Black Real Estate Week was hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana, from September 4-7, 2024. This dynamic conference offered a rich variety of panel discussions, networking events, breakout sessions, and even a VIP tour showcasing new development projects, both completed and in progress, throughout the city. As a project manager working for a firm expanding into the development space, I walked away from this event with a wealth of knowledge, invaluable insights, and meaningful new connections. I also had the opportunity to strengthen my network, which now includes even more talented developers, contractors, realtors, and other industry professionals.
The week-long event featured a series of informal yet impactful panel discussions and presentations led by highly qualified and experienced professionals, ranging from real estate investors and developers to attorneys and tax experts. These speakers generously shared their expertise, offering attendees advice and wisdom on topics ranging from asset management to strategic tax planning.
Two sessions, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. They opened my eyes to the vast opportunities available to maximize assets and build long-term wealth.
One standout session, titled “What to Do With Big Mama’s House,” was led by a panel of attorneys and brokers who offered their insights into estate planning and asset management. The discussion highlighted various strategies for planning the inheritance of assets to benefit all stakeholders while preserving the value of the estate. The speakers introduced attendees to numerous legal tools available for estate planning, including the role of reverse mortgages. One panelist shared inspiring stories of how he has helped seniors use reverse mortgages to their advantage, offering a fresh perspective on a sometimes misunderstood financial tool.
Another standout session was led by Larry D. West of Precision Business Strategies Global Services. His discussion on structuring businesses to reduce tax burdens truly broadened my horizons. West presented a series of scenarios that revealed the potential pitfalls of mismanaging assets and taxes, provoking engaging questions from the audience. One of his most valuable pieces of advice was the importance of seeking counsel from qualified tax professionals—a simple step that can save business owners both time and money while optimizing their financial strategies.
Attending Black Real Estate Week was not only an educational experience but an inspiring one. The event showcased the limitless opportunities within the real estate and development space, offering actionable insights for professionals at every level. The relationships and knowledge gained during this conference will undoubtedly contribute to my personal and professional growth, as well as the success of my firm as we continue our expansion into development. This event reinforced the importance of continuously seeking knowledge, adapting strategies, and surrounding yourself with a network of like-minded professionals. It was truly a valuable investment of time and energy, and I look forward to applying these learnings in the future.
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