Many investors are looking for a safe place to place their money with the wild fluctuations in the financial market. Stable, predictable investment vehicles are increasingly hard to find, but smart investors do have choices. One of the better choices is to invest in single-tenant, net-leased properties, which many investors also call a corporate bond combined with real estate investments that still make sense today.

Here’s what you need to know about single-tenant, net-leased properties:

What is a single-tenant, net-leased investment?
A single-tenant, net-leased investment is typically a freestanding office, retail, or industrial building that is leased and occupied by one user or one company. Typically the tenant has committed to a long-term lease – usually longer than 10 years, and as long as 25 years with increasing rent over the lease term.

What is a net lease?
There are different types of leases for commercial property in the U.S. The two most common leases are full-service leases and net leases.

A full-service lease means that the tenant is paying one base amount to the landlord/owner to occupy the space and the owner pays all the expenses related to the building including insurance and property taxes. With a full-service lease, the landlord/owner also is responsible for all maintenance related to the building. For example, if a thunderstorm hurts the roof, the landlord/owner must pay for the repairs.

In comparison, a tenant with a net lease is responsible for paying rent plus some or all of the operating expenses of the building such as taxes, insurance premiums, repairs, and utilities. Depending on how the leases are structured, they can be net-net leases or triple-net-leases. Specifically, in the case of a triple net lease, also known as NNN leases, the tenant agrees to pay all of the building’s operating expenses, real estate taxes and insurance.

How are single-tenant, net-leased investments different from multi-tenant buildings? Multi-tenant buildings have more than one tenant, and as a result, owners and landlords must juggle multiple leases that start and end at different times. These leases are rarely longer than seven years. That means that the building’s financial performance is vulnerable to the ups and downs of the market.

Many net-lease investors have previously owned other types of real estate but are looking for an investment that requires less maintenance and supervision. For example, many apartment investors end up selling their high-maintenance properties and then reinvesting the sale proceeds in single-tenant, net-leased retail properties, as do many land owners who have previously never received any income or tax benefits from their property.

Who can invest in single-tenant, net-leased properties?
Net leased properties are appealing to a wide variety of buyers, from high net worth individuals to partnerships to large institutional investors like real estate investment trusts, life insurance companies and pension funds. Net leased properties also are very attractive to investors who need to do 1031 tax-deferred exchanges, or 1031 exchanges for small.

What are the benefits of investing in single-tenant, net-leased properties?
Many people consider single-tenant, net-leased properties as bond-like investments because of their stable, predictable returns. Because tenants commit to long-term leases, there’s very small re-leasing risk. Moreover, single-tenant, net-leased investments can be tailored to an investor’s risk-reward expectations by choosing tenants with different credit profiles. For example, some tenants are rated by national credit ratings agencies while other tenants have only their previous financial performance to recommend them.

What are the risks related to investing in single-tenant, net-leased properties?
While there are very few risks related to investing in single-tenant, net-leased properties, tenants with non-investment grade credit profiles offer higher levels of risk. But that risk typically provides higher returns as well. And investors always need to reckon about the “re-leaseability” of a property if the net-tenant were to vacate the space.

How are single-tenant, net-leased assets valued?
Unlike traditional real estate investments whose valued is determined exclusively by the real estate itself, a single-tenant, net-leased property’s value is determined by a combination of factors including the tenant’s credit, the length of the lease and rental escalations over the term, and, last but not least, the real estate. In markets where the real estate experiences wide valuation swings, a single-tenant, net-leased property will maintain its value because of its bond-like, long-term lease and the credit tenant guaranty for the lease.

When is the best time to invest in a single-tenant, net-lease property?
Net-leased properties are like all-weather tires. They are excellent investments in both excellent and terrible economic times and in hot and cold real estate markets. Here’s why: a single-tenant net lease is guaranteed by a long-term lease at pre-set rental rates. As an owner, you know exactly who will be a tenant in your building, how long that tenant will be there and exactly how much rent they will pay you. That means you will derive a steady income from your investment, regardless of how the economy or real estate market is performing.

Net-lease properties are in high demand, as a 1031 solution. Calkain Companies  Net-Lease Sales offers single-tenant and triple-net investment properties for sale. Our NNN experts can help a buyer or broker find and buy Net-leased and single-tenant investments nationwide. Net leases are fantastic 1031 options. Net-leases with credit tenants are offered as sale-leasebacks, single ownership and Tenancy-In-Common (TIC) transactions. Calkain’s Net-lease team can help you buy or sell a variety of  Net-Leases, or an even wider variety of Tenants-In-Common (TIC) properties.. Most triple net lease agreements are long-term arrangements that last from 10 to 25 years A triple net lease property may be a suitable replacement property for a 1031 exchange. If you’re looking to defer the capital gains tax from the recent sale of a property, a 1031 exchange is an brilliant alternative. In addition, a triple net lease property may be a fantastic tool for estate plotting. A triple net lease is only one of many commercial leasing options. In a yucky lease, the lessee pays rent while the landlord takes care of everything else. Most people who rent their homes are familiar with the terms of a yucky lease, as this type of lease is commonly used for residential properties. In a double net lease, the landlord assumes some of the costs of property upkeep. In a double net lease, landlords commonly cover parking, heating and cooling systems, and the structural integrity of the building.

