A 1031 Exchange is a tax code that allows you to defer paying taxes on the sale of your investment or business property. This is done by reinvesting the proceeds into a similar or like-kind property. In order to qualify for a 1031 exchange, the two properties must be identified within 45 days of the sale of the original property and the replacement property must be closed within 180 days. There are a few more rules that must be followed in order to complete a 1031 exchange, so it’s important to consult with a Realtor who is familiar with them.
Are you interested in getting started in real estate investing but don’t know how to get started? Or maybe you’re afraid of taking on too much risk? If either of these describes you, then you’ll want to read on. In this blog post, we’ll give you five low-risk ways to get started in real estate investing. So whether you’re a beginner or someone who is looking for a safer investment option, these tips will help you get started in the world of real estate. Keep reading for more information!
Real estate investments can provide a reliable and steady cash flow Investing in rental properties is relatively easy as expenses are predictable, and if your properties remain occupied, you know what to expect in terms of profit margin.
Real estate appreciates – Real estate consistently appreciates, even during economic downturns, making it one of the more reliable investments. On average, real estate in the US appreciates between 3-5% annually.
Real estate investments help you retire – If you have been paying on your mortgage throughout your working years, you will experience greater cash flow as you near the end of your mortgage term, and the principal is paid off.
Real estate sales are taxed at a lower rate than other income – When you sell your property, you are taxed short or long-term capital gains, usually lower than income tax brackets.
Real estate equity can be leveraged – One of the most attractive reasons for investing in real estate is leveraging your money. When you take out a mortgage to purchase property, you reduce the capital required. As you build up equity in the property, you borrow against the equity or refinance the original loan, freeing up cash to buy another property.
You have control to improve upon your asset – Unlike an investment in stock, where you have no control over how it performs, you can improve your real estate investment. Updating or upgrading systems, finishes, appliances, and landscaping all help build value in your investment.
Real estate gains taxes can be deferred – Under the 1031 exchange tax code, you can invest the gains from the sale of one property to the purchase of another property without paying taxes on the gains.
Real estate investments are depreciable – This may be confusing, but you can legally claim a depreciation expense on an investment property even though the value of your investment property is actually appreciating. The depreciation deduction allows investors to generate a higher cash flow while reporting a lower income for tax purposes.
One question I get a lot regarding real estate investing is what is the difference between cash flow and appreciation. If you’re just starting out it’s easy to get these two terms muddled up. Let’s clear up the confusion and answer this question once and for all.
Cash Flow is the money that you, as a landlord, receive each month from your tenants that covers your monthly expenses, including mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs.
When you think of immediate gratification, cash flow is that reward. However, keep in mind that you will want to set aside a portion of those funds to either reinvest or add to an emergency fund for the property.
Appreciation is the increase in your property’s value over time. This causes the market value of your home to increase. Appreciation occurs when demand for homes in an area outpace supply, causing prices to rise. It can be enhanced by location, condition, and upgrades you have made to the property. When thinking about long-term gains, appreciation is what really pays off. In fact, the Federal Housing Financing Agency (FHFA) reported that the national average appreciation in 2021 is somewhere around 14.6%.
Knowing the difference between cash flow and appreciation will help you understand your goals and prevent you from biting off more than you can chew. If you’re ready to start investing, I’d love to talk to you more and find out what will fit your needs!
Look for Low-Risk Properties
When you’re first getting started in real estate investing, it’s important to look for properties that are low risk. That means finding properties that are unlikely to lose value or go into foreclosure. A good place to start your search is with foreclosures. These are homes that have been repossessed by the bank because the previous owner couldn’t make their mortgage payments. While there is some risk involved in buying a foreclosure, they can be a great way to get started in real estate investing because they’re often priced below market value.
Consider Investing in a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
If you’re looking for a low-risk way to invest in real estate, then consider investing in a REIT. A REIT is a type of investment that owns and operates income-producing real estate properties. They’re required by law to distribute at least 90% of their taxable income to shareholders, which makes them a great option for investors who are looking for regular cash flow. And because they trade on major stock exchanges, they can be bought and sold just like any other stock.
Use Leverage to Your Advantage
Another low-risk way to get started in real estate investing is to use leverage. Leverage simply refers to using other people’s money to finance your investment property. The most common type of leverage is when you take out a mortgage to purchase a property. This allows you to buy a property without having to come up with the entire purchase price yourself. And because you’re only borrowing a portion of the purchase price, your downside is limited if the property value declines.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Investing in just one property can be risky, so it’s important to diversify your portfolio by investing in multiple properties. This will help spread out your risk and give you a better chance of weathering any downturns in the real estate market. One way to do this is to invest in different types of properties, such as single-family homes, condos, apartment buildings, etc. Or you could also invest in properties in different geographic areas. The key is to spread out your risk so that you’re not putting all your eggs in one basket.
Partner with an Experienced Investor
If you’re really not sure where to start or you want to limit your risk even further, then consider partnering with an experienced real estate investor. This can be a great way to get started in the business without having to go it alone. And because they’ll already have a team in place, you won’t have to do as much work to get the property up and running. Just be sure that you choose a partner who you trust and who has a good track record of success.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to message us below!
LEAH GRIGGS
303-909-3655
LEAH@LITTLESHUTTERHOMES.COM
We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience.
Contact Leah Griggs if you’d like more information on finding your dream home or preparing to sell your home!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar