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Intermediate terms

Essential Real Estate Exit Strategies Terms

This curated collection includes key terms that might be helpful when exploring real estate exit strategies. It covers various methods investors use to realize profits, transition out of an investment, or defer taxes. These terms were selected based on common questions and areas where investors often need clarity.

Learning Path

1

1031 Exchange

A 1031 Exchange allows real estate investors to defer capital gains and depreciation recapture taxes when selling an investment property by reinvesting the proceeds into a new "like-kind" investment property within strict IRS timelines.

Advanced15-18 min
2

Real Estate Refinancing

Real estate refinancing is the process of replacing an existing mortgage loan with a new one, typically to secure better terms, lower payments, or access property equity for investment purposes.

Intermediate15-18 min
3

Equity

Equity in real estate is the portion of a property's value that an owner truly owns, free and clear of any outstanding debts or liens. It is calculated as the property's current market value minus the total amount owed on any mortgages or loans.

Beginner12-13 min
4

Appraisal

An appraisal is an unbiased, professional opinion of a property's market value, conducted by a licensed appraiser, primarily used for lending, buying, and selling decisions.

Intermediate14-15 min
5

Installment Sale

An installment sale is a transaction where a seller finances the buyer's purchase of property, receiving at least one payment after the tax year of the sale, thereby deferring capital gains taxes over time.

Intermediate15-18 min
6

Return on Investment

Return on Investment (ROI) is a financial metric that measures the profitability of an investment by comparing the net profit to the initial cost, expressed as a percentage.

Beginner13-14 min
7

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax is a tax on the profit realized from the sale of a non-inventory asset, such as real estate, calculated as the difference between the selling price and the adjusted cost basis.

Intermediate13-14 min
8

Adjusted Basis

The adjusted basis is the original cost of an asset, such as real estate, plus the cost of any capital improvements, minus any depreciation deductions and certain other adjustments. It's crucial for calculating taxable gains or losses upon sale.

Intermediate13-14 min
9

Boot in a 1031 Exchange

Boot in a 1031 Exchange refers to any non-like-kind property, such as cash or debt relief, received by an investor that triggers immediate taxation on the lesser of the realized gain or the fair market value of the boot received, thereby partially negating the tax-deferred benefits of the exchange.

Advanced5 min
10

Short-Term Capital Gains

Short-term capital gains are profits from the sale of an asset, such as real estate, held for one year or less, and are taxed at an investor's ordinary income tax rate.

Intermediate12-15 min
11

Real Estate Exit Strategy

A real estate exit strategy is a predefined plan for how an investor will liquidate or conclude their involvement with a property, aiming to realize profits, recover capital, or mitigate losses.

Intermediate13-14 min
12

Holding Period

The holding period is the length of time an investor owns a real estate asset, directly influencing capital gains taxation, investment strategy, and overall financial returns.

Intermediate12-15 min
13

Qualified Intermediary

A Qualified Intermediary (QI) is a neutral third party that facilitates a 1031 exchange by holding sale proceeds from a relinquished property and using them to acquire a replacement property, preventing the taxpayer from having constructive receipt of funds and ensuring tax deferral.

Intermediate13-16 min
14

Replacement Property

A replacement property is a real estate asset acquired in a 1031 exchange to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of a previous investment property, provided it meets specific "like-kind" and value requirements.

Intermediate3 min
15

Broker Commission

A broker commission is a fee paid to a real estate broker or agent for successfully facilitating a property transaction, typically calculated as a percentage of the final sale price. It covers services like marketing, negotiation, and paperwork, and is usually paid by the seller at closing.

Intermediate3 min
16

Market Conditions

Real estate market conditions describe the current state of property supply and demand, influenced by economic, social, and political factors, guiding investor decisions and property values.

Intermediate5-6 min
17

Tax Deferral

Tax deferral is the legal postponement of paying taxes on investment gains or income until a future date, allowing capital to remain invested and grow through compounding.

Intermediate13-16 min
18

Long-Term Capital Gains

Long-Term Capital Gains are profits from selling an asset held for more than one year, typically taxed at lower, preferential rates compared to ordinary income, making them a key consideration for real estate investors.

Intermediate12-15 min
19

Closing Costs

Closing costs are the various fees and expenses incurred by buyers and sellers at the end of a real estate transaction, covering services like loan origination, title insurance, appraisal, and legal fees.

Intermediate13-14 min
20

Depreciation Recapture

Depreciation recapture is an IRS rule that taxes the gain from the sale of depreciated property at ordinary income tax rates, up to the amount of depreciation previously claimed, ensuring tax benefits are accounted for upon sale.

Intermediate15-18 min