Archive for December, 2011
December 23rd, 2011 -- Posted in Real Estate |
Real estate investors looking to sell an investment property and purchase a new one can greatly benefit from the Internal Revenue Code Section 1031. Section 1031 is one of the most powerful tax deferral tools currently available for taxpayers.
In short,this section allows for a tax-deferred exchange. This means that taxpayers do not have to pay income taxes when they sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds from that property into a like-kind or similar asset.
A 1031 Exchange comes with numerous advantages for taxpayers and paves a road of encouragement for real estate investors so that they might continue to invest. First and foremost, Section 1031 gives the taxpayer the ability to sell business, investment and income property and not pay federal income taxes on it if they replace the sell with a like-kind property.
According to the IRS,like-kind properties must be the same in character or nature. They can, however, be different in quality or grade. Real estate investment properties that qualify under this IRS code include rental houses, retail and commercial properties, apartment buildings, office and industrial buildings, ranches and undeveloped land.
Properties that do not qualify under a 1031 Exchange are personal residences, interests in partnerships, business inventory,and property owned by dealers.
While Section 1031 obviously presents a big perk for real estate investors,there is a disadvantage. Because the exchange reduces the basis for depreciation on the replacement property, the replacement property will then include a deferred gain that will be taxed in the future when the taxpayer sells his or her investment.
There are four types of exchanges made possible through Section 1031. First,is a simultaneous exchange. This type of exchange occurs when the taxpayer closes both properties on the same day. This is usually a back-to-back transaction with no lapse of time between the closings.
Second is a delayed exchange, also known as a “Starker Exchange.” This type of transaction refers to the closing of the replacement property after the closing of the relinquished property. A delayed exchange does not take place on the same day. The delayed exchange is mandated by strict time frames pursuant to Section 1031. Specific timelines are in place to allow the taxpayer a certain amount of time to search for a replacement property and sign a contract to purchase it.
Next is the reverse exchange also known as the title-holding exchange. This is an exchange that occurs when the replacement property has been closed on prior to the selling of the relinquished property. When entering into this type of an exchange, the intermediary will retain the replacement property’s title until the taxpayer closes the relinquished property.
Lastly, is the improvement exchange which also serves a title-holding exchange. This type of exchange refers to a situation that involves the taxpayer purchasing property and arranging improvements for it before it is actually received as the replacement property.
Since Section 1031 does not allow the taxpayer to improve the property, a mediator is employed to retain and close on the title of the replacement property until it is ready to enter as an exchange. Once the improvements are complete the liaison then passes on the title to the taxpayer.
As you can see, there are several situations applicable to Section 1031 that benefit real estate investors. To learn more about IRS Code Section 1031 and how to profit from it, contact your financial advisor or accountant.
Omar Johnson is a successful Real Estate Investor and author of the home study course The Real Estate Investor’s Guide To Finding The Motivated Seller for more info http://www.findingthemotivatedsellers.com
December 18th, 2011 -- Posted in Real Estate |
The real estate investment industry, within a region or offshore, is very lucrative as it is unpredictable. The industry is known to have made people rich overnight and at the same time reduce the careless investors to paupers. The benefits of offshore real estate investments include tax benefits, regular and profitable cash flow and the opportunity to expand. However, the industry is also one that involves intricate aspects to every deal, which any investor cannot afford to ignore.
Real estate is big time investment for anyone, irrespective of the indulgence. You can make the real estate investment market work for you by exercising a little caution and paying heed to your intuition! There are a number of first-timers who end up parting with cash, without even studying the market. You cannot rely wholly on traditional trends within a region. As an offshore real estate investor you need to assimilate all the information you can on the current market trends, professionals who can give you sound advice and the legalities involved.
You need to pre-plan essentials like the cash flow, both during the ‘ups’ and ‘downs’- calculating on the differences experienced in the recent past, capital appreciation and tax benefits and most importantly the equity implications which could be major. You should always evaluate your needs and ‘cover’ the possible deal from all angles. You should also double check claims and contact numbers. Never get carried away. Look into aspects like the payment history, taxes, expenses, and possible future modifications. Cover yourself and your business with a sound insurance policy.
Do not only focus on the positives of offshore real estate investing. You should also consider some potential difficulties like possible eviction, re-investment and even dealing with inefficiency in time management. Avoid properties that simply eat into the business capital. This will culminate in stress and frustration. However, a thorough inspection could save you the negation. You could consider hiring a professional inspector, who can check out tenant problems and structural damage on your behalf. This will save you from making some costly mistakes in the long run.
Remember that investment property always brings along liability in different forms. Hence, an insurance coverage is indispensable to protect your hard earned assets. Go through the documentation personally, with a professional. In the case of offshore real estate investment there are building permits, zoning laws, lease applications, health licenses, by-laws and title policies amidst a myriad of other documents that have to be looked into and maintained.
