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.
Turn That Music Down! Handling Loud Condo Neighbors
Handling loud condo neighbors who refuse to turn the music down and respect condo rules can be difficult. Here are a few steps you may want to consider before seeking legal action. Q: I am a condo owner in a four-unit building in Washington, DC. I believe my fellow condo owners are refusing to enforce [...]
Can You Lose Your Home if the HOA Goes Bankrupt?
Can you lose your home if the HOA goes bankrupt? This reader’s HOA management has made some bad decisions which has homeowners worried about their property. Here’s my take. Q: Our homeowners association (HOA) has been sued. I have been reading that it is not likely the HOA can declare bankruptcy if it loses the [...]
Land Contract Purchase: When Do You Own The Property?
A land contract purchase can cause confusion. When do you own the property? When does a land contract confer ownership? Q: I have a land contract to purchase my home in Flint, Michigan. I started to pay the seller, then after a few months my checks mailed to the seller were not being cashed [...]
What Is the Right Way To Title a Home Purchase to Reduce Capital Gains or Inheritance Taxes?
What is the right way to title a home purchase to reduce future taxes? Should you choose joint tenancy with rights of survivorship or a trust? What impact will the way you hold title have on capital gains or inheritance taxes? Q: My mom sold her property and put all of the proceeds into [...]
Is a Free Timeshare a Gift or a Problem?
Is a Free Timeshare a Gift or a Problem? When someone gifts you a timeshare, there are a lot of problems that come along with it. Q: I found a lady on Facebook from my town who owns three timeshares. She is retiring in 2019. She can’t sell one of her timeshare units and she [...]
Real Estate Development Inheritance Costs Heirs Money
Real estate development inheritance costs heirs money. This reader expected a windfall and is wondering how to turn a money-losing situation into something that's at least breakeven. Q: My husband inherited a private development in West Virginia that his father owned. How does one go about starting a homeowners' association (HOA) for something like that? [...]
Predicting the Future Tax Liability of Inherited Investment Property
While you can’t always predict future tax liability on investment property, here are issues that many real estate investors struggle with when structuring an inheritance. Q: We have a rental property (titled in the name of our trust) which shall pass to our three sons upon our deaths. When our sons sell the property [...]
What Are the Implications of Transferring an Investment Property to an LLC?
Purchasing an investment property as an individual that you plan to transfer to your LLC later can have a ripple effect on your liability and property taxes. Q: I own a limited liability company (LLC) that holds some rental properties free and clear. The commercial lenders I speak with aren’t interested in a loan smaller [...]
Is a Self-Directed IRA for Investing Worth the Hassle?
Using a self-directed IRA for real estate investing can be a complex process involving countless rules and regulations that may not be worth the hassle. Q: I've enjoyed your columns for some time. What is your opinion of self directed IRAs for the purpose of buying real estate within the vehicle? My son is a [...]
What Happens When A Lender Places a Lien on an Investment Property?
Because lenders have the right to place a lien on any investment property you own, it’s important to act quickly or risk losing the property altogether. Q: A bank foreclosed on a property I owned with a business partner. The bank sold the property but the proceeds from the sale weren’t enough to cover the [...]