Starting out in real estate investing can be a bit daunting. But with research and education you can be successful. No one likes to think about taxes, but they are a reality and you need to know the basics so you aren't faced with an IRS nightmare. Most new investors only think about purchasing properties and don't give much thought to selling them. This is the other side of the real estate investing coin. Unloading your properties is as important as purchasing them. If you can't sell your investments and make a profit, then your time and money are wasted. Here are some tips about taxes and selling for real estate investing newbies.
Uncle Sam and Real Estate Investing
You need to consult with a tax adviser before you make a single purchase. This will protect you from unwanted tax problems down the road, and help you turn a profit. Good records are essential in real estate investing. You need to document all of your expenditures, mileage, profits, and other expenses related to your business. You never know when you'll get a letter from the IRS saying you've been selected for an audit, and you'll need your records as proof of your investment activities.
Don't unload your properties quickly; if you can hold on to them for at least 12 months. This will let you take advantage of long-term capital gains tax breaks. If you sell your properties before 12 months is up you will pay a higher tax rate on your profits. If you have a high volume of purchasing and selling, consider becoming a corporation or LLC. If you have a high turn around and high volume the IRS may classify you as a "dealer" and you won't be able to take advantage of the capital gain tax breaks. Under a corporation or LLC you can buy and sell as many properties as you want and reap the tax benefits. Keep abreast of the tax laws as they change from year to year. The IRS doesn't care if you didn't know about the new laws, so having a tax advisor can save you from IRS headaches and legal trouble.
Selling Tips for Real Estate Investors
Don't try to be Mr. or Ms. Fix-It if you don't know what you're doing. This won't save you money, and can actually cost you more because you have to hire a professional to fix what you tried to do, and then correct the original problem. The kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms are the rooms in a home that will give you the biggest return on investment. Focus on these rooms when considering renovations. Be creative when marketing your property. Take advantage of open houses, agent tours, social media, and virtual tours on the internet. A good marketing effort will help sell your property faster, and at a better price.
Enlist the help of a good agent if you don't have the time or skills to sell your properties on your own. An experienced agent will do the negotiations, legwork, and paperwork necessary to sell your properties. Know the market in your area and have realistic expectations. If the market is slow you're not going to turn a property in a few days. If you do your homework and know what you're getting into, real estate investing can be a profitable venture.
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Helping You Create Wealth Through Real Estate In Rochester, NY, I've bought, sold and represented hundreds of transactions, yielding hundreds of thousands of dollars in profit. Feel free to always contact me directly at 585-455-3352 or by email at ginny@ginnynorris.com. You can also go to http://ginnynorris.com/contact-ginny/ to fill out the form and I will be in touch with you.
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