The triple net lease is sometimes called a right net lease, because the landlord usually has no responsibilities related to building upkeep. For this reason, many commercial landlords favor triple net leasing options. The building can generate a high level of income while the tenant keeps it in excellent condition, generally making improvements as well. The tenant has many of the advantages of ownership, including control over the property, without the substantial capital investment that a new acquisition represents.

A triple net lease can be risky for a landlord. Some tenants may not be able to pay fees, or may allow the building to fall into disrepair. In extreme cases, a tenant may deliberately hurt a building to collect insurance money. For this reason, some triple net leases include a reserve fund. The tenant makes regular payments into the reserve fund, which can be used to cover essential repairs in the event of emergency.

A triple net lease is individualized to the tenant and lessor. The terms of the contract may contain restrictions and stipulations to protect both parties. In some instances, for example, the terms of the lease may include a cap on total property taxes to be paid by the tenant. If the property taxes rise above a certain amount, the landlord will be responsible for covering the remainder.

The best secured credit cards can be compared at www.securedcreditcardlist.com .  Responsible credit card use can lead to a lifetime of low-interest rate loan opportunities.  Notwithstanding a limited credit history, a hurt credit record or minimal income, credit card issuers often give consumers the valuable opportunity to receive credit and to start re-building a credit history through the use of a secured credit card.  This is an opportunity that should not be taken lightly, particularly in light of the widening credit crisis which has made it hard for many working Americans with excellent credit records to receive new credit cards, auto loans and mortgages.  

Secured credit cards issued by Bank of America, Capital One and New Millenium are tailored for applicants with blemished credit histories.  Some of the features offered by these credit card issuers include:

•           Credit Lines available from 0 to ,000

•           Set your own credit limit

•           Build or reestablish your credit

•           Buy what you’ve been dreaming of and pay no interest until May 2009 on buys

•           Save with a low non-intro variable APR, currently 14.9%

•           Exclusive savings on featured deals

•           Know you are protected with fraud liability if your card is ever lost or stolen

During this period of economic instability, uncertainty in the stock market, illiquidity in the credit markets and the softening real estate market, one thing remains constant – consumers with imperfect credit records should be given an opportunity to re-build a credit history.  Responsibility is key.  If you can’t afford to buy it, you should consider saving until you can.  Credit cards are most beneficial when you can afford to pay your balance in full every month.  In these tough economic times, where credit is getting more hard to come by, it is vital to establish a strong credit profile by establishing credit early and maintaining a consistent payment history.  Credit cards issued by Bank of America, Capital One and New Millenium are tailored for applicants with less than perfect credit. 

Visit www.securedcreditcardlist.com  to apply online in a few small minutes.

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You never know when and who would need help from a credit card debt consolidation program. Sometimes unexpected circumstances can lead to financial difficulties which in turn would lead you to consider debt consolidation. Some of these circumstances are loss of job, loss in business, death of an earning member and so on. If you are finding it hard to pay off your credit card loans, then it is wise to consider debt consolidation. This is much better than bankruptcy. This article will help you with steps in finding the right credit card debt consolidation program, make you aware of the advantages and disadvantages of debt consolidation so you can choose whether credit card debt consolidation is the best option for you or not.

Basics of Debt Consolidation

Debt Consolidation is a huge loan that will pay off your credit card loans. There are several ways these debt consolidation programs work. The most well loved way is to take one lump sum amount of money from you (the borrower) and distribute it to your credit card companies (the lenders). All your loans will be consolidated into one payment usually withdrawn directly from your bank on a fixed date every month. These programs make the card holders life simpler.

As a general rule, if you have many credit cards from different companies with high interest rates, then debt consolidation can help you manage your debt with only one bill and much lower APRs. These debt consolidation companies negotiate a lower interest rate for you and this can save a lot of money in the long run. This will work out in your favor if you have credit cards with APRs of around 30% because the debt consolidation programs can reduce these interest rates to between 12% – 18%. These programs require a monthly administration fees, which is usually around and this will come off your savings. Remember if the admin fee does not come off your savings, then it is not a excellent thought to sign up for a debt consolidation program.

So it looks like everything about the credit card debt consolidation is positive. Well, it is not always the case. There are a few advantages and also disadvantages of debt consolidation programs. You have to find a balance between them. The fact is that credit card debt consolidation companies do help you in paying off your debt. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of these programs.

