WINNING BIG

Investors who put their money in real estate last year were huge winners, earning an unprecedented 34 percent on their dollars. The performance of real estate surpassed the stock market worldwide, and government and corporate bonds, according to a study being released today by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Center for Real Estate. "Real estate as an asset class has great potential for the investment industry because there's so much of it out there," says David Geltner, director of MIT's 21-year-old Center for Real Estate. Source: Boston Globe, Thomas C. Palmer Jr. (02/22/06) © Copyright 2006 INFORMATION, INC. Bethesda, MD (301) 215-4688

ANOTHER REASON TO HIRE A PRO

In 2005, 13 percent of home sellers sold their home without a real estate practitioner; however, the average sales price for a home sold by an unrepresented owner was $163,800 compared with $189,000 for a home sold with the help of a real estate practitioner, according to a study conducted by NAR.

What is a 1031 Exchange?

1031 exchanges are specifically structured transactions that join together the sale of an old property and the purchase of a new property for the purpose of deferring taxes. Exchanges are primarily used for buying and selling investment real estate, but they can also be used for personal property that is used in a business. Examples of qualifying property include bare land, rental property, commercial buildings and homes other than your primary residence. A 1031 exchange can defer the capital gain taxes that are due when you sell property that has increased in value or been depreciated for tax purposes. These federal and state capital gain taxes can be costly. Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 can benefit you in several other ways. By deferring taxes, you have increased flexibility, leverage and buying power. Exchanges also allow you to change, diversify or consolidate your investments.

County offers free trees at five parks

If you lost a tree during Hurricane Wilma, you'll have a chance to replace it later this month. There would be seven to 10 species of trees, with a variety of fruit and native shade trees. Each household will be limited to two trees, and each transaction will require proof of residency and a signed affidavit stating the tree will be planted in Broward. Where to go: Trees will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends at the following parks, beginning Jan. 28. C.B. Smith Park, 900 N. Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, 954-437-2650 (no trees Jan. 29) Plantation Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane, Plantation, 954-791-1025 Rev. Samuel Delevoe Park, 2520 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale, 954-791-1036 Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park, 3300 N. Park Road, Hollywood, 954-985-1980 Tradewinds Park, 3600 W. Sample Road, Coconut Creek, 954-968-3880