “Florida real estate investor invasion,” Kim Miller, Jan. 27, 2014

As a business owner, you start your business hoping that everything will run smoothly, and you will end up running a very successful organisation after some time. Unfortunately, we do not live in a utopian society where every business flourishes. Mistakes happen along the way, issues come up, and chances are that you will inevitably need a business attorney from time to time to help you resolve some legal issue with your business.

Below are 7 reasons why you may need to use the services of a business attorney in your business.

1. Incorporation

Your business must be structured and organised- whether it will be a partnership, sole proprietorship, corporation or an LLC. You will likely have to comply with several local or national regulations with regards to your company’s formation and running. Also, depending on the type of business you intend on starting, you might also need to get certain permits related to your business, among other requirements.

Incorporating a business involves more than just simply handing over a cheque and getting a certificate. As a business owner, you need someone who understands the process and can complete the whole process without any potential legal implications in the future.

A business attorney will help ensure that you meet all the requirements of your business’ formation, file all the necessary paperwork with the local authorities, prepare many relevant documents related to running your business, such as employment contracts, by-laws, articles of incorporation, and several others.

Additionally, a business attorney can help you navigate the labyrinth of zoning and planning regulations and rules regarding your facilities- and any potential issues that may come up.

1. Employment and Labour Issues

Chances are that you have employed some independent contractors or employees in your business. Issues that are related to employees are very common in the workplace, and they may leave you low on money and shorthanded. Nonetheless, in case you have a lawyer at your side, these issues will be quickly resolved since they can simplify the recruitment process, manage your workers’ compensation program, draft up agreements for the independent contractors and safely fire or discipline employees without any legal consequences.

There are several regulations and rules that you must follow in the realm of employment and labour, which can include:

1. Wrongful termination
2. Fair wages
3. Benefits issues
4. Agreements and contracts
5. Unemployment insurance
6. Worker’s compensation insurance

For all the above issues, a lawyer can help you in protecting your business interests.

1. Commercial Landlord-Tenant Disputes and Agreements

In case you own a space, and you have rented it out to commercial or residential tenants, you will have to comply with the landlord-tenant laws. Additionally, your business can itself rent the space from a commercial landlord. A lawyer will help you in negotiating a lease for space (for you or even one of your commercial tenants) and will assist you with any disputes that may arise out of that lease.

1. Tax Issues

Personal income taxes are high enough, never mind business taxes. It may be very hard for you to understand exactly how much you owe to the tax authorities, and/or any rebates that may be owed to you. Many business lawyers are also trained in matters of tax and they can help you in determining what records you need to keep and also help you in dealing with any tax-related issues which may come up.

1. Intellectual Property Issues

Your business may come up with a unique product or service. Your business may also own or should own copyrights, trademarks, and patents. Filing patents is a time-consuming and expensive affair, especially if you do it yourself. Besides, they are usually hard to get them approved in a reasonable amount of time without the assistance of a lawyer.

An attorney who offers IP or trademark registration services will be in a position to help you not only to get intellectual property protections but also help you in enforcing these protections in case someone else or another entity steals or infringes on your hard-earned intellectual property.

1. Protections Against Lawsuits

Having a lawyer can help in preventing lawsuits. In case you have already been sued, and you can do not have a lawyer, it might be already too late. A good litigation attorney will help you in reducing the charges. Nonetheless, they cannot entirely protect you from them. You should be proactive before you are sued, get all your legalities in order, and make sure that you cover all your bases.

1. Damages Mitigation

A business litigation lawyer can help you in reducing the damages that you may face in case of a lawsuit. For instance, in case you are faced with a personal injury case from a customer or an employer, a litigation lawyer can help you in mitigating any damages. For you to get the best results, it is very imperative that you tell the truth. In case you want an honest litigation lawyer, you need to be an honest client.

Even if the employee got injured because of something that you did, it is much better for the lawyer to know all the facts from you, instead of getting the information from the opposing side’s lawyer.

During the CPA exam journey, one of the most important choice to make is selecting the CPA exam review courses. The CPA review courses are different self-study resources that are designed for the CPA candidates to teach them about the course content in order to pass the exam. Course components of the exam can be accessed online. Almost everything is included in the courses that a candidate need to pass the exam. This includes:

1. Physical or digital books.
2. A study planner
3. Audio lectures
4. Video lectures
5. Customer service access
6. Practice questions and various simulations
7. Performance tracking software
8. Limited time access

Some already have few of above study material like practice questions, books, study planner or simulations. All these are helpful but not enough. CPA prep courses can be purchased completely or separately for each exam. The next thing is the willpower and determination to keep studying.

Does CPA Review Course Really Need?

As the nature of exam requires, almost every CPA exam candidate need review courses. This exam is a challenging test and covers the wide amount of information. The purpose of the exam is to make sure that the candidate has abilities and knowledge of modern CPA. To tackle the CPA exam which comprises of 4 sections each with hundreds of questions which assesses the skills of the candidate at a very high level. There are three ways that the CPA study material benefits the candidate:

Content Coverage

The best review courses cover the exam content and cover the content in an efficient and convenient way. Visit best CPA prep materials to know more about the CPA review courses. These courses also share general information about what possibly comes in the exam as a CPA exam blueprints. Expertly–authored material is featured in the quality review courses that address every part of exam content.

Development of Knowledge and Skills

CPA Exam Prep Guides ensure that candidate reach the level of knowledge and skills that are needed to pass the exam in time. Not only the content is delivered in a good CPA course but the candidates study progress is also measured. Various tools like study planner and performance tracking software ensure that candidate reviews the study material efficiently. The review course also analyzes the understanding of a candidate as CPA exam expects to reach a certain level of skill with exam content.

Support System

For additional information, encouragement, and advice, the CPA review course is the best support system. Depending on the review course, the candidate may rely on exam mentors to help in answering the questions and create the study plan, coach through the course, keep the student on track and encourage during the study strategies to achieve the goals. The course may also come with the assistance of technical team for solving course or computer issues. And may finally get the chance to have concepts and questions explained by the accounting professors and experts.

Cost of CPA Review Course

The cost of the CPA review course differs by review provider but average cost comes under $2000. But make sure to select the course with enough access policy. Always do the homework before buying to make sure that the selected course is best for exam preparation. Get the CPA review course discount codes at https://cpaexamguy.com/best-cpa-review-courses/.