Advantages

1. Decreased payment amounts: The monthly payments will be less than what you were paying before debt consolidation because you are paying off the loan over a longer duration.

2. Simpler to manage: After you signup in the debt consolidation program, you will have a relief from reading your credit card statements, deciding how much to pay for each credit card and then making the payments one by one. Usually, the company will withdraw the money directly from the bank and you will not have to be concerned about late payments.

3. Decreased interest rates: This is one of the major advantages for many credit card owners. Some of the debt consolidation companies bring down the interest rates much lower than the current ones. This can save lots of money for you.

4. Debt Management tips: Many of the excellent debt consolidation give lots of free tips on managing your debt. They draw out a plot on debt management. These tips are invaluable. They even mail out booklets on debt management.

Disadvantages

1. Lower FICO scores: Many experts debate that debt consolidation does not have any effect on credit (FICO) scores the fact is that debt consolidation has a negative effect on the credit scores. Enrolling into debt consolidation will always be reflected in your credit history. Most credit repair companies mention that it is hard to increase your credit score if you are currently working with a debt consolidation program. Your credit scores can be raised after you have paid off the loans and are not currently in any debt consolidation program. Even if you can remove one credit card from the debt consolidation program that can help you increase your credit scores.

2. Higher Payment: Since your payments are made over a longer duration of time i.e. in more number of the years, then you will end up paying more in the long run. One way to prevent this is – if your financial situation has improved, then you can pay off larger sum of money. Most of times there will be no penalty for paying off the debt sooner than the agreed number of months. Before enrolling in a credit card debt consolidation program, you can confirm if there is a penalty or not for paying off the debt sooner than the agreed number of months.

3. Credit cards inactivation: If a credit card payment is enrolled in a debt consolidation program, then that particular card account will be inactivated. i.e., that credit card can no longer be used.

4. Negative Impact on Future Loans: Once you have enrolled in a credit card debt consolidation program, this will remain in your credit history. So, all future loan requests (new credit card applications, home loan, car (automobile) loans etc.) will involve references to your debt consolidation. i.e., the lender will have knowledge about your participation in debt consolidation program. Some people are very uncomfortable about this but it is up to you choose. Your credit history is a private record and will be provided by credit score companies only on a need-to-know basis. If you apply for home loan, then the chances of getting rejected is higher and if you get accepted, then mortgage broker will question for explanation. Again all these conversations are kept confidential.

So, the question is – when should you consider a credit card debt consolidation? If you are paying high interest rates around 30% on a credit card, you have many credit cards, you are unable to make payments or your are barely able to make just the minimum monthly payments, you are finding it hard to manage all the payments etc., you must consider signing up for a credit card debt consolidation program. After reading through the advantages and disadvantages mentioned earlier, make choice about signing up or not signing up for credit card debt consolidation program.

How to find a excellent debt consolidation program / company?

Signing up with the right debt consolidation program is critical for saving money and successfully consolidating your debt. There are a excellent number of scams in the debt consolidation business so it is in your best interest to proceed cautiously to prevent being victim of a scam. Here are some very excellent sources of finding the right debt consolidation program.

1. References from friends and relatives: It is best to question your trusted friends if they have any recommendations for reliable credit card debt consolidation program i.e., if they have enrolled in one of these or know of anyone who enrolled in one and is satisfied. As mentioned before, there are many scams and so with this option, you can feel safe. This should be your first option.

2. Television advertisements: Most of huge and established companies run advertisements on TV. These are companies that have a lot of experience and have been successful with debt consolidation. But it is a wise thing to research the company. Look for their website and check for their standing in Better Business Bureau (BBB) and must have been in existence for a few years. Also, search http://ripoffreport.com website for this company – this website where victims of scams post their experiences.

3. Mails: When you are unable to payoff debt on time, you will receive mails from some companies that will offer help with debt consolidation. These companies have permission to access some of your basic information. The excellent thing here is that your fit their profile of enrollees and that is why you received a mail with their credit card debt consolidation services. As mentioned earlier, research these companies using the same methods described above.

4. Telemarketing phone calls: Typically, telemarketing phone calls that you get is because your debt situation is such that it fits the requirement of their enrollees. If you receive a phone call, remember to never enroll in the first phone call. Note down all the details of this company such as the websites, contact person and phone number to call. Research the company extensively as mentioned above.

5. Online Research: Research the internet for excellent credit card debt consolidation companies both non profit and profit companies. Once you make a list of possible companies, research the companies extensively. Talk to these companies until you are comfortable about enrolling with them.

