While any property you buy should be an important investment, I believe that building real estate wealth is a solid strategy in any economy. In fact, for those who believe they can't afford a home in Marin, investment property may be a way to get into the real estate market. I work very closely with my clients to build real estate portfolios that compliment their other investments and contribute to meeting their individual goals.

INCOME PROPERTY

As a CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) Candidate, I am one of a select group of REALTORS® with advanced education specializing in investment properties. I use this knowledge to help my clients with their investments in California and out of state.

Income property in Marin County is a "long term play" meaning the only way of getting a property to "cash flow" immediately is by putting down a substantial down payment. Still, based on historic appreciation, income property in Marin still offers opportunity. While rents have been soft the last few years, today they are on the rise, making it excellent time to buy. Income property is also an excellent way to leverage your buying power if you consider "owner occupying" one of the units since you may be able to afford more house, if someone else is contributing to the mortgage. Keep in mind however, that income property has different loan criteria as well as interest and insurance rates. Email me to find out what your bottom line might be on different types of investment properties.

Search investment properties now:

http://www.loopnet.com

1031 EXCHANGES

1031 exchanges are a common way to defer capital gains taxes on investment properties. Advantages of a tax deferred exchange include diversifying, consolidating or leveraging your investment portfolio. To qualify, you must own income property that you sell or "exchange" for another "like kind" income property. By doing so, you defer the tax until that property is sold (unless that property is also exchanged). They require an experienced, Qualified Intermediary to handle the transaction. There is a strict timeline that must be followed so it is important to sit down with the intermediary, your REALTOR® and accountant to discuss the procedures and options BEFORE you list your property or make a new purchase. Because there is no federal regulation of the Qualified Intermediary industry, it is fairly easy to become a Qualified Intermediary. To make sure you choose one that can protect your assets, contact me for recommendations.

1031 FAQs:

http://www.1031.org/about1031/faq.htm

Five Misconceptions of 1031 Exchanges:

http://nreionline.com/mag/real_estate_five_misconceptions_exchanges/index.html

SELF-DIRECTED IRAS

While the opportunity to invest in real estate through a self-directed IRA has been available since the 1970s, they have only gained popularity in the last few years. While real estate in the Bay Area (and in Marin in particular) is not only a solid investment but a savvy one, self-directed IRAs are a bit tricky. They require a top notch team including an accountant, attorney, intermediary and REALTORS® with the experience to educate and guide their clients. It is important to assemble this team BEFORE you begin your search for property to insure that you investing in real estate through a self-directed IRA will truly achieve your goals and to make sure that the rigorous criteria is properly executed. Please email me for recommendations for accountants, attorneys and intermediaries experienced in these transactions.

Getting Real (Estate) With Your IRA:

http://www.womenswallstreet.com/topics/topic.aspx?aid=1097

Invest Your IRA in Real Estate?:

http://www.kiplinger.com/personalfinance/magazine/archives/2005/03/IRA.html?