Take the time to check references and insist on Estoppel letters. Offshore real estate investment can be very rewarding with a little care and professional handling. It can enhance your existent financial portfolio. But, ensure that you play by the rules pertaining to offshore real estate investments. Conduct thorough research and do not hesitate to call in the professionals. There are a number of online and offline resources available to guide you through the nuances of offshore real estate investment; all you need to do is look!
Incoming search terms:
- facts when investing offshore - real estate
December 15th, 2011 -- Posted in Real Estate |
Before considering the daunting task of moving, it is a good idea to research relocation information that will benefit you during your move. Just as there are many reasons to relocate, there is also a lot of relocation information out there to help make your move easier and less stressful. Depending on where you are relocating to and how much time you have, planning a move can be a frustrating experience.
Luckily, the internet has helped a lot of people over the years when it comes to relocating and is an excellent source of relocation information. There is much that you can find out about a new area by conducting a little online research. If you need to relocate quickly, the Internet can be very helpful.
The Internet can help you find a home or apartment, give you a general idea of what the area is like, provide contact information for schools, realtors, leasing offices, and other relocation specialists, allow you to rent moving trucks or vans, research basic information about electric companies, cable companies, DMV, vehicle registration requirements, tax information, restrictions, and many more things.
Another reason to research and gather relocation information is that it can help you save money. The costs to relocate can be larger than expected and many times it’s those unexpected costs that can add up and cause more stress. Common costs associated in relocating include packing materials, boxes for moving, tape, special containers, blankets, shrink wrap, home moving companies to pack, load, unload, and transport items, moving trucks and vans, fuel, transportation, renting a van or truck, temporary housing, and vehicle transportation.
Looking for relocation information on the internet is a very good way to find the best prices and referrals to help find the things you will need for the move. It will not only save you the stress of doing many things yourself, but also give you a great choice of relocation assistance to choose from and prices that fit your budget. Use the Internet to get an idea of what is available and then start creating a list of possibilities and making appointments.
It is also a good idea to look for relocation information that assists you in creating a guide and time line for your move. There are many great tips that can save you a lot of time and are worth investigating before starting the moving process. These may include valuable relocation information like how to pack your items correctly, break large tasks into smaller ones, share responsibilities with your partner, spreading tasks over time, and creating a budget.
Stress can occur any time during the process of relocating. Even those who are eager about moving may find themselves overwhelmed by the small details. That is why gathering relocation information beforehand can help reduce the amount of stress associated with moving and let you focus on other things such as, saying goodbye to friends and family, and taking care of last minute details.
No matter if you are planning a large international move, a move across the country, or are just planning on moving across town, collecting and researching relocation information before moving will save you time, money and a lot of stress.
Plan to take a few days before starting the moving process to gather valuable tips and research prices of home moving companies, packing materials and vehicle transportation companies in order to have the best moving experience possible.
Behind every successful move is a successful plan. Planning a successful move will come from doing your research and taking advantage of the relocation assistance and benefits you will find by researching relocation information.
Incoming search terms:
- benefits of gathering information
- benefits of gathering information (research)
- gathering information about relocating
- the advantages of gathering information
December 10th, 2011 -- Posted in Real Estate |
Lease option tips benefit the seller and the buyer in an equal manner. They help in creating a finance required for the transaction of a home deal. The lease option permits the tenant to buy the concerned property within a time period of 12 to 24 months.
Lease options are a good source for purchasing homes for the first timers of home buying who have not qualified for the finance options. They give the buyer’s time for getting their finances in shape for purchasing the property. The lease options are also great marketing tools for the sellers of properties for finding good buyers.
The sellers can place advertisements in the newspapers, or contact the offices of Corporate Relocation specialist for helping them find the buyers of lease options. The mortgage bankers can also help in this process. The internet can also be useful for finding the buyers.
Benefits of the Lease Options:
There are various benefits for the buyers as well as the sellers of the lease options. The lease option tips for the buyers are listed below.
.The tenants get the facility of paying a small amount upfront for the house. This amount is smaller than the normal down payments.
.The possibility of a monthly credit rent helps in generating the down payment, resulting in a savings account for the buyers.
.The buyers can enjoy the benefits of living in the house that they dreamt of now instead of renting an apartment and waiting to repair their credit.
But, this convenience is not available without costs. An option fee needs to be paid by the buyers, in addition to any potential rent credits and the monthly rent. The seller can keep this money if the buyer is not able to work out the option.
The lease option tips for the sellers are as follows:
.This option increases the monthly flow of cash for the sellers.
.This also helps in solidifying the cost of the property before the selling date. This rate of solidifying is good in the real estate market.
.The lease option prompts the tenants in taking care of the property, as they have the intention of buying it in the future.
.The sellers receive money upfront and can retain it if the tenant fails to exercise the option.
The contracts of the lease options are sometimes very complex in nature. The tips of lease options suggest that the language of the contract has to focus on the contract terms, rather than the price. The finding of buyers for the lease option, demands a considerable amount of time investment on part of the sellers.
