Koontz & Associates, PL

03/07/2022

I'm a Realtor...Do I Need a PLLC?

I’m a Realtor… Do I need a PLLC? Join us this Thursday at The Grove and find out. 🏠

ARE YOU COVERED? Lunch & Learn with JoAnn Koontz, Esq./CPA on the pros and cons of setting up your real estate business as a PLLC.

01/05/2022

Is Home Title Lock Necessary? - Koontz & Associates, PL Real Estate, Business & Tax Law

Often, clients, especially Buyers, inquire about the need for 3rd party monitoring services to prevent fraudulent transfers of their property. Do I need this? Is it worth it? Does this really happen?

Read Here:
www.koontzassociates.com/blog/2022/01/04/real-estate/is-home-title-lock-necessary/

Koontz & Associates PL is located in Sarasota, FL and assists clients in legal matters relating to Residential and Commercial Real Estate, Business Law, and Tax Law.

01/04/2022

Importance of Corporate Documents with Whitney Harper

[Webinar Recording] Managing a business is no easy task. The same is true of managing the various corporate documents that companies use on a day-to-day basis. There are certain business documents that are required by law for you to keep on hand for your business and others that are just best practice to hang on to. Making sure you have efficient document management methods and tools can help ensure you have them in place when you need them.

ADVOS legal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEsfXQ32i6o

Managing a business is no easy task. The same is true of managing the various corporate documents that companies use on a day-to-day basis. There are certain...

01/01/2022

We can’t thank our clients enough for all of their support this year. From our entire team, we want to wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year! 🥂🍾

12/07/2021

Last night was special ✨🎄

We celebrated with our team for the holiday season and toasted to Koontz & Associates 10th Anniversary! 🥂🍾

Thank you Michael's Wine Cellar for another amazing holiday party!

12/06/2021

Pop the Champagne! Koontz & Associates turns 10!

All of our successes over the years would not have been possible if this company didn’t have someone like Attorney Koontz leading us from the front. It is your hard work and unconditional dedication that made this journey possible. Congratulations!

On our company’s birthday, we would like to thank our clients and friends who have recommended us to colleagues over the years. You are the reason why we are celebrating this special day in our company. You all know who you are and we want to say thank you you for your support!

Let’s look forward to the best in the coming years!

11/25/2021

Happy Thanksgiving from Koontz & Associates! We are very thankful this year and every year for our amazing clients! Wishing you a wonderful day with your friends and family!

11/24/2021

Now accepting donations in office for the Annual Toy Drive for SMH! Please consider picking up something to donate while you are Black Friday shopping! Let's fill this box!

11/17/2021

Year End Tax Planning

[WEBINAR RECORDING] Year-end is often a busy time of year for everyone. Not only are you working to get your financials in order, but you’re also evaluating the numbers, measuring success, and exploring opportunities. It can be overwhelming, to say the least. With a little planning before the year ends, you can be better prepared for the upcoming tax season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zN-89yaIaJM

Year-end is often a busy time of year for everyone. Not only are you working to get your financials in order, but you’re also evaluating the numbers, measuri...

11/11/2021

To the true leader, confidant, and visionary of our firm, happy birthday Jo Ann Martarello Koontz! 🍾🎉

You are a symbol of loyalty and dedication to us all. Wishing you a day filled with no deadlines or stress. You deserve a relaxing day for all of your hard work!

Join us in wishing Attorney Koontz a happy birthday!

11/05/2021

[FREE WEBINAR] When you form a business, you have a lot of decisions to make regarding its structure. Do you need to worry about liability? What about taxes? Deciding how you want to structure your business legally is one of the first and primary business decisions you will have to make. Depending on which type of business structure you choose, there are different levels of protection safeguarding your personal assets and shielding you from personal liability. There are also significant tax implications for each type of business structure. Join us next Tuesday at 10:00am in discussing your options as a business owner.

Register here: koontzassociates.com/events

10/22/2021

General Estate Planning with Kate Smith

[Webinar Recording] Estate planning is the process of designating who will receive your assets and handle your responsibilities after your death or incapacitation. One goal is to ensure beneficiaries receive assets in a way that minimizes estate tax, gift tax, income tax, and other taxes. Join us with Attorney Kate Smith in discussing general estate planning and how to best prepare for your future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mPmzVarzck

Estate planning is the process of designating who will receive your assets and handle your responsibilities after your death or incapacitation. One goal is t...

10/11/2021

Did you know we upload ALL of FREE Webinars weekly to our Youtube Channel! If you missed a topic you were interested in, you can ALWAYS find it here!

https://www.youtube.com/c/KoontzGroup

10/08/2021

HR Legal Update for Employers with Mindi Wells

[Webinar Recording] Have you kept up with the changes to HR laws and requirements of employers happening this year? Don't worry if you haven't - we have! Uninformed decisions can be costly. In this fast-paced and informative session, employment attorney Mindi Wells will discuss recent changes to workplace laws and provide you with a roadmap on what to do next to minimize risks to your organization. The discussion may include topics such as minimum wage and salary exemption, worker classification: employee vs. contractor, undocumented workers and the I-9 form, COVID-19 laws, paid leave, medical ma*****na, harassment prevention, employee posters and employee handbook updates for 2021.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Me6abKqb00Y

Have you kept up with the changes to HR laws and requirements of employers happening this year? Don't worry if you haven't - we have! Uninformed decisions ca...

