Cosigning a mortgage for foreign property? What you need to know at tax time so you don’t get caught by the IRS. Q: I was wondering if you could help me find some answers. I helped my cousin buy a home in Canada which she used as her principal residence. I did not help her [...]
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 [...]
Before hiring a Realtor, this couple wants to visit a few open houses. Are there consequences for visiting an open house without an real estate agent without one? Q: My wife and I have recently started looking for a home, but we do not have a real estate agent yet. We are currently looking into [...]
The best time to take out a home equity loan varies depending on the lender and the home value. Q: My home will be paid off in February. My bank recommended that I obtain an home equity loan now. They told me that if I waited until after if was paid off I’d lose 30 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
When a loved one must be moved to a care facility, there are ways to leverage their property in order to afford the high cost. Q: My father has Alzheimer’s and I have power of attorney over his home. Due to the past hurricane damage, the home is in need of major repairs, everything from [...]
How to determine property tax deductions when ownership is unclear. It starts with figuring out who actually owns the property. Q: My grandma's house is in probate as she passed last year. Her grandchildren have been living there and paying the property taxes. Who gets the tax deduction for those tax payments? How to Determine [...]
When facing a potential liability lawsuit, it’s important to take immediate action to protect the rest of your assets. Here’s where to start. Q: My brother and I have owned a rental property together for more than 15 years. There is a current mortgage, and both of our names are on the mortgage and on [...]
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 [...]