But the lease option tips are an encouragement for the sellers to investigate the markets thoroughly for predicting the appreciation of the property’s value in the future. Hence, it is recommended that the sellers invest time in forecasting the price of selling along with the search for prospective buyers of the lease option. Laws of the state have also to be investigated for ensuring abidance with the regulations for the mechanism of the lease options.
Incoming search terms:
December 5th, 2011 -- Posted in Real Estate Investment |
Want to be a landlord? Make your venture a little less painful by finding property that will be easy to rent. A renter-friendly house can spare a real estate investor a lot of grief and wasted time. This article briefly runs down how to purchase a house that will be home to happy tenants.
To begin, find a house that is situated conveniently to local amenities. A home that is within a reasonable distance from the mall and area restaurants is an ideal real estate investment. Review local rental magazines to find out what the big buzz is in the market. If advertisers are repeatedly commenting on how their rentals are close to local golf courses and fitness centers, you may want to look for a home in similar locations.
Do some homework by reading the classifieds to find out what types of rental properties are popular in your area. Also review what the going rent rate is for all seasons of the year. You may also want to speak with a rental agent who handles a significant number of rental properties. This person can act as a consultant and give you information regarding what types of dwellings are popular rentals for both residential and vacation purposes.
If you want your rental property to be versatile, consider homes that are appropriate for all ages. Senior citizens often require a one-level living home so they don’t have to maneuver stairs and risk a fall. The same goes for the entrance of the home. If there are stairs to climb to access the front door, this home might not be ideal for the elderly. This theory works with adults who have young children and don’t want to risk deadly falls down stairs. Sometimes, in the eye of the renter, it can be easier to avoid a rental with stairs altogether and simply find a home that doesn’t have any.
When shopping for a real estate investment, find one that is well maintained. Eye appealing homes are more likely to rent for a better price and quickly. If you do buy a piece of property that needs some TLC, be sure to do it right away so you will get a better return on your investment when renting it.
Find a home that doesn’t have a history of sky-high utility bills. Always check your potential investment’s utility costs. You don’t want a home that is going to be expensive to heat or cool, this may shy away renters.
Ask for a homeowner’s insurance quote. Be sure to disclose you plan to rent the property and ask the agent if he or she has any recommendations for landlords.
Verify with your accountant that your expectations of the rental property are valid. You want to make sure you have a realistic expectation of income from the property. Ask if your projected rent will cover projected maintenance fees plus the home’s purchase price.
Before purchasing a home situated in a Home Owners Association, make sure they allow renters to reside in the neighborhood. Also request a copy of their rules and review them. If their rules are overbearing, your investment may be hard to rent.
Incoming search terms:
- Locating rental house investment
December 2nd, 2011 -- Posted in Real Estate |
As the future of the housing market wobbles on its axis, investors try to determine their next big move. Now, unlike anytime in the last several years, that decision is a hard one to make. Falling house prices, soaring foreclosures and rising inventory homes on the market may be enough to stop investors from pulling out their wallets. The changing market, however, does not necessarily mean it’s time to jump ship. On the other hand, it does demand the investor pay closer attention to his or her next payout. The following are some rules that can reduce the risk of investing during these trying times.
Pay Close Attention To the Market
When shopping for investment property, check out what other local homes are selling for. Regardless of what everyone is telling you about your prospect investment, take a look at the property and compare it to other homes in the area. What do you think the property is worth and what do you think you can get out of it? This will tell you the true value of the property better than any real estate agent or financial statistics. This rule is the same when considering rental property. If you are looking to invest in rentals, do some shopping around. Find out what the average rent is in the area for a place comparable to what you are considering purchasing. In order for your rental to be successful, rent in the area should be reasonably priced. If it is too high, renters will be more apt to purchase a home.
Do What You Do Best
Now is not the time to dive into a market you aren’t familiar with. Instead, especially if you are a novice real estate investor, focus your energy on investments you are familiar with. Maybe you have always had an interest in fixer-uppers and have done some remodeling of your own. If this is the case, you will feel more comfortable investing in a home of this nature. Capitalize on what you already know. Then, as you learn the industry, expand your investments accordingly.
Be Prepared
Real estate investing can come with a lot of surprises, especially on the financial end of things. Before you invest in property, make sure you completely understand the financial statements. You should be able to regurgitate the statements and explain them in laymen terms to anyone. This is critical to your success. You don’t want to be surprised with operating costs, vacancy costs, or taxes. If you are working with an account, ask to see the cash flow statement and have it explained to you. By knowing and understanding the financial end of things, you can head off bad investments.
Know the Tax Situation
Just as in financial statements, a savvy investor understands taxes and how they can affect their cash flow. You must know the tax situation in order to benefit from it and to prevent it from biting you in the backside. If you don’t understand taxes, consult a tax advisor who can show you ways to capitalize on tax laws.