When you invest in real estate, you have to have a long term vision and patience. Unlike buying stock which can be readily purchased and sold, investing in real estate does not afford a quick sale. While it is true that in years past, people were able to flip properties and make fast money in real estate, for most real estate investors the idea is to buy and hold real estate. Some investors in real estate will benefit from federal income tax breaks and other investors in real estate can hold a piece of property and later sell it and buy other property while deferring the payment of any federal income taxes until the real estate is cashed out. Real estate is not a liquid investment and you may need to consider a long term strategy or option even if you are considering a shorter term investment in real estate. Read our articles on investing in real estate and learn about problem tenants and how to handle them. Learn about finding the right team to help you navigate the world of real estate investing. And, finally, learn about how to structure your investments, insure your real estate investments and minimize your federal income taxes.
Gauging The Real Estate Market For Selling
The owner of an investment property in Albany, NY, asks what the housing market is like there. He wonders how to gauge the housing market for the investment property he may want to sell. How can he decide what to do with his investment property?
Is a 1031 tax exchange right for you?
A restaurant building owner asks about avoiding capital gains tax when using a 1031 exchange. You can minimize taxes depending on how your 1031 exchange is structured. Is a 1031 tax exchange right for you?
Escrow Money Treated As Income For Taxes
When you receive money from a canceled contract, it's usually treated as ordinary income for taxes. When a real estate contract goes bad, the money put into escrow is treated as income as opposed to capital gains. The escrow money will be taxed at a higher rate because the ordinary income tax rate is higher than the capital gains tax rate.
Every Landlord’s Legal Guide
Anyone who has ever been a landlord knows that the rental business is tightly regulated. As Janet Portman, author of Every Landlord's Legal Guide, poi...
IRS Tax Provisions For Rental Property And Primary Residence
What tax deductions can you take on a primary residence and on a rental property? The IRS does not let you treat a property rental as a primary residence for tax purposes. And what risks do you face if you rent out a property in a homeowners association that prohibits rentals?
Landlord Needs To Plan For Landscaping Of Rental Property
When you own a rental property but don't live in the area you need to plan for the property's upkeep including landscaping and possibly a property manager. To successfully hire a property manager you need to have a detailed agreement that outlines responsibilities and payment. Learn how to plan for landscaping needs of an investment property too.
1031 Exchange for Tax Liabilities
One possibility to defer tax liability when selling a property is a 1031 tax exchange or a Starker exchange. A 1031 tax exchange involves buying a new property within 180 days. You should also have a knowledgeable real estate attorney that is familiar with 1031 exchanges.
Good Books For Landlords
Looking to become a landlord? Authors Robert Irwin and Robert Shemin offer a few good landlord books. If you want to become a landlord you may want to read these books.
No Way To Split Tax Liability On Jointly Inherited Home
A wife asks about the taxes owed on a home under joint ownership. Her husband has joint ownership with his sister. The joint ownership details will determine tax liability.
1031 Exchange and Real Estate Taxes
Siblings inherit apartment buildings and ask about a 1031 exchange. They want to do a 1031 exchange to keep the same property tax bill. To do a 1031 exchange, you have to replace property with the same value or more.