As another year draws to a close it is always a good time to reflect. The real estate investing market in Arizona has been one of the best on record. Many of our members acquired investment properties at historically low prices and made exceptionally good returns. Profits were made in virtually every real estate investing strategy. If you were fortunate enough to prosper this year, I ask that you support your industry and association by giving back.
A special thank you for everyone that participated in our 10th Anniversary meeting in November. Through your support we provided over 2500 pounds of food for St. Vincent du Paul’s Food Bank and a much appreciated cash donation to Stardust Building Supplies’ Angels on Call Program.
AZREIA’s Community Program is designed to involve the association, its members and the broader real estate investing community in worthwhile community programs or projects that delivers a valuable service to the community, creates a “sense of community” within the AZREIA, provides value to our members that participate and promotes AZREIA’s positive vision and mission. Habitat for Humanity and AZREIA’s Government Affairs Program are worthy of your support.
Habitat for Humanity
It is time to complete another rehab home for Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. Our account has approximately $20,000 to support this effort. Though your support this month we should be able to raise another $10,000 to go towards this effort. We are now focused on rehabbing a home for Habitat. Rehabbing properties fit much better into our vision. This means our dollars will go much farther and we will be able to participate on more homes and help more families.
AZREIA’s Tucson Chapter is smaller and our efforts with Habitat for Humanity Tucson are focused around volunteering on home builds and volunteer efforts in the HabiStore.
As the end of the year approaches there is one thing almost every member of AZREIA can do to participate – take full advantage of the State of Arizona Tax Credit Program. This program literally cost you nothing, lets you tell the State where to put your tax dollars and makes you feel real good. You should always review your own personal situation with your tax professional, but here is how it works:
A single tax payer can contribute up to $200 and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. That means you give $200 dollars and get $200 back from the State through the tax credit. It cost you nothing.
- Couples filing jointly may contribute up to $400 and receive the tax credit. It cost you nothing.
- You may give more and any amount donated over the $200 – $400 qualifies for charitable donation tax deduction. Donations over the $200- $400 may also be rolled forward up to five years to take advantage of the tax credit!
- This tax credit is focused on low income housing and is in addition to the tax credit you hear about through your local school.
It is easy to give.
By check – Just send a check payable to Habit for Humanity to:
Phoenix: Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 20186, Phoenix, Arizona 85036. Be sure to write AZREIA on the check memo line. You may reach Habitat at 602.268.9022.
Tucson: Habitat for Humanity, 621 W. Lester Street, Tucson, Arizona 85705. Be sure to write AZREIA on the memo line. Phone 520.326.1217.
By Credit Card:
Phoenix: On the web go to: https://www.habitatcaz.org/donatenow/, complete the form and write AZREIA in the “Specific House” donation block or call the office at 602.268.9022
Tucson: On the web go to: http://www.habitattucson.org/ , complete the form and write AZREIA in “In Honor of” line or call the office at 520.326.1217.
AZREIA Government Affairs Program
Over the last several years we have had a dynamic Government Affairs Program highlighted by our successful lobbying efforts. Our track record issues affecting real estate investing and investors is phenomenal. I can’t think of one issue where we weren’t successful. This is the result of being able to use a highly quality, well respected lobbyist and firm, Capital Consulting. If you attend our annual meeting when we review our lobbying efforts, you are well versed on the quality of our representation.
This past year we were successful in several critical areas. There is a lot of work that goes into a successful program. While you don’t have to participate directly, isn’t it good to know your association is involved and effective. Without a vibrant Government Affairs Program there is no question that the real estate investing environment will change over time in a way that adds additional regulation, cost and in some cases, removes current investment strategies and techniques.
I ask for your support to continue to provide an aggressive and effective program. Please check with your accountant, but normally donations to government affairs program are not tax deducible. To donate, please go to the AZRERIA website and click on the link from our Home Page to donate or you may mail a check to our office at:
AZREIA
1841 N. 24th Street
Suite 10
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Thank you for your support of Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona and AZREIA’s Government Affairs Program. I wish you the best of the holiday season and a happy and prosperous 2013.