09/20/2021

Employee Policies & Handbooks: Recipes for Success with Mindi Wells

[Webinar Recording] This session is for every business - whether you have an employee handbook or not! If you don't already have a handbook, learn why this is one of the essential tools in your HR toolbox (even if you have only 2 employees). Then we'll have a fast-paced and entertaining conversation about biggest mistakes companies make when it comes to handbooks, questions to ask yourself in reviewing your company's current handbook, policies to consider changing (like skirts and hosiery for women) or just plain get rid of (can't talk about pay), and policies that have been impacted by recent changes in the law. We'll also talk about policies you may want to consider adding now that we've experienced the COVID pandemic and remote work looks like it is here to stay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buM2K23UIrI

This session is for every business - whether you have an employee handbook or not! If you don't already have a handbook, learn why this is one of the essent...

09/09/2021

Florida Realtors Updates FR/Bar Contracts and Riders

[IN THE NEWS] Florida Realtors and the Florida Bar work together to keep FR/Bar contracts current and useful, and the latest update has just received final approval from both groups. Members will have time to study the changes before it replaces current forms on Nov. 1. The AS IS contract, Residential contract and seven Riders were updated, and three new Riders were created.

https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2021/09/florida-realtors-updates-frbar-contracts-and-riders?fbclid=IwAR0tY4KLkCz9fGuV1DEl6kT2zxn79f19HJboV6kf5RAW-lPX1r409zvT_T8

Florida Realtors and the Florida Bar work together to keep FR/Bar contracts current and useful, and the latest update has just received final approval from both groups. Members will have time to study the changes before it replaces current forms on Nov. 1. The AS IS contract, Residential contract an...

09/08/2021

Attorney Jo Ann Koontz is speaking today about Business & Tax Planning for Real Estate Professionals at Realtor Association of Sarasota and Manatee! Thanks for having us!

09/07/2021

No webinar today! We will be back next Tuesday!

09/06/2021

Wishing all of our clients a safe and happy Labor Day!

09/01/2021

LLC Considerations for Rental Properties

[Webinar Recording] Investing in real estate and managing rental properties can be worthwhile, but also comes with risks. With careful planning, you can alleviate a lot of these risks. One way to do so is forming an LLC, or limited liability company. There are benefits and drawbacks to LLC’s though, and it’s important to understand those before deciding one is right for your business. Listen here to see what your options are as a property owner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvDVcLYY5Gs

Investing in real estate and managing rental properties can be worthwhile, but also comes with risks. With careful planning, you can alleviate a lot of these...

08/28/2021

Restrictive Covenants and Considerations

[Webinar Recording] In a sale of a company or of its assets, it is common for founders, executives, sales people, or other important employees to be retained after the acquisition to assist in the transition of the company. It is also common for these people to sign restrictive covenants. We will discuss these covenants; such as non-competition, non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and confidentiality covenants which are recommended or necessary to protect a business interest in the context of a business purchase and sale, formation of a business relationship, dissolution of a business relationship, buyout, and employment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=313Gu2-eVQA

In a sale of a company or of its assets, it is common for founders, executives, sales people, or other important employees to be retained after the acquisiti...

08/16/2021

TRiM Notices - with Sherri Johnson

[Webinar Recording] Over the next few weeks, Florida taxpayers will begin receiving their annual Notices of Proposed Property Taxes, also known as “TRiM Notices.” This presentation will explain the important information disclosed in your Trim Notice regarding the taxable value of your property, applicable tax exemptions, and the tax rates imposed by your local taxing authorities. We will also discuss the different methods for objecting to a tax assessment, and the critical deadlines for bringing those challenges.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVSYOOKnWhE

Over the next few weeks, Florida taxpayers will begin receiving their annual Notices of Proposed Property Taxes, also known as “TRiM Notices.” This presentat...

08/03/2021

Commercial Leases

[Webinar Recording] Renting commercial space is a big responsibility -- the success or failure of your business may ride on certain terms of the lease. Whether you need an office, retail, or industrial building for your business, commercial properties have their own unique issues. A proper lease ensures you are able to run and grow your business effectively without unreasonable restrictions or interruptions from the property owner. A well-negotiated (and drafted) commercial lease may also help avoid litigation – or at least put you in the best position.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpJuc5VZD9s

Renting commercial space is a big responsibility -- the success or failure of your business may ride on certain terms of the lease. Whether you need an offic...

08/02/2021

1031 Exchange has become a HOT topic in the current real estate market. This allows investors to defer the capital gains tax from a sale of a property and invest the proceeds into another property. Although, there are a strict set rules that must be followed in order to complete a successful 1031 exchange. So while 1031 exchanges can be a powerful tool for building wealth, there are some drawbacks if not used properly. Join us in this discussion!

