As we continue to help people diversify their IRAs and 401ks with real estate, we've come across this question more than once: "Why should I work with you instead of representing myself or working with my local real estate agent?" A fair question so I thought I'd formalize our response to it.
Using your brother, uncle or the neighborhood residential specialist as your real estate agent when investing your IRA in real estate is not a good idea unless they have specialized knowledge and experience with this type of transaction. What's needed is the combination of a good real estate lawyer, a real estate agent specializing in investing and a CPA that either does, or is willing to understand self-directed investing. Here are ten reasons why you need a specialist like Freedom Growth when making IRA real estate investments.
- Not the usual real estate deal. Real estate investing is a specialty much different than buying or selling your home. Beware of residential and commercial agents claiming to know about IRA investing especially now that the market is tight and agents are hungry. You could get stuck in a binding agreement with someone who is not equipped to handle these transactions.
- Property selection. The factors used to select the right owner-occupied home are driven by subjective and emotional motives. Real estate investing uses business and finance principals to locate the right investment. Your agent needs to crunch the numbers to make sure it’s the right investment for your needs.
- Who is the buyer? When investing using your IRA, you are not the buyer. You need to understand what role you, your IRA and the self-directed custodian play in the deal.
- Prohibited transactions. Very few real estate agents understand anything about the perils of making the wrong investment. The consequences can be rather severe so it’s best to work with someone who understands real estate investing and the rules on self-directed investing.
- The offer. After finding the right investment property, writing a good offer using your IRA requires specialized knowledge that many real estate professionals do not have. Doing it wrong can result in delays and missed opportunities.
- Joining Forces. Thinking about investing with a family member or friends? Getting solid advice about joining with other investors is crucial to avoiding the pitfalls that can result in trouble for you and your retirement account.
- Commissions. Who receives a commission on an IRA real estate deal matters. This is especially true and dangerous when agents represent themselves or a family member is the agent.
- Titling the property. How should title to the property be taken? Your real estate agent probably does not know. The answer depends on several factors. Some are legal. Some are practical.
- Financing. Is financing available? If so, you need to understand the merits and drawbacks associated with leveraging the property. Again, specialized IRA real estate knowledge and contacts are required here.
- Liability. Let’s assume you’re buying a four-unit income property. What happens if someone is injured on the property? You need to understand how your IRA handles insurance claims, negotiations, and settlements.
Freedom Growth brings together the real estate, legal, and financial skills required to assist its clients in making successful IRA real estate investments. If not us, be sure the team you enlist has what it takes to keep you and your retirement account on solid ground.