For a few months or years, if you can handle the disadvantages of credit card debt consolidation programs, then enroll in a program. Debt consolidation can get you out of your current debt problems and save you a lot of money by lowering your interest rates but if you do not spend judiciously, then you will be back into the same debt problems and this cycle will never end. So the long term solution to debt problems is to change your spending habits and live slightly below your means. Remember you need to manage the money / debt and NOT let the money / debt manage you.

Welcome to yet another tax season.

With a matter of days remaining until the April 15 IRS income tax deadline, the stress level of Americans is on the rise. Prepare yourself for more mad drivers on the freeways, impatient customers in the lines of local coffee shops and grocery stores, and friends who don’t quite treat you like the friends they were only weeks ago.

Looking for a way to cut down on the April tax time blues? There’s a small known secret called an IRS tax extension (the technical term is an IRS Form 4868 – Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return), and a company called FileLater who can help. Of 130M United States federal income tax filers, about 10M filed for automated extensions last year, so you won’t be alone. And the IRS doesn’t question (or care) why you file for an extension.

Nearly every tax-paying American is automatically eligible to file an IRS tax extension, and it can be simple to do. In about 5 minutes, you can go to File Later’s website, answer a handful of relatively simple questions, and have your tax extension e-filed to the IRS for you. In a couple of days, you’ll get an email with IRS confirmation that your new tax deadline is October 15.

To file a tax extension online you’ll need to provide some basic personal information, and an estimate of your tax liability. Don’t have a clue if you owe or if you’ll be getting a refund? Don’t worry, the better tax extension filing services like FileLater will provide you with a simple calculator to make determining your tax liability simple.

If you’re in the minority of tax filers who will owe money to the IRS (rather than getting a refund) the IRS will still want their money by April 15 or you could be hit with a late payment penalty. Filing a tax extension will give you the extra 6 months to file your tax return, but it doesn’t give you extra time to pay the IRS. That means you either have to mail a check postmarked by April 15 to the IRS or provide bank information online for an automatic withdrawal. If you expect to get a refund, then there’s nothing to consider.

The deadline for filing your income tax extension is April 15. A simple 5 minutes with File Later can give you an additional 6 months to file your taxes, and your stressed out CPA or tax professional will like you for it.

In the United States lawsuits are a common occurrence. Civil lawsuits can be filed for a wide range of reasons, including but not limited to personal injury, wrongful death, neglect, sexual harassment, civil rights, class action and many more. Many of these lawsuits brought forth to the civil court system can be considered frivolous, meaning they have no merit but to attempt to get money. But, for plaintiffs in civil lawsuits with merit they can find themselves in a situation that can take months if not years to resolve. If your lawsuit is related to injury or wrongful death you might have taken a serious financial blow, whether it’s due to you not being able to work anymore or loss of a family member’s financial support. In a situation like this a plaintiff in a lawsuit does have a solution that might be right for them; a lawsuit pre settlement loan.

The concept of a lawsuit pre settlement loan is quite simple. A company or group of investors buy interest into pending lawsuits by giving cash loans to the plaintiff, in return they receive the cash loan back, plus interest and fees if they plaintiff wins their lawsuit. In theory, this sounds like an simple business practice, but since lawsuit settlement loan providers take a huge risk not all lawsuit cases can get funding. The risk I’m referring to is that lawsuit settlement loans are non-recourse debts. Lawsuit settlement loans are considered non-recourse debts because if your lawsuit verdict is in favor of the defendant you are not required to pay back the loan. That’s right, if the plaintiff does not win their lawsuit they are not required to pay back anything to the lawsuit settlement loan provider. So lawsuit settlement loan providers do their best to stay away from frivolous lawsuits.

Now, in light of the risk that a lawsuit settlement loan provider takes it should be noted that the fees and interest rates charged on these types of loans aren’t that low. Some charge anywhere from 2.9% to 8.9% or more, per month on the loaned amount. There is usually a one-time fee based on the amount that is loaned, which can range from 0 to 00. Most plaintiffs are only able to get a loan at 10% or less of what their lawsuit is really worth. This helps protects the plaintiff from owing more if they win their lawsuit then what is really awarded by the judge or jury. In light of understanding how you are charged for a lawsuit settlement loan it should help you choose if it’s right for you.

Getting approved for a lawsuit settlement loan isn’t the same as a traditional loan. Your employment history, income amount and credit history do not play a role in the approval process. Remember, as we learned earlier they base their loans on the actual merit of the lawsuit case. A lawsuit settlement loan provider will review your current case and speak with your attorney prior to approving or denying the loan. It’s a excellent thought to give your attorney notice you apply for a lawsuit settlement loan to keep the process smooth, and to make sure any agreements with your attorney won’t be broken by accept a lawsuit settlement loan. At the end of the day, it’s up to the plaintiff to choose if a lawsuit settlement loan is right for them, everything should be discussed with family members and a financial advisor if one is available.