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qHQCptGuTAGaBJbQblNziA

07/21/2021

Selling Rental Properties

[Webinar Recording] Owning a rental property is great… until it’s not. You may have come to an end to your investment journey and it’s time for you to sell. Tricky tax rules, existing lease terms, and wear-and-tear from tenants can make selling a rental property a major headache. However, when the time is right, you need to act — and with the right approach and preparations, you can make a graceful exit without too much disruption.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxwPbYYLYJw

Owning a rental property is great… until it’s not. You may have come to an end to your investment journey and it’s time for you to sell. Tricky tax rules, ex...

07/07/2021

Exit Strategy with Whitney Harper

[Webinar Recording] Choosing an exit strategy for your business might not seem like an obvious step when you’re just getting started, however planning ahead is an important part of building a business. An exit strategy is a plan for how you will eventually leave the business. It also includes details on what will happen to the organization after you have left. Leaving a business can be stressful, and emotions can often obscure your judgment. Should this occur, a good exit strategy that you’ve come up with in advance will enable you to address tough situations rationally.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNXjZOjqfS0

Choosing an exit strategy for your business might not seem like an obvious step when you’re just getting started, however planning ahead is an important part...

06/22/2021

Luxury condo project to feature indoor pool in each unit, plans fall groundbreaking

[IN THE NEWS] The Beacon, a proposed nine-story condo development in Sarasota. It will feature full-floor condos with each condo having its own indoor pool. 👀👀

https://amp.heraldtribune.com/amp/7770457002

A project that recently received site approval from the Sarasota Development Review Committee would\u00a0bring something entirely new for potential buyers.

05/25/2021

Hiring The Missing Piece. With John Seiffer

[Webinar Recording] Most business owners hate hiring – but how else do you build a solid team? The first part of the hiring system is the job description. But there’s a piece of that description which most people leave out. When you get that piece right, it makes the whole process easier and more successful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh3d0zhf3cQ

Most business owners hate hiring – but how else do you build a solid team? The first part of the hiring system is the job description. But there’s a piece of...

05/25/2021

Congratulations to the cast of The Little Mermaid! What an amazing show! We're so happy to support local. If you're looking for something to do, go check out a show with your family at Rise Above Performing Arts!

Auditions for The Little Mermaid are this Saturday. If you are between the ages of 12-18 and looking to auditions for a high-quality musical we would love to see you! Sign up using the link below.

https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/409094EA8AE2CA2FB6-little

05/12/2021

Escalation Clause

[Webinar Recording] An escalation clause is incorporated into a purchase offer for a home that is intended to make sure a buyer is the highest bidder. It is typically used when a buyer and their real estate agent strongly believe a house will receive multiple offers. An escalation clause can be a useful tool, but it has drawbacks for buyers and sellers alike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVKtDwqe98Q

An escalation clause is incorporated into a purchase offer for a home that is intended to make sure a buyer is the highest bidder. It is typically used when ...

05/10/2021

Should I Buy a Franchise?

[Webinar Recording] Thinking about buying a franchise? In a franchise business, the owners grant right to an independent business owner to do business under their name. In exchange for compensation and specified obligation in the Franchise agreement. Join us in discussing the pros and cons of owning a franchise and determine if it is worth diving headfirst into the investment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaTF_712KNQ

Thinking about buying a franchise? In a franchise business, the owners grant right to an independent business owner to do business under their name. In excha...

05/05/2021

Should You Grow Your Business with John Seiffer

[Webinar Recording] A company should provide a way for the owners to achieve a better lifestyle. Sometimes that means growing the company, and sometimes it doesn’t. You’ll learn how to make that choice and how to avoid the b***y traps that hide in growing companies if you go that route.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCg-ovkHKxQ

A company should provide a way for the owners to achieve a better lifestyle. Sometimes that means growing the company, and sometimes it doesn’t. You’ll learn...

04/30/2021

Shout out to our very own Elizabeth Muñoz for consistently delivering world class service to our clients. Jo Ann Martarello Koontz received the following feedback from our most recently wowed client, Michael J. Our team loves to help and we are so happy that our clients are feeling this way and letting us know!!!!

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Hi Jo Ann,

I would like to formally nominate Elizabeth for paralegal of the year.

Thank you both for everything, will treat you all to drinks at the end of the year with a portion of my tax savings!

04/26/2021

Lease Options and Lease Purchases

[Webinar Recording] Lease Option and Lease Purchase are two different types of real estate deals. If you don't accurately structure your lease agreement, the transaction can fail or become more expensive for you. Jo Ann Koontz and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) discuss important details and distinctions between Lease Option and Lease Purchase agreements.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TI-MCXuj24

Lease Option and Lease Purchase are two different types of real estate deals. If you don't accurately structure your lease agreement, the transaction can fai...

04/21/2021

Title Insurance

[Webinar Recording] The majority of real estate transitions will require the purchase of title insurance, but most parties involved don't fully understand what it is, how much it costs, why it matters and what to expect when purchasing. Jo Ann Koontz and Jackie Durham (Koontz & Associates, PL) explain the basics of title insurance and why it could save your house and your money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=055BUAFKII4

The majority of real estate transitions will require the purchase of title insurance, but most parties involved don't fully understand what it is, how much i...