For property owners and developers in Los Angeles, the difference between a profitable project and a financial misstep often comes down to decisions made long before construction begins. Advise RE, a real estate construction advisory firm, is positioning itself to help owners make those decisions by drawing on its founder's firsthand experience developing more than 50 multifamily units in the Los Angeles market. That practical background, combined with professional credentials, shapes an advisory approach that focuses on the owner's perspective at every stage of a project.
The firm's founder, Stephen Morris, CPA, MBT, CCIM, brings a rare combination of skills to the table: he is a property owner, developer, and licensed real estate broker. Advise RE Developers also holds a California general contractor license, CSLB #1142184. This blend of tax expertise and construction knowledge allows the firm to advise owners not just on what to build, but on how to structure the financial and tax aspects of a project to align with long-term goals.
Advise RE's construction advisory services begin with the critical pre-construction phase, where the economics of a project are largely determined. The firm reviews feasibility assumptions, construction budgets, financing structure, and projected carrying costs. This helps owners assess whether their numbers account for realistic rents, construction schedules, and potential delays. For first-time developers, owners adding units or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and investors renovating or converting existing buildings, this early review can prevent costly overruns and misjudged pro formas.
During construction, Advise RE helps owners organize project costs and understand their tax treatment. The work includes capitalization planning and cost tracking that supports lender reporting and tax preparation. As a project nears completion, the firm advises on placed-in-service timing and the tax implications of holding versus selling the property. Dealer-versus-investor treatment is also part of that planning. These construction accounting advisory functions are integrated directly into the firm's broader tax and development work, providing a seamless approach that many owners find valuable.
Importantly, Advise RE's construction advisory services support the owner's decisions but do not replace the project's general contractor. The firm reviews the financial and tax implications of budgets, schedules, and change orders, while attorneys remain responsible for legal advice and contract terms. This clear division of roles ensures that owners receive specialized guidance without overstepping into areas outside the firm's expertise.
Owners interested in learning more can describe their project and learn more through the inquiry form on the Advise RE website. The team reviews inquiries before arranging an initial conversation, ensuring that each engagement starts with a clear understanding of the owner's needs.
Based in Los Angeles, Advise RE serves real estate investors and developers across the United States. Its work connects tax planning and preparation with practical property ownership and development experience. CPA services are provided through Advise RE, PC, while Advise RE Developers holds the California general contractor license. For owners navigating the complexities of multifamily development, this integrated approach could mean the difference between a project that merely pencils out and one that